Packing Tips to Make a Vacation Rental Feel Like Home

Packing the right gear can make a vacation rental feel like home

Staying at a vacation rental is not at all like staying in a hotel. Often in good ways. Sometimes in bad--or at least unexpected--ways. Over the years, we’ve stayed in a variety of hotels and rentals in different parts of the world, from roadside dives and funky hipcamps to fancy resorts and high-end condos.  What I like about higher end hotels is their predictability.  I know I’ll find a good mattress, an assortment of pillows, a coffee maker, and a clean bathroom.  The smells will be antiseptic but not unsettling.  There will be someone standing by to assist if I need advice about local transport or something goes wrong.  What I don’t like about hotels, even the nicest ones, is that they tend to be pretty generic—mass-produced art and lowest-common-denominator style.  Everyone’s a visitor, so there’s that permanent “just passing through” feel.  Most hotels are located in touristy areas rather than local neighborhoods.  It’s easy to have a tourist experience and think that’s what the place is all about, when in reality locals are leading a completely different (and fun) life in a distant neighborhood that you’ll never hear about—often at a fraction of the cost.

A Joshua Tree hipcamp fit the bill. “High-end Aloha,” not so much.

Vacation rentals, while often unique, can be a little too unpredictable.  We’ve had some amazing experiences. In Joshua Tree, under a full summer moon, the official campsites were completely full, so we went on Hipcamp and AirBNB to find an alternative.  We ended up on a mountaintop overlooking the desert where a young man and his Mom had opened up an overflow camp, spanning several acres of rock formations, cacti, and Joshua trees.  There was a communal kitchen with firepits bustling with travelers from all over the world, clean porta-potties that smelled like lavender, and moonlight hiking with strategically placed solar-powered lights to guide the way.   Our host bustled from camp to camp, getting to know everyone and spreading the communal vibe.  The whole experience felt like an impromptu slumber party of magical seekers who’d been edged out of Joshua Tree into something far better.  And, of course, we’ve had the opposite experience too. In Kauai, we paid top dollar to stay in a 70s-style condominium in a sad complex that smelled like roach killer and cigarettes.  It was advertised as “high-end Aloha!”  In Arizona, our “tiny home on the river” turned out to be a drab-colored pre-fab in a trailer park. 

We’ve tried to make Happy Cabin a pleasant surprise—not quite a Joshua Tree hipcamp full of interesting strangers but definitely not “high-end Aloha!” or drab.  We’ve incorporated details we appreciate at nice hotels—plentiful hot water, quality linens, an assortment of pillows, shampoo, conditioner and soap, a starter supply of coffee, a coffee maker, and a clean, fresh vibe.  That said, packing a few extras is often just the thing to make someone else’s second home feel like home to you.  Here’s a short list of things to consider packing when you visit Happy Cabin. 

favorite toy for each child

There’s a basket of toys in the closet if you’re in a pinch, but there’s nothing quite like a well-loved stuffie or book to help the kids settle in.

Board games

We have a solid selection of the classics, but board game traditions run deep. Bring something you know the whole family will enjoy.

DVDs/Blu-rays/streaming flicks for movie night

Large Smart TVs in the living room and bunkroom are ready for streaming Fire TV, Netflix and other popular options. 

Spices & condiments

We stock the basics (salt, pepper, vinegar and oil) plus a few extras (popcorn toppers, cinnamon, garlic salt), but my family can be quite particular with spices and hot sauces depending on the menu.  It doesn’t hurt to pack your favorites.

Coffee supplies

We provide coffee & creamer for your first morning and an automatic coffee maker, but if you have a favorite brand and want it pressed or dripped, it’s a good idea to bring your own set-up. 

Special pillow

Happy Cabin has a good selection of high-quality linens and pillows but I happen to very particular about my pillow. If you’re the same way, pack it.

Beach or snow toys

We try to keep some sand toys and a sled in the storage shed, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a few extras.

Lawn games

We often stock a few lawn games in the storage shed but, if you have your heart set on something in particular, bring it. On sunny days, the lawn behind Happy Cabin is a great space for lounging and playing lawn games.

Pet supplies

A bed, food, toys, leash, and pick-up bags will help your pet feel at home too.

Infant/toddler supplies

Bring diapers, a changing pad, a bassinet, baby gates, a baby monitor, and all of the other things you use on the daily at home. While Happy Cabin is child-friendly, we decided it would be safest to let parents bring the gear they are most familiar with.

Homemade treats

Make a batch of chocolate chip cookies like these from Crazy for Crust, walnut fudge along the lines of this 15-minute version from Once Upon a Chef, or these Easy One-Bowl Blondies from Five Heart Home for a welcome taste of home.

Toiletries

We provide a starter supply of shampoo, conditioner, and soap but you might feel more comfortable with your usual brands.

Water bottles & thermoses

You’ll find an assortment of glasses and mugs at the cabin, but you may want to pack some containers for taking your drinks to-go.

Sunscreen

Whatever the season, sun protection is a must at Lake Tahoe. If you’re not sure what to look for in a high-altitude sunscreen, check out our guide to winter sun protection.

Cell phone charger

We provide the outlets, and you do the rest.

Lake Tahoe playlist

You’ll find audio set-ups for streaming in the living room and bunkroom. Put together a playlist on iTunes or Spotify to create just the right vibe.

Vinyl

Happy Cabin has a turntable for spinning records. We’ve stocked a good selection to get you started, but if you want to hear something special, bring it along.

hot drinks

We like to keep hot chocolate and starter coffee on hand, but that’s just the beginning. What about apple cider, eggnog, or hot toddy fixings? Here are some of our favorites.

To visit Happy Cabin during your trip to North Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, click here.