Thursday, September 30, 2010

Vacation rentals: are they safe?

I have never really thought of vacation rentals as a popular form of lodging while traveling. I don't know, something about it seems a bit "sketchy" or even risky.

As of recent, word from lawmakers and housing officials appear to agree with this. They've been hinting that vacation rentals may violate local ordinances about locals renting out their properties--leaving foreign renters "guilty by association."

Nonetheless, others are saying that vacation rentals are perfectly safe and legal. Restrictions are typically very vague and have little to no consequences for the actual renter.

I am still a bit unsure how I feel about renting abroad; it seems more fun to stay at a cool hotel and not have to worry about the daily duties of cleaning up and cooking that we usually try to avoid while traveling in the first place.

If you are interested in learning how to make vacation rentals work for you, check out these six tips from Budget Travel Magazine. The article reminds travelers to rent with somebody you trust, always pay with a credit card, get everything in writing and ask specifically about the owner's right to rent (among others).

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