15 Things to Consider When Picking a Vacation Rental Property for Your Family
Planning a trip involves more than just picking a destination and tours. If you are traveling with your family or with a group, you will likely need more space and amenities that you won’t find in a traditional hotel. In many cases, a vacation rental you will find through websites such as Airbnb or VRBO will be a better fit for your trip. Below are 15 things to consider when picking the a vacation rental property for your next trip.
1. Location: Consider the proximity of the Airbnb/VRBO property to local attractions that you plan to visit as well as public transportation. When we travel abroad, I try to find a place near a bus stop or rail line for convenience. I also make a note of things like hospitals and embassies just in case something happens while in destination.
2. Safety First: Verify safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and locks before booking. Amazon has a ton of portable carbon monoxide monitors, door locks, and other safety items that you can pick up for just a few bucks. Don’t assume that all vacation rental properties will be armed with the safety features you prefer.
Consider unique properties such as houseboats.
3. Reviews Absolutely Matter: It is well worth the time it takes to read through reviews to determine if the unit has what you are looking for, if the unit is represented accurately in photos and if the overall experience and quality of the property is what you expect. Be sure to look for mentions of accessibility issues such as no elevators or a lack of parking.
4. Superhost Status: Properties hosted by Superhosts have a proven track record of customer service, cleanliness, and excellent hospitality. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book other properties but you will want to be a little more meticulous in your research.
5. Clear Communication: Don’t hesitate to reach out to hosts with questions about the unit. Prioritize hosts who have clear communication and are responsive to your inquiries.
Living areas can make your trip more enjoyable.
Space for kids is important.
6. House Rules: Most units (in my experience) have house rules so be sure to see if they align with your preferences and needs. Many are smoke free or pet free properties so be sure to look for that if it is important to you.
7. Budget Wisely: Renting multiple hotel rooms to accommodate a family or group can add up fast. When looking at vacation rentals, set a reasonable budget and filter search results accordingly to find properties within your price range.
8. Amenities: Make a list of must-have amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking, a swimming pool, kitchen facilities, etc., to ensure the property meets your needs. Use the filter to isolate the ones that check all of your boxes.
9. Cancellation Policy: Understand the host's cancellation policy to avoid any surprises in case of unforeseen circumstances. I prefer hosts that offer some kind of free cancellation just in case.
10. Photos Speak Volumes: Scrutinize the property photos to get a clear picture of the space and ambiance. I like to check for stairs or steps, bathroom set up, parking areas, bed size (not all listings are clear about king, queen, double), etc.
11. Check-In/Out Flexibility: Consider your arrival and departure timings and opt for properties with flexible check-in/out options. I prefer self check in so I don’t have to worry about scheduling a meet & greet with the host.
12. Local Experience: Choose an Airbnb that offers a unique local experience, whether in terms of architecture, culture, or surroundings. I love staying in historic or unique properties such as converted rail cars, house boats, and even tree houses.
13. Pet-Friendly Options: If traveling with pets, ensure the property is pet-friendly and check for any additional fees or restrictions.
14. Special Requirements: If you have any special requirements such as accessibility needs, confirm that the property can accommodate them. Do not assume all properties are ADA compliant. Reach out to the host if you are unsure or if the listing is unclear.
15. Trust Your Gut: Finally, trust your instincts when selecting an Airbnb property. If something feels off, explore other options to find the perfect vacation stay.
We have stayed in some amazing places around the world and I promise you it is worth the time it takes to do your research. You may still experience some hiccups along the way but, if you do your due diligence, you have a much better chance of having an unforgettable experience on your next trip!
Make this beautiful day count!
Annette