Booking international travel requires a great deal of logistical planning. From visa application and transportation to accommodation and travel agendas, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared to make your foray to a foreign destination both magical and memorable! For travellers preferring vacation homes to hotels, it’s definitely a lot easier to book now with many options including VRBO, HomeAway and Airbnb. But did you know there are many vacation rental finders that can help you find affordable international home rentals abroad?
To help you prepare for a great stay abroad, we’ve outlined the top things to consider before booking a home rental vacation abroad. From a private villa in Lanzarote to city-centre apartments in Sydney, we’ll be highlighting key things to look out for when you want a perfect home away from home that has all the comforts and flexibility you need for a fantastic holiday.
Find a reputable rental source
When looking for home rental vacations, we can’t put enough emphasis on the importance of choosing a reputable rental company or vendor. This may mean paying a little more, but it’s a wise investment for added value and peace of mind that you’re renting from a trusted source.
When it comes to choosing the best place for you, one option is to use an international rental company that will provide an online booking service and have a robust customer service protocol in place, should any issues surrounding refunds or relocations arise.
For a more personal rental experience, independent suppliers are the way to go – offering one-on-one service and possibly better rates if you book direct. If you opt for a small or independent supplier, communicate with them directly over Skype and check out customer reviews on online forums – this will give you greater insight of the rental property and the landlord before you agree to part with your hard earned cash.
Be particular about your location
When it comes to settling on a location, there are various things to take into account. First, you want to make sure the holiday home rental is easily accessible and that you can visit the hot spots on your itinerary with minimal hassle. Scoping out public transport in the area or the availability of car rentals will help ensure you can easily explore the surrounding areas, whether you’re opting for an island vacation rental or a city-centre apartment.
Secondly, use tools like Google to view specific locations and neighborhoods to get a feel for the area and discover the local amenities close by. From parks and grocery stores to ATMs and medical centres, it pays to be in the know when spending time in a different country. If price is a concern, a good tip is to avoid home rental properties close to major tourist attractions. Instead, try looking a little further afield to get better value for money and avoid the crowds. You might need to shell out a little more for transport, but the accommodation savings will more than make up for this.
For more in-depth information about your destination, see how you can enrich your travel planning using apps and local tips.
Pay close attention to property interiors
Another key factor when searching for vacation rental properties is how they look. Most rentals will provide at least some photographs of the property, typically a few of the exterior and interior, but that isn’t always a given. If a listing doesn’t supply interior pictures, ask the owner to send some or simply move on. Like most things you pay for, you want to be able to see exactly what you’re getting before you part with your money and travel a long way to get there.
To make sure you’re not left disappointed on arrival at your rental, be sure to scrutinise the interior photographs and the list of property amenities and facilities and clarify what’s included in the rental price. Some properties may charge extra for things like heating, linen and pool cleaning – so, if you have any queries, have these answered before you book.
Travel insurance for your vacation
By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can easily find the perfect vacation home for a fantastic holiday abroad and avoid any disappointment when you get there. With your accommodation booked, don’t forget the importance of travel insurance. Whether you’re away for short stay or for long term travel, our All Inclusive Holiday Package provides comprehensive coverage – from medical emergencies to missed flights and lost baggage.
Enjoy your vacation!
Sam Wright is an experienced freelancer and content writer for Optima Villas – providers of luxury villas in Lanzarote
