Planning a longer vacation? Apartment rentals are one of the best ways to save money and create a more comfortable atmosphere for your whole family. But before you start packing, prepare for having your own kitchen by taking these few steps as you plan.

Communicate with the Owner. Just because a short-term apartment listing says that there's a kitchen in the unit, doesn't mean that you have the whole story. Rental apartment kitchens usually have the basic elements, such as a stove and oven, sink, and refrigerator. But it could be sparingly filled with cooking utensils, pots, dishware, and baking items—or it might even have none. The only way to know is to ask the landlord specific questions.

Plan Your Cooking Needs. Once you know approximately how much kitchenware you will have to work with, start making a specific list of what you plan to cook. The more meals and snacks you have lined up, the more organized your meal prep will be. You can also ask the owner about particular cooking tools you need for specific meals. This will prevent you from having an unfortunate surprise when you're on vacation.

Simplify Cooking Plans. As you make a meal list or cooking plan, try to keep it as simple as possible. First, you don't want to spend all your vacation time in the kitchen making elaborate meals—unless, of course, you're a foodie and that's how you do relax. Plus, even with good communication with the landlord, you may still arrive and find something lacking in the kitchen. Simpler plans mean you can work with whatever you find in the apartment kitchen and still have a successful meal.

Bring Your Own Items. What if you really want to make that special meal for your family? Then, by all means, make it work for you. Need a particular tool to bake your signature pie? Bring it along in your luggage. Want to make your famous homemade hummus? Then pack up your food processor. Have a particular tool that you simply can't imagine cooking without? Bring it on vacation. This is your relaxation time, so bring what makes you comfortable. 

Renting an apartment should make your long-term vacation plans easier and more fun. By learning the specifics of your apartment kitchen and planning meals in ways that make the process smoother, you will ensure that everyone has a great time throughout your vacation.