So you’ve decided you’ll go for a cabin rental for your next family trip. But how to begin? With the huge number of cabin rentals everywhere, you’ve got practically a sea of choices to pore through. Sometimes, it gets overwhelming.
To make your search for the right cabin rental easier, here are tips to start with:
Begin early.
Many people begin planning their summers right after New Year’s. As well, in many of the popular destinations, you’re going to find loyalists, or people who’ll be renting the same property each year for the same time period. To get the biggest selection, start even early than after New Year’s, and don’t forget to ask for early bird discounts. Sometimes, this discount can be as high as 10%, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Determine your wants and needs.
Need to bring you kitty? Ask if they allow pets. Thinking of cookouts? The grill should be in perfect shape. Yes, you need a written contract, and this document should have all of these details and more, including a contact person’s name and number (in case you have issues during your stay).
If it pays to wait, wait.
This may seem antithetical to our first tip, but if you’re going to a very popular destination, expect supply to outweight demand. That’s why the closer you get to the high season, the more owners and agents will be scrambling to fill their houses.
So if your dates and amenities are flexible, you can pocket some savings by doing doing a last-minute cabin rental search. Just don’t get attached to a certain property, and keep in mind that this is a game of risk against reward.
Examine the fine print.
Before you commit to a cabin rental, make sure you know the deal inside and out. Check the terms and conditions and all the nitty-gritties. Will furnishings be included? Transportation? Cleaning services? Insurance? What’s your part of the deal? All of these and whatever other details come to mind, ask the property owner or agent. When you’re vacationing and having a good time, the last thing you want is an unpleasant surprise.
A lot cabin rental sites feature reviews and feedback from past guests. Spend time to read a few. Keep in mind that a cabin rental is different from a hotel room booking – you will actually enter a contract with the owner. You can’t just call of your plans and walk away with your full refund. Sometimes, you’ll have to wait weeks or even up to a month. So don’t think you’re being overacting, especially when you know you have some questions to clear up. That’s just how it goes.
