Timing is everything. Great vacation homes are “more scarce” than hotel rooms during peak season. As early as possible, decide when you plan to be away. If you need a rental at the last minute, though, Packlate.com is a “terrific” resource.
Do your homework. Before putting down a deposit, research the home—and its owner. While scoring a deal might be a top priority, don’t fail to read online reviews and ask plenty of questions, to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Be flexible. “Renting a vacation home has its challenges.” While more choices than ever are available to travelers, the process—from the search itself to the full price quote—is also “more involved and sometimes even difficult.” It can take weeks to secure just the right home, but the “reward at the end is wonderful.”
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer