London Packing List Tips by tvor

Maps

Luggage and bags: I have used three different kinds of pocket maps in London and all three have some good points.

Let's Go Map Guide combines a 32 page city guide book with a laminated map cover. Attractions, restaurants, accomodations and directions. Map is laminated and includes the underground map. Focuses mainly North of the Thames in the main Tourist area of London from Earl's court to the Tower.

Popout Maps by Compass Maps. Small, they fold out to a paper map. The one for London is a double one, with an overall and a central map, the underground on the back. Drawbacks are that the maps are paper and can tear along the fold lines and they aren't very detailed.

Streetwise London: Folded laminated map of central london. Two sided, north of Hyde park, Notting hill to the Tower, South of the parks, Earl's Court to St. James park. Neither has much south of the Thames. Includes small underground map. Very detailed. street index.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: There are a lot of new ones out since i've bought them. Some handy ones are small enough to toss in your bag or purse. If they are laminated, that's better because they'll withstand folding and unfolding. Some are inside booklets that have other transport info and all will have the tube map. Some may only focus on central London and that's maybe not what you really want overall.

Another good plan is to buy an A to Z from a newsagent in London. They will have them in pocket sized as well, for convenience.

I'd have to say probably the laminated Streetwise is the sturdiest but the Let's Go had info on attractions as well, quite useful.

Phone: http://www.streetwisemaps.com/

Website: http://www.compass-maps.com/

Theatre Dress Codes

Miscellaneous: There really isn't a dress code as such for the theatre. You see people dressed up , dressed down and in between. Opera and ballet tends more to fancy clothes.

I generally wear casual clothes but not jeans or too casual type of clothes to the theatre. I don't usually bring anything very dressy but have a pair of slacks and a nicer top that i can get away with if i need to look better.

Walk much?

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Really good walking shoes and a collapsible umbrella.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: You can get whatever you need there. Bring your own meds though.

Miscellaneous: Weather is generally not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. You can get hot and humid in summer and rare occasions of snow in winter. Spring and Fall are quite comfortable times to travel.