Vacation Rentals

When planning your next vacation, think outside the box that is most hotels rooms.  Choices for vacation rentals abound.  Chalets, cabins, beach houses and mansions, all can be rented for your next vacation.

Before even starting your search, know what you want to do. Knowing which activities are important to you will help you find the vacation rental that is right for you and your family.

Beach rentals are hugely popular and it shows in the pricing.  Renting a beach house in a summer hot spot such as the Outer Banks of North Carolina can cost anywhere from $1500 a week to over $10,000 a week in the prime season.   But don’t let the high price tag discourage you.  There are less expensive quality vacation rentals available.  You just have to know where – and when - to look.

One Nags Head, North Carolina beach house rents for $2100 a week during the prime season.  The same house rents for only $595 a week in the off season.   While fall or winter at the beach may not appeal to everyone, locals will tell you that fishing is still good in some parts of the off season, and the relaxing calm that comes from sipping coffee while listening to the waves crash against the shore is the same no matter the time of year.

The same principle applies to vacation rentals in the mountains.  If skiing is your passion then you won’t want to rent off season in Breckenridge, Colorado.   One home there rents for $3685 a week during prime ski season.  In the off season, the same house rents for only $2091 a week.  There is still plenty to do for visitors in the off season.  Hiking, sightseeing, boating, shopping and tennis are just a few of activities that are available.

Wedding occupy another trend in vacation rentals.  People will rent a huge house at the beach or in the mountains, invite all of their family and friends and hold their wedding inside the rental or on the property. 

“It’s a great, inexpensive way to have wedding festivities that cover two or three days,” said Pat Taylor, who was recently married in a rented beach house. “We paid $4000 a week for an eight bedroom house in the off season. We were able to invite all of our closest friends and families stay with us for three days. After our weekend wedding, the family left and we stayed for the rest of the week, enjoying our honeymoon.”

Whether for a wedding or just a little time away, vacation rentals can be found in every location and at every price point.  When you find a property you are interested in, be sure and ask who is responsible for the cleaning fee and whether there is a charge for additional guests.  Also, always ask before bringing pets along.  While many owners allow pets, there is often an additional fee or pet deposit.

With a little research, you can find the property that will make your vacation rental dreams come true.