Packing for Great Britain in the fall.

[U2Fan]

I leave for GB and Ireland in October. Since I've never been there before, I have to read online and in books opinions on what to take.
Can I run some of my clothing choices by you all?

Jeans. I know people say not to take them, but I live in jeans, I wear them everyday. Some have said to take khakis, but they wrinkle more than jeans.
"Neutral" colored tops...black, dark blue, pretty much just dark colors.

Now an opinion...(well I need an opinion).
Shoes. Many travel books say take only one pair. I don't really see how I can walk day after day in one pair of shoes. I stand on my feet all day at work, and I wear different shoes each day.
I have one pair chosen, and I really can't decide how to pick another pair...since none are as comfortable as the pair I'm taking.

Oh yeah, waterproof windbreaker. Do you think I'll need a heavier coat than that? I was planning on layering underneath it with sweaters, fleece tops, etc.

Any opinions you have would be great!

[Patrick]

If you're going to be doing lots of walking, make sure your shoes are comfortable, and bringing a brand new pair to walk in all day probably wouldn't be the greatest idea. I'm not sure why you would really need another pair of running/hiking shoes - I would only bring one pair myself, once I find a comfortable pair, I can pretty much live in them. The only reason I could see to bring another pair of shoes would be if you needed something dressier to go out in. And remember, shoes are heavy!

As for the weather, I can't say I've been to GB, but if you have a sweater on or layered clothing, you should be fine as long as you keep dry (with your waterproof windbreaker).

Hope that helps!

[Kim]

I'm with you on the jeans thing-sure they are heavier and take longer to dry, but personally I don't travel without a pair!

I don't take khaki pants for the same reason-I don't like being wrinkly.

One thing I do definately suggest is taking a pair of decent track pants or ones you can throw on. They come in extremely handy for situations like when you want to go down for breakfast but haven't showered, lounging around in etc. I took a pair of those adidas ones (you know, the black with the stripes down the side) and they were so comfy.

For shoes, you probably won't wear more than one pair. I took a pair of walking/hiking shoes and a nicer pair and ended up sending the nicer pair home.

If you have fleece tops etc., you will be fine with layering. I had a gortex type jacket and wore that plus that layers in the dead of cold when we first arrived (March, it was bloody freezing in Belgium!! ) then when it warmed up a bit, I just layered under my fleece shirt.

October isn't the dead of winter so what you have planned sounds great. Bring gloves though and a travel umbrella!

Kim

[U2Fan]

I never thought of track pants...plus you can sleep in them if you must.(pajamas is my new dilemma)
Gloves, never thought of that either...mornings can be chilly in October, even here in Seattle...
Thanks!