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The Ultimate Packing List for a VRBO Vacation Planning a VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) getaway Whether you're headed to a cozy cabin in the woods, a chic beachfront condo, or a spacious mountain retreat, packing for a vacation rental can be a bit different from staying at a hotel. With the comfort and privacy that comes with a VRBO, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to fully enjoy your stay. So, I’ve put together the ultimate packing list to help you make the most of your VRBO vacation! ### 1. Essentials for the Trip The first thing to consider when packing for any vacation is the basics. These are the items that will set the foundation for your trip and make sure you have everything you need when you arrive. - ID, Tickets, and Reservation Information Don’t forget your driver’s license, flight details, and confirmation of your VRBO reservation. It’s always a good idea to have both digital and printed copies of important documents. - Wallet & Credit Cards Make sure you have some local currency if you're traveling internationally. You might also want to bring your credit cards to book activities or for any last-minute shopping. - Phone & Charger Your phone will be your lifeline for directions, making reservations, and taking photos. Don’t forget your charger—and perhaps an extra power bank, just in case you’re exploring the area all day! ### 2. Clothing and Footwear for Every Occasion One of the best parts of staying in a VRBO is that you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable home base, so you can feel at ease throughout your stay. However, you'll still need to pack smart for all the activities you’ll want to enjoy. - Casual Wear Think about the climate of your destination. Are you heading somewhere warm or cool Pack light and breathable clothes for summer destinations and cozy layers for colder weather. I usually pack a few pairs of comfortable jeans or shorts, a couple of T-shirts, and a light jacket just in case. - Activewear If your vacation involves hiking, exploring, or just staying active, don't forget your athletic wear! I love packing versatile pieces like leggings, tank tops, and sneakers—perfect for hiking in the morning and exploring the town later. - Swimwear If your VRBO has a pool, hot tub, or is near a beach, you’ll want to pack swimwear. One of the best parts of staying at a vacation rental is the opportunity to have more private space to relax, so don't forget your favorite swimwear for lounging! - Footwear Pack shoes for all activities, such as sneakers for hiking, sandals for the beach, and something a bit dressier if you plan on dining out at a fancy restaurant. I always like to have an extra pair in case one gets wet or uncomfortable. ### 3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items Most VRBO rentals provide the basics like towels and bed linens, but you’ll still need to bring your personal toiletries. Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’re prepared - Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash Even though some rentals offer these essentials, I always bring my preferred brands for that extra bit of comfort. - Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss These are often easy to forget when you’re packing quickly, but they’re key to starting your day off right. - Skincare Products Don't forget sunscreen (especially if you're heading to a sunny destination), face wash, moisturizer, and any other skincare essentials you use daily. - Medications and First Aid Kit If you take regular medications, don’t forget to pack them! Also, I always carry a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and allergy medicine, just in case. - Hair Dryer and Styling Tools Many vacation rentals have hairdryers, but if you need a special styling tool, make sure to pack it. I always make room for my straightener and curling iron, just in case. ### 4. Kitchen Supplies for Home-Cooked Meals One of the perks of booking a VRBO is the ability to prepare your own meals. The kitchen is your personal space for creating memorable meals and enjoying local ingredients. Here's a list of kitchen items you’ll want to bring along to make sure you're ready for anything - Groceries Depending on your destination, the local grocery stores may not carry your usual items, so consider stocking up on your essentials. I always bring some snacks, coffee, and breakfast items to have on hand for easy mornings. - Spices and Cooking Essentials If you're planning on cooking, don’t forget your favorite spices, oils, and seasonings. I always bring a small travel-sized bottle of olive oil and saltpepper—just to make meals a little tastier. - Reusable Water Bottle Staying hydrated is key when traveling, especially in warmer climates. A good reusable water bottle can help you cut down on waste while keeping you refreshed. - Coffee and Tea If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, you may want to bring your favorite blend. While most vacation rentals will have a coffee maker, I love bringing my own special coffee beans to make mornings even more enjoyable. ### 5. Entertainment and Relaxation Gear When staying in a vacation rental, you’ll want to make sure you have everything needed to relax and unwind. After all, you’ve earned some downtime! - Books, Magazines, and E-Readers There's nothing like curling up with a good book in a cozy vacation rental. I always bring a novel, my e-reader, and some magazines to read by the window. - Games and Puzzles If your rental has a family-friendly vibe or you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget board games or card games. They can make for the perfect evening activity after a day of exploring. - Camera and GoPro You’ll want to capture the memories! A camera or GoPro is perfect for snapping photos or videos of your adventures. ### 6. Additional Considerations Before you finalize your packing list, it’s good to check in with the owner of your VRBO rental. Some properties provide extra items like beach towels, bicycles, or baby gear. Knowing what’s included will save you some packing space! --- Packing for a VRBO vacation can feel overwhelming at first, but once you check off the essentials and add a few personal touches, you’ll be all set for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring a new city, having everything you need will make your vacation feel like a true escape. Where are you planning to go on your next VRBO vacation Let me know your destination in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your upcoming adventures. Safe travels!

The Ultimate Packing List for a VRBO Vacation

Planning a VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) getaway? Whether you’re headed to a cozy cabin in the woods, a chic beachfront condo, or a spacious mountain retreat, packing for a vacation rental can be a bit different from staying at a hotel. With the comfort and privacy that comes with a VRBO, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to fully enjoy your stay. So, I’ve put together the ultimate packing list to help you make the most of your VRBO vacation!

1. Essentials for the Trip

The first thing to consider when packing for any vacation is the basics. These are the items that will set the foundation for your trip and make sure you have everything you need when you arrive.

  • ID, Tickets, and Reservation Information: Don’t forget your driver’s license, flight details, and confirmation of your VRBO reservation. It’s always a good idea to have both digital and printed copies of important documents.
  • Wallet & Credit Cards: Make sure you have some local currency if you’re traveling internationally. You might also want to bring your credit cards to book activities or for any last-minute shopping.
  • Phone & Charger: Your phone will be your lifeline for directions, making reservations, and taking photos. Don’t forget your charger—and perhaps an extra power bank, just in case you’re exploring the area all day!

2. Clothing and Footwear for Every Occasion

One of the best parts of staying in a VRBO is that you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable home base, so you can feel at ease throughout your stay. However, you’ll still need to pack smart for all the activities you’ll want to enjoy.

  • Casual Wear: Think about the climate of your destination. Are you heading somewhere warm or cool? Pack light and breathable clothes for summer destinations and cozy layers for colder weather. I usually pack a few pairs of comfortable jeans or shorts, a couple of T-shirts, and a light jacket just in case.
  • Activewear: If your vacation involves hiking, exploring, or just staying active, don’t forget your athletic wear! I love packing versatile pieces like leggings, tank tops, and sneakers—perfect for hiking in the morning and exploring the town later.
  • Swimwear: If your VRBO has a pool, hot tub, or is near a beach, you’ll want to pack swimwear. One of the best parts of staying at a vacation rental is the opportunity to have more private space to relax, so don’t forget your favorite swimwear for lounging!
  • Footwear: Pack shoes for all activities, such as sneakers for hiking, sandals for the beach, and something a bit dressier if you plan on dining out at a fancy restaurant. I always like to have an extra pair in case one gets wet or uncomfortable.

3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Most VRBO rentals provide the basics like towels and bed linens, but you’ll still need to bring your personal toiletries. Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

  • Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash: Even though some rentals offer these essentials, I always bring my preferred brands for that extra bit of comfort.
  • Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss: These are often easy to forget when you’re packing quickly, but they’re key to starting your day off right.
  • Skincare Products: Don’t forget sunscreen (especially if you’re heading to a sunny destination), face wash, moisturizer, and any other skincare essentials you use daily.
  • Medications and First Aid Kit: If you take regular medications, don’t forget to pack them! Also, I always carry a small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and allergy medicine, just in case.
  • Hair Dryer and Styling Tools: Many vacation rentals have hairdryers, but if you need a special styling tool, make sure to pack it. I always make room for my straightener and curling iron, just in case.

4. Kitchen Supplies for Home-Cooked Meals

One of the perks of booking a VRBO is the ability to prepare your own meals. The kitchen is your personal space for creating memorable meals and enjoying local ingredients. Here’s a list of kitchen items you’ll want to bring along to make sure you’re ready for anything:

  • Groceries: Depending on your destination, the local grocery stores may not carry your usual items, so consider stocking up on your essentials. I always bring some snacks, coffee, and breakfast items to have on hand for easy mornings.
  • Spices and Cooking Essentials: If you’re planning on cooking, don’t forget your favorite spices, oils, and seasonings. I always bring a small travel-sized bottle of olive oil and salt/pepper—just to make meals a little tastier.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key when traveling, especially in warmer climates. A good reusable water bottle can help you cut down on waste while keeping you refreshed.
  • Coffee and Tea: If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, you may want to bring your favorite blend. While most vacation rentals will have a coffee maker, I love bringing my own special coffee beans to make mornings even more enjoyable.

5. Entertainment and Relaxation Gear

When staying in a vacation rental, you’ll want to make sure you have everything needed to relax and unwind. After all, you’ve earned some downtime!

  • Books, Magazines, and E-Readers: There’s nothing like curling up with a good book in a cozy vacation rental. I always bring a novel, my e-reader, and some magazines to read by the window.
  • Games and Puzzles: If your rental has a family-friendly vibe or you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget board games or card games. They can make for the perfect evening activity after a day of exploring.
  • Camera and GoPro: You’ll want to capture the memories! A camera or GoPro is perfect for snapping photos or videos of your adventures.

6. Additional Considerations

Before you finalize your packing list, it’s good to check in with the owner of your VRBO rental. Some properties provide extra items like beach towels, bicycles, or baby gear. Knowing what’s included will save you some packing space!

Packing for a VRBO vacation can feel overwhelming at first, but once you check off the essentials and add a few personal touches, you’ll be all set for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring a new city, having everything you need will make your vacation feel like a true escape.

Where are you planning to go on your next VRBO vacation? Let me know your destination in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your upcoming adventures. Safe travels!

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