Once you know the dates, where you want to go, and a basic budget for your vacation, you’re halfway through your journey to reserving a vacation rental cottage! What else is important for you to know? For the perfect place to stay during your break, follow these guidelines and get all the information you need. Always remember that you can never ask too many questions!
A comprehensive portrayal of the location and exterior surroundings is a good place to start. Is the street lined with trees and peaceful, or is it an active strip of stores and businesses? Are there nice places to walk nearby, with parks and open areas? If you plan to do some of your own cooking or bring in take-out food, look into the proximity of supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. If you don’t plan to bring or rent a car, having a bus or train stop nearby is key for planning excursions.
After you have a clear picture of the surrounding area and what it has to offer, it’s time to request a detailed and complete description of the physical space.
If steps or staircases make a difference to you, be sure to check on what level the vacation rental is located. If it’s high up, confirm that there is an elevator. Charming old buildings in quaint neighborhoods may not boast this technology! Be aware that many picturesque cottages also have steps leading up to the entrance.
How many private bedrooms and bathrooms are there? The definition of a bedroom may be open to interpretation, as some agents will try to convince you that a sofa bed in the corner of the living room is really an additional bedroom. Inquire as to how many bathtubs or showers are available, and if any of the bathrooms are en suite.
Although it is pretty standard to include Cable TV and Wi-Fi, it never hurts to double-check that they are provided in the cost of the rental. Keep in mind that you’re better off not assuming anything!
Are you traveling with young children or a baby? Find out if the rental is child friendly, without fragile and dainty furnishings. Rooms decorated with many delicate knick-knacks or vases are obviously not suitable for young families!
A fully equipped kitchen is an integral part of many vacation rentals. Clarify which appliances and utensils are provided. Are there any food supplies available for use? You may also want to verify how many people can be seated in the eating nook or dining room.
Some vacation rentals are available year-round, while others have permanent residents who go away for periods of time and choose to rent out their home. This may make a difference to your comfort. It can be the difference between sharing the closets and rooms with someone else’s possessions, or settling into an empty and perfectly neat space.
If you’re arriving via your own car or a rental car, having adequate and convenient parking is crucial. A reserved spot associated with your vacation rental is ideal, and a private parking lot for the whole block or building is second best. You don’t want to circle the streets looking for curbside parking every time you return from a day trip.
If you do a bit of online research you’ll discover that there have been numerous reports of thefts from vacation rentals, with no sign of a break-in. The tenants left for the day and locked the door, but returned in the evening to discover items missing. Ask the owner or agent to confirm who else has a copy of the key. And if the door opens with a code instead of a key, verify that the code was changed in between renters.
Last but not least, after you have a good picture of the vacation rental and all of its features, query as to who will be available in case you have a problem. You want to make sure that a reliable and local property manager is accessible if you need one! Although nobody wants to dwell on what could go wrong, you should always be prepared for any emergencies or complications.
Once you have all of the above information in hand, you’ll be more than ready to reserve the perfect vacation spot. Bon voyage!
