Whether you are looking to book your annual family gathering, a romantic weekend away, or a last minute mid-week break, we all look forward to going on holiday. Whilst there are numerous different types of holiday accommodation to choose from, more and more people are opting for the convenience and flexibility of self-catering. Not only does it tend to be cheaper, but the extra space, the freedom to choose your own meal times and the comfort of staying in a ‘home from home’ makes self-catering a relaxing and fun option.
Self-catering holidays also provide a great opportunity to try a different way of living for a short while. Maybe you have a manic lifestyle and would like to relax and unwind in a peaceful country setting. Stay on a farm and feed the animals or simply listen to the birds singing whilst you read the papers over a morning coffee. Or perhaps you are seeking the hustle-and-bustle of a vibrant city where you can soak up some culture and visit an array of bars and restaurants. Or maybe you just fancy trying something different. How about living on a boat or yurt for a week?
Whatever you fancy, self-catering offers endless opportunities to do something totally different. Have a go at horse-riding, surfing, white water rafting or fishing. Enjoy some time out with the family or catch up with friends. Take your dog with you to enjoy some wonderful walks or make time to visit those popular attractions that you have been meaning to explore for ages.
To help you make the most of your well-earned holiday we have put together some suggestions of things you might like to take with you. Come rain or shine, a little bit of planning and careful packing will help ensure that you have a fantastic holiday.
Picnic hamper
It is the perfect time to dig out that picnic hamper you once received as a gift. You can have a great day out with family, friends or your loved one. Make your picnic as cheap or extravagant as you like. Add a bottle of bubbly for a romantic day by the river, or consider packing a portable BBQ to cook some sausages for a fun family breakfast on the beach. If you decide you don’t want a whole picnic hamper then make sure you pack a water bottle and lunch box for lunch on the go.
Favourite cooking utensils
If you enjoy preparing your own culinary delights, cooking a few special meals is likely to be on the agenda. Enjoy an alfresco feast during the balmy summer months or a cosy candlelit supper for two by the fire in the winter. Nearly all holiday homes are equipped with everything you will need to prepare most meals but if you own one or two kitchen utensils that you really can’t live without it is worth bringing them with you. Perhaps include a sharp kitchen knife, your favourite vegetable peeler or a few new recipes you have been meaning to try for ages. You might also want to throw in a few basic ingredients such as herbs, spices and oil to save you starting from scratch.
Games
Bring some good old fashioned games. Whilst many holiday cottage owners supply a selection of games, it’s worth packing one or two of your favourites or use the opportunity to treat the family to a new one. There is nothing better than a game of Monopoly or Cluedo by the fire on a dull or wet afternoon, or a competitive game of boule on the beach if the weather is on your side. One of our favourites is Dobble – anyone over 6 can play it from 2-8+ people and it even comes in a small tin just made for travelling. Whatever your choice of game, why not arrange a holiday tournament. Don’t forget the bubbly or a trophy for the winner at the end of the week!
Beach towels
Whilst most holiday cottages provide bath towels, if you are planning a holiday by the sea you will need to take beach towels with you. A wind break can also be invaluable and a portable sun umbrella is a good idea if you need a bit of shade. And don’t forget your sun cream, buckets and shades, kites and bat and ball for a full day of beach entertainment!
Make the most of the wildlife
If you are staying somewhere rural and you plan on exploring the countryside and wildlife don’t forget to pack your binoculars. For those who enjoy photography make sure you pack your camera and all its equipment. A holiday is the perfect time to take some great shots and capture family memories that will last forever.
Pampering
Most of us like to be pampered, especially whilst on holiday. Many holiday cottage owners will provide information on where you can find the local spa and some can arrange for you to pre book treatments that can be enjoyed in the cottage. However, if your budget is limited, take some pampering things away with you and treat yourself (or your partner) to your very own pampering session. Make time to enjoy a long relaxing bath and do a few of those beauty treatments you don’t get time to do at home.
Don’t forget your wet weather gear!
You never know what the weather has in store. However, it needn’t spoil your fun if you have the appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. It is also a good idea to do some research before you leave home and have a few rainy day ideas up your sleeve. One of the great things about a holiday in the UK is that there are a vast array of wet weather attractions to brighten up the rainiest of days. You might not need them. Or you might decide to do them anyway. You don’t need to wait for a rainy day to enjoy a trip to the local museum or snuggle up on the sofa to watch a film or read a book.
Travelling with kids
If you are travelling with young kids in tow you are likely to feel like you need to pack the entire contents of your house – including the kitchen sink. A lot of family friendly holiday home owners provide cots, high chairs, stair gates and various other baby and toddler equipment. To make your life easier make sure you ask the owner what is provided before you book your holiday. As well as the obvious day to day essentials such as nappies, baby wipes and your kids favourite teddy, I would never go on holiday with young kids without plenty of snacks, calpol and a black out blind.
You will also need to think about keeping your children occupied both during the journey and whilst you unpack. Downloading movies is a great way to keep slightly older kids occupied on long car journeys. Also consider taking some colouring books, games or send them off for a treasure hunt whilst you are unpacking!
Hit the ground running
Plan your arrival at the cottage so you can instantly start to relax and unwind. Avoid heading straight out to do a big food shop by arranging for a supermarket delivery to arrive on your first evening. Some owners might be happy to receive an on-line shop and have it put away with the wine chilling in the fridge for you. If you know you are going to have hungry kids who will want feeding soon after you arrive make sure you have packed something simple like pasta and a sauce, or pre-prepare something that can go straight in the oven like a lasagne.
If it’s just the two of you, owners can often arrange little surprises for your loved one to get the holiday off to a good start, such as champagne chilling in the ice bucket or a bouquet of flowers. If you would like to eat out on your first night make sure you plan ahead and book a restaurant in advance, especially if it is during the peak holiday season.
If you are new to self-catering holidays, I hope this article has given you a few ideas of what to take with you. We all have our own individual creature comforts, so add these in too. Some people like to take their own pillow. Or maybe you can’t go anywhere without your favourite fluffy slippers or your unique blend of fruit tea. The advantage of booking a UK self-catering holiday is that you aren’t restricted by luggage allowances. If you are travelling by car you will have plenty of space to throw in those extra bits and bobs (including ones to keep your four legged family members happy) to ensure you all have a very happy holiday.
thanx the info really helped alot