What to wear, how to pack for London.

Temperatures to expect during our stay with more updates on weather trends as departure date approaches.

 

Temperature:

In London, the last week of May's historical temperature average is a high of 68 degrees and low of 51 degrees.
The highest recorded temperature in May is 83 degrees, with only 1 day below freezing.

Rain:

Average Rainfall is 2.2 inches during both months of May and June
There are normally 18 days of rain each month, but only 9 days are considered "rainy" as it often is overcast and drizzly throughout the year
The months with the most rain are September, October, November and January

Similar to:

In comparison, New York City's historical temperature for the last week of May is high of 72 degrees, low of 57 degrees
The highest recorded NYC temperature in late May is 97 degrees (1969) and low of 44 degrees (1961)

Plan for one checked luggage bag plus one carry-on for travel documents, meds, and one change of clothing should checked bag disappear. 

You will need to collect luggage at baggage claim and manage it yourself through customs in England and back at your USA airport.  Distance from gate to transportation may be lengthy.

 

Start with one primary color, accent with accessories: 

Black, navy, or brown is usually the best base color.  Plan around this preferred color.

Plan one bottom for every 3 tops.

Think function before fashion.

 

The "must haves":

Trenchcoat or rain jacket (optional hood or zip-out lining)
Waterproof shoes (comfortable, broken in)
Purse/tote with zipper closures to wear cross-body or under armpit to discourage pickpocketing

 

Recommended:

Tights to layer under slacks
Hat for wind and rain protection
Scarf for fashion as well as warmth
Sweater(s) to layer over shirts & under jackets
Windbreaker jacket for non-rainy but cool temps
Socks & insoles to cushion cobblestone walking
Blazer to dress up any shirt or sweater 
Walking shoes, boat shoes 

Optional:

Hat for wear at afternoon tea

Dress for theatre or afternoon tea 

Jeans for non-tour wear 

Compact umbrella

What NOT to wear:

No open shoes

No open totes or purses

No white clothing on plane (think spills)

No white athletic shoes to identify you as an American tourist 

No metalic prints or sequins worn for travel: they set off the metal detectors.  Ask me how I know!

Don't forget:

PJs or nightgown

Tolietries 

Medications 

My best packing tip "to do" at least 10 days before travel

Hint: Jumbo zip lock bags for coordinating outfits

In each Hefty Jumbo or Zip-Loc Big bag pack 1 pant, 2-3 tops, 2-3 underwear, and other items to coordinate with the outfit. Bag with PJs/gown will share space with tights, scarves, etc. You can pack for 10+ days with 5 of these jumbo bags in a checked bag.  I also use one jumbo bag for clothing in my carry-on luggage.  It's especially handy if your luggage needs to be inspected...no undies falling out! Upon return one bag can be reserved for dirty undies!

Prepare the outfit you will wear on the plane complete with underwear, socks, shoes, jewelry at the same time as you pack main suitcase.

Place itinerary copy INSIDE your checked bag along with your contact info at The Rubens Hotel. I will supply you with this document by email.

Place passport copy INSIDE your carry-on bag, and keep passport in your purse/document bag. 

Be sure there is room for your purse inside your carry-on, then you have a hand for taking any food you purchase aboard and upon return you can bring back a carry-on tote with souvenirs. (Allowance is for 1 carry-on and one personal item aboard aircraft). Carry-on should also contain your meds, camera, and jewelry.

Re-examine packed contents 3 days before departure, adjusting for current weather conditions.

Your checked bag should always be 2-3 pounds UNDER 50 pounds or whatever is your airline weight limit maximum.  Best to aim for a bag not exceeding 40 pounds.  It can be done!