As more people discover vacation rentals and their many cost-saving benefits, they find great savings and values by renting properties that are managed by reputable vacation rental companies – sometimes in ways they’d least expect. For example, choosing professionally managed vacation homes, condos and villas makes it easy to save on:

1. SPACE: Vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes, but travelers will never compromise on space. They often provide from 1,050 to more than 4,000 sq. ft. of vacation space, providing multiple bedrooms and bathrooms underneath one roof that often cost less than even a single hotel room. For example, rates for some three-bedroom vacation homes start at just $99 per night, but sleep up to eight guests versus just one or two.
2. DINING: Equipped with full kitchens and dining areas, with some providing outdoor grills and patios, vacation rentals provide the option to prepare and store meals and snacks at a fraction of normal dining costs. Ultimately, this saves travelers from paying for a full restaurant meal three times a day, additionally saving on the average traveler’s daily caloric intake.
3. ENTERTAINMENT: When staying in a vacation rental, not every day requires an outlay of cash to fill an itinerary with entertaining activities. Most vacation rentals include enjoyable amenities not found in the highest quality resort, most of which included in the price of a nightly rental reservation. For example, some vacation rentals include a private, screened-in pool and spa, arcade and/or billiard room, in-home movie theater, fireplace, computers, multiple televisions with DVD players and game stations, as well as free movies and video games. Some are also in communities that provide free access to fitness centers, hiking trails, parks, beaches and more.
4. ACTIVITIES: Because most professional vacation rental companies have relationships with operators of their local activity providers, attractions, shops and restaurants, they can exclusively offer discounts, coupons, ticket upgrades and, in some cases, free admission.
5. RENTAL RATES: If travelers are members of AAA, AARP and other organizations, have served in the military, are repeat guests, are booking at the last minute, traveling with a large group or more, there are guest appreciation offers to be found across North America. You can also find themed specials and packages throughout the travel year, and traveling during low season can save guests a substantial amount. Guests should also inquire about Layaway Vacation Plans, which allow travelers to select an installment-based payment plan now to secure their future vacation.
6. STAYING CONNECTED: While most hotels charge guests for daily high speed Internet access and local telephone calls, many vacation rental companies offering such services do so at no charge.
7. AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: Managed vacation rentals often come equipped with in-home washers and dryers, including free laundry detergent and bath / body amenities, allowing guest to pack less clothing and toiletries, avoiding airlines’ pricey checked baggage fees.
8. INSURANCE: When choosing a vacation rental from an established property management company, travelers can be assured that there’s a reputable business maintaining and servicing the property and its guests each day. Beyond this assurance, peace of mind is easily attainable with affordable travel insurance options, which are provided by many vacation rental managers through companies familiar with the category like CSA Travel Protection and Travel Guard. Trip insurance is often only about five to seven percent of the trip’s cost. For example, a $5,000 trip would cost roughly $250 to $350 to insure, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
9. EXTENDED STAYS: Guests embarking on shorter trips often enjoy little to no minimum stay requirements, but travelers will often find added value when extending their stay, whether just one or a few extra nights. Many companies are currently offering “free night” specials and added benefits to help guests save on an extended vacation, sometimes providing more incentives for stays from three to seven nights.
10. TRANSPORTATION: Other relationships that travelers can reap the benefits of are those made between vacation rental companies and transportation providers, whether it’s car rentals, shuttle services, golf carts, bicycles or more. In most cases, guests of specific vacation rental companies are provided discounts on such services, and sometimes, free transport vehicles are provided as added bonus during specific stays.

Travelers are encouraged to look for third-party endorsements on the websites of rental management companies, including approval from AAA, as well as membership in industry associations like the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local property management groups.