Have you booked a trip to the UK? What should you take with you? Not to worry, this article aims to ensure that you are well-packed and can handle your trip to the United Kingdom.

There are a couple of things to consider when planning and packing for your trip to the UK. Things like where you are going, whether you are going to multiple places, when, and how long you stay; Another vital thing to consider when travelling to the UK for holidays is the weather. The weather in the UK should always be considered when packing for your trip. The climate there is changeable. Therefore, it should greatly influence your packing list. 

The goal is not to overpack or under pack, but to plan and prepare for your trip. This means that you should have available to you the very essentials you will need. 

Here are five things you should consider when travelling to the UK

1. The Weather

As mentioned earlier, the UK’s weather is something to consider strongly. Even during summer, the temperature can change quickly, with sunshine one minute and rain falling another minute. There is an average of 139 days of rainfall in the UK. Therefore, it would be fitting to expect rain on your trip. Considering where exactly you are going in the UK and what time of the year you are going is of utmost importance because this can impact your essential needs. For instance, if you are going to Scotland or northern England, the temperatures are usually a few degrees colder than in London, so you need an extra layer of clothing to keep you warm. The UK has four seasons, which are: 

• Spring: this is around March-May
• Summer: this is around June- August 
• Autumn: This is around September – November 
• Winter: This is around December – February

It is essential to check the weather forecast about one week before your trip to avoid extreme weather events.

2. Shoes

An essential item to pack for any trip is comfortable shoes. Nothing is as annoying as having a blister on your feet after a few days on your journey. When you go on a trip, a lot of walking is inevitably done, so it is pertinent. During the winter, boots are the best footwear to have on. Please ensure that they are water-resistant and can also keep your feet warm. Sandals work perfectly for warmer temperatures. Flipflops could be better, especially when taking many escalators or cobblestone streets (which you may often find on your UK trip). Sneakers are shoes that suit all seasons and are almost suitable for all activities, especially if they are waterproof.

3. Luggage 

When preparing for your trip, you have to decide on the type of luggage you want to take along, how much baggage you want, whether to check in or carry along, etc. These questions may seem unimportant, but they are significant. Here are a couple of questions you need to answer before you pack your luggage:

• How do you plan to get to the hotel from the airport? If you are taking public transportation, consider taking smaller luggage so it is easy to move around. You can bring a giant suitcase if you hire a private car to take you around.
• Do you plan to stay in one location or move around? If you stay in one area, it is easier to unpack your belongings and stay relaxed, but if you are moving from one location to another, it would be a great idea to pack your luggage with packing cubes. They can come in conveniently on multiple trips.
• Will you be able to do your laundry? If you won’t have access to do your laundry, it is better to pack enough items for your trip, but if you want, you can pack fewer items to keep your luggage concise. 
• Will you be buying a lot of souvenirs? If you plan to purchase many souvenirs on your trip, make room in your luggage for them.

Essential Travel Items

When travelling, staying organized is one of the best things you can do for yourself. When you are organized, you reduce your stress level by a lot, especially at the airports. Here are some of the essential items you need on your trip to the UK:

• Passports: remember your passport! Do your due diligence by checking when your access expires. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after departure. Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a different place.
• Visa: Canadian, Australian, and US nationals can get their ticket on arrival and get up to 6 months’ stay on their passport. Get all your up-to-date visa information and requirements on the UK government website. If you plan to visit the rest of Europe, you need a Schengen visa.
• Driver’s license: in the UK, your driver’s license (issued in English from your country) is valid for up to 12 months. Licenses not issued in English are not accepted; drivers who own those must get an international driver’s permit. This permit is also necessary for non-EU citizens who want to drive in the UK.
• Travel organizers: get a travel organizer where you can keep all your document; that way, it is easy to pick out without disorganizing your luggage.
• Theft-proof bag: It is common to see petty thieves’ operations around tourist sights and public transport. This theft-proof bag is a reasonable precaution for your money and belongings 

Other essential travel items, depending on the weather, include:

• Windproof umbrella
• Raincoat
• Universal travel adapter
• Camera
• kindle

Clothing, toiletries, and personal essentials include:

• Travel clothesline kits
• Sewing kits
• Mini first aid kit
• Medications 
• Footwear
• Coats
• T-shirt
• Gloves
• Socks 
• Sleepwear
• Swimwear
• Underwear 
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Deodorant 
• Shaving kit
• Tissue
• Painkillers
• Bug spray

Travel can be specific to individuals, but the above items are essential needs and will be valid on your trip. I hope you found this list helpful. Enjoy your trip!