| Vacation homes and cottages are becoming more | | | | 15. - Anything else you may require "Self-catering" |
| popular as holiday-makers look for unique vacation | | | | also means that there is no daily housekeeping |
| experiences, more privacy, and a 'home away | | | | service. If you would like housekeeping, ask if it's |
| from home'. Before you book that vacation | | | | available and what the charge would be. |
| rental, ask questions to see if it is a good fit for | | | | 16. How close is the property to the nearest |
| your vacation needs: | | | | town or airport? Where is the closest hospital or |
| | | | medical center? |
| 1. What is the bed / bedroom configuration? Of | | | | 17. Is a car a necessity? Some vacationers like to |
| course you want everyone in your group to sleep | | | | be in the heart of the action, where they can |
| comfortably! Find out how many beds there are | | | | walk to most places. Others like the quiet country |
| and what size they are. Couples travelling | | | | feel and don't mind driving into the city if they |
| together may prefer to have bedrooms on | | | | need anything. |
| different floors or on opposite ends of the | | | | 18. How close are the nearest restaurants, shops, |
| vacation home. Families with young children might | | | | grocery stores, etc? |
| also want to know if the kids' bedroom is near | | | | 19. What are the property grounds like? Is there |
| the master bedroom and whether there are cribs | | | | waterfront access? Is it suitable for young |
| available. Families with teens might ask if there is | | | | children? Is there a pool or a beach suitable for |
| a bedroom on another floor (or different part of | | | | swimming? How private is it? Will you be sharing |
| the vacation home) in order to give the teen | | | | amenities (such as a pool, patio, garden space, |
| extra privacy. | | | | etc) with other guests? |
| 2. What amenities are provided, and what do you | | | | 20. Is the rate quote for the entire property? If |
| need to bring? Most vacation rentals are | | | | not, how many people does it include? What is |
| self-catering. Some of the amenities most | | | | the extra charge per person? How much are |
| vacationers look for include: | | | | taxes? Are there any other charges? |
| 3. - Telephone service | | | | 21. Does the rate quote include the cleaning fee? |
| 4. - Internet access | | | | Most vacation rentals charge a cleaning fee so |
| 5. - Cable or satellite TV | | | | that the cottage can be properly cleaned and |
| 6. - DVD player | | | | 'freshened up' before the next guest arrives. |
| 7. - Fully-equipped kitchen - stove, refrigerator, | | | | 22. What are the deposit and cancellation policies? |
| microwave, dishwasher, cutlery, pots/pans, | | | | Individual vacation rentals don't have as much |
| dishes... | | | | flexibility as a hotel with multiple rooms, so |
| 8. - Bedding and towels (occasionally, vacation | | | | cancellation policies are usually much longer than a |
| rentals require you to bring your own linens, or will | | | | hotel's typical 24-48 hours. |
| supply them at extra cost) | | | | 23. Does it allow pets? Never assume that a |
| 9. - Beach towels | | | | vacation home will allow pets. Every rental is |
| 10. - Soap, toilet paper, etc (some self-catering | | | | different, so ask before you book! Find out if |
| rentals will not provide these at all; others will | | | | there are restrictions on pets, pet rules, and |
| provide a starter supply, but you may need to | | | | whether any extra fees are applicable. |
| top it up) | | | | Vacation home owners are usually happy to |
| 11. - Laundry facilities and detergent | | | | answer any questions you have about the |
| 12. - Air conditioning | | | | property, the area, the weather, and anything |
| 13. - Barbeque | | | | else you can think of. They want you to have a |
| 14. - Parking | | | | good time, just as much as you do! |