Not all cabin retreats are created equally. Some cabins are bare bones structures with the bare minimum inside. Other cabins are filled with plenty of amenities. What you bring on your cabin retreat will depend on where you’re staying. Not only that, your list will also depend on what type of cabin retreat you plan on having. Other variables might be the weather, whether or not you have cell phone service, and what activities you plan on taking part in on your retreat.
A list of what to bring should include everything to keep each person clothed, fed, and comfortable. Whether you’re bringing kids, dogs, or keeping it intimate, be sure to make a list and check it twice before heading out on your cabin retreat.
First, do your research
You won’t know what to bring until you know what your cabin offers. Check with your cabin hosts or look on their website to find exactly what they provide. Some cabins basically offer you everything you’ll need from bedding, basic cooking utensils, spices, and even cable. Others might not have anything besides a roof over your head. Do your research and figure out what you need based on what your cabin offers.
If your cabin won’t offer the essentials, write those down first. That means bedding, cooking utensils, garbage bags, firewood, a lighter, toilet paper, water, etc.
Printed directions
Even if you know where you’re going and you know you’ll have cell service, it might be a good idea to bring the printed directions to your cabin. There are so many things that can go wrong when it comes to directions, so it couldn’t hurt to jot them down just in case your service is bad, there’s bad weather, or your GPS gets lost – it’s definitely not unheard of.
Area map
An area map is a great addition to your packing list especially if you won’t have cell phone service in your area. Even if you will, a map is a great just-in-case item. Whether you’re driving, boating, hiking, or exploring the area your cabin is in, you might find that a map is not only good to have if you’re lost, but fun to have as well. Not to mention practical. If you find a swimming hole you like, a trail you want to try, or the name of the lake you’re on, a map is a great way to keep a log of the things you’ve come across or hope to see.
Medications
If you forget a towel or even ibuprofen, some cabins will have an extra you can use or a bottle in the medicine cabinet. What they certainly won’t have are the specific medications needed by you or your family members. Remember to grab everyone’s medications and throw them in a ziplock for safe, water resistant keeping.
Entertainment
Some cabins come equipped with a television, maybe even a DVD player, movies, or board games, but bringing your own won’t hurt either. Grab some entertainment for each person like a book for you, some extras for the kids, or a bone for the dog to chew on. But, also bring some entertainment you all can enjoy together. A family board game, baseball gloves, or pool toys can be important additions.
Each person’s personals
Each person will need to pack their clothing, swimming gear, toiletries, and other necessities that are specific to them. This means toothbrushes, makeup, underwear, shaving items, hiking boots, cameras, or anything else that they will need. Hopefully the adults and older kids can make sure to bring their own personals, but you may need to make that list for any small children or pets.
Bug spray and sunscreen
Bug spray and sunscreen are must-have items for any outdoorsy trip. Though some cabins may even offer these amenities to their guests, it’s not always a guarantee. Keep your own supply with you on your cabin retreat.
Just-in-case items
Just-in-case items are things like a first-aid kit, plenty of water, clothing for bad weather, a flashlight in case of a power outage, and plenty of indoor activities in case the weather turns too sour for outdoor activities.
Tupperware
To avoid having to waste food that you can’t put anywhere if you make too much, remember to grab some tupperware. It’s not an amenity that every cabin has, though they might. Either way, it’s a common item to forget and not realize the practicality of until it’s needed.
Meals and snacks
It’s obvious, but it’s something you’ll definitely want to bring on your cabin getaway. Make a grocery and meal list and remember to pack some snacks for the drive as well. Consider any activities you’ll be partaking in and bring meals that coincide with them. Be sure to bring your own particulars as well, like your favorite seasoning or your favorite coffee.
Specialty items
Since each person’s cabin retreat is different, it’s hard to make a list to encompass every single thing you’ll need. Specialty items might include your plant book, a journal, a six-pack of beer, or your ipod. Whatever is something you can’t do without but is specific to you.
Activity items
Fishing poles, hiking boots, sun hats, helmets, etc. Think of the activities you and the others on your trip plan on doing and bring all the necessary items needed for each activity.
At Broken Bow Cabin Lodging…
At Broken Bow Cabin Lodging, each cabin has its own set of amenities. Be sure to look into each cabin’s description in order to find out what each cabin has. However, most are filled with all the basics and then some. Not only that, but if there’s something you’ve forgotten there are stores nearby that might be able to replace your forgotten item. If you have any questions, please look at the FAQ page or give us a call!
