What I’m Packing for Our Mountain Cabin Trip

Hello friends, it’s Mama Bird here!

I wanted to take a moment to share what I’ll be packing for our upcoming Mountain Cabin Adventure!

While our cabin comes stocked with linens and a small “starter pack” of essentials—things like paper towels, trash bags, and toilet paper—you never truly know what that starter pack includes. Over the years, I’ve learned it’s easier (and less stressful) to bring a few basics with us, especially when traveling with the Little Birds. Here’s what I’m packing for our mountain trip, including the items that make our stay smoother every time.

Essentials

Toilet Paper

Many rentals only include a roll or two for the whole house. And with kids, the nearest bathroom always becomes everyone’s favorite bathroom, so I bring a few extra rolls to make sure we’re covered until we can get to the store.

Paper Towels

I pack one roll, which usually lasts the entire trip. Cabins often include a small roll, but I prefer to bring one from home to be sure.

Trash Bags

 always bring a handful from home—it’s one less thing to remember (or run out of) once we arrive. I grabbed this set over the summer when I forgot to pack some, and they’ve lived in my travel kit ever since.

👉 https://amzn.to/3YqfC3r

Hand Soap

Clean hands are non-negotiable! I pack one soap for each bathroom and one for the kitchen—usually whatever we’re already using at home. This time it happens to be Bath & Body Works. I love that their pumps can be locked, which makes them perfect for travel since there’s no risk of spills in the bag.

Dish Detergent, Dish Soap & a Sponge

Even on vacation, the dishes don’t do themselves. Some rentals provide a few dishwasher pods, but if it isn’t listed, I assume they won’t—and even when they do, it’s rarely enough to last the whole trip. A sponge and a little dish soap go a long way.

Clorox Wipes

For those inevitable kid messes or quick cleanups, these are must-haves.

Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, and toothpaste

Don’t forget these essentials! Rentals aren’t like hotels or cruises—most won’t provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or lotion. I always pack our own so we’re not scrambling to buy them after we arrive.

Is it required to bring these extras? Nope! You can buy everything once you arrive. But between travel fatigue and the “everyone needs the bathroom the second we walk in” sprint, I’d rather have the basics ready.

Kitchen Extras

Since we plan to cook a little while we’re there, I’m packing a few kitchen items I know we’ll use. Some rentals have fully stocked kitchens… and some have a single butter knife and a pan from 1974. You just never know!

Knife

I always bring my own chef’s knife. Rental knives can be dangerously dull—ask my thumb how I know. I tape the knife to its sheath and pack it in a storage bin.

Cutting Board

Many rentals have one, but sometimes they’re tiny or missing entirely.

Baking Pan + Aluminum Foil

Great for easy meals and quick cleanup.

Cake Pan, Mixing Bowl & Handheld Whisk

Big Brother Bird loves to bake, and he will want to make a Christmas cake. We’ve stayed in rentals with either no whisk at all or a relic from the 70s. I’m playing it safe.

Wine Glasses

I bring my Tritan unbreakable wine glasses because rental glasses and I… do not get along. I’ve broken more than my fair share over the years and have even ended up replacing entire sets. It’s much safer (and less stressful!) to bring my own.

These are similar to the ones I travel with:👉 https://amzn.to/4s0GULA

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, and any special spices I know I’ll need. Once in a while a rental provides a great starter set—but I don’t count on it.

Scissors

These travel scissors are my go-to and come with a cover to keep them safe in the suitcase:👉 https://amzn.to/4qan5Q1

Extras We’re Bringing

Towels

Our cabin has an amazing indoor pool, so I’m packing towels for the kids to use there. Many rentals don’t include pool or beach towels.

Nightlights

The kids feel more comfortable in a new space with a soft glow. I like these because the brightness is adjustable:👉 https://amzn.to/49amkRa

Reflux Relief

These travel reflux packets are lifesavers. If you’re a mom who has discovered that certain foods just don’t sit the way they used to… these help a lot. Recommended by my doctor and definitely coming with me.👉 https://amzn.to/49amkRa

Sound Machines

New places come with unfamiliar noises, which means I’m usually waking up at 2 a.m. wondering what bumped in the night. The kids always pack their sound machines, and I bring a tiny speaker to play my “Sounds of the Ocean” loop on repeat.

The speaker I use is a small JBL model—compact, durable, and so easy to toss into any bag or suitcase.👉 https://amzn.to/48yQxcA

Blankets

Not required, but comforting. The kids love having their own cozy blanket, and I like curling up under one during family movie time.

Games We’re Taking

Dungeons and Dragons

Now that the kids are getting a little older, we’re trying to bring one of Papa Bird’s beloved pastimes to life for them—Dungeons & Dragons. Big Brother Bird is all in and absolutely loves it, while Sister Bird and Little Brother Bird are still figuring things out and learning the rules. It’s been so much fun watching them dive into the adventure together.

Unstable Unicorns

A family favorite! We play this constantly on cruises and always get competitive.👉 https://amzn.to/48CxEpg

Travel Chess Set

We love chess—even if Baby Thomas still prefers “Baby Chess,” where he creates his own rules.👉 https://amzn.to/44pCLqj

Holiday Puzzle

After our beach trip, the kids discovered a love for puzzles. This festive holiday one is coming with us:👉 https://amzn.to/4oTKIv4

Final Thoughts

So… did I take too much? What did we actually use? How well stocked was the cabin’s starter kit? I’ll follow up after the trip with a full review—so check back soon!

All links above are products I have personally purchased and used for my family. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.