A cottage vacation offers the opportunity for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Typically this kind of holiday provides a peaceful setting where you can unwind and reconnect with nature.
This blog post will help you prepare for your trip by providing essential tips on packing for a cottage vacation. We’ve done all the research for you, covering:
- Clothing and footwear
- Toiletries and personal items
- Kitchen and dining items
- Technology and entertainment
- Miscellaneous items, and
- Carry on bag.
We even give packing tips on how to factor your destination’s weather into the equation while you’re getting ready for your trip.
By following this ultimate packing list guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a relaxing and memorable cottage vacation!
Planning Your Packing
Before cramming things into your luggage and carry-on, research the weather, activities, and amenities at your chosen cottage. This will help you to decide what items are necessary and which can be left behind.
Creating packing lists well in advance will minimise travel-related stress and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Compared to the inconvenience of discovering you’ve left something vital behind, the time it takes to check off a list when packing for a cottage break is well worth the effort!
Choosing light and versatile items is key to packing for a cottage vacation. By doing so, you’ll save space in your checked luggage. This will make it easier to transport and allow for more flexibility. You’ll also potentially have to fork out less on luggage charges – not to mention avoiding dragging unnecessary items halfway around the world!
Factoring weather when preparing for a cottage break
There are diverse cottage vacation settings and experiences offered worldwide. These can be anything from quaint English countryside cottages to serene lakeside cabins in North America. If you’re thinking about a European adventure, Britain, Ireland, and France are renowned for having charming rural cottages featuring traditional architecture and reflecting local culture.
Local weather considerations play a big role, of course. In many cases, these will greatly influence your travel checklist. Given the wide variety of geographical locations and seasonal variations, it’s important to research the climate of your destination before packing.
Winter temperatures in England can range from 0 to 7°C (32° – 45°F), while summers average 9–18°C (48°–64°F), though have climbed to over 30°C in heat waves. The United Kingdom has the highest number of thatched cottages in the world. Some, like the enchanting 18th-century Well Cottage in Dorset, have been upgraded to offer luxurious accommodation.
North America has cottages in regions like the Canadian Rockies, Adirondack Mountains, and Great Lakes area. These are not always warm weather destinations, so warm clothing is a must!
Scandinavia’s striking natural beauty includes cosy log cabins in Finland and traditional Norwegian mountain huts – again, cold!
Australia and New Zealand also feature cottages in locations such as the Australian Outback and New Zealand’s rolling countryside, with wide variations in temperature.
Not all cottage stays are equal when It comes to essential packing
Distinguishing between standard cottage rentals and luxury, all-inclusive cottage vacations is really important when it comes to packing.
Standard cottage rentals often come with basic amenities. This means that guests may need to bring their own linens, towels, and cooking essentials, for instance. Check with the rental provider to determine what’s included.
On the other hand, luxury cottage vacations typically provide lots more amenities, services, and comforts. The best may even come with a resident chef, on-demand chauffeur and concierge services. For example, English Cottage Vacation – with a luxurious 18th-century thatched cottage in Dorset, UK – lays on everything from gourmet meals by a live-in chef, to a dedicated in-house driver.
Clothing and Footwear
Focus on comfortable, casual attire that suits the season and intended activities when packing for a cottage vacation. Warm layers, such as sweaters and jackets, are essential. The same applies to waterproof shoes for exploring the great outdoors.
If you get too warm, it’s easy enough to remove a layer of clothing – a much better option than getting drenched or chilly because you’re not protected from sudden downpours or icy gusts.
Consider planned activities and only pack appropriate clothing and footwear. Items that can be mixed and matched will let you create more outfits with fewer pieces. You can also use packing cubes which help to keep all your travel essentials organised.
The object is to have lighter, more manageable luggage. So, if you’re eyeing those Manolo Blahnik pumps, ask yourself, “Will I really want to wear these on country hikes?!”
Cottage vacation packing list: Clothing and footwear
To help you come up with a checklist when packing for a cottage vacation, here’s a list of clothing, footwear and accessories:
- T-shirts and/or casual tops
- Long-sleeve shirts (for layering or cooler evenings)
- Lightweight sweater or hoodie
- Comfortable pants or shorts (e.g., jeans, leggings, khakis)
- Sleepwear
- Undergarments and socks
- Bathing suit (if applicable)
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Waterproof shoes or boots (e.g., hiking boots, rain boots)
- Comfortable walking shoes (e.g., sneakers, sandals)
- Water shoes or sandals (if planning water-based activities)
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or bandana (for sun protection or warmth)
This list should serve as a useful starting point for your own personalised packing list.
Toiletries and Personal Items
Essential toiletries when packing for a cottage vacation a cottage vacation again depend on the climate and conditions. They might include sunscreen, insect repellent, and so on. Obviously, any necessary medications are a must.
Packing travel-sized items can help save space in your suitcases whilst still ensuring you have everything that you’ll need.
It’s important to consider any specific needs or preferences when you’re packing personal items. For example, if you wear contact lenses, be sure to pack enough solution and a spare pair of glasses. You want to be able to enjoy those unforgettable sights with 20/20 vision!
Cottage vacation packing list: Toiletries and personal items
Let’s have a look now at an example list for the kinds of toiletries and personal items you may need to take on your cottage holiday:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
- Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
- Razor and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen (broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Moisturizer (face and body)
- Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
- Glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution (if applicable)
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair accessories (e.g., hair ties, headbands)
- Travel towel or quick-drying towel
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Remember to customise this list based on your specific needs, preferences, and the duration of your time away from home. Again, take advantage of travel-sized or multi-purpose items to save more precious space in your luggage.
Kitchen and Dining Items
Packing reusable water bottles, food containers, and bags will help minimise waste and make dining more convenient during your cottage vacation. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to pack appropriate items to accommodate your needs.
To save time and effort, consider packing snacks and easy-to-make meals that can be enjoyed throughout your stay. This will make dining at the cottage a breeze and allow you to focus on relaxation and enjoyment.
Cottage vacation packing list: Kitchen and dining items
Here’s a handy cottage vacation checklist for kitchen and dining items:
- Reusable water bottle/s or hydration system
- Food storage containers (e.g., Tupperware, reusable silicone bags)
- Reusable shopping bags (for grocery trips or carrying items)
- Cooler bag or small portable cooler (for day trips or picnics)
- Portable coffee or tea maker (e.g., French press, travel mug with infuser)
- Basic seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, favourite spices)
- Condiments in small containers (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
- Non-perishable snacks (e.g., granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
- Easy-to-prepare meals (e.g., pasta, canned soups, instant rice)
- Aluminium foil or reusable silicone baking mats
- Dish soap, sponge, and dish towel
- Cooking utensils (if not provided, e.g., spatula, tongs, can opener)
- Portable or disposable cutlery and plates (for picnics or day trips)
- Corkscrew or bottle opener
- Travel-sized cutting board and knife (if needed for food preparation)
- Paper towels or reusable cloth towels
Of course, many cottage rentals come equipped with basic kitchen and dining items. What’s more, if you’re lucky enough to be going on an all-inclusive luxury cottage vacation, you won’t need to worry about most of the above! Check with your cottage host or landlord to determine what’s already included, then adjust this list to suit.
Technology and Entertainment
Hey! It’s important to unplug and embrace the natural surroundings during your cottage vacation! But we get it, sometimes it’s impossible to go completely off-grid. And packing all your devices and a few entertainment items can actually help enhance your experience.
Keep in mind the interests of your entire group when you’re picking entertainment items for a family vacation. Packing things that can be enjoyed by everyone ensures a fun and inclusive vacation for all.
Cottage vacation packing list: Technology and Entertainment
Time for another cottage packing list! Check out these technology and entertainment items you might not want to forget to bring along:
- Cell phone and charger
- Portable power bank (for charging devices on-the-go)
- Camera (with extra batteries or charger and memory card)
- Waterproof phone case or pouch (for water-based activities)
- E-reader or tablet (with charger and preloaded books or movies)
- Headphones or portable speaker (for personal or group entertainment)
- Travel-sized board games or card games
- Puzzle books (e.g., crossword, Sudoku)
- Notebook and pen (for journaling or sketching)
- Binoculars (for wildlife observation or stargazing)
- Outdoor activity equipment (e.g., frisbee, beach ball, inflatable pool toys)
- Fishing gear (if applicable)
- Compact or foldable camping chairs (for outdoor relaxation)
- Travel-sized hammock (for lounging in nature)
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife (for various tasks or emergencies)
As always, remember to adjust options based on the interests and preferences of your travel group. And factor in what amenities and activities are waiting for you at your holiday cottage. Pack what you know will enhance your vacation experience while encouraging relaxation and connection with nature.
Miscellaneous Items
Let’s face it – there’s always something we forget to pack. And more often than not, it’s one of those pesky miscellaneous items!
As always, be sure to gauge needs or preferences in terms of these equally important bits and pieces when travelling abroad.
Packing for a cottage vacation: Miscellaneous items
Here’s a short example packing list for miscellaneous items to consider for a cottage vacation:
- Trip itinerary
- Emergency contacts
- First aid kit (with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.)
- Insect bite relief cream or stick
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Maps and guidebooks (for local attractions or hiking trails)
- Waterproof matches or lighter (for campfires or grilling)
- Umbrella or lightweight rain poncho
- Beach towels/outdoor towels
- Travel laundry bag (for dirty or wet clothes)
- Laundry detergent or travel-sized laundry soap (for hand washing)
- Travel clothesline or drying rack (if needed)
- Extra plastic bags or reusable dry bags (for wet or dirty items)
- Collapsible daypack (for day trips or hikes)
- Reusable waterproof bags (for keeping items dry during water activities)
- Sports equipment or gear (e.g., bicycles, paddleboards, life jackets, water bottle)
- Travel-sized sewing kit (for minor repairs)
- Travel document organizer
- Money belt
Once more, this non-exhaustive list is meant to serve as a starting point. Adjust it according to your particular circumstances, as well as what’s already available at your cottage rental.
Carry On Recommendations
When packing for a cottage vacation, it’s important to have a well-organised carry on bag with essentials and valuable items easily accessible during your journey.
Here’s a list of recommended items to include in your carry-on for a cottage vacation:
Items to consider packing into your carry on
- Travel documents (ID, driver’s licence, passports, rental agreement, travel itinerary)
- Wallet (cash, credit cards, emergency contact information)
- Electronic devices (smartphone, tablet, e-reader, camera)
- Chargers and power banks
- Medications
- Snacks and refillable water bottle
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Lightweight change of clothes
- Weather-appropriate accessories (sunglasses, hat, scarf, gloves)
- Entertainment (books, magazines, puzzle books, or downloaded movies)
- Travel pillow and blanket
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Reusable or disposable face masks
- Valuables (jewellery, watches, etc)
- Keys
Having these items in your carry ons ensures that you’ll be prepared for various situations during your journey. It also means that your most important belongings will remain secure and close at hand.
Conclusion
Preparing for a cottage vacation involves considering various factors. You have to think about clothing and footwear, toiletries and personal items, kitchen and dining items, technology and entertainment, and miscellaneous items. This is why it’s so important to create packing lists ahead of time in order to keep your checked bag as light as possible.
Always question whether you actually need what you’re packing. If it’s absolutely essential, it goes in! If not, leave it until last and then once again weigh up the value of bringing it with.
Pack wisely, taking into consideration whether you’ll be visiting warm weather destinations or cooler climes.
Following the advice we’ve shared for your ultimate packing list means you can rest assured knowing that you’re ready for your upcoming cottage experience.
Final word
Your packing lists will be much shorter – and you’ll be relaxing a whole lot more – when you book a luxury, all-inclusive English Cottage Vacation in the idyllic Dorset countryside!
Co-hosts Laura and Nathan provide a VIP experience like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Well Cottage, set in glorious gardens with views of rolling fields all around, offers next-level comfort with sumptuous accommodation. While still maintaining its authentic charm, it also features mod cons you just wouldn’t expect in a traditional 18th-century thatched cottage.
What’s more, accomplished chef Laura will create delicious and healthy gourmet meals using home-grown and locally sourced organic ingredients. Nathan (who is also a drinks expert) will be your dedicated driver/guide, taking you on a range of exciting excursions around Dorset and beyond.
All your daily essentials will be taken care of when you choose from the range of all-inclusive packages available.
Make your next trip completely hassle-free and book your exclusive English Cottage Vacation today – less packing, more pampering!
