There are plenty of things to do in Broken Bow Oklahoma, but what about relaxing around your rental house? If you plan on spending a good amount of time in your rental property, there are some items you’ll want to bring along just in case.
The nearest major grocery store is in Broken Bow (not Hochatown, where most vacation rentals are located). You have your choice of Walmart or Pruett’s. You can pick up some items at the convenience stores along 259 (Market at Local 259 and Mountain Man Meat Market have some essentials), but it’s best to be prepared and bring your own items.
As an avid traveler and an experienced renter of vacation homes, here’s my list of what to bring to a vacation rental home in Broken Bow.
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What to Pack for a Trip to Broken Bow OK
Whether you’re booking vacation homes through a rental management company or a third-party website like VRBO, you should find a list of amenities they include to make your stay comfortable.
Some of the following items are considered basic amenities. This is a good place to start on your rental packing list when considering what to bring to a vacation rental home.
Rental Packing Essentials
- Wi-Fi: Most vacation rentals provide free Wi-Fi, although it’s good to confirm, especially in rural areas.
- Kitchen essentials: You will usually find basics like pots and pans, dishes, utensils, a coffee maker, coffee filters, a toaster, and a microwave. Typically there will be basic food items like salt, olive oil, and spices. Be sure to double-check before heading to the local grocery store.
- Paper products: There should be at least a roll of paper towels, napkins, and at least a few rolls of toilet paper (although you may need to purchase more).
- Basic cleaning supplies: Typically you will find a vacuum, broom, a small bottle of dish soap, usually trash bags, and sometimes a dishwasher (and dishwasher detergent).
- Kid’s items: these days, rental owners will make sure to list kid-specific items that they keep in the house like pack ‘n’ plays, highchairs, child-sized cutlery and dishes, and even kid’s toys and games.
- Linens and towels: Rentals typically supply bed linens, bath towels, and hand towels. Beach towels are sometimes included if you’re near water or the property has a hot tub.
- Toiletries: You should typically find hand soap and toilet paper in bathrooms and sometimes shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (but if you’re particular about what you like, bring your own).
- Washer and dryer: If you stay in a house in the US, you should normally find a washer and dryer with detergent and fabric softener provided.
- Air conditioning and heating: Most properties include climate control of some kind, but it’s worth double-checking in more remote areas.
- Television and entertainment: TVs with streaming services are usually provided. Some rentals also offer board games or even video games, depending on the type of rental.
- Outdoor gear: If the property has outdoor space, you might find a grill, a hot tub, patio furniture, and sometimes beach chairs or umbrellas.
- Parking: Many rentals include free parking, but always check, especially in urban areas.
If it’s unclear if a home includes some of these more basic supplies, it’s best to reach out to the owner. Another idea is to compare rentals to find something else that best suits your needs.
What to Pack if You Have Small Children
Favorite Stuffed Animal or Blanket
If you’ve ever left your child’s lovie at home, you quickly realize how much of an essential item it is (and then you never forget it again). Having a favorite attachment object can help kids settle into a new place and feel more comfortable, so add it to the top of your list!
Night Light
If you’re taking kids to Broken Bow, it can be helpful to bring a night light. Not all rental properties include them. If your children (or even the grandparents) need to use the bathroom at night, a night light can offer safety and a little peace of mind.
This night light is great for home or when you’re traveling with kids. It has a 1 to 6-hour timer, touch control, adjustable settings, and comes with its own charging base.
Pack n’ Play and High Chair
If your rental doesn’t come with a pack ‘n’ play, you’ll want to bring your own so your little one has a comfy place to sleep. Even if a pack ‘n’ play is included, I recommend bringing extra pack ‘n’ play sheets, because these are rarely included.
Bed Rail
For children who are still learning the ins and outs of sleeping in a “big kid” bed, bringing along a bed rail can be a huge help. Get a swing-down bed rail guard that secures to the box spring with a safety strap and simply put the bed against one wall.
Blackout Curtains
Do you have a child who still takes naps at home? Especially when they’re out of their familiar space, they might have a hard time getting comfortable enough to sleep in a new space. A huge way to help is to recreate the environment they’re used to. If your child has blackout curtains at home, these travel ones are super helpful.
Baby Gate
Safety should always be front of mind when booking your vacation rental with kids. If a baby gate isn’t mentioned in your rental’s list of amenities, consider bringing your own.
This is extremely important if you’re staying in a home with multiple levels or access to a pool. It’s very helpful when you have young children or animals.
These Safety 1st gates are easy to install without damaging walls and come in a pack of 2. They’re walk-through gates that span from 29 to 38 inches and are 28 inches high each.
You could also consider messaging the host to see if they would be willing to purchase them. If the property is promoted as family-friendly, property owners are usually happy to help!
Toys and Books
Vacation rentals for families usually offer a collection of toys and books for small children, but you can’t go wrong bringing a few favorites from home! (Just make sure you remember which ones you brought so you get home with all of them.)
What to Pack for the Kitchen in a Vacation Rental
These days, most rental properties have well-stocked kitchens. However, if cooking is your thing and you plan to cook a lot on vacation, you’ll want to pack a few of these extras:
Kitchen Knives
Knives can be hit or miss at rental properties, so if you like to cook, it’s best to bring your own. Or at least bring a knife sharpening tool.
Tupperware
Most rental units will have some type of Tupperware (as well as plastic wrap and aluminum foil). But if you plan to store food during your vacation, and especially if you want to bring food home with you, you’ll need to bring your own dishes.
Corkscrew/Bottle Opener
In all my experience of staying in vacation rentals, I’ve learned that nothing more easily goes missing in a rental home than a corkscrew and/or bottle opener (and even a can opener for that matter). If this is a vital tool for you, consider bringing your own.
Reusable Water Bottles
Save on the number of dishes you have to wash by bringing your own reusable water bottle. Bring a different color for each person so there’s no confusion. They’re also perfect for day hikes.
Coffee
We’re pretty picky about our coffee, so we always pack some to bring along. Many of the Broken Bow vacation rentals offer a Keurig or Nespresso for your caffeine needs, but just in case, you might want to pack your own.
Not a fan of Keurig coffee but don’t want to bring a whole coffee maker? These reusable K cup coffee filter pods are perfect because you can put your own coffee in them.
What to Pack for the Bedroom
You might think the rental has everything, but for better rest at night, it’s always smart to bring a few of the following.
Your Favorite Pillow
For a most enjoyable stay, nothing beats sleeping on your own pillow. All rentals provide pillows, but you’re on vacation. This is one place you don’t want to skimp!
Sound Machine
If you sleep with a sound machine at home, or if you’re sensitive to a new environment, a sound machine is a great way to guarantee a good night’s sleep. You can find a variety of travel-friendly devices, as well as apps.
I love this one for adults and kids. It has 6 different sounds, a timer, and an adjustable volume, and comes with a charger or you can use batteries.
House Slippers
When it comes to what to bring to a vacation rental, this is something I swear by! They’re great for padding around early in the morning, but there are plenty of reasons to pack house slippers for a vacation rental.
I love something to keep my feet warm both inside the house and out in the yard or on the patio. These slippers will do the job.
What to Pack for the Outdoors
If you’re heading to a property with a big backyard or if you plan on spending time at the lake or the beach, keep these in mind:
Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Outdoor activities often mean dealing with bugs and the sun. When you’re packing for a vacation rental in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, I recommend choosing a sunscreen with SPF 50 that can handle the higher heat and humidity, since you will likely be sweating.
Also, be aware that ticks are common in Beavers Bend State Park and the surrounding area during the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to get a quality bug repellant with DEET or Picaridin. I recommend this Sweat Resistant OFF! Spray.
Beach Gear
Think about items like beach towels, folding chairs, and a beach umbrella. Check if the rental provides these—many near water do. Of course, it doesn’t always hurt to bring extras. Beach toys are also a great option but confirm whether the rental includes them or not.
Extras to Pack for a Vacation Rental Stay
If you’re investing in a vacation rental, don’t be afraid to be comfortable by bringing your favorites from home! Here are some of my family’s favorites.
Bluetooth Speaker
If you want to listen to music or audiobooks anywhere you go, bring a portable speaker. Just be mindful of the neighbors! This one is made for the shower so it’s waterproof, but it’s the perfect compact size for carrying around the house.
An Extra Power Strip
Sometimes it helps to bring a power strip in case there aren’t enough outlets to charge everyone’s electronics. Just make sure you get one with a surge protector, especially if you’re staying in an older home. This extension cord is a good choice, with 8 outlets and 4 USB ports.
Books
This is a great time to bring those books you’ve been meaning to get to and find a special place to read.
Board Games
One of the best ways to connect with the family on vacation is by having a game night! Some rental homes will have board games and card games available for your use, but make sure to pack some family favorites. (And don’t miss this list of 100 games to play on a family vacation)!
I highly recommend HedBanz. This kid-friendly board game is based on the game “What am I?” The player with the headband has to ask “yes” or “no” questions before time runs out to figure out if the card on the headband is an animal, food, or object. It’s fun for all ages!
Compact Hair Dryer
I find that a hair dryer (or flat iron or curling iron) can be hit or miss in a vacation rental. Sometimes they’re provided, and sometimes there’s only one and you’re a group of 5. Bring your own so you don’t have to worry about fixing your hair when it’s time to go out.
Bathmat
Of course, this depends on how much you want to pack, but if you’re traveling with kids (or just don’t want to use towels on the floor) consider bringing one. Trust me, a quality, no-slip bathmat makes all the difference for your comfort level on vacation.
First Aid Kit
If you’re planning outdoor activities, plan on keeping a small first aid kit handy. Especially if you think you’ll need pain relievers, you will want to be prepared.
Essential Toiletries
It can be hard to tell if a property will have toiletries available like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It never hurts to bring your own, especially if you prefer certain brands.
Laundry Detergent
If there’s a laundry unit in your vacation rental, odds are there will be some detergent available to use. If you plan on staying awhile or have a larger family, consider bringing your own laundry supplies, including laundry bags, detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.
Hangers
This is another one I’ve learned over the years. The need for hangers will vary from one property to the next, but if you’re bringing a lot of hanging clothes, it’s not a bad idea to bring some of your own.
What to Look for When Booking a Vacation Rental
There are a few key ways to know what to bring to a vacation rental just by looking at the listing. Here are my best tips for what to look for:
- Check the amenities list carefully: Make sure the property has all of the essentials you need, like Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer, air conditioning, and kitchen supplies. If you’re traveling with kids, check for items like a pack ‘n’ play or highchair to save space when packing.
- Read the reviews: Reviews are a goldmine for insights about the property and host. Look for comments on cleanliness, the accuracy of the listing, and any potential issues like noise or neighbors. Reviews often reveal details that aren’t in the listing, including how accommodating the owners are.
- Look at the pictures: A great way to know what’s in the rental is to look at pictures, which will tell you if there’s a need for baby proofing or if you’ll need to bring house slippers for cold tile floors.
Following my advice on what to bring to a vacation rental and you’re sure to have a wonderful time! Also, a good rule of thumb is to do a once-over after you check in and then head to the local convenience store for anything you’re missing.