Packing List For Self-Catered Holidays: What to Remember
Keen to get away this year but haven’t decided where? We get it. Between pricy flights, peak seasons, time off and even where to put the dog, it can sometimes feel like too much of a hassle – particularly if you’re in charge of the booking!
However, if you’re looking for something different, a self-catering holiday in Oban might be worth considering. By booking your own space like a self-catered cottage or apartment, you can take control of your summer holiday and find something that best suits you and your party.
Why should you choose a self-catering holiday?
With a tremendous amount of options available, self-catering holidays have grown in popularity, particularly since the pandemic – with the Scottish Tourism Index finding that 44% of Scots are opting for a domestic holiday this summer.
Choosing a self-catering apartment really does what it says on the tin: allows you to take the reins when it comes to cooking and eating, so you can tailor your staycation to your party’s size, dietary needs, and even eating time.
With all of that being said, it can be easy to forget a thing or two if this is the first time you are staying in a self-catering apartment. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the must-haves to make your self-catering experience a successful one.
Packing list for self-catered holidays: What to remember
Packing for a self-catered holiday can sometimes be quite stressful.
Considering this, we’ve created a helpful list of essentials you should consider bringing on your next self-catered trip. Do remember, that your property may provide some of these things already; however, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Self-Catered Shopping List Essentials
And what better place to start our list of self-catering essentials than…the catering! While you may choose to get a takeaway or eat out on certain evenings, having a robust shopping list ensures that you and your party have everything you need to enjoy your nights in.
This means that you have base ingredients like cooking oil, and condiments, (and that one hard-to-find make-or-break ingredient for your showstopper meal). Here’s are suggestions:
- Milk
- Bread
- Coffee
- Tea
- Sauces (condiments)
- Butter
- Snacks
- Oil
- Salt & pepper
- Juices
Kitchen Items
While cooking yourself can be a rewarding experience as part of your self-catering holiday, making sure that you have all the correct utensils as part of your inventory is important to maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen space.
Although basic amenities such as fridges, microwaves, ovens, pots, pans, etc will be included as part of your stay, it’s important to remember disposable hygiene-related items, including:
- Bin bags
- Washing-up liquid
- Cloths
- Kitchen paper
- Tea towels
- Surface cleaner
Additionally, if you have any younger children (or accident-prone adults), disposable cutlery and cups may be a worthwhile addition to your checklist.
Bathroom & Cleaning Supplies
As with the kitchen, the same goes for bathroom and cleaning items. To keep your living space as clean and fresh as the day you arrived, here are our suggestions for a care-free time at your self-catered property:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Shower gel
- Surface wipes
- Bleach
- Toileteries
- Sponges
Bedroom comforts
While your self-catering provider will have made every effort to ensure your living quarters are as comfortable and as homely as possible, it’s worth remembering that during your visit, this is your space – so customise as you please!
Here’s our list:
- Cosy pyjamas
- Extra blankets
- Preferred pillow
- Favourite duvet
- Teddies
Technology
Holidays, for most of us, are a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life. While this may mean curbing screen time and breaking our connection to technology, everyone’s needs are unique.
However, if you’d prefer to keep connected to the outside world, or even if you just want to make sure you and your little ones have some rainy-day entertainment, be sure to add your tech essentials including:
- Laptops
- Torches
- Toys
- Batteries
- Smart speakers
- IPads
- Games consoles
- Device chargers and power bank
Pet supplies
Bringing a pet along for your next self-catering trip? If you don’t want your furry friend to miss out on all the fun, ensure they have enough of their creature comforts to last the duration of your stay. This includes:
- Food
- Toys
- Treats
- Bed
- Towels for post-activity cleaning
Now You Know The Essentials
Now that you know the essentials, you’re all ready for your next self-catered holiday!
If you’re still looking, we now offer our guests the chance to stay in two gorgeous seaside, self-catered Beach House and Woodland Cottage.
Click either of the buttons below to learn more about the properties: