Things that worked - Doc Bronners bar soap. Lathers well, and can be used as shampoo and to help launder clothing. Barclays ATMs for a BofA customer. Only got whacked with the currency exchange fee, nothing else. Taking Bus transport (coach) around Ireland and England. B&B rather than sterile tourist class hotels.
What didn't - heavy jackets. Would have been happier with a rain slicker with a hood. You can always wear a t-shirt/long-shirt/sweater with a rain slicker, and then peel layers as the weather changes. The hood stops you from having to always carry a brolly!
Thats all for now, now to get unpacked and find everything!
Glenn in Tucson