Booking a vacation rental can be an exciting experience. It is common for many rentals to offer a more personalized experience than staying in a hotel. Many people are drawn to the prospect of spending the same amount (or less) on a hotel stay, but getting more space and the chance to live like a local.
However, there have been some scammers who take advantage of people trying to book their vacation rentals online. So, there are some tips vacationers should explore before putting down that deposit on that luxury condo or villa.
Vacationers should look for a place to stay immediately after choosing a destination. The most popular summer properties book in late February or early March. This could cause some tourists to struggle to find a place to stay and be willing to commit to items they would previously turn down if they had the time.
Early summer reservations are key to finding the perfect rental, with the one exception being an off-season reservation. Like hotels, condo and villa reservations are priced according to seasonal demand, so an off-season reservation can yield great results for those willing to visit when the area is less crowded.
Vacationers should also consider what is the best type of property for their budget and needs. A large family outing may require a villa where two people will probably be pleased with a one-bedroom apartment or even a studio in a luxury building.
The type of services available in rental properties depends on the owner. Now, many properties are owned by companies that specialize in vacation rentals. These companies usually offer their guests a mix between the local lifestyle and the comforts of the hotel.
However, if the owner rents out a property to guests, they may only receive the bare minimum and are expected to perform regular household chores in accordance with the owner’s wishes. Vacationers who know what to expect ahead of time need not worry about surprises at their destinations.
Once vacationers decide on a spot, but before submitting a deposit, they must contact the property owner by phone. Many scammers will try to do business via email, but when potential tourists call the number, it will either be dead or no one will answer.
Contacting the owner by phone and then reading the reviews online should allay any suspicion that someone is trying to book a property from a scammer. However, sometimes everything works out fine until it’s time to make the deposit. People should run away from any property that only accepts cash.
Paying a cash deposit prevents vacationers from having any recourse if something goes wrong with the reservation. Scammers know this and this is why they push for cash deposits. However, people who book should not refuse if the owner prefers to use PayPal, as the company provides support for difficult situations and will refund the money.
One last step that many people forget to do with a vacation rental is to buy insurance. Vacationers need to realize that even though they are on vacation, they are still staying at someone else’s home and things can go wrong.
Dishes may break or something else may occur leaving vacationers responsible for repairs. That is why vacation insurance is necessary to protect both the owner and the vacationers from having to bear a large financial burden due to an accident on the property.
Most vacation reservations go smoothly. Vacationers love the treatment, love the location, and enjoy being part of the local fabric. However, sometimes reservations can go awry before someone has a chance to hop on a plane to their luxury destination. Fortunately, proper planning can prevent your dream vacation from turning into a nightmare for large numbers of people.