Tacomege Transparent Ring Grip [30] ($4)

My most niche packing recommendation is this phone ring grip, which has a couple different benefits. Firstly, a lot of London sightseeing involves looking up at old buildings or churches, and this accessory provides better grip support so that you can take photos on your phone with only one hand, rather than needing both. Additionally, while London is generally a safe city, it does have a lot of incidents involving phone theft [31] — i.e. robbers literally grabbing devices from people's hands while they're using them. This ring grip offers an extra layer of protection so that you can hold onto your phone more tightly.

Nipichsha Small Leather Coin Purse [32] ($8)

Whenever I travel abroad, I like to bring along a small coin purse in addition to my normal wallet, that way I can keep the coins I collect separate from my normal US currency. In London, the currency is referred to as a British pound, and includes sterling coinage — often with distinct designs. While you can get away with strictly using an international credit card while traveling throughout the city, I like to carry a small amount of physical currency just in case.

Downy Wrinkle Release Spray [33] ($10)

While many high-end London hotels come equipped with in-room ironing boards, others do not — which means you either need to travel with a portable steamer or opt for something more space-friendly like this Downy Wrinkle Release Spray. It's easy to use; simply spray it on the fabric of choice (ideally lighter, more delicate pieces), tug and smooth out wrinkles, then allow it some time to dry. Not only is it effective at lifting wrinkles from clothes, but it also boasts a fresh linen scent that masks odors, too.

AceMining Portable Door Lock [34] ($12)

While it might not be applicable to all UK hotels, many of the ones I've stayed at in cities like London and Manchester don't have deadbolts on the hotel room doors. The rooms are still equipped with basic locking systems, but if you (like me) have watched one too many TikTok videos on hotel safety etiquette, I recommend traveling with this portable door lock to be extra safe — especially if you're a solo traveler.

Shampoohotel Miami Hydrating Body Wash [35] ($15)

The skin tends to get dry when traveling, but that won't be your worry if you pack the Shampoohotel Miami Hydrating Body Wash. A product that lives up to its name, the sulfate-free shower gel gently cleanses the skin with aloe vera, quinoa, and moringa seed oil. Meanwhile, its scent is formulated with lemon peel, patchouli, and sea salt, so you'll smell just as good as you feel.

"London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers" Hardcover Book [36] ($15)

One of my best recommendations for first-time travelers to London — or even those who have visited before — is to invest in a quality guidebook. The city has such an expansive history and I find that without the right direction, I often miss out on understanding the significance of certain sights, palaces, and even parks. I purchased this copy from Daunt Books in Marylebone [37], a bookstore in central London, and it provided great context on some of the city's most overlooked gems.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Patches [38] ($16)

Longer flights always manage to bring even my most deep-rooted zits to fruition; I'll hop on a flight with clear skin and walk off of it with three fresh pimples. To counter developing zits at the source, I turn to these hydrocolloid acne patches from Cosrx. They're transparent and match my skin's tone, so they aren't super noticeable. The set also comes with patches in multiple sizes, so I can choose the option that's best suited to my spots.

Popsugar Travel Bottles Set [39] ($16)

While most hotels provide shower and body essentials, there is nothing like reaching for your favorite formulas. Instead of lugging your go-to shampoo, body wash, or lotion across the pond, reach for these travel bottles that can store up to three ounces of any product. This set of four containers is TSA approved and leak resistant, so you can trust there won't be any travel mishaps.

Goothdurs Mini Travel Compact Windproof Umbrella [40] ($23)

London is known for its rainy weather, with high precipitation rates in nearly every season — though the spring and fall can be especially wet. I've always encountered multiple rainstorms whenever I've visited the city, which is why having an umbrella with you at all times is so essential. I love this compact option from Amazon because it's tiny and designed to fit in even the smallest of bags, including crossbody purses and larger clutches.

Popsugar Packing Cubes [41] ($25)

Any fashionista will know it's not how big your suitcase is — it's how you pack it. Trust me when I say that packing cubes are a nonnegotiable to maximize space and efficiency. I love this four pack of bags because they're all different shapes and sizes, giving you the most variety for places to store areas of your wardrobe.

Merit Flush Cruelty-Free Blush Balm [42] ($30)

London is my favorite city in the world, which means that whenever I visit, I want to spend as much time exploring and as little time in my room as possible. To keep my makeup looking fresh for those longer days outside of the hotel, I like having this blush balm handy. It's compact, boasts a rosy tint, and is easy to apply in restaurant or shop bathrooms. It's also great if you're bouncing between appointments or tours and don't necessarily have time to freshen up at your hotel before dinner.

PrettyLittleThing Black Plisse One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress [43] ($33, originally $73)

You can't beat London's nightlife scene. Whether you're attending a cabaret show at Lio London, indulging in a couple drinks at The Prince, or planning to catch a show in the West End, there's so much happening on any given night. With that, I recommend packing a formal black dress that can work for a variety of dress codes — just like this midi style from PrettyLittleThing. It's sophisticated, sexy, and endlessly comfortable, plus you can easily dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Salt & Stone Body Mist [44] ($45)

Whether you're just discovering your fragrance identity or looking to switch things up for London, consider this body mist from Salt & Stone. It's made with glycerin and red algae to leave your skin just as nourished as it feels. Not to mention, the cedarwood and jasmine note blend will have you smelling absolutely divine.

Nike V5 RNR Sneakers [45] ($95)

While London is a larger city, it's also incredibly walkable. If you have time, one of my favorite things is doing a walking loop from Soho or Mayfair to Hyde Park down through Kensington and the museum district, then venturing east through Chelsea and Westminster. It requires some pretty serious mileage, but the route gives you a taste of the city's best spots — including shops, theaters, palaces, and historical sites. Regardless of what your itinerary looks like, you'll want to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. I wore a pair of chunky PrettyLittleThing sneakers on my most recent visit and loved the cloud-like, cushioned support they provided. They're currently out of stock, but these Nike V5 sneakers fit the bill just as much.

Banana Republic Timeless Trench Coat [46] ($125, originally $250)

Trench coats feel synonymous with London fashion, particularly during the city's rainier months. I love this style from Banana Republic because its water-resistant fabric is designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. The jacket's oversize fit provides a more lived-in feel, while the deep side pockets offer plenty of space for holding my iPhone, umbrella, or even wallet.

We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans [47] ($128)

You can never go wrong with a good pair of jeans. This low-rise pair from Free People serves as the perfect, versatile item to take you from touring Big Ben to dinner with a view.

RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator [48] ($150)

An eye cream effective enough to avoid those tired eyes post-flight. Look no further than RéVive's stellar offerings [49]. Made with hydrating ingredients like Shea butter, this cream actually brightens dark circles and hydrates the under-eye area. Plus, you can get them for 20 percent off with the code SUMMER20.

Patagonia R1 Pullover [50] ($155)

One of my favorite things to do in London is go for a walk or jog around the neighborhood and take in all the sights. I always grab this comfy pullover from Patagonia that features stretchy Polartec® Power Grid® fabrics to keep me warm when the weather is foggy and cool. Added bonus? It's lightweight so it doesn't take up a ton of room in my suitcase.

Bagsmart Getaway 20" Carry-On [51] ($160)

If there's one item that can really make or break a travel experience, it's your suitcase. That's why investing in a high-quality carry-on is the ultimate travel hack. This Bagsmart design has shock-absorbing wheels for walking on uneven pavement and is expandable in case you need some extra packing room. Plus, with 12 colors to choose from, you can pick the perfect shade to match your aesthetic.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Ear Buds [52] ($234)

Few things in life are better than exploring a new city while listening to your favorite music. It's a euphoric experience that can cement a memory in a whole new way; whenever I hear a song that I listened to while in a specific city, I'm immediately transported back to that moment in time and can reminisce. Prior to trips, I'll even put together a playlist with songs that I think match the vibe of the destination and season — see my latest London-inspired Spotify playlist [53] for further proof. These Apple AirPods ensure you can listen to your favorite tunes without the hassle of unnecessary cords.

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote [54] ($275)

I once described this as my "Mary Poppins-esque bag" in a review of the MZ Wallace Tote [55], and I stand by that description. With 11 separate compartments, it's remarkable just how much I can actually squeeze into this travel bag. Not only does it fit seamlessly under airplane seats, but it's also easy to store in overhead bins on trains (including London railways).

Editor Quote: "Beyond its practicality, I also can't get over just how stylish this travel tote is. It's not quite as clunky as other personal carry-on items, but it also doesn't skimp on any interior carrying space. Best of all, the accessory's straps are incredibly comfortable. No matter how much I squeeze into the bag, I never feel weighed down or like it's a burden on my shoulders, mainly because the carrying straps are made from such a thoughtful, thick material." — Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor

— Additional reporting by Adelaide Giesey