We know looking for accommodation can be overwhelming, and is even more so in 2020 during a pandemic. You may have new questions or concerns you've never thought of before. Maybe you’re used to hotels and want to escape to an entirely private space, like a home/condo/townhouse!
If you’re looking for private accommodation and haven’t booked through a vacation rental company (like us), we’re going to let you in on 4 essential things to know about booking vacation rental properties.
1) Book Direct With the Provider When Possible
What does "Book Direct" mean? A homeowner that is partnered with a vacation rental company usually has their home also listed on third-party booking sites. Those third-party sites, like Airbnb and Vrbo, add on extra commission fees, which add to your total accommodation expenses.
To get the lowest rates, always check if the vacation rental company and/or homeowner has a booking website. Just a quick Google search with the home name, destination, and rental company should produce results. At SkyRun, each of our destinations has a website where you can book direct and get the lowest rates out of any website! View them here.
2) Always Check the Cancellation Policy
It’s safe to assume every single booking platform, or even every vacation rental, has a unique cancellation policy. Make sure you can find and review the cancellation policy for the accommodation you're booking on either the property listing page, homepage FAQ, or contact the host directly.
Many SkyRun locations have adjusted their cancellation policies to be flexible with travelers' concerns—some even giving a 100% refund if they cancel 7-14 days before their arrival date! So, always check and find out for your own wellbeing.
3) Get Travel Insurance
The teams at SkyRun destinations are well-versed in the ins and outs of travel insurance, and they'll be able to answer any questions you have or recommendations for your specific trip. Travel insurance is even more crucial to have nowadays, for if you have to cancel, if your host has to cancel, or for any other unpredictable reason.
4) Don't Settle For Less
Gone are the days of not-so-nice amenities like blunt kitchen knives, old towels, and boring decor. The best vacation rental providers have proven themselves to guests and have upped their game in offering an entire vacation experience, not just a rental property. At SkyRun, we’ve been in the business for 15+ years and our repeat guests are a testament to the relaxing vacations we create for them, from before, during, and after their trip. Afterall, SkyRun homeowners want to enjoy unwinding in their homes, too!
We hope you're more confident in booking a vacation rental property after reading this list and hope you have an amazing first experience with one. You might find booking a private property has more use than vacationing; guests sometimes book long-term stays, "flexcations" where they mix work and leisure time with their family, and everything in between.
View all SkyRun destinations here.