Vacation Rentals: A Cheaper, More Convenient Alternative to the Hotel

For a unique experience when you’re traveling, ditch the hotels and motels and try a vacation rental instead. Vacation rentals are wonderful because travelers get a relaxed environment and all the comforts of home. Not only that, but they’re often cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially if you use the kitchen and cook several of your meals rather than eating out. On the flip side, there’s no housekeeper to tidy up your room every day. But how bad is it to make your own bed when the savings allow to you stay longer or take a trip you might not otherwise have been able to afford?

Types of Vacation Rentals

Different forms of vacation accommodations available include:

• Condos

• Apartments

• Small cottages

• Cabins

• Villas

Vacation Rental Amenities

Each vacation rental generally comes with a vast amount of amenities, which may include personal TVs, DVD players, and sound systems, not to mention comfortable furniture and a kitchen so you can save on dining costs. Some add the luxury of personal fitness centers together with a spas and/or Jacuzzis, and swimming pools. A washing machine and dryer, and ironing board are some luxurious other features of vacation rentals.

For those people who choose to bring their work on vacation with them, some vacation rentals come with a high-speed Internet connection with fax facilities, and cordless telephones with a long-distance calling capability. Most companies are glad to offer off-site meeting supplies for working tourists.The benefits of vacation rentals over traditional lodging such as hotels, are limitless and will make anyone’s vacation the trip they have dreamed of.

Common Rates for Vacation Rentals

Most vacation rentals are rented out for at least a week, and the rates vary depending on duration of the stay. Rental companies often present discount rates for groups or if the stay period is a month or more. A villa in a luxurious resort can be rented for an approximate average rate of $350 to $450 per night, and a modest home with most amenities could be available for about $2,000 a month. Rates differ based on the location, the size of the vacation rental, and of course, the going rate in the area.

To find one of the many agents and travel agencies who will help you in securing an attractive vacation rental at the most popular places, get recommendations from friends, open up the yellow pages, or visit Google. Happy traveling!

Posted in General Travel