What to Look For When Renting a Beach Home

For an extended, leisurely vacation along a beach like the shores of the
Currituck Outer Banks, nothing beats a stay in a vacation rental. A rented
beach home, condo, or cottage provides more privacy and room to breathe than
a hotel or motel. Also, a vacation rental offers the opportunity for more
amenities than other accommodations can give - like a hot tub, private beach
access, and a full kitchen.

When you plan your next vacation, however, it is best not to jump into a
rental without first doing some solid research. For a vacation to be
relaxing and memorable, it must also be carefully planned to the last
detail, otherwise you may find yourself scrambling to find a room at the
peak of the season! If you are seriously considering a vacation rental at
the beach, be it the pristine coastline of Currituck County or Virginia
Beach, take care to follow these helpful hints before you pack.

1) Research the rental company

Especially if you are traveling from out of state, you will be placing your
trust in a rental company to set you up with a nice vacation home rental,
sight unseen. Before you hand over any credit card information to reserve
accommodations, do your homework. If you know people who have rented in the
area previously, ask for recommendations. Were the agents or rental
companies they used helpful and courteous? Did they have a good knowledge of
the area? Did they offer rentals in a reasonable safe area of town?

Most large travel websites may not deal with individual vacation rentals,
leaving you to research the websites of specialized rental agencies. Study
their websites - do they look professional? Are there detailed pictures of
each available home, cottage, and condo for rent? Are there pictures of the
area and neighborhood surrounding the home? Are prices listed on the
website? Is there a directory of nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops?
Are amenities listed and shown in photos?

In shopping for a rental for your vacation, it is best to contact several
agencies before making a decision. Find out how long each company has been
in business, and how many properties are managed. Compare pricing and
location - if you want to spend most of your time at the beach, you want to
make sure the house you rent is within proximity.

2) Your responsibilities versus their responsibilities

When you go on a vacation, so many things come to mind when you pack. You
want to bring comfortable clothing, water sports equipment if you plan to
play at the beach, maybe your golf clubs if there is a course nearby. When
you rent a vacation home, however, you may have to pack more than you
realize. It is a good idea to find out beforehand.

Always ask the rental agency questions about the house you plan to rent. Will
you need to bring sheets and towels? What kitchen equipment is available to
you? If you are renting a condo or a duplex, will you have to share
amenities? Will you have access to a clubhouse, private beach, or a swimming
pool?

It is possible, too, that during your vacation there could be an occasional
mishap. You may experience plumbing problems, or a power outage. In the
event of damages or such hiccups during your vacation, make sure you know
what the rental agency is responsible for fixing, and if you are liable for
any repairs. Find out if the agency has maintenance on staff to help you
with any problems.

3) Research the area

If you are traveling to an area you have never visited, it is a good idea to
research your intended destination before you visit. Especially if you plan
to travel by car, you want to make sure you don't get lost and threaten the
enjoyment of your trip.

When you have rented your vacation home, explore the neighborhood with the
Internet. What stores and restaurants are convenient? Do you know where the
closet hospital or outpatient clinic is, in case of emergency? What
attractions are nearby? If you are traveling out of season, it is
recommended to call ahead to a few places you would like to visit to make
sure they will open when you arrive. This is especially true of beach resort
towns, where many places close up for the winter.

With enough planning, a vacation rental in a beach destination like the Outer
Banks can provide your family a fun-filled vacation. Do your homework, then
relax and enjoy.

Kathryn Lively (http://www.thewriteseo.com) writes for Currituck County's
Department of Tourism. (http://www.visitcurrituck.com).