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Home >Beach Vacations > Beach Vacation Rentals

Beach Vacation Rentals

Summary: Beach vacations rentals come in all shapes and sizes. Commonly, condos and houses or vacation homes are the way to go. If you're looking for a vacation rental in the middle of the action, or off the beaten path says a lot about what kind of beach vacation rental is right for you.

DEAR FRESHTRAVELS: Finding beach vacation rentals has turned in to a daunting task. My husband and I got on-line last night and started looking in to beach vacation rentals only to find a myriad of rental options, confusing rentals and questions about the values of different options for our beach vacation. Can you offer any advice to us when shopping for a beach vacation rental? Bridgette, Bloomington IN

DEAR BRIDGETTE: Beach vacations can be tricky to plan, but its always worth the hassle when you’ve got your toes in the clear blue water! Deciding where to go, your budget, how long to stay and your accommodations can all be a bit tricky, but with the right information, finding the right beach vacation rentals will be a piece of cake.

The first thing to think about is what you want out of your beach vacation.

What type of person are you? There are some travelers – like my mother-in-law – who are all about seizing the day. They want to be out their. Experiencing everything that their vacation spot has to offer. These travelers spend as little time as possible in their room and as much time as possible on the beach.

beach vacation rentalsA second type of person on a beach vacation is looking for relaxation. Sure, they want to sit on the beach, but just importantly they want to take a nap in a big cozy king sized bed. They want to sit high above the beach on a balcony looking far out to the horizon when the sun dips down for the night. They want to sit in their own private veranda enjoying mojitos.

The type of beach vacation traveler you are will tell you what kind of rental you are looking for. All action or all relaxation.

Then its important to understand the types of beach vacation rentals that are available – so that you find the spot that’s perfect for you.

Beach Vacation Rentals:
Condominiums: Condos are the classic rental. Either tied to a resort complex, or as part of a stand alone building where owners are renting their units to travelers. Condos usually offer 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms – 2 or more baths, a living room/dining area and kitchen. Many of these rentals have a similar layout. Long narrow units that have a sliding doors opening to a balcony or deck facing the ocean or the grounds. Condos are often affordable and right in the heart of desirable tourist destinations. Places like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are known for wide white beaches lined with high-rise condominiums. These beach vacation rentals offer convenience, but often lack the charm of a quite beach vacation.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN CONDO RENTALS: Most condo rentals run by the week. Usually Saturday to Saturday. Many are offered by large realtors representing owners. Ask if there are any discounts to local events, attractions, restaurants or golf. Also, watch out for ‘additional charges’. A number of companies charge extra for sheets and towels, clean up service, pets and parking.

Houses: A great beach vacation rental alternative if you’ve got a big enough group or a big budget is a beach vacation rental house. Renting a house means you get privacy, comfort and a place to call “home” for your vacation. House rentals are often in less populated areas where the price of real-estate hasn’t force developers to start putting up high-rises and where zoning laws have kept out major developments. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great beach vacation spot if you’re looking to rent a house. Most of the homes offer open floor plans for congregating and many bedrooms and baths. Its not uncommon to see these rental houses offer enough beds for 14 people or more. We’ve seen units with 8 bathrooms! Some rental homes offer hot tubs, pools, state of the art kitchens and luxury – but few offer the hustle and bustle of a condo resort community.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN RENTING VACATION HOUSES: Houses vary greatly in terms of price, amenities and location so shop wisely and use Google Maps to pinpoint the location so you’re not caught off guard when you arrive. Look for references from other visitors. Sometimes a photo on-line might not be the best representation of what the house is really like.

SUMMARY: Vacation beach rentals can really make your vacation special – if you find the rental that’s right for you. Look for a reputable broker, ask friends and relatives for rental agents they’ve used and most importantly, do your research before picking any vacation beach rentals.


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