Tips for self-catering holidays

Now more than ever self-catering holidays are a popular choice for families, with a little planning before you leave, some essential tools like a cool box and a supply of freezer packs, you will be well equipped for those picnics and days out.

Cool Bag
  • If you have taken fresh foods on holiday with you transfer everything from your cool box into the fridge as soon as you arrive.
  • Remember to put your freezer packs in the freezer in good time. If you are camping or caravanning ask your site if they will put your freezer packs in their freezer for you.
  • If you've taken salad leaves with you and they’re looking tired and wilted after the journey, put them in a bowl of water with a couple of ice-cubes and they will become nice and crisp again.
  • Take your fruit with you. Pieces of fruit are great to snack on during your journey and are easy to transport. Alternatively, chop them up and take in an airtight box as a fruit salad for the first pudding of your holiday or set some chunks into mini jellies for the children, perfect for a picnic.
  • Leftover potatoes make a tasty potato salad when tossed with sliced red or spring onions and mayonnaise; another tasty salad that travels well.
  • If raspberries, strawberries and blueberries look past their prime, why not make a pie, crumble or compote? A perfect pudding you can transport to your holiday destination. Try Apple and Berry Compote.
  • If you have food that you don’t want to take with you and will not last until you get back, you will be surprised at what you can put in the freezer – bananas, mashed potatoes, yoghurts and much more.  For more ideas go to our Freezer tips
  • Once you’ve arrived at your holiday cottage, you may find some dried or tinned foods left in the cupboard by the previous occupants. Rather than be tempted to ignore them or throw them away, why not use them?  Check out the date labels first. Foods with a best before date should be safe to eat after the 'best before' date, but they may no longer be at their best. One exception is eggs - never eat eggs after the 'best before' date.
  • When packing to come home, remember to bring any un-used food back with you, using your cool box for your fresh food, especially if you have been enjoying some local specialities.