While most travel agents have been challenged to grow during the economic downturn over the last two years, one segment of the Travel Industry has seen an explosion: Vacation Rentals are rapidly becoming the accommodation for couples and families looking to get away.
According to reported data, somewhere in the range of fifty percent of travelers report that they expect to book a Vacation Rental Home during the next year. On top of that, nearly one quarter of Vacation Travelers who were surveyed had already been to in one, and nearly one third of owners said that in 2009 they had seen more weekly rentals.
It's not difficult to understand why. Vacation Rentals by Owner have a lot to offer. And when it comes to value for money, vacation rentals are hard to beat. For what you'd pay for a hotel room -- or less -- you and yours can often get a spacious living room, multiple bedrooms, a fully furnished dining and cooking area, and often private balcony and sometimes a private pool.
Families will find everything, from a studio condo to a five-bedroom home with grounds and a pool. Without doubt, there's a prefect Vacation Rental just for you.
Affordable Vacations are easy in a with a vacation rental by owner.
If you travel with others, a unit containing several bedrooms and bathrooms will let you split your accommodation costs with other friends or family members. And the savings from just eating in a few days really adds up.
There's also more convenience when you have your own kitchen. You never have to hurry to get to the breakfast buffet before it closes. You can really relax, and have your morning coffee out on your balcony for a lot less than the cost in a hotel restaurant. Most rentals have a coffee maker. Some even have espresso machines and other amenities like waffle Irons.
Your kitchen should include everything you'll need to make lunches, midday snacks, or a midnight snack. In tropical locations, blenders are a must for margaritas, rum runners and other beachy beverages.
Just be sure to read the rental terms. Many rentals do not have flexibility in rental terms, some are fourteen day minimum rentals but the majority are for seven night minimums. Because of the 7 day minimum, many owners select one day as the turnover day usually Saturday. When they're not fully booked, you may be able to stay fewer nights or check in mid week, this is really a matter of convenience and planning for the owner. Where there's lots of competition you'll find more flexible terms.
Usually a 30-50% deposit of is required to book the unit, with the balance due one or two months before your arrival. You may also have to pay a security deposit, which is always refundable.
Every owner has different guidelines but most owners will refund a deposit if they can book the unit if you cancel. But if they can't, you'll probably be out your deposit. If it's large, consider buying travel insurance as protection.
For your next trip, look into staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. You'll likely be happy you did.
The author is the Founder and Operating Manager of Florida Gulf Vacation LLC which offers Affordable Beach Rentals by owner along the Florida Gulf Coast from the Keys to
St Pete Beach up to the Panhandle beaches as well as
Disney Rentals in the Kissimmee Orlando area
