Vacationers wait all year for that perfect vacation get-away. It’s a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a time to reconnect with family, and a chance to kick back and relax. Many people choose to rent a home rather than stay in a hotel or resort. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for a great vacation rental.
Determine Needs and Wants
Talk with the whole family to determine what type of accommodations are needed and wanted. There are many questions to consider when deciding where to stay. If there are children, make sure there are enough bedrooms. What kind of activities will the family want to do? Is a pool a necessity or just a desired amenity? Do you want a home with a large dining or rec room? Do you need to be directly on the beach, or will a few blocks away make the vacation more affordable? These are all questions that vacationers need to answer before they settle on a rental.
Book Early
Generally, booking early is the best way to find a good selection of rentals at an affordable price. Vacationers should plan a year in advance, if possible. The only exception to that rule is if vacationers are traveling somewhere like Florida or Arizona, where there is a greater supply of rentals than demand. In that case, it is often most economical to wait until the last minute to check for significant price reductions.
Be Flexible
Vacationers running into too much competition on rental properties or finding sky-high prices may need to be more flexible on their dates. For example, instead of traveling to Europe in the summer, plan to go in the late spring or fall. Booking during the last week of the off-peak season can save vacationers hundreds of dollars.
Read Reviews and Look at Pictures
Most vacation rental sites, airbnbs, and independent rentals offer reviews and pictures. Be sure to read a variety of reviews, as there are always bound to be a few positive reviews and a few negative ones. Get a feel for the majority of the reviews. Also, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is true for a rental property. If the owner has not listed photos of the property, it could be because it is in their best interest not to. Vacationers who can see what they are renting are more likely to be satisfied with the property once they are there.
Search Various Sites
Vacationers usually have a go-to website for finding their favorite rental house. Sometimes, however, getting the best selection or the best deal means checking several websites. Websites that gather listings are a good place to start, but location-specific sites can have high-quality listings that people overlook.
Avoid Overly Populated Areas
Vacationers who want to stay on the main strip, or the most popular beach in town will pay for it. Try finding a house in a less busy area or farther away from the main attractions. Renting in less busy areas can save money as well as headaches from all of the crowds. With all of the choices today, picking a vacation rental home can be overwhelming. Plan carefully and consider these guidelines before bookin