Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Vacation Rental
Searching for the perfect place to stay can be a daunting task. Scrolling through pages and pages of search results, travelers are often faced with literally hundreds of vacation rental options even after narrowing down the basic parameters like dates, occupancy, and budget. Avoid these common mistakes before making the final selection to prevent unexpected frustration and disappointment upon arrival.
Booking a Property Without Researching the Exact Location
One of the most common mistakes when booking a vacation rental is failing to do enough research about the location. It's easy to hit that book button with enticing photos and an alluring price tag, but regardless of how amazing the accommodation itself is, it's equally important to consider where exactly it's situated. This can be especially tricky if it's the first trip and travelers aren't yet familiar with the area. While everyone's needs vary, here are a few key points to think about when searching for the perfect vacation rental:
Safety: Of course this term is relative, but almost everywhere in the world has a rougher part of town. Safety also applies to the property itself; are there ground-floor windows? Is there security fencing? Perhaps for a large group, it is a bit less of a concern, but for a solo female traveler, it may be more of a priority.
Transportation: Travelers should consider walkability, access to public transportation, and taxi/rideshare costs if visiting without a vehicle.
Noise: While this isn't always easy to verify ahead of time, try to determine proximity to the local nightlife districts. Those looking for rest and relaxation don't want to end up staying in a party zone. By the same token, those looking for a wild time don't want to cause trouble with the neighbors in a peaceful part of town.
Not Reading the Reviews
Oftentimes there is a wealth of information found in the reviews that travelers may have never even thought to consider. Aside from the obvious information, there is a unique insight into the finer details of the property. We're talking about things like a particularly dreamy (or uncomfortable) mattress, drafty windows next to the bed, or which room has the best mobile phone coverage. Read More...