Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Vacation Rental

Ah, the vacation rental. There are pretty much two ways it can go when you rent a property to take your family on vacation: it's either the time of your life, or you learn a hard lesson and vow to never leave on a trip without doing as much research as possible again. Whatever you've experienced in the past, there are a few solid tips and strategies to keep in mind when you're looking for a vacation rental. With so much that can possibly go wrong, it's almost silly not to spend as much time as you can looking up every scrap of information about your potential rental spot. Hopefully these tips will consolidate some of that effort, but it's always important to make sure you've done your due diligence. Taking your family out to get away from it all for a week or so should be fun and relaxing -- the following five strategies will help you make sure you achieve this each and every time.

Location, Location, Location


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Location is important in more than just one way. Obviously, you want to make sure your vacation rental is located close to the things you'll want to be doing, be it shopping, beachgoing, sporting events, or what have you. But it's also important to make sure you can get to the place easily, and that the surrounding terrain is kid-friendly if children will be included in your entourage.

Will There Be Neighbors?

Vacation is great, but you don't always get to go by yourself. We've all wound up in that vacation spot right next to the gaggle of college-aged partiers who stay up all night and make for cranky kids (and even crankier parents) in the
morning. It's best to scope out the neighbor situation and see if you can't get an idea as to what kind of company you'll be having from the property owner.

Is the Property Kid-Friendly?

Well, this might seem like a no-brainer but it's an important thing to look out for nonetheless. Not every home is designed (or even built) with children in mind, so if you're taking your kids to a vacation rental you want to make sure there aren't priceless Lladro collections on display everywhere, and that everything's not made out of fine crystal.

Time of Year

Vacation during the "off-season" can be a huge money saver. Especially if you live in a part of the country like the Pacific Southwest, where the "off-season" is less strictly defined. Going out for a vacation just before or just after the main tourist season is a great way to save some serious money on your rental and other arrangements as well.

Can the Pets Come?

Pets are a great way to make vacation feel like a complete experience for the whole family, and plenty of vacation rentals will allow you to bring your dog or other pets along with you. Obviously bringing your cat might not be the best idea, but if your dog is well-behaved and housebroken you should ask about bringing it along. Whatever decision you make, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of a vacation rental for you and your family.

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