You’ve booked your week at a summer rental. Maybe it’s a house on the shore, split among friends. Or a lakeside retreat where you can escape the humidity. Whatever the case, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure a splendid time.
Most rentals probably have the basics, like pots and pans and extra towels. But there are certain items that help make an experience even better and more personal. Read on for tips from expert travelers and seasoned renters about the items they toss into their totes to make a rental feel like home.All those warm-weather activities — swimming and lying in the sun all day, hiking or kayaking — can be tiring, so it’s important to consider what you’ll need to relax once you’re home.
It’s never a bad idea to bring a small first aid kit along, too. Many houses will have some basics, but you don’t want to be in a situation where you need supplies urgently and don’t have time to run to the store, saysand an experienced beach renter. This is especially important if the trip involves drinking alcohol or if kids are coming along. Keeping a stash of Band-Aids or Tylenol on hand for nonserious injuries or minor aches and pains helps you get back to the fun faster.
To get your crew off their phones and socializing with one another, bring along favorite board games, puzzles or a deck of cards. “We’re so into technology, and we don’t always take the time to enjoy where we are, and being able to really connect without electronics is something people forget about a lot,” Bowling Ajavon says. She suggests games without too many small, easy-to-lose pieces, like.