Sometimes there is simply no way to avoid this juggernaut of misery. AirBnBs often destroy city life for locals, push up rents and make neighbours' lives a living hell. Worst of all, hosts often leave out that one accessory that will destroy your holiday (“What? No bottle opener??”).
Here are my essential items if you're heading out to one this summer. Throw these in your car and you'll have all the bases covered.
🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Take a small bottle depending on how long you'll be travelling. Most AirBnBs will leave you with sunflower oil — if you're lucky. Sure, you can buy a bottle at the convenience store down the road, but they’re likely to only sell large bottles at exorbitant prices. You'll probably want to stay in and have a salad and tapas at least a few nights. Lucky for you, you brought the good stuff. Throw in a small bottle of vinegar and chilli sauce too.
🔊 Mini Portable Speaker
You're set up on the balcony, but that crappy phone speaker is not going to cut it. Just remember the neighbours.
🧂 Spices
Salt, pepper, oregano, paella seasoning, Spanish paprika, biryani seasoning. You have five meals right there. Once again, you can buy it down the road, but you'll likely need to buy a kilo of salt or pay a crazy price for a tiny shaker.
🔪 A Great Knife and Pan
Often you'll open the kitchen cupboard to be greeted with a greasy, scratched-up IKEA pan that looks like it came from a uni communal kitchen — and a knife with a history the FBI may be interested in. Bring your own. A paella pan is great to throw in the car too, if you have room, as it can be used to cook a variety of meals. A swiss army knife needs no introductions.
☕ Coffee Maker
You'll probably be supplied with one of those drip filter machines without any filters. Don’t risk it.
🔥 Portable Stove
If you're staying in a small place, you may be left to cook on a plug-in electric cooker. That’s nasty. Bring a portable butane cooker — just remember to leave the window open unless you want a very relaxing holiday. Great for picnics too. Paella anyone?
🍏 A Peeler
They may not leave you with one. Take it, it'll come in handy.
🧠 Headtorch
You'll use this at least once — trust me.
🚑 A Fully Stocked First Aid / Medical Kit
Obvious. Don't forget it.