Activities: kitting out your property to keep guests entertained

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.

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?