Renting a beach house? Here's what travel experts say you should pack.

You’ve booked your week at a summer rental. Maybe it’s a house on the shore, split among friends. Or a lakeside retreat where you can escape the humidity. Whatever the case, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure a splendid time.

Most rentals probably have the basics, like pots and pans and extra towels. But there are certain items that help make an experience even better and more personal. Read on for tips from expert travelers and seasoned renters about the items they toss into their totes to make a rental feel like home.

For your comfort

All those warm-weather activities — swimming and lying in the sun all day, hiking or kayaking — can be tiring, so it’s important to consider what you’ll need to relax once you’re home.

For Macey Phillips, founder of boutique travel agency the Personal Perspective, a portable sound machine is essential to getting a good night’s sleep during the annual beach trip she takes with family in Florida.. “I always stay in a house with a bunch of people, and everyone is waking up at different times, or some years I’m sharing a room, so it just helps to block out the extra noises,” she explains.

Another small addition to the packing list that can make a big difference, according to Phillips, is scented candles.

It’s never a bad idea to bring a small first-aid kit along, too.

For eating and drinking

Good coffee is a nonnegotiable for Alexandra Farrington, founder of luxury travel advising firm Acera Travel. She travels with a portable AeroPress coffee maker, handheld grinder and frother so she can ensure each day starts with a great cup of joe. Pack your favorite beans or strike out and explore the local options available.

Farrington was on coffee duty on a recent trip with friends to Panama City; after flying in, she discovered local roastery Sisu Coffee Studio and picked up some bags, both to bring home and to make for herself and her friends during their stay.

If cocktails are key to your vacation mode, don’t forget to bring a collapsible shaker (she prefers one from Stanley) and a citrus press.

Now for the eating part. Places will typically have some basic ingredients and salt and pepper, but you should bring anything you’re sure you’ll need for a particular meal.

For your entertainment

Bring extra items that’ll help you make the most of downtime. A portable Bluetooth speaker is a must for Bowling Ajavon (if you’re going to the beach, look for something water-resistant or waterproof that you can stick in the sand or have by a pool). Phillips brings along her Apple TV remote and console. All of her streaming services are loaded and logged into her account.

A portable projector can be another great addition to your packing list. Use it to project movies onto a sheet, a blank wall or, if your rental has a pool, a floating screen.

To get your crew off their phones and socializing with one another, bring along favorite board games, puzzles or a deck of cards.