5. Ask the Obvious Questions
The biggest mistake renters make is not asking the right questions about a specific property. A few to keep in mind: Does the villa come with sheets and towels?Is the property childproofed?Is there construction going on nearby?Will the owners be gone?How far is it from town?You might find yourself surprised by the answers. An owner, for example, may rent out only part of his villa (the guesthouse) and stay in the main house—not much privacy there. And the nearest market could be more than an hour away. Never book a house without seeing pictures (or better yet, taking a virtual tour), and if possible, get floor plans with room measurements. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for references: if they can't offer any, switch to a different agency.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Contracts or user agreements are standard. This is where you find out about hidden costs—such as additional heating and air-conditioning charges, departure fees, and taxes—which can add as much as 25 percent to the rental price. Contracts also cover policies regarding property damage (the rule of thumb is, You break it, you pay for it) and unsatisfied renters. (Make sure there's a clause that explains what happens when things really go wrong. See "Worst-Case Scenarios" for some possible snafus and your recourse.) The best companies have staff and emergency contacts on hand who can respond to problems such as mechanical issues or burglaries. Before you leave, be sure to ask for the cell phone number of an agency representative.
7. Buy Travel Insurance
It's easy to skip this crucial step after you've found that perfect villa—no one wants to imagine all of the things that could go wrong. But insurance isn't just for hurricanes. It also applies to certain medical emergencies and unforeseen conflicts that require you to cancel, as well as errors made by your tour operator, airline, or rental agency. Insurance typically costs about 4 to 8 percent of the trip fee, depending on the age of the travelers and what's included in the package. Compare multiple policies on insuremytrip.com.
Comments (0)
Open / Close