Steps For Choosing a Vacation Rental

Steps For Choosing a Vacation Rental

If your next getaway is going to require a vacation rental there are some things you really need to consider before you plonk your hard-earned cash down on a specific place.

Steps for choosing a vacation rental

What you need to realize, first and foremost, is that there are many different types of traveler; what is heaven for one person might be hellish for another. When you travel with others you need to make sure you’re all on the same page, and you need to take the time to research something that is going to work for everyone. Here are our hints and tips for how you can make sure that you get the vacation rental which is perfect for you!

Identify Your needs

First and foremost you need to think about your priorities; what is it you absolutely need from your vacation rental if you are to have a great time. After all this rental is going to be your base-camp, the foundation of your whole vacation; it needs to be just right. So ask yourself (and your friends/family) what it is you absolutely need from this vacation rental. Is location more important than size, or vice versa? Do you need to be near a beach, or will you compromise for a better price? Nailing down these answers will get you off to a great start when planning your vacation.

Where and when?

Narrow your options further by pinning down a place you definitely want to see; is there a specific event you’re travelling to attend? If so use this place or event as the epicenter of your research efforts. Once you have this point of interest you can begin to isolate areas and neighborhoods that will work best for you. When you travel will also influence the cost and availability of vacation rentals in your area of choice.

Online research

You cannot trust everything that you hear (or read) on the internet, but it can help you to understand the layout and makeup of the area you will be visiting. Sites like TripAdviser or AirBnB can help you to build your itinerary as well as find the best vacation rental for you.

Do you need to get a vacation rental agent?

Next you need to think about the cost in terms of time and money; which do you have to spare? If you take a DIY approach you will save money, but you will need to put in the time. If you hire an agent the reverse will be true.

Be specific

Once you find some interesting potential properties make a shortlist of the best, and then start to research and read reviews so that you can have an idea of what other travellers have experiences (good or bad!). This is a crucial step which you will not regret.

Check your Contract

Don’t just flick through the contract and sign on the dotted line; pay close attention and get to know the terms before you agree to anything. Be thorough and careful before you agree to renting any place.

Pay a deposit and get a receipt

When you have finally settled on a vacation rental make sure that you put down a deposit to secure your interests. If possible pay your deposit using a credit card to give yourself some protection in case of future troubles. Using a credit card creates a paper trail; scammers will urge you to pay in cash or to wire money as this leaves you with less recourse should something go wrong.

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