A beach cottage or a vacation cabin rental is a desirable way to get away from it all. However, finding such vacation rental properties is not always easy. Simplify your next vacation planning with user-friendly online vacation property listings.

Vacation rental websites provide detailed information about available properties, and many include photos of vacation homes. The websites offer vacation rental properties in all price ranges from a luxury vacation home to a quaint cottage rental. Search for vacation property listings in locations all over the world and with activities to suit every taste, from a sunny beach vacation rental to a woodsy vacation cabin rental.

Before selecting a vacation rental home, evaluate the following:

1. What destination locations do you prefer? Do you long for a Hawaii vacation rental or prefer a vacation cabin rental in the mountains?

2. What type of vacation homes best suit your needs? Do you need a large vacation rental home to accommodate a family or a small beach cottage for an intimate retreat?

3. How much would you like to pay for a vacation rental property? Do you prefer discount vacation property or a luxury vacation home?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for vacation property listings in locations that meet your geographic preferences

Vacation rental properties are available all over the world. For relaxing vacation beach homes, consider tropical Florida vacation homes or select a popular California vacation rental or exotic Hawaii vacation rental. For an adventure-based vacation, choose vacation rental properties near rafting, horseback riding or hiking attractions.

I recommend: Search for vacation properties by theme, including beach, ski, golf or lake, at HomeAway. Find vacation rentals in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, South America, Africa and Asia at VacationRentals.com. Purchase or rent vacation homes in the United States, Europe, Caribbean and Asia at eProperties.

Find a vacation rental home that best accommodates you and your travel companions

Vacation property listings are available for groups of all sizes, from singles and couples to large family reunions. Search for homes with the desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate your party. Consider desirable amenities like swimming pools and recreational activities.

I recommend: Search for vacation homes by number of bedrooms and bathrooms and how many the property sleeps at A1Vacations. Select a beach vacation rental in Gulf Shores, Alabama with specific amenities, like pool, washer/dryer and laundry room at Anchor Vacation Rentals. Find a vacation cabin rental that will accommodate your travel party at Cabins.com.

Select a vacation rental home in your price range

Vacation property listings are available in all price ranges. The cost of vacation rental properties varies based on the vacation rental home's location, size and amenities, as well as your length of stay. Before securing a vacation rental, find out exactly what is included in the rental price and ask about hidden charges like taxes and service fees.

I recommend: Search for vacation ski rentals in Canada by maximum rate per night at AlluraDirect.com. Find Outer Banks vacation beach homes in your weekly price range at Beach Realty & Construction. Browse vacation property listings in your price range at 1st Choice Vacation Rentals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before booking your vacation travel home, request a vacation rental guarantee. A vacation rental guarantee provides protection by guaranteeing a percentage of a traveler's payment in the event the vacation property listing is unsatisfactory or not legitimate.