Vacation Beach House: Top Travel Tips For Renting Caribbean Villas

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/wTnop)

For a truly home-away-from-home experience and the ultimate in space and privacy, consider a vacation beach house rental during your next trip to the Caribbean or other beach locale as an alternative to booking a room at a crowded tourist hotel. Many hotels provide great accommodations, but nothing beats the spacious and quiet seclusion of a private villa or rental.


Whether seeking a romantic get-a-way or fun in the sun for the whole family, beach vacation rentals provide many options. Below are some factors to help you decide if a vacation beach house might be right for your next holiday.


Vacation Beach House Rental vs. Booking a Hotel Room


At a hotel... even a small one... you are sharing everything with lots of other people... strangers. More people equals more noise and commotion, which may not be as relaxing as you'd hoped. Often you have to set your alarm to get a palapa on the beach or that perfect pool lounger spot. Private vacation rentals often have their own beach and pool reserved for your use only.


True, hotels offer activities and services that you and your family may like, but many private rentals come with things like bicycles, snorkeling gear and games. Spa service will often come to your rental and certainly, you can still partake of all the local attractions.


Of course, it's nice to have a restaurant on the premise like most hotels. However, many people like to keep snacks and drinks in their own fridge, be able to cook some meals or even have a private chef cook for them.


Typically the biggest difference concerns personal space. Private rentals almost always offer more space, privacy, peace and quiet both inside the residence and its surrounding outdoor environment.


Types of Vacation Rentals


Once you decide a beach vacation rental is for you, you'll need to decide what type of property you want. In most tourist locations, you'll find three options: private homes, apartments or condos, and condotels. That last option refers to condos that have been built at hotels and include use of the hotel facilities.


Private homes will usually provide the most room and will cost the most, but that can vary depending on location and the degree of luxury offered by the property.


Amenities


The amenities offered with your vacation beach house rental will vary depending on the property owners. You can expect all to be fully furnished and most provide things like, plates, utensils, coffee makers, blenders, etc., along with maid service. Some properties have private beaches and pools. Some properties even have private maids and chefs and come with the use of a car.


How To Rent The Perfect Vacation Beach House


Start planning your Caribbean vacation by first searching for that perfect beach house rental. You can either go through a direct management firm, which handles multiple properties or through the individual owner.


Unless the individual has been renting the property for a long time, you'll have a more secure and professional experience if you work with a direct management company; however, many owners are very attentive and professional and can give you the most accurate details regarding the property.


Because these properties are booked up quickly, you'll need to schedule your reservations as far in advance as possible. Make sure to ask about the cancellation policy for the property in case something occurs that interferes with your travel plans.


To secure your reservation, you will normally be asked to make a deposit equal to half the rental rate via your credit card with the balance usually due at some point prior to your arrival date. Some properties require a damage deposit in addition to the rental rate that will be returned after you have vacated.


Turks & Caicos: A Great Beach House Destination


Located in the West Indies not far from the Bahamas, the Turks & Caicos Islands as a group are one of the least developed islands in the Caribbean. Providenciales has been discovered with recent growth, yet remains a wonderful vacation destination offering many vacation beach house rentals.


Turks and Caicos villa rentals can even be found on the more secluded sparsely populated islands where you'll find deserted white sand beaches with views of crystal clear turquoise water. That beautiful water is perfect for fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins.


Of course, the beaches are fabulous. Grace Bay on Provo is consistently rated as one of the ten best in the world and many other equally stunning beaches exist on surrounding islands. Hiking, biking, whale and bird-watching, especially the abundant flamingos, are popular activities.


Seasons/Pricing


If you're interested in renting a vacation beach house on the Turks & Caicos Islands, then be aware that the most popular season for travelers is between December and April with the Christmas holiday period representing the peak season.


The best time for beach house rental on the islands is from May to November when the costs are much lower. They range from $1,500 to $16,000 per week during the low season compared to $3,500 to $35,000 per week during the peak season.


Other Caribbean islands are similar, but will vary some. Certainly, there's a wide range of enticing options to choose from, but again... start planning now, book your vacation beach house rental early and get ready for a fun and relaxing get-a-way!