My London Travel Bag Essentials

I love exploring London on foot. In all types of weather, throughout all the seasons and at any time. There’s something magical about taking in the first signs of spring in Camden, or seeing London all lit up from the River Thames. Of course, all that walking means that I have to bring with me a good bag with lots of essentials. I’ve already written a guide on the best bags to use while exploring London and this one will be more about the items I think you should carry with you if you plan on walking a lot in London.

Here are the items I usually carry with me in my travel bag, and I’d recommend you do too if you’re exploring London.

Things to take with you while exploring London

An umbrella

This could be the most important one on the list! It’s almost inevitable if you visit London you’ll be caught in a sudden downpour. Having an umbrella with you at all times means you’ll be ready to face the elements.

A coin purse

I know people have contactless bank cards or pay using their phone now but I still recommend carrying a coin purse with a small amount of change. You never know when the banking apps will go down!

A small toiletry bag

I don’t recommend carrying the whole bathroom cabinet with you, but some toiletries are handy to have. Usually I carry a small toiletry bag with hand sanitiser, tissues, plasters, painkillers, hair brush, lip balm and period products in. I know if I didn’t have the bag I’d be struck with a sudden headache.

A water bottle

I always carry water with me when I’m out exploring. Walking and using the tube is thirsty stuff! There are also over 100 water fountains dotted around London so refilling is so easy, and it reduces the need for single use plastic.

A camera

I don’t strictly think this is essential but if you’re visiting London you will want to capture the hustle and bustle of the city and memories from your trip. There’s always something interesting going on and having a camera means you can remember it. Mine is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M3 which is decent for its price. It performs similarly to my DSLR but it’s much lighter and more compact.

A Kindle and Earbuds

Again, not strictly essential but you’ll thank me later for reminding you to pack these when you have a long journey on the London Underground.

A reusable tote bag

Again, this helps with reducing single use plastic (and avoiding spending 10p on a bag in Sainsbury’s). In London, there seems to be supermarkets all over the place and people don’t use cars so much. It’s more common for people to buy groceries when they need them rather than do one big weekly shop. It’s so handy to have a tote bag with you to grab a pint of milk on your way home. Or that tacky plant pot you saw in the gift shop. Mine folds into itself as well so it only takes up a tiny space in my bag.

Phone and power bank

Of course, the phone is essential. For paying for the tube, journey planning through Citymapper or listening to your favourite podcast. A power bank is pretty essential too, especially if you’re not going to be home for a while to charge your phone. No one likes seeing their phone on 5% battery.

And there you have it! The items I recommend carrying with you on a day out in London. I don’t think it’s too ground breaking but I love seeing what other people carry in their bags.

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