About 71% of Americans are comfortable enough to go on vacation this year. This wasn’t the case at the start of COVID-19 or even at the beginning of the year.
Things haven’t quite totally returned to normal. You still have to worry about COVID and the type of transportation you take.
Once you get over the stress of getting to your destination, you want to be able to enjoy it. After all, you’re probably a couple of years overdue for a good vacation.
That’s why you have to choose a vacation rental that’s perfect for you and your traveling companions. That’s a lot easier said than done when you’re looking online.
Don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover how to choose the best vacation rental property in your area.
What Do You Want and Need?
If you want to find the right vacation rental property, you need to know what you’re looking for.
Too many vacation renters make the mistake of booking the oceanfront beach house. They’d only discover they’re in a remote location when they wanted a central location.
Start with basic logistic information. What are the dates of your vacation? How many people will be with you? Does everyone expect to have their own bed, or would some be OK sleeping on an air mattress or couch?
Where will you be spending your vacation? Do you need a central location or do you prefer a retreat? What activities are on the list of things to do?
Start answering these questions and you’ll get a sense of the basic requirements like the location and size of the vacation rental.
Take a look at the budget for the vacation rental. Keep in mind how much you’ll actually do there. You’ll need to figure out how much that works with the rest of the vacation budget.
It helps to go into the search with a ballpark figure and then narrow down your options later on.
Consider how will the vacation rental serve you during the time you’re away. Is it going to be a place where you’ll sleep and cook occasionally?
You might want to spend most of the time in the vacation rental and little time elsewhere. In that case, consider a place that has great amenities, like a pool or a stunning view.
This helps you come up with a list of everything you want and need from the vacation rental.
Be Willing to Compromise a Little
There’s likely to be a lengthy list of things in front of you. It could be a very long list if you get the wants and needs of your traveling companions.
It’s going to be a challenge to get the perfect place for everyone in your party. Go through your list of needs and wants and prioritize them.
For example, you definitely need a three-bedroom vacation but don’t have to be within walking distance of the beach.
This step helps you clarify the most important things in the vacation rental and what you can do without.
Where to Find Vacation Rental Properties
There are countless ways to find vacation rentals in your preferred location. You can start with the big sites like VRBO, Vacasa, and Airbnb.
These sites have a wide range of vacation rentals that make it easy for owners to find vacation renters.
There are also sites that specialize in certain types of vacation rentals. Cabin Adventures lets you find the perfect lodge or cabin in the UK. One Fine Stay offers luxury vacation rentals.
Do an online search for a vacation property management company in the area. You might find a vacation rental that’s not listed on the other sites.
What to Look for in Vacation Rental Listings
You’re looking at vacation rentals as sights unseen, so it’s up to you to determine from the listings what a vacation rental really has to offer.
Even if you’re a savvy internet shopper, you can still get tripped up.
Don’t just scan the description. Read it carefully. Even though you’re on a trusted website like Airbnb or VRBO, scammers still find a way to list fake properties.
If there’s a listing that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Proximity and Parking
Check out a map of the location and make sure it’s in close proximity to everything you want to do. If it’s not in close proximity, find out if public transportation is nearby.
If you’re driving to the location, check to see if free parking is available. Should you need to drive to activities because of the location of the vacation rental, you’ll need to figure out parking at the activities.
It’s a good thing to consider in advance. You don’t want to get to your vacation thinking you’ll be able to find parking close to the beach in the middle of July.
You’ll spend more time looking for parking spots than being on vacation.
Inspect the Kitchen
The reason why vacation rentals are so appealing is that they’re cost-effective. Staying at a hotel means you need to eat out every single meal.
The kitchen plays an important role, so it needs to be up to your standards. Look closely at the pictures to see how big the refrigerator is.
Find out what kind of kitchen supplies come with the property. Most will have dishes, glasses, and utensils. You don’t need high-quality pots and pans, but they do need to be in good condition.
If you’re taking your vacation during the summer, do you want to have access to a grill?
There should be plenty of space available for cooking and gathering.
Read the Rules
Each vacation rental listing has a set of rules to abide by. Read them carefully because you might not agree or be able to comply with them.
There may be a curfew, pet policy, or rules about using the equipment. Read them and understand them before you sign up.
Vacation Rental Reviews
Since you can’t experience the property until you get there, you have to depend on the experience of others. This is where reviews are so valuable.
Tread carefully here. The vacation rental world is full of fake reviews, both positive and negative. You need to read the reviews with a discerning eye.
Look at the star ratings first. Don’t completely discount places with low ratings because someone could have left a poor review for something unreasonable.
Read the reviews and judge if they’re generic or if they include specific details about the property. Some vacation rental sites have a verification mark to identify reviewers who did stay at the property.
Check for comments to make sure the photos in the listing match the actual experience.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies
It’s standard for vacation rental owners and managers to ask for a deposit to secure your reservation. You may find an owner who wants the deposit outside of vacation rental sites.
For example, you find a listing on Airbnb and the owner wants you to send money to them directly. Don’t do it because it could be a scam.
Anything can happen that would prevent you from taking your vacation. You want to know what your options are if you have to cancel at the last minute.
You might have to pay for the vacation rental even if you don’t use it.
Comparing Vacation Rental Costs
By this point, you’re looking at a few vacation rental options. Your decision may come down to comparing vacation rental costs.
Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option because it could end up costing more money. For instance, the cheaper option is further away from the activities you want to do.
You’ll end up paying for a rental car, gas, and parking. You might as well get a vacation rental that costs more but is closer to the things you want to do.
Look at the total costs of the vacation rental, such as cleaning fees and deposits. You’ll be able to make a smart choice for an enjoyable vacation.
The Complete Guide on How to Choose a Vacation Rental
You work hard all year long. The small break you have to enjoy yourself, relax, and connect with those around you is critical to your wellbeing.
It’s easy to stress too much about your vacation, but when you know how to choose a vacation rental, the planning process is easy.
This guide showed you everything you should look for in the perfect vacation rental. Always start with your wants and needs, because they’ll change every time you go on vacation.
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