Photo Credit: Lee Coursey
There are few things more fun than planning a vacation. Researching an area, packing carefully and planning an itinerary aren’t just smart ways to get the most out of your vacation time – they are your chance to relish the anticipation. And the centerpiece of your planning will undoubtedly be your vacation rental – the setting of your experiences and the home base for your adventures. There’s a huge selection of vacation rentals available online and the market has never been better for those looking to travel. With the range of options that exist within virtually every city you can get to, choosing your perfect vacation rental can seem overwhelming at times. However, if you take the following factors into account, you can narrow your field and find the rental that will set the stage for an unforgettable vacation.
- Location. Your rental property’s location is a huge factor in how you approach your vacation. If you’re right on the beach you can walk down to the water instead of renting a car and packing the coolers. If your location is described as a “short drive” from Disney World, that could mean anywhere from five minutes to half an hour. Before you book, look up your rental property on Google Earth. That way you can see exactly where the property lies and make the most informed decision.
- Season. The season of the area you are travelling to has a huge impact on how you enjoy your vacation rental. If you’re going somewhere cold, like a ski vacation, you’ll spend a lot of time indoors, so you will want somewhere roomy yet cozy. A fireplace is ideal for aprés ski, or a hot tub to relax after a day on the slopes is always fantastic. If y ou’ve got a tropical locale in mind, think air conditioning!
- Events. Area events can shift rates and the tone of a town with the crowds they draw. For the two Bike Weeks in Myrtle Beach you’ll be hard pressed to find a rental at a reasonable rate – or a quiet moment on a bike path. During Comic-Con in San Diego the restaraunts and public transportation fill up fast. Of course, on the other hand, going to a special area event – like the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum – can be a once in a lifetime experience.
- Attractions. If you’ve promised your family a ride on Space Mountain at Disneyland or a candle made at Colonial Williamsburg, make sure those attractions will be up and running during your stay. Rides are closed for repairs, attractions change hours on off-season, and ski resorts can sell out on peak days way before ten am. Do a little research and you won’t have to dry any tears or break any promises later on.
- Pets. Don't forget about the dog! Kenneling is expensive. Some vacation rentals are okay with you bringing your pet along which can save you a bundle. Just remember to chew-proof the room your animal is in and you don’t have to leave your family pet out of the fun.
- Amenities. A vacation rental can have amenities that save you money and time while on vacation. Washers and dryers will save you trips to the laundromat, a kitchen can let your family attempt making a local delicacy instead of paying for it at a costly restaurant, Ask ahead if parking is available, access to a weight room or a pool, or cable tv. Vacation rentals aren’t hotels, they are real living spaces – a home away from home.
- Accessibility. Make sure everyone in your party can access the rental easily. Several flights of stairs will make venturing out and coming home hard for elderly travelers or members of your party who need wheelchairs. Pools and fireplaces can be hazards for little kids who aren’t used to them. Consider also, when you first arrive, that having a ton of luggage presents a challenge to mobility. Being waist deep in fifty pounds of Samsonite is no time to find out the elevator is out of order.
- Fees. Sometimes a rental has fees for linens, trash pickup, cleaning. Ask ahead so you won’t be surprised by the bill – or so you can shop around for a rental that will give you a better deal.
- Common Areas. Its a good idea to check and see if you will be sharing amenities like a pool or parking. If so, check to see if a large party is expected on a certain weekend. A raucous party next door can be a good opportunity to make friends, but more likely it will just cost you a night’s sleep. In snowy climes, you might prefer having the comfort of neighbors close by, especially in the morning when it's time to put the snowchains on and try to get the car out of the driveway!
- Accommodations. The most important factor in choosing a vacation rental is choosing one large enough for your whole party. Waiting for a bathroom and waking up on a pull-out couch will not relax or unwind you. Your vacation is the moment that restores you so you are a better worker, parent, spouse and person the rest of your year. If you cut costs by cutting down comfort and privacy you’ll lose a lot of that. Somehow its just easier to get closer as a family if you don’t have to be squished three to a bed and five to a bathroom!
The fun of planning your vacation is ahead of you. Remember, as much as you plan for your vacation, once you get there you can expect the unexpected. There will be moments you couldn’t possibly have planned for and experience of unimaginable excitement and enjoyment. If you consider these factors, you’ll make your vacation rental a firm anchor in your voyage out into the world- a comfortable place to relax or recover from the adventures that await you. Get started and find your perfect vacation rental today.
