Interested in the privacy and freedom that comes with renting a vacation home for your next trip? To help you navigate this way to holiday, here is our checklist when looking for a place to stay.
Several months in advance of your trip…
- Sit down with your travel party and talk about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, what amenities are necessary and your ideal location. What are your highest priorities and what niceties are you willing to sacrifice for a good deal?
- Research rental services and the homes they offer in the locations that interest you. Read their reviews and any news stories involving them.
- Decide your budget and keep in mind that listed prices may not include all charges.
- Book your chosen property!
Four weeks before your trip…
- Contact the rental agency and ensure that your reservation is confirmed and there are no booking conflicts.
- Confirm that the rental has all the amenities listed, such as a washer, dryer and air conditioning.
- Ask if essentials, such as towels and toilet paper, are provided — don’t get caught by surprise.
Seven days before your trip…
- Go over the house rules and ask questions to clarify any areas of concern.
- Make sure you understand how to reach the house and know who will let you in.
- Go over the checkout procedure.
- Ask the rental agency if there is anything unusual about the house you need to know about.
- Research nearby attractions to plan your outings.
- Program any contacts involved with the rental into your phone.
The day before your trip…
- Contact the agency one last time to ensure that there are no issues with the booking.
- Ask them if there are any specific items they suggest you pack, making sure you have everything needed.
- Confirm the name of the person who will let you into the property.
By taking these steps, you all but eliminate the risk of being caught unaware or unprepared by common problems. To protect yourself and those you are traveling with from emergencies and extenuating circumstances, take out a trip insurance policy.
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