Have you ever considered renting a vacation home, but thought it was only something for those people who are rich?

Renting a vacation home is a relaxing option for an overnight or week-long stay, especially for larger families. Families of five have a hard time fitting into a hotel room. Families either have to book two rooms or get a cot and squeeze into the room spending their vacation tripping over one another and sharing a tiny bathroom. Not to mention they have to go out for every dinner and spend big bucks on all their meals!

Vacation homes allow room to spread out, have a kitchen to prepare less expensive meals (including a refridgerator so you can buy groceries to save money!), most have plenty of rooms and beds for everyone to have their own space, sometimes a yard to let the kids run free, and often the price is comparable or less than a hotel room or rooms for the same number of people.

Renting a vacation home is really very simple. Vacation home listings can be found online, in phone books, even sometimes through local Realtor's offices near your destination. The best way to find a vacation home rental is by word of mouth. If a friend mentions a great vacation home stay, ask them about the area, what to do locally and about the home itself. Check out this solution: Many attractions like national parks and amusement parks have local lodgings pages on their web sites. Search these lodgings listings to find more information about rental agencies and private home owners .

There are lots of questions about renting a vacation home that you will want to ask such as:

• When is check-in/check-out?
• Are bedding/pillows/towels provided?
• Is housekeeping between renters provided? Will you be responsible for cleaning and leaving the house as found?
• Are cleaning supplies available for quick clean-ups and cleanign before check out?
• Is parking available?
• How many parking spaces are available?
• How many total guests can the rental unit accommodate and sleep?
• What are the bedding arrangements?
• Is there an actual short-term lease or is the arrangement less formal?
• How do you pay? Credit / cash / local checks / out-of-state checks accepted or is payment cash-only?
• Directions to the rental as well as to nearby points of interest and stores for basic necessities like gas, emergency services, and groceries?
• Are washer/dryer, dishwasher, full-size fridge, microwave, range, outdoor grill all provided?

If a renter can not or will not answer your questions, move on to the next listing.

Since many rental homes require you to provide bedding and towels, which can take up a monstrous amount of space in your luggage, you will need to get creative with your packing (You'll only need to pack half as much if there are a washer and dryer). The space-saving bags that roll out the excess air without a vacuum are great for saving space when packing blankets and pillows.

Some vacation homes offer housekeeping between renters. If you can find a rental with that option available, you'll probably spend a bit more, but all the extra stuff won't be necessary. Make the most of your stay by treating yourselves to a few meals out and enjoy some down time at the end of each day talking about all your activities and fun times.