Vacations are good for your health. You get a chance to tune off from work, shrug off your responsibilities for a while, and relax. This is why over 70% of American families take a vacation in any given year. But before you make the perfect getaway and have the time of your life, you need to plan for your trip.
Choosing the optimal holiday rental is essential. This is where you’ll rest, stretch your toes, connect with nature, and have a space to de-stress. Popular rentals get booked right away, leaving you with less appealing and suitable options. So, it’s imperative you also get to work and start making reservations right away, picturing the perfect vacation. But with so many options online, how do you pick? Here are some neat tricks you can follow to get your money’s worth:
- Be specific about the area
You must know where you’ll spend your vacation. For instance, if you’re going to Tennessee, you must narrow down what part of this state you’ll be visiting and the nearest landmark. So if you’re going to the Smokies, you want a rental close to the mountains that lets you access the driveways and offers you a scenic view of the majestic national park.
At the same time, you should not compromise on luxury and comfort. Your rental should have all the facilities you need with running water, electricity, and a comfortable ambiance. Fortunately, you will find all these features in Pigeon Forge, a popular vacation area in eastern Tennessee. Therefore, you should look into condos in Pigeon Forge and save yourself the best sights in the Smokies. You will also get the chance to eat at some of the finest restaurants and make a quick stop at the nearest amusement park.
Use the same philosophy and local search strings for any area you plan on visiting.
- Be proactive about reservations
You’re probably not the only one thinking of going on a vacation. So when you finally decide to make bookings, chances are the best locations are already sold out. For example, the perfect time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains is during the summers, from June to August. However, June is also peak tourist season, and you have a small window to get your preferred rental.
But, if you’re planning to visit during the fall, October gives you a front seat view into the gorgeous autumn foliage, but it also draws those who wish to witness the same views as you. Therefore, it’s good to start saving your spot right away. If you’re planning to go for a vacation in July, save the best deals in January. The latest you can wait is till May. By keeping a margin of two months, you get a vast array of rentals to choose from and find the condo that beckons you.
- Know your style
You can find many options when you’re picking your choice of accommodations. Think about how large you want your rental to be, including the number of rooms. If your children are coming along, you may want a spot that has enough rooms for your kids to settle in nicely. If it’s a romantic affair with your partner, you would wish for a cozy space that helps you rekindle the spark. You might even be traveling for business, meaning you need to find somewhere suitable to host a big group of people. You can find cottage rentals ontario that suit the needs of any size group you are traveling with.
The space between each rental complex also matters. Some vacation houses are close together, separated by a minute distance. Some rentals are far apart within the same vicinity, offering your privacy and the liberty to move around. So picture where you feel most comfortable when you’re out on holiday and get your place.
Don’t discount the ambiance. Do you want all-wood lodgings, have a rustic touch, or prefer a mixture of artisan and rustic? You should also ponder upon what part of nature you want surrounding you. Do you wish to be close to a lake, park or near the mountains? When you have an idea of your signature style, it’s easier to browse through your options and fall in love with the perfect vacation rental.
- Ask questions
You shouldn’t hesitate to call up or message the vacation rentals you’re eyeing to get further clarification. Most websites contain surface-level information, and you need to inquire about the rules of renting a place. Find out if there are any surplus charges you may face for using facilities or if the cost is a one-time payment. You may want to know if your lodgings also offer discounts on local tours and activities like water rafting, horse riding, or a trip to the mountains.
Perhaps you wish to extend your stay. Learn if the vacation rentals allow a trip extension and how many days. Some rentals have rules on usage, such as the appropriate noise level, limits on consuming alcohol, and keeping the interior clean. So you may want to know beforehand what you will have to do. Not every complex is welcoming toward pets. Before bringing your furry companion along, ensure your rental is pet friendly.
This may seem like a chore, but later ironing out details before making payments saves you a headache. Vacation rental hosts have the right to deny you service, and if they feel disrespected or violate their code of usage, you may end up ruining your trip. Therefore for your peace of mind, go the extra mile.
- Be sure to stay safe
There has been a 30% increase in rental frauds following the pandemic. While most vacation houses are safe and legitimate businesses, scammers are still lurking in the same spaces. As much as you want to hop right into holiday mode, you can’t risk losing your money. Start by checking out reviews and ratings. If the reviews seem fake, generic, and repetitive, there’s a high chance those are bot comments and not by actual people. You should never try to wire money or pay with a prepaid gift card. Once the cash goes through and if the rental is fraudulent, there is no way to get your money back.
Rentals will never email you to pressure you into a booking. You may receive details on packages and advertisements on the complex but no emails that push you into immediate payments. If you feel coerced into a reservation, delete the email. Properties below the market rate are scams. Even though you may want to save money, look for discounts. It’s best if you Google and check the address. If there are any nearby landmarks, call and confirm about the complex.
You may want to get a copy of the contract indicating your booking and always use a credit card for payments. These cards prevent fraud and can get your money back if you get scammed. The idea isn’t to scare you but help you keep yourself protected. When you work hard for a vacation, you should get to have one.
Conclusion
Vacations are the best treatment for a tired soul and body. A few days away from home and work can lift your spirits and make you feel at peace again. But before you can hop on a plane or drive away, you need to pick out the accommodations you’ll be staying at.
You may start by looking into where you wish to spend a holiday and the rentals around that area. Choosing a location away from your vacation spot is a waste of money and may make you feel more drained with the long commute. Around the holiday season, most people are just as eager as you are to get out of town, and an early reservation can save you from hustling for a house.
Don’t compromise on the type of rental house you want. Your preference leads to comfort, which you should aim for. Finally, be safe while browsing online, and don’t let scammers cheat you into giving out your money. Your curiosity and research can save you from a holiday nightmare.
