Hi ! Thanks to all of you, I have my Brit Rail Pass, my hotels, my Eurostar ticket just one final question. What to pack? Trying to travel lightly with only carry-on since traveling by train to several destinations. Just how cold will Scotland be the middle of May? Traveling between London, Edinburgh, York, and Paris. I know I need raincoat and umbrella. Do I need heavier jacket? Do I need a hat for the Horse race in York or really dressed?
Many thanks! Johanna

Plan to dress in layers, and do laundry if necessary.

Lee Ann

Having just got home from giving a packing class to 75 folks - I'm sort of packing "talked out" at the moment.

But just to get you started - I would totally forget about a raincoat. Sure it might rain - but a small umbrella and a windbreaker or light jacket is all the more you'd need.

Whether it is warm or cold or in between - you use the same clothing. Just layer when it is cooler. Unless you are visiting the races w/ some dignitary or in a members enclosure you don't need to wear anything special to the races. And except for right on the coast when it can be cool and blustery at any time.

No telling how cold it will be in Scotland in May - or in Paris or anywhere else for that matter. All the places you are going are pretty temperate and unlikely to be cold - but cool days are definitely possible. So are warm days. But not frigid or hot so that you don't need winter wear or shorts. Just mix/match/layer.

Quite likely to be pleasant, especially if sunny during the day. (Check weather forecast before your departure). Though it could be windy or chilly. You would probably need a jumper in the evenings.

I'd say it could definitely be in the 40s (Fahrenheit) in Scotland. I'm pretty sure I had some nights at that temperature in August.

Well, May in Scotland can still be pretty cold and rainy. I'd bring a lightweight rain coat or long rain jacket and layer with something warm underneath.

Thanks Janisj, I should be taking one of your classes. Since traveling so many days by train, trying to have only one main suitcase (carry-on). I am happy to hear that I don't need to carry a trench coat(rain coat). Thanks W9London, WillTravel and ElendiPickle. Someone suggested long silk underwear. Will I need this in Scotland? Thank you all for the suggestions. Packing is always the hardest part for me! Johanna

To clarify - a rain jacket/windbreaker is fine. I meant you won't need a trench or heavy duty rain coat.

40's (F) daytime in May is not all that likely. But yes, that could be expected at night. Daytime average highs are in the high 50's/60's. But layering under your jacket and a scarf at night is warm enough. It can be quite warm - overheated even - indoors.

We are also going to Scotland in mid May. I checked weather underground at http://www.wunderground.com/history/...erHistory.html

At the side of the page is a place to put in your travel dates and then the data for the past 10 years will show.

They show the historical weather for cities for the past few years and I agree with Mimar's posting, if history is any indicator, it will be cold. It is common for the lows to be in 40’s. I really hate being cold, so I am taking a lined rain coat.

2 things I've learned the hard way:

1. Take more than one pair of shoes, and be prepared that your feet may be swollen from the long flight for even a few days. This gets worse as I get older, but my teenaged daughter has the same problem. But bring clothes you like and are comfortable in. No one but you cares what you wear.
Oops, is this three thngs?

2. Be prepared that the outfit you wear on the plane may make you want to burn it when you arrive(especially if you spend two hours in the Heathrow immigration lane). Change when you get to your hotel/apt, wash it if you can, and put it in the closet till you're ready to face it again.

sure, there can be LOWs in the 40s. But that is the low - i.e. at night. Not when someone is out hiking or sightseeing. At night one is usually in the pubs, restaurants, at the theatre, in the hotel - all places it will be more likely too warm rather than too cold.

Average HIGH temps (i.e. daytime) are in the low 60's. That is when one is outside hiking, walking, sightseeing.

One of my layering tricks is a super lightweight, long sleeved, silk knit undershirt. It's pretty, it folds up to and weighs nothing, and goes under just about anything. I have one in black, white and beige, just like bras. I keep one in my suitcase in case there is cold or cold and wet weather. It is absolutely toasty with that on.

Warm socks in the suitcase, too.

I would never travel with a trench coat. Too much fabric, a bit bulky... a friend took one to Rome and although she is always nicely dressed, it somehow didn't look right.

Hi Johanna,
I've just come back from Italy, Ireland and snowy England and have reconfirmed that you never need to travel with loads of clothes. It wasn't a very long trip, only 20 days, but I don't think it makes any difference if you are traveling for a week or a month, you alway pack the same quantity.

I took 4 pairs of trousers and only wore 3 of them.

5 tops and 1 shirt, didn't wear the shirt.

1 'smart' fleece, 1 light-weight black jersey.

1 warm jacket.

1 pair of trainers and one pair of smarter leather shoes.

3 sets of underwear and socks.

I forgot to take my gloves and scarf and would have bought some but ended up not bothering.

The secret is to wash clothes as you take them off. Most things will dry overnight indoors.

May will be a lot warmer than March.

Have fun

johanna, you are smart to travel light. You will be very glad every time you get on and off the train. Not to mention in and out of the hotels.

Mischka's list is a good one. I'd bring a fleece jacket and a lightweight rain shell and an umbrella. Carry the umbrella in the cities and the shell otherwise. I've visited Scotland 4 times in August and have always needed the fleece. Not every day, mind you, but it has always gotten chilly. I'd also have a cardigan sweater, some long sleeve t's and some short sleeve t's. Definitely throw in the silk long johns, but maybe just the top. It's miserable to be cold when traveling. Carry a lightweight tote with you each day so you can just toss in the fleece or sweater if it warms up.

WOW!What terrific suggestions.Thanks Mischka for the list. I copied it down. I will have to repack again!JCBT, I will put my dates in at wunderground. Thanks, JanisJ. I took out my heavy trench coat and will take a rain jacket with hood that I bought in Berlin several summers ago. My sig. other said I wouldn't need a jacket and he would buy one if it got cold. It did, so I will take that jacket which has many pockets and I won't have to carry a purse. (I tend to be absent-minded while sightseeing, so not carring a purse has kept me from losing things on solo trips) I have left cameras in restaurants and churches in Germany and France but found them.Thanks SusanSDG, I too, have to take more than one pr of shoes. I have a slip-on, no back that I wear with socks on the plane. It is easier to take them off at airports and my feet do swell even in Business. Tuscanlifedit, I tried to get those silk undies on line but they wouldn't arrive before I leave but I have some of those sleeveless ones to wear under blouses and sweaters that I will take. I am taking a few prs of socks & if I am still cold , I will buy them in Scotland. I plan to take one light-weight pants & shirt for the warmer weather in Paris. Thanks, all. I am really looking forward to the trip. I appreciate all of the help. It will be a first for me if I can make it on one small suitcase and since I don't have sig other and his car,traveling solo and lots of train travel, I WILL have to make it work. So back to that suitcase!!!Many, thanks. Johanna