Vacation Rental Information |
|
10 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Costa Rica Vacation Rental
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not. Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are 'doing without'. Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as 'just somewhere to stay' since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don't make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you'll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation. Remember, your vacation home is where you'll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting. If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD ? assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you'll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn't your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? "A home away from home" Here are 10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental: 1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can "see" actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It's one thing to read a great description ? and some of them are quite 'complimentary' (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting. With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you'll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information. 2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available. With these lists as a guide, you'll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won't meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you. On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day. 3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you. You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day's drive and after your flight even an hour's drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location. You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions. Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don't mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions. If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more. 4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa. With several dates, you'll save time when making arrangements. If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone's schedule and call back ? and risking losing those dates in the interim. 5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property. Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation. It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don't get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don't expect anything different when you have a problem. 6. Ask what amenities are included. You may learn of something that's not on your list but is perfect for your plans. Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher. Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit. Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation ? or will you have to bring your own? Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you? 7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here's where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental. 8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7? Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren't in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa. This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There's nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody's bored teenager who's manning the phones for the summer. 9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals? If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done. If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for "fun" and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation. 10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there? If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you've found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental! Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Timeshares Vs. Condo Hotels For Vacation Home Ownership Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new concept in vacation home ownership. They allow individuals to own condos in luxury hotels and have access to all the amenities of that hotel. When not using their condo unit themselves, owners have the option of placing it in the hotel's rental program and receiving a percentage of the revenue it generates. Learn From My Personal Experience About Bahamas Vacation Rentals Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming very popular but many people ask the wrong questions when they enquire about a house rental, read this article where I answer many essential questions most people forget to ask when they book a Bahamas house rental or travel to the Bahamas. Rent a Town Home in Orlando, Florida for LESS than Hotel When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why mess with crowded hotels, dirty rooms, and tons of tourists? You are coming to see the theme parks of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, not to compete with the many other people who will be visiting the Central Florida area as well. That' why you need to look into booking a reservation for home town suites! Not only are they comfortable and easy to live in, they are low cost and a luxury to come back to! Hampshire - Mild, Convenient, and Full of Variety The southern English county of Hampshire is only two hours from London by car or by frequent rail services. The county has much to offer regardless whether you seek fast moving cities, rural open countryside, or beaches and boat trips. Travel Cambodia ? Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville and Roads From Hell Cambodia is a land on the mend. From 1977 through 1980, the Khmer Rouge ruled the country, fanatics bent on genocide. Millions were killed and the period was put to film in the movie, "The Killing Fields." Fortunately, those days are over and the country is becoming a tourist destination. Home Away From Home on Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Island's mild climate, slow pace, and beautifully forested landscapes are unique to the Atlantic coast. Deep-sea fishing charters, turtle watching, or riding a bike along the beach at sunset are some of the many wonderful outdoor activities available on the island. Sports enthusiasts can also play golf or tennis, hike or in-line skate at the many facilities or trails on this twelve-mile long paradise. This island is a wonderful location for an extended vacation or a work-related retreat, and Hilton Head rental homes are wonderful options for such occasions. Thailand Golf Packages and Thailand Hotels Reservation Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many world class designed golf courses. There are many reasons for golf lovers to golf in Thailand... such as the many challenging and exciting golf course, the reasonable playing fee, the excellent club-house, beautiful course lay-out and the cheerful atmosphere with the charming caddies. Thailand is the best golfing holiday destination in Asia and the Far East. The Charm of Pigeon Forge Chalets A chalet is a traditional Swiss style house with a sloped roof and wide eaves. Chalets originated in Switzerland and regions near the Alps. Chalet style dwellings spread to the United Kingdom and other European countries in the early to mid twentieth century and chalets are now common in American ski resorts and other vacation destinations. How to Find Town Houses that Will Make Your Vacation to Orlando WONDERFUL How to find a Town Houses that will make your vacation to Orlando one you will never forget! Costa Rica has been Called the Hawaii of Central America Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Costa Rica has been called the Hawaii of Central America. A Costa Rica vacation is full of beauty, lush foliage, many wildlife surprises, incredible lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Hilton Head Vacation Rentals Hospitable to all of our visitors, rental agencies on Hilton Head Island will take care of all your vacation needs, both foreseen and unanticipated. Renting an apartment, condo, villa or home is easy with the friendly assistance of more than one hundred agencies. Whatever is your chosen activity, nearby is a clean, affordable Hilton Head rental property. Andalucia, a Wonderful Holiday Destination The Costa del Sol has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Europe, and quite rightly so as it has much to offer in the form of reliable sunshine, beautiful safe beaches, good restaurants and nightlife, good quality and affordable accommodation along with plentiful and cheap flights from a vast choice of airports. However The Costa del Sol is only a very small part of the wonderful Autonomous Region of Andalucia. Consider A Private Kauai Vacation Rental For Your Next Getaway There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in the Hawaiian Islands. However, have you ever considered staying in a vacation rental home or condo? You can experience much of what the resorts offer while enjoying the comforts of home in a private Kauai vacation rental. The island of Kauai still has many secluded areas and beaches, and a private vacation rental can give you access to it all while also giving you an unequally level of privacy. Vacation Villas in Orlando Florida - What are They? What is a villa? Come to Orlando, Florida to find out! Orlando Vacation Homes - Comparing Homes to Hotels When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot of choices ... sort of. One of the big decisions that the travel sites and the travel books will alert you to is whether to stay on property or off. Villasin Algarve - No1 For Property Investors The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia da Luz, Vale do Lobo, and Lagos are considered to be some of the finest private Villa rental locations in Europe. The area is an increasingly popular holiday destination for all age groups, due mainly to the fact that there is something for everyone, and at most times of the year. The area is located in the far south of Portugal and is famous for its many beautiful beaches, golf courses, fine restaurants and of course, its wonderful coastline. What are the Lodging Options when Visiting Orlando Florida for Our Family Vacation Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FL The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica Whether you've saved up for years for a fun family vacation or want a romantic honeymoon in a tropical paradise, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. This lovely locale isn't one of the world's most popular fun in the sun destinations for nothing. There are tons of great activities ? on the beach or off, exotic and interesting plant life and wildlife, friendly people and of course, the amazing weather and beaches. Best of all, if you get the right vacation rental or vacation house, Costa Rica is one of the most affordable and flexible tropical vacations around. Journeying Through Dorset - & The Jurassic Coast The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a county of great contrast but one that will reward the determined traveller again and again. Take a break from driving and jump the three-hour rail journey from London Waterloo to Bournemouth. Deer can often be seen as you pass through the New Forest after Southampton, so keep one eye open. Ten Reasons to Move to the Costa Brava After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and the apparent dominance of France is to a large extent due to visitors in transit elsewhere. In 1996 between 1.2 and 1.3 million European tourists visited Spain. It is therefore not surprising that many of them become interested in buying a home there. Spain's property market generally has enjoyed strong growth, with the Costa Brava enjoying a particularly large rise in values. About 20% of foreign owners are more or less permanent residents of Spain, while the remaining 80% bought their property for either holidays or investment purposes. |
home | site map |
© 2005 |