17 Tips For Finding the Best Large Group Vacation Rentals
Traveling is fun. It offers a way for you to unwind and explore new places, and it gets even better when you travel as a group. However, you may find it hard to find the best large group vacation rentals, as you will need a bigger space with amenities to satisfy everyone in the group. That means you have to consider some factors before settling for a particular vacation rental. Here are some of the factors.
The Price
You should have a budget in place when looking for vacation rentals for a large group; otherwise, you will fall for anything.Have a sit-down as members of the group and shortlist, so stay in and find out how much they charge. After that, you can decide how much each one of you will contribute.Note that everyone in the group has to be comfortable about the price.
Rental Reviews
If none of you has ever visited the rental property you are considering, you would want to know what others who have been there are saying about it.You would be amazed at how much you can find out online about the property owner or manager as well as the property itself. All the trivial information, including how strong the coffee served at the property is or how comfortable their beds are, is certainly going to help you make the right choice.You will find useful information on sites like Airbnb and Book your vacation rentals (VRBO) because they publish reviews for rental properties.
The Location
As you search for the best large group vacation rentals, you want to consider the location as well. Before that, you want to determine what you want out of your vacation.Are you looking for some peace, or do you want to let loose and have some fun, maybe visit spas or tattoo studio? Some locations are tranquil, while others are busy and loud.
You also want to consider if you want the rental to have private campgrounds in case you decide to engage in fun activities that require the same.
You also want to decide if you will be staying most of the time in doors or if you want to tour the area. That way, you can decide whether you need a place with easy access to public transportation if you don’t have a car.
Proximity to Amenities
If you and your group will be traveling, say in a van, you would want a property with parking space. That is because outside parking can be an issue and quite expensive.
The driveway paving should also be smooth to avoid damaging your car or cars.
Other amenities to consider are air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and chef services. The best large group vacation rentals should also be close to amenities like the bank or hospital in case of an emergency.
Safety
This has to do with the location of the property you intend to rent. You want to find out if it is located in an area that is generally considered safe.
You can get this information from reviews, referrals, or even social media groups. That said, bad things can happen even in areas that are considered safe.
To counter this, you may want to pick an area close to a police station because then, you will get prompt help in case of robberies or muggings.
Getting a rental property with secure doors also helps.
Measures to Take Before Booking a Vacation Rental
The last thing you want is to pay for a vacation rental to find out that it doesn’t satisfy your needs. Here are some measures to take to ensure that you get value for your money as far as vacation rentals.
Set Your Priorities
Traveling in a group is not easy, especially when it comes to making decisions. Be that as it may, you want to have a conversation as a member to set your priorities straight.
What matters to one person may be a non-issue to another. For instance, some people cannot compromise on property not having a pool while others can do without it.
Have a conversation about such things and find out where you can make a compromise. In the end, everyone should agree about what they can and cannot do without. If you’ve done a bit of traveling as a family, you’ll have a better idea of which little things you prefer.
Pull your Resources Together
Since you will be traveling in a group, you can cut costs. Perhaps someone in the group has a van, and you can use it as your means of transportation instead of hiring a tour van.
If anyone in the group is willing to do the cooking, you can let them do it instead of enlisting the services of a chef. You can also do the carpet cleaning instead of paying someone else to do it.
This way, you get to cut costs and use the money elsewhere, for example buying souvenirs, or paying for experiences and local attractions in the area.
Focus on Timing
If you intend to get a good vacation rental, you want to book early. Unlike hotels, there is no need to wait so that you can reserve a room in one that is always in high demand.
If you can, plan months. That is unless you plan to visit less popular destinations like Arizona and Florida, where there is less demand for rentals.
In such cases, you can wait until the last minute to book.
Try Traveling During Off-Season
Prices skyrocket during peak season because most people vacation then. If your group is keen on saving, you may want to consider going for vacation during the off-peak season.
A good time to travel would be during fall or spring because then, you will get the best large group vacation rentals for great prices.
Booking sites usually put up charts that you can use to track rates. That is quite useful.
Educate Yourself on Terminologies
You need to know what different terminologies mean when it comes to rental bookings. This is particularly true if you will be booking through a rental association.
Terms like “Oceanfront” and “Beachfront” sound like they mean the same thing and can be confusing. By familiarizing yourself with such times, you get to make an informed choice and avoid wasting money.
Check Out Different Sites
You may find yourself gravitating towards a single site when it comes to looking for the best large group vacation rentals, and while that is understandable, it is not the best course of action.
The chances are that you are missing out on excellent rental properties and deals by limiting yourself to a single site.
In that regard, you want to check out several sites to see what is available. Don’t be surprised to find great vacation rentals on websites you never thought of looking through.
Stay Away from Touristy Destinations
Staying in an Airbnb close to Malibu beach might sound like the best vacation scenario – and it is, but you will pay for it. The same goes for that exotic villa with hardwood floors in Miami.
Tourist hotspots can charge ridiculously high prices bit you want to keep in mind that some of the best large group vacation rentals can also be found in lesser-known areas.
Think about that before settling for a particular destination.
Cheap is Expensive
Saving money is one thing and settling for mediocrity is another. In your bid to cut costs, you do not want to opt for a property that is more like a closet where the entire group will be cramped up with no amenities.
Imagine renting a property with many floors and no general elevator. Remember you are there on vacation not to get inconvenienced.
The best large group vacation rentals do not have to be expensive, but they don’t have to be extremely cheap either, such that you regret your decision to go on vacation.
Beware of Fraudsters
Most rental listings are real, but there is always an unscrupulous person somewhere wanting to con people of their hard-earned money.
If you notice any red flags or lack communication, think twice about parting with your money. Most booking sites offer in-built security measures, but you can never be too careful.
Know the Cancellation Policy
Are you aware that cancellation policies for vacation rentals are stricter than those for hotels? In that regard, you want to ensure that you have understood all the terms before committing.
If you can, get travel insurance because it may be harder to get a refund of your money if you have to cancel at the last minute.
Final Tips for Finding the Perfect Vacation Rental
Do you need some tips to help you get the best large group vacation rentals? Here are some for you.
Some of the best destinations as far as vacation rentals are in rural areas. It is easy to believe that you will only have the best time in an urban area, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The kitchen is a key area in your vacation rental. That is where you get to prepare your meals and enjoy your favorite drinks. As such, it should have all the appliances you need and is sanitary to avoid food poisoning. There should be no casualties in your group because of that.
Know the property manager. You want to know whom you are dealing with. Check out reviews to find out if they are doing things the right way and if you will have a hard time interacting with them.
Guest reviews and responses from the property owners are crucial. You will get useful insights about the place you want to book and decide whether it is among the best large group vacation rentals.
Cook if you can and drive yourselves around if possible. You can also do your laundry. That way, you get to cut costs.
If you have to travel as a group, do it with friends because then you will have a good time, and you will find it easier to come to a consensus as far as decision-making.
Look out for hidden fees when it comes to paying for the rental. You should know about any additional fees upfront to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
You can get discounts and deals from influencers who market rental properties and other things.
A good vacation rental is not the most expensive nor the most popular. With a bit of research, you will realize that some hidden gems are not as popularized.
Reading the fine print is mandatory. If someone in your group can do it, then the better. If not, you can enlist the services of someone who does.
You want to ensure that you understand everything about the pricing of your rental property, from the taxes to the fees. There is nothing worse than budgeting and finding the perfect spot for the budget only to find out additional fees you didn’t know about.
Get a copy of the regulations for staying at the rental. Some property owners do not allow pets or kids. Others do not allow loud music or rowdy behavior on their premises.
You do not want to hold a party or bring your pooch along during the vacation only to find out they can’t stay.
The best large group vacation rentals can be hard to find because most of the good ones are not designed to accommodate many people.
That does not mean that you cannot have a good time and relax with your friends in a destination away from your home. With all the tips in this article, you are certainly going to have an easier time finding and picking the perfect rental property