So, this festive season, you’ve decided to get away from it all and take your family off on a self-catering holiday by the sea. Sounds positively blissful, right? And it will be with a little bit of planning and a few essential checklists. Get these sorted before you go and you’ll have nothing to do but relax and enjoy once you’re there.
When it comes to self-catering, we count ourselves as experts. Our beautiful cottage by the sea, for example, has everything you could need for that break away from it all, on your own terms. And we’ve done our best to make sure that you enjoy your luxury home away from home as much as possible. To make doubly sure you get the most out of your holiday, whether you’re staying with us or somewhere else, we’ve got five to-dos to add your pre-holiday planning.
To-do list for a relaxing self-catering break away
1. Know what’s there (and what’s not)
Before leaving home, make sure you know what your self-catering accommodation has (and hasn’t) got. For example, you might have booked beds but not linen or there might be braai facilities but no braai tools or firelighters. At Ramsgate Cottage, we’ve got a fully kitted kitchen (and a cleaning service!) but no TV (as we prefer peace and quiet) but you’re welcome to bring yours along if you’d like as we do have a satellite dish.
2. Pack your can’t-live-without-items
While most self-catering accommodation is close to amenities and facilities like local shopping centres (ours has a whole range to choose from), there will always be items that you will have to take with you that might be difficult to source away from home. Make a special note to get these in order before your trip. Refilling a chronic medication script, for example, is an item that needs to go at the top of your to-do list.
3. Plan your menu
While a self-catering holiday is supposed to be carefree and relaxing, you will still have to cook daily meals for your family for most of the time. Take the stress out this task by planning ahead and creating a menu for the holiday. Fill it with easy to make and enjoy meals (definitely include some recipes the whole family can make together) and cross-check it with your shopping list. It’s important to be flexible while on holiday but it’s good to know that you have a food safety net and you can relax about what’s for dinner every night.
4. Think little people
Toddlers and young children have different needs to older members of the family. From their meals to their bath equipment to all the entertainments of the day, young children need a wide variety of items to feel comfortable and have fun. Be sure you’ve got all their travel needs sorted before you step out your front door or your holiday will be more nightmare than dream trip.
5. Secure the home front
To truly enjoy a break away from it all, you need to make sure that everything is safe and sorted at home. Do you have a house or pet sitter? Need to switch off the geyser or set the pool timer? What about your security plans? Add a final house check to your to-do list and make sure that you can leave home without a care in the world.
Have you booked your self-catering holiday yet? For a beautiful setting, comfortable surrounds, and loads of relaxation, right on the beach, you can’t do better than Ramsgate Cottage! Browse our website or drop us a line and we’re sure you’ll love what we have to offer.