If you are one of many families heading out camping or cottaging for the Civic holiday, there’s a few extra things you might want to keep in mind.
Celebrated on the first Monday of August the civic holiday is a public holiday in Ontario, but it is not a federally mandated statutory holiday across the country.
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According to Vrbo, Canadians are embracing local travel, with shorter stays and domestic destinations on the rise.
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Places like Kawartha Lakes offers great rates and are perfect for families, Vrbo spokesperson Kyla Moore told Metroland Media.
So as you grab sunscreen, towels and bug spray, here are a few extra things you will also have to consider prior to arrival.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Meal prep
There’s a lot of meal planning ahead of time to ensure no one goes hungry over the course of your visit.
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If you are renting an Airbnb or Vrbo spot, ensure you consult with the owners about what oils, spices and condiments might be available. It can make packing a bit lighter if you don’t have to bring your own salt and pepper.
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And you’ll also want to consider what your crowd will eat upon arrival. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, family members are likely to feel a bit snackish when you arrive.
Plan to have something you can throw together quickly, like a charcuterie board of crackers, cheeses, meat, and fruit, school snacks or burgers and hot dogs.
Be safe around the property
Whether you are right on the lake or just nearby, know if there’s a sandy beach entry or rocky, dock-only entry.
This could make a difference when planning if life jackets or floating devices need to be on all the time, and how much supervision young children may need.
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It’s not always something you consider when you’re ready to have fun, but ensure you plan ahead for what to do in an emergency.
Is there good cellular service and Wi-Fi? Can you provide directions to the property? Inquire where the closest hospital and fire station are, in case you need that information. And learn if there’s a fire extinguisher on site.
And what would you do if there is a power outage? Summer storms can leave renters and campers without electricity for some time, so it’s good to have a backup plan for eating and charging devices.
For cooking on outdoor campfires, some municipalities may have fire bans in place, so you should also be advised of that ahead of time. That’s even if the property has a fire pit.
And if your property is not on level ground, having rocks or uneven terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues from accessing all areas of the site, so consider fall prevention measures.
Uneven ground may also lead to cuts and scrapes with little ones, so bring along a first aid kit with plenty of bandages.
You also want to include some tweezers in case anyone gets a sliver from sticks or wood in the area.
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Booking a vacation rental can be easy when most of the necessities are already provided.
“Essentials like extra sheets and towels are often included and handy amenities — such as a washer and dryer — make it easier to pack light,” Moore said.
Things like a hair dryer, iron, blender, rice cooker, air fryer and slow cooker may also be included in the rental.
If it’s going to be hot, you’ll want to know if there’s air conditioning, or if you need to have ways to cool down.
And if you’re travelling with your pet, you will want to know if it’s pet friendly, and if it’s fenced off.
“Vrbo recommends reaching out to your host if you’re unsure what’s provided and checking guest reviews for firsthand insights.”
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It’s also good to know in advance where you’re supposed to dry wet towels and swimsuits. Some places have railings or laundry lines to hang them on, while other places will leave you flinging them on nearby branches.
And if you are travelling with children, you’ll want to know what they can do when they’re not in the water. Is there a sandbox or flat area to play soccer? And if it rains during the weekend, you will want to know ahead of time if there are books and board games, of if you need to pack that.
Packing extra charging cables for devices is also not a bad idea.
Waste and recycling plans
You’ll also want to know ahead of time how to dispose of garbage and recycling on the property.
Various municipalities have different regulations, and you won’t want to attract any unnecessary wildlife. If you’re in a rental, the host should be able to confirm those details for you — and whether they have a bear-proof bin somewhere.
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