According to reported data, somewhere in the range of fifty percent of vacationers said that they expect to book a vacation rental condo or villa during the next 12 months. Add to that, nearly one quarter of Vacation Travelers who were surveyed had already stayed in one, and 33% of owners reported that in 2009 they had received more bookings.
It's not difficult to understand why. Vacation Rentals by Owner have a lot to offer. And when it comes to affordable vacations, vacation rentals are hard to beat. With a vacation rental a family will get a spacious living room, one or more bedrooms, a fully furnished dining and cooking area, and often private balcony and sometimes a pool and jacuzzi.
Families can find whatever suits their needs, from a studio condo to a six-bedroom home with grounds and a pool. Without doubt, there's a Ideal Vacation Rental just for you.
Saving money for other things with a vacation rental by owner.
No matter what the size of your party, a unit with several bedrooms and bathrooms allows you to split the overall lodging 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 rush to get to the breakfast buffet before it closes. You can sleep in, and have your lunch out seaside for a lot less than you'd pay in a hotel restaurant. Every Rental includes a coffee maker. Many even have espresso machines and other amenities like egg poachers.
Your kitchen will also include all the tools you'll need to make lunches, midday snacks, or a midnight snack. In Florida destinations, blenders are a must for margaritas, rum runners and other beachy beverages.
Know the minimums. Many rentals do not have flexibility in rental terms, some are three night 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 on the weekend. 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 minimal deposit of is required to hold the unit, then the balance due one or two months before your trip. You may also have to pay a security deposit, which is usually refundable.
Every owner has different guidelines but most owners will return a deposit if they can rebook 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.
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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
