Overview

Looking for a home away from home? Ready to break the hotel habit?

Get away from the crowd and try renting property for your next vacation. No more standing in line for check-in or check-out. No more being at the mercy of a noisy neighbor in the adjoining room. After experiencing the privacy and convenience that come with renting your own property, you may never stay in a hotel again.

Something for Everyone

There are enough rental properties to accommodate any income bracket.

For only a few hundred dollars per week you can start the morning by running from your beach cottage to the surf in Aruba or the Bahamas or Maui. If European history and culture appeal to you, there's no shortage of apartments and villas throughout Tuscany and Paris. The more adventurous can head for the African plains where they can stay in their own bungalow.

Maybe you think your party is too large to consider a vacation rental. Put your fears to rest. There are dozens of villas on the market capable of sleeping more than 15 people. Typically, the grounds are also large enough to accommodate gardens and an in-ground pool.

The Rental Market

There are many places to find vacation rentals, but it may be safest to use one of the large wholesalers who represent owners in negotiation with renters. You're more likely to be dealing with a reputable deal-maker than you would be if you negotiated directly with an unknown owner. One familiar name in the rental business is ebay, which has emerged as a huge player in the rental market.

Your vacation rental property can be as simple as a studio apartment or as striking as a two-story villa with double digit bedrooms and bathrooms. If you really want a special vacation, you can always rent your own private island where the only people you'll see on the beach are those in your own party. The number of private islands for rent is growing fast but you will find most of them in the Caribbean.

Read the Fine Print

Smart renters keep their emotions in check and always read the rental agreement thoroughly to make sure that they understand everything that's included and everything that's not.