Tina F asked:


My husband & I are looking into purchasing a small vacation home on the Bolivar Penninsula (or surrounding area). Our immediate plan would be to rent it out and use it ourselves on occasion. Would it be realistic to expect that the income from renting it out during the tourist season would pay all or most (75%) of the monthly mortgage payments for the year? What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of doing something like this? What are some mistakes to avoid? Any insight from people who have done something like this would be wonderful!

Rachel

Mik asked:


I’m looking into buying a second home or a place where both of us can go and relax for the weekend, week or even a month. It needs to be at walking distance from the beach. But, I don’t believe in Time Shares (bad experience for some friends). While doing my research, I guess there is a difference between a second home and a vacation rental?
The vacation rental that I see in the papers and different location like in the states and the Caribbean has values that range from 100k to plus. I don’t think they are talking about a place to rent just for a few days with prices like that.

Gloria

Trixie M asked:


Me and my family are going to stay there for atleast 2 days. Please include details like the price per day/ per person.

James

Amerrrs asked:


I’m about to sign an agreement for a vacation rental but I’m a bit hesitant because of the conditions ($700/wk):

1) $300 Security Deposit + 50% of Rent ($350) = $650
which is due before I get there and the other 50% due at arrival

2) Cancellation Policy: The $650 is non-refundable if canceled within 30 days of arrival date (that’s practically the entire amount to stay there!)

3) Security Deposit mailed 10 days after departure.

I haven’t really rented vacation homes and don’t know if this is a typical agreement. I guess the part that worries me is that I’m practically sending the entire amount before even arriving and in the case I have to cancel, I lose everything. And also the fact that I don’t get my security deposit during my departure.

If you’ve rented vacation homes in the past, please let me know if this is a standard practice.

Thanks!

Kelly

mimi l asked:


I am looking for a flat for this summer in beirut for the holidays or near beirut in lebanon, but i cant find it anywhere…i need at least a1 bedroom flat.

Ive been on many websites but i cant find anything

Dale

Kelley Falgout asked:


Vacation rental homes have become an incredibly popular alternative to the traditional hotel room when it comes to theme park vacations. Lodging is usually one of the biggest chunks of a vacation budget and most savvy travelers want to make certain that every dollar is spent wisely. Not only are vacation homes clean and conveniently located next to many major attractions, but they are also very affordable.

Most vacation rental homes offer considerably more living space than you will find in the typical hotel room and are a great value for the budget-conscious. These homes are perfect for large families that need a little more room to spread out or perhaps two families who are traveling together and want to stay under one roof. Most rental homes offer several bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 people, which often makes the cost per person far less than that of a hotel.

Renting a vacation home is not like making a hotel reservation and typically requires signing an agreement and making a security deposit with the vacation property owner. The deposit is usually returned a few days after check-out, assuming that nothing in the home was damaged or taken. This agreement is legally binding and provides more detail than the standard form you might find at a hotel. Make certain that you read and understand the terms of your agreement and are fully aware of all fees and deposits that due before signing the rental agreement so you can avoid any surprises later on.

Vacation rental homes are my number one choice in accommodations when taking a theme park vacation. We buy groceries and save additional money by eating meals at our rental home and by preparing and taking snacks to the park. We all have our own bedrooms and can go to bed at our regular and often different bedtimes. I enjoy that “home away from home” freedom that comes with my rental fee and because I shop around, that rental fee is always less than that of a typical hotel stay. And, yes, I can say “always” because I do a lot of research before I ever spend a dime on a rental deposit.

Although there are several online rental home agencies available, my first step in rental home research always begins with EBAY. There are hundreds of rental properties listed on EBAY and I am never disappointed in the amount of results I find. Keep in mind that this option is best suited for theme park vacations to the larger parks, like Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Busch Gardens Europe, since a lot investors purchase rental properties near major tourist attractions.

Of course, your budget is the first thing to consider when narrowing down your search results. Planning ahead and booking your vacation rental home several weeks or even months ahead of time can save you money as well as give you peace of mind. But if you’re making last-minute travel plans, don’t worry that you may have missed out on early bird savings because you can often take advantage of great deals on last-minute cancellations.

Vacation rental home booking agencies always have customers that, for whatever reason, have to forfeit their deposit and cancel their reservation at the eleventh hour. They obviously don’t want to have an empty rental home for a week so they often offer it up for a discounted price so that it will be rented quickly. They win and you definitely win and come away with a great deal on a rental home that fits your style and budget.

Regardless of your budget, make sure that the home you choose is clean before you arrive, is adequately furnished and features everything that you would use at your own home. Remember that reputable rental companies go above and beyond to provide you not only with great details about themselves but also with pictures and details about the homes that they offer. Here are just the very basics of what the home should supply:

1. A fully equipped kitchen with dishes, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and cooking appliances.
2. A washer and dryer.
3. Central heat and air conditioning and all other utilities.
4. Local phone service with emergency numbers by each phone.
5. Cable TV, DVD/VCR player and some even offer free high-speed internet.
6. An ample supply and assortment of towels and bed linens.
7. Safety and security features like locks on all doors, pool alarm, fire extinguishers, etc.
8. Off-street parking.
9. Directions and phone numbers of area groceries and supercenters, entertainment venues and medical facilities

Cleaning fees are usually included in your rental fee if your stay is at least 5 days. This makes the departure easier because you don’t have to clean around the clutter or fear you’re putting things back in the wrong spot. Rental companies can also supply cribs, high chairs and play pens upon request and some are even pet-friendly. Additional deposits may be required for some of these items so be sure and ask first.

Vacation rental homes can provide a welcome and home-like retreat for those of us who spend most of our days enjoying the hustle and bustle of our favorite theme park. From modest to extravagant, selecting a vacation rental that fits your personal style, accommodation needs and budget can be the beginning of a lasting vacation memory.

Jo

Sylvestor Johnson asked:


It is also known for its rich agriculture production of corn and soybean. It’s a great city that offers an excitement, adventure and rich history. Cuisine, land farms, museums etc are some of the elements which attracts travelers from all over the world. Iowa embraces of all those activities which makes, Iowa a perfect place for holidaying. And, a perfect place for relaxation while holidaying in Iowa is Iowa vacation rental.

Vacation rental in Iowa is regarded as home in the holidaying town. It provides all the amenities present in a home such as washer, dyer, refrigerator etc. It also embraces of fully furnished kitchen, in which the vacationer can cook for his family and friends.

Iowa vacation rental can be in the form of condo, cottage, villa, homes and cabins. While choosing the vacation rental in Iowa, the factors which are needed to be considered are number of people (that will stay in rental while holidaying) and budget. Vacation rental in Iowa suits to every pocket. In other words, each of the vacation rentals carries different rent, so he the person can choose as per his budget. They are regarded as an affordable means of lodging as it involves reasonable cost. It can be used for weddings, spending vacations, honeymoons, family reunions etc.

On staying in the vacation rental, vacationer has to pay for the services and amenities present in rental. Staying at vacation rental is a cheap mode as it involves low rent as compared to the rent involved in hotels. Thus, he can save an amount which he can utilize for other purposes while holidaying.

In present scenario majority of the traveling agencies arrange vacation rental at the desired destination. Through internet, locating traveling agency is easier as the person is only needed to write vacation rental on any of the search engine. Thus as a result, numerous agencies arranging vacation rental will be displayed on the screen. In addition to traveling agencies, the person can also book his vacation rental directly through owners of the vacation rental.

Nowadays, it is also seen that many traveling agencies provide a package, in which the person is obliged to making a single payment which includes all the expenses such as accommodation, air tickets etc. By this means, he can save large sum of money which can be utilized while enjoying other activities at Iowa.

Greg

Fly Boy asked:


A condo, home or anything that has a complete kitchen,bedrooms, pool view of the beach or short walking distance.

Gertrude

Boris Ralston asked:


Are you in the process of planning a trip to Hawaii? If you are, you may be interested in booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental. While you will find some variances, Hawaiian vacation rentals are known for their beauty and their privacy, especially when compared to traditional hotels and vacation resorts. Those are just a few of the many reasons why vacation rentals in Hawaii are increasing in popularity.

As you likely already know, you will have a number of different options when it comes to making reservations for a vacation rental in Hawaii. The phrase “vacation rentals,” is often used to describe a number of establishments, including vacation homes, vacation apartment rentals, vacation villas, vacation cottages, as well as vacation condos. As nice as it is to have a number of different options, in terms of booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental, your options may seem overwhelming. To assist you, five tips that can help you, easily find, the vacation rental of your dreams for your next Hawaii trip are outlined below.

1 - Know What You Want

Knowing what you want is one of the best ways to find the perfect vacation rental in Hawaii. In fact, knowing what you want is the best way to have a great vacation in general.

When examining your vacation wants, it is important to examine the purpose of your vacation. For example, if you are taking a Hawaii trip with your family, you may want affordability and convenience. On the other hand, if your Hawaii trip has romantic purposes, you may be looking more for beauty, elegance, and privacy.

2 - Research All of Your Vacation Rental Options

As previously stated, the phrase “vacation rentals,” describes a number of different establishments. In Hawaii, you will find vacation homes, condos, villas, cottages, and apartment rentals available for the taking. It may be a good idea to examine all of your options.

What is nice about researching and examining all of your options is that it is easy to do with the internet. A number of online travel websites, especially those that deal specifically with Hawaii trips, allow you to quickly find a large number of vacation rentals. You can examine pictures and other information to see if you should stay at a Hawaii vacation home, Hawaii vacation condo, villas, cottage, or apartment rental.

3 - Research Some More

In addition to researching each type of Hawaii vacation rental you come across, like vacation homes and vacation villas, it is extremely important that you thoroughly research and examine your final choices. For example, although many vacation home rentals are similar in nature, they are different in a number of ways. That is why it is important that you examine all Hawaii vacation rental listings to see if the rental in question is the perfect match for you. Pay close attention to size, rental costs, additional fees, features and amenities, and any rules or restrictions that may be imposed.

4 - Examine Nearby Activities

Unfortunately, many individuals believe that the most important part of choosing a Hawaii vacation rental is choosing the rental that is the perfect size or price for them. While these are all important factors that should be taken into consideration, you will also want to examine nearby Hawaii attractions and activities. For example, if you are interested in spending your Hawaii trip surfing, boating, or swimming, a beachfront or beach view rental may be your best option and so forth.

5 - Make Your Reservations Early

As soon as you find a Hawaii vacation rental that you would like to book a reservation for, it is important that you do so right away. As previously stated, Hawaii vacation rentals are a popular choice among tourists. If you do not act fast, you may later find that your first choice Hawaii vacation rental is already booked for your intended travel dates.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you find, choose, and book the Hawaii vacation rental of your dreams. While you may not necessarily think about it at the time, your overnight accommodations can have a significant impact on the success of your next Hawaii trip.

Marian

Xavier Gallery asked:


Renting a vacation home is a great way to enjoy the splendor of South Carolina. The combination of home conveniences and a premier location is what attracts thousands of tourists to this lodging alternative. While few would argue the benefits, it is important to note that there are some risks. By using the checklist below, you can ensure your family will have a great vacation in South Carolina.

1. Destination - South Carolina offers a number of fun areas to find a vacation home. The key is to make sure you choose a destination that fits your expectations. The barrier islands, like the Isle of Palms, have unmatched privacy but are limited in their extracurricular attractions. Myrtle Beach on the other hand has a wide array of amusement activities, but is very densely populated. You should consider your vacation expectations before choosing a destination.

2. Budget - A complete assessment of your vacation budget should be done before shopping for a vacation rental. Keep in mind that the rental rate does not include ancillary costs such as tax, travel fares, food and beverage, or amusement prices. Depending on your situation, the vacation rental rate may only represent half of the total cost of your vacation.

3. Time of Year - The season that you visit South Carolina will have a direct impact on the cost of your vacation. The most expensive time period falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You are more likely to find bargain prices if you can avoid this peak season.

4. Rental References - In the era of online information, most people are utilizing the internet for reserving their South Carolina Vacation Rentals. While this is a time efficient way to search properties, you need to conduct in-depth research on the property you are considering. Ask the owner for three or more references from previous rental tenants. Call the references and ask them questions about the cleanliness and upkeep of the property. You may also want to ask about the accessibility of area attractions. Calling rental references is a great way to make sure your dream vacation rental lives up to its billing.

5. Rental Terms - One of the easiest ways to exceed your vacation budget is to overlook the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Be sure to incorporate common costs such as lodging tax, linen charges, cleaning costs, and club memberships. Most of these items are clearly outlined in your rental agreement. You should also be comfortable with the terms of payment. Most vacation rentals require 50% of the rental rate provided up front, along with a security deposit. The balance is typically due about 14 days prior to the rental date. Overlooking these deadlines could result in losing your reservation and deposit.

6. Amenities- Although there is a distinct advantage to using a vacation rental when it comes to home-like provisions, you should be aware of everything that is advertised to be included with your rental. Televisions, stereos, cooking utensils, towels, and bed linens are all important things to check for. Not having access to these supplies could lead to costly trips to the local Wal-Mart.

7. Weather - Take a minute to study the average temperature and climate conditions for the time of year you are renting. While it is safe to assume that South Carolina is warm in the summer, seasons such as spring and fall can provide more uncertainty in temperature. Also take note of the precipitation forecast. Rain and wind can lead to cooler temperatures and the need for appropriate apparel.

8. Vacation Insurance - Most vacation rental owners have very strict refund policies. Unfortunately, they rarely refund your money. You can assume that full payment is expected as long as the property is standing and in livable condition. This comes into play for instances of hurricanes and natural disasters. Basically, unless there is unforeseeable damage to the house, you are obligated to complete your contract. Thus, it could pay dividends to investigate the cost of vacation insurance. This type of policy protects your losses in the event of a family emergency, weather conditions, or any other variable that prevents you from reaching your destination.

Clara