| For an extended, leisurely vacation along a beach like | | | | your time at the beach, you want to make sure the |
| the shores of the Currituck Outer Banks, nothing beats | | | | house you rent is within proximity. |
| a stay in a vacation rental. A rented beach home, | | | | 2) Your responsibilities versus their responsibilities |
| condo, or cottage provides more privacy and room to | | | | When you go on a vacation, so many things come to |
| breathe than a hotel or motel. Also, a vacation rental | | | | mind when you pack. You want to bring comfortable |
| offers the opportunity for more amenities than other | | | | clothing, water sports equipment if you plan to play at |
| accommodations can give - like a hot tub, private | | | | the beach, maybe your golf clubs if there is a course |
| beach access, and a full kitchen. | | | | nearby. When you rent a vacation home, however, |
| When you plan your next vacation, however, it is best | | | | you may have to pack more than you realize. It is a |
| not to jump into a rental without first doing some solid | | | | good idea to find out beforehand. |
| research. For a vacation to be relaxing and | | | | Always ask the rental agency questions about the |
| memorable, it must also be carefully planned to the last | | | | house you plan to rent. Will you need to bring sheets |
| detail, otherwise you may find yourself scrambling to | | | | and towels? What kitchen equipment is available to |
| find a room at the peak of the season! If you are | | | | you? If you are renting a condo or a duplex, will you |
| seriously considering a vacation rental at the beach, be | | | | have to share amenities? Will you have access to a |
| it the pristine coastline of Currituck County or Virginia | | | | clubhouse, private beach, or a swimming pool? |
| Beach, take care to follow these helpful hints before | | | | It is possible, too, that during your vacation there could |
| you pack. | | | | be an occasional mishap. You may experience |
| 1) Research the rental company | | | | plumbing problems, or a power outage. In the event of |
| Especially if you are traveling from out of state, you | | | | damages or such hiccups during your vacation, make |
| will be placing your trust in a rental company to set you | | | | sure you know what the rental agency is responsible |
| up with a nice vacation home rental, sight unseen. | | | | for fixing, and if you are liable for any repairs. Find out if |
| Before you hand over any credit card information to | | | | the agency has maintenance on staff to help you with |
| reserve accommodations, do your homework. If you | | | | any problems. |
| know people who have rented in the area previously, | | | | 3) Research the area |
| ask for recommendations. Were the agents or rental | | | | If you are traveling to an area you have never visited, |
| companies they used helpful and courteous? Did they | | | | it is a good idea to research your intended destination |
| have a good knowledge of the area? Did they offer | | | | before you visit. Especially if you plan to travel by car, |
| rentals in a reasonable safe area of town? | | | | you want to make sure you don't get lost and threaten |
| Most large travel websites may not deal with individual | | | | the enjoyment of your trip. |
| vacation rentals, leaving you to research the websites | | | | When you have rented your vacation home, explore |
| of specialized rental agencies. Study their websites - | | | | the neighborhood with the Internet. What stores and |
| do they look professional? Are there detailed pictures | | | | restaurants are convenient? Do you know where the |
| of each available home, cottage, and condo for rent? | | | | closet hospital or outpatient clinic is, in case of |
| Are there pictures of the area and neighborhood | | | | emergency? What attractions are nearby? If you are |
| surrounding the home? Are prices listed on the | | | | traveling out of season, it is recommended to call |
| website? Is there a directory of nearby attractions, | | | | ahead to a few places you would like to visit to make |
| restaurants, and shops? Are amenities listed and | | | | sure they will open when you arrive. This is especially |
| shown in photos? | | | | true of beach resort towns, where many places close |
| In shopping for a rental for your vacation, it is best to | | | | up for the winter. |
| contact several agencies before making a decision. | | | | With enough planning, a vacation rental in a beach |
| Find out how long each company has been in business, | | | | destination like the Outer Banks can provide your |
| and how many properties are managed. Compare | | | | family a fun-filled vacation. Do your homework, then |
| pricing and location - if you want to spend most of | | | | relax and enjoy. |