The Ultimate Guide for a Stress-Free Stay
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of preparing for a well-deserved holiday—the anticipation of escaping routine, exploring a new destination, and enjoying time away from everyday life. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a country retreat, or a city break, packing is one of the final steps before your getaway begins. And if you’ve chosen to book a holiday rental through Search and Stay, you’ve already taken a major step towards comfort, convenience, and flexibility.
But while vacation rentals offer a home-like experience—space to spread out, cook meals, and relax in your own way—they also require a little more preparation than your standard hotel accommodation. That’s where packing smart comes in. With the right essentials and a few thoughtful extras, you can make your stay seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.
This guide is here to help you pack confidently, knowing you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your time away—without the clutter or stress.
Why Packing for a Holiday Rental Requires a Different Mindset
Staying in a vacation rental means you’re living more like a local, with access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and a more personalised space. But it also means that certain things—like daily housekeeping, mini toiletries, or room service—aren’t part of the deal. Instead, you're stepping into someone else’s space, often curated with the basics, and the rest is up to you.
Because of that, your approach to packing needs to be a little more considered. You’re not just taking clothes and a toothbrush; you might need pantry staples, beach towels, or board games for rainy afternoons. Every holiday rental is different, so knowing what to expect—and what to bring—makes a big difference.
The Core Essentials: What You Should Always Bring
Let’s start with the must-haves. Regardless of your destination or how long you’re staying, these items should always make it into your luggage.
First, gather your travel documents. Having your booking confirmation from Search and Stay, photo ID or passport, travel insurance, and emergency contacts all in one folder—whether digital or printed—is a good habit. It’s a safety net if something goes awry, and it ensures a smooth check-in, especially in places with limited reception or self-check-in setups.
When it comes to clothing, think practical and versatile. A mix of tops, shorts or trousers, a lightweight jumper, and something for cooler nights will get you through most situations. Add swimmers—yes, even if you’re not heading to the beach—because you never know when a spa or heated pool will pop up. Comfortable shoes for walking, thongs for around the house or beach, and sleepwear round out your wardrobe basics.
Toiletries can be surprisingly personal. Even if the accommodation provides soap or shampoo, it’s worth bringing your preferred brands. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and insect repellent are non-negotiable, while items like a hairdryer, razor, or moisturiser depend on your usual routine. If you’re travelling as a couple or group, coordinate to avoid doubling up unnecessarily.
Don’t forget any prescription medication, plus a few travel basics like paracetamol, antihistamines, or travel sickness tablets if needed. A compact first-aid kit is a smart inclusion—especially if you’re heading to a more remote destination.
Thinking Like a Local: Household Items to Consider
One of the best parts of staying in a holiday rental is being able to cook and live at your own pace. That said, kitchen inclusions vary wildly. Some rentals are stocked with olive oil, herbs, and a coffee machine; others are more bare bones.
It’s worth packing small containers of staples you use often—like salt, pepper, cooking oil, or your favourite tea or coffee. A few snap-lock bags or food containers can be handy for leftovers or snacks on the go. Reusable shopping bags are essential in Australia, especially for farmers markets or grocery stores near your accommodation.
For laundry, check your listing to see if there's a washing machine or dryer. If so, consider bringing laundry detergent pods or a small bottle of liquid, plus pegs and a bag to separate clean and dirty clothes. Microfibre cloths are useful for general clean-ups or drying dishes if needed.
On the tech front, chargers are a must (including a power bank for longer outings), and it’s worth packing a travel adapter if you're travelling internationally. While most properties have Wi-Fi, it's smart to download any movies, shows, or maps ahead of time—especially if the holiday rental is in a more remote area.
Tailoring Your Packing to the Destination
Where you're heading can completely change what you pack. That’s the beauty of Search and Stay—it offers accommodation options across a huge variety of landscapes, from coastal towns and hinterland retreats to alpine cabins and city apartments.
For beach holidays, in addition to your swimmers and thongs, pack beach towels (as most holiday rentals don’t provide them), sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a beach bag. If you have kids, throw in goggles, floaties, or a few beach toys. A foldable esky is brilliant for taking lunch or drinks to the shore.
If you’re off to the bush or the mountains, your essentials might include hiking boots, long pants to protect from mozzies, and layers for cool mornings. Bring a torch or headlamp, insect repellent, and a picnic rug. Many country holiday rentals have fire pits, so firewood and marshmallows could make your nights more magical—just be sure to check if fires are allowed and if wood is provided.
City escapes call for comfortable walking shoes, outfits suitable for dining out or cultural experiences, and a small day bag for exploring. Noise-cancelling headphones or a sleep mask can also be helpful in busier urban settings.
Heading to the snow? Thermals, gloves, beanies, waterproof outer layers, and snow boots are all key. If you’re skiing, decide whether to bring your own gear or hire it at your destination.
Family-Friendly Packing Tips
Travelling with kids means extra planning—but a holiday rental makes it all so much easier. With separate rooms, a kitchen, and space to play, it feels more like a home than a hotel ever could.
For babies and toddlers, you’ll need a few extra bits like a travel cot, baby monitor, bottle steriliser, and pram or carrier. Some rentals provide cots or highchairs, so check your listing in advance. Favourite toys, books, and comfort items are crucial, especially if bedtime routines are important to your child.
For older kids, think of entertainment. Books, tablets (with headphones), colouring supplies, or board games are ideal for downtime. Pack enough clothes for the inevitable spills and messes, plus swim gear, hats, and water bottles to keep them comfortable and happy throughout your stay.
The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
There are a few non-essential items that can turn your vacation into a truly seamless and stress-free experience. A portable speaker lets you bring your favourite playlists with you, whether you're cooking dinner or relaxing outdoors. A journal is a great way to capture the small moments and memories of your holiday, especially in places that feel truly special.
An over-door hook or hanging organiser is a surprisingly useful tool, especially in bathrooms with limited storage. A laundry bag keeps your used clothes contained and ready for washing or unpacking when you get home. And don’t underestimate the power of a few simple snacks—protein bars, trail mix, or instant noodles can go a long way during travel days or lazy evenings.
Bluetooth trackers like AirTags are becoming increasingly popular for travellers who want peace of mind with their keys or luggage. Likewise, having a few reusable items—like a stainless-steel water bottle, coffee cup, or beeswax wraps—helps reduce waste and makes your trip more sustainable.
What You Can Probably Leave Behind
The good news? Most vacation rentals booked through Search and Stay already include a solid list of amenities. You won’t usually need to bring bedding, towels (unless specified), basic kitchenware, or hairdryers—though it never hurts to double-check. Many properties now offer Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and even streaming services, so leave the DVDs at home.
You also don’t need to pack everything “just in case.” Instead, trust that you'll have access to nearby shops or services if needed. Overpacking can be more hassle than help—especially if you’re moving between locations or travelling with kids.
Packing Sustainably
As more travellers look for ways to minimise their impact, choosing a holiday rental is already a positive step. Having the ability to cook your own meals, recycle, and shop locally means you can reduce waste and carbon footprint during your stay.
Bring a few reusables to make this easier: tote bags for shopping, refillable toiletry bottles, and your own containers for leftovers or packed lunches. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen, especially near the coast, and choose biodegradable wipes or bamboo toothbrushes. Small changes, when made consistently, go a long way.
Pack Smart, Stay Easy
Packing for your holiday rental doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a little planning and a clear understanding of what’s included at your accommodation, you can pack exactly what you need—no more, no less. Whether you're heading off for a quiet couples' weekend, a big family trip, or a solo adventure to reset and recharge, the goal is simple: to feel relaxed, comfortable, and completely ready to enjoy your vacation from the moment you arrive.
And the first step? Choosing the right place to book. With Search and Stay, you’ll find unique, well-equipped holiday rentals across Australia and beyond, suited to every traveller type and budget. From coastal cottages and vineyard villas to city lofts and mountain lodges, the perfect destination is just a few clicks away.
So, book smart, pack light (but right), and enjoy every second of your next unforgettable stay.