Planning a trip for you and your family can often be a chore, but sometimes it’s just as fun as it is challenging. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to the mountains with your immediate family or you’re tasked with setting up the perfect family reunion, there are a few basic steps you can follow to ensure that your vacation ends up being a resounding success. A vacation home rental agency can connect you and your family with the perfect property for your gathering so that everyone in your group has all of their favorite vacation comforts and a memorable, relaxing experience.
Aren’t sure where to get started with planning your next vacation? Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to know before booking a rental property for you and your family. In addition, we’ll also discuss some of the Covid-related rules and regulations surrounding travel that you’ll need to know before packing your bags.
Create a Travel Budget
Before deciding where you want to go and what you want to do there, you’ll need to make a few key budget decisions for your trip. Exploring the world and seeing a new location doesn’t always require you to spend a fortune, though finding the lower-cost options for food or an overnight stay can often be tricky. For larger family gatherings, a vacation rental home is often the best solution, particularly in comparison with hotels. While the sticker price for a property might seem high at first glance, it’s usually significantly cheaper once you’ve divided it up amongst everyone that’s going to be there.
If you’re eyeing a more expensive destination for your getaway but feel uncomfortable with the price tag for flying and staying there, research the destination’s busy season. Late summer is one of the most popular times to fly and travel, while the winter months are usually more of a down season. Traveling outside the busy season can save you a considerable amount of money and rarely affects your enjoyment of the locale’s unique sights and sounds. The budget for your trip can also shift quickly if you’re bringing too much stuff- try to be as neat and efficient in packing as possible, so you don’t have to pay for that extra bag when you get to the airport.
Decide Where You’re Going & What You Want To See
Once you’ve set up your travel budget, you’re ready to shop for a unique destination and accommodation. When choosing a travel destination, consider how important the location is for having a good time with your family. Traveling to Hawaii might sound like a dream come true, but if you’re there to spend time with family rather than visit all the beaches, will it truly be worth paying to fly there?
When you’re shopping for vacation rental accommodations at your destination, consider the geography of the surrounding area. How are the views from the property? Is it an ocean or waterfront property, accessible for kayaking or canoeing? What kind of activities are nearby for all of your family members, not just the adults? Alternatively, the isolation of the property can also be a factor for consideration, as these types of properties can make your vacation even more relaxing.
Pools and Hot Tubs
The best vacation rental properties have luxury amenities and design features that upgrade your vacation experience. A pool or hot tub is usually the most commonly requested of these premium property features. A pool is usually the perfect option for relaxing after a long day for a family get-together. And for locations such as New Mexico and Arizona, you shouldn’t settle for any property that doesn’t have a pool. If you’re planning on bringing a larger group, make sure the surrounding area or patio has plenty of setting options and shade, so it can also serve as a gathering space.
Cooking and Dining Options
One of the main benefits of renting a vacation home instead of picking up a few nights at a hotel is that you can cook your own meals and stock up on snacks as you see fit. Most luxury and standard vacation rental homes come equipped with a full kitchen. This includes all of the usual appliances that you have in your kitchen at home, including a refrigerator, stovetop, and oven. Cooking your meals rather than eating at a restaurant every night is sure to save your family money and reduce the risk of potential Covid exposure.
Entertainment for the Family
The best vacation rental properties come fully equipped with entertainment options that can fill an entire day of your trip and make your stay truly relaxing. Board games and card games are a popular feature for families, while most TVs come with access to Netflix or another similar streaming service free of charge. If you and your family are staying at a luxury vacation rental property, these amenities are likely only the start of what the property has to offer.
Check For Pet-Friendly Policies & Read Reviews
Before booking any stay, it’s essential that you check the reviews for both the property and the host. Lower-cost booking platforms can sometimes be unreliable in terms of quality, so you’ll want to do your homework in advance. If you’re planning on bringing your pets, you’ll also need to check the rental’s policies and procedures. Not all vacation rental managers are comfortable with allowing pets because of the potential for property damage and increased cleaning costs.
Check the Rental’s Refund Policy
With the Covid pandemic continuing in full force throughout the United States, it’s imperative that guests check their rental property’s refund policies before booking. It’s always best to choose a stay that allows for full refunds rather than rebookings, in case you need to cancel the trip entirely. Many vacation rental management companies have a universal policy that applies to all their properties. If you aren’t sure what the renter’s policies are for refunds, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.