Vacation rental homes: an affordable alternative to hotels

(ARA) - With consumers looking to stretch their travel dollar further in today’s challenging economy, many are turning to vacation rental homes as an alternative to traditional hotels.

Not only do vacation rental properties provide more space, full kitchens and extra amenities like private pools, they typically cost 50 to 80 percent less per square foot than the average hotel room.

“Vacation rentals allow you to rent a whole home for less than the cost of a hotel,” says Eileen Ogintz, a family travel expert and author of the syndicated column “Taking the Kids.”

She also points to the fact that added perks like full kitchens allow travelers to dine in and save even more money by avoiding costly restaurants, mini-bars and room service. “For families, the benefits of staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel go beyond deep savings,” Ogintz says. “From the added space to let kids be kids, to the separate rooms for parents to rest, relax and enjoy some romantic time alone, the entire experience in a vacation home creates lasting memories.”

While vacation rentals have typically been associated with week-long trips, a recent report from HomeAway -- a vacation rental company that offers nearly 200,000 worldwide vacation rentals through its Web site -- suggests that travelers are using vacation rentals for everything from weekend getaways (38 percent) to multi-week vacations (21 percent).

The HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report also found that family and group vacations continue to account for the most popular use of vacation rentals, but travelers are also considering them for a range of travel occasions, including trips typically associated with shorter stays, such as festivals, sporting events and business trips.

Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan or a six-bedroom villa on the Italian Riviera, Ogintz says it’s easy to find the vacation rental home that’s right for you. She offers the following six insider secrets:

1. Pick your destination based on the type of trip (i.e., family reunion, girlfriend getaway, or romantic retreat) and your group’s specific interests (i.e., the beach, city, or mountains).

2. Check out Web sites that offer an extensive selection of vacation rentals to choose from, such as HomeAway.com, VRBO.com or VacationRentals.com.

3. Research your options by reviewing photos, property descriptions and traveler reviews. Talk to the vacation home owner who can provide additional detailed information and a local’s recommendations about the area.

4. Select a home or condo based on price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities such as a pool or barbecue grill and the proximity to local attractions.

5. Look for discounts and freebies if you’re traveling at the last minute by visiting VacationRentals.com, which features the largest inventory of vacation rental deals.

6. Book through a company that offers a rental guarantee that provides payment protection, so you can rest easy and rent with confidence.

For more cost-saving vacation tips and advice on renting a vacation home, Ogintz recommends visiting HomeAway.com or TakingtheKids.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent