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Finding the perfect vacation rental can be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of insider vacation rental tips to make the process easier.

With all of the options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which is the best for your private getaway or family vacation. To help you find the most ideal vacation rental for your budget, here are some easy tips to simplify your rental search and keep your vacation budget-friendly.

Vet Your Vacation Rental Service

These days, it is easy to find a vacation rental online. Thanks to Airbnb, the short-term rental market has exploded, and more and more individuals are renting their homes to vacationers. With so many services available, vet the service you are using.

To ensure that you are getting the best rental at the right price, check online reviews and comments when selecting your rental, and watch for amenities like a fully stocked kitchen, dishwasher, central heat, and air conditioning. After all, there’s nothing worse than realizing that your vacation rental is not what you expected after you’ve already paid for it, and getting money back can be very difficult — if not impossible.

Doing your research on the best vacation rental tips will go a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable trip. Keep in mind, however, that if a price seems too good to be true, it often is, so be wary of offers that are significantly lower than the surrounding area. It is also wise to avoid rental listings that do not contain detailed information, photos, or customer reviews. 

Travel Packages and Deals

If you are nervous about booking a vacation rental through individuals, consider commercial brokers, such as Priceline and Kayak. With these companies, you have additional customer service support in the event that something goes wrong with your rental. In addition, you can often get deals and discounts on packages with flights, lodging, and car rentals combined. 

When considering your vacation location, take into account the expense of renting in high-tourism areas. Renting a vacation home off the beaten path can save you a great deal. Consider vacationing in areas that are less popular or during the slow season.

Remember: you can also save money and deduct a portion of your trip’s cost on your taxes if it’s business-related. If you can combine business and pleasure, you can accomplish both!

Enjoy In-Home Dining and Entertainment

Save money on your vacation by choosing a rental with a fully functioning kitchen. Buying groceries and eating in will save money you would otherwise spend on eating out. You can also use smartphone apps like Doordash and Yelp to find local restaurants for delivery and takeout. These apps have a dollar rating system so you can search for restaurants in the area that are within your travel budget.

Enjoy your takeout or home-cooked meal while streaming your favorite music, movies, or shows on your streaming device. Your Amazon Fire Stick or Roku can be plugged into a compatible television for low-cost entertainment at your rental location. Have a dance party, a game night, or a quiet movie, and then relax to your favorite tunes as you fall asleep.

If you are traveling with children, it’s an easy way to keep them engaged and entertained without spending extra money.

Pack and Save

The last thing you want to do when you arrive is purchase items you don’t need. With diligence in your packing list, you won’t forget little details like a portable speaker, charging cords, swim goggles, rain ponchos or a portable cooler. Consider also the climate of your destination. If the nights are cold, pack a jacket or sweater, if it’s the rainy season, pack a small umbrella. While you don’t want to overpack, remembering these types of items can help you save money that you can put toward adventures on your trip!

Heading out for an adventure on a budget isn’t always easy, but it can be done! Follow these great travel tips, and your vacation rental is sure to go off without a hitch!

Finding the perfect vacation rental can be time-consuming and expensive.

With all of the vacation rentals to choose from, it can be hard to decide which is the best for your private getaway or family vacation. To help you find the most ideal vacation rental for your budget, here are some easy tips to simplify your rental search and keep your vacation budget-friendly.

Vet Your Vacation Rental Service

These days, it is easy to find a vacation rental online. Thanks to Airbnb, the short-term rental market has exploded, and more and more individuals are renting their homes to vacationers. With so many services available, be sure you vet the service you are using.

To ensure that you are getting the best rental at the right price, check online reviews and comments when selecting your rental, and watch for amenities like a fully stocked kitchen, dishwasher, central heat, and air conditioning. After all, there’s nothing worse than realizing that your vacation rental is not what you expected after you’ve already paid for it, and getting money back can be very difficult — if not impossible.

Doing your research will go a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable vacation. Keep in mind, however, that if a price seems too good to be true, it often is, so be wary of offers that are significantly lower than the surrounding area. It is also wise to avoid rental listings that do not contain detailed information, photos, or customer reviews. 

Travel Packages and Deals

If you are nervous about booking a vacation rental through individuals, consider commercial brokers, such as Priceline and Kayak. With these companies, you have additional customer service support in the event that something goes wrong with your rental. In addition, you can often get deals and discounts on packages with flights, lodging, and car rentals combined. 

When considering your vacation location, take into account the expense of renting in high-tourism areas. Renting a vacation home off the beaten path can save you a great deal. Consider vacationing in areas that are less popular or during the slow season.

Remember: you can also save money and deduct a portion of your trip’s cost on your taxes if it’s business-related. If you can combine business and pleasure, you can accomplish both!

Enjoy In-Home Dining and Entertainment

Save money on your vacation by choosing a rental with a fully functioning kitchen. Buying groceries and eating in will save money you would otherwise spend on eating out. You can also use smartphone apps like Doordash and Yelp to find local restaurants for delivery and takeout. These apps have a dollar rating system so you can search for restaurants in the area that are within your travel budget.

Enjoy your takeout or home-cooked meal while streaming your favorite music, movies, or shows on your streaming device. Your Amazon Fire Stick or Roku can be plugged into a compatible television for low-cost entertainment at your rental location. Have a dance party, a game night, or a quiet movie, and then relax to your favorite tunes as you fall asleep.

If you are traveling with children, it’s an easy way to keep them engaged and entertained without spending extra money.

Pack and Save

The last thing you want to do when you arrive is purchase items you don’t need. With diligence in your packing list, you won’t forget little details like a portable speaker, charging cords, swim goggles, rain ponchos or a portable cooler. Consider also the climate of your destination. If the nights are cold, pack a jacket or sweater, if it’s the rainy season, pack a small umbrella. While you don’t want to over pack, remembering these types of items can help you save money that you can put toward adventures on your trip!

Heading out for an adventure on a budget isn’t always easy, but it can be done! Follow these great travel tips, and your vacation rental is sure to go off without a hitch!