While last-minute trips can be exciting, we don’t recommend it! Plan at least a few months, if not 6, ahead of time. Make sure you can get the time off work and that the dates you have planned, work for everyone else that wants to go. It can be frustrating trying to accommodate everyone but with enough time, you might just be able to do it.
Probably the biggest thing when heading out to the cottage, is picking up food. So the most important thing you can do is meal plan and meal prep. Sit down and make a list of all the meals you plan on having while you’re out there. Then do the grocery shopping. A couple days before you leave, do as much meal prep as possible. Cut up the meat and veggies and store them appropriately. The less time you spend doing that stuff at the cottage, the more time you have for fun! We also suggest planning at least one barbecue meal a day so you can keep the mess outside.
Make sure you have enough essentials for everyone. We’re talking plates, cutlery, napkins, cups, toilet paper, garbage bags. If you have enough space, even bring extra. If you plan on bringing disposable kitchenware, please consider buying the biodegradable options. Also, bring permanent markers or wine charms along so people can mark their cups. Saves them from throwing out cups when they don’t know who’s is who’s.
Planning a cottage trip far in advance can be tough, especially when it comes to the weather. Living in Canada, you know that you never know what to expect. So make sure you have plenty of indoor activities planned in case you have a couple cold or dreary days. Board games and cards are classic and fun choice. Maybe ask everyone to bring their favourite so you have a few choices!
Remember to not get too stressed out, when doing all this planning! Take a minute and breathe. If you’re going with a few people, discuss who will do what, bring what, and when. Don’t do it all yourself. You want this to be something you look back on fondly, and not just remember how stressful it was.
Last but not least, if you’re thinking about sprucing up the lighting of your cottage this year, give our team at Nightscapes of Muskoka, a call. We would love nothing more than to make your cottage lighting dreams come true! You can check out all of our lighting and landscaping services, by clicking or tapping here.
We hope this list of 6 tips helps you plan the perfect trip to the cottage this summer. If there’s anyone that understands the importance of the yearly cottage getaways, it’s our team at Nightscapes!
