A SPECIAL NOTE
This curated roundup has two purposes: to share some personal travel favorites and to announce a very special adventure. Life shifted and drastically changed in 2019, and I unexpectedly found myself with the opportunity to write a new chapter. So for the next 6 months, I will be on sabbatical in Coastal England living out my soul's dream of home alongside my little trusty sidekick kitty, Pickles Barrington.
We have a lot of editorial features in store as we share the beauty of England and its other UK buddies. Our first one will be a complete travel guide for the Isle of Wight in January, so stay tuned for that! You won't believe how idyllic it is, especially for Virginia travelers and honeymooners!
In the meantime, the Tidewater and Tulle Crew will be keeping things operating while I write behind the scenes on what makes the United Kingdom an amazing place to visit. My love for England has been 20+ years in the making, and to have the chance to stay there for awhile is a complete dream come true. If the past 12 months has anything to teach, it's that life is a multi-faceted diamond. Sometimes it gets cloudy and dark, but it's up to us to shine it up and make it sparkle again.
Come join us on the journey on the website, magazine, and social media these next few months! It's going to be pretty awesome! Totally biased, of course, but heck yes to the land of Jane Austen, scones, and thatched roofs.
- Chelsea
Editor-in-Chief of Tidewater and Tulle
High Quality Luggage
Without question, having luggage that rolls smoothly over cobblestones and time-worn lanes is non-negotiable when traveling in the UK. Our editor-in-chief is a frequent global traveler, and this has been the bane of her existence while traversing through small towns. Tested over historic Williamsburg's own cobblestone streets and 100% approved before her own adventure to England, Monos Travel saves the day and is the smoothest rolling suitcase ever used! It's the latest luggage brand to come on the scene that doesn't mess around with quality wheels and telescopic handle (the two parts that are most under pressure). Not only weather-friendly, all of Monos' suitcases come with a limited lifetime warranty. If your baggage handlers somehow crack the case or break your handles, Monos has you covered. Our loyalty is for this one just because of that!
Modern Carry-On Suitcase: Monos in Ocean Blue, $275 | Modern Check-in Suitcase (Large): Monos in Storm Grey, $345
Travel Journal
With the popularity of bullet journals and scrapbooks, why not consider a travel journal to document your honeymoon moments? What we love most about the chic travel journal from Wayfaren is that it's not just filled with blank pages. It has beautiful quotes, maps, budget sheets, trip-specific details, and a keepsake pocket to place your train or museum tickets. You can even get your journal's cover engraved in a few different design styles to personalize your romantic adventures. It's simply a gorgeous book to pack and keep.
Chic Modern Travel Journal Heirloom: Wayfaren via Etsy, $24+
Packable Raincoat
• get the goods •Golightly Waterproof Packaway Jacket: Joules in Green Spaced Floral, $80
Camera Equipment
This is a given nowadays, right? From GoPros to iPhone cameras to user-friendly DSLRs, we just want to make sure you capture your memories because you will look back years from now and be so glad you did. If you're bringing a DSLR and it's rainy, consider also bringing along waterproof camera rain cover to keep your equipment dry. And if you're traveling duo and there's no one around to take a photo together, this lightweight tripod on Amazon is one of our personal favorites and packs easily in a large check-in suitcase (like Monos!). The British countryside is magical with its misty hills and would be so romantic for a portrait!
Travel Mug for Tea
• get the goods •Hot Tea Travel Mug: Proof via Amazon, $20
Water-Resistant Walking Boots
• get the goods •Rifle Paper Co. Water-Resistant Garden Party Boots: Keds, $89.95
Layered Clothing
It's always sweater weather in England, but especially in the winter! There's a chill in the air and packing a wardrobe with layers in mind is the well-prepared thing to do. Sweaters are bulky and take up a lot of valuable suitcase space, so consider selecting two neutral-colored favorites that are mix-and-matchable. You can accessorize through scarves, gloves, and hats, but the wardrobe diversity will come through with your tops and pants. And don't forget your packable raincoat and another thicker jacket for colder days!
Windproof Travel Umbrella
Winnie the Pooh and his blustery day is no joke. Wind-kissed cheeks and noses will happen, but it's when the rain hits, that it might not be as romantic if you don't have a solid umbrella to keep you two dry. There are a lot of umbrellas out there to help with the brolly inversion problem, so do your research. With 9,000+ reviews on Amazon, we spotted this gem of an umbrella that was not only packable but has a mighty metal frame to prevent it from turning inside out. 77% 5-star reviews can't be wrong, right?!
Waterproof Weekender Tote
• get the goods •Large Waterproof Travel Tote: Logan + Lenora, $175
Medicine
If you're new to travel or even to the UK, it's a must to know that over-the-counter medications can be very different than what you're used to in Virginia. For example, acetaminophen/Tylenol is not sold in the UK; its British equivalent is paracetamol. And Allegra is only available by prescription only, so you won't be able to pick it up from a local pharmacy without a doctor's script. Anything that you use on occasion is worth packing as a just in case! (Experience Tip: Chelsea was personally not a fan of British cough drops; the flavors were too strong for her, so more mild ones from home are always in her suitcase now! You'll discover little things like that on your journey and learn what definitely is your own personal essential!)
Power Converter and Adapter
The UK has its own 3-pin electrical outlets with a different voltage than the US, so some of your electronics may need a voltage converter for electronics from the US if the converter unit doesn't automatically do this. Some modern hotels, upgraded homes, and new phones/laptops might not be a voltage concern, so inquire with your host/concierge and read through your electronic's user manuals before your honeymoon. Big advice: Don't bring a hair dryer or straightener as these do tend to blow a fuse no matter the converter based off of reader experience! However, many electronics (like iPhones or laptops) already allow a diverse voltage range, so it may eliminate the need for a voltage converter.
Get Even More England Travel Advice
on Tidewater and Tulle
• Exploring Idyllic England
• Things to Do on a Honeymoon in England
• What to Wear in London
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Gari-Ann Kia Photography of Kia & Co.
Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links are partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.
