Not ALL vacations are hotel worthy.
The travel industry has boomed with VRBO and Air B&B rentals. The high demand for togetherness and a more homey feel allows travelers to spread their wings and get comfortable. There is an art for stocking a VACA rental especially a beach or ski trip because folks are in and out all day and round the clock hungry. What I have gleaned from these experiences is how NOT to over stock or over buy for a week or 10 days away. There is an ART in NOT OVER BUYING!
Pro Tip Girls trip: Girls can survive on WINE, champagne, cheese, crackers, lunch meat, and eggs and toast!
Last year we had 9 people with ages ranging from 63-12 years old. Lots of activities and multiple humans to feed.
This list may be helpful for those of you who own Summer homes, lake retreats, ranch home, beach houses or mountain lodges.
FIRST…KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE?
Girls trip? Couples trip? Multi family vacation? Small family get away?
If you are traveling with a large group this can be especially chaotic. I recommend planning before you go because winging it can bust the budget in a hurry. Get a headcount and divide up number of kids and adults. Make every family responsible for one big meal! Trust me… not planning in advance ups the odds of 4 peanut butter jars and 6 loaves of bread and only one gallon of milk between 12 people.
The ultimate goal is not to waste time in the store when you’re on vacation. There is nothing worse than the buzz kill of making trips back to the store for more stuff.
FEEDS a ton of people and is a low calorie low fat high protein hearty meal.
Put no more than 2 people in charge of the shopping list.
This person or persons will research the nearest local market. Depending on the desired trip and experience one may or may not want to choose grocery delivery or pick up to save more time for fun. HELLO INSTACART!
TRAVEL TIP
I google the store I will be shopping and sign up for a loyalty program. For instance PUBLIX or Tom Thumb/Safeway or Market Street or City Market/Kroger. Download the app and click coupons before you go. Pro tip: Click the coupons while you are at the airport or car ride.
Online shopping is a little more time intensive on the front end but can save money and time on the back end.
I form a check list to serve as a reminder for shopping to avoid massive impulse purchases.
Guesstimate how many meals you plan to eat out!
2 lunches
2 dinners
PRO TIP: if they can’t see it, it won’t get used! FREEZER items tend to not be eaten. Keep snacks on the counter in plain sight so folks will graze and eat !
I like to plan or think in terms of meals.
Breakfast (all breakfast at the house or condo)
- sausage egg and cheese taquitos
- bacon, eggs, biscuits
- cinnamon rolls and eggs
- sausage bacon egg taquitos
- salmon, boiled eggd
Lunch
- PB&J
- Burgers
- Soup and sandwich
- salmon and egg sandwiches
Dinner
- Grill burgers/chicken
- Hobo Stew / White Chicken Chili
- Spaghetti night
- Pizza night (EAT OUT)
- Taco & Tamales
- EAT OUT
When on a ski vacation or condo style vacation it’s aways a great idea to keep a list running list. I want to go to the store one time and be done.
Most rentals come stocked with a small one load of laundry detergent, coffee and salt and pepper. However…It’s nice to pick up a small package in case of emergency.
Laundry detergent (always a must)
Cooking spray or butter or cooking oil (A VERY OVERLOOKED KEY INGREDIENT)
Red solo cups
Paper plates
Zip lock/ storage bags
FOIL
Certain food items such as condiments and seasonings are often overlooked because we take them for granted.
WHAT CAN you not live without?
garlic
cumin
lemon pepper
soy sauce
cinnamon
Lawry’s season salt
sugar
tobasco
MANDATORY ITEMS
Coffee
Milk
bottled waters/drinks
Games/ cards
Items you may not have packed?
shampoo/conditioner
tooth paste/ tooth brush
hairspray
body soap
CONDIMENTS (buy small)
honey
ketchup
mustard
jelly
mayo
Peanut butter
salsa
tobasco
dressing
DRINKS
Waters
Milk
Lacroix
soda
orange juice
cranberry juice
MIXERS?
DELI
deli turkey and ham
Salmon
eggs
sausage
bacon
ground turkey
lemon & limes
PROTEIN bars – protein powder
(if there is a grill) burgers or pattys
BUNS for the burgers
Tortillas for taquitos
Peppers
crackers
chips
nuts
cookies
bread
Cheese sliced or shredded
Tortillas for breakfast burritos
Hobo stew items
Write out all ingredients such as
Onions cilantro rotel turkey Carrots corn green beans onion potatoes
Spagetti & pasta sauce
MEAT
Chicken, burgers or tenderloin, steaks
HAM
TURKEY
SNACKS
nuts
candy
ice cream
cookies
When you arrive at your destination it can feel overwhelming. The putting away of the things, unpacking etc. But I encourage you to do the “work” upfront for more back end enjoyment. Pour a glass of wine and make some food.
Start a pot of HOBO STEW
Make a large vat of chicken or tuna salad (click here for my lite chicken salad recipe
Whip up some guacamole or cheese dip with meat!
These foods will keep in the frig for several days for easy sandwhich making and snacking.
WHAT TO DO WITH the leftovers?
I hate to waste. When we have unopened left over items times we give it away. If you are driving…there will no left overs. Pack it all up and haul it home. However, if you are flying you can take an extra suit case or carry on and bring a few boxed items such as cereal, nuts, crackers, chips etc. You can always carefully pack jars peanut butter and or wine.
In the past, if we make friends with a young 20 something ski instructor, waitress or bar tender…we offer all the goods. These young kids are always so thrilled to take our unopened food. In some cases, the house keeping people are not allowed to to take the leftovers but you can always offer it. Unopened boxes of crackers, chips and cheese.
Love, stock up so you can live it up!
Angi xo