How to Get a Vacation Rental This Summer

            It’s been a long, cold winter for some, and with summer on the horizon, thoughts of vacation are no doubt on the brain.

            Trouble is, you might have had a staycation last year, so you’re ready to spread your wings this time around. However, money may still not be plentiful for that jaunt to Europe that you’re fantasizing about.

            But you don’t have to stay home either. What’s key. Think vacation rental, instead of hotel. According to a summer 2009 survey by TripAdvisor.com, 43 percent of respondents said that they were planning to stay at a vacation rental in the coming 12 months. On average, the price per square foot for a U.S. hotel is more than twice the price per square foot of a vacation rental.

             Here’s what you need to know.

             The price is right

             “For most people, especially families with children, staying in a vacation home is better in every way,” says Christine Karpinski, director of OwnerCommunity.com for HomeAway.com, an online vacation home rental marketplace.

            “In the past, people just didn’t understand the benefits of staying in a vacation home. Maybe they assumed it cost too much, or they simply didn’t understand the logistics of finding the right place to stay. But the Internet has changed everything. Not only is it increasingly easy to find the perfect home, it’s often less expensive than getting a hotel room,” she adds.

            In fact, according to Alex Risser, president of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, (www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com), rates for some three-bedroom vacations homes start at just $99 per night, but sleep up to eight guests versus one or two. If you are a member of AAA, AARP and other organizations, have served in the military, are repeat guests, are booking at the last minute, traveling with a large group or more, there can be guest appreciation offers to be found across North America, he adds. You can also find themed specials and packages throughout the travel year, and traveling during low season can mean significant savings. Guests should also inquire about Layaway Vacation Plans, which allow you to select an installment-based payment plan now to secure your future vacation.

            Enjoy the comforts of home

            Then you get all the comforts of home, full kitchens, dining areas, and can include private, screened-in pool and spa, arcade and billiard room, in-home movie theater, computers, DVD players, and more.

          You cook (which can mean big savings from eating at restaurants every day) and do laundry. You’ll get privacy. “Say you want to have some, ahem adult time while you’re on vacation. There’s nothing better than being able to put the kids in a separate bedroom down the hall. Adjoining hotel rooms just aren’t the same. Not only is it going to probably be more expensive, most people feel a little uneasy about having their kids in a separate hotel room. Staying in an actual home provides a greater sense of privacy and safety,” says Karpinski. 

           If the weather is bad, there’s more to do indoors. Most vacation rental homeowners provide DVDs, board games, playing cards and other family-friendly diversions. 

            You might even be able to bring your pet.

           Know too, that there is plenty of choice. For example, Endless Vacation Rentals (www.EVRentals.com) a Wyndham Worldwide company offers more than 200,000 vacation rental accommodations, in nearly 100 countries.

            Shop wisely

            But much like elsewhere, you want to be a smart shopper. “Many travelers have shaved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars off of their vacation costs by renting a house or condo instead of paying for a hotel or resort,” says Allison Southwick, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “A vacation rental can seem riskier that booking a hotel, but if you do your research and pay attention to the fine print, it can be a safe way to save money,” she adds.

         Look for third-party endorsements on the websites of rental management companies, including the Better Business Bureau, where you can actually search for companies online, says Risser. Companies may have also been rated by AAA, and look for membership in industry associations like the Vacation Rental Managers Association and other local property management groups.

           Inquire about whether or not a security deposit is required to reserve your vacation rental, when it’s returned, and when it’s due. Established companies will have standardized, secure phone and/or Internet reservation systems.

          Request and evaluate past guest reviews, testimonials and references, especially if you’re renting abroad.

          Take a virtual tour. Sometimes the pictures and descriptions of the property posted by the renter can be deceiving. Research the property on your own online and take a virtual tour of the surrounding area using Google Maps Street View. Don’t be tentative about asking plenty of questions about the property.

            Make sure that all of the verbal agreements are included in the rental contract, including details on the deposit, rules on pets, refunds, and what is included in the cost of the rental such as utilities, Internet and more.

            Use a secure form or payment. Do not send money until you’ve signed the rental agreement and never pay via money wire, such as through MoneyGram or Western Union. When possible, use a credit card, which can provide some amount of consumer protection.

            Says Karpinski, “Once you go the vacation home route, you probably won’t go back to hotels. Yes, it takes a little effort on your part, and you may have to contact several different owners before you find the right home, but the results are definitely worth it. Start planning your vacation right now. When you’re relaxing in a few months, you’ll be glad you made the effort.”