WHAT TO TAKE

I highly recommend packing a few extra pieces of kitchen equipment given rental properties usually tend to provide only the basics.

Essential equipment and utensils

Sharp kitchen knife, wrapped in cling film and tea towel.

A cool box for chilled ingredients, your first-night supper and a bottle of wine. Frozen ice blocks, useful for the journey and for any picnics during the week.

Flasks, perfect for tea or keeping drinks like cocktails cool for a day at the beach.

A few bits of Tupperware

TIP: On the way to your destination fill a wide-neck flask with ice so you are guaranteed a perfect first-night G&T.

Cake tin.

Proper pair of long metal tongs (useful for barbecues). Dishwasher tabs and one green scourer sponge.

TIP: Make a list of all the bits you take with you to make the last day and packing up a lot easier. Food & drink

Bring supper and snacks for the first night and morning. I try to do most of the shopping for the week locally. Research local farm shops, weekly markets, cheese makers, vineyards, wine merchants etc. The local economy will appreciate it.

Food to take with you

Arrival snacks

First-night supper

First breakfast, eg. fruit, bread, butter, jam and eggs

Basics

Condiments, including a quality vinegar for dressings.

Spices, such as ground cinnamon, medium curry mix, herbes de provence, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chilli flakes

Tea, coffee and a brace of chilled bottles of wine

Spirits, mixers and soft drinks.

TIP: If you accumulate any boxes during the week, eg a case of wine, it is worth keeping as they are really useful when packing.