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Five tips to live by when choosing a vacation rental

Autumn, Minnesota, Water, Trees, sunrise

Your vacation rental plays a big part in the overall getaway experience. But with so many listings available in the market, how do you choose the one that will make your trip truly memorable?

Here are five tips to bear in mind.

  1. Know where you want to stay.

    Do you want to stay in the town center or relatively close to it? Or are you looking for a secluded vacation rental, a considerable distance away from civilization? Knowing where you want to stay helps you narrow down your search for vacation rentals. It also helps you plan ahead.

    Staying at a rental minutes away from the town center shouldn’t be much of an issue if you’re bringing your own transportation. Staying somewhere far from amenities and services might be troublesome if you aren’t (and there aren’t many public transportation options available in the area.)

    In conclusion: choose a location that fits your preferences and vacation plans.

  2. Read the reviews.

    Sites like Airbnb and HomeAway encourage users (both hosts and guests) to exchange feedback.

    By reading the reviews left on a certain listing, you will be able to know what the vacation rental offers and what it lacks. Most importantly, it also lets you know if there were issues previously encountered by guests, and if these problems were eventually solved.

    The reviews also say a lot about the owners of the rental. Take note of how the hosts treated their guests and if checking in was smooth and hassle-free.

  3. Double-check the amenities.

    Different vacation rentals offer different amenities. It makes sense to check and review these features before you book a listing.

    If you want to cook your own meals, having a full kitchen, complete with plates, cutlery, and pots, is a must. If you are going on a long vacation, you might also want laundry facilities on site. Going somewhere cold might warrant the need for hot water.

    To be sure, list down the must-have features you want in a vacation rental, as well as features you can compromise.

  4. Review the fees.

    Hidden fees can make a pleasant vacation turn sour. Before you book a listing, don’t forget to review all the fees included in the price.

    Some hosts charge cleaning fees, others don’t. For long-term rentals, you might be asked to make a security deposit. Some rentals require 50 percent down payment for reservation, with the remainder of the balance paid when you arrive.

    There are also rentals that charge extra if you are bringing certain food and drinks, or if you are planning to use facilities located on site.

  5. Take note of the check-in and check-out times.

    One more thing before you commit to a rental listing− do not forget to consider the check-in and check-out times. After all, this can affect your itinerary.

    For instance, a late check-in time can set your trip back to an hour or two and vice versa. Knowing the check-in and check-out times helps you plan ahead and make the whole trip fun and stress-free.

Are you planning a trip to Lake Wedowee?

Wedowee Lake and Lands Realty, LLC can show you around the best vacation rentals in the Lake Wedowee area. Get in touch with the team today at 1-256-357-9600.