Planning a staycation can be exciting but finding the perfect short term rental can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are twelve simple and easy tips to help you find the perfect place for your staycation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
1. Determine Your Needs
Before you start looking, it’s important to understand what you need in a short term rental. Consider the number of guests, amenities, and the type of accommodation you’d feel most comfortable in.
Think about your ideal staycation scenario. Do you need a full kitchen for cooking meals, or will you be dining out? Is Wi-Fi essential for remote work or streaming your favorite shows? Jot down your ‘must-haves’ to streamline your search.
Maybe you’re bringing along pets, or perhaps you need child-friendly facilities. Every little detail will contribute to your overall comfort and satisfaction. The clearer you are about your needs, the simpler your search process will be.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Setting a budget can help narrow down your choices. Make sure to account for all costs including cleaning fees, taxes, and deposits.
It’s easy to get dazzled by luxurious listings, but sticking to your budget ensures you won’t have any financial regrets. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on season, location, and demand, so try to plan accordingly.
A savvy tip is to look for any hidden costs associated with the rental. Some rentals might have additional charges for utilities, parking, or even access to certain amenities, so read the fine print carefully.
3. Research the Location
The location of your rental is crucial. Research the neighborhood, proximity to attractions, and accessibility to transport. Ensure it matches your staycation plans.
Think about what you want to do during your staycation. Are you interested in exploring city attractions, or do you prefer a serene, secluded environment? Your location will determine your overall experience, so choose wisely.
Check the safety of the neighborhood, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Look up crime rates, read other travelers’ experiences, or even ask friends for recommendations. Your peace of mind is worth that extra research.
4. Read Reviews Carefully
Reviews can provide valuable insights about the rental and the host. Look for comments on cleanliness, accuracy of the listing, and the experiences of past guests.
Don’t just focus on the star ratings; sometimes, lower-rated reviews contain critical information that can be a deciding factor. Pay attention to any recurring issues pointed out by multiple reviewers, such as noisy neighbors or unreliable Wi-Fi.
On the flip side, glowing reviews about exceptional hospitality or spotlessly clean accommodations can reassure you that you’re making the right choice. Prioritize listings with consistent, positive feedback.
5. Check Amenities
Make a checklist of essential amenities and compare them with what the rental offers. Things like Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and parking can enhance your stay.
Delve into the details. For example, if a pool is on your checklist, check if it’s private or shared. If you need a workspace, see if the description specifies a dedicated desk area. Little things can make a big difference.
Sometimes, photos might not show all amenities clearly. Reach out to the host for clarification if need be. Being proactive can save you from any unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
6. Look at Photos
Photos can give you a good idea of the space and condition of the rental. Ensure the pictures are recent and represent the property accurately.
Examine the quality of the photos. Listings with professional, well-lit images tend to be more trustworthy. Amateurish or blurry photos can sometimes indicate a lack of attention to detail on the host’s part.
Don’t hesitate to request additional photos if something is not clear. Hosts who are transparent and eager to provide more details are typically more reliable and ensure a better experience.
7. Communicate with the Host
Good communication with the host can ensure a smoother experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or clarify doubts before booking.
Observing the host’s response time and the completeness of their answers can give you insights into how attentive they’ll be during your stay. A responsive and friendly host is often a sign of a well-managed rental.
If you have specific needs or requests – such as early check-in or late check-out – now is the time to bring them up. Directly addressing your preferences can set clear expectations and enhance your experience.
8. Consider Flexibility in Dates
If your schedule allows, being flexible with your dates can sometimes help you find better deals or availability.
Peak tourist seasons can drive up prices, while weekdays might offer more affordable rates compared to weekends. Slight changes in your plans can sometimes lead to substantial savings.
Some platforms offer calendar views where you can see the nightly rental costs over a specific period. Use these tools to identify potential savings by tweaking your dates.
9. Read the Cancellation Policy
Understanding the cancellation policy can save you money and stress in case your plans change unexpectedly.
Cancellation policies can vary significantly between listings. Some might offer full refunds within a certain period, while others have stricter non-refundable terms. Align the policy with your level of certainty about your plans.
In unpredictable times, considering a rental with a more flexible cancellation policy can provide peace of mind, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost. Your future self may thank you for it.
10. Check Out the Check-In and Check-Out Times
Make sure the check-in and check-out times fit your schedule. Some places offer flexible timings which can be a bonus.
Arriving at your rental after a long journey only to find you can’t check in for hours can be frustrating. Save yourself the trouble by confirming these details beforehand to ensure smooth planning.
11. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut feeling. It’s better to be cautious and look for another place than to risk a bad experience.
While research and reviews are invaluable, never underestimate the power of your intuition. If a listing or host gives you an uneasy feeling, it’s perfectly okay to move on and find a place that feels right for you.
12. Book in Advance
Booking in advance can give you more options and potentially better rates. It also allows you more time to find the perfect rental.
Popular short term rentals get snatched up quickly, especially during peak seasons. By securing your booking early, you ensure availability and possibly even lower rates, avoiding last-minute stress.
Early booking also opens up opportunities to snag highly-rated rentals that are in high demand. It gives you the luxury to pick and choose, rather than settling for what’s left at the last minute.
