(NAPSA)—According to a survey by HomeAway*, the world leader in vacation rentals, more than 90 percent of people say that vacation is very impor- tant to them.Yet half of leisure travelers who wanted to take a trip in 2017 did not, primarily because they didn't think they could affordit. Costs can add up quickly, especially for big families and other large groups that book multiple hotel rooms. Savvy travelers are finding other waystostay, from rediscovering the great outdoors through camping to renting cabins, beach houses and even boat houses. Vacation homes offer the gamut of options that wort break the bank, while providing amenities that hotels and other types of lodging often can't, from private pools to bikes in the garage. “The perception that renting a home is expensive is one of the top reasons people don't do it,” said Melanie Fish, travel expert for HomeAway, referenc- ing findings by Phocuswright,a leading travel research firm. “However, renting a vacation homecan often be moreaffordable per person than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get more space and privacy.” Phocuswrights research _—_also revealed that only one-third of Americans have stayed in a vacation rental. “There are still so many people who haven't experiencedall the joy and ben- efits of renting a homefor vacation, for many of whom it will become a habit, based on our data,’ added Fish. She offers these tips for first-timers: e From beach houses to cabins to condos, Renting a vacation homecan bea lot less expensive and much more fun than many peoplerealize. there are millions of homes to choose from—start with a trusted site like VRBO.com andtakefull advantage of the searchfilters to narrow results to custom-tailor your experience. Each vacation homeis unique, so find one that fits the needs of your family. Fancy kitchen or BBQ grill? Bigscreen TV or a pool? Bunk beds or a crib? There’s something for everyone. Get the best booking experience— lookfor listings with the Premier Partner badge to ensure a quick response, competitive rates, great photos of the listing and more. Know what you're getting into—read the vacation rental contract before submitting payment to understand cancellation policies, occupancy limits, pet restrictions, etc. Protect yourself—book withsites that offer protections and guarantees to guard against something unexpected happening before or during your vacation.
