🎒 Helicopter & Skybus Edition · 15kg magic number

Luggage & Packing Guide

One month today we’ll be heading to the Isles of Scilly — where the sea meets the sky and the luggage allowance is stricter than trying to get cheese into England from France.

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Hold limit15kg per person

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BagsSoft holdalls only

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SaturdayWear something red

Luggage Rules

15kg hold limit — heli + Skybus combo

Strictest rule

Since we’re doing both helicopter and Skybus, we’re sticking to the strictest rule: 15kg total hold luggage per person. No excuses!

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Hold luggage15kg per person, max 2 pieces. Size per piece: 75 × 50 × 30cm.

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Bag typeSoft holdalls only — wheels OK, but no hard cases. One bag per person is the vibe.

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Cabin itemTiny 3kg item, 30 × 15 × 15cm: handbag, camera or binoculars.

You can combine with your other half, but no single bag over 20kg. Laptops get handed over at check-in for the special pouch. Sporty gear like golf clubs is excess only, costs extra, and needs advance notice — space is tighter than a gnat’s ass.

What to Pack

Layer up, buttercup

Weather

The Scillies has its own microclimate and the weather changes frequently: sunshine one minute, Atlantic gusts the next. Layer like your life depends on it.

Lightweight layersT-shirts and long-sleeve tops.
Warm fleece or jumperFor chilly evenings and boat trips.
Waterproof jacket / windbreakerNon-negotiable.
SwimwearFor beach days.
Sandals or flip flopsFor island hopping.
Sturdy walking shoes or trainersCoastal paths are calling.

Accessories & Extras

Useful things people forget

Essentials

Sunglasses, sun hat and high-factor suncreamUV is no joke.
Small foldable daypackFor off-island adventures.
Some cashATMs are rare on the outer isles. Support those honesty stalls.
Valid photo IDDriving licence etc. — essential for flights.
Travel insuranceBecause weather happens.
Travel bands / Stugeron if you get seasickPack them before the boats.
Binoculars or long lenses for twitchersWildlife views without disturbing animals.

Activity Notes

Horse riding and golf

Optional

Horse riding kitClose-fitting trousers plus boots with a small, defined heel.
Golf outfitNo ripped jeans, tracksuits, football shirts or very casual beachwear.
Golf shoes or clean trainersSoft spikes or clean trainers are best.

Saturday Night Special

Dress to impress

Wear red

Official dinner time, loves! Bring your A-game and please wear something RED. Could be a dress, lipstick, socks, tie, nail varnish, wig... anything goes.

Pro Tips

Tiny islands, big practicalities

Read me

Label your bags clearly for off-island transfers.
Book excess or special items early — don’t get caught out.
Check islesofscilly-travel.co.uk for the latest details.
Mobile phone coverage is patchy at best: Vodafone and Orange/EE tend to perform best; O2 is notably weaker, with signal drops on the south and eastern sides of St Mary’s.
The islands are Europe’s top location for rare and migratory birds, with over 400 species recorded — binoculars are worth the tiny cabin-item negotiation.

Luggage & Packing Guide

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