Vacation Rental Homes Travel Tips

Have an idea of the location of the property by checking whether the rental is in your desired area. To accomplish this, access Google Maps/street view and read area reviews of the neighborhood. This will help with determining the location's safety and general surroundings, as well as proximity to attractions or destinations you want to be near, such as museums, beaches, transit hubs, parks.

U.S. Hotspots:

• Asheville, NC – Nature, breweries, Blue Ridge Parkway
• Sedona, AZ – Red rocks, hiking, wellness retreats
• Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Year-round mountain escape
• Charleston, SC – Historic charm and beaches
• Joshua Tree, CA – Desert stays, stargazing

Global Favorites:

• Lisbon, Portugal – Affordable, culture-rich, ocean views
• Tulum, Mexico – Boho vibe, eco-rentals, beach + jungle
• Kyoto, Japan – Traditional homes (machiya), temples
• Queenstown, New Zealand – Scenic and adventure-packed
• Barcelona, Spain – Urban living near beaches

• Prioritize listings with multiple high reviews
• Watch for red flags like poor cleanliness or unresponsive hosts - established cleaning fees are usually added to the stay cost
• Photos posted should be high-quality, current, and plentiful, as the property images give indication to the condition of the bathrooms, kitchens, beds, and living areas

• Homestay types: entire home/apartment, private room, shared space
• Preferences: Family-friendly, pet-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, etc.
• Essentials: Wi-Fi, kitchen, parking situation, washer/dryer, air conditioning/heating
• Extras: pool/spa, workspace, parking (designated spaces), child-friendly items (cribs, high chairs)

Bring Essentials: Some rentals skimp on basics, especially in budget or remote places. Check the rental listing for noted inclusions.

Inspect on Arrival: Take photos of the property to document condition (good for deposit disputes).

Know Local Rules: Some cities restrict short-term rentals—ensure your stay is legal.

Don’t Overpack: Rentals usually have laundry options; plan outfits accordingly.

Safety: Ensure working smoke detectors, locked windows/doors, and emergency contacts are available. Be aware properties may have security cameras noted in their list disclosures. A digital front door keypad may be available at the rental for easy access - the access code is usually provided via text message or booking app.

Local Contacts: Save the host’s contact info and nearby medical/transport info.

Travel Insurance: Trawick's Safe Travels Rental Plus vacation rental protection plan highlights - available to US residents.

• Coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay and emergency accident & sickness medical and dental expense
• Up to $1,500 for Rental Property Damage Liability
• Up to $40,000 of Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical and Dental Expense Coverage
• COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 are covered and treated as any other sickness
• Pre-Existing medical condition waiver available
• Optional - Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available in all states except NY. Not available for travel to or including Israel. (Additional terms and costs apply)
• Optional Rental Car Damage and Theft Coverage (Additional terms and costs apply)
• 15 Day Free Look Period