A few weeks at a coastal cottage can be the perfect tonic for life’s stresses and strains. You don’t have to worry about checking your email for updates when relaxing on the beach, and you will have plenty of distractions to keep you off your social feed while resting at a rental.
However, before you hit the road, you must prepare properly for an extended break. Since you’re staying at a remote coastal location, you may not be able to pop to the store for milk or firewood.
Taking a few proactive steps can also help you get more from your time away from the world. Packing a few books you’ve been meaning to read or researching nearby hiking trails will keep you busy, help you recuperate, and make you wish you could stay on the coast even longer.
Packing the Essentials
There are plenty of stunning, tranquil rentals along the coast. You can stay for weeks at a time in Oregon and enjoy plenty of perks like free wifi, sewer hookups, boat parking, and 50 AMP power. There are dozens of unique rentals on offer, too, meaning you can choose a location that suits your needs and aligns with your perfect vacation vibes.
While most rentals are fully furnished and come with all the supplies you’ll ever need, it’s worth checking with your host before packing up and leaving town. If the rental is unfurnished and low on supplies, be sure to pick up a few vacation house essentials like:
- Bathroom: Toilet paper, hand soap, and shampoo/body soap to ensure you’re clean throughout your break.
- Outdoor Accessories: Packing a crazy-creek chair, a towel, and plenty of sunscreen is all but essential if you’re planning an extended break near the water and want to make the most of the natural world.
- Entertainment Extras: Depending on who you’re planning your trip with, you may want to throw in a few super-soakers and sand-castle toys. These goodies aren’t just for kids, either, as they can provide plenty of fun for the whole family.
Making the most of your time away will mean that you need to pack a relatively heavy suitcase to see you over throughout your time away. However, packing plenty of essential items ensures that you have plenty to do while you put the world on “pause.” Fortunately, you’ll be able to budget for the extra luggage fees as blissful beachside rentals can be found that will suit your budget.
Screen-Free Entertainment
There’s no point in escaping to the coast only to spend the entire trip on your laptop or iPad. Instead of packing digital entertainment, consider scheduling some family time activities. Some of the best sources of entertainment when away from home include:
- Tabletop Games: Ditch the family monopoly board in favor of more engaging tabletop games like Pandemic, Catan, and Gloomhaven. These games take a moment to get used to but will provide plenty of entertainment should a storm blow in from the sea.
- Yard Games: If the idea of playing inside doesn’t thrill you, why not try some yard games? Activities like tug-of-war, badminton, and cornhole offer a unique way to interact, bond, and compete.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Visit the area and get a taste of the local culture. Discover native’s favorite pizzerias, museums, and more.
Finding things to do that don’t involve digital devices helps you get more from your time away from home. Simple activities can help you connect with the local wildlife and deepen your connection with the natural world. Doing so can be a real boon if you’ve been busy at work and need to hit the “reset” button between big projects.
Travel Checklists
It’s tempting to overlook your transit time when on vacation and focus on your time away from home. However, if you want to make the most of your time at the coastal cottage, you’ll need to ensure that your travel itinerary is smooth and enjoyable, too.
Get the ball rolling by finding ways to entertain yourself on a long-haul flight. Drawing, sketching, or listening to podcasts can help you slip into the holiday mindset and will prepare you to have a low-stress vacation. You could even crack open your next novel while on the flight, as you’ll likely spend much of your time reading when away at a coastal cottage.
Proper planning is particularly important if you’re considering a longer flight to a destination like coastal rentals in Florida. Check-in well ahead of time online, dress comfortably for the trip, and utilize programs like TSA pre-check. If you find flying stressful, consider utilizing guided mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce your stress levels and help you focus on the fun you’ll have while at your coastal cottage.
Conclusion
Finding ways to fully unwind while on an extended stay at a coastal cottage is key if you want to enjoy a stress-busting holiday. Even simple changes to your preparation — like bringing fresh toiletries and engaging board games — can help you get more from your time away from home. Just remember to account for transit time, too, as you’ll need to rest and relax while on flights if you want to make the most of the trip.
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