If you are planning long travel, then booking a holiday home instead of a hotel will not only be affordable but also more value for money.

You can get your private, informal space with fully equipped fridge and kitchen at an affordable price. Some luxurious holiday homes may even offer you a swimming pool and playing room!

If you are booking a holiday home for your next travel, then consider using the following tips to choose the right one.

1. Plan In Advance

The last thing you want is to get caught in the holiday season! When you plan your travel and accommodation last minute, you not only miss out on a lot of good deals but end up paying a premium for not booking ahead.

Therefore, it is important to plan your holidays In advance so that you can get enough time to shop around and get the best deals. If you are really planning ahead and will be booking your holiday home for a long time, then you may also be able to negotiate a better deal from what has been initially offered.

2. Book In Off-Season

The best way to get affordable prices on your bookings is to travel in shoulder season or off-season. You can also stay longer to enjoy discounted per night rates. There are many benefits of traveling in the shoulder season, especially if you are a budget traveler.

You will get fewer crowds, avoid paying a premium price applicable in high seasons and also enjoy nicer weather. In a lot of countries, autumn is an off-season and it is also one of the best seasons to travel due to pleasant weather and vibrant fall colors in some parts of the world.

3. Go Off The Beaten Track

You can really travel low key when you book a holiday home. Some of these properties are experimental and are meant to give an exclusive travel experience.

For example, you can find a holiday home nestled deep in a forest, away from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing you to stay in the middle of nature and get comforts of a home at the same time.

Usually, these types of holiday homes are well-stocked for the guests so that they can have a real off-the-grid adventure.

4. Look For The Extras

Many holiday homes offer freebies, extra perks, and unexpected gifts to its guests. For example, you can get a free access to their Netflix account or free Wi-Fi, access to the pool, library, wine cellar etc.

Be sure to check what is on offer so that you can get the most out of your holiday home. Holiday home portals allow you to look for rentals based on location and property.

5. Check The Inclusions And Exclusions At The Property

Not many people consider it but in order to have a relaxing holiday, you must know what is and isn’t available at the property.

This is especially important if you are traveling with pets or kids. Just check if the property is kid friendly and what all you need to equip yourself with.

6. Use Secure Channels To Pay

The holiday homes should give you a reliable portal to make payments. You should be able to make a payment using a credit card or via electronic funds transfer.

It doesn’t matter what mode you are using as far as it is safe. If the property you want to book does not take you to a secured link, then beware.

You should also check the reviews left by previous guests to know if the hosts are genuine people.

7. Check Host Responsiveness

Your hosts should be easily available and have a quick turnaround time in responding to inquiries. They should also have a system to respond to urgent queries after hours. Your hosts should be available for assistance at all times.

However, it is also your duty to ensure that you do not disturb them unnecessarily. Remember, holiday homes are not hotels. You are staying in a local’s home so treat it like one.

8. Food Stock

Cars are usually packed to their limits when you are heading for a holiday. However, the worst happens when you do not have enough room to carry food anymore.

It is no problem if the supermarkets are located close to your holiday home. However, if they are far and few in between, then your hosts should stock up the fridge for your convenience.

If that is not an option, then it is possible to shop for groceries online and get them delivered to your holiday home. The food will arrive at your doorstep, just in time for you.

9. Make A Budget

If you are planning a trip with your friends and thinking of booking a holiday home, then it is important to set a budget in advance. This way you will be able to keep a track of expenses and what is owed in the end.

It can save you a lot of trouble and confusion in the middle of the trip about who spent what. The last thing you want on a holiday is to sort finances! Moreover, knowing everyone’s budget will help you choose a place that suits everyone.

10. Check All The Rules Before You leave

Before you set off on your holiday, just quickly check what are the terms of your stay and what you are paying for. Sometimes, the cleaning fee is included in the price.

However, at other times, the guest is expected to clean after them and then leave the place as is. Knowing what is expected of you as a guest can save you from poor reviews and embarrassment later.

These tips may look basic at the face of it. However, you will be surprised to learn how many people overlook them while making a booking. Just use some common sense, your good judgment, and careful reviewing of the property to make a booking. If done the right way, holiday homes can give you an incredible travel experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.