The popularity of online short term property rentals skyrocketed during the Covid 19 pandemic. Home rentals provided a chance to escape Covid lockdowns, avoid strangers and crowds, and have a safe space to relax with family and friends. Post-Covid, short term rentals are still in high demand.
Are you wondering if a vacation rental is right for you? That can depend on several factors:
- Your travel destination– some locations may have fewer choices for accommodations.
- Your budget– rental properties can be cheaper than a hotel, but not always. It depends on your destination, length of stay and dates of travel.
- Your personal travel preferences- a hotel provides standardized amenities and services, while a rental property experience is unique.
By following these booking do’s and don’ts you can find the right property for your needs, maximizing your vacation experience and minimizing any unexpected issues that could ruin your trip.
DO’s
Do book through a reputable site
Companies such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, and Vrbo dominate the online property rental marketplace. They each have a large selection of properties to choose from in a wide variety of locations. They have a process for verifying the legitimacy of hosts and properties and for handling complaints. You can avoid scams by booking through a reputable site.
Do have an idea of where you want to go
Most sites begin their search criteria with where you want to go. Once you narrowed down a location, you can begin to search for a rental property that meets your needs starting with the type of property you are looking for. The types of properties vary greatly from entire houses, cottages, condos, apartments, and even single rooms for rent within a home.
Do narrow down your travel dates and what you want to spend
It helps to know the exact dates of travel since this will determine the availability of a specific property as well as the price you will pay. Peak travel season may cost more and there may more than a one night minimum stay. Don’t rely on the initial nightly rate you see. Prices can vary by date and there may be extra fees such as cleaning surcharges and taxes. Pay attention to payment arrangements and cancellation dates. You may be able to get some or all of your money back if you cancel before a specific date. Some sites offer cancellation insurance.
Use the filters to narrow your search
The type of filters vary by site, but these can help you narrow down your search to find the properties that meet your criteria starting with the price and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You may not get everything you want, so prioritize what is most important
Do check out the host
Most sites provide some Information about the hosts and give you a way to contact them. You might also see that some sites recognize high performing hosts with a special designation such as super host or premier host. These are hosts who have a high number of bookings, maintain good communication with guests, and have a high overall rating for cleanliness and satisfaction.
Do review the list of amenities
Most properties will include a thorough list of what is included on site. Most will include basic items such as towels and bed linens. Some kitchens may come well stocked with cooking supplies and a variety of appliances, while others may be bare bones. Reviewing the amenities before you book the property will help you determine if the property suits your needs and expectations. It prevents any unwelcome surprises once you are on site.
Do read the rules
This includes instructions on checking in and checking out as well as any information the property owner wants you to know such as how many guests are allowed, any noise regulations, or rules about pets. Many property owners leave a manual on site with additional details such as how to operate appliances, adjust heating and cooling, etc.
Don’ts
Don’t let one bad review dissuade you
It’s important to read the reviews left by previous guests. This can help you see what people liked or disliked about the property and it’s hosts. Keep in mind some people will complain about anything so don’t let a negative review dissuade you. But if you see a pattern of the same issue being mentioned in multiple reviews it might be a red flag for a legitimate problem.
Don’t’ rely solely on the photos
The photos may not tell you everything you want to know about the property. For example, you may want to know how close the neighboring homes are, if there is off street parking, or how walkable the area is. You can message the host through the site with any questions or concerns before you book.
Don’t violate the rules
Your host can rate what type of guest you were as well. They will rate you on how well you followed the rules and the condition you left their property in, including any damage or missing items. They will take into account any complaints from the neighbors if you were loud or disruptive. Bad reviews from a host could jeopardize your chance to book other properties on that site.
If you are still uncertain about staying at a rental property, you might want to start with a shorter stay. Choose a property and host that are highly recommended and have good reviews. This is a great way to try out the rental experience to see if it is for you.
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