Getting the right vacation rental home, along with the right owner, can help make your vacation a magical one. So, where do you start selecting the right vacation home? Every home is different, every home is special in some way - but what matters to you?

Make a list of the features that are very important to you - these are your ‘must haves‘. These are the things that would greatly impact your stay if you don’t have them. For example, if you need high speed internet in the home to keep in touch with work or business, then that item probably belongs on a ‘must have’ list. If a home doesn’t have your ‘must haves’ then move on the next home.

In addition, think about the features that would be ‘nice to have‘. These are things that are not absolutely required but would be appreciated if provided. Perhaps having board games provided in the home is not that important - it would be nice but it certainly is not a deal breaker.

When comparing homes, remember that extra amenities come with a cost to provide and maintain - some are negligible cost whereas others are more significant (consider additional purchase costs of items such as a larger pool deck as well as running costs of, say, internet access). These costs are often reflected in the price of a unit so you may want to balance price and amenities. Vacation rental homes are still a bargain compared to staying in an equivalent hotel room, so splurge a little. Enjoy your vacation in your vacation home away from home.