Airbnb Packing List
Short-term stays in homes and apartments are perfect when you’re looking for a home away from home experience – the ability to cook meals in a real kitchen, hang out as a group or family, and still have the luxury of personal space.
While many short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo provide the bare essentials, packing for a short-term stay requires more thought than a traditional hotel stay. Don’t worry! This guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to pack like a pro for your next short-term stay adventure.
The Basics
- Accommodation Check
Dive deep into your short-term listing. Does it provide towels, linens, and toiletries? How about cleaning supplies?
- Seasonality Savvy
Does the unit have air conditioning in the summer and special options like a fireplace for cozy winter nights? - Kitchen Confidential
While some Airbnbs boast fully equipped kitchens, others offer minimal cooking facilities. If you’re road-tripping, you may want to bring a favorite pan and knife, a tea kettle, or even basic spices and cooking oil. Make sure to note the nearest grocery store to pick up the essentials when you arrive.
PRO TIP: At East Rock Inn, our 2-Bedroom Apartment Unit has everything you need to cook up family-style meals
Beyond the Essentials
- Tech Traveler
Chargers, adapters, headphones, and portable power banks are lifesavers, especially for international trips. Don't forget entertainment like books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies. Packing a surge protector power strip means you’ll never have to worry about having enough outlets during your stay. - Creature Comforts
Pack your favorite travel pillow, blanket, or even essential oils for a touch of homey comfort. If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to pack a travel-size white noise machine or binder clips to keep curtains closed in a pinch. - First-Aid Essentials
Pack a basic first-aid kit with bandaids, pain relievers, and any personal medications you need. It's always better to be safe than driving around in the middle of the night looking for an open drugstore.
Bonus Travel Tips
- Local Love
Check out local online news sites to learn about festivals and events during your stay. Research pharmacies and convenience stores near your Airbnb. Knowing where to restock essentials can be a lifesaver. - Eco-Conscious Packing
Pack some refillable water bottles and reusable shopping bags that you can take on your adventures, whether you’re enjoying the outdoors, hitting a farmer’s market, or shopping at local stores.
Dreaming of a short-term stay in the Berkshires? Our East Rock Inn Two-Bedroom apartment comes with everything you’d need, from a fully stocked kitchen to a gas-burning fireplace, an in-unit washer/dryer, and direct access to our sprawling backyard at the foot of East Rock Mountain. Plus, professional housecleaning on-demand for a nominal fee.
Let us take the guesswork out of your next short-term stay and BOOK NOW or email us at frontdesk@eastrockinn.com
Tips and advice on when to see peak fall foliage and leaf peeping in the Berkshires.
Where to eat breakfast in Great Barrington and Beyond
The Berkshires offer a delightful sip for every palate, from award-winning breweries to cozy wineries and innovative distilleries. We’ve compiled a few of our favorites. Great Barrington: A Craft Beer Lover's Paradise Barrington Brewery & Restaurant in Great Barrington is a local favorite renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Its solar-powered brewing process produces a lineup of award-winning beers, perfectly paired with its delicious pub fare. Craving a relaxed vibe? Head to Big Elm Brewing , also in Great Barrington. This brewery boasts a constantly rotating selection of local favorites, offering a chance to discover the unique styles and flavors crafted by the region's independent brewers. Craft Beers Beyond Great Barrington For a wider exploration, venture out to Bright Ideas Brewing in North Adams. This innovative brewery pushes boundaries with its experimental brews. If ciders are your thing, don't miss Berkshire Cider Project , also in North Adams, offering handcrafted ciders made with locally-sourced apples. The Berkshires craft beer scene continues to evolve with the recent arrival of Hot Plate Brewing Co. in downtown Pittsfield. This Latina-owned brewery offers a unique perspective on the craft beer world, with a focus on innovative recipes and a welcoming taproom experience. Local Berkshires Wineries and Vineyards Les Trois Emme Vineyard and Winery is less than five miles from East Rock Inn and hosts weekend wine tastings in its comfortable tasting room. This locally owned vineyard is minutes from Great Barrington, and you can try a range of whites and reds. For an experience that marries wine tasting with breathtaking scenery, venture out to Four Winds Vineyard in nearby Canaan, Connecticut (just a 23-minute drive). Specializing in estate-grown Bordeaux varietals, they offer tastings and tours, allowing you to discover the unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship behind each sip. For those seeking off-the-beaten-path tastings, explore hidden gems like Balderdash Cellars in Richmond. This boutique winery produces ultra-premium wines from world-class California vineyards, offering a unique experience for discerning palates. Local Berkshires Spirits and Cocktails The Berkshires aren't just about beer and wine. If you're looking for a unique spirit experience, look no further than Berkshire Mountain Distillery in Great Barrington. Their small-batch gins and vodkas, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, are a testament to the region's commitment to quality and innovation. Sample their award-winning spirits neat or ask the bartenders to create a signature cocktail for you. Want to learn more about the craft beverages we’ve suggested? Here are helpful links to get you started: Barrington Brewery & Restaurant: https://www.barringtonbrewery.net/ Big Elm Brewing: https://www.bigelmbeer.com/ Bright Ideas Brewing: http://brightideasbrewing.com/ Berkshire Cider Project: http://www.berkshire-cider.com/ Hot Plate Brewing Co.: https://www.hotplatebeer.com/ Four Winds Vineyard: https://crowleywines.com/vineyard/ Balderdash Cellars: https://www.balderdashcellars.com/ Berkshire Mountain Distillery: https://berkshiremountaindistillers.com/our-products/ Les Trois Emme Vineyard: https://www.ltewinery.com/ Be sure to drink responsibly and plan to have a designated driver or take a rideshare/taxi to and from your destinations. You’re just a short drive away to any of these experiences from East Rock Inn. Book Now and make East Rock Inn your home base in the Berkshires.
Mark your calendars! On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be
visible over thirteen US States. During this awe-inspiring event, the moon
will completely obscure the sun's bright face, plunging the landscape into
an eerie twilight for a brief period.
As winter loosens its grip and the Berkshires awaken, a vibrant display of
color explodes at Naumkeag, a stunning Gilded Age estate in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts. Each spring, the annual Daffodil and Tulip Festival
transforms the estate's grounds into a breathtaking tapestry of blooms.
Get ready for a fabulous season of festivals and fairs celebrating art,
music, food, and more in Great Barrington and surrounding towns. Here’s
just a small sample of what’s happening this summer. From downtown street
parties to quirky small-town fetes, here's a rundown of all the fun events
to experience from your home base at East Rock Inn.
The Literary Legacy of the Berkshires
The Berkshires aren't just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. For more than
two centuries, this stretch of Western Massachusetts has been the setting
and inspiration for great American writers and intellectuals. From East
Rock Inn, you can visit many of the sites
Adventure Unleashed
Your dog isn't just a companion, they’re family. So, don’t leave them
behind when wanderlust strikes! But before you hit the road, some planning
is necessary to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both of you.