How to decide which vacation rental site to use
May 19, 2015, 20:21 IST
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But with so many places to book a rental, it can be tough knowing where to look.
To make things easier, we've put together a list of some of the top vacation rental websites and broken down what you'll find in each one.
Airbnb
With over a million properties around the world, Airbnb.com is probably the largest rental site out there. It offers everything from a couch in someone's apartment to an entire castle or yacht.While some properties are exclusively vacation rentals, the majority of listings are actually people's homes, which they rent out. Travelers can select whether they want to rent an entire place, a private room, or a shared room. There are tons of options for shared rooms, which makes it great for travelers who are on a budget and don't mind roommates.Airbnb also has a social component, where guests can review hosts and vice-versa, which makes it easier to feel comfortable with the exchange. You can also link your account to Facebook to see if anyone you know has stayed in a particular listing.Airbnb doesn't pay the host until 24 hours after guests have checked in to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and there's also a 24-hour emergency line in case of trouble.AlltheRooms.com
Campinmygarden.com
This website is for the outdoor enthusiast, offering private backyards mostly in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Belgium, where you can pitch a tent.Considering the low maintenance of the accommodations, stays are extremely cheap and start as low as 2 euros a night. The site also lists any events taking place closeby.Some listings will provide tents with beds at a charge, typically anywhere from 10 to 15 euros. Each listing will specify whether it includes showers, bathrooms, BBQs, and space for caravans. Listers will also include when facilities have cafe, pubs, restaurants, and supermarkets nearby, as well as whether there is access to internet either outdoors or in the house. There is a chat service on the website if you'd like to ask posters any questions, and once you choose a listing you apply with your arrival and departure dates, group size, gender, age, and any information you'd like to provide so that the poster can make a decision on whether or not it works to allow you to rent the campsite.Couchsurfing.com
Are you looking to meet locals who can show you their favorite places in town? Then couchsurfing is the right website for you. The online community offers host accommodations where guests can stay for free - but of course they'll likely be staying on someone's couch or spare air mattress. The idea is that you get to meet and explore new cities with your hosts, making it a good option for backpackers. Plus, many people who use the website end up hosting properties down the line, allowing you to build friendships with people from all over the world.FlipKey.com
Each property on this TripAdvisor-owned site is ranked with TripAdvisor's five-star review system by real travelers who have stayed there. Travelers list the pros and cons of each property, and write about their experiences with each property.The site features over 300,000 vacation homes located in over 11,000 cities throughout the world. Because each property has such detailed reviews, travelers can feel at ease since they'll know exactly what to expect from their accommodations.HomeAway.com
KidandCoe.com
This website caters to travelers with children, offering around 500 global listings that describe how many rooms there are that are suited for kids and whether the accommodation has items like toys, cribs, or strollers.The website was created by mothers and fathers who have gone through the difficulty of traveling with children. So, every listing is hand-picked and reviewed by the staff to ensure it's a great choice for children. Amenities also typically include highchairs, nurseries, and even babysitter recommendations in the area. The one drawback is that their listings are quite limited, so you won't always find a wide selection to choose from.OneFineStay
This website provides upscale home rentals across Paris, London, New York, and Los Angeles. Each home includes complimentary Wi-Fi, an iPhone for data and local calls, a welcome by a staff member to the home when you arrive, toiletries, towels, linens, cleaning service, and a 24/7 phone support in case of any emergencies. A staff member will also provide recommendations on local activities. Each home is hand-selected and reviewed by members of the staff, and listings state what amenities you'll find in the property, whether children and pets are allowed, what you'll find in the local neighborhood, and homes that are similar to your current listing. The website also includes helpful tabs like its "Last Minute London" section where you can find homes that are available for short-notice, or their weekly picks for New York properties.PreferredResidences.com
Roomorama.com
Vacationroost.com
Vacationroost.com lists managed rentals in America's prime ski and beach destinations like Aspen, Park City in Utah, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Listings include rentals in the United States, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, but a large majority of properties are focused in the US and Mexico. The properties are managed by the company, and you can coordinate rental cars, airfare, and activities in the location directly through the site. You can also put in your arrival and departure dates to see which locations have the best deals if you're not set on a specific place. The website also offers experts based in various locations who you can contact with questions.Visiwa.com
