I’ve never traveled in winter with a carryon!

What we did, for our trip in early December to Bavaria and Austria, was to plan to have our laundry done at our hotel mid way through our trip. Cost was 20 Euro. Well worth it for not having to pack so much heavy clothing. We dropped it of in the morning and by the time we came back in the afternoon, all clean and folded.

I will visit Paris next month and am concerned about the same thing. Would it help to plan your oufits in layers? That would mean, rather than bulky sweaters or jeans, thin but warm items like shells/base layers made from merino wool or "technical material" (that is, plastic/fossil fuel derivatives like nylon) and pants with tights underneath. For outerwear I use a long waterproof raincoat over a merino wool zip up hooded jacket. I will wear those items on the plane, plus my hiking boots, and that should allow me to pack 3-4 changes of clothes in my carry on pack. The one item I would not skimp on is socks: I plan to pack lots of thin wool socks (SmartWool and Darn Tough brands), so that I have options to keep my feet warm and dry. I also have a thin wool beanie hat that, while it does my hair no favors, keeps my head warm.

I am definitely not a "fashionista"-- my style happily veers towards practical and dowdy -- so I am OK with wearing the same clothes on vacation. I will bring some colorful scarves (silk and wool options) for extra warmth and to add some visual interest.

Another advantage of layers, besides ease of packing, is that you can adjust your outfit easily as you travel between the cold outdoors and (over)heated indoor spaces.

Lightweight puffa coat! I have a knee-length one that’s so light and airy, I can squish it into my small Roka backpack.

Also: thin fleeces. So light and so warm.

London isn’t usually all that cold - rarely drops below freezing - but it’s the damp that gets you.

Or, you could always check your luggage!

The idea of thinner layers makes sense. Much less room taken when rolled. I’m going shopping today so I’ll see what’s out there. I did a little trial this morning. 14 items of clothing, can mix and match fairly well and not all the same color palette either.

My son doesn’t use all his room, so I might ask him to put a pair of nicer heeled booties in his for going out at night. I might cut down on some toiletries and buy there. That’s hard though as I have all my fav hair products. Cut back on other stuff…minimal jewelry, just a couple things. It seems it’s all those extras that really fill up the suitcase. Makeup, toiletries, curling iron, small travel mirror, cords, pajamas, underwear and socks, etc. I’m taking a small backpack too, which helps.

I didn’t start traveling with carryon until 9 years ago, and it’s very freeing when there. But getting it thought thru….ugh! My husband has a harder time.

Lulu, I agree it isn't clothes I struggle with in packing-most of my wardrobe mixes and matches anyway. It is the 'other stuff' that really adds up and is hard to weed out. However, each trip I do get better. And, I never pack for more than a week, no matter how long I plan to be gone.

If you know the brand Uniqlo their "heattech" clothes make great layers and are inexpensive.

Silk long underwear is a great layer that takes up little space beneath clothes or in luggage.

I do carryon only, and often travel in the winter. What works for me is to do layers, like many here have already said. For city trips, I do take jeans, but they are the very thin kind so not heavy/bulky. I also take fleece lined leggings. For tops, I prefer thinner merino wool tops and then one thin sweater. One, possibly two scarves let me change up my look so it doesn't look like I am wearing the exact same thing each day:). The thinner tops are nice because restaurants etc tend to be warm and this way I can take the sweater off the not roast. I take wool socks only, so my feet stay toasty warm. I am a minimalist when it comes to hair/makeup. I do not take any appliances and just use the hotel hairdryer. My makeup is all in travel size containers, and moisturizer etc goes in contact lens cases since I need very little of that. I only take the jewelry I wear every day, which is two rings, a necklace and my watch. I am not one to take a laptop or iPad, just my phone. I only take one pair of shoes, and those are worn on the plane.

Great suggestions. Additionally, I wear the heaviest/bulkiest “must have” jeans or sweater on the plane to save packing room.

If you must have the jeans, wear them on plane (I'd go with leggings and skirts instead)--and maybe wear the booties on plane. I'd skip them because they take so long to dry and are heavy.
I am lucky to have hair that does what wants--I don't even pack a brush tbh.
I also love wool, and it has this mysterious ability to not smell after a few wears. Thin layers--and a great coat--is all you need.
But depending on your overall plans and flight specifics, I would have no qualms about checking a bag in winter.

Definitely layers. And yes, Uniqlo, the Japanese equivalent of Gap, has great layering options. I was in one of their stores this past Tuesday and they had merino wool crews and cardigans on sale for $40. Both men and women.
With a few thin base layers and one warm sweater and coat I could go for 2 weeks without needing to wash anything but socks and underwear. I bring one pair of tights for underneath my pants if we are going to be outside all day. On museum or indoor days I would be overheated with too much clothing.
With a nice coat and a few scarves you will look fine.

Another fan of fleece-lined leggings here.......wearing a pair right now :)

What I would take in the way of clothing:
2 pair black fleece-lined leggings (I have LandsEnd, because they sell talls)...they have good year-end sales now. (one wear on the plane)
2 black cotton turtlenecks (one wear on the plane)
1 zip black fleece jacket (even better if it has inside pockets, too)
1 light-weight (I have Columbia) colorful fold-up rain jacket with a really good hood (that projects over glasses)
3-4 colorful scarves (not flimsy fabric, but not anything too bulky
MAYBE two colorful shawls (if going out to dinner somewhere nice)
1 hat, maybe 2 (ballcap and then one with brim for sun protection (maybe not needed in London proper in the winter, I realize)
1 pair of light-weight fleece gloves (black)
3-4 pairs of black socks
1 pair ballet flats (black)
1 pair of good walking shoes (which would be worn on the plane, too, to avoid bulk in luggage)
Enough clean underwear for a pair each day and then a spare

If you take a heavy jacket, wear it on the plane, of course, or at least wear the zip fleece jacket.
If not traveling in business or first, I have been known to pack two pillow cases, and once on board, roll up the jackets and stick them in the pillow cases to supplement the pitiful little airline pillow......I've even done that when in First.

Initial reaction might be, "but it will appear as though I am wearing the same thing each day" (except the change in scarves). Who will notice? Who will care? It is a basic from which you can change accessories.

On several previous group tours, when luggage was collected in the lobby, from time to time, I have had a tour director ask "where is the rest of your luggage." I would say, "that's it." Others within hearing range would ask how I pulled that off, adding, but "you always looked so nice." They never noticed my repeats, because change a scarf and no one notices the basics did not change :)

Have fun. Oh, and if you forget the gloves, I will never forget when we were in St. Petersburg, it was the coldest June on record, and we were freezing......again, totally without any vanity, I wore a pair of my husband's black socks for gloves. I do not think anyone "noticed," but I occasionally called attention to them with 2-3 minute "sock puppet" shows, as we discussed the freeeeeezing weather.

Travelers do what they must.

Have a safe trip!!!! And, if you need anything, you already know it is easy to shop and find things in London :)

Maggie--That is hilarious about the sock gloves! I lost a pair of gloves once n Iceland in the winter. I now take 2 pair with me as that was miserable until I could buy a new pair. My leggings are Orvis from Costco. When I bought the first pair and realized how much I loved them, I bought 5 more!

We wear the bulky clothes on the airplane going over. We also book apartments with washing machines on our trip--allowing us to carry less.

And we rotate clothes daily--wearing the same clothes every few days. By the time we get to the next stop, no one will know we're wearing clothes for the second or third time.

Hi Lulu, I packed the 32 degree micro-thin scoop neck long-sleeve tops because I am allergic to wool. They take no room, are very inexpensive, and I either wear them under a shirt or layer two colors together with a necklace. Also, a pair of tights are good for a layer of warmth, if needed.

Since people are mostly seeing my coat during that season, plus that’s what is in several photos, I take one of my nicer ones and a cute scarf to match.

You don't mention how long your holiday is? London and the PNW are similar as far as damp and seldom below freezing kind of cold, but regardless I use the 10 day forecast and then readjust from my preliminary carry on packing round. Granted especially towards the end it may change, but I have found it pretty accurate overall.
I struggled for Montreal packing a year ago where snow and ice were a huge factor. If you are okay with rewearing your clothes that was (and always is) the key for me. It's also easier than in summer. I just washed my silkish long sleeve ( took 2 for the week) and unders overnight.
I wore a gorgeous thick wool turtleneck on the plane and packed two pr of black merino pants. Wore yoga style pants on the plane (then used them to hang out in the hotel) with my clunky boots and winter/waterproof 3/4 length coat. BTW, if wearing a coat load up the pockets with some of your stuff!
Especially with a coat, nobody will notice what's underneath. With a simple gold necklace and earrings my long sleeved merino top was fine for the one night that involved a nice restaurant.
Have a safe and wonderful trip!

I have traveled with a winter wardrobe in my carryon, most recently in Ireland in October(!). Even though my winter pants and tops are long rather than short and take up more room, I find that I can wear most outer layers at least 2x before washing. It’s a lot different when packing and laundry in the heat of the summer and perspiring. I also wear everything bulky like shoes, coat, etc on the plane coming and going. I stuff my coat pockets with gloves and a hat. I lay my pants and tops out on the bed before making final decision about compatibility. Ideally I could reach blindly into my suitcase, pull out anything and they would coordinate. It can be done!

Follow the layering guidelines of base layer, mid layer and outer layer. Base layers can be anything from a t-shirt all the way to long underwear of various weights. The only thing is your base layer should not be cotton in cold weather as it absorbs moisture. For the mid layer anything from a polo to a fleece jacket. Outer layer a good windproof rain jacket or if it is really going to be cold a fleece or down jacket that is water resistant. As for shoes, take a look at pair of boots like Blundstones which will go with anything.

In the last two years my wife and I have traveled to both Antartica and Yellowstone in January and February. We were always able to stay very warm on both trips with the right layers. They do not have to be bulky to keep you warm.

I was worried about this going to Paris in late November and followed the layering tactic, bringing a lot of midlayer items and one Eddie Bauer rainjacket which was discussed here on the Forum.

Carryon only and it worked out fine. I had two pullover sweaters (thin), a zippered hoodie (also thin), a new jac-shirt or shacket from Duluth Trading that has amazing warmth vs. weight performance, and a couple pairs of long warm socks that go all the way up to the knees. Also an Eddie Bauer travel sportcoat that is cut like a sportcoat but made with synthetic machine washable fabrics. Two neckties instead of a scarf. Chilly weather wool fedora by Sunday Afternoons.

I was somewhat active and found the raincoat OR the jac-shirt OR the sportcoat sufficient, rarely needed to combine. I think these plus some baselayers would have served me in a temperature range from well below freezing to well above beachcombing temperatures. And my carryon zipped closed with less trouble than usual.

I take a pair of tights to wear under jeans when it’s too warm for thermals but too cold to wear only jeans. If it’s really cold I wear wool socks over the tights. Works fine.

Do try on all of your layers at once. Long ago, I took a lot of layers when car camping when it was freezing some nights, but neglected to put them all on together. They were all the same size and would not layer!

My other tip is to pack a vest. It will keep you warm but without adding another pair of sleeves under your long-sleeve layers, so you don't get that "I can barely move my arms" feeling.

Whoever said not to wear cotton is 100% correct.

I just returned from London and traveled just with one carry on (21 inch suitcase) and personal item (tote). I traveled on United, so luckily, I didn’t have a weight limit for my carry on. However, I did keep the weigh under 20 pounds.

The weather was cold, but I was fortunate that it was only windy and rainy a few days. You have already received some great suggestions, so I will add a few to consider:

• Shoes: I have a pair of waterproof Chelsea boots that I wore on the plane and on the rainy days and then packed my regular sneakers for the rest of the time. While my sneakers are more comfortable for walking, I could have just taken the Chelsea boots to save on space as I can walk miles in those boots. They can also dress up and down.
• Fleece-lined leggings hardly take up any space and are very comfortable. I took jeans, but if I wanted to cut down on the weight, taking two pair of leggings would have worked better.
• Fleece-lined tights with a light weight skirt. I wore this for the theatre and for going out to dinner. Super warm, comfortable, and lightweight.
• Lightweight cashmere or merino wool sweaters combined with scarves kept me warm, but not so warm when I went in and out of places.
• I wore a puffer jacket with a hood. It is water resistant, not waterproof, but worked well when it was windy and I could not use my umbrella.

Such great suggestions. I do like the idea of a light weight puffer vest. I have a 32 degree packable one. Although I have fleece lined leggings, I don’t wear skirts, just not my thing. I do like the idea of tights under my jeans on really chilly days. My jeans aren’t real heavy thick ones I’m taking.

I will also look for the 32 degrees micro thin layer top.

Where can’t you use an umbrella? The water proof/resistant cost I’m taking does not have a hood. I’m just taking a beanie if that cold. We will be there 7 nights in London.

I did go shopping yesterday and found some thinner tops that take up less room than the sweaters I have. I even thought of just wearing a sleeveless tank under them too, for extra warmth.

Although I have fleece lined leggings, I don’t wear skirts, just not my thing. I do like the idea of tights under my jeans on really chilly days. My jeans aren’t real heavy thick ones I’m taking.

I’m not sure what you perceive as cold, but shops and public transport and tourist attractions will be heated, and as I said above, temps don’t usually fall below freezing.

I’d avoid umbrellas on crowded streets. Also we’ve had a lot of very windy days recently.

I find winter easier than summer for lightweight packing becasue nothing gets sweaty and dirty. You only ever need to change your base layer. Jeans, sweaters, fleeces etc can be reworn everyday for multiple days. I would take several heatech base layers and just wash these. They dry super quick. Nothing else touches skin so just have a max of 2 sweaters and 2 pairs of jeans in case of any emergency.

For London I’d typically wear jeans, a heattech short sleeved vest, a thin or medium weight sweater and a puffa. Then also take a fleece for extra warmth if required. You can wear this outfit literally anywhere and for days on end.

Lulu, take a look at Cuddleduds. They have a v neck tank that I wore to London and it was perfect for the days when I wanted something as a layer, but my long sleeve cuddledud would be too much. I got mine at Macy’s for 40% off. I think they come in black, navy, and white.

Edit: Yay, just looked. They are on sale now, too. I might pick up a second one. Also, their leggings are really great. So thin you hardly know you have them on.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/cuddl-duds-softwear-with-stretch-reversible-tank-top?ID=14467694&isDlp=true&swatchColor=Charcoal%20Heather

Mustluvdogs--I just ordered two of those, thanks! I often get too warm, so the tank top style will be really nice! I love the Cuddleduds as they are so thin, but work so well.

Golden girl, I’m thinking walking outside touring is when I will get cold. I’ve ready it has been really cold lately in London, is that not true? My jeans I’m touring in are on the thin side, so I thought a thin layer underneath might be nice.

I did buy some 32 thin tights.

Since my coat doesn’t have a hood, and I’m not buying a new one, I’ll see about rain hoodies when I can’t use an umbrella. Good tip.

I have often traveled in the winter in the UK and France and always with carryon size luggage. I find it to be warmer than Massachusetts is in winter. I have always just worn a LS Tee, a wool mid layer, and an unlined leather coat or trench coat. That keeps me plenty warm. The difference is bringing gloves, a scarf, earmuffs/hat. Those add ons take little space, but are what keep you warm, adjusting which to use according to the temps. I wear jeans or such with no other layer underneath. Only once did I ever bring waterproof ankle boots but only because the day before London was shut down due to a snow storm. The boots were not needed as London's version of a snow storm is a dusting for us as I imagine it would also be for you from Indiana. I don't understand the discussions on waterproof shoes/boots. Leather is sufficient. However, now I mostly wear Brooks or Altra walking shoes. They will dry overnight if need be.

I think the 3 X 3 X 3 packing system is good for winter as that allows you to have three different weight mid layers if that makes you feel more comfortable ahead of time.

You only need one sweater, but could pack two. I was looking at my first January trip to Paris in 1976 and my packing was the same...I did have two light sweaters that I seem to have alternate. I did not pack a hat or gloves and didn't need it. So I guess my extremity add ons have developed with age. LOL

If it turns out you are too cold, then buy something during your travels.

Golden girl, I’m thinking walking outside touring is when I will get cold. I’ve ready it has been really cold lately in London, is that not true? My jeans I’m touring in are on the thin side, so I thought a thin layer underneath might be nice.

Well, it all depends on your tolerance I guess. We’ve had a lot of wind and rain and one freak snowy day in November, but this week temperatures are between 8 and 12 Celsius.

Obviously it depends what you’re doing but generally in London in January I will have normal weight jeans, a thin cotton t-shirt, a longer sleeve thin top, then a thin fleece and my very light but warm/showerproof puffa. I add a fleece beanie and a scarf if needed. I haven’t worn gloves yet this year. If your jeans are really thin, you might need another layer I guess. Doesn’t hurt to try, but you’ll keep warm if you’re walking about. I must admit I always go for a knee length coat to keep my thighs dry.

Shops and indoors will be very warm so I like the ability to take layers in & off as needed. And the tube can be uncomfortably warm!

Our temperatures are nowhere near as cold as you might expect from how far north we are, put it that way.

The wind has been quite cold recently but the thing with London is that as soon as you go inside anywhere - shop, restaurant, bus, tube station - you will be absolutely boiling hot. It’s better to be a bit chilly outside and walk briskly than it is to be boiling to death when inside. You can’t easily take coats off on public transport or in shops. Take an extra fleece layer then if you have a day where you may be outside a lot you can add it in. I wear gloves a lot but only if I’m outside for a prolonged period of time. It’s not so cold you need them on your walk to the tube station, for example.

As has been mentioned several times above, skip the jeans. Warmer and less-bulky options work better in cooler climates. Scarves are an amazing accessory - for warmth and/or fashion!

If it turns out that you absolutely need an umbrella, they suddenly show up in shops in London, just as you and a lot of other folks want to get one, so you won’t get stranded. Where are you staying? There might even be loaners there.

I recently returned from a 10 day trip to London with just a carryon. All went well. In addition to wearing light weight layers, I packed a small travel steamer. By using the steamer, I found I could wear things for up to 3 days by refreshing the pants or shirts at the end of the day.

My coat came to just above my knees, so on really cold days, I wore either tights under my pants or light weight merino knee socks and never felt cold. The knee socks and tights were sink washed at night and dry by morning. I’m glad I chose a fairly long coat. The length of the coat helped block the cold winds. If I had worn the usual waist length puffer jacket, I would have been much more uncomfortable. For the plane, our coats were rolled up in my husband’s personal item bag which was a very lightweight bag. Once we arrived at Heathrow, the coats came out of the bag and were put on. The empty bag then was stuffed into one of our suitcases, giving us only the 2 carryon bags and my personal item bag to manage as we traveled to our hotel. BTW, we used the Elizabeth Line to get into town. Check it out.

I brought a pair of cashmere lined leather gloves and was so glad I had them with me.

I brought a knit beanie and only used it once on a cold and very windy day.

My coat has a hood, so I never used an umbrella. The streets are extremely crowded and hard to navigate with an open umbrella.

I only packed one extra pair of shoes and alternated them with the pair I wore on the plane. Both pairs were leather and treated with waterproof spray.

The few souvenirs we bought were small and easily packable.

As an aside, London is fast becoming a cashless city, so I paid for everything, regardless of the amount, with a credit card, often tapping with my watch so my wallet rarely came out of my purse.

As an aside, London is fast becoming a cashless city, so I paid for everything, regardless of the amount, with a credit card, often tapping with my watch so my wallet rarely came out of my purse

I was in London/Paris earlier this month. I went to my local bank in advance and purchased some GBP so I would have cash on hand when I landed since I was traveling with children and wanted to prepare as much as possible in advance. I never used a single bit of cash, although fortunately I had some euros with me from previous trips, which I did need in a Christmas market in Paris. I meant to spend the GBP at the airport, but everything is so much more chaotic with children that I completely forgot. Guess I'll have to go back again to spend that money. :)

As far as what to wear, I took a few cuddledud tops, 2 sweaters, 2 pair of jeans, pajamas, socks and underwear. I washed clothes in the apartment and let them air dry. I agree with the person who mentioned that it's better to be a little too cold outside rather than too warm inside. I wore a puffy coat and had gloves and a hat for when I needed them. My coat is water resistant, not water proof, which worked fine because we were in and out of places when it was raining.

Nancy, good to know about the crowds and umbrellas. My coat doesn’t have a hood, so I purchased one of Amazon. It’s not particularly attractive, but I figured if doesn’t look much different from attached ones too much.

Hi. I just returned from a December trip to both London and Paris - total of 2 weeks. I had 6 tops and two silk long underwear tops. In retrospect, I really "needed" only two sweaters (one navy and one black) and the two silk long-sleeved underwear tops. I washed the silk out each night and the sweaters stayed fresh. I was with a group and we ate out several times - no one noticed - that I am aware of (smile!). I had two scarves, and that seemed sufficient to me to mix and match. I bought one there.

Frankly, if I had not packed so many tops, I would have enjoyed buying a few cute things in Paris, but I couldn't because I already had a surplus. Guess I will have to go back. Some folks with me were very enthusiastic about the Uniqlo sweaters they found for good prices in London. In January, you most likely will encounter sales.

The weather was in the 30s and damp and windy. I reluctantly took my oldest down coat which is knee length. It really paid off because of the length and the hood. The hood was a life saver when a breeze came along. Wearing the coat kind of eliminated the need to change up the sweaters frequently. Mostly, no one saw what was beneath that brown coat. I was also able to wear my cross body bag under the coat, which made me feel more secure when taking a crowded tube train.

I wear Eileen Fisher crepe knit pants which are easy to wash out and dry in the hotel room. I took three pairs and washed two pair. I also took silk long johns - LL Bean.

Sorry to go on and on. This is one of the lessons I am recording for myself in my trip notes: I do not need 6 tops for a winter trip for two weeks to London and Paris. I would have been happier with fewer - maybe three - plus those silk long undies.

OP here. So, I’ve done another trial run! I’m proud to say I’ve cut it down about 30% and although not necessarily a total capsule wardrobe, fairly close. I really love clothes, and feel I’ve done a good job (for me) . I know I could have done with even half of it, but I don’t want to. Lol!

In my carryon I have 11 items of clothing and 3 scarves. (Plus the pants and blazer on the plane). That includes 3 blazers, 4 bottoms, 3 tops and a really fun fun fun sweatshirt. I’m taking 2 evening footwear. I’ll need my son to take one.

I think all the other stuff I take actually uses more room. But I’m taking a backpack so that fills a bit.

All in all, I fell pretty good.

Here’s what I took for 10 days in Paris in December. Pack one pair black pants loose enough you can wear wool or silk base layer under them. I took wool leggings I could wear independently not thin ones. Wear your second pair of black pants on the plane. Pack two (maybe three) long sleeve wool T-shirts and wear the third one on the plane. Wear your wool or cashmere cardigan on the plane. Wear your long coat onto the plane. I put my cashmere scarf, my wool beanie hat and my gloves safely in my personal item so they would not fall out of the coat pockets but would be easily accessible upon arrival in Paris. Umbrella goes in personal item in case it’s raining or snowing when you arrive. Wear wool compression socks on the plane. Pack four pairs of wool socks. Wear heavy waterproof warm boots on the plane. Pack waterproof (I sprayed mine) Chelsea boots preferably warm ones. Tuck a pair of flats in your personal bag so if you remove your heavy boots on the plane you have shoes to wear when you walk around on the plane. My splurge pack item is underwear so I packed five panties (wore #6) and two bras (wore#3) plus one short sleeve wool tee to use as an extra layer if it was really cold which it was the day we went to Versailles. You do not need “dress up” clothes and you don’t need a pair of shoes you’re only going to wear one time on the entire trip. The flats can be your “dress up” shoes. Optional would be a long sleeve dress preferably one you could wear with the leggings if it’s cold. Maybe one silk scarf although that’s a great souvenir item to buy while you are in Paris. The above list would be all you need for 10 days, 20 days or 40 winter days in the cities of Europe.

I was worried about this for a while, too. But after taking trips to France and down the Rhine in November and Christmas respectively, what worked for me was layering as mentioned above.

I prefer a packable 32 Degrees or Eddie Bauer puffer jacket over a sweater or sweatshirt. I wear the sweater or sweatshirt on the plane and pack the jacket. Everything else is long sleeve shirts and jeans, maybe one pair of slacks if needed for more dressy occasions. I discovered 32 Degrees layering tops, which really cut down on weight.

And I make sure there's a laundry somewhere nearby or on the ship at some point. Well worth the expense to avoid the added weight of a lot of winter clothes.

Lulu is on her trip now and has definitely already packed !

OP here! Got back this past weekend, and did have too much. London is so walkable! I ended up just using a pair of chunky heel booties I brought once just when we ubered somewhere. Never used them again, so a waste of space. Took black jeans I thought I’d wear most evenings that needed a heel, so never wore those. Thankfully I put in a 2nd pair of skinnies that I just changed into at night.

We were lucky it only rained one afternoon and we were only out an hour in it darting in and out of stores. Thankfully the crowds were lighter. The umbrella is a pain to navigate in crowds, plus the wind. I do think the rain hat is the way to go if you know you’ll be battling that.

I did check my carryon back home and used my “don’t tell Rick” bag as my carryon. We bought a bunch of stuff. I just put anything that I would be miserable to lose in the DTR bag, because you never know.

What I found interesting is that fashion wise, what the big thing seemed to be was how your outerwear looked, not your clothing so much. Cool coats of every style , beautiful winter scarves and hats and gloves…it was a fashion show seeing how people dressed walking around outside…including the men. I wish I had another coat I could have brought to switch that up a bit since that’s basically what you’re wearing all day that people see.

I think every trip I learn something about packing. I didn’t do bad, but I can still do better.

I don’t know if it was this thread, but I was wondering if I should pack my faux fur hat as London weather isn’t as cold as where I’m from. They said pack it. Well, that was the best advice as I wore it almost the whole time.

The one disappointing purchase was merino wool socks. My booties are wore basically 100% of the time are very roomy, but the socks were making them hurt. I never used them, or actually needed them. The thin socks I normally used were fine. My son needs them though.

I am so glad that you were glad to have the hat !

Lulu,
Great news to read about your trip on the other thread. I want to go back!!
I've found that I've had to have a couple pairs of thinner socks for my non-athletic shoes, when taken. I'm hoping to find some thin merinos for next time. The last 2 trips I only took one pair of shoes so it wasn't a problem.

Good to know I’m not the only one. I kept thinking , “how big does my footwear have to be to not be so tight in these socks?” I did put them on at home and although snug, didn’t seem uncomfortable . However, when I did it on my trip my walking bootie was so uncomfortable just walking downstairs at the hotel. How was I going to walk 10-15k steps a day? They would have been fine to just walk down to a pub. My guess is my feet swelled on the trip. My bootie is wide and comfy enough I don’t really notice in a regular thin sock.

It was the first time I traveled having to wear a bootie miles a day. My regular sockets were fine, ie didn’t smell.

Son’s cotton socks were awful. His 60% merino wool ones were better but still odorous he said. I’m guessing he needs a higher percent of merino wool.