So
you’ve finally decided to take that family vacation you’ve been talking about
for months. Good for you! Now it’s time to figure out where you’ll stay. Here
are a few tips for choosing the vacation rental that’s right for you and your
brood.
Use
Google Maps
A
vacation listing may look breathtaking in the photos supplied by the rental
agent, but it’s important to get a sense of the home’s surroundings. Look up
the address on Google Maps for a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood.
“Conveniently located” could mean a leisurely walk to the beach, but it could
also mean the property backs up to a busy highway.
Read
Online Reviews
Reviews
written by renters who have come before you can provide a lot of valuable
information about a listing or property owner that vacation sites and rental
agents may not volunteer. After reading reviews on Airbnb, HomeAway.com, or
TripAdvisor, you may find that the property owner goes the extra mile to make
renters feel welcome--or you may find that they haven’t washed the sheets in
years.
Ask
About Amenities
Is
there a security deposit? Are there fees for additional guests? What about
telephone usage, beach rules, access to that garage or pool house in the
photos? Don’t make assumptions about the amenities at a vacation rental.
Instead, ask.
Contact
The Owner
A
lot of vacation property owners have spent a lot of time in the area, and can
provide extra insight on what’s nearby and what there is to do. They can also
offer information agents and rental sites don’t cover (neighbors, parking,
etc.) and, if their place is already reserved, suggest other homes in the area
that might suit your needs. Finally, many owners will be willing to negotiate
price and terms when contacted directly, especially if the property is still
open two or three weeks out.
