Activities: kitting out your property to keep guests entertained
Adapting your property to your guests and keeping them entertained is essential. Here are a few key ideas.
Picture the scene: it's raining, it's cold, you've no desire to leave your lovely rental, and yet there's very little to do inside. No games to play, no films to watch, no route to plan for tomorrow, nothing. So you tell yourself that next time, you'll perhaps pick a better-equipped property.
Why offer activities?
Offering interesting activities is a lovely little touch for your guests. It shows them you've thought of everything. Especially when children are involved! It's the sort of thing that brings guests back, or at the very least earns you plenty of points. Your guests will feel right at home, and that is priceless.
Which activities should you offer?
Ask yourself one simple question: what do you like doing at home when it's raining?
The classics: books for all ages, straightforward board games (Uno, card games, The Game of Life and so on), a Netflix, Amazon or Disney account, or failing that a few DVDs with a DVD player, jigsaws, cuddly toys or dolls. You could also provide a map of your region along with a little notebook, so guests can plan an itinerary for brighter days.
The more original: a game typical of your region, old-fashioned games, a treasure hunt using objects you've hidden around the house beforehand (for the children), a local recipe with the list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Here's an overview of activities to offer based on your budget and preferences, along with where to find them.
| Type of activity | Where to find it | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Books and board games (Uno, The Game of Life) | Emmaüs, flea markets, garage sales | Very low |
| DVDs and DVD player | Sales, garage sales | Low |
| Streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, Disney) | Streaming platforms | Medium (shared with personal use) |
| Puzzles, plush toys, dolls | Emmaüs, flea markets, garage sales | Very low |
| Regional maps and books | Tourist office (free) | Free |
| Personalized treasure hunt (hidden objects) | DIY creation | Very low |
| Local recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions | Family recipes, personal creation | Very low |
Where can you buy them?
Keeping your guests happy doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Here are a few tips:
- For books and board games:Emmaüs,Boulinier, second-hand fairs and so on.
- Buying DVDs: make the most of the sales or car boot sales.
- Recipes: dive into your grandmother's cookbooks.
- And finally, maps and books about your region: pop into the tourist information office, which will give you free material.
What about you: do you offer activities in your property? If so, which ones?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a big budget to equip my rental with activities? No, you don't need to spend a fortune. Books and board games can be found at charity shops, flea markets or car boot sales. DVDs can be picked up during sales, and the local tourist office provides free maps and documents about the area.
What activities should I offer for children? Soft toys, dolls, puzzles and simple board games work well with younger guests. A treasure hunt with objects hidden around the house beforehand is a more original idea that leaves a lasting impression. This matters especially when children are among your guests.
Is a Netflix subscription enough to keep guests entertained on a rainy day? A Netflix, Amazon or Disney account already covers a good part of the need, especially combined with a few DVDs and a player. But the article insists on variety: books, board games and puzzles usefully complement the screen. The idea is to avoid guests ending up with nothing at all to do.
How can I highlight the specialities of my region? Offer a typical regional game or a local recipe with its ingredient list and step-by-step instructions. A map of the area with a small notebook also lets guests plan their itinerary for the next day. These little touches show that you've thought of everything.
Do activities really make guests come back? The article presents this as a factor that will make them come back, or at least win you points with them. The central idea remains that your guests feel at home, which is priceless. It's not the only reason to return, but it's an attention that counts.
