In the 6th grade, I did a report on Elizabeth I and learned about Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and a magical place called London.

London, I soon learned, did not sprout, grown, from the banks of the Thames but instead was a Pict settlement then a Roman outpost followed by a succession of conquerors and invasions until we come to 1549. Henry VIII decides that he would rather marry someone other than his wife, sparking what could be called one of the most game-changing events of history, separation from the Holy Church. I was hooked. To think of a place that had history, centuries before my own had even been discovered provided considerable fodder for my already overactive imagination.

Many years later, I had the pleasure of visiting London for a few days. At the time, the exchange rate was horrible for the dollar and I was on a college student budget. My time involved a lot of walking and cornish pasties. But the architecture didn’t disappoint and neither did the history woven through the city like a forgotten spider web. It left an indelible mark on me and I looked forward to my return.

Now, 10 years later, London is much more affordable, the exchange rate is much better and the city holds the same mystic sway that I felt so many years before. As an American, there are not many places I come across in daily life that are so steeped in history as parts of London.

But jet lag in the winter sucks.

Top Five Winter Packing Tips

Disclaimer - nothing in this post is sponsored, it’s just all my opinion

Base Layer

I brought and wore two versions: a synthetic one from Uniqlo and a wool one from SmartWool. I had done a bunch of research and there were good arguments for both. I found the synthetic base layer more convenient as they were thinner but the wool base layer was warmer.

Comfy, warm boots

I wanted waterproof, warm, comfortable boots for this trip and these fit the bill.

Knit hat

Something that covers your ears.

Gloves

Tech gloves are a good choice so you can still use your phone for pictures.

Tissues

Walking around in the cold weather, my nose was constantly running. And rather than making my mittens snot rags, I carried a pack in my pocket at all times.