What did you wish you'd brought from home for your rental apartment?
Jun 20th, 2006, 04:39 AM
#21
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Although you can get ziploc type bags in France (and elsewhere in Europe, I suppose), they don't seem to work as well as the real thing.
One thing we missed in our various apartment rentals was a simple, plop in the pan, vegetable steamer. None of the apartments we've ever rented came with one and we didn't find them for sale easily.
Very true about the sharp knives. We used to buy one all purpose knife for about 5 to 8 euros at the local Monoprix or similar and leave it behind for the benefit of the next guest.
One thing we missed in our various apartment rentals was a simple, plop in the pan, vegetable steamer. None of the apartments we've ever rented came with one and we didn't find them for sale easily.
Very true about the sharp knives. We used to buy one all purpose knife for about 5 to 8 euros at the local Monoprix or similar and leave it behind for the benefit of the next guest.
Jun 20th, 2006, 08:19 AM
#22
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Brahmama..I was too embarrassed to admit to packing peanut butter. It is just SO American. On our trip last year to Italy/Paris, by the time we landed in Paris near the end of the trip, all we wanted was a PB&J or turkey sandwich with mayo. Truth be told, I do not even eat PB&J or mayo when home but boy, did we crave it there.
So I told my mother on this trip with her in September, I will definitely be bringing a jar of PB.
So I told my mother on this trip with her in September, I will definitely be bringing a jar of PB.
Jun 20th, 2006, 09:31 AM
#25
Please - what is a clothespin? [is it clothes peg?] and is a wash-cloth a flannel? Two nations divided....etc.
We forgot the tea-bags for Rome - it made us go out and find the supermarket, so it was no bad thing.
We forgot the tea-bags for Rome - it made us go out and find the supermarket, so it was no bad thing.
Jun 20th, 2006, 01:54 PM
#27
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annhig
clothespins = clothes pegs
washcloths = clothes mitt = ???
Washcloths (et al) are not finished with apartments nor hotels. These are private items which shouldn't share to everyone.
Blackduff
clothespins = clothes pegs
washcloths = clothes mitt = ???
Washcloths (et al) are not finished with apartments nor hotels. These are private items which shouldn't share to everyone.
Blackduff
Jun 20th, 2006, 02:25 PM
#28
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I have to admit, this thread makes me giggle...and I did have to wonder where some of you were staying.
Kleenex ?
Kleenex brand tissues are sold everywhere here in France.
Ziploc bags ? <<Although you can get ziploc type bags in France (and elsewhere in Europe, I suppose), they don't seem to work as well as the real thing. >> Gee... the ones I buy at the local Intermarché say "Ziploc" on the box. I'll have to get some the next time I go to the States to see what I'm missing.
Giggles aside, I think that if you rent a place they should provide you with the necessities - like a good frying pan, tissues, paper towels, good knives, etc.
I always provide sugar, butter, juice, teabags, a good bag of coffee, etc. in the kitche, and I even keep peanut butter in my pantry in case someone wants it.
I also provide a food processor.... but I don't think anyone has ever used it.
And, of course, all the washclothes anyone could want.
Patricia
Kleenex ?
Kleenex brand tissues are sold everywhere here in France.
Ziploc bags ? <<Although you can get ziploc type bags in France (and elsewhere in Europe, I suppose), they don't seem to work as well as the real thing. >> Gee... the ones I buy at the local Intermarché say "Ziploc" on the box. I'll have to get some the next time I go to the States to see what I'm missing.
Giggles aside, I think that if you rent a place they should provide you with the necessities - like a good frying pan, tissues, paper towels, good knives, etc.
I always provide sugar, butter, juice, teabags, a good bag of coffee, etc. in the kitche, and I even keep peanut butter in my pantry in case someone wants it.
I also provide a food processor.... but I don't think anyone has ever used it.
And, of course, all the washclothes anyone could want.
Patricia
Jun 20th, 2006, 02:29 PM
#29
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gee I wish this site had an edit button..
I meant to say washcloths (flannel).
And to Blackduff... every good hotel I've stayed in around Europe in the last coule of years has provided a washcloth. But I always keep two in my makeup bag, just in case !
Patricia
I meant to say washcloths (flannel).
And to Blackduff... every good hotel I've stayed in around Europe in the last coule of years has provided a washcloth. But I always keep two in my makeup bag, just in case !
Patricia
Jun 20th, 2006, 04:26 PM
#30
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PBProvence, in our kitchen, I have both a U.S. box of Ziploc bags and a French box with some leftover bags I brought back after our last trip. The French bags are thinner, flimsier and don't seal as well. So I prefer to bring along the original version.
Jun 20th, 2006, 05:25 PM
#31
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We spent last week in a rental that had at least two or three of everything we could possibly have needed (including wash cloths, hair dryers, irons, wine bottle openers, alarm clocks, etc), with one exception - pillow cases. I'm one of those people who can never have enough pillows and always travel with extra pillow cases that I can stuff with towels or whatever will work. I'm glad I had a few along on this trip. There were plenty of pillows in the house, but no pillow cases.
Jun 21st, 2006, 06:11 AM
#33
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What a great list of tips! I'm definitely copying this to my travel directory.
I have to say I'm a little surprised that some people can't go travelling for 2 or 3 weeks in Europe without peanut butter or "a cup of joe". What ever happened to the adventure of travel and trying new things, "doing as the Romans do..."? One of the things I look forward to most when getting to Europe is a fantastic espresso or café au lait!
I have to say I'm a little surprised that some people can't go travelling for 2 or 3 weeks in Europe without peanut butter or "a cup of joe". What ever happened to the adventure of travel and trying new things, "doing as the Romans do..."? One of the things I look forward to most when getting to Europe is a fantastic espresso or café au lait!
Jun 21st, 2006, 06:20 AM
#34
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I have to take issue with those of you who say "you can just buy it at the store when you get there" to just about every issue. It was very hard to find the kind of store that sold facial tissues, zip lock bags, etc. near our flat off the Campo dei Fiori in Rome. We had lovely fruit, veggies and flowers nearby, but no grocery stores. We would pass stores when we were out and about touring, but who wants to lug stuff around all day. We finally found the store after about three days. In Florence there was a grocery store within a few blocks. In Venice, we found the stores, but all closed at 7:30 pm. In some areas, stores close on Saturday afternoon and don't reopen until Monday morning. Others just put a priority on touring, rather than shopping. There are many reasons why one might not be able to just grab something at the store.
Jun 21st, 2006, 08:06 AM
#37
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Here's my list:
small jar of peanut butter
small sharp knife
bread knife
pot holders
swiffers-tack over top of the broom supplied,would have been great for marble and ceramic floors
small cheese grater
small jar of peanut butter
small sharp knife
bread knife
pot holders
swiffers-tack over top of the broom supplied,would have been great for marble and ceramic floors
small cheese grater
Jun 21st, 2006, 01:02 PM
#39
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Sometimes you rent a place that is fully equipped and then the next time you rent one that isn't. So don't think because you lucked out once or twice that it is a sure thing.
I agree that it requires a lot of time you may not want to spend searching for salt, paper towels, pepper when you are only there for a week.
In Praiano, we had to go out and buy all cleaning fluids, sponges, salt, pepper, anything paper. We had other fun things scheduled and had to take time out to purchase all of these in large sizes which was a waste.
I have no idea why they cleaned out the apartment between clients, I know someone before us had to have purchased salt! and dishwashing liquid!
I agree that it requires a lot of time you may not want to spend searching for salt, paper towels, pepper when you are only there for a week.
In Praiano, we had to go out and buy all cleaning fluids, sponges, salt, pepper, anything paper. We had other fun things scheduled and had to take time out to purchase all of these in large sizes which was a waste.
I have no idea why they cleaned out the apartment between clients, I know someone before us had to have purchased salt! and dishwashing liquid!
