When it comes to finding a great vacation rental there is both bad news and good news. The bad news is that there are more rentals today than ever before. The good news is that thanks to modern technology, they are easier to tour and book, all from the comfort of your own home.Tip 1- Use the Internet and Use It Wisely A travel agent used to be a very valuable asset when putting together a vacation, but these days, you can be your own best travel advisor. There are a number of websites that offer resort and rental descriptions, current prices, and availability. You can go to the specific rent-by-owner websites and deal with the individuals, or go to a all-in-one website, such as Abetterstay.com, yahoo travel, or World66.com.
Tip 2- Consider Rentals for Longer Stays If you plan on staying for an extended period, vacation rentals are most always the way to go. Rentals offer the conveniences of a washer and dryer, allowing you to pack lighter; and they often come with a complete kitchen, allowing you to save money on dining out. In addition, most rentals have all the creature comforts of your own home, such as a living room, separate bedrooms, and a garage.Tip 3- Don’t be Shy, Give Them a Call While you can easily book a stay with a click of a button, is is often to your advantage to call the properties you are interested in and speak to someone before you make a reservation. This is the best way to get the straight scoop on pets, amenities, attractions, location, check-in/check-out policies, and any extra fees that may be associated with the room or rental.Tip 4- Do Your Own Investigating After you get off the phone with the representative of the property, it is a good idea to hop on the Internet and do some of your own investigating. Look for consumer reviews of the property if you can find any. It may also be helpful to visit the Google Earth website, type in the address of the property, and make a virtual visit of the surrounding area.Tip 5- Location, Location, Location
One of the most important aspects of anywhere you stay is location. If you are planning a ski vacation, it could mean many hours spent traveling to and from the slopes via a bus or rental vehicle. This can waste a good amount of the day if you are not careful.Tip 6- Reserve with a Credit Card Credit cards get a pretty bad wrap, and while it is generally best not to charge unless you will be able to pay it off at the end of the month, credit cards do offer excellent fraud protection. In addition having your reservation on a trusted credit card will also allow you the convenience of disputing any charges, without having to do all the arguing yourself.
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