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Self Catering Abroad - help for packing list!
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Okay, so for the first time in ages we are off on holiday soon and flying. So I don't have the car to cram the kitchen sink into!
Please help me plan a list - sensible answers would be appreciated 
What would you take rather than buy there (Spanish islands)?  |
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If you're a tea drinker take tea bags. If you like instant coffee of a particular brand take that.
A spare tea towel is handy too - take an old one you can leave behind. Take a washing up sponge too.
If you're planning to take sandwiches for lunch pack some sandwich bags.
if you have to have a particular cereal for breakfast consider taking that.
Other then those items I'd just get from the local supermarkets. Unless you have a particular foodstuff you have to have with every meal that is very British (ie branston pickle) you'll get mist things there. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"If you're a tea drinker take tea bags. If you like instant coffee of a particular brand take that.
A spare tea towel is handy too - take an old one you can leave behind. Take a washing up sponge too.
If you're planning to take sandwiches for lunch pack some sandwich bags.
if you have to have a particular cereal for breakfast consider taking that.
Other then those items I'd just get from the local supermarkets. Unless you have a particular foodstuff you have to have with every meal that is very British (ie branston pickle) you'll get mist things there."
That's more like what I was thinking! see the guys just don't have a Scooby doo. What about clingfilm  |
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"If you're a tea drinker take tea bags. If you like instant coffee of a particular brand take that.
A spare tea towel is handy too - take an old one you can leave behind. Take a washing up sponge too.
If you're planning to take sandwiches for lunch pack some sandwich bags.
if you have to have a particular cereal for breakfast consider taking that.
Other then those items I'd just get from the local supermarkets. Unless you have a particular foodstuff you have to have with every meal that is very British (ie branston pickle) you'll get mist things there.
That's more like what I was thinking! see the guys just don't have a Scooby doo. What about clingfilm "
What are you likely to need it for? Sandwich bags are more portable and can also be used to keep food fresh in the fridge, get Ziploc ones so you don't need ties and take small and medium ones.
I go to caravans in Europe fairly often and experience has taught me what to take. I often take a little bottle of washing up liquid cos if I buy a big one at the onsite shop hardly any gets used. Primark sell travel bottles.
A salt and pepper grinder from Aldi or lidl can be handy if you plan to do a lot of cooking - you can buy them there but you don't want to spend ages looking for a good price on things.
Don't forget the rules on liquids in your hand luggage (nothing in bottles or containers that can hold more than 100ml and all in a small plastic bag that can be closed, you can get travel bottles and decant).
You can pack liquids in your hold luggage, just pack carefully so things don't break. |
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"do you think it would look dodgy taking dishwasher tablets in my hand luggage 
Is there definitely a dishwasher?
yes - I like my home comforts  "
Then take dishwasher tabs - enough for about five washes will probably be plenty for a week, unless you are cooking for a family every day in which case take one for every day. |
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By *atchMan
over a year ago
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"do you think it would look dodgy taking dishwasher tablets in my hand luggage "
Be careful of taking any liquids such as shampoo or sun tan oil over 100 ml in your hand luggage as they will get confiscated when you go through security your hand luggage will be scanned. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I always take a small non stick frying pan from ikea,costs abot £1.50,i like a fried egg,i find most self catering places their pans are rubbish.we just leave it there when we come home (mr.g) |
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"we have my daughters friend coming too who is asthmatic. It seems taking her meds through is okay - anyone got any experience?"
Make sure her meds have all got the prescription details on - the stickers the pharmacy applies to the packaging. This may mean taking the boxes things came in.
When you go through security put them in the tray, together and obvious. Be prepared for it to take a little longer if they have to check anything.
Try to arrive early so you have time for this and don't get agitated - if anyone in your party is not good at waiting send them through and meet on the other side, get them to get the drinks in ready for you!
If they are common prescription items they'll look at them and nod you through but the more unusual stuff they check.
Be prepared to take shoes and belts off and make sure all liquids and gels are in your little plastic bag (one bag for each member of your party so you can share) and all electronic items like tablets and phones go in the tray too.
And check your airlines carry on sizes and measure your bags, it can cost £50 to get a bag put in the hold if you get airside and it's too big! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Eat out for every meal, thats one reason i go on holiday. Tea, coffee, marmite etc are nearly always available from your supermarket. But use the local stuff anyway, its part of the whole experience. |
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Male here 
most english everyday stuff (tea/coffee, cereal etc etc is on sale at a reasonable price in the local supermarkets, my advice? save humping heavy bags through the airport etc, save questions at security, save excess baggage charges, and buy it there |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I always do s/catering and take coffee,suger,tea but decant everything into doubled up bags ..easier to pack.
Ive even taken cheese and bacon  . took packets of pasta in sauces and rice. and cupasoups. when im there i find out where the locals shop and go because its cheaper ,especially fruit and salads etc .
good luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Tin opener, corkscrew.
Sandwich bags
Paper napkins
Cleaning wipes for bathroom
Shower scrunchie
travel sink plug
Adapter.. I get the double ones, 2 UK plugs fit into one 2 pin socket.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yes,as someone said,a tin opener,most self catering places have one but they are a nightmare to use,many a time i have cut myself using one or only got a tin partially opened |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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We have done this loads of times ..... You just need to make sure kitchen has things so you can cook if you would like too ...... and find out where the locals shop and markets .. we would eat out at nights and do meals to take to the beach so a good cool bag they may have one at your place your staying at . You just need to find local super market . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If I go away with a group of people we always follow the 'all take one thing' rule. Only one person needs to take the following to share out the weight and create space:
Shower gel
Hair dryer
Sun cream
After Sun
Shampoo
Travel iron
etc!
Obviously if people have allergies or are fussy about what products they use it doesn't work as well but it's worth a try |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"we have my daughters friend coming too who is asthmatic. It seems taking her meds through is okay - anyone got any experience?"
I'm asthmatic and have never had a problem bringing anything through. Put all meds on the top if the tray.
We self cater every year and we never bring anything with us. Everything will be available from the local supermarkets, especially the ones in Spain. You won't be the first English people there asking for PG tips. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Just a little tip when packing your clothes rather than folding them try rolling them up, you will find they don't get creased as much as when you fold them.
That my Tip Of The Week |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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We never take things as airports can be funny about people taking food and things in bags , We get it all there .. less to think about and half the fun love finding new foods. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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It's more a case of easy light things that you can take that won't make that first shopping trip cost a fortune.
Some good tips. We won't be needing any utensils and things as the accommodation has all that. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"It's more a case of easy light things that you can take that won't make that first shopping trip cost a fortune.
Some good tips. We won't be needing any utensils and things as the accommodation has all that. "
yes been to some say have everything get there and very basic so I hope they do have things and even with basic things you can do easy meals like pasta , currys , |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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We have tried these self catering hols and always end up going out to eat, can't be bothered to cook, and we end up spending a fortune, so we now just do all inclusive now
May cost you more foe your holiday, but saves you money in the long run |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My Husband is a type 1 diabetic.
He has to pack needles and insulin pens in hand luggage.
He does have a letter from his GP to confirm that he must carry the needles in the hand luggage
He gets stopped everytime  , but shows the letter an we are through. Was a bit touch and go in Russia though!!!
Have a great holiday. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Trailing multi plug leads. Then, like my girls you can put a hair dryer on plus tongs plus phone plus what ever.
Also the longer the lead the better, as normally the plugs are not by the mirrors! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If you are going self catering the only thing you should take is a decent corkscrew. Unless you are going to outer Mongolia there will be an aldi/lidl/netto or local equivilant which will be a lot cheaper and have better quality than the crap dished up here. Its all cheaper abroad unless you are going somewhere cut off from civilisation |
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"Sun cream and insect repellent and soothing/anti itch cream 
We find for insect repellent it's best to buy the local stuff as that is more effective. "
True, I also find the Autan brand really good and combined with a few drops of citronella essential oil |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"If you are going self catering the only thing you should take is a decent corkscrew. Unless you are going to outer Mongolia there will be an aldi/lidl/netto or local equivilant which will be a lot cheaper and have better quality than the crap dished up here. Its all cheaper abroad unless you are going somewhere cut off from civilisation"
This ^^^^ |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Sun cream and insect repellent and soothing/anti itch cream
We find for insect repellent it's best to buy the local stuff as that is more effective.
True, I also find the Autan brand really good and combined with a few drops of citronella essential oil "
It's nice to see someone takes their repellent as seriously as us  |
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"Sun cream and insect repellent and soothing/anti itch cream
We find for insect repellent it's best to buy the local stuff as that is more effective.
True, I also find the Autan brand really good and combined with a few drops of citronella essential oil
It's nice to see someone takes their repellent as seriously as us "
;) I don't like the idea of insects feasting on me when I sleep lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I do tend to live on fruit during the day as its always to hot to eat ,so last holiday took some cereal(brekkie) and cupasoups. bought loads of peaches etc when there and ate out in the evening. Oh and always take my coffee . |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The wife use jungle juice spray, it stops everything.
But be careful it also destroys you shoes when you have it on your feet, and also takes varnish off the chairs so be careful where you sit or you will end up with varnish stains on your legs |
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"The wife use jungle juice spray, it stops everything.
But be careful it also destroys you shoes when you have it on your feet, and also takes varnish off the chairs so be careful where you sit or you will end up with varnish stains on your legs "
And, like most insect repellent it takes nail polish off too. So if you're wondering why your holiday manicure has gone cloudy and tacky...  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Okay, so for the first time in ages we are off on holiday soon and flying. So I don't have the car to cram the kitchen sink into!
Please help me plan a list - sensible answers would be appreciated
What would you take rather than buy there (Spanish islands)? "
its not like you are travelling up the Amazon lol they actually have supermarkets in the Balearics |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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To be fair depending on where in Spain you are going British food products are readily available even in Spanish supermarkets like Eroski. Where we live we have an Iceland and a Dunnes store so nothing we don't really have and if we do we can pop to Morrisons in Gibralter. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To be fair depending on where in Spain you are going British food products are readily available even in Spanish supermarkets like Eroski. Where we live we have an Iceland and a Dunnes store so nothing we don't really have and if we do we can pop to Morrisons in Gibralter."
is the cost the same as uk ?? We never take a lot as find we look see what is best offers when we get there if a lot of us .
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"just buy it all when you get there .. why lug a load of junk about xx google map where your going and check out the super markets "
I've been made redundant so I'm trying to save a few quid as and where I can. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"we have my daughters friend coming too who is asthmatic. It seems taking her meds through is okay - anyone got any experience?"
ive taken inhalers with me on every flight. never had a problem |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To be fair depending on where in Spain you are going British food products are readily available even in Spanish supermarkets like Eroski. Where we live we have an Iceland and a Dunnes store so nothing we don't really have and if we do we can pop to Morrisons in Gibralter.is the cost the same as uk ?? We never take a lot as find we look see what is best offers when we get there if a lot of us ."
You pay a little bit more in Iceland than you would in the UK but it has to make a very long journey to get here so you cant grumble really. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just a little tip when packing your clothes rather than folding them try rolling them up, you will find they don't get creased as much as when you fold them.
That my Tip Of The Week"
Your so right. ive done this for over twenty years...no creases and more room.
For the last two years ive been to Greece Island hopping and i take a cabin sized wheelie. Amazing what you dont need to take that you think you cldnt live without |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've done a couple of self- catering hols abroad. Packets of dried pasta with a sauce, there's some great other dried packets like - chickpea & lentil tikka masala. Light to carry but easy meals until you get to the supermarket.
Take my own tea bags always. Rest I buy when I'm there, as I love looking at all the different foods abroad & discovering what the locals like. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Take herbs spices salt and pepper, it's annoying buying a packet of spice when you only want a pinch... Don't take a tin opener... why the hell would you want to eat out of tins on holiday!
Other than that Lidl is everywhere in Europe and has nice bread and recognisable product & layout, buy it over there.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for us northern europeans, Spanish don't tend to do much, coffee and a small cake is the staple breakfast, but that's due to not eating dinner until 11pm which you probably won't adjust to in the short time you have. Also the shop hours confuse our body clocks a bit, they open between 4am and 7am, close around 11 to 12, then open again between 4pm and 5pm Which means you will need to pre-plan lunch or eat out.
Have a wonderful time. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"just buy it all when you get there .. why lug a load of junk about xx google map where your going and check out the super markets
I've been made redundant so I'm trying to save a few quid as and where I can. "
The food will be the same price, if not cheaper over there. It will be a false economy lugging food over there if you are suddenly hit with an excess baggage charge. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Autan or jungle formula for insect repellents
Get decent propriety brands for sunscreen and after sun. I tend to go for Hawaiian tropic or ambre solaire.
Steer clear of boots stuff, it's crap IMO
Never scrimp on after sun, the skin needs protection from drying out |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I'm not going to take food products as such but things like a few teabags and herbs etc are so light weight if packaged properly it would be a waste to buy as someone else said, when you only need a little bit.
Thanks everyone |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Last time we went self catering we took quite a few packs of frozen bacon stored in a little thermal insulated back pack (which we used when there to keep our food and water cool when out and about) which was still mostly frozen when we got to the apartment. We just put it in the fridge and it lasted us most of the holiday.
A thermal travel mug or two is also a good idea to take along as they keep the beer/drinks cold.
I'd definitely invest in a thermal insulated back pack though. It was a godsend for us when we had lots of yoghurt and fruit etc to keep cold on our days on the beach or further afield!
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm not going to take food products as such but things like a few teabags and herbs etc are so light weight if packaged properly it would be a waste to buy as someone else said, when you only need a little bit.
Thanks everyone "
You'll be surprised what is left in the cupboards of some holiday rentals. We've never had to buy salt , pepper or cooking oil and sometimes there's enough washing products for a few days at least. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I'm not going to take food products as such but things like a few teabags and herbs etc are so light weight if packaged properly it would be a waste to buy as someone else said, when you only need a little bit.
Thanks everyone
You'll be surprised what is left in the cupboards of some holiday rentals. We've never had to buy salt , pepper or cooking oil and sometimes there's enough washing products for a few days at least. "
We've usually found there is none of te above. However I won't buy packing olive oil in my suitcase lol |
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I'd follow Tempting Devil's advice for items to take.
Although you may possibly want to add something that's relevant for the time of day that you'll arrive. If you're getting in late at night, then consider that shops may be shut etc. Obviously any dried stuff is much lighter, and so won't take you over your weight allowance, hence the coffee and tea bags being easy and safe.
Another tip is that some grocery stuff is fairly small, and so can be carried on board inside of pockets. It thus doesn't consume any of your checked-in or carry-on bag weight allowance. Once on the plane, it can all be placed in the over-head bins, and a jacket etc is flexible enough to be fitted into place more easily than a bag can.
A small container of portion sized milks, like in cafes, would also allow you to make a cuppa, before going to the shops. Beware that they can be crushed and leak, so they'd need something protective, but light, around them - you'd perhaps only need 6 or so, to make a drink: you may pick them up at the airport cafe even. Similarly some sugar sachets, if you add to drinks etc. I'm not a big fan of overseas sliced bread, so a few slices of bread could come in handy, subject to time of day. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm not going to take food products as such but things like a few teabags and herbs etc are so light weight if packaged properly it would be a waste to buy as someone else said, when you only need a little bit.
Thanks everyone
You'll be surprised what is left in the cupboards of some holiday rentals. We've never had to buy salt , pepper or cooking oil and sometimes there's enough washing products for a few days at least.
We've usually found there is none of te above. However I won't buy packing olive oil in my suitcase lol "
It can always double up as sun lotion. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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nothing needed what you cant buy....corralejo 3 weeks time...shorts sunglasses and sandals....old cloths.....buy your woman leather bags......throw all yor gear away and pack only goodies on way back.....simple |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Things like herbs and oils and vinegars are staples of med cooking and are dead cheap over there, I am more likely to be bringing back flavoured wine vinegars and good balsamic for less than half the price of over here. Also certain toiletries are cheaper there. I am still using cotton buds that cost 30p in Cadiz last summer. |
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