Planning a summer getaway to a vacation rental? Whether you’re heading to the beach, mountains, or desert, packing smart can make or break your trip. Unlike hotels, vacation rentals offer more space and amenities—but they also require a bit more planning. To help you prep like a pro, we’ve put together the ultimate summer travel packing list for vacation rentals.
🧳 Essentials You Should Never Forget
- Travel documents (ID, booking confirmations, door codes)
- Wallet essentials: credit cards, some cash, insurance cards
- Prescription medications + basics like Tylenol or Benadryl
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
👙 Summer Clothes & Accessories
- Light, breathable outfits (shorts, sundresses, tanks)
- Swimsuits (at least 2 per person if using a hot tub or pool)
- Sunglasses and hats for sun protection
- Flip-flops and comfortable walking shoes
- A light hoodie or jacket for evenings
🧴 Toiletries & Health Items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (we supply this in our homes)
- Razor and shaving cream
- Bug spray and after-bite treatment
- Sunscreen (water-resistant and reef-safe for beach trips)
- Aloe vera or after-sun lotion
- Small first-aid kit (we supply this in our homes)
🏖️ Pool, Beach, or Outdoor Fun Gear
- Pool towels (always provided in our homes)
- Beach bag, toys, and cooler
- Goggles, snorkel gear, or water shoes
- Waterproof phone case
- Lightweight foldable chairs or picnic blanket
- Favorite lawn games or a Frisbee
🍳 Kitchen & Food Prep Add-Ons
- Reusable water bottles or travel mugs
- Favorite seasonings or sauces
- Coffee, tea, or specialty creamers (we supply this in our homes)
- Ziploc bags, foil, or Tupperware
- Groceries/snacks to save on dining out
🧠 Smart Extras Most People Forget
- Power strip or charging station (we supply this in our homes)
- Flashlight or lantern (especially for cabins)
- Laundry pods and dryer sheets (we supply this in our homes)
- Bluetooth speaker (if allowed)
- Games, books, cards for indoor downtime (we supply these in our homes)
- Travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray
🍼 Traveling with Babies & Toddlers
Vacationing with little ones? Here’s a family-friendly list to make things smoother:
- Portable crib or pack ‘n play
- White noise machine or sound app
- Stroller or baby carrier
- Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
- Baby monitor
- Bottles, sippy cups, bibs, and utensils
- Baby food, snacks, and formula
- Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- Bathtub insert or non-slip mat
- High chair or booster seat
- Swim diapers + sunhat + baby-safe sunscreen
👨👩👧👦 At Rather Be Properties, our homes are family-ready. We supply:
- Pack and play
- High chair
- Crib sheets
- Sound machines
So you can pack light and leave the bigger items to us!
🐶 Traveling with Pets?
If you’re bringing your four-legged friend:
- Bed or blanket your pet is familiar with
- Leash, collar, and poop bags
- Pet food, bowls, and treats
- Toys or chews
- Copy of vaccination records (just in case)
🐾 Rather Be Properties is pet-friendly, too. We provide:
- Dog food and water bowls
- And occasionally, a dog bed (subject to availability)
🏠 Final Tip: Check What Your Rental Provides
Before you pack the whole house, check your host’s welcome guide or listing details. We will always send you a digital house guide so you can see what is available before arriving!
🎒 Pack light, relax more—our homes are ready for your family’s arrival.
Looking for your next summer escape? Browse our family- and pet-friendly vacation rentals at Rather Be Properties—designed with comfort, convenience, and unforgettable memories in mind.
