Are you ready for your first houseboat vacation? We are excited as you are! But let’s not forget to take along the must-have items for your fabulous coming vacation.
What to pack for a houseboat vacation?
- Sun protection: A wonderful vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare because of sunburn or heatstroke. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreens to protect your skin, sunglasses, and hats.
- Insect Repellent: It heavily varies by the location however bringing a high-quality insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay would be a wise choice.
- First Aid Kits: Protection first, but if something goes wrong (hopefully not), you may want to have the first aid kit at hand just in case a well-stocked first aid kits can come in handy. Some suggestions are bandages, antiseptic spray/peroxide, Neosporin, gauze pads, and medical tape.
- Portable Charger: Even though you may want to get away from the real world (I mean the internet, right?) to rest your head in your lovely houseboat, we still strongly suggest you bring a portable charger with you, just in case.
- A Waterproof Bag: It’s a lifesaver for any water-loving adventurer. Don’t forget to bring your waterproof bag to keep your belongings protected from any water splashes or unexpected rain.
- Rain Poncho & Umbrella: You’ll be spending a lot of time outside. Even in the summer, there is a chance of rain. It would be prudent to bring this additional layer of rain protection items to keep your limited clothing dry.
Pro Tip: Especially for European houseboat vacations bringing rain protection items strongly suggested.
What about fun? How to spend time on a houseboat?
Enough with boring stuff. We are on vacation, aren’t we? It’s time for the fun!
- Towels and Swim Gear: For water activities, bring towels, goggles, and other swim gear. Maybe Paddleboard/Kayaks?
Pro Tip: Instead of ordinary beach towels, quick dry travel towels would be a better choice for this watery houseboat vacation. - Board Games and Books: If you rent out the houseboat with your family & friends, don’t forget to bring your board games for entertaining board game nights. Otherwise, if you want to spend some time alone in the calm waters, books may be your best companion.
- Fishing Equipment & Bait: Totally understandable if you are not a big fan of fishing but it can’t be a real houseboat experience without fishing activities. It’s a great opportunity to try something new and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You should definitely give it a shot!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check fishing license requirements of the location that you will visit. - Binoculars: When you are boating, hiking, or hanging out in nature, you will experience various animals. It may not be a bad idea to bring along your binoculars to observe these incredible creatures from a safe distance.
Houseboat vacations are an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of nature without actual camping. You are now prepared for your vacation with this houseboat vacation packing list. Please keep in mind that the suggestions may differ depending on the location you will visit, the season, or the houseboat itself.
If you have already taken a vacation on a houseboat, write your ideas in the comment section below. What would you suggest your future potential houseboat neighbours bring?
If you loved the houseboat vacation and now you can’t get it out of your mind, then perhaps you should consider living in a houseboat permanently. But before you take any action, take a look at our blog post Is Living on a houseboat right for you? Pros, cons and everything in between.