The best deals on house rentals will come to those who've waited to book ...
By Christina Ohly Evans
If you've ever considered a family vacation rental, this is the year to go for it. With fewer travelers and an abundance of inventory at greatly reduced rates (often 20 to 60 percent off), you'll find last-minute bargains on houses of all sizes that offer a wide range of amenities, and all for a lower per-person cost than you'd spend on hotel rooms and restaurant meals. So, connect with family, live like a local, and save money this summer.
"In terms of Italy, this summer there are extraordinary bargains to be had," says Mara Solomon of Homebase Abroad. "Families are still traveling," says Solomon, "but they are being more thoughtful and are waiting longer to book. They are asking sensible questions about what they'll get for their money: What extra services will be included? Will there be cooks, continental breakfasts, or housekeepers?"
Related: Family Travel Deals
And deals are abundant from coast to coast in the U.S. as well. "We're seeing discounts on almost all of our listings this summer", says Bob Barnes, CEO of Zonder, "and properties in popular vacation spots like Destin, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are listed up to 20 percent less than last year."
TJ Mahony, CEO of FlipKey.com says, "The largest discounts are in off-season areas like the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Tahoe, California, and Aspen, Colorado." But he adds, "You'll still find deals at the beach during nonholiday weeks. Always make a phone call and ask the homeowner or manager about amenities they are willing to offer. By checking guest reviews, you can learn about past deals and know what to ask for this summer."
Related: Summertime Outdoor Safety
Advance Work
Learn the lingo before you embark on your rental search. In the Caribbean, Mexico, and Italy, rental properties are generally called villas, while in the U.K., they are often listed as cottages or farmhouses. In the U.S., you'll generally find listings for private homes, apartments, or condominiums. The word villa doesn't always mean "grand," so do your homework through agencies, rental-by-owner websites, and references from past renters. A "self-catering vacation" loosely translates to "do it yourself" and allows you to explore local markets and prepare meals for your house. A more fully-staffed villa often includes a cook— who does the grocery shopping—in your package.
Best Bets Now
There are bargains to be had from the South of France to Snowmass Village, Colorado, this summer. Consider an off-peak visit to the Caribbean (Wimco.com) where the temperature is a steady 80-plus degrees (hurricane season is typically most active mid-August through October), and a villa can be had for 25 to 50 percent below peak winter-holiday rates.
Related: The Best Summer Festivals
If you're looking at Europe, there are fantastic deals on Italian villas in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Umbria through Homebase Abroad as well as in France, Greece, Spain, and Croatia through Sanctuary Retreats (Cookie readers get 10 percent off on Villa bookings received by July 31, 2009; mention Cookie magazine. Scott Dunn specializes in chalets and villas for families around the globe. To save even more this summer, consider a house swap through such sites as HomeExchange.com and Intervac.com where, for a nominal membership fee, you can get a great, centrally located property, often with a car included.
Read more about finding cheap vacation rentals...More from Cookie:
How to Find
Cheap Flights
Road Trip Games
Healthy Travel Tips
Kid-Friendly Airports
