What I Actually Packed For Dublin, Edinburgh, and London

I have been obsessing over what clothing to pack for our trip to Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. The challenge is that we will experience varying types of weather and levels of formality. I hate overpacking and really didn't want to take things I'd end up not wearing, but also wanted to have mix-and-match options that would lend themselves to multiple outfits. I have rethought my chosen items. A couple of readers who are planning upcoming trips have asked if I'd post my final choices, so here you go. 

It turns out the predicted weather will be less rainy and warmer than I originally thought. (Woohoo!) I decided not to take the bulky sweaters I had originally planned on. Eliminating those allowed me to fit in more lighter-weight options for layering. So here's what I ended up packing:

In the top row I have four lightweight cardigans (navy and cream print, red, black, & grey with black stars), which I can layer over the three tee shirts in the bottom row (cream, black, & black and white stripe). I am packing one pair of dark denim jeans and two pairs of black jeans, which look fairly formal for dressier occasions. I also have a lightweight black and white striped cashmere sweater for warmth. Every top goes with every bottom for countless combinations.

On the plane, I will wear the black jacket, cream pullover, and black leggings. I will also pack a lightweight rain jacket and my red-orange hoodie. Europeans typically save their casual lounge-about clothes for home. I am thinking when we are hanging out at Ahren's house I will wear the black leggings with a tee shirt and the red-orange hoodie. In my last packing post, I didn't allow for any comfy at-home clothes.

Believe it or not, it all fits in a 20-inch suitcase and an 18-inch cabin bag.  Plus my toiletries, makeup, and "liquids" bags, will go in my cabin bag, which I will carry with me on the plane. What you don't see are the pjs, undies, and two silk scarves. It all fits!

Here is a tip for whatever item you choose to carry on the plane and not check: in your smaller bag that will stay with you at all times, pack an extra set of clothes, your pjs, a set of underwear, your makeup, medications and other essential toiletries, and your liquids. That way if your checked bag goes missing (as mine did the last trip we took) you won't be completely up the creek with nothing.

I really didn't change my items too radically. Mainly I eliminated bulky items in favor of thinner lighter-weight pieces I can layer. And you know what? If I end up being too cold, they do sell heavy sweaters and jackets over there....

And to prove that it can be done, everything I am taking for six days in Edinburgh and London fits in my cabin bag. I will wear my black jacket, a cashmere sweater and black jeans. That is it, all I am taking for six days! The bag has a pull-up handle and wheels so I can manage it on the plane, the train, and on the Tube.

 

Comments

[Pamela Dempsey]

You’re smart to do this so far in advance. I hope your trip goes smoothly and you have a blast 💥! Are you taking any handwork?

[Kerry L]

Very clever to be organized! Takes away unnecessary “traveling” stress! I like to take “ end of the road “ clothes with me like pj’s and underwear. I just toss them as I travel then I have extra room to bring any treasures home like Liberty fabric!!!
Have a fabulous and safe trip!

[Diane]

Looks great! We’ve done 12 days in China, and also a trip of two weeks in England with only a carryon size bag. So much easier, and no lost bags. Have a wonderful time!!

[Stephani in N. TX]

I marvel at folks who can travel lightweight. Never quite got that. Are you really traveling with one pair of shoes?? Of course, my trips were always to SoCal where the warm weather required frequent changes of clothes. Nowadays there are so many advantages to one-suitcase traveling, not to mention that I can't lift and haul what I used to do. Happy trails Nicole, enjoy your son - the second time in recent months? Bon Voyage!

[Jan]

It looks like the time & thought you've put into packing for your trip will be everything you need along the way. Obsessing now will avoid stressing once you've landed! Safe travels & enjoy every minute of your visit!

[Margaret]

Have fun!

[Gloria]

I always overpack and keep trying to learn to take less! Thanks for showing us your selections. Have wonderful time!