VRBO Condo Living

The spousal unit and I spend most of our beach visits staying in condo units.  This trip we went the VRBO  (vacation rental by owner).  We have stayed in private placement condos before, but most are managed by a realty company.  This time we dealt directly with the owner.

The first difference between the two, sometimes not everything is included.  Here is a list of items that you may want to consider bringing with you or plan on a visit to the store upon your arrival:

KITCHEN ITEMS:

ziploc bags
Aluminum foil
Paper plates
Paper towels
Dish washing liquid
Dish washer pods
Salt, pepper, and other seasonings
Ice
Condiments

OTHER ITEMS:

Washing machine powder
Toilet paper
Shampoo and conditioner
Bar soap
Blow dryer

BEACH ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

Beach Towels.  Large resorts usually provide towels but VRBO rentals don't

Beach chairs and umbrellas..  The chairs and umbrella rentals typically run $40 to $50 per day.  Two days of rental fees pay for chairs and umbrellas that should last a minimum of to years.  And, don't forget the umbrella anchor!

Drink cup spike.  These are plastic, and once they are planted into the sand, they keep your cup or cell phone free of sand.

Small ice chest.  These are invaluable during a long day at the beach. I use a soft sided one the lighten the load.  I prepare frozen margaritas in ziploc bags for ice packs instead of using loose ice.  I also will freeze Capri Sun pouches use them as ice packs.  Both, once partially melted, make great refreshing treats later in the day.

Beach cart.  These roll easily to the beach's edge.  Once in the sand it can be a bit of a tug-a-war.  If you bring a wagon, you will
be either dragging it as dead weight or carrying it to your spot.

Sunscreen.  Obviously this is the most important item.  Even if you are under an umbrella all day, you can get burned from the sun's reflection off the sand.

Beverages.  Be sure to drink plenty of water.  Remember that glass is not welcome at the beach.  Aluminum cans and plastic beverage bottles are the way to go.

Party tents.  These are allowed at the beach, but most beaches require them the be set up behind the rental chairs.

Remember, what you bring to the beach, must also leave with you.  Leave the sand the way you found it, hopefully liter free!

We keep our excess supplies in storage boxes, ready for the next trip. The costs for multi packs drop as they are used up during future visits.

The beach is my happy place.  Hope you enjoy beaching as much as we do.  Its a great place for blogging material, if you haven't guessed that already!