How to Plan What to Rent for Your Vacation

Finding the best accommodation to rent is one of the most important parts of planning any vacation. Other than airfare, it’s usually the biggest expense, and whether you’re on a budget-friendly backpacker trip or looking to go all out to celebrate an occasion, you’ll want to get the best value for your money. According to ValuePenguin, lodging costs average 26 percent of total travel expenditures for a domestic trip and 21 percent for one that’s international. 

Looking at all the different accommodation options in your vacation destination should be done early in the planning process to ensure availability and the best rate possible. To decide which type to consider, ask yourself the following questions.

How long do you plan to be at your destination?

If you’re only spending a night or two in a given destination, it probably makes more sense to stay in a hotel or a hostel. You wouldn’t want to stock up on groceries for a vacation rental on a short stay, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the facilities like convenient on-site restaurants. For stays of more than a couple of days, a vacation home rental is often the way to go. You can bring groceries with a kitchen for making your own meals, which can help save on dining out, and you might have a washer and dryer too which means you can pack lighter. 

Are you celebrating an occasion?

If you’re going on vacation to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or any other occasion, you might want to consider renting a Vrbo house with indoor pool that makes for an extra-special stay. For a big celebration that involves group travel, you may be able to find one place for everyone. Even if the nightly rate is high, it’s usually much cheaper than everyone staying in their own separate hotel rooms if it can be divided up between parties. Plus, some options not only include pools, but a host of other amenities that can make for a destination in itself. You might find lakefront properties with sports gear like kayaks, canoes, and float tubes, or a mansion-like estate with an indoor saltwater pool, arcade games, pool table, and multiple flat-screen TVs. The sky is really the limit, with some incredible vacation rental options right in the U.S. and in destinations around the world. 

Like to mingle or looking for tranquility?

If you want to socialize with others, a hostel, hotel, or resort is probably the accommodation option for you as many come with bars and nightclubs, and some even host events designed for mingling. On the other hand, if it’s a tranquil stay for relaxing and recharging that you’re looking for and you don’t relish being around many others, a vacation home rental is probably ideal. 

Traveling to a foreign country and don’t speak the language?

If you speak the local language in your vacation destination, any accommodation option will probably work, but if you’re traveling to a foreign country and don’t know more than a few basic phrases, a hotel with a multilingual staff can be a great option. You’ll have someone to go to for advice that speaks your language, making it easier to get around, and there may even be organized activities where all the logistics are handled for you.

How many people are you traveling with?

If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, you have a wider range of accommodation options. Solo travelers on a tight budget might consider a shared dorm at a hostel, while couples might choose a cozy apartment rental or a tiny house on a secluded property that offers plenty of privacy. Large groups are almost always better off with a vacation home rental to help save on costs while ensuring there is plenty of space for all.