England Essentials....

I'd gotten some requests when I posted my last packing post about a guide on what you should bring with you on a trip to the UK. The answer is though, that really depends on many things. Mainly, the time of year your going. You can always count on varied weather while over in the England, it's something that people love to chat about over there and I think they even pride themselves on a little. And that's going to be your biggest factor as to if you are going to need to bust out the parkas, or simply pack a light jacket. Boiling down the time of year, you still need to keep in mind that in December it might be 45 degrees and sunny in London, but 30 degrees and snowing in Edinburgh. I've even been there in June when it was only 55 degrees! (I usually sit outside with my English relatives in a sweater and jeans while they have busted out the tank tops and shorts) Layering is key for any time of year, so remember that when you are getting ready to head out for your day. You may (read:most likely will) experience sun, rain, hail, and wind in the same day.

So, I thought I'd put together a list of a few items that always come with me, no matter what time of year. We won't go through everything, because we'd be here all day, as I've already shared I am a chronic over packer.

So here we go!!

1. Barbour Summer International Wax Jacket 2. Hunter Union Jack Wellies 3. Burberry London Check Scarf 4. Radley Grosvenor Medium Across Body Handbag 5. Hudson Jeans Collin Signature Skinny 6. Barbour Small Summer Quilted Baker Boy Cap  7. J.Crew Liberty Perfect Shirt in Lodden Paisley

Guidebooks - I always take one. It's nice to have it to refer to when your in the middle of London, and always fun to look at when planning the next day's adventure.

Barbour Jacket- A good everyday, all day coat. And you'll blend right in with the natives :-).

Burberry Trench- Prefect for anything you are doing thats a bit dressier, as well as everyday. (as a self-professed over packer, one coat is just not enough)

Wellies- I wore mine practically every day on my last trip - Here in the states, Target has some fab ones if you don't want to invest too much.

Converter- Remember that scene in Leap Year where Amy Adams takes out power to the whole village? I'm just sayin.....

Umbrella-If nothing else makes it out with you, remember this one! On a recent trip, I ended up going through 5 of these babies, so, invest in a small, good quality umbrella. You will need it - unless you want to have to be a part of this club....

Hairdryer- Here is my advice on this one, purchase a cheap hair dryer there or a travel dryer here. The reason being, I've found that when I use my American hairdryer over there, even with the adapter, the coils in the dryer actually glow red from the heat. (very unsettling) My family has traveled over from England to stay with us and they have the opposite problem, their hairdryers barely blow at all over here. (They also sell traveler dryers at places like Brookstone)

Rain Hat- I have a massive head, I mean, it's kind of ridiculous, so this was a bit of tough one. I found a cute Barbour one to match my coat when I was in Vermont a few years back. It comes in very handy when it's misty and you don't want to necessarily carry around an umbrella.

Cross-body bag- I've learned the hard way these are good to have. For a few reasons. Mainly for me it's saving my back.. I always end up carrying all the hubby's things as well as my own. Also very handy when you want to have your hands free for photography.

So there you have it, a few essentials that I find helpful to have when in the UK. Happy packing!