(In some cases, you’ll pay less if you’re willing to make a nonrefundable booking.) The site clearly labels whether your booking is nonrefundable or you can cancel without penalty up to a certain date. Property listings offer plenty of information, including amenities, guest reviews, house rules, and an option to contact the host through the site. The main listings page offers useful filters right off the bat, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, key amenities, and type of accommodation-such as “entire apartment” or “private room in house.” You can also scroll through a listing’s photos right on the initial results page. There’s a prominent map of properties accessible from the main listing page, so you can quickly browse by location. The name of this site is almost synonymous with short-term rentals these days, and its reputation as one of the best vacation rental sites is well deserved: Airbnb offers abundant listings in most popular travel destinations, and its site is cleanly designed and easy to use. Scroll down for more in-depth analysis of each. The following are the best vacation rental sites I found in my testing. Some vacation rental sites make it easier than others to browse properties on a map or to contact the owner of a property to ask questions before your stay.

I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else.'Įmail Sarah at example, some of the top vacation rental websites are better if you’re open to both hotels and rentals, while others are more specialized to suit those who already know they want a vacation home, rental apartment, or private room in someone else’s space. Travel Motto: ''To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'-Freya Stark'Īisle, Window, or Middle Seat: 'Aisle. Ultimate Bucket List Experience: 'Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia.' Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories.' Follow her on Twitter Handy Item I Always Pack: 'A journal. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires-no humans or animals were harmed). Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can.

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