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 a few 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 are booked in late February or early March. This could leave some tourists struggling to find a place to stay and willing to compromise on items they would previously refuse if they had the time.
Early summer bookings are key to finding the perfect rental, with the only exception being an off-season booking. 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 type of property is best 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 businesses often offer their guests a mix between local lifestyle and hotel amenities.
However, if the owner rents a property to guests, they may only receive the bare minimum and are expected to carry out regular housework in accordance with the owner’s wishes. Vacationers who know what to expect in advance need not worry about surprises at their destinations.
Once vacationers decide on a location, but before sending a deposit, they should contact the property owner by phone. Many scammers will try to do business over email, but when potential tourists call the number, it will be dead or no one will answer.
Contacting the owner by phone and then reading online reviews should allay any suspicion that someone is trying to book a property from a scammer. However, sometimes all goes well until it’s time to make the deposit. People should stay 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 that is why they push for cash deposits. However, bookers 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 purchase insurance. Vacationers need to realize that even though they are on vacation, they are still staying at someone else’s house and things can go wrong.
Dishes can break or something else can happen leaving vacationers responsible for repairs. That is why vacation insurance is necessary to protect both the owner and vacationers from having to bear a huge financial burden due to an accident on the property.
Most vacation bookings go smoothly. Vacationers love the deal, love the location, and enjoy being part of the local fabric. However, sometimes reservations can go awry before someone has a chance to get on a plane to their luxury destination. Fortunately, proper planning can prevent your dream vacation from turning into a nightmare for a large number of people.
