My Packing List for (Last Year’s) England Trip

I haven‘t worn Levi‘s jeans in about 18 years, and I have no clue anymore if there‘s any style they have that would fit me and that I‘d like. Now you‘re making me curious again! Should I dare to order that Wedgie jeans? It says it has 1% of stretch only – does that really make them significantly more comfy than the old 501‘s from the 90‘s? Because they were far from comfy, even though I didn‘t wear anything else for years. But now I‘ve gotten used to a bit of stretch, and I feel like I can‘t go back! Also, aren‘t the buttons uncomfortable?

Funny enough yesterday I searched your website for your past Cornwall holidays. I’m going to the county next week and I will make it a point to visit Polruan and Lantic bay (just maybe say hello to your family if I spot them).

Wow, that’s great, thank you! At 38 years of age I’m embarrassed to admit that I still don’t know what to pack. I usually take too many things (hello, big heavy luggage) and yet, somehow, I always need things I didn’t pack. Many of the things i did pack I don’t need at all. I’ll use this list and the ones in the comments to try and improve.

*sigh* this just gave me big time wanderlust… :(

As a few others have mentioned, I always pack a lot of extra pairs of underwear since I tend to get sweaty or be taking extra showers when I am out and about all day. I also always bring one or two of those packable reusable shopping bags. I feel like at some point my stuff always explodes out of my carefully packed bags, or I buy a bunch of snacks or something and its nice to have a backup bag so I’m not trying to carry everything in my hands

Aww, you said mix and match but then didn’t add any shorts or skirt haha. Sitting in my English garden right now at 6pm in the sun rocking some shirts because it does SOMETIMES get warm in the UK ;) :D
Although that dress would be so nice to wear round in the day to be fair.
Hope you make it back to the UK next year or sooner! Cornwall is the absolute best.

I also do a crazy thing where I draw my outfits after I make my packing list to make sure I have enough versatility in my choices.
For the drawing averse, you can also take pics of outfits with your phone! It really helps to see things together.

Any carry-on luggage recommendations at $200 and under pricing? I’ve been looking at the Muji 35L carry-on as an alternative to the pricier Away (though I hear Away has great customer service), but I’m also intrigued by the TravelPro Crew line, since it’s a consumer version of what flight crews use most of the time.

Joanna — what do you use?

HELP! My family (myself, partner & our 2 kids 5 and 7 years) is moving overseas for a year. Most of our stuff is going into storage. We’ve got one huge rolling suitcase for each adult and then typical carry-on bags. Whaaaaat should we pack for clothes? What do we need? How much of each? Weather is like the east coast, cold winter hot summer….. thanks!

I ALWAYS over pack. I need to take a page out of your book!

I find it really difficult to pack for trips at the moment given the sudden heatwaves in the UK! Even though I’m from the UK haha! I find it quite difficult to pack for Europe sometimes so I’ve often found leaving most of it until the night before is the best way because then I can check the weather last minute and decide what to pack.

Joanna! i stalked you all over Cornwall (not really) just to tell you that we both packed all wrong! It was so sunny and warm, all blue skies and sunshine! I wore T-shirts and ankle pants. Have you ever been to Kynance Cove, in Lizard? It is magical! xoxo
Adina

Is Australia the only place that weighs carry-on luggage?! I’d love to only take carry-on like many of these commenters, but they are militant about it being under 7kg (15 pounds) here. And the $ cost for being over your 7kg is insane.

After reading your post about how great a bright red swimsuit looks in the summer, I bought one for our family’s trip to Cornwall. It was perfect on our beach days, worn with a chambray shirt while exploring the tidal pools with my toddler. I love how many great ideas for books, podcasts, clothes, and recipes I’ve gained over the years of following Cup of Jo!

My packing list for a 10 day trip to France and Netherlands — just a week ago, so we were there for both normal temps and the hot heat!

– 2 pairs jeans
– ~10 shirts, this is an item I don’t typically rewear especially if walking around sweating! a mix of comfy tees, nicer but still comfy blouses, and a few linen button downs
– 2 skirts
– 2 dresses, one more casual and one nicer
– 1 pair slide sandals, 1 pair vans sneakers
– a lightweight/breathable wool cardigan – seriously, the best! i threw it into my tiny bag and could put it on whenever cold in a museum or restaurant.
– a lightweight windbreaker/rain parka

and my usual plane outfit: soft black jeans, boots, a soft t shirt and light sweater, and a light canvas jacket on top. Between the 100 degree temps and chilly nights in Amsterdam, I seriously wore everything, except for a few of the shirts. But the one thing I was most glad I packed? a few random bandaids I threw in, which were lifesavers for the blisters I got after walking 12+ miles daily!

I have a different packing formula for visiting the Bay Area – where I grew up – which of course has to include a cozy down jacket! but the staples – jeans, nice tops and tees, something for an unexpected warm day or nice dinner – are consistent.

I just got home from Cornwall and I’m still jealous you’re going! It’s amazing !!! Hop your trip is wonderful.

So funny that you like to wear a red sweater because it looks good in photos. In all our travel pictures that show a group of people the eye always goes to the person in red clothes. It’s definitely a way to get noticed.

It is too funny about that windbreaker! I saw the first picture and immediately loved it too! Who knew a windbreaker could get so many compliments?! Wilmington, DE

I travel with two pairs of underpants . I wash the pair I’ve been wearing that day in the shower every night and hang overnight. If I must i blow dry them with a hairdryer in the morning. Takes a few minutes.

I would like to take the opposite stance for fun and honesty. I completely overpack and I’m good with that! I basically try to reproduce my regular life. Despite this bold philosophy, I recently met my son for a long weekend in Charleston and had to borrow his jacket a couple of days. “If you can close the suitcase easily, you aren’t done packing. ” ; )

This is such a simple, relaxed selection of clothes. Holidays are all about relaxing after all. I’m a not a carousel person either and like the challenge of travelling light. The restricted colour palette always works. Mine this year is chartreuse, cream and jade. Have a great holiday Joanna and I hope you find your grandmother well. I am ashamed to say, despite living in the UK, I have never been to Cornwall but I always enjoy reading your post and seeing all your family together.

Camo pants and any kind of slip off shoe like Sabahs or the converse with no laces. They are a DREAM for airport security.

Another note that once I did the Marie Kondo Kon Mari process I’ve been finding it way easier to pack and because everything is already folded I don’t have to roll anything. It’s great!

Love your windbreaker too! It’s an 80s vibe meets cool, chic mom with two boys look!

I’d love a post on what Toby and Anton pack! (Or what you pack for them). Packing light for kiddos on a trip is so tough!

Hope you are enjoying Cornwall – I live here (a small fishing town right on the North Coast) and the weather is gorgeous at the moment. have fun guys!

Have a lovely trip!

Are you bringing a pocketbook or fanny pack? I love relying solely on pockets for my iPhone and wallet, but sometimes need a handbag that’s doesn’t make one shoulder lopsided. Love the idea of a light stylish secure backpack too.. Any recommendations?

Can’t wait to see Toby’s packing list!
Safe and happy travels!