Savvy Saver: Ways to Save on Vacation (Part 2)

One might assume that renting a private vacation house is more expensive than staying at a mid-range hotel. However, the savings you’ll see at the end of your vacation will surprise you if you consider this unique option.

Popular vacation home rental websites such as www.vrbo.com, www.tripadvisor.com and www.homeaway.com are safe, reputable and offer guarantees on their rentals.

The sites are free to use and list vacation properties internationally.

A standard hotel room with two queens can average anywhere from $100 to $200 per night. Add your daily food allowance of about $60-$100 per family to the total, and you’re already looking at close to $300 a day just for food and lodging!

That’s pricey over a week’s time, and could cost a family of four upwards of $2200. That doesn’t include the cost of gas, entertainment and other fun vacation activities.

Believe it or not, vacation rentals can be found for as little as $500 a week depending on your destination and the time of year in which you’re traveling.

The average cost is $100 to $200 per night for a two to three bedroom house, which is comparable to that of the mid-range hotels, but you're getting a heck of a lot more for your money.

Here are four key reasons to rent a vacation home for your next trip:

Privacy and Space

With a family of four, a hotel room could suffice. However, lack of privacy, space and an additional bathroom can mean a whole lot when spending a week together.

With a vacation rental, adults have time to converse and enjoy a movie in the evening, while kids sleep in their own bedrooms.

Laundry Facilities

Many rentals come with a washer and dryer. In my experience, the owners sometimes even supply the Tide and Bounce sheets! This is a HUGE benefit that’s not offered by hotels, and can save you money throughout the week as the kids wear their vacation clothing.

Food Savings

Hotels usually offer continental breakfasts, but the cost of lunch and dinner could easily add up to $50 or more per day for a family.

By having a full kitchen and space to store your food, you’ll save a bunch by planning your meals for the week, doing a grocery store run and utilizing the ‘free’ kitchen.

Sure, you’ll want to treat yourself to a few restaurant meals while vacationing, but a couple hundred dollars in groceries for the week is still less expensive than $350+ in restaurant expenses.

Perks and Unique Features

Property owners make sure to offer perks that help them stand out from other vacation rentals. These might include DirectTV, free WiFi, hot tubs, jacuzzi baths, fishing ponds, pools and game rooms.

Hotels are nice for a quick stopover. But if you’re staying somewhere for more than a couple nights, seriously consider renting a private home.