3 generations, 1 kitchen, no drama

There is nothing quite like that first dinner at the start of a vacation. You’ve wrangled everyone onto planes and into rental cars; you’ve found the local supermarket and turned a blind eye while the kids added a, frankly, chaotic range of treats to the shopping cart; you’ve made it to your vacation rental, unpacked and poured that first cold glass of wine. Sitting down to a good dinner feels like the start of an exhale. Seeing a table of tired-but-happy faces tucking into something delicious is surely one of the greatest joys of a group vacation.

But catering for everyone’s dietary requirements while navigating a rental kitchen? Without some hacks up your sleeve, it could be enough to puncture your Zen. Here’s how to bring some ease to your vacation cooking.

Scope the kitchenware before you shop

A quick turn around the kitchen is essential before you do that first vacation grocery run. Had great plans to make lasagna to feed the hungry hordes? They might be moot if you can’t find the right size oven dish. Message your host ahead to find out what sort of equipment you can expect and plan around it (simply click “Contact host” on the property listing page). Remember: You may be able to find low-cost solutions to the less well-equipped rental kitchens in a local supermarket, such as foil trays for roasting.

Embrace the buffet

With the best will in the world, there are very few dishes that tick every box from vegan to gluten-free via your sister’s boyfriend with the sesame allergy and the nephew who suddenly claims they don’t like potatoes. Don’t try to make one meal work for everyone; embrace the “bits” dinner, rolling out a simple spread—a cheese board, tomato salad, a tart from the local bakery, grilled vegetables and sausage, and a couple of easy carbs. And remember this mantra: Pasta with red sauce is your friend. Fresh or canned tomatoes, gluten-free or artisanal pasta, cheese for those who partake—it’s a comforting fail-safe that suits all tastes and dietary requirements.

Remember, you don’t have to eat every meal together

There is nothing like going away with another family to make you realize you have very different morning routines. Set expectations before you go away and agree to begin the day separately, doing your own thing for breakfast before reconvening around the pool once everyone is caffeinated.

Don’t be a martyr

On a group vacation, someone usually ends up being the default head chef. If that’s you, make sure you don’t end up slaving away in the kitchen while everyone sits around the firepit. Enlist helpers, get others to clean up, or even draw up a meals rotation. Pair people up, perhaps mixing children and adults and people from different families so that each night a new little team is in charge of dinner. It will help everyone connect, might yield some interesting concoctions—and it’ll be a whole lot easier than doing it all yourself.