Vacation Rental Checklist

After you have decided that a vacation rental is the way to go for your annual family vacation, your next step is to be sure that you have all of the necessary items for a fun- filled trip. For the most part these home or cottage vacation rentals come equipped with all of the pleasantries of home. However, you will still require toiletries, clothing, and basic first aid items. As a parent not only do you have to ensure that you have all of the things you will need, but you should probably also ensure your children won't experience the disappointment of forgetting their bathing suits when anticipating a trip to the beach!

Here is a checklist of the necessities you will need to remember on your next vacation rental trip.

For the Kids:

With kids who always get dirty and are picky about what they wear, the rule of thumb is always to pack extra. They will need these essentials in order to enjoy your family vacation. One complete outfit per day for the length of your trip along with one extra sweater, an extra pair of pants extra underwear, tops and socks. If you plan on taking them out for dinner, or to visit any relatives they will need at least one dressy outfit and one pair of dress shoes. For sleeping they will need there favourite pair of pyjamas. For their favourite outdoor activity, swimming at the beach, they will require two bathing suits, two beach towels, and a warm sweater for warming up if there is a wind blowing! Don't forget to pack them a pair of running shoes as you will be doing a lot of sight seeing. Ensuring that they are wearing the appropriate footwear will help prevent fatigue and any aches or pains associated with sore feet.

For Playing:

If you have ever been on a long trip with your kids you know that keeping them occupied is paramount. There are a number of different solutions to in car boredom. Bringing along portable board games, a deck of cards, their favorite books or stories, and a book of crossword puzzles or word searches are always popular. To quench their thirst pack a cooler filled with juice and water; to fill their snacking needs include fruits, veggies and granola bars.

For Adults:

For all of you adults taking a trip, be sure to pack one outfit for each day of your trip. Bringing an extra pair of undergarments and socks is never a bad thing especially if you plan on engaging in any physical activities such as running, biking or even walking on a hot day. Be sure to include two dressy outfits suitable for dinning in a nice restaurant, and a sweater for any cool evenings you may encounter. Be sure to pack appropriate footwear for the types of activities you will be doing. For the beach be sure to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, two bathing suits and two oversized beach towels and a beach blanket. Don't forget a pair of flip flops so you can walk around on that hot sand. In terms of toiletries you should be sure to bring essentials such as soap, your toothbrush/ toothpaste, deodorant, a razor tweezers and a hair brush along.

First Aid:

It is something that no one wants to think about when they go away on vacation. The possibility of getting injured is slim, however it is better to be prepared instead of stuck without the necessary things to treat yourself or others if someone does get hurt. The necessities of any first aid kit should include Aloe Vera gel, bug spray, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and baby wipes or moist towels which are a great thing to have to clean up. To disinfect any cuts or scrapes be sure to include rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, gauze, medical tape, Polysporin, band-aids, and splints in case of a broken bone or dislocation. For pain relief or in case of a headache Aspirin is ideal and it will also help to reduce inflammation should you pull a muscle.

Once you have reached the bottom of the list, packing should be a breeze if you first lay everything out on a bed and run down the list once more. If you reach the end and have everything on the list, then neatly place it all inside your suitcase. Going back over the list is also a great way to get yourself thinking about all of the activities you plan to take part in. If there are any special activities this practice can help spark your memory to ensure that nothing of importance gets left behind. Now all you have left to do is enjoy your lovely vacation rental.