There are several ways to find good vacation rentals. Many travel agents keep listings of rentals on hand. If you book your own vacations, rentals are also easy to find online. Web sites usually show pricing, pictures and contact information for rentals. Be sure to ask these questions when searching for your vacation rental.
- What currency is the price listed in? If a rental is ₤100 (100 British pounds), you are actually paying $160. Check the currency exchange rates before you pursue “good deals” on rentals.
- How long are you staying? Some rentals are available on a day-to-day basis. However, most only rent to people staying for a week or longer. Make sure the rentals you look at meet your time needs. You may find that certain days of the week are cheaper than weekend stays. It may be best to stay through the weekdays and leave before the weekend rush.
- How much privacy do you really want? If you enjoy having a maid make your bed, perhaps rentals aren’t for you. Most rentals don’t have an on-location maintenance staff. Also, if you want phone and Internet access, ask about it.
- Will you be cooking your own meals or dining out? Most rentals include a full-service kitchen, making lunches easier and dinners cheaper. If you like to dine out, make sure your rental is near restaurants.
- Do you have to pay a security deposit? Most rentals require a deposit before you arrive. However, most are refundable if you leave the rental clean and undamaged.
- Are there any hidden fees or expenses? Sometimes rentals don’t advertise all the costs of renting. Be sure to ask if you have to pay for utilities, parking, pets or safes.
- Are you bringing your pets? If so, you’d better make sure the rentals you search allow pets.
- Do you smoke? Check with the owners to find out if the rentals have smoking facilities. Some may allow smoking inside, others only outside and some won’t allow smoking on any part of the property.
- What is included in the rental price? Do you get soaps, shampoos and linens? You may have to bring your own.
- How can you pick up the keys? Arrange a meeting place with the owner. If the owner does not live near the rental, have the keys mailed to you before your vacation.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to have someone trustworthy check out the rentals before you pay the money. If that is not possible, have the travel agent or owner e-mail or send photos. You may find that online descriptions may be deceiving. Always ask to see pictures of the inside and outside of any rental location. You don’t want to end up in a quaint island home that turns out to be a lean-to on the rainy side of an island. Once you have done your research, pack your bags and get ready for a relaxing vacation in a rental.
By Emily Raymond