Find the Right Rental
Planning the perfect family getaway includes a lot of little details — from where to eat, what to do, and what to see, the list can start to stack up. However, all that pales in comparison to the most important question: where to stay. To help travelers find the prime spot for their next family getaway, we spoke to Julianne Taylor, a lifestyle expert, frequent Vrbo user, and someone who happens to know the other side of the rental coin as a Vrbo host. Here are her top tips for picking the best vacation rental for your next family trip.
Make sure your vacation rental has a space where everyone can be together
The main thing for us is because we’re a family of five, we can’t all stuff into a single hotel room. So, we like the togetherness that’s created around interacting with each other in a rental home. You don’t feel separate. You feel like it’s just a home away from home. And we like having a kitchen to gather in too.
Find a rental with amenities that will make your stay next-level comfortable
We always try to pick properties that have a washer and dryer. We’re also always interested in what kind of coffee maker they have. Do they have an instant coffee maker? Do they have an espresso maker? Because that’s something we really enjoy in the mornings, sitting somewhere and having coffee together. Another perk that we love — though it’s not a requirement, something that’s always a perk for us — is if they have a game table. I’ll choose one [property] over the other if they have a foosball table or backgammon. It’s just great at night to play with the kids. That’s family time, creating memories together.
Remember who you’re traveling with and their needs
With multigen travel, one thing you want to think about is, are there properties that are one level? Older people love to rent our house in the mountains because they’re not having to climb two or three flights of stairs to get into our home. Also, I think that properties that have en-suite bathrooms are also always really good for all generations.
Editor’s note: Traveling with younger ones? Find homes that offer travel cribs for infants, toys for children, and extra sofa beds/cots for teens inviting their friends to sleep over too.
Keep your expectations of a rental property realistic (and always read the fine print)
Make sure that you check the welcome kit or the welcome letter. I think it’s really important to reduce frustration when you arrive to really understand what’s provided. Are they going to provide the coffee for you? Or do you need to bring your own? Every property’s different. And I think that some people will go into it thinking that it’s going to be a five-star resort. Sometimes, you’re coming to a cabin in the woods. It’s important to set your expectations before you arrive.