Tell me how to do London for an night using hand luggage only

[stormyseason]

on easyjet!

Hotel has a hairdryer but everything else I have to provide.

I am sort of assuming I need to get hold of either shampoo and conditioner in one or sachets from magazines but what about clothes, make up deoderant etc?

I take it on EJ I can't have a rucksack as luggage and my handbag?

If you are travelling hand luggage only, there are a couple of things to consider.

You are only allowed one small transparent bag of liquid toiletries, and I tend first to pack stuff like face moisturiser, mascara, foundation that costs more and that I don't want to be replacing.

Then, if I have the space, I take travel-sized shampoo/conditioner/body moisturiser. Anything I can't fit in, I buy when I get to the other size.

I guess what I'm saying is that the key is to make sure you use that precious plastic bag for stuff that you don't want to waste money on replacing.

Yuo'll need to check with Easyjet what the hand luggage dimensions are, but I bought something called a Cabin Max which fulfils mazimum dimensions, and it's been a saving grace when it comes to flying low cost and avoiding hold baggage charges.

I would buy it all when you get here and leave it here - if you are able to buy cheap shampoo/conditioner/deodrant etc etc etc

It will cost you as much in magazines to get the free samples! Are you going with a friend? Could you share the cost of the items above?

What about travel sizes from Boots, or decant your own products into travel containers (also from Boots and the like)? I did Edinburgh on hand luggage only, so it can be done :)

For perfume, use sample sizes doled out by friendly beauty counters, or sent by some companies when you place an order (eg. Jo Malone)

Doesn't the hotel provide those tiny bottles of shampoo etc? Not usually top quality, but will do for one night...

If youre only going for one night cant you just wash youre hair before you go?

We do have shops in London where are you coming from? Why not treat yourself to a blowdry before or after your flight?

I have done a week's ski holiday with just hand luggage in the past. Are you being a bit high-maintenance?

Boots and Superdrug sell sets of little bottles that you can put your shampoo/shower gel/body lotion into.

Clothes - how many clothes do you need for one night?

My thoughts exactly wellwisher

DH and I did 3 nights at disneyland paris with 3 under-5s with hand luggage only!

If the hotel is providing a hairdryer then they will surely be providing shampoo? If they don't or you want the certainty of your own, the supermarkets and Boots sell a range of travel sized toiletries these days.

If it's only for one day, then you only need one extra set of clothes, surely?!

I'd be worried about how little I had in my bag, not how to fit it all in! I've managed a 3 day trip to New York with hand baggage before.

I have a similar bag to NoWayNoHow, but with wheels.

I would buy shampoo/conditioner in a travel size on arrival and just leave it behind. You are limited to what you can fit into a 20x20cm plastic bag so make sure all your make up (they consider lipstick and mascara as well as foundation liquid) and deodorant fits into that

Trust me as a Londoner the way to get Londoners to take an instant dislike to you is to turn up with a MASSIVE suitcase and then drag it all over the tube in rush hour.

I know you won't be doing that OP, I suppose my point is most people seem to drastically overpack for London in their excitement. It doesn't offer that many opportunities in a 24 hr period for full outfit change (complete with high-style, appreciative audiences). The streets are not awash with fashion bloggers, promise.

You should be easily able to manage with a hand-luggage sized bag for a one-night stay surely? One change of clothes, toiletries bag, a book to read on the plane/train...I don't see the problem really . Is there lots of additional stuff you need for your trip, e.g. work-related?

Hotel will probably have shampoo etc in the room, unless it's one of the budget ones like Travelodge, but even then you can usually buy it at reception if need be.

The Easyjet flights I go on are very strict about not letting you take a handbag and a carry on case. I always end up having to stuff my handbag into the case at the gate.

I tend to wear the same daytime outfit for 2 days (ie jeans, boots, cardi) with maybe a different top. Leaves room for a going out outfit, PJs and of course some space for shopping! Usually wear a coat that will do for day and night time too.

I have a carry on case with wheels thats easy to lug around - even on Oxford Street

Asda do a fairly extensive range of travel sized toiletry items. Unless you are coming in from abroad?
I'd just use what the hotel has on offer and maybe get a tiny sample of a hair serum if (like me) your hair would be dry using too harsh a shampoo.

Chippy where did you get your cabin max with wheels - or whats it called and I can google.

It's not a 'cabin max' brand - not sure what it is but i bought it in Bentalls. Think they are called 'convertible backpacks' or some such description. HTH

this looks good

Thanks Chippy. Am wondering if I need the wheels hmmm.
I need to sort out all my luggage - last year got stung both ways with old heavy, suitcases - even when empty.

Thank you everyone.

I AM HIGH MAINTENANCE!!!! This is why I asked for help because I know how bad I am.

Anyways, the flights have been ditched and we are going by train as it works out quicker so no issues with toiletries!

I was struggling a bit with the little clear bag with shampoo, conditioner, showergel, deoderant, moisturiser blah blah blah!

I always find my hair and skin are extra grubby after being in London anyway - so all your stuff might not make much diff anyway.

Plus I am off to Claridges for afternoon tea so I can't really look like I've been dragged there can I!

Claridges bound to have posh handcream in loo. Use it on your body when having a pee!

Don't wear green for afternoon tea... the woman opposite us wore a green floral frock and clashed with the chairs, tea pots, cups etc. Not the best look

Remember if you love the Marco Polo Jelly (tea infused jam to us Brits) you can buy a pot to take home!

tracyK just as an aside, do'nt forget that hand luggage normally has a limit of 10kg, so a bag with wheels takes up more of your weight allowance.