The bed is made, there are towels in the bathroom, and the photos show a coffee maker on the counter. You’ve booked the stay. Now you’re standing over an open bag wondering whether you need to bring coffee, a flashlight, or something to cook dinner in.
Start with the confirmation email. It may tell you more than the listing did, especially about what’s stocked in the kitchen, where you’ll park, and how you’ll get to your accommodation. If you’re planning coffee on the deck or dinner by the fire, check what you’ll need to bring for both.
Bring what you need for your first meal
If you’re arriving around dinnertime, decide what you’ll eat before you leave home. If you plan to grill, bring dinner with you or pick it up on the way; a kitchenette might have enough equipment to heat up a meal you made ahead. Check what’s there before you plan to cook from scratch.
Look for the little things you reach for without thinking at home. Is there cooking oil? A corkscrew? Does the coffee maker take pods or grounds? If the property supplies a couple of servings and you like a second cup, bring extra.
Pack for the time you’ll spend outside
A heated safari tent can be warm enough to sleep in while the deck is chilly by breakfast. Check the forecast for the property and look at the overnight low. Bring a fleece or sweater if you plan to sit outside after dinner.
Bring shoes you can slip on for a trip to the bathhouse or a walk to the car. If rain is in the forecast, make them a pair that can handle wet grass or gravel. A small flashlight or headlamp is useful on an unfamiliar path after dark, especially if you’re carrying a bag or walking the dog.
Check the extras you’re counting on
Bath towels may be supplied, but you might need your own towel for the hot tub or a swim. If you’ve planned an evening around the fire pit, check whether firewood is included or sold on-site and whether fires are currently allowed. Ask before bringing wood from home, since some properties require you to buy it locally.
Look at the parking instructions, too. If there’s a walk from the lot to your tent or yurt, a bag you can carry comfortably will be easier to manage on gravel or steps than a rolling suitcase. Keep your flashlight and a warm layer where you can grab them without unpacking.
Give the first morning a little thought
You’ll probably remember your phone charger and toothbrush. What’s easier to forget is the breakfast you’ll want before you feel like getting back in the car. Pack an easy breakfast, like muffins and fruit, especially if the nearest café is a drive away. If you’re staying somewhere with spotty service, save the directions and check-in instructions to your phone before you leave.
Once you’ve packed for dinner, a cool evening outside, and coffee the next morning, there’s no need to fill the rest of the bag.