• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Travel
/
June 16, 2011

Things to keep in mind when renting a vacation home

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

Recently, I shared with you the wonderful experience I had renting a vacation home when traveling to Paris with my son.

I was lucky because my experience was pretty flawless from beginning to end. For those of you thinking about choosing the path of vacation rentals by owners for your travels, I have some tips on what to keep in mind so that your experience is a positive one as well.

When I started my search, I relied on the Internet, however, I made it a point to avoid classifieds and free listings. Instead I decided to put my trust, and a bit of extra cash, in using a rental agency that specializes in such types of transactions.

But for most of it, even with an agent with whom I interacted mostly over the phone and via email, I relied on Google and other websites for images, searched for reviews not only of the area I was looking to rent in, but also of the agency I was using.

This wasn’t available when I first rented the flat in Paris, but these days I also rely heavily on online maps, such as Google map, for street views and at least an exterior view of the building/home and its immediate surrounding area. Also, check the website for the area, often provided by the destination’s tourism agency, as this can tell you anything from what to do, eat, and enjoy there, and whether it is family-friendly or not.

From the agent, you should always ask for references, not only for their agency, but also for the property you are looking to rent. Always ask for a copy of a checklist of what is included in your rental, from amenities to furnishings.

If the rental agency doesn’t immediately provide you with more than just a couple of pictures for the interior of the property, insist that they send you some. One picture or two is not enough to give you a good image of the place the could make, or break if not careful, your vacation stay. If it’s listed as being on the beach or a lake for example, ask to see pictures of that.

When you enter your vacation home or flat, make sure to take pictures of anything that may be damaged in anyway. You want to make sure to point these out to the rental agency right away, either via phone or on the checklist they provide you at time of entry into the premises.

Sometimes, you can get away with not being in the neighborhood you want due to cost, but end up getting a much better deal in a neighborhood that’s just as nice, if not better, for a lesser price.

As is the case here in NYC, most visitors want to stay in trendy places such as Greenwich Village or Soho, when the truth is, these are easy to get to from pretty much any other area in Manhattan, and there are locations a bit further uptown that would not only be less expensive, but bigger and even nicer. Ask the rental agency for options.

Be wary of “amazing” sounding pitches of the property. “Close to all attractions!” or “10 minutes from the beach!” can depend a lot on whether you are walking, taking public transportation, or renting a car.

Never, ever take anything for granted. Ask a lot of question, ask to see a lot of images both of the premises and of the surrounding area, be clear on what your expectations and specific desires for your vacation home are (noting of course that this might add to the cost), and be willing to compromise on location for another that might offer something different, but just as good if not better.

Lastly, though the process sounds like it might be a lot to take on and maybe even a bit daunting, rest assure that especially throughout the years, the process has gotten much easier and there are many great options out there to choose from. It really can be one of the best vacation lodging decisions you ever make.

 

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Favorite NYC Parks
Next Post
Dining, Shopping, Touring, and Falling in Love at Congress Hall, Cape May, NJ

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America315 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Hubby and I recently went to check out office spac Hubby and I recently went to check out office spaces for our business. We (I) started getting caught up in the perceptions of what other people might think about our business, or rather, how successful or serious it was with us operating it from our home. So, in order to keep up with the Joneses, we went out and searched. And immediately were like, "Nope."

One, it was an additional expense that we were taking on to convince other people of whatever we (I) thought they needed to be convinced of. And two, it felt like....well, like working out of an office, something which I personally haven't done in over a decade (almost two now) and which my husband just escaped from!

And lastly, we like to go out into the communities that our clients serve, but also that we live in, and get to experience it all ourselves. It makes us a great agency.

I share all of this because I am slowly coming to accept that there will always be those who will make a determination of who we are as people, as professionals, as a business simply from what they think they know, not from actuality...and..we (I) am still working on breaking down the toxic traits of corporate / professional influence and narratives.

As once a full-time travel blogger, I experienced first hand what it is to be dismissed and not taken seriously. But, because of my travel blogging work, I have visit over 40 countries (and still counting) and have been published and spoken on stages around the world. That doesn't just happen.

All this to say, as I (we) move away from renting an office in order to be taken more seriously by the corporate world...and save ourselves some money in the process...we are reminded to work on ourselves and on being our own biggest cheerleaders and advocates. Sure, we seek out support and mentorship and always work on learning and refining our skill. But can't pay attention to what others might be thinking. It will never be an accurate portrayal.

And a lesson to never, ever spend more money than we have to just to convince others how serious we are in our commitment to our work. In the meantime, our current office spaces are working out just fine.

#entrepreneur #smallbusiness
A band of misfits on a beautiful Finger Lakes nigh A band of misfits on a beautiful Finger Lakes night.

Life is too short and time too precious, so make sure to spend it with people who bring you joy and make you laugh. Whether it’s one person or more…it’s not the number of people, but the quality and kindness of their hearts that counts.

Here are some of the kind, sweet friendships we’ve been so lucky to have cultivated in our new home. Kisses and hugs @haejones32, @sarahloublagg, @nevetsretlaw, and @jerakahheady.

Till our next gathering! 

#friends #fingerlakeslife #fingerlakes
My happy place: the farmers market. It’s the sea My happy place: the farmers market. It’s the season for all the fresh, local, delicious goodness of the Finger Lakes to take center stage.

The region has a lot more than fried and fast food to offer locals and visitors. The vast amount of organic and locally sourced food is something that is really celebrated here. Even more so the fact that it is accessible and not exclusive to the privileged.

From cider to cheese to meats and veggies…all local, all from a passionate farming community. 

Oh, then, the artisans. *swoon* So much handcrafted beauty. For example, this beautiful hat from @easylivinghats. I have been wanting one of her hats forever and finally got not one but two! And her team, seen here, is so sweet and helped me find the right fit. Support local, shop small, be happy in the process. 📸@ithacafarmersmarket. 

#fingerlakes #myflx #farmersmarket #shoplocal #shopsmall
Hey, wanna come to a cool event in one of the cool Hey, wanna come to a cool event in one of the coolest places I know in Ithaca? (Read on!)

Today I took a stroll into the pavilion of the @ithacafarmersmarket. There was no market today, and though still a lovely space when empty, nothing compares when the market is buzzing with food purveyors and food-lovers! It is exciting and a favorite pastime of ours. Even more fun is when there is a special event happening!

And with that, I want to let you all know about the upcoming @tasteoftheflx taking place on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the Ithaca Farmers Market and offer you a discount code for your ticket! Use BRAVE20 for $20 off of either ticket tier.

The event will feature 50 + vendors, music in 3 acts, and a full evening of celebration! Taste of the Finger Lakes serves the dual purposes of showcasing the dynamic Finger Lakes food and beverage industry while raising funds for 3 non-profits doing the important work of improving access to healthy food across the region. Local, good food for a good cause...the best combination!

If you already have your ticket or plan to take advantage of this discount code to purchase it, let me know! I hope to see you there!

#fingerlakes #tasteofthefingerlakes #flxfood #flxeats #farmersmarket #ithacany
Cheers and Happy Pride to this beautiful, inspirin Cheers and Happy Pride
to this beautiful, inspiring, proud community full of people that I love so much.

To my LGTBQIA+ family and friends, know I adore you, would fight for, and support you always. You make my life and the world a more beautiful place. I celebrate you today, this month, and always. 

Thank you for being you. 🌈

#pridemonth #loveislove
What a stunning day to be on the lake with my fam. What a stunning day to be on the lake with my fam. We missed spending time with each other and it was time for us to slow down and bond. Even the surly teens eventually gave in to the fun and smiled a few times. Have I told y’all how much I love our new life here?

#lifeintheflx #fingerlakes #lifeinthecountry #soflx #thisissoflx #Lakelike #myflx #keukalife #winecountry

Copyright © 2022 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice