After staying in a few different vacation rentals during our Hawaii Seminar Series, we noticed that there were some household conveniences that weren't always available. We decided to put together a list of items that we (and likely many of your guests) consider to be necessities. If you don't already have these items stocked at your vacation home, be sure to pick them up today or ask your housekeeper for help.

1. A hair dryer. Many guests don't feel like stuffing a hair dryer in their suitcase. Plus, since many hotels provide hair dryers, they might expect it of vacation homes too. You can easily stock one in the master bathroom for as little as $10.

2. Ironing board. You might already have an iron, but we don't recommend the mini dorm-sized ironing boards. After everything gets wrinkled in their suitcases, your guests will probably appreciate not having to sit on the floor to iron.

3. Starter Pack of Coffee, Creamer & Sugar. This is especially helpful if you live in a market where many of your guests arrive at night. You don't have to provide coffee for their entire stay, but it helps to keep them less grumpy on the first morning. 4. Potholders. Your guests probably don't want to fold up one of their souvenir T-shirts just to pick up the teapot. Keep potholders near the oven or cooking gear.

5. Salt/Pepper. Providing an array of spices is helpful for the renters that plan to do some serious cooking, but at the very least, be sure to leave some salt and pepper in the cupboards.

6. Pillow Protectors & Mattress Pads. These items will help your pillows and mattresses last longer and will add to the appearance of cleanliness at your home. And in some markets it might even be required by your local regulations and ordinances.

7. Liners in Trash Cans. Keeping trash bags in all of your garbage cans just appears cleaner. Don't forget the small bathroom trash cans too.

8. Fans. If you don't have air-conditioning or ceiling fans, it's easy to place a couple of tabletop fans in the closet so your guests can stay cool and comfortable. 9. Tissues. In the event of an allergy attack, don't make your guests use toilet paper every time they need to blow their nose.

10. A Full-Length Mirror. Forcing your renters to stand on a chair to see their outfits in the medicine cabinet mirror is neither convenient nor safe. A simple full-length mirror is inexpensive and can be hung on the back of the bedroom doors.

11. A Deck of Cards. Keep your guests entertained during the evenings and rainy days. A variety of games is optimal, but you can't go wrong with a simple deck of cards.

12. A Guestbook. Not only will a guestbook encourage your renters to leave a review, but they might enjoy reading reviews of past guests. Plus those reviews might include tips for area activities or restaurants that your guests will certainly appreciate.

Unless you actually stay in your vacation home periodically, you may not realize these things are even missing. It may not be a deal-breaker for future bookings, but it's best to make your guests' stay as convenient as possible.

What do you consider to be the necessities for your vacation rental? "I include a magnifying mirror in the master bathroom.  I know it's hard for women to lean into the mirror to do their makeup, so the magnifying mirror on an arm for the wall is really helpful."  - Krista C., Taos, NM. "I provide all vacationers a kitchen pack with dishwasher detergent tablets and a sponge." -J. Wagner, Outer Banks, NC "Always have shampoo and conditioner in addition to soap, its always nice Also dishwasher detergent and dryer sheets,and hangers in the laundry room for the clothes coming out of the dryer." - Alicia L., Rosarito Beach, Mexico (HomeAway #311739) "I send each renter a "Know Before You Go" sheet that provides instructions on local grocery stores on the way and all the items they should bring extras of like toliet paper and laundry detergent. I include suggestions on where to get the best whole roasted chickens to tricks on getting the gaugets to work. Renters appreciate the little extras!" - Stephanie M., Gulf Shores, AL. (VRBO #114552) "Pads of paper and pencils/pens at phones, Listings of TV channels, Paper towels and paper napkins, coffee, sugar and powdered creamer packets, current local newspaper and current magazines." -Jim and Liz, Vail, CO (HomeAway #101600)  "We include coconut fragranced shampoo, conditioner, and bath gels. Suave is inexpensive. All paper products, dish soaps, detergents/bleach, games, videos, books, and magazines for all ages. All condiments and spices are provided for cooking. All "things" for the beach....even hats and snorkel sets. Too many other ammenities to mention. We love our guests and want them to return. I don't think we've ever had a guest say, "I wish you had......" except sunshades on the lanai....and we promptly installed them!!!" -Mary, Waikoloa Village, HI.  (HomeAway #219076, VRBO #9632, VacationRentals.com #12709) "I keep a well stocked first aid kit in the closet near a bathroom. A decorative bin holds band aids, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze and tape, anti itch creams and scissors." -Cynthia F., Scarborough, ME.  (HomeAway #187729)  "Non-toxic cleaning solutions for quick cleanups or "accidents". White vinegar plus warm water eliminates clothing stains, cleans counters and surpasses bleach as mold control. I also leave a small tub of eco-friendly laundry soap that guests may use with the washing machine." -Janet, Hana, HI.  (HomeAway #322834, VRBO #75494) "Games! If your property hosts families with children, stock a dozen board games. You can pick them up for a few dollars at any second hand store. Puzzles are good too, especially if it turns rainy over their stay." -Pat, Groveland-Yosemite (VRBO #141025) "I bought a second hand gamecube on eBay with a couple of games and 2 controllers. This keeps the kids and adults busy on rainy days too." -Silvia, Poconos, PA (HomeAway #129987, VRBO #103574) "I always have laundry detergent and dw detergent on hand. We also keep snorkel equipment, a nice bed tray for breakfast in bed, bath robes, and a lovely tea pot with a selection of quality tea. Also I avoid clutter, but have local Hawaiian material available in music, games and books. I find that it is little details are appreciated." -Shannon, Kona, HI (VRBO #111177) "Determine your target market - we are in a family resort near the beach so families with kids are our market. We have filled the house with fun things for kids - including a Ping Pong table. Everyone enjoys it and we get many comments of the ping pong tournaments that went on." -Scott, WaterColor, FL (VRBO #136571, VacationRentals.com #45243) "We stock our condo for each visitor with paper towel, dish washer tabs, dish towels and cloths, hot mitts, toilet paper and soap and a gift set in each bathroom with pampering items for face, body and feet. We also have a big binder with empty clear sleeves for coupons, various menus, maps, golf courses, important phone numbers. All guests are encouraged to add to this book when they find something special." -Paula, Panama City Beach, FL. (VRBO #24753) "Our condo is oceanfront in Mexico so we have beach chairs, towels, beach blankets, beach bags, several size coolers, ice blocks, freezer beer mugs, water bottle containers and of course pocket size Spanish - English dictionaries." - Pam, Akumal, Mexico (HomeAway #146798, VRBO #108367)

How to Make Your Listing as Good as Your Vacation Home Don't let your special touches go unnoticed – be sure to advertise everything you offer.   Rainy-Day Amenities for Your Vacation Home Bad weather is a bummer, but you can help alleviate guests' disappointment with fun rainy-day amenities.   Checklist for Turning Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental A step-by-step guide for preparing your vacation home for rentals.   7 Things to Clean Regularly at Your Vacation Home Cleaning prolongs the life of many appliances. Here's a list of things to consider cleaning.

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