But I need that extra pair of shoes...

It's never too soon to begin thinking about packing. If you start putting aside things now that you will need for the trip it won't be so hard to put everything together when May 19th approaches. Start planning to mix and match clothing so that you will not overload yourself with unnecessary items. REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR BAG! Be comfortable, first and foremost, and WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!

We will be enforcing a strict one checked bag policy for the trip (plus a carry on and purse/coat). This is for your own good. You will be lugging your bag all around the UK and you won't be able to carry lots of luggage. So, the mantra of the trip will be, pack light, be creative, wash your clothes. You can always pack a few clothes you want to discard on the trip to replace with new finds.

Here's a long, preliminary list of things you will want to pack.

GROOMING NEEDS (small sizes - you can always buy more!)
-Small pack of Kleenex
-Hand sanitizer (travel size)
-Deodorant (small)
-Toothbrush
-Toothpaste (small)
-Shampoo/Conditioner (2 travel size should work)
-Comb/Brush
-Soap
-Skin cleaner (if used)
-Skin, Hand lotion (small)
-Make-up (keep is simple!)
-Razor
-Hair Dryer*
-Hair Curler*
*These things try to share with a friend

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
-Day pack you can use as your carry-on item; select a bag that is easy to carry and keep track of
-Travel Alarm Clock (can share with a friend or use your cell if you are going to carry it with you)
-Small folding umbrella (essential!!!)
-Sunglasses
-Book for reading
-Medium size bath Towel
-Washcloth (you may want 2)
-Plastic garbage bag (for laundry)
-Money Belt or similar

CLOTHING (remember you can buy things as you travel if need be!)
-Londoners wear A LOT of black. Keep your clothing simple. Don’t wear shorts, as it will be cool, and you will also stand out even more as a tourist. Sneakers (or trainers) are also another marker of tourists; decide if you want to wear them or not.
-Coat, preferable one that can have another layer to keep warmer, and water resistant
-Warm layer, such as sweatshirt or sweater
-Underwear (enough to last 5 or 6 days worth)
-Sleeping clothing (bring something that is not revealing but comfortable)
-Socks 5 pair
-Shirts 4 or 5
-Pants (or skirts, etc.) 4 or 5 (one ‘outfit’ might be ‘dressy’ for evening wear)
-Shoes (1 pair everyday that are very comfortable; 1 alternate pair (if wanted) or pair for evening shoes)
-Hat or scarf (if desired)

PERSONAL/MEDICAL NEEDS
-Any prescriptions that you use
-Medicine of any kind taken regularly
-Extra pair of glasses (if you have them); extra contact lenses if you wear them; contact lens solution
-Sun Block (travel size)
-MEDICAL "PACK" consisting of:
-Band-Aids and Mole Skin (for blisters!)
-Favorite antacid (if you use one)
-Antiseptic or ointment such as Neosporin, or bacitracin (you can share with a friend!)
-Aspirin, Tylenol, Excedrin, etc…
-Throat lozenges, cough drops
-Anti-diarrhea medicine
-Chewing Gum
-Small water bottle
-Converter for electrical items (consider sharing with a friend!)
-Watch

STUDY NEEDS
-Journal, Pencil(s), Pen(s) a small set of colored pencils or pens might be ideal – but you decide
-Camera with power cord and extra memory chip
-You may want to bring an envelope to collect items, or some glue to add items to your journal or….???
-Any readings you need to finish up
-Your presentation notes

DOCUMENTS
-Extra Xeroxed copy of your passport
-list of family and friends’ email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses

Pull it, haul it, carry it...

We are going to be on the go during our trip, hauling our luggage up and down stairs, through Tube stations, onto trains, and through the urban streets of London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Packing light will be key (don't worry, we'll help you decide what you need to take and what to leave at home!). I am investing in some new luggage for the trip, because I destroyed my last bag during the summer hauling it across the UK. This time, I'm purchasing a bag that can be carried with a handle, slung on my back as a backpack, or rolled. This type of convertible bag makes hauling all your stuff around much easier, I think. I'm also picking up a new 'day pack' to be used on our Scottish Highland excursion and to be used as a bag to carry around the city if need be. If you're interested, take a look at my wish list.

My new bag:
The Eagle Creek CrossRoads 22

My new day pack:
Rick Steves Veloce