If your plan for your next Mexican getaway includes a stay at a vacation rental there are several things you need to think about before putting down a deposit! Every traveler is different, and so one person’s haven could be another person’s worst nightmare. While researching your options you should be prepared to put in the time and effort to find yourself the perfect vacation rental. A good vacation rental should make you want to stay forever! Here are some tips on how you can navigate the (sometimes overwhelming) task of booking a vacation rental that’s just right for you;
Identify Your Must-Haves for your vacation rental
Identify all of your must-haves, the things that you simply cannot compromise on, and lay them out before you begin looking. Is proximity to a beach a huge deal, or can you live with being further inland? Is your budget absolutely rigid, or is there some wriggle room? Must you be in a part center, or can you live with a quieter locale? Nail down what you need first and foremost, and then think about what amenities you would like to be close to (stores, gyms, spas etc).
Vacation rental destination
Is there a certain country that you’ve always wanted to see? Have you wanted to stroll around a specific city for as long as you can remember? Maybe there’s a particular event you’re travelling for? Once you decide where you’re going you can start to pinpoint specific neighborhoods and areas in the cities which will be the best fit for you based on your own criteria.
Help from the Internet
We know that you cannot believe everything you see or read online it can still be an extremely helpful tool when you’re planning a getaway and finding vacation rentals; websites like Yelp, TripAdviser, and AirBnB can help you to visualize and plan what you need and even begin to book things so that your perfect vacation gets off to the best start.
DIY or Agent?
Decide whether you want to do all of this research and planning for your vacation rental yourself (which can take a lot of time) or if you want to let an agent handle all of the leg work and planning. It’s a toss-up between time and money; what you have and what you don’t. If you have the money, but are time poor consider letting someone help you.
Narrow Your Choices for vacation rentals
Once you find some interesting opportunities and properties you should compile a shortlist of the top contenders, and from there on read several reviews to give yourself and idea of what previous travelers have experienced for good or bad.
Review your vacation rental contract
Don’t flick across the paperwork and sign on the dotted line; pay close attention to the find print and make sure you have an understanding of all of the policies before you agree to renting (no matter how good it seems to be!).
Make a Deposit on your vacation rental
Once you know what you want to do and you have a place in mind be sure to put down a deposit so that you can secure your place. If possible pay any deposit with a credit card so that your funds are secure in the event of any kind of problems. Avoid cash transfers on vacation rentals, they don’t leave a paper trail, and paying in cash to make sure that you’re covering your own back.
