By Nancy Parode
Senior Travel Expert, about.com
Packing for your vacation cottage getaway can be a challenge, particularly when you're not sure exactly what is available in your vacation rental unit. Our vacation rental checklist will help you decide what to bring and what to leave behind.
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Vacation Cottage Basics
- Owner / manager contact information, so you can call for assistance during your trip
- Final payment, if not already submitted
- Driver's license and passport
- Debit and credit cards
- Cash for local purchases if you are renting within your own country
- Cell phone and charger
- Camera and charger,
- Converters and plug adapters, if you are traveling to another country
- Sheets, towels and / or pillows, if required by your rental agreement
- Charcoal, lighter fluid and matches if a charcoal grill is available
- Firewood, if a fireplace or fire pit is available and you are not in a firewood quarantine zone
[post_ads]Kitchen and Bathroom Supplies
- Favorite spices and seasonings for cooking and grilling, including salt and pepper
- Gluten-free cooking ingredients, if needed, unless you know you will be able to buy them at a local grocery store
- Condiments (perhaps in individually-sized packets)
- Corkscrew / bottle opener
- Coffee or tea, creamer and sugar
- Favorite kitchen knife
- A small cutting board, if space permits
- Aluminum foil (handy for wrapping leftovers and for grilling)
- Extra toilet paper, tissues, paper towels and trash bags
- Laundry detergent, if you plan to wash clothes (Tip: Bring a couple of laundry detergent capsules from home to use at your cottage or the laundromat. They are easy to pack and use.)
Personal Items
- Clothing, shoes and outerwear suitable for your environment and planned activities
- Hand soap, shampoo and other personal toiletries
- Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, if needed (Tip: Bring prescription medications in original containers if you are crossing an international border.)
Recreational /Leisure Items
- Location-specific and seasonal items, such as insect repellant, beach towels and sunscreen
- Sports equipment for outdoor fun (Tip: Ask about bike helmets if the cottage has bicycles available for you to use. You will probably need to bring your own helmets from home so that you are sure you have a helmet that fits properly.)
- Reading material, board games, DVDs, playing cards and other activities suitable for rainy days (Tip: Remember to pack your charger if you bring an e-reader.)
What if I'm Flying to My Destination?
You
may not be able to bring olive oil or firewood in your checked baggage,
but you can bring small kitchen items, utility knives, spices and a
corkscrew in your suitcase without difficulty. Be sure to check the
Transportation Security Administration's list of prohibited items if you are flying to or from the US.
