Proper and planning is always a key to a successful adventure. The good news? You have many sources of information these days to help you weed through the different vacation options and opportunities.

Since COVID hit, vacationers have started to yearn for home-like and high-quality vacations. Vacation rentals are now the in-thing, and there are many sources that can help find and book the best.

In one search, you quickly learn more about how you can live like a local, enjoy ample time, and save money.

A vacation rental is a fabulous alternative to a hotel for all of those reasons. They provide a perfect solution for even the shortest stay, giving you access to a well-furnished house, resort-condominium complex, or apartment to spend quality time in and enjoy your holiday.

So, how do you find the best vacation rental?

We’re about to answer that question! 

Guide to Finding the Best Vacation Rentals

What Makes Vacation Rentals Trendy?

Vacation rentals have always been popular, but they’ve really become trendy since COVID hit – the privacy, space, and not having to share communal hotel spaces appeals to a lot of travelers.

Rentals provide travelers with more options than a hotel. You can plan the ideal gateway by choosing a house or apartment that offers everything in a location that suits your needs.

Further, you can decide to book a private rental home if you want it all for you and your family. If you don’t want to share amenities, you can opt for a rental condo that suits your needs.

Whether in the outskirts of your dream destination or the middle of the town, there is always a rental available, especially now that locals have started renting their homes on different online platforms too. You get:

Guaranteed Privacy

Have you ever shared a swimming pool with several people or a bathroom? Probably YES. It’s an intimidating experience, inconvenient, and you sacrifice your privacy.

Rentals offer privacy that hotels don’t match. Guests have their own bathroom, seating area, and bedroom. You also have an option of private hot tubs, pools, eating areas, and laundry facilities. 

If it’s time to unwind, you have a personal and dedicated area for you and your loved ones. You can also take children to bed and have special moments with a spouse without disturbance. 

Feel Like a Local

If you’re looking for the luxuries of a home, rentals come equipped with all of the comforts you left behind, at no additional costs. Hotels on the other hand will charge you for every extra amenity, like laundry, Wi-Fi etc.

The kitchen and dining spaces in rentals have all the necessary facilities and appliances, and this means you’re able to cook your own meals, maybe visiting local markets and grcoery stores and mingling with locals. 

Because rentals are often in real neighborhoods, vs hotels which are placed in tourist heavy centers, you also feel a higher sense of immersion, and get a deeper insight into the real day to day lives and culture of the place you’re spending your time.

Added Security

Vacation rentals usually offer unmatched security that hotels cannot guarantee. For instance, you bring your own luggage into a rental, without staff transporting it, and you don’t have hundreds of people walking past your room each day.

Your rental space is private, and no one will access your apartment or rooms, which does mean you’ll sacrifice on the daily hotel housekeeping service, but also means no-one will be entering but you.

Some rentals have a keyless entry that provides an extra level of security. Only guests have authorized access to their apartments. You can also park on-site without fretting about losing your belongings. 

Eat Healthier

We included the above photo of gelato, because you can’t totally ditch the local food culture! But vacation rentals allow you to cook your own meals, or at least some of them, so you can maintain healthier eating.

You can very easily enjoy different cuisines from the comfort of your apartment or even make homemade food to spend less on your vacation.

And when you’re eating health for most of your vacation, you can include that gelato, food truck, or glass of Italian wine without feeling guilty!

Tips to Help Book the Right Vacation Rental

Whether you are looking forward to spending quality time in condos, houses, chalets, or apartments, the vacation rental you get is essential.

It can be a daunting undertaking if you’re looking for a vacation rental for the first time, but really, searching for the perfect rental is the same as searching for a regular hotel. 

There is a lot that we learn from others, so it’s important to read reviews. Information other travelers share about a particular destination and available accommodation options are imperative. 

Many travelers or guests will share their experiences about particular vacation rentals or their owners. You will gain some real insight into the destination and the place you are planning to rent. 

Seeking recommendations is another great way to go, if you know of family members, friends, or colleagues who have spent time in a fab vacation home they just couldn’t stop bragging about.

And check the prices against the rest of the market; vacation rentals are no different to hotels in that they come in competitive pricing. Most will have dynamic pricing tools in their search engines, so make sure you compare their rates.

Know the terms and conditions around any deposits which need to be made in advance to secure your rental. Check for any hidden fees and know about any extras up front. 

There are many factors to consider when selecting the best space, but it’s wise to research extensively, read reviews and learn from other travelers. With the correct information, you will choose the best vacation rental and have a great time while away!