You’ve booked your self catering holiday home and are really looking forward to a break away. The real bonus behind a self catering holiday is that the houses are a home from home, and come with all you need, well nearly all you need. There are some things that you’ll really need that will be unique to you. Read on for our list of the most important things to take on your self catering holiday.
A lot of what we’re mentioning below will be common sense, but in the excitement of getting ready for a much anticipated holiday it can be easy to overlook things!
Make a list
First things first make a list. Start your list well in advance of your holiday. Think about the everyday things that you really need, and things that would put a damper on your holiday if you didn’t have. Your phone charger, migraine medication, maybe your hair straightener or shaver; whatever is important to you, make sure that you don’t leave without it.
This is the holiday that you’ve waited all year for, you don’t want to have to worry about wasting time finding a pharmacy or an electrical shop.
Medication
It goes without saying that if you’re on prescription medication you need to make sure that you bring it along to your holiday rental. The last thing you want to worry about when you’re on holiday is having to organise a new prescription with your doctor.
It’s also a good idea to bring along a first aid kit – some of our properties will have a first aid kit, but it’s no harm to bring some plasters and paracetamol/ibuprofen along, just in case. And don’t forget, should the worst happen and you do forget to bring your medication along, your host is on hand to help you out with information about local doctors and pharmacies.
Activities for Kids
When you’re on holidays you’ll be out and about a lot. Days at the beach or exploring parks and towns. But there will be times when you just feel like chilling at home, and as we all know young kids don’t really do down time. For those times you’re going to need something to keep the kids happy, and for a holiday it really is all about the simple things.
A bucket and spade, colouring book and crayons and a football. They don’t take up much space in the car but will be ideal to curb kids boredom when all you want to do is sit back and relax.
A good book
There’s nothing like a good book, and when you’re on holiday there’s really nothing like lying back and relaxing with one.
Some of our self catering holiday homes (like Helensville in Westport, Co. Mayo) have small libraries, where guests can browse and choose from the selection. But before you travel why not get a book that you’ve had your eye on for ages. With everyday life being so busy most of us have little time for embracing a good book, but your holiday is the perfect time to enjoy one, totally guilt free.
A rain coat
Ugh we hate to even mention it, but this being Ireland there is always the chance of rain. And there’s nothing worse than being caught without a raincoat and the whole family having to get matching ones in a panic. If you don’t want to bring along your usual raincoat invest in a cheap pac-a-mac. We promise the €4 or €5 investment will be worth it if you do get a rainy day while on holiday. And they’re light and pack away small so they take up very little room in your luggage.
Washing products (maybe)
You’re going on holidays and the last thing that you should be thinking about bringing are washing up products – and rightly so. But if you have any allergies or skin conditions that require you to use special cleaning products, like sensitive washing up liquid or kitchen cleaner, it’s best to bring them along so you’re not stuck when you arrive. Particularly if you’re staying in a self catering property in a very rural location where the local shop may not have specialty items in stock.
Condiments
We always recommend that our self catering guests bring one of these – a box with the condiments that you use everyday. Again, most of our self catering holiday homes will have these things but it’s no harm to bring some along just in case. Olive oil, ketchup, salt and pepper, your favourite salad dressing – just pop them in a box and it saves you having to buy some when you arrive.
These are just some ideas and if you have any others we would love to hear them! And look, if you do leave something at home it’s not the end of the world, and your host will be on hand to help out. Have a great holiday!
