Five Questions to Ask When Booking a Vacation Rental

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — From Pittsburg to Green Bay and
beyond, the word is out: Vacation rentals offer a travel lifestyle unlike any
other, providing unmatched space, amenities, services and privacy. In fact, the
customizable vacation possibilities are endless, according to experts from the
official resource for vacation rental travel information, Discover Vacation
Homes.

For example, while many guests today find “home away from home” familiarities
like bath toiletries, fresh linens, personal concierges or even options for
childcare, additional perks might include free bicycles, private pools, in-home
movie theatres with DVD rentals, or access to a fitness center with an indoor
water park.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with themillions of vacation rental choices
online, many listed from companies or individual owners that offer various
strengths and weaknesses. Following are five questions to consider when planning
a vacation rental trip:

— Is there a rental agreement? Review the terms & conditions carefully. If
in doubt, check with the state and/or local municipality to confirm
whether the manager or owner has a business license and is paying
lodging taxes.
— If I have questions during my stay, do I have someone I can call for
assistance? Established companies will offer an emergency guest services
contact that guests can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for
questions, maintenance issues, and more.
— How do I know if I’m getting reliable services and facilities? Look for
third-party endorsements on vacation rental websites, including
membership in industry associations like the Vacation Rental Managers
Association, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local tourism or property
management groups. You can also request and evaluate past guest reviews,
comments and references.
— How do I make a reservation?You should be offered standardized, secure
phone and/or Internet reservations systems, with the ability to accept
major credit cards. Security deposits can also be expected.
— Should I go with a pro?Choose a professionally managed vacation rental
to ensure you’ll get consistent hospitality services and quality
assurance standards, as well as professionally cleaned and managed
homes, ongoing & objective inspections and concierge type services that
provide destination expert advice. The Discover Vacation Homes website,
www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com, offers a list of North America’s most
reputable companies, who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Practices in
the management and renting of vacation properties.

For an official resource with answers to more questions, click “Travelers” on
http://www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com. Also connect with others in the Facebook
vacation rental community at http://www.facebook.com/DiscoverVacationHomes, or
join the conversation on Twitter @GoVacationHomes.

About Discover Vacation Homes

Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice and expert resource on
behalf of the professionally managed vacation rental industry. As the awareness
initiative of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, it represents
approximately 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the
most well established vacation rental management companies in North America and
the Caribbean.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.

Alex Risser

http://www.profnetconnect.com/alex_risser

SOURCE Discover Vacation Homes