| The vacation rental is not for everyone. I'm going | | | | both couples have brought children along, you can |
| to try to tell you as clearly as I can what the | | | | give one another nights out on the town by |
| positives and negatives are. Keep in mind; these | | | | alternating baby-sitting duties. Flexibility is |
| are my perspectives, probably shared by many, | | | | omnipresent with the rental and the possibilities |
| but not a definitive treatise on the subject! | | | | are limited only by your imagination. |
| Pros | | | | Cons |
| I believe the vacation rental is the best choice for | | | | I recognize the vacation rental isn't for everyone. |
| family travel. It gives you the option of eating in | | | | I know some folks really want to be pampered |
| or dining out, an important factor for saving | | | | while on vacation and truly enjoy taking every |
| money, but also important for the kids who may | | | | meal either at restaurants or via room service. |
| be missing those home-cooked meals. It affords | | | | Hotel lodgings are the only way to go for such |
| physical space, kitchen facilities, privacy and an | | | | individuals and there is nothing wrong with that! |
| overall feeling of home. Frequently, there are | | | | You won't get that kind of pampered luxury in a |
| laundry facilities, a big plus when the kids are | | | | vocational rental. It is something of a "working" |
| tagging along. Just like most hotel rooms, you will | | | | vacation in the rental. |
| have cable/satellite TV, Internet access and | | | | Some destinations simply are not served by |
| possibly other amenities. | | | | vacation rental property and you have no choice. |
| The vacation rentals give you the experience of | | | | I guess that's a "con". They aren't always |
| living like the locals, whether you're in the good old | | | | available. |
| USA or in Paris. This is something you simply can't | | | | Uncertainty is another "con". Unlike staying with a |
| experience in a hotel. Speaking of hotels, the | | | | major hotel chain, with which you are familiar, you |
| vacation rental gives you unprecedented | | | | are relying on photos, conversations, research, |
| opportunities to avoid tipping and paying VAT | | | | reviews and other third party information when |
| taxes, luxury taxes and so forth. I have found | | | | making your decision. Many people are |
| that it is much easier to stick to your vacation | | | | uncomfortable with that and you may be one of |
| budget with this type of lodging. | | | | them. |
| We've talked about kids, but many people also | | | | In closing, let me be clear on this point. Before |
| travel with friends. Again, the vacation rental is an | | | | you decide on a vacation rental or a hotel, know |
| ideal choice. When it comes to sharing expenses, | | | | what you want from your vacation experience. |
| the vacation rental can really bring down per | | | | Talk about it with your wife, your children or your |
| person costs for lodging. The opportunities to | | | | friends. I assure you that once your expectations |
| bond with your friends will be enhanced as you | | | | are defined and your concerns are addressed, the |
| share the cooking, cleaning, laundry and meals. If | | | | choice will be an easy one. |