Self catering holiday. What do i need.

[Readyforspring]

I havent been away in years and years so its our 1st holiday together and with dcs.

7 nights. Static van.
Maybe eat out 3 nights.

What can i cook that's quick and easy that i can take. Space in car is limited. So cant take a full week shop as such
Im not fussed if 'unhealthy' as sod it were away! And the dcs are good at eating veg all week at home

Thinking like bacon and egg part bakes?
Pasta in sauce sachet things.

Also what other items.

Loo roll
Toiletries obvs
Tea towels, dishcloths etc
An anti bac spray

What other stuff will i need.

Go to caravan drop stuff off. Go shopping. We meal plan and take everything!!
Save a fortune!

Check if towels are provided or not.

Other kitchen things that might be useful are cling film/foil, pegs and string to hang wet clothes, a sharp knife, bin bags, rubber gloves. Also things like cooking oil, ketchup, salt are sometimes easier to take with you than buy when there.

I try and plan all in one dishes when on holiday. Things like pasta bake, oven risotto, cheat's fish pie. Or things like pizza, fish fingers that are quick and DS will eat without complaint!

Take things that would be a bit of a pain if you had to buy there.
For example, small amount of salt, washing up liquid, sauces, matches, wine.

Jacket potatoes are good and cheap, easy to take with you and get some good toppings. Maybe take ‘nicer’ versions of foods such as part baked bread (for breakfast or lunches). Let the children choose ‘treat cereal’ and some ‘treat’ drinks as these are cheaper to buy a multi pack or two, pack in the bottom of car boot.

I always take a big oven dish that I can use for pasta bake, enchiladas, lasagne etc. Minimum effort cooking that reduces costs.

Thank you. Great ideas.

Do you know what cooking facilities you have? Will you have a table for you all to eat at?

Tray bakes could be good if space is limited, chicken, chorizo a bag of ready chopped Mediterranean veg, bag of new potatoes. Or sausages with apples, potatoes, parsnips and red onion wedges with some honey and whole grain mustard 10 minutes before removing from oven.

For quick and easy fresh pasta with bacon, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms.

Google to see if there is a big supermarket nearby. Can you do a click and collect order to pick up when you arrive?
We were totally skint when our kids were small. For an easy, cheap s/c holiday I would get a few heat and serve evening meals eg Good quality pizza, decent quality eg Charlie Bigham ready meals. Plan to BBQ on a couple of nights. Fish and chips one night. And have a decent restaurant meal on the final night (family tradition). That sees us through the week.

Second vote for a sharp knife and wash up liquid, salt, pepper, oil, spread and sauces. Some of this may be provided or left by previous visitors but you can't bank on it. Take kitchen towel. Idaho packet mash is remarkably okay, a large block of cheese, tin of chick peas and tin of toms, a few stock cubes. I always take cream, smoked paprika and Worcs sauce. Lastly I usually cook a warm up in a pan meal for the first night. Enjoy your break