Picking the right vacation rental property for your holiday is essential—your accommodations can genuinely make or break your experience!
In the past, there were fewer lodging choices for vacationers to choose from, but the advent of the Internet and concepts like Airbnb have enabled us to find an endless range of properties. There are so many options, it can be overwhelming!
Having a clear checklist of what you need will help narrow your search. From there, you’ll want to discern the accuracy of the listings, because what you see isn’t always what you get.
To help you out, here are a few tips and things to look for when choosing a vacation rental property online.
Read the Description
The description of each rental property can be really helpful, both for what it says and what it doesn’t say. Many owners attempt to sugarcoat their properties, ignoring the cons that are evident once you see the place in person.
A good description is balanced, mentioning both pros and possible cons of the property. This honesty allows the vacationer to decide if they have problems with the rental. Not everyone has the same needs, so what may be a con to one person might be a pro to someone else.
Stay away from properties with descriptions that use too many exclamation points or talk more about the fun activities in the area than the property itself.
Read the Reviews
Reviews are good indicators of the property’s quality because they’re written by previous customers instead of the owner, who is trying to sell the vacation rental.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that, often, the people who take time to write reviews are the ones who had either a terrible time or a wonderful time at the property, so reviews aren’t the only factor you should consider in your decision.
If the property you wish to rent doesn’t have any reviews, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an untrustworthy property. It might just be that it’s a new addition on the site. In this case, getting in touch with the owner can be an excellent way to gather more information and confidence in the property.
Check Amenities Carefully
Not all vacation rentals are suitable for all travelers. Checking the list of amenities included in the price will ensure you have everything you need. Does the rental you are considering provide toilet paper and towels, or do you need to bring your own? If you plan on cooking your own meals, does the rental have a well-equipped kitchen?
Making sure that you know exactly what you’re getting will prevent any nasty surprises down the road, and it will keep your vacation relaxing! You can use the booking website’s search filters to only see the rental properties that fit your needs.
Figure Out Transportation
Checking the exact location of the property you are interested in, and the transportation available nearby, is essential for a good vacation. Maybe you want to spend all day on the water at the beach or lake, but the property is on the other side of town! Nobody wants that hassle.
Rentals that aren’t in central locations tend to be cheaper, but you may end up paying more in transportation costs. It depends on what you prefer and if you’re bringing your own vehicle. If you want to use public transportation, make sure your rental has easy access to it.
Look at the Neighborhood
Besides transportation, there are other aspects of the property’s location that are worth looking at. Use Google Earth to get a view of the neighborhood. Is it safe? Is there easy parking? Are there any loud clubs nearby that would bother you at night? Are you hoping for a view, but the property is surrounded by skyscrapers?
Additionally, you’ll want to know where the local restaurants and grocery stores are located, because a vacation rental doesn’t come with room service!
Picking the right property for your vacation can be a challenge, but taking the time to consider your options carefully will help you book the perfect place for you. Your vacation will have the homey, personal touch that only a rental property can provide!
If you’d like some help in your rental property search, contact us at Soar Vacation Rentals. We have a large selection of properties to choose from, all carefully reviewed and managed, so that you can find the perfect place. We want to make sure that your vacation stay is the best it can be!