Travelers are discovering why renting vacation homes, condos, villas and cabins on trips is a favorite choice for many versus hotels. Beyond the experiences families and friends build by staying in a home away from home, there are numerous benefits to choosing vacation rentals - sometimes in ways they’d least expect.

Many travelers will be trying vacation rentals for the first time, while nearly nine in 10 who were satisfied with their first experiences plan to rent again(1). Here are some vacation rental planning tips and insights:

• AVOID AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: Most vacation rentals come equipped with washers and dryers, and vacation rental managers often provide free laundry detergent and bath amenities. Travelers may choose to use these perks to pack less, avoiding airlines’ baggage fees and restrictions.
• CHECK FOR SEALS OF APPROVAL: Look for third-party endorsements on vacation rental websites, including approval from associations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or AAA, as well as membership in professional groups like the VRMA and others both nationally and locally.
• LOOK INTO DEPOSITS: Inquire about whether or not a security deposit is required to make a reservation, when it’s returned, and when it’s due. Established companies will have standardized, secure phone and/or Internet reservations systems.
• USE SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE: Vacation homes and condos can be from 400 to more than 10,000 sq. ft., often costing less than a single hotel room. Rates for some three-bedroom vacation rentals may start at just $69 per night, but sleep up to eight guests versus a few.
• SAVE ON DINING OUT: With full kitchens, and sometimes, outdoor grills, travelers can make and store meals and snacks for less, including football favorites like homemade nachos during postseason travels. Use local ingredients and recipes for more memorable mealtimes. This also provides healthy travel options, cutting the amount of calories typically consumed on vacation.
• ASK ABOUT AFTER-HOURS SERVICE: Check to see if there is an accessible customer service number for emergency needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and for after-hour requests.
• READ REVIEWS: Request and evaluate past guest reviews, comments and references.
• ENTERTAIN FOR FREE: Most vacation homes, villa rentals and condos include amenities not found in hotels, some with private swimming pools, whirlpool spas, game rooms, fireplaces, DVD players, Internet access and free movie and video game rentals when booking some professionally managed vacation rentals. Many are in communities with access to fitness centers, hiking trails, parks, beaches and more.
• ASK ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS: Beyond the ability to live like a local, travelers can take advantage of vacation rental business’ relationships with activity providers, shops, restaurants, tour companies and more. Usually, these companies offer upgrades, coupons or other specials, including free tickets, in some cases. Some provide concierge-type services, including grocery delivery, personal chefs, in-home massages and spa treatments, to name a few.
• LOOK FOR SPECIALS: If you’re a member of AAA, AARP, if you’ve served in the military, are a repeat guest, are looking for last-minute travel deals or more, there are offers to be found across North America. Look for vacation rental specials and deals as well as value-added travel packages throughout the year, and traveling during low season can offer more value. Layaway Vacation Plans are also an option, providing installment-based payment plans to secure future trips.
• REMEMBER BIG EVENTS: Whether it’s for football championships or national Bowl games, baseball series’, basketball or other events, vacation rentals can save fans from the hassle of finding multiple hotel rooms, and on the cost of several reservations. Many rentals also come equipped with big screen TVs and/or in-home movie theaters.
• TRANSPORTATION: Other relationships to remember are those made between vacation rental companies and transportation providers, whether it’s rental cars, shuttle services, golf carts, bicycles or more. In many cases, guests are provided discounts, and sometimes, free transportation.

(1) PhoCusWright’s Vacation Rental Marketplace: Poised for Change