| Have you considered renting a vacation home | | | | to the rental. |
| instead of staying in a hotel for your next | | | | My family just rented a beautiful cottage in the |
| vacation? In many cases, a rental home can bring | | | | Smoky Mountains. Having a large space that the |
| many added benefits to your vacation experience | | | | entire family could stay really made the trip |
| that a hotel room may not. Whether your style is | | | | something special. However, we certainly |
| a rustic cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains or a | | | | recognized the importance of asking the right |
| cottage overlooking the Pacific Ocean, here are | | | | questions after the first night. The "plush sleeping |
| the advantages (and the potential risks) of renting | | | | arrangements" they described included a sleeper |
| a home away from home. | | | | couch, which they noted when we signed the |
| A House or a Room? | | | | rental agreement. But, the couch was so |
| Sometimes it's nice to be pampered in a hotel. | | | | uncomfortable that we ended up taking the |
| When someone else is responsible for cleaning and | | | | mattress off the frame and sleeping on the floor. |
| laundry it really starts to feel like a vacation. But | | | | Take detailed notes, including the date of |
| the fact is a full week spent in the nicest hotel | | | | conversations and the name of the sales |
| can feel a little claustrophobic. | | | | representative you've spoken with, in order help |
| When you're traveling with the whole family, a | | | | protect yourself in the event of a dispute. |
| vacation home can have many advantages over | | | | Remember that you are renting someone's home. |
| a cramped hotel room. When you're looking for a | | | | That means that the owner may innocently |
| vacation home, don't forget to take the layout of | | | | romanticize little quirks that you may find less |
| the house into account. Younger children may | | | | than ideal. Similarly, the home might not live up to |
| need to be close to adults, whereas teenagers | | | | your expectations. Rather than making |
| may enjoy their own floor or sleeping loft. It pays | | | | assumptions when looking at photos of the home |
| to take the time to find a house that fits your | | | | online, do your research. |
| specific needs. | | | | Relax. Enjoy. |
| Ask a Lot of Questions! | | | | Owners of vacation rental properties will be |
| To increase the chances of having a great | | | | seeking repeat customers, meaning they will most |
| vacation ask LOTS of questions. Ask the owner | | | | likely provide you with a clean and comfortable |
| to describe the swimming area that they've said | | | | stay. So once you arrive, just relax! This is a |
| "is so beautiful". Ask exactly what cooking supplies | | | | home meant for activity, family and fun. Kick |
| will be provided in the home. Will there be internet | | | | back on the sofa, rustle around in the kitchen and |
| access, cable TV and a DVD player to use? Will | | | | play board games at thedining room table. With a |
| you be expected to bring your own sheets and | | | | little preparation renting a vacation home could |
| towels? Make a list of all your questions and make | | | | become a highlight of one of your most |
| sure they are fully answered before committing | | | | memorable family trips. |