MY SAMPLE PACKING LIST

Here’s my packing list for a 10-day trip to  England and Scotland in May/June where temperatures can range from the mid-40’s to mid-80’s. The upper end temperatures may feel warmer since there’s little air conditioning in hotels or public transportation in the UK. The cooler temperatures can come on quickly and sharply given the blustery winds of northern England and Scotland. So, in effect, the traveler must plan for three seasons’ worth of temperatures. This kit without the options weighs in around 12 pounds.

Luggage is a convertible or shoulder-type carryon weighing under four pounds empty plus a lightweight, unpadded nylon briefcase which serves as carry-on “personal item” on the plane and day bag on the ground.

(This clothing list assumes that sink-washing will be done most nights)

 

     Clothing - to pack or wear on plane

  • Poly briefs - pack 2, wear 1
  • Poly undershirts - pack 2, wear 1
  • Long-sleeve shirts (quick dry) - pack 1, wear 1
  • Khaki travel sport coat (doubles as light rain coat) - wear
  • Kkaki polyester dress pants - wear
  • Khaki cotton wrinke-resistant pants - pack
  • Wool shirt/jacket (lightweight) - pack
  • Marmot Precip raincoat - pack
  • Socks (lightweight wool or Coolmax) - pack 2, wear 1
  • Shoes - 1 pair (durable, well-broken in - or you’ll regret it)
  • Rain hat - crushable, waxed cotton

    Toiletries
  • Anti-perspirant stick - 1/2 oz.
  • Toothpaste - 1 oz.
  • Toothbrush
  • Razor w/2 blades
  • Shaving oil - 1/2 oz. bottle

    Laundry

  • Bungee cord clothesline
  • Flat universal sink stopper
  • Plastic hangers (2) - never enough in the hotel, none in the hostel
  • Plastic clothespins (4)
  • Softsoap anti-bacterial soap (2 - 2 oz. bottles)
  • Bottle of Febreze antimicrobial (2 oz. - half-full)
  • Sink stopper

    Tech

  • Pocket-sized digital camera, charger, 3 memory cards
  • iPod shuffle and USB charger
  • Noise-cancelling earphones
  • Rick Steves AC adapter plug (for dual-voltage camera charger and USB iPod charger)
  • LED flashlight

    Misc.

  • Moleskine Cahier pocket notebook and pen
  • Quart Ziploc bags (2)
  • Printed travel info sheets (lighter than guidebooks)
  • Reading glasses


    Optional items for extended climate requirements

  • Wool vest
  • Long lightweight poly underwear
  • Wool gloves
  • Wool hat
  • Short-sleeve shirts

    Things normal people wouldn’t leave out

  • Shampoo (I prefer to use what I find along the way - variety is good for the hair)
  • Hairbursh (I can actually get by with my fingers and I have plenty of hair)
  • Sunglasses

    Things I should carry but don’t (according to the experts)

  • Bath robe
  • Lounge pants (for hotel room)
  • Flip-flops
  • Sewing kit
  • First-aid stuff

    Things I may add

  • Small compass
  • Moleskine London city notebook
  • Short-sleeve travel shirt
  • Suction cup hooks to hold clothesline
  • Stain remover stick or wipes (for laundry)

 

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND YOUR OWN PERSONAL LIST SO I CAN SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS