Gone were the days when you stepped out of a cab, enter into a hotel's rotating door and checked in at the front desk. With the booming of HomeAway, VRBO, OneFineStay and Airbnb, booking for an accommodation has become more personalized.
But it has some sort of rules and guidelines of their own and associated with a little more risk as well. Here are some tips to keep in mind and once you have these with you, rest assured that you'll have a soothing stay.
There are no "standard" accommodations.
You must consider your needs when booking for vacation rentals because there's no one size fits all kind of stuff here. You must really think and choose what's right for you. Take into consideration the number of people you are traveling with, the type of rental you're after whether a house, condo or villa and your budget for a nightly rate.
They're usually cheaper than hotels.
Most of the travel deal that you will find online trade quality over cost while with peer-to-peer rentals, you can get as many amenities and sometimes even more. For example, instead of paying $10 for the 3-hour use of internet inside a hotel room you might get unlimited access for free throughout your stay.
They allow you to delve into a neighborhood.
One of the advantages of vacation rentals is that you can choose to stay in an eccentric neighborhood if you want more thrilling adventures rather than a tourist-heavy area. You can also live the local life and experience their way of living, authentic food, hangouts, and traditions. Most of the hosts are even willing to help you out with the must-visit spots especially when you don't have a proper itinerary.
They require some homework to ensure safety.
Unlike hotels, peer-to-peer rental sites don't normally require background checks for hosts or renters. So, it's up to you to do the research and ensure safety during your stay. You may look for reviews and guests-approved ratings to get an idea of what to expect.
Arranging a phone call with the host is also encouraged rather than just communicating through email. Asking for a signed contracts with a clear set of rules before you confirm your stay will also keep you away from trouble.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the host.
With Airbnb, the host can choose flexible, moderate or strict cancellation policy. If there a chance that you'll change your plans, make sure you understand the financial implication when canceling or modifying your booking.
Always do your research and let your friends and family members know where you are staying. Your safety is way more valuable than the amount of money you can save from renting an accommodation.
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