Vacation rental is a term in the travel industry meaning renting out a furnished apartment or house on a temporary basis to tourists as an alternative to a hotel. Vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular in Europe as well as in the United States.
If you are nervous about booking or dealing directly with vacation property owners, don't be. If you are cautious and follow some basic guidelines, you will minimize your risk and maximize your vacation enjoyment.
The primary benefits of staying in a vacation home versus staying in a hotel are:
- More Space
Instead of small-spaced, two-bed rooms, vacation rentals allow the entire family to stay under the same roof. This kind of accommodation is well-suited for extended stays.
- More Amenities
Vacation homes offer more amenities than hotels, such as fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and private hot tubs and pools.
- More Privacy
Free from the people and environment that comes with noisy hotels, privacy is one of the biggest benefits of vacation rentals.
Please note that renting a home typically requires signing an agreement/contract with the vacation property owner. This agreement/contract is legally binding and provides more detail than the standard form you might find at a hotel or bed and breakfast. It is important to read the agreement/contract and pay very close attention to cancellation and refund policies. You may want to consider trip cancellation insurance as an option.
Prior to starting to search for your vacation home, we suggest that you meet with everyone that will be staying in the home to discuss and decide on preferences. The more you know about your preferences before you begin to find a home, the better you will be able to secure the best home to meet your needs.
The following is a checklist of preferences that you should consider BEFORE picking up the phone or checking the web to determine availability.
How important is location or view for you?
How flexible are you regarding your vacation dates? If flexible, select alternative dates.
How many adults and children are in your group?
How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
What amenities are important to have in the home, such as Internet access, copy or fax machine, multiple TVs, DVD player, CD player, hot tub, swimming pool (private or community), gym, outdoor grill, garden, etc.?
Will you be cooking the majority of the meals? Ask to see if they provide well-stocked kitchens.
Are there special services that you would like to take advantage of if available, such as furniture rentals, bicycle/ski rentals, event or activity tickets, tours, spa treatments, etc.?
Can you handle day-to-day responsibilities or do you require daily maid service?
Do you need concierge level services?
Any special considerations, such as non-smoking, handicap access, public transportation, or pet friendly?
What is your budget? Decide on a maximum price you are willing to pay.
Do you need parking? Parking can be an issue in several locations.
Is the home located in a safe area?
Do you want trip cancellation insurance or travel-related insurance?
Will your use of the rental home violate residential covenants or restrictions, such as having late parties or playing music loudly?
Do you know the preferences of the other persons vacationing with you?
See if there are any complaints about the vacation home you are interested in booking. Check the forums at http://www.vacationrentalscommunity.com/forums/.
Do your homework before you send payment. Ask lots of questions to make sure you are really getting what you pay for. If you are not satisfied with the quality of photos on the website, ask to see more. Insist on a phone converstaion before you book. Get an official agreement from the property owner. Consider getting referrals.
When you are ready to start your research, go to any search engine or directory and type key terms that are relevant to what you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for a 'luxury vacation home in Europe' you should type that sentence in the search field of your favorite search engine or directory.