So you’ve made up your mind to skip the usual motels and hotels and rent a private villa for this year’s family getaway. Now the question is, what do you pack?
Given that it was you who made the decision, you already know that vacationing in a villa is nothing like being cooped up in a hotel. For one thing, most vacation villas are outfitted like your home and you will most likely have access to a washing machine and dryer. This will help cut down the amount of luggage you you’ll have to carry.
Let’s look at what you really need to pack for a stay in your vacation villa for your annual holidays, with some tips from our friends at “Location Espagne” …
DOCUMENTATION You will definitely want to pack your plane tickets and directions to your your private vacation villa with you. Make sure your passport is up to date. It is recommended to make photocopies of all your documents, including passports, birth certificates, ID, plane tickets, itinerary and travel insurance.
TOWELS – Most villas will supply towels for both indoor use and outdoor use for the pool and beaches. Contact the villa owner to see what they offer. Beach towels can usually be purchased relatively cheap, so unless you have room for towels don’t bother packing them. If you have extra room on your way back bring it with you or just leave it behind.
MEDICATION – Let’s state the obvious. It is paramount to pack your medication when travelling. You’ll need to plan for any delays if something goes wrong with your scheduled flight and you have to wait a few extra days to return home. Make sure you not only pack all essential medications for you and your family, but also any allergy medications like Epi-Pens. You might also want to pack the repeat prescription forms. Pack your medication with the bags you bring on-board with you, just in case your checked luggage ends up in a different time zone.
WARDROBE – As mentioned, your villa rental may come complete with a washer and dryer, in which case you can pack light. It is always advisable before you pack to check with the owner of the vacation rental first to ensure that these facilities are available. The amount and type of clothing you pack will depend upon where you are traveling and what activities you are planning on doing while there.
TOILETRIES – A great way to save room in your luggage is to leave all non-essential toiletries behind. There is little need to drag bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, body wash and such half-way around the globe. The location where you are travelling to likely has a shop where you can purchase such items as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and whatever other essentials you require. If you have allergies to products and have your own specific brands you prefer, then of course bring them along.
HAIR DRYERS – Some people can’t live without their hair dryers. When it comes to a family vacation a hair dryer is not essential, and your hair dryer might not even work in the country you are travelling to without an adapter. Most villas will supply hair dryers so just contact the private vacation villa owner before you begin packing to ensure that they do.
NOURISHMENT – Many countries have strict requirements when it comes to bringing food across the border.. Most things will not be allowed in to the country, so save the space in your luggage and leave your favourite treats behind.
CURRENCY – You might want to to pack some local currency and coins in your carry-on luggage. After you get off the plane you and the kids may be hungry or thirsty and having some local currency in small dominations will help you refuel before you head off to your vacation rental.
EARBUDS Most airlines charge a few dollars to purchase their earbuds to be able to watch the in-flight televisions and movies. Although they are usually no more than $5 it is advisable to bring along your own if you have them.
ENTERTAINMENT – Some flights can be very long and boring if you have nothing to occupy yourself and your kids with. Some vacations can be like that, too – especially if it rains and you can relax in the comfort of your vacation rental. Pack some books, puzzles, cards, travel sized board games and handheld devices. The last thing you want is a cranky kid on a four plus hour flight. Not only will it make your flight much more enjoyable, but it will make it easier for adults to relax in the villa.
Just remember, whether your plans are at Costa Blanca Villa Location or elsewhere, you are only going away for a small amount of time, so try not to over pack. As the semi-famous saying goes, pack light enough to travel.
