What is provided in a self-catering holiday accommodation

When anyone books a self-catering holiday, they are renting accommodation for a specified period of time, a 3-night break, a week or a fortnight. The accommodation is fully furnished in the same way as hotel accommodation plus it will have a living space with perhaps a dining area/room and a fully functioning kitchen unless it is described as a studio which is essentially one large room which functions as a living/bedroom with a kitchen section and a separate bathroom.

The term self-catering accommodation includes every style and size of holiday home and can range from a studio for one up to a mansion or castle.

The idea is that guests provide their own food and drink and consumables.  Most people understand about the food and drink elements - they are self-explanatory.  What is helpful to know in advance is what else is provided. Cleaning materials should be provided as well.

You may wish to use this checklist to tick off items that are provided so that you do not need to bring them. No one wants to buy large packs of anything on holiday only to leave them behind. The better self-catering cottage providers would have a supply of all of the items on the checklist.

Checklist

Bathroom

• Toilet paper – is there enough for your stay? Sometimes only an initial roll or two is provided
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Shower gel
• Shower caps

Kitchen

• Washing up liquid
• Dishcloth
• Tea towels (should be provided)
• Dishwasher tablets
• Aluminium foil
• Clingfilm
• Kitchen paper towels
• Rubber gloves

• Tea
• Coffee
• Sugar

Condiments

• Salt
• Pepper
• Vinegar
• Salad oil
• Cooking oil

BBQ

• Charcoal
• Wooden skewers

For packed lunches:

• Sandwich bags or boxes

Items to bring on holiday

The items that are worth taking with you on a self-catering holiday are the things that you normally enjoy at home, perhaps hot chocolate, a particular brand of tea, bubble bath or any other product that you may not be able to find at your holiday destination.

Organised people may even go further by planning menus in advance and taking essential ingredients such as herbs and spices that they may not wish to buy packets of, on arrival.

Other items that you may need during a self-catering break that are not provided

Beach towels