Making the Most of a Kitchenette

Before You Go

Call the management of your accommodations. Before you can come up with a workable plan for vacation meals, you have to know how the kitchen is equipped. Ask about major appliances, cooking utensils, pantry and refrigerator space, and food-prep items like mixing bowls. Here's a Q&A checklist that will come in handy:

____Is there a full-size stove? ____Is there a full-size oven? ____Is there a microwave? ____Is there a blender? ____Is there a dishwasher? ____Do I need to bring dishwasher and dish soap? ____Are there kitchen towels, paper towels, and trash bags, or do I need to bring my own? ____Is there a good array of pots and pans? ____Is there a good array of mixing bowls? ____How big is the refrigerator? ____How big is the freezer? ____Does the fridge have an ice maker? Is there an ice machine on the premises? ____How much pantry/cabinet space is there? ____Are mixing spoons, spatulas, etc. available? ____Is there an outdoor grill? Is it a private grill or elsewhere on the premises for all guests to use? ____How is the kitchen set for place settings of dishes and flatware? ____Does the management have a cooler they loan to picnicking guests?