It’s not easy to select a good vacation rental from the tens of thousands that are available. Usually the only real information you have to go on is in the description and pictures as described on the web site or in the vacation rental catalog.

Be sure to look carefully at all of the photos for the vacation rental listing. They will tell you a lot about the place you will be staying. Read the description they give carefully. Many questions may not be answered there, so ask the owner or agency. Be sure to ask questions, look at pictures, read about the surrounding areas, and talk to other people who may’ve used the travel agency / vacation destination or stayed in the place you are considering.

Here’s some other tips to help you book a vacation rental with success.

  1. Book the rental early – many travelers do this at last minute and often pay considerably more than people who book weeks or months in advance
  2. Look at more than one rental company – there will more than always be several reputable vacation rental companies offering rentals in the area you choose. Do research, order some brochures and learn a little more about the place you’re visiting.
  3. If you have kids, ask them what they’d like - For kids it may be great if there’s simply cable TV or a pool available. For adults though it may be a quetions of how far the drive is to the nearest town or beach.
  4. Make a list of what your “must-have’s” are – examples: being close to the beach, close to the airport, number of bedrooms, access to a pool (if it’s shared or yours exclusively), maximum capacity, some of the local attractions, distance to shopping centers or grocery stores. Also consider your maximum amount will beto stay at the rental you choose.
  5. Get a few books or maps of the area – having these often gives you valuable information for which towns, cities or villages are likely to appeal to you.
  6. Read the small print - Check the reputation of the company, read the contract, look at the cancellation charges. Buy holiday insurance! Check flights/car hire prices for the nearest airport – is it cheaper to fly to another nearby airport – and is there availability when you want to fly?
  7. Make a shortlist and email to check availability - Sit down with your partner and/or children and discuss the various options. Look at the pros and cons of the rental properties that you’ve found, consider all the options and make a choice. Don’t procrastinate - book it!

Have some other advice on travel spots or vacation rentals not listed here? Let us know by leaving a comment below.