When you’re planning a vacation, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where you’re going to stay when you get to your desired destination. Most people immediately think of staying in a hotel when they plan a trip. However, vacation home rentals are a great alternative to hotels in order to have a more relaxed and comfortable stay on your vacation. Here at Rivard of South Walton, we have many properties available as Florida vacation home rentals, and we believe choosing a vacation home rental is the way to go when you visit Florida’s South Walton beaches. In today’s post, we’d like to cover some of our top tips when considering a vacation home rental for your trip.
Top Tips For Choosing A Vacation Home Rental
Choose A Known Tourist Destination
You’re likely going to find the best vacation rentals in places that are known as tourist destinations. These cities or towns are used to having visitors, so vacation rentals are a popular accommodation. However, this means that prices need to stay competitive since there are so many home rentals available. While hotel rooms can be expensive in places known as tourist destinations — you can usually plan to spend around $300 a night on a room — you can get a vacation home with multiple rooms for a similar cost per night.
Know What Your Rental Includes
When staying at a hotel, most people automatically assume that accommodations, like parking, WiFi, and cable, are included. However, these things are quickly becoming add-ons that you have to pay for in addition to your nightly rate. The same can be true for vacation homes. If the property you’re considering says that everything is included, make sure you check to see if that really does include WiFi, cable, and other amenities you’re going to need on your vacation.
Are Pets Allowed?
A benefit that can come with staying in a vacation home rental is the ability to make your trip more comfortable for your family. This can include bringing the family pet. However, some vacation homes have limits on the size of the animal you can bring, you also may have to put down an extra deposit for a pet. Make sure you read the fine print for pets closely so you don’t have to pay extra fees or worry about what might happen in the case of a pet-related accident.
Are Refunds Available For Cancellations Or Leaving Early?
This is another area of the contract where you’ll want to read the fine print. Most vacation rentals don’t give refunds for leaving early since you reserved the rental for specific dates, and the homeowners are often counting on the money from your full stay. Make sure that the cancellation policy works for you as well, so you don’t get stuck paying hidden fees if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute.
If you’re looking to plan your vacation to the beautiful beaches of South Walton, Rivard of South Walton can help you find the perfect Florida vacation home rental. Call us today to learn more!
