The Best Vacation Rentals: Tips To Plan Your Next Holiday
For a great holiday, you can choose from one of many types of vacation rentals. Hotel, private home, B&B or camping: what should you pick? Here are some tips for planning the perfect vacation.
Vacation Rentals: The Basics
One person’s dream holiday could be another one’s disaster! Tastes and expectations for vacation rentals can vary wildly from person to person. That’s why your family should agree upon the best type of accommodation for your holiday. Involving your children in the planning process, since they might have needs you could overlook, but you don’t have to bend their every whim. If we did that, we’d spend every holiday near an amusement park! No thanks!
]Beyond the location, there are other factors to consider: Do you want to stay put in a rental home, or have mobility in an RV or camper? Perhaps you’d rather be pampered at a hotel? Here are a few options to get you started planning your next family adventure:
Looking for Carefree Vacation Rentals? Check into a Hotel!
The Benefits: Hotels are a great choice for the travelers who want a relaxing
vacation. Many offer their guests breakfast buffets, or have delicious restaurants serving up local favorites. Hotel bars serve their guests various summer cocktails to help guests unwind after a day exploring.
Be on the Lookout for:
- Bed and Breakfasts- which can be perfect for a quick stopover.
- Special entertainment and activities for children- Many hotels offer Kids Clubs or opportunities for children to have fun adventures and make new friends while parents take much-needed rests.
Other Considerations:
- Costs: Hotels can be more expensive than other vacation rentals, but they usually offer more amenities.
- Space: Depending on how many people are traveling together, some hotel rooms can start to feel a little tight when you have four or five people in a confined space. You might want to book two rooms, or upgrade to a suite.
Looking for Spacious Vacation Rentals? Try rental homes, apartments, or Air BnB
The Benefits: If you want to enjoy a little more space, you might try a holiday apartment or rental home. In most cases, costs are relatively low. A house might even give your children their own room, creating a small retreat.
Rental homes, which are plentiful on Air BnB, might also offer a more tranquil experience, since they can be in remote locations. This way you are not exposed to masses of tourists and can enjoy your holiday in peace.
Be on the lookout for:
- Fun activities and excursions– especially if you’re in a more remote area. Go on a hike where you can relax and teach your children about nature.
- Nearby attractions– Many rental homes are in the heart of a major city. Have a plan before you go, so you can make the most of your time there!
Other considerations:
- Many of these vacation rentals are people’s actual homes, so they may not have a management company that oversees them. Make sure to read reviews and do your research before committing to a vacation spot.
Looking for a Mobile Vacation Rental? Try out a Camper
The Benefits: Camping can be ideal for small children. You’ll be surprised how quickly your kids get used to the rustic life at a campsite and are willing to set off on small expeditions. What better way to share family stories than sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows?
Camping can also be more cost-effective than other types of vacation options, but if you want to experience more upscale “glamping,” costs could add up fast.
Be on the Lookout for:
- Caravan parks- such as this one in Virginia Beach, which offer pools, showers, and other amenities.
- A good tent: You don’t need a fancy vehicle, such as an RV or camper for your next camping trip! Many families prefer to sleep under a tent in a sleeping bag. In mosquito-free zones, they might even sleep under the stars!
Another consideration:
- Cost: While camping can be less expensive than other vacations, that’s not always the case. So, you might want to be sure to factor in the cost of gas and fees at campgrounds to your overall trip.
Vacation Rental Booking: Plan Ahead
In general, the early bird catches the worm. The earlier you book, the more you can save on vacation rentals – and later spend on small excursions. But even if you’re a little late, you can still get inexpensive last-minute offers. Provided, of course, that you are somewhat flexible.
Have great ideas for your next family vacation? Talk it over with your family on FamilyApp, or share helpful suggestions below!
