The vacation rental is not for everyone. I’m going to try to tell you as clearly as I can what the positives and negatives are. Keep in mind; these are my perspectives, probably shared by many, but not a definitive treatise on the subject!

Pros

I believe the vacation rental is the best choice for family travel. It gives you the option of eating in or dining out, an important factor for saving money, but also important for the kids who may be missing those home-cooked meals. The vacation rental affords physical space, kitchen facilities, privacy and an overall feeling of home. Frequently, there are laundry facilities, a big plus when the kids are tagging along. Just like most hotel rooms, you will have cable/satellite TV, Internet access and possibly other amenities.

The vacation rental gives you the experience of living like the locals, whether you’re in the good old USA or in Paris. This is something you simply can’t experience in a hotel. Speaking of hotels, the vacation rental gives you unprecedented opportunities to avoid tipping and paying VAT taxes, luxury taxes and so forth. I have found that it is much easier to stick to your vacation budget with this type of lodging.

We’ve talked about kids, but many people also travel with friends. Again, the vacation rental is an ideal choice. When it comes to sharing expenses, the vacation rental can really bring down per person costs for lodging. The opportunities to bond with your friends will be enhanced as you share the cooking, cleaning, laundry and meals. If both couples have brought children along, you can give one another nights out on the town by alternating baby-sitting duties. Flexibility is omnipresent with the vacation rental and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Cons

I recognize the vacation rental isn’t for everyone. I know some folks really want to be pampered while on vacation and truly enjoy taking every meal either at restaurants or via room service. Hotel lodgings are the only way to go for such individuals and there is nothing wrong with that! You won’t get that kind of pampered luxury in a vocational rental. It is something of a “working” vacation in the rental.

Some destinations simply are not served by vacation rental property and you have no choice. I guess that’s a “con”. They aren’t always available.

Uncertainty is another “con”. Unlike staying with a major hotel chain, with which you are familiar, you are relying on photos, conversations, research, reviews and other third party information when making your decision. Many people are uncomfortable with that and you may be one of them.

In closing, let me be clear on this point. Before you decide on a vacation rental or a hotel, know what you want from your vacation experience. Talk about it with your wife, your children or your friends. I assure you that once your expectations are defined and your concerns are addressed, the choice will be an easy one.

Author Bio: David K. Bradley is a writer for Indovillas Bali which specializes in Bali Vacation and bali luxury private villas as well as tour and activity arrangements. They offer an assortment of holiday packages and property deals on the island of Bali.

Category: Travel
Keywords: vacation rentals, vacation rental, vacation homes, pros and cons of vacation rentals