How Long Do You Have to Stay?
While some seasonal beach destinations have fairly strict rental schedules (usually Saturday to Saturday) and other properties have seven-night minimum stays, more and more vacation rentals are becoming available for as little as one or two nights -- making them a viable option for weekend getaways or short city breaks. This varies widely from destination to destination, so be sure to do your homework.
Home Exchange: How-To Guide
Families and Groups
Vacation rentals are an economical, practical option for families and large groups who would otherwise have to pay for more than one hotel room. Sharing a house lets you strike a compromise between togetherness and privacy; you can enjoy family meals together in the communal kitchen, but you'll also have enough space for everyone to come and go as they please. Parents will appreciate not having to get the kids dressed to go down to breakfast in a hotel restaurant -- in your own kitchen, PJ's are perfectly acceptable!
Destination Weddings
Getting married far from home? You can often keep costs down by having guests share a vacation home (or several) rather than paying for a large block of hotel rooms. And a rental villa of your own makes a secluded, romantic spot for your honeymoon after all the guests have gone home.
Beware of This Vacation Rental Pitfall
Living Like a Local
Many travelers seeking to blend into the local culture of a new destination choose to rent an apartment or house, which are often located in residential neighborhoods. Being based there, instead of a hotel in a more touristy area of town, allows you to shop in the neighborhood stores, hang out in the local cafes and get to know your neighbors.
If you really want to feel like a local, this is the way to go. Be sure to speak with the owner before you arrive to get insider tips on where to eat and what to do in the neighborhood.
Living Like a Millionaire
At the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe you'd rather live large than live like a local -- and there are vacation rentals for that too. This is your chance to try out a type of lifestyle you've never experienced before -- to live like a rock star in a secluded villa on the Caribbean island of Mustique, or play lady of the manor in a French chateau. Maybe you can't afford to buy that $12 million oceanfront property, but at least you can live there for a week.
Discuss Vacation Rentals
When NOT to Rent
Though the number of properties available for short-term rental is on the rise, you'll have much more choice if you're staying for at least three nights; a hotel may be a better option if you're only going to be in town for a day or two. Also, if your plans may change at the last minute, keep in mind that a hotel reservation is much easier to cancel than a rental agreement, which is a binding contract between you and the homeowner.
A vacation rental may not be right for you if you prefer to have room service, daily housekeeping, and on-site restaurants and bars (although the number of serviced rentals is growing). Also, some travelers prefer the more structured environment of a hotel rather than the greater self-sufficiency of a vacation rental when they're in a foreign country.
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More Lodging Tips
The Art of Slow Travel
Finding a Vacation Rental
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--written by Sarah Schlichter, Vicki Flores and Genevieve S. Brown
While some seasonal beach destinations have fairly strict rental schedules (usually Saturday to Saturday) and other properties have seven-night minimum stays, more and more vacation rentals are becoming available for as little as one or two nights -- making them a viable option for weekend getaways or short city breaks. This varies widely from destination to destination, so be sure to do your homework. Home Exchange: How-To GuideFamilies and Groups
Vacation rentals are an economical, practical option for families and large groups who would otherwise have to pay for more than one hotel room. Sharing a house lets you strike a compromise between togetherness and privacy; you can enjoy family meals together in the communal kitchen, but you'll also have enough space for everyone to come and go as they please. Parents will appreciate not having to get the kids dressed to go down to breakfast in a hotel restaurant -- in your own kitchen, PJ's are perfectly acceptable!
Destination Weddings
Getting married far from home? You can often keep costs down by having guests share a vacation home (or several) rather than paying for a large block of hotel rooms. And a rental villa of your own makes a secluded, romantic spot for your honeymoon after all the guests have gone home.
Beware of This Vacation Rental PitfallLiving Like a Local
Many travelers seeking to blend into the local culture of a new destination choose to rent an apartment or house, which are often located in residential neighborhoods. Being based there, instead of a hotel in a more touristy area of town, allows you to shop in the neighborhood stores, hang out in the local cafes and get to know your neighbors.
If you really want to feel like a local, this is the way to go. Be sure to speak with the owner before you arrive to get insider tips on where to eat and what to do in the neighborhood.
Living Like a Millionaire
At the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe you'd rather live large than live like a local -- and there are vacation rentals for that too. This is your chance to try out a type of lifestyle you've never experienced before -- to live like a rock star in a secluded villa on the Caribbean island of Mustique, or play lady of the manor in a French chateau. Maybe you can't afford to buy that $12 million oceanfront property, but at least you can live there for a week.
Discuss Vacation RentalsWhen NOT to Rent
Though the number of properties available for short-term rental is on the rise, you'll have much more choice if you're staying for at least three nights; a hotel may be a better option if you're only going to be in town for a day or two. Also, if your plans may change at the last minute, keep in mind that a hotel reservation is much easier to cancel than a rental agreement, which is a binding contract between you and the homeowner.
A vacation rental may not be right for you if you prefer to have room service, daily housekeeping, and on-site restaurants and bars (although the number of serviced rentals is growing). Also, some travelers prefer the more structured environment of a hotel rather than the greater self-sufficiency of a vacation rental when they're in a foreign country.
You May Also Like
--written by Sarah Schlichter, Vicki Flores and Genevieve S. Brown