As you have set out to explore another corner of the world, vacation homes are your home away from your real home. These homes are your own slice of paradise where you stay for some days, weeks or even months during your trip. Although renting a home seems like a piece of cake, choosing and renting the right one needs much consideration to make. One mistake and your oh-so-charming vacation homes are like suffocating four walls without warmth.
Hence, while choosing the perfect vacation rentals you need to be cautious about the customisation, the amenities and most importantly, the rules and regulations provided by the host.
Check Online and Make Enquiry
With the dawn of the tech era, renting a vacation home is easier with the references offered by various travel websites and search engines. Just type for example “vacation homes in Devon” and you will be provided with a huge list of vacation homes. Now begins the main task –
Filter and Sort Results
Choose the accommodation type and limit the search to the specific place where you wish to stay. Sort the results according to their price and you can also compare the prices between the different houses.
Check the Pictures and Authenticity
Now that you have sorted out your choices, check for their authenticity on their respective business website and look for the relevant pictures which will give you an idea of the property. If you don’t find a website, drop your query on the site where you have found the results.
Contact the Host/Owner
After finalising your property(s), communicate with the owner of the vacation home(s) personally –
While some referral sites offer a “contact” option for vacation rentals, in some cases, you need to find the contact details from the respective business website. Now give me a call or send a mail.
Mention your name and purpose of travelling with cordial greetings. State what made you choose that property and give details about your schedule of staying and the number of travellers. Wait for a response.
Quality Check and Further Enquiry
After getting the reply from the owners, inquire whether pets or kids (if you have any) will be allowed to stay. In case, there are multiple options like cabins, tree houses, clamps, condos, villas, cottages etc, be specific about the property you wish to rent. Other amenities you should check for are –
- Internet connection
- Electricity/hookup
- Water facility
- Emergency calling facility
- Kitchen and kitchenettes
- Restroom and showers
- Nearby transportation, landmarks, shopping stores etc
- Safety measures (fire extinguishers, first aid etc)
- Surroundings and cleaning service
- Final check and payment
Before finalising, check whether the property has the legal certification. Also, make a background check yourself. The payment procedure for vacation rentals can vary from depositing the amount in the bank account or handing it over in person. Make sure to have smooth communication with the owner and check whether any extra fee is added regarding cleanliness, electricity, security, damage to property and cancellation.
As vacation homes are your temporary abode, make sure to crosscheck every minute detail of the accommodation, amenities and services provided or not provided by the owner and the property. Strategic planning can offer you a home-sweet home away from your home.
