When planning your UK self catering holiday you are faced with many complex issues and questions. Where to go, when, with whom and what kind of holiday (active or relaxing), When you have made these decisions you are also faced with the obvious question of what you need to take with you. Some favour the travelling light option – everything in a rucksack, whilst others end up bringing everything including the proverbial (and in some cases physical) kitchen sink.

Thankfully these days the internet provides full information on the facilities provided in most self catering cottages. As long as you choose a trusted site to check the details, then you should know exactly what you’re going to find when you step through the door. Gone are the days when you would walk into a shell of a house with some hand me down furniture and a few old pots and pans. Most modern holiday cottages are often better equipped than your own home, with all the mod cons including washing machines, fridges, microwaves, satellite TV, and the all important dishwasher (you are on holiday after all!). So hopefully all you need to focus on with your luggage is what you’re going to wear and of course what you’ll be eating.

Despite the fact that most UK holiday cottages are within a short drive of a supermarket and are often well served with good local shops, most of us still pack enough provisions to survive a 6 month trip to the north pole. Having packed the car to the rafters often the biggest issue on arrival is where to actually store everything without covering the sofa and chairs with cereal and drinks. Of course when we do arrive the thought of cooking 3 meals a day often comes a poor second to eating out in the local pub or restaurant, and so all too often 90% of what we take we end up repacking at the end of the week!

One thing to always remember is a good supply of first aid provisions – bite cream, sun cream (especially for the kids – it is sunny occasionally in the UK after all!), and painkillers for when you may have had a little too much the night before.

Above all don’t forget to pack your camera and your sense of humour. Enjoy!