There are vacation rentals to suit almost any need - a cozy cottage at the seashore for two, a lodge in the Rockies to host a family reunion, or an apartment in New York City to experience everything the city has to offer. Vacation rentals can range from primitive cabins to luxury penthouses. How do you go about finding a vacation rental that fits your budget and your needs?
There are many options out there, so before you start looking for a vacation rental, think about why you want to rent a place, rather than simply staying a hotel. For some, it's the convenience of having cooking facilities. For others, it's about having more space, and the privacy of a bedroom separate from the living area. Some people see a vacation rental as a cost saver. Overall, the cost of renting is less than the cost of a hotel, and because some meals are eaten at the rental, you also save some money on food costs. For others, it's all about location - getting close to the activities.
The Internet makes it very easy to search for a vacation rental. Try a simple search that uses the name of where you want to go, and the words "vacation rental". For example, enter "Paris vacation rental" or "Colorado skiing vacation rental". The number of possible rentals displayed will overwhelm you. How do you go about sorting through all these choices? Take a look at some of the web sites. Some rentals may be a vacation home rented by an individual, while other sites are companies that have many listings in the area. Some of the larger web sites for vacation rentals let you search on a number of characteristics, such as number of bedrooms, cost, and features such as cable TV or a hot tub.
Very popular vacation spots are fully booked months in advance. If you want a Florida ocean-side rental in February, you should be doing your research in September or October. As you look at possible rentals, focus on those that have enough space for your group, meet your budget, and match any special interests you have - whether it's a pool, a big kitchen, or a great view. Read the descriptions carefully, and take a good look at the pictures, which gives you a good feel for the rental.
Once you've identified some places you like, check their locations to make sure they're near where you want to be. You can use online mapping tools to determine the rental's location and the distance to local attractions. Get detailed answers for any questions you have. Some common questions that come up are:
Are pets are permitted?
Is there an elevator in a multi-story building?
Are any additional charges for facilities such as tennis courts or golf courses?
Are linens and towels provided?
You think you've found the perfect place for you and your family. Read the terms of the rental agreement very carefully. Most rentals require a deposit. If you have to cancel, you may be required to pay a cancellation fee, or forfeit your deposit. Check to see if the quoted rental price includes taxes - not all cities and states require that rental fees be taxed, but taxes can add as much as 10-15% to the rental, so be sure you know. Also see if there are any one-time fees. Often there is a one-time charge for cleaning the rental when you are done. Understand check-in and check-out dates and times. During busy seasons, renters are often very strict in enforcing check-out times. There should be a clear written agreement, spelling out these details, and the exact terms of payment.
Once you've booked a place, it's a good idea to re-confirm the booking about a month before you plan to visit. This just verifies that you and the renter are clear on your check-in date and time. If you have any last minute questions, this is a good time to deal with them.
Many happy family memories are built on the time spent together at the lake, at the ocean, or skiing. With some research and attention to detail, you can rent a vacation home for you and your family that gives you a comfortable place to enjoy your time together.
