UNITED STATESAlthough there are numerous hotels, resorts and motels in France, tourists will only get a true local experience if they book rental homes for their stay. Rental homes are equipped with more amenities, and will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the local community. They also tend to be much less expensive for long vacations, but are able to make luxury France vacations more comfortable and homely. Those who are interested in booking rental homes should consider the following tips when choosing the perfect place to call home during their vacation.

The Proximity of the Rental Home to Attractions

When on vacation, travelers don’t have a lot of time to spare. They definitely don’t want to waste the majority of their vacation time in transit or getting lost in the city. With that said, when choosing a rental home, one of the first things to consider is its proximity to attractions. It’s generally a good idea to book a home that is located in the heart of where all the action is. This way, it’s easy to get from one place to another.

Those who prefer some serenity and peace and quiet may want to look for rental homes that are at the edge of busy cities or are located in quieter neighborhoods. To determine whether a rental home is located on a busy street or a quiet one, travelers will need to do some research ahead of time. Check online to see how much traffic the specific street sees on a daily basis. It’s also a good idea to check for reviews from other travelers and even from locals.

The Crime Rate of the Neighborhood

No one wants to stay in a shady or questionable neighborhood during his or her vacation. Before booking any of the rental homes, check online to see what the crime rate is. Many websites will offer some insight as to whether there have been a lot of break-ins in that area or whether there have been other reported crimes. Check online reviews as well as photographs that have been posted. It’s best to stay away from shady areas regardless of how cheap the rent may be.

Another important issue to consider is whether the rental home offers any safety features. Ask the landlord whether they have alarm systems installed or even gates surrounding the property.

The Amount of Extra Amenities Available

One of the worst things about staying at a hotel is that the hotel rooms often don’t come with kitchens. Rental homes offer a wide range of utilities from kitchens to laundry machines to Jacuzzis and pools. Travelers looking to get the most bang from their buck will want to check out the type of amenities that each rental property has to offer. It’s also important to consider the accessibility of these amenities.

Those who plan on vacationing in Hawaii for extended periods of time should definitely look for rental homes with kitchens and laundry machines. Not everyone will want to eat out on a regular basis, and refrigerators are a great place for storing snacks and foods for the entire day. Laundry machines are also a much-needed necessity. Pools, Jacuzzis and even pool tables or movie rooms are just icing on the cake.

It’s also important to check whether the rental home has internet. In today’s day and age, the internet has become a necessity.

Whether Pets Are Allowed

Many people like travelling with their pets. After all, there’s nothing better than having a furry friend around while exploring each nook and cranny of the islands. With that said, not all rental homes allow pets. Before booking any place, it’s best to check and make sure. There’s nothing worse than going there to find out and finding out that pets are not allowed.

Most rental homes that allow pets will ask for a pet deposit. This is to ensure that any damage caused by the pets will be covered. Some landlords may even charge extra fees to deep clean the home at the end of the tenancy. This is because pets, like dogs and cats, are bound to shed their fur everywhere. This might be a problem if the next tenants are allergic.

Check and Double Check for Annoyances

Last but not least, it’s important to check and double check for annoyances that might ruin the trip. For example, it’s important to check whether the houses might be located near dog parks or even bars that might become a nightly annoyance. While having a bar around might seem like a good idea at first, the noise from the bar can quickly become infuriating after a long time.

Each traveler will have his or her own preferences. Before choosing a rental home, sit down and make a list of the type of annoyances that might affect the trip.

Conclusion

Renting a home in France when vacationing there is a great idea. In the long run, renting a home will be less expensive, and will also give travelers a better perspective of how the locals live. It also is a much more luxurious experience, as most homes are able to offer many additional luxuries that are not found in hotels. The problem is finding an ideal rental home while being miles away.

Fortunately, there are plenty of websites nowadays, like AirBnB that allow travelers to view listings and book homes for their vacations over the internet. It’s generally better to look for listings on these reputable websites. They offer reviews from other travelers, and more in-depth information on the home. This helps travelers make better and more informed decisions that they are more likely to be happy with during their stay.