Tips for a Great Vacation Home Rental Experience

Deciding to stay in a home rental for a vacation is an experience that can be unnerving. There are many ways to make it be a success. One of the ways is look at all the detail before you decide to stay in a rental home. Being careful with preparation ahead of time can make it go more smoothly.

Once you decide to rent, do it early. Popular spots rent quickly. Location is important. Get online and check the location of the spot you are interested in renting. Check to see if the spot is near airports, hospitals, major traffic patterns. The more you know about the location, the less you will be surprised when you arrive. Decide on your personal tolerance to noise. Urban areas might be noisier than you are used to at home. Look at the locations you would like to be near. Decide on your commuting preference. Some neighborhoods offer bus routes or food delivery. This might be a deciding factor in your selection.

Next, check the house listing. What is the type of rental? Check the listing carefully. Age restrictions are important. Some retirement communities restrict the age of renters to over 55. This varies by community, so get the facts. Other restrictions may include pets and rental time. Ignoring the rules of the listing could cost the renter money and time. The rules might be poorly written or vague, so be sure to allow enough time to communicate and question the host before committing to the rental. Look to see what appliances that you will need during the stay including WiFi and laundry facilities. Get specifics on what supples are included in the laundry and kitchen. Check the climate and bring clothing that is appropriate to the actives you will be participating in during the vacation. Storage is often more limited in the rentals, so plan your wardrobe with flexibility of items in mind.

Arriving at the rental is another place to use planning to ensure smooth experience. Be sure to find out emergency shut offs for electrical and water. Check to see if the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in place. Look for the heat and air conditioning and understand the proper use of them. Check for house rules. Ensure you know where to dispose of trash. If your checking in with a host, ask any questions about the area you might have. Self check ins may have local guide books. Online communities are also a potential source of local knowledge of the area. Think about bringing any specific personal items that you can not live without during your stay. This might include your own pillows, a comfy throw or even your own hair dryer. These items can make your stay a little more like home.

Once checked in, look around the area. The facility should have the items that were listed. If they are missing, the host will need to be informed of any items that are not there. It maybe an oversight that the host can correct. Being polite and clear with communication can help. Always communicate through proper channels and get documentation in writing.

Keep the yourself safe on the rental. Ensure that you are not locked out by keeping the key in a safe place at all times. There may not be an extra key or host to let you back in on site. If it’s a code, do not share it with others that are not registered to be on the property. Use the railings and yard lights to help navigate the unfamiliar property at night. Remember that your surroundings may be in an area with more crime, so keep valuables and vehicles locked up.

With these preparations, the snowbird vacation rental experience can be a fun and enjoyable time. A little planning ahead of time can make for a great vacation.