Hardworking individuals and their families look forward to their vacations with much anticipation. People not only work hard to afford a relaxing getaway, but also to plan such excursions.
There's no shortage of lodging options to consider when planning a vacation, and travelers tend to have strong opinions about which types of places to rest their heads. A 2023 survey from Boston.com asked readers about their lodging preferences, and 73 percent indicated hotels are their first choice. Short-term rentals (11 percent) were less attractive to readers, but 16 percent of respondents indicated certain variables, including the length of the trip, affected which option they felt was best.
Vacationers considering a short-term rental service like Vrbo or Airbnb can keep these tips in mind as they seek a rental property for their next getaway.
· Identify your priorities. It sounds simple, but recognition of your needs is important before you begin searching for a property. Many rental properties are awe-inspiring, and it's easy to get swept up by a property's stunning views or additional amenities. But ocean views or penthouses perched high atop a metropolitan locale won't necessarily accommodate all vacationers. For example, parents might want to prioritize bedrooms for the kids and a private outdoor space to relax together once the children fall asleep, while singletons might find that penthouse view is more important.
· Give ample thought to location. Locale and location are not necessarily the same. Many vacationers know a locale they would like to visit prior to planning their trips, but the location of the property they ultimately choose is an important variable as well. Some vacationers may rank proximity to nightlife high on their list, while others might want a secluded property that's ideal for relaxation. The location of a property can go a long way toward determining how enjoyable a trip can be, so be sure to check the address of each rental to determine precisely where it is in relation to restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and other amenities.
· Consider the amenities. No two rental properties are the same, so vacationers would be wise to read the details of each listing prior to booking a reservation. Some rental properties provide bed linens and towels, while others ask guests to bring their own. Some properties may come with access to an on-site pool or lounge, while others may only allow guests to enter the property itself. Amenities can sometimes make or break a property, so give these ample thought.
Types of vacation rentals
Vacation time is included in many full-time professionals' benefit packages. Too often, however, employees feel that personal time off is a luxury they cannot afford to use. When looking at vacation as a necessity rather than a luxury, workers may be more inclined to start planning time off.
The Harvard Business Review reports that data supports the notion that those who take more than 10 days of vacation are 30 percent more likely to receive a raise. Those who vacation often have greater job satisfaction. The World Health Organization found working 55 hours or more per week was associated with a 35 percent higher risk of stroke and a 17 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease than a standard work week. Studies have found that taking regular vacations may help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome, which raises an individual's risk for various diseases.
People have different choices when planning vacations, and that includes a bevy of lodging options. The following is a breakdown of the types of properties vacationers can choose from.
· Rental by owner: Various companies facilitate the relationship between rental owner and renter. These include Airbnb, HomeAway and Vrbo, among others. These properties are stand-alone or in shared buildings. They're frequently large and feature cooking spaces and multiple bedrooms, and typically do not come with the extra fees that some other vacation accommodations may tack on, such as paid parking.
· Bed and breakfast (B&B): A B&B rental is in a private home or inn. While accommodations may vary, one may get a private bedroom in the residence that may or may not include a private bathroom. B&B accommodations are smaller in scale than hotels, but offer a measure of personalized attention. B&B staff can help plan excursions and give opinions on attractions or restaurants in the area. As the name implies, breakfast is likely included in the stay, but guests may need to ferret out other meals.
· Hotel: A hotel is one of the more familiar vacation rentals that customers may encounter. They traditionally are large buildings that house many rooms. Shared spaces can include restaurants, gyms, pool areas, bars, and conference spaces. Some meals may be included in a hotel stay, like a continental breakfast. Perks may vary depending on the property.
· Motel: Motels are smaller and tend to be less luxurious than hotels. However, they can include basic accommodations that are perfect for short-term stays or breaks from long drives.
· All-inclusive: All-inclusive rentals generally are housed inside resort facilities. One price tends to cover the room, meals, activities, and sometimes even spirits. All-inclusive properties can cater to adults only or families. If the desire is to drop your bags and relax, an all-inclusive resort may be a place to consider.
· Time share: Technically not a rental, a time share, according to Investopedia, is a shared ownership model of vacation real estate. Multiple purchasers own allotments of usage of a property, which means they are allowed to use the property during certain times of the year - typically one-week stays. Those who purchase a time share may be restricted to one hotel or condominium, or those part of a larger company may be able to mix and match stays among a number of different properties for their designated weeks.
