Travellers looking to save money on vacation should consider vacation rentals as a way not only to stay on budget.  Vacation rentals offer better value for your money and a lot more comfort and privacy than a typical hotel.   

The reason many travellers don't consider vacation rentals is because it can be overwhelming trying to find the right property when considering things like proximity to tourism attractions, pricing, using a trustworthy company or owner. 

We asked the Vacation Rental Managers' Association (VRMA) to debunk the public's top misconceptions that travellers and tourists have about vacation rentals.   Here's what you need to know about vacation rentals!

8 Misconceptions and myths of vacation rentals

1. Vacation rentals are for the wealthy - I could never afford it

In fact, vacation rentals often provide huge cost-savings compared to the typical hotel stay - in fact, many rental properties cost less than a single hotel room. By allowing guests to make just one reservation, groups can save on costs associated with booking multiple hotel rooms. Rates for some three-bedroom vacation homes start at just $99 per night, but can sleep up to 8 travellers rather than just one or two.  Having a fully equipped kitchen also helps travellers save money and stay healthy. Rather than spending money on a full restaurant breakfast every morning, vacation rental guests can make breakfast at home with groceries from a local store.

2. Vacation rentals aren't secure or reliable forms of lodging - the quality of services and facilities are always a gamble

On the contrary - when choosing a vacation rental from an established property management company, travellers can be assured that there's a reputable business that maintains the property and its guests each day. This includes inspections, housekeeping, landscaping, laundry, reservations and much more. Furthermore, when staying in a vacation rental managed by professionals, guests often experience better guest and concierge services they'd expect in a hotel stay.

Guests are encouraged to look for the AAA Ratings for vacation rentals when seeking accommodations, as well as a designation of membership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), which requires members to uphold a code of ethics and business practices to ensure guests are provided a quality lodging experience.

3. If I need assistance during my trip, I'll have to handle it myself

When choosing a vacation rental through a professional management company, guests are given an emergency contact to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for any questions, maintenance issues and more. Nearly all companies who are members of the VRMA offer both customer care and maintenance professionals solely to assist with guests' needs at any time.

4. Someone will approach me and ask if I want to buy something, watch a two-hour presentation, or worse, pressure me if I rent from a management company

Vacation rentals are not like timeshares, as they don't involve any type of ownership, maintenance fees, or commitments of any sort. Travellers can simply rent a vacation home for their getaway rather than staying in a hotel, with no pressure and no presentations.

However, if a renter is interested in receiving information about owning a second home, whether for investment or leisure, many professional management companies can assist in this regard.

5. I'm going to have to make my bed, cook and do my own dishes through my whole trip

While each vacation rental is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for guests' arrivals, management companies often offer mid-stay or daily housekeeping services, upon request, for an additional fee. However, because of the convenient, comfortable and money-saving qualities provided by the vacation rental category, most guests don't consider this privacy and freedom to be a negative element.

In fact, many travellers choose vacation rentals, in part, for the ability to dine in-home rather than out on certain days during their trip. It can be as simple as an oven-baked lasagna, breakfast cereal, sandwiches or snacks on some days, which require little to no, or even disposable, dishes and flatware.

6. Only large families and groups find the best value in vacation rentals

While there are some vacation home rentals that accommodate a large group of travellers under one roof, there are many options offering value for single travellers, couples and small groups of just two or three guests. Available options range from studio-size condo rentals in metro areas to one- or two-bedroom town homes and bungalows fit for any accommodations lifestyle or occasion.

7. I'll have to stay for a minimum of seven nights

As the habits and preferences of travellers have changed, vacation rentals have also to meet the needs of today's traveller. Guests seeking a two- or three-night getaway can often find established rental companies with little-to-no minimum stay requirements - especially during off-season time periods, when booking last-minute specials or even in specific rental properties.

8. I can't get the same luxuries in a vacation rental as I can in a hotel

Professional vacation rental management companies provide guests with the opportunity to experience all the benefits of a traditional hotel stay with additional amenities and an inherent value that can't be matched by even the highest quality resort.  This often includes: a concierge, options for in-home massages, spa treatments, butlers, a personal chef to cook meals, pre-arrival grocery delivery services, child care and more.

Most vacation rental management companies also boast partnerships with local vendors to offer guests discounts on area activities, shopping, restaurants, golf courses, as well as special rates on car and equipment rentals, to name a few.

Find out more about vacation rentals: www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com .

Looking to book a trip? Check out the TripAtlas.com Trip Builder where you can request a quote from over 104,000 travel agents who are ready to offer you the best prices on your trip.

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