More people are now renting vacation homes vs. hotels because families are taking trips together to save money. This isn't a new concept, but vacation home rentals have increased and I'd like to share with you some common guidelines to use when searching for and renting a vacation home:
1. Judging a Place by Photos Alone
Just like not judging a book by its cover, don’t judge a rental by its photos. Though it may be tempting to book based on the photos alone, take the extra time to read through everything the vacation home has to offer. Just ask questions.
2. Not Looking at Recent Reviews
Most platforms have two-way reviews, with guests reviewing their stays and hosts reviewing the guests. That community feedback can be the most insightful source of what your stay will be like. Read through the reviews as they’ll bring the most relevant, up-to-date information to ensure their experiences match their expectations.
3. Expecting Hotel-like Services
Like hotels, vacation rentals range in quality and amenities. You’re not going to have housekeeping every day and there’s no turndown service, so setting expectations for everyone in the party is super important
4. Not Raising Issues During the Stay
When problems arise, it's best to just nip them in the bud immediately. A common mistake is waiting until after the trip to complain or raise issues. If you check-in and come across any issues, contact the owner right away and see if they can resolve them for you
5. Not Following the Rules
Keep in mind that these hosts are opening up their homes, located in communities with rules like any other, such as HOA regulations or current COVID-19 measures. Vacation homes have various house rules about occupancy, minimum age requirements for the primary renter, or whether pets are allowed.
6. Ignoring the Cancellation Policies
I cannot stress enough the importance of reading and understanding the cancellation policies before booking a vacation home, especially as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. Many owners have adopted flexible cancellation policies to give travelers more flexibility if they need to change their plans.
7. Not Checking Out Properly
Again, it’s all about communication. Every vacation rental has different house rules for checkout, so make sure you read them. For example, you might not have to wash the sheets and make the bed before you leave, but the owner might ask you to load and run the dishwasher or return any furniture you might have moved to its original spot.
So, if you decide to rent a home or cabin for your next vacay, be sure to follow some of the suggested guidelines. Remember, ask many questions to understand what you're agreeing to before booking to avoid incurring any extra fees or losing your deposit. Happy travels and #letsgettrekking
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