Packing for a Houseboat Vacation

My family recently took a trip house-boating in British Columbia. It was a very enjoyable vacation, however it took quite a bit of planning and deciding who would bring what. Living on the water for a week or two ass far different from staying in a hotel, especially with those prone to seasickness. Make sure to bring plenty of every item you need, and ask if the houseboat rental company has a list of frequently used items that you should pack. If you've never taken a vacation on a houseboat, then you probably won't know what to expect or pack, so read on to find out what you should pack to make the vacation more enjoyable.

Utensils
Most houseboats come with basic cooking utensils such as pots, pans, spatulas and silverware. You probably won't want to spend the entire time doing the dishes, however, so bring packages of plastic utensils to make your life a little easier. We also packed several packages of disposable tin pans for cooking and protecting the inside of the oven. You should also bring a box of heavy-duty trash bags on board to dispose of trash and leftovers. The houseboat company we rented from supplied us with two bags for the week and we went through at least five just repacking to go home.

Lighting
House boating vacations usually mean dark nights, so be sure to bring flashlights and plenty of batteries. If you don't then it might mean going to bed with the sun. You might also want to invest in an electric lantern or propane lantern so you can sit out on the deck and enjoy the evening. Many houseboats come equipped with lighting, but you might need extra depending on the boat.

Campfires

Most evenings people like to have a campfire on the beach, so its always a good idea to take some newspaper to start a fire as well as a lighter or matches. Along the Shuswap Lake houseboats and campers are allowed to burn driftwood and debris from the shore to the tree line. If there is nothing on the beach one must either have brought wood with them or purchase wood from a store along the shore or on the water.

Seasonal Items
People tend to take houseboat vacations during the spring and summer, but don't forget long-sleeved clothes. Not only will sleeves deter biting insects, but it can also get chilly on the water at night. Sunburns can be a problem, so bring a hat and wear long sleeves if you're prone to burning . Don't forget the sunscreen and OFF! Boots with plenty of extra pairs of socks might be necessary as well as bathing suits and towels if you're going to want to swim. Don't forget a flyswatter or ask if it is supplied, otherwise you may end up like us and duct tape a margarine lid to a stick.

Linens
Some houseboats come equipped with linens (or charge for them) while others won't provide such amenities. Either find out what to expect in advance or pack bed sheets, pillow cases, quilts, towels, washcloths and other necessities. You should also find out whether you'll need to bring toilet paper and paper towels.

Groceries
After booking your vacation be sure to plan menus and take all necessary ingredients for meals as well as packing snacks for the duration. Take note when planning meals what equipment is provided and what you might have space to take. Don't forget things such as beverages and water. We found there were very few places on the lake that provided taps for drinking water and bottles of water were VERY expensive. In the range of four to five dollars for a 500 milliliter bottle of water.

Water Activities

Swimming in the lakes off the houseboat is a much enjoyed past time on such a vacation. Remember to take floaty toys, swim wear, towels and any other gear you make like. There's fishing available so if you intend to fish take fishing tackle. Many vacationers will bring or rent a motor boat for tubing and other water sports. It is recommended that vacationers take more than one swim suit and towel so that things can dry between uses.

Shop in Advance
Regardless of what you think you'll need, be sure to acquire those items before heading out on a house boating vacation. You can usually purchase whatever you need at the marina or at the stores on the water, but prices are exorbitant. Your wallet will be much better off if you arrive prepared to enjoy a relaxing vacation.