Top 10 Vacation Rental Tips

In this economy, most of us are trying to cut corners wherever possible.

Vacation Home Rental on Atlantic Beach, Crystal Coast, North Carolina

(Crystal Coast Tourism Authority )
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If you're planning a vacation, renting a luxury condo or house instead of staying in a hotel can save you big bucks. Plus, you'll have more space to relax and enjoy your home away from home. Renting a vacation home is an especially smart choice if you're traveling with a group of friend or with kids.

You can find some of the best bargains on vacation home rentals online if you know what to ask about and how to protect yourself as a renter.

Here are 10 tips to help you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Condo Vacation Rental in Scottsdale, Ariz.; photo by Karen Schaler

1. Choose a popular rental destination.

If you're looking for sensational savings your best bet is to choose a destination where there are a lot of vacation rentals on the market, keeping prices competitive. Some top locations in the United States for vacation rentals include: Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, North Carolina and Hawaii.

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For example, during the popular fall and winter months in Arizona, a hotel room can cost you more than $400 a night, but for the same price you can rent a two-bedroom vacation home for an entire week. When you get a vacation rental you also have your own kitchen, so you can cook some of your own meals, saving substantially.

2. Comparison shop.

Now it's easier than ever to comparison shop when you're looking to save on a vacation home rental. You can find some of the best rental home listings on the following four Internet sites. Always compare notes before signing any paperwork.

www.vacationhomerentals.com
www.vacationhomes.com
www.apartments.com
www.craigslist.com