What to consider when choosing a vacation rental for the first time?
First-time vacation rental renters should prioritize location based on desired atmosphere (city, relaxation, sightseeing). Consider entire homes/apartments for privacy or shared spaces for budget and socializing. Must-have amenities may include Wi-Fi, climate control, and kitchen facilities. Read reviews to gauge noise levels and manage expectations.
According to a recent report by Statista, the vacation rentals market is expected to expand at an annual growth rate of 4.62% from 2024 to 2029, skyrocketing up to USD$ 125.60 billion. All these figures are due to the traction gained by rental properties worldwide.
Moreover, in 2023, Airbnb – a booking giant – garnered USD$ 9.9 billion, as per a report by Simply Wall St. This only shows how many people are getting more aware of the ease of getting a vacation rental.
Millions of people are choosing to unwind in vacation rentals, but for those who are new to this type of travel, the process of finding the perfect rental can seem daunting. So, how can first-time vacation rental renters choose the perfect place to stay?
Picking the perfect location
When it comes to vacation rentals, location is the golden rule. It sets the tone for the entire experience, so travellers must consider what kind of atmosphere they’re seeking.
During a talk with U.S. News, economist Bram Gallagher shared, “The fastest growing segment in 2023 was small city rural,’ before adding, “We’re expecting this outpaced growth to continue in 2024 as well.”
Vacation rentals cater to both excitement seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. Travelers seeking a vibrant city experience can look for rentals in lively neighborhoods near iconic landmarks, museums, and cultural centers. Proximity to nightlife and trendy restaurants adds to the excitement, especially for groups of friends.
For those prioritizing relaxation, vacation rentals nestled in calmer areas offer a serene escape. Stunning natural landscapes, charming beach towns, or cozy mountain cabins provide a tranquil atmosphere. They can consider rentals near hiking trails, national parks, or calming beaches for easy access to outdoor activities.
This was what the couple Rob and Melinda Daniels were aiming for when they built an A-frame rental property near Lake Placid, New York, which was listed on a booking platform.
“We’re huge outdoors people, hiking, biking, all of those things, and there’s no better place for those types of activities in the Northeast than the Adirondacks,” said owner Rob Daniels. “Even though we rent it out as a short-term rental, we use it as much as we can.”
History buffs or sightseeing enthusiasts, on the other hand, benefit greatly from being close to the action. Rentals situated within walking distance of major attractions or well-connected to public transportation networks are ideal for such travelers. This proximity saves them time and money on taxis or car rentals, allowing for easy exploration.
The rise of unique stays
As per the most recent AirDNA data, out of their 10 million listings worldwide, 3.4% of those are unique stays. Farm stays reigned supreme as the most popular unique stay category on AirDNA in the U.S. for 2023, boasting over 52,000 listings. Tiny homes, camper vans/R.V.s, and tents followed closely behind.
“Since 2021, unique stays have been on the upswing,” said Gallagher. “Post-Covid, we saw a lot of exploration in new destinations – not cities, but more rural areas and small towns, and in a unique stay.”
Unique stays are suitable for anyone who puts more emphasis on the overall experience when unwinding.
While choosing the perfect location is easy, there may also be instances when one can’t really pinpoint which rental property suits them best. That’s where property management services come into the picture. With their expertise, these providers know exactly how they can help travelers find the right rental property.
One reputable provider, the Teton Valley Property Management, even promised, “No matter who you’re traveling with, or how big your group is, we’ve got what you need.”
Choosing between an entire home or a shared space
The type of rental the traveler chooses will significantly impact their vacation experience. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of entire house or apartment rentals compared to rooms in shared homes:
Entire house or apartment
Those who crave ultimate privacy and ample space to unwind may find renting an entire house or apartment to be the perfect vacation choice.
Pros
- Guests enjoy complete privacy throughout their stay. There’s no need to worry about sharing common areas or adjusting schedules to accommodate other guests.
- This option is ideal for families or large groups, offering ample space to spread out, relax, and enjoy downtime without feeling cramped.
- Guests control the atmosphere. They can cook meals at their own pace, crank up the music for a movie night, or have friends over for a gathering – all on their own terms.
- Vacation rentals often boast amenities like private pools, hot tubs, or backyards that guests wouldn’t get in a hotel room.
Cons
- Entire rentals tend to be pricier than rooms in shared homes.
- Guests might be responsible for minor cleaning or troubleshooting during their stay.
- Ideal for families, groups, or privacy seekers, entire rentals offer a home-away-from-home experience with complete control over space and schedule.
Room in a shared home
Renting a room in a shared home can be a cost-effective and potentially social option for budget-minded travelers seeking new connections.
Pros
- Compared to renting an entire house or apartment, shared homes offer a significantly lower cost.
- Guests have the opportunity to meet new people and potentially share experiences with the host or other guests.
- The host may provide insider tips on local attractions and hidden gems.
Cons
- Shared living spaces like bathrooms and kitchens require coordination and compromise.
- Shared homes offer less overall space compared to an entire rental.
- Guests will likely need to adhere to house rules set by the host, which might restrict noise levels or guest visitors.
While privacy is a major factor for many travelers when choosing a rental property, some prioritize it more than others. As Gallagher noted, “Even if it’s just a studio apartment, having the entire place to yourself makes it a lot more appealing.” This suggests that some travelers are willing to sacrifice some space for the sake of complete privacy.
In order to make an informed decision, one should consider their priorities. If privacy, space, and complete control over the environment are of the utmost importance, then an entire house or apartment might be the most suitable choice. However, for those on a budget who are open to a more social experience, a room in a shared home could be a fantastic option.
Must-haves and bonus features
Vacation rental amenities can significantly impact the overall feel of a stay. Before browsing rentals, travelers should consider which features are essential for their comfort and enjoyment. These might include:
- Wi-Fi
- climate control
- kitchen facilities
- laundry facilities
Once travelers have identified their must-have amenities, they can explore rentals that offer additional features to enhance their vacation experience. Popular bonus features to consider include:
- outdoor amenities
- entertainment options
- parking
- beach essentials
- unique touches
It’s important for travelers not to get overwhelmed by searching for rentals with every single bonus feature. Prioritizing essential amenities and using bonus features to refine the search will help travelers find a rental that perfectly suits their vacation style and budget.
Become a review Sherlock
Potential guests should avoid relying solely on the star rating. Instead, a closer look at the content of the reviews is beneficial. Reviews can offer valuable insights from past guests about various aspects of the property, such as cleanliness, amenities, and comfort.
Additionally, reviews can shed light on the host’s communication style and responsiveness, as well as the character of the surrounding neighborhood, including noise levels, safety, and proximity to attractions.
According to the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Booking.com, Arjan Dijk, “It’s a common mistake not to read the reviews carefully to ensure the property is the right fit… We always encourage guests to read through the reviews as they’ll bring the most relevant, up-to-date information to ensure their experiences match their expectations.”
Look beyond the perfect picture
In an interview with Travel + Leisure, Vrbo spokesperson Alison Kwong shared, ‘”Though it may be tempting to book based on the photos alone, take the extra time to read through everything the vacation home has to offer.”
Kwong added, “It can help manage expectations and inform your decision before booking.” Airbnb Superhost Jimmy Repp backed this up, saying, “I wouldn’t say you can’t trust the photos, but just do a little extra homework and ask some questions.”
While hosts naturally showcase their property in the best possible light, reviews can help potential renters identify shortcomings that may not be readily apparent in photos or descriptions. For instance, recurring mentions of thin walls in reviews could indicate potential noise issues in an otherwise perfect apartment.
Book through a reputable platform
According to experts from Travel + Leisure, one huge mistake travelers make when looking for a vacation rental is not booking it through a major platform.
When talking about this matter, TJ Clark, TurnKey Vacation Rentals cofounder and president, said, ‘”There have been many cases of vacation rental fraud and scams happening on sites like Craigslist and other community-driven forums.” He added, “Look for the site of a trusted property management company, or established travel sites with a process for verifying homes and hosts.” (4)
Travelers seeking an extra layer of security can choose established platforms with a history of excellence. These prioritize the safety and satisfaction of their users by employing features like secure payment processing, which safeguards financial information.
Additionally, they go the extra mile to verify listings, minimizing the risk of scams. Reading reviews from past guests on reputable platforms provides valuable insights into the property itself and the host’s responsiveness.
If unforeseen issues arise, the platform can act as a mediator, facilitating a smooth resolution between the traveler and the host.
Get everything in writing
Before finalizing the booking, reading the listing description, house rules, and cancellation policy is essential.
With regards to cancellation, Alison Kwong highlighted, “I cannot stress enough the importance of reading and understanding the cancellation policies before booking a vacation home… many owners have adopted flexible cancellation policies to give travelers more flexibility if they need to change their plans.”
Upon verbal confirmation of all details, the guest should request written confirmation from the host. This should include details such as the booking dates, total cost, and cancellation policy. This serves as a record of the agreement and protects both the guest and the host.
Once the guest has checked everything and ensured their rental is booked, all that remains is to pack and look forward to the vacation.
Final thoughts
Planning and utilizing these essential tips can make finding a dream vacation rental a breeze. The process involves pinpointing the perfect location, choosing the right rental type, and leveraging the power of reviews and reputable platforms to find the ideal home away from home. This will unlock an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to pack their bags, embrace the adventure, and unwind in their perfect temporary haven.