The vacation rental just isn’t for anyone. I’m going to try to tell you as clearly as I can what are the advantages and problems are. Bear in mind; these are my viewpoints, possibly discussed by many, yet not a definitive treatise on the subject!

Pros

In my opinion the holiday rental is the greatest selection for family travel. It gives you the opportunity of eating in or dining out, an important factor for conserving money, but also important for the youngsters who could be missing those home-cooked meals. The vacation rental affords physical space, kitchen facilities, privacy and a general feeling of home. Usually, you can find laundry facilities, a huge plus when the youngsters are tagging together. Much like most standard hotel rooms, you will get cable/satellite tv, Internet access and possibly other amenities.

The vacation rental provides the experience of living like the locals, whether you’re in the good old USA or in Paris. This is something you simply can’t experience in a hotel. Speaking of hotels, the vacation rental gives you unprecedented the opportunity to prevent tipping and spending money on VAT taxes, luxury taxes etc. I have found that it’s easier to stick to your trip budget with this type of lodging.

We’ve mentioned kids, however, many people also go with friends. Yet again, the holiday rental can be an best choice. In terms of sharing expenses, the vacation rental can definitely bring down per person costs for lodging. The opportunities to bond with your friends will be enhanced as you share the cooking, cleaning, laundry and meals. If both couples have brought children along, you can give one another nights out on the town by alternating baby-sitting duties. Flexibility is omnipresent with the vacation rental and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Cons

I recognize the holiday rental isn’t for just anyone. I know some people really want to be pampered while on vacation and truly enjoy taking each meal either at restaurants or via room service. Hotel lodgings are the only way to go for such individuals and there’s nothing wrong with this! You will not get that kind of pampered luxury in a vocational rental. It is something of a “working” vacation in the rental.

Some destinations simply aren’t served by holiday rental property and you’ve got no choice. Maybe that’s a “con”. They aren’t always available.

Uncertainty is another “con”. Unlike staying with a major hotel chain, with which you are familiar, you are relying on photos, conversations, research, reviews and other third party information when deciding. A lot of people are uncomfortable with that and you may be one of them.

In closing, allow me to be clear on this point. Prior to deciding on a vacation rental or a hotel, know what you need from your vacation experience. Talk about it with your wife, children or your buddies. I assure you that once your expectations are defined and your concerns are addressed, the choice will be an easy one.

David K. Bradley is a writer for Indovillas Bali which specializes in Bali Villa Rental, Bali Vacation Rental and bali luxury private villas as well as tour and activity arrangements. They offer an assortment of holiday packages and property deals on the island of Bali.