Renting vacation homes is a great way to get the family together, spend time with friends, and make memories that can last a lifetime. But what can you do to ensure that your vacation is unforgettable?
Whether you’re planning to spend your golden years pursuing a bucket list of international adventures or looking forward to spending quality time with your family abroad, we’ve gathered 5 helpful tips for seniors looking to rent the perfect vacation home. Read on!
Why should you consider a vacation home?
There are many benefits to renting a vacation home including: the ability to stay in one location for an extended time and the flexibility of having your own private space. For seniors, the idea of renting a vacation home can be especially appealing since you’ll get to spend time in an environment that feels more like your own home, rather than a hotel or resort.
1. Location Matters
The location of your rental can make or break your trip. If you’re going away with friends or family members, talk about the kinds of activities you want to do while you’re on vacation and find out if everyone is interested in the same things. If everyone has different ideas, no worries! Choosing a more central location can help ensure that your friends and family still have the experiences they want while staying with you.
It’s also important to consider the property’s accessibility. You’ll be able to make the most of your trip without worrying about making your way around if there are too many stairs or long distances for you to navigate. This can help you avoid an accident or injury that may interfere with your vacation.
For own peace of mind, it’s also worth considering your vacation home’s proximity to the closest hospital or clinic in case of an emergency.
When searching for a place to stay online, look closely at listings from travel websites like Airbnb or VRBO. On these websites, you’ll be able to view photos of the property and read reviews from people who’ve already stayed there.
If you can, contacting friends who have visited the area can be helpful; they may even have tips on where to look first!
Some people prefer the bustle of the city, and others want peace and quiet. If you fall into the second group, you might want to choose a place removed from busy streets or tourist attractions. If you do, make sure you’re not too far off the beaten path so you can ensure that you’re staying in a safe area.
Tip! Use Streetview on Google Maps to see the neighbourhood before you book.
2. Ask about the amenities
When looking for a vacation rental, talk to the landlord about local amenities.
Amenities are the extra features that make a place more comfortable and convenient during your stay. These can be things like free internet, a fitness center or included meals. Good properties often offer all your essentials and more—so when deciding where to stay, consider what amenities are most important to you.
For example: If watching cable television is essential to your daily routine, choose accommodations with satellite service so you’ll feel more at home during those trips.
Newer homes will tend to have more modern amenities than older ones, but older homes can often be more charming and full of character!
Bonus tip: Some properties advertise amenities such as “free use of a fitness center” or “complimentary Wi-Fi,” but these things may not always be available during your stay. Ask questions before booking, so there are no unpleasant surprises when you arrive.
3. Pick Your Dates Carefully
To get the most bang for your buck while renting a vacation home, you’ll want to pick your dates carefully. If you’re visiting during peak season, you’ll have more competition for rentals and may need to pay more for your accommodation.
During the off-season, vacation rentals are usually at their lowest prices of the year, but tourist attractions may be closed or have reduced hours in anticipation of low demand. So, travelling during the off-season can be a major perk if you’re looking for a relaxed get-away. Before you go, make sure you consider the places you’d like to see, activities you’d like to do, and what season is best for that. This way, you’ll be able to choose the right dates for your trip!
4. Inspect the property when you arrive
As soon as you arrive at your rental property, be sure to check for any problems. Report anything broken or worn-out fixtures to the owner or agency immediately—and get them to agree in writing that they will fix these things within a specified time (e.g., two weeks). Pay special attention to items that might not seem important at first but could ruin a trip if they break — heating and air conditioning systems, showers, faucets, toilets etc. can make trips complicated if they don’t work.
Often, the host or landlord will be aware of problems or take your word for it when you report them. However, if there are significant defects, be sure to photograph them and keep copies of all correspondence related to fixing these issues. This will protect you in the unlikely event that there is a dispute about damage after you’ve left.
5. Buy Travel Insurance
Many travellers assume that their credit card will cover them in case of emergencies or their trip is interrupted. However, most credit cards have an annual spending limit and won’t provide enough emergency coverage; purchasing travel insurance before heading out on your trip is essential.
You never know what might happen while on vacation and having this protection could save your trip from unexpected — like bad weather keeping your flights grounded for days at a time, or a medical emergency.
No matter how long you’re away, our All-Inclusive Holiday Package provides comprehensive coverage—from medical emergencies to missed flights and lost baggage.
If you’re thinking of renting a vacation property abroad as well, we have even more tips for you!
Renting a vacation home doesn’t have to be stressful. Thorough and advanced planning can help ensure your vacation is enjoyable, successful—and affordable. With these five tips, you can feel confident choosing the right vacation rental home for your needs as a mature traveller.
Happy travels,
Monique
