Self Catering Holiday

wishingonastar_3

Hiya,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice? in a fortnight we are going away for our first holiday, me and dd, (and granddad also), for a week in a self catering cottage in yorkshire.
I've no idea what I'll need to take (apart from "food", lol although not sure what to take in that department, or where nearest supermarket is, hmm). we will be out most days so will probably have lunch out, although was planning to do packed lunches to make it cheaper a couple of days.
Bed linen and towels etc are provided, but as for basics like cleaning/washing up liquid etc. i have no idea. has anyone done this before and can give me some tips?
my other problem is clothes? how much do i take? i know there is a washer there, we are there for 7 days and 7 nights? any tips greatly appreciated, on what i've asked or anything else i may need to know.

Thanks,

woas.

Pink.

Hi wishingonastar,

There are a couple of older threads that might help you:

Help please with my s/c holiday

Self Catering Holiday - How can I do it on the cheap

Pink

wishingonastar_3

thanks for that pink, i ran a search but neither of thise popped up, lol.
i'll have a read at those.

many thanks

woas.

Heth_2

For a weeks holiday I would probably take enough clothes and not bother doing any washing - it is a holiday after all.
Food - I'd always make sure I told basic stuff like my pepper grinder, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a decent knife. Whenever we have self catered we have tended to eat more 'easy prepare' food than we do at home, like getting a hot chicken from somewhere, or some ready made pizzas. I like a break from everyday stuff on holiday.

WeirdoMagnet

We SC quite often. I take a tea towel, dishcloth, a travel size bottle of washing up liquid. Remember that the supermarket maybe a small/local one that is v expensive, so I'd take as much food as possible. Even if you know that the supermarket is larger, I still take a tin of beans/toms etc as they're normally cheaper in 'bulk' (ie buy 4 instead of 1). This also applies to pasta etc - just decant some of your usual into a food bag to take with you.

I guess a rough meal planner is a good start, so you half know what you'll need.

I try and make some casserole type dishes that can defrost as we travel and eat when we get there/the next day - you don't want to be spending your whole holiday in the kitchen!

And as Heth says, think of all the bits that you use regularly at home - a sharp knife, S&P, cafetiere, etc etc and the bits that you might need to make your meals.

black-saturn

Most holiday cottages provide everything you need except the food. All your cooking utensils will be there plus all your towels and usually washing up liquid too.

I would do the shopping when I get there (much more exciting then) and then you will know if you need any washing up liquid or not.

As for packing clothes I usually take 4 outfits each for each person so they wear them for 2 days each and one evening type outfit if your planning on going out in the evening.

1sttimer_2

Hi woas

I think georgina & heth have got it about right. Make things easy as possible for you as it's your holiday too. I take easy foods like pasta and sauces, packet rices and soups etc. Any fresh foods I would buy when there. If it's a large place they may have a supermarket that will have everything you need but I'd ask about washing things tho as sometimes when you get there, what they said they's leave isn't what you're used to, ie t.towels, pan scrubbers etc. I usually take my non-stick frypan/fishslice and spray oil as I never get on with someone elses! Another thing is how are you getting there? If you've your own transport then take whatever you like, but if your travelling by public services you may have to limit yourself anyway!

Enjoy yourself and I hope our weather will be good for you!

BTW where abouts in Yorkshire are you going? .

ps. Did the party go down well?

Not a quick typer here - bs post about clothes is a good one - plus wellies and raincoats (can't be too carefull LOL)

tanith

The one thing I always take is my own tin opener...

rainbowkanga

The other thing you can do is get your food delivered by Tesco/Sainsburys etc and do an online shop which saves having to pack the car to the hilt - type in the postcode of the cottage and see if they deliver....

It depends - I know some people like going holiday shopping but I've 3 little ones so always find this easier.

My mum hires out a holiday cottage and she always provides all cleaning materials/dishwasher tablets/washing powder etc. on the basis that part of the deal is that you leave the cottage as you find it - so she would rather there be plenty of stuff for people to use. However she also leaves a massive selection of DVDs, books, games etc. so I think probably errs to the generous., so don't know if that is usual...

Have a great time - and I second whoever said about hot/ready cooked chicken being really good for a quick holiday meal and not that expensive...

muddled_midget

When I was little I was a grubby little kid (now I'm a grubby adult). When we went away for the week I had to pack 4 bottoms, 7 tops, 2 sweatshirts, coat, 10 sets of underwear and socks, 2 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of jim-jams and something in case we went out in the evenings. Depending on how likely DD is to fall in the mud, try rolling down hills, fall in rock pools, spill her entire dinner down her (I did all these things regularly!) you might need slightly fewer, but I never had a situation where I'd run out of clothes I could wear. I still follow the same rules now.

Gingham_Ribbon

ARRANGEMENTS:
Leave a key for cat visitors.
Leave out cat food and vet’s number.
Fill petrol tank.
Check AA membership.
Check oil and water in car.
Check car lights.
Find out how to pick up key if needed.
Leave contact details.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Destination details/tickets/booking forms etc.
Maps.

ENTERTAINMENT:
DVD player, remote and DVDs
MP3 player
Board games
Cards
Pens and paper
Books
Diary
Camera and charger
Video camera, charger and tapes
Phone and charger

FOOD:
Herbs and spices
Olive and sunflower oil
Organic milk, cheese and yoghurt
Pasta and rice
Onions
Beans and tomatoes tinned
Fresh vegetables
Bananas, grapes, pears
Porridge oats
Oat cakes
Raisins
Garlic and garlic press
Washing up liquid

LITTLE RIBBON THINGS:

Toys
Books
Cot and quilt
Fire guard?
Pram
Changing bag
Nappies
Calpol
Cup
Dishes and spoons
Flannel Wipes
Baby monitor
Bibs
Crayons and paper

MISCELLANEOUS:

Towels
Sandwich boxes
Cool box/ picnic box
Picnic rug

TOILETRIES:

Inhalers etc
Sanitary items
Wipes
Toothbrushes
Toothpastes
Face wash
Shower gel
Shampoo
Conditioner
Coconut oil
Hairbrush
Razors
Deodorant
Paracetamol
Sun cream