Have You Considered a Private Florida Villa Rental on Your Next Trip to Florida?

By Tracy Huxley-Farnell

One of the most important considerations when vacationing, especially in popular destination spots such as Florida, is the level of comfort and luxury you wish to experience when it comes to your lodging. While many people immediately consider booking the “hot spot” hotel or condo, thinking “outside the box” and creatively about where to stay is a smart idea.

So, you are tired of the same old boring lodging options that seem to appear on each website. With just a little bit of research, you can find yourself in a whole different environment – vacationing in any part of Florida, be it Kissimmee, Orlando or the Gulf Coast – and you can do so – in a villa.

Imagine yourself staying in a Florida villa rental with your own private swimming pool, surrounded by beautiful luscious green spaces and absolute quiet. Gone are the noisy hotel guests running through the hallways while you try to sleep. This is entirely possible and is as close as a few keystrokes on your computer.

Florida, while quite lovely can also be noisy, crowded and stressful. By choosing to rent your own private villa, you take out all the stressful parts of the vacationing, giving you more opportunity to work on your tan, go golfing or visit the Disney theme parks. You will find some fantastic Orlando Villas to choose from near to Walt Disney Resort. You can easily book a two bedroom villa – just perfect for two couples or you can book a 7 bedroom villa and truly entertain – either way, you have the comfort and luxury of a beautiful villa at your fingertips. If you are traveling with your pets, you will easily find some “pet friendly” villas as well.

These villas are made available direct from the home owners – which means they are always kept in beautiful condition. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish about the villa and the area it is located in order to ease any concerns you may have.

Why not book your next Florida vacation around luxury, serenity, comfort and, of course, a private swimming pool? You will glad that you did.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Huxley-Farnell

When you go on vacation, you want to have a relaxing time?  Don’t let this assumption stop you from taking simple precautions to ensure this time will be stress-free. Following the next 8 rules will ensure your next vacation home rental is safe while you are having fun on your vacation!

Prior to Your Arrival At Your Vacation Rental Home

Rule #1: Contact References. Prior to your arrival, ask the owner for references from past occupants.  Call the references to see how their stay was and ask any questions regarding your upcoming rental unit.

During Your Stay At Your Vacation Rental Home

Rule #2: Lock Your Doors. Sounds simple but many don’t follow this simple rule.  Lock your car and house doors when not in use.

Rule #3: Check Smoke Detectors. Test the smoke detectors to ensure that they are working.  If they aren’t functional, contact the owner immediately.

Rule #4: Turn on lights when arriving late. Turn on porch lights when you expect to arrive late.  This will give you clear path when you arrive at night.  Ask the owner if they have motion sensor lights for their property.

Rule #5: Check Safety Gates. Check all safety gates especially if you have children.  Ensure the gate around the pool is secure and functional.  Do the same for any stair security gates if the home is multi-leveled.

Rule #6: Emergency Contact Information. Ask the owner for emergency contact information regarding the property.  This includes should include the owner’s contact information, home security system password, hurricane preparation information, local emergency and non-emergency phone numbers.

Rule #7: Don’t open doors for people you don’t know.  If you aren’t expecting guest or don’t know the person at the front door, don’t answer it.

Rule #8: Keep Valuables In A Safe. Keep your valuables in the safe provided by the vacation rental home.

More Orlando vacation home rental advice and tips are located here.

Ever forgotten something when you arrived at the airport prior to your upcoming vacation?  The anxiety and helplessness can cause stress on to an already stressful environment.  Following 10 super easy travel tips can help you have a stress-free trip as you prepare for your upcoming vacation.

Tip #1: Print all necessary documents prior to your trip. This includes your confirmation numbers for your rental car, hotel, car parking, and/or transportation services.  Print your airline tickets 24 hours before your flight. Print all documentation regarding your upcoming Orlando vacation rental home.

Tip #2: TSA Rule 3-1-1 for carry-ons: Make sure your travel carry on adheres to the TSA 3-1-1 rule.  This means all liquids must be contained in container of 3.4 oz or smaller. Each passengers must have 1 quart-size clear zip lock bag with the items they plan to carry on.  If you have larger liquids items that you must bring, put them in your checked luggage.   If you do not follow the 3-1-1 rule for your carry-on items, the items most likely will be confiscated!

Tip#3: Empty House Preparation. While you on vacation, you want your house to look as normal as possible to deter attraction from possible intruders.  Hold your mail using the free service offered by the USPS.  Use timers to turn on lights at night on a set schedule.  Have neighbors or friends walk or keep your pets.

Tip #4: Label your luggage. Make sure you luggage has your contact information securely included in it.  Most suitcases have an area the size of business card for this purpose.  To make your luggage stand out more, you might want to tie some brightly colored ribbon around it so it stands out when you looking for it or if it gets lost!

Tip #5: Frequent cards. Have all of your frequent user cards handy.  You will be asked for them when you get to the airline or when you get your rental car.  Save your time of searching your purse or wallet for this information.  Put these items at the front of your purse or wallet.

Tip #6: VISA and drivers license.  Have this information easily accessible for your upcoming trip.  Verify all dates are still valid and not expired.  Keep them near your printed airline tickets because you will need these items when you arrive at the airport.

Tip #7: Print Maps. Most phones have GPS capabilities today but you want to have printed maps of your location and trip destinations just in case something happens and you don’t have access to this technology.

Tip #8: Bring your own snacks. When you arrive at the airport, you might notice the inflated prices of common snack items.  Bring your own so you can avoid the extreme price hike in airport land.

Tip #9: Ship your items to your destination. Many airlines are increasing the price of checked luggage and luggage that exceeds a certain weight.  To save yourself some money, consider shipping the items to your destination a few days prior to your trip.  If you know the address of your upcoming Orlando vacation rental, ship the items directly to the address so the items will be waiting for you when you arrive!  Keep tracking numbers so you will know exactly when and how the items arrive.

Tip #10:  Have cash on hand for tolls. When you get to your vacation  home in Orlando, you may have to take one of our many toll roads.  Have cash on hand to make this payment because credit cards aren’t taken.  Some tolls stations are completely cash only with no one present to make change.  Save yourself some time and money and have cash (exact change) ready!

Following these tips will ensure smoother travel as you prepare for your upcoming trip. If your travel includes an Orlando vacation rental home, use the search form below to find the best home for your upcoming vacationing needs!

Do you hate forgetting things as you prepare for your upcoming vacation home rental in Orlando? These forgotten items can be quite costly if not addressed prior to your actual vacation. This article will address the most common things people forgot to do or inquire about prior to renting their Orlando vacation home rental.

1. Location

Most Orlando vacation home rentals are located outside of the city of Orlando. Most are located in Kissimmee, Clermont, or Davenport because they are closer to the attractions and theme parks. This fact is important when you factor in your transportation expense (gas, tolls, etc) portion of your vacation budget.

2. Surcharges

Surcharges can kill your budget if you aren’t expecting them from your upcoming vacation home reservation. Be sure to inquire about fees associated with: early checkout, security cameras, heated pools, cleaning, minimum stay, BBQ grills, credit card processing, and early deposit requirements.

3. Orlando weather

Hurricane season lasts from May until November. During this a typical hurricane season, Orlando weather typically consist of thunderstorms daily for a short period of time. In past years it would rain every day at the same time. If a hurricane hits, typically it just means it will there will be a bad rainstorm for a day. Damage from hurricanes occurs rarely but take precautions if you trip occurs during this time period. Check to see if your property has battery powered radios, generators, and emergency supplies in case a hurricane occurs during your stay.

The average high summer temperature in Orlando is 90 degrees and the low is 70 degrees. Our days are typically sunny when it’s not rainy so take precautions. Bring your sunscreen to protect your skin as you enjoy the tropical weather.

4. Pet Friendly?

Is your vacation rental home pet friendly? Don’t make any assumptions. Fido’s stay may be costly if you haven’t gotten approval especially if he causes damage to the home. Verify if pets are allowed and any associated fees with his stay.   Also verify the type of pets allowed.  Some homes only allow dogs while others will allow you to bring cats, birds, etc.

5. Safe for your kids?

Is your vacation home safe for your kids? If you are bringing your kids, make sure the home has taken measure out to protect children during your stay. Ask the owner about gates for stairs and pools. Is there a high chair in the dining room for dinner time? Is the furniture light colored or easily damaged by kids playing in the seating area? Will they have games, toys, DVDs, and Wii for the children? Lastly, if you have TV’s, do they have kid channels to occupy the kids during the times when you can’t get out?

6. Transportation

Will you be staying in a vacation rental home in an all inclusive resort that includes transportation or will you need to rent a car? If you are renting a car, have you mapped restaurants of interest, grocery stores, malls, and theme parks? Car rental places tend to have daily usage charges for car seats, GPS units, and toll passes.

Will you be driving on I-4? If so, know that the traffic is busiest during typical work hours of 7a – 9p and 4p – 6p. If you are driving during this time period, be prepared to wait. If you take the toll roads (419, 408, or 528), be prepared to have toll money prepared at the toll gate. If you run tolls, fines can be quite pricey.

7. Internet Access

Will your home have internet access? Is the internet connection secured? Is the connection a WIFI connection or one that is hard lined?  If hard lined, are the cables included?  Lastly, are there any fees associated with using this service.  Be sure to inquire about this prior to your trip.

8. Amenities

Make sure the amenities you want are included in your vacation home rental. You will have a vast number of homes to pick from so select the one that has the best price for the amenities you want included in your rental. Make sure you aren’t being surcharged for select amenities as well. Some homes charge extra for heated pools or use of Jacuzzi and barbecue grills.

9. Size of vacation rental home

Make sure the home is an adequate size for your family or party. Check the maximum party size and verify you will have enough bedrooms, bathroom, and extra beds if necessary. Many homes have private bathrooms for each bedroom.  Considering the rate will be comparable to what you would pay for your hotel room, make sure the rate includes a comfort factor for everyone.

You will have your choice of apartments, condos, townhouses, houses, and villas so select the type of Orlando vacation home rental that fits your needs.   Many all inclusive resorts have a collections of these housing units together so select the one that fits your vacation needs.

Summary

Planning your upcoming trip to Orlando can be exciting as you decide on your Orlando vacation home rental.  Using the 9 tips above, make the best decision for your group on the Disney Home Rental you select.

Start your search for your Orlando vacation rental using the search box below. Be sure to apply the 9 tips above prior to reserving your Disney Area Vacation Rental!

Are you ready for an alternative to your typical 12×20 hotel room on your next Orlando vacation.  Consider an Orlando vacation rental home because there are so many choices to consider and you want to get the biggest bang for your buck.  Prior to signing the rental agreement, make sure you have done the following steps to ensure your vacation goes as smooth as you anticipate it will.

1. Reserve the Orlando vacation rental home early

Orlando’s peak travel season is June through August and the last week of December.  They also have peaks during March and April for spring breaks and Easter.  Considering these facts, start looking for your vacation home rental home several months prior to booking the home.  You want to give yourself enough time to thoroughly research the online reviews of your favorite homes and beat the competition vying for the same home.     

2. Timing

Knowing the peak travel periods, outside of that time frame to get a lower rate on your vacation home unit and avoid the crowds.  Plan your trip so you can have time to enjoy your vacation and not spend it in lines due to large crowds.  Keep in mind that during extreme peak periods, the theme parks may close temporarily when they are full to capacity.

3. Avoid middlemen

There is so much information on the internet today that you should avoid dealing with corporate real estate agencies.  Avoid the ones that charge a fee for booking your vacation home.  When possible, deal directly with a reputable owner who has stellar reviews and excellent customer service!

4. Checklist

Create a checklist of your needs and wants for your upcoming Orlando vacation rental home.  Make sure all the things you absolutely need for your vacation rental home are included in the checklist and are written out on your contract.  Don’t forget any of the amenities you want and the services you will need to really enjoy your vacation. You don’t want any surprises because of things not considered in initial planning.

5. Compare

Compare several properties in the area that you want to consider for your rental.  Use online resources to see the reviews and opinions about the properties that make your top 3 list.  Select the one that has all of your needs and wants satisfied contractually.  Make sure you understand all aspects of their payment and cancellations options prior to signing the final contract.

6. Pay with a Credit Card

Some owners insist on paying deposits with cash but protect yourself by paying with a credit card.  Doing so will ensure you will covered if things aren’t as described and it’s easier to recover funds from your credit card company.

7. Pay only after you have signed the lease

Before finalizing the lease, make sure you have verified the terms, cancellation clauses, deposit refunds, payment terms, and payment cancellations.  Make sure you have references from company or owner that you will be dealing with.  Always read the fine print on your contract to ensure no surprise charges occur during or after your stay.

8. Emergency Contact

Did the owner give you emergency contact information prior to your arrival? You should have emergency contacts for on-site issues that may happen during your stay.  This information should also be posted inside the property.

9. Pet Friendly

Will they let you bring your pets?  Verify this prior to arrival to avoid any additional charges or issues on your stay.  Several vacation homes communities cater to pet owners so seek those properties out.  Others limit your pet option to dogs only.

10. Kid Friendly

Is the vacation rental home kid friendly?  If you have children, you want a vacation rental home that is accommodating to your kids?  Are the seating fabrics white or will they stain easily? Is there a high chair in the dining room? A Crib in the bedrooms?  Are there safety locks on the pool gate? These are a few of the considerations you want addressed prior to signing your lease for your Orlando rental vacation home.

These steps are just the beginning of your exciting journey as your prepare for upcoming rental vacation home lease.  Once you have experienced the luxury of Orlando vacation home rentals you will always look forward to this accommodation on your future vacation excursions.

Start your search for your Orlando vacation rental home using the search box below. Be sure to check for any follow the 10 tips above to ensure smooth sailing during your reservation and stay!  There are several customer reviews for each property listed so you can get first hand knowledge from people who have stayed at these Orlando vacation rental homes!