Planning a trip to London is exciting—but packing for it can be overwhelming. Between long sightseeing days, changing weather, international flights, and navigating the Tube, I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed before leaving.
As I planned my London itinerary, I started keeping a running list of the Amazon items I was actually purchasing. Some are designed to make the flight more comfortable, while others will help keep my devices charged, stay organized throughout the trip, and make long walking days much easier.
If you're planning a trip to London—or anywhere in Europe—these are the travel essentials I'm packing.
✈️ Flight Essentials
A long international flight is much more enjoyable when you're prepared.
These are going straight into my carry-on:
🔌 Don't Forget a UK Travel Adapter
One of the easiest things to overlook is your power adapter.
The United Kingdom uses Type G electrical outlets, which are different from those in the United States.
The good news? Most modern electronics—phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, smart watches, and portable chargers—are dual voltage, meaning you'll only need a plug adapter, not a bulky voltage converter.
I'm packing:
🎒 Everyday Sightseeing Essentials
London is a city best explored on foot, so I'll be carrying a lightweight day bag with the essentials.
Inside mine:
👟 Comfortable Walking Gear
My itinerary includes iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, museums, and plenty of neighborhoods to explore. Comfortable shoes are easily one of the most important things I'm packing.
My walking essentials include:
After 20,000 steps, comfort wins every time.
🌦 Be Ready for London's Weather
Even during the summer, London's weather can change quickly.
I'll be bringing:
These items take up very little room but can make a huge difference when the forecast changes unexpectedly.
🧳 Packing Organization
Keeping everything organized makes travel much less stressful.
I'm using:
Everything has a place, making it easier to unpack, repack, and find what I need throughout the trip.
📱 Travel Tech
Since I'll be creating travel content throughout London, I'm packing a few extra tech essentials.
These include:
My Packing Philosophy
I try to pack items that solve real travel problems without adding unnecessary weight.
If something makes airport security easier, keeps me comfortable during long sightseeing days, helps organize my luggage, or allows me to create better travel content, it's earned a spot in my suitcase.
After returning from London, I'll update this guide with the items that proved indispensable—and the few things I never ended up using.
Planning your first trip? Read my First-Time London Itinerary to see exactly how I planned each day, including attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, purchase, or would confidently pack for my own travels.