Renting a Beach House

A beach vacation can be wonderful and restful or it can be stressful and expensive, it all depends on how well you research, plan, and organize it.

Rental homes at the beach are very competitve so try to ask for deals before just agreeing on a price. If it is a peak time you may not be able to do this, but for pre and post weeks it can save you money. They might be able to waive application fees or pet fees. You would not know unless you ask, so do not be shy.

Compare the obvious first - location. A rental home right on the beach will cost you the most money. 2nd row is cheaper and so on. Some 2nd row or homes that sit just across from the beach have ocean views so they might be fine. If you absolutely need to open your back door and be on the sand then you will pay for that luxury.

Number of bedrooms is another thing to consider. If the unit has couches then you might be able to do with one less bedroom to save money and have the kids sleep on the couches. You could also invite friends or family to come along to share the cost with you.

Older homes are cheaper then newer homes. Likewise, any beach home that has updates and nice furniture will cost you more. An older home that is all paneled with old furniture and one bath that sits on the sand will be much less than the new contemporary next door. It's all about what you must have when you are on vacation. For me, as long as it is liveable I am ok with old, as long as it is right on the beach.

Organize and make a list of what you will need to bring with you or buy on the way. Most homes have the basics. Some of them require you to rent or bring your own linens. If you are driving there then you can bring more with you. You have to leave the unit clean when you leave so remember to bring along some spray cleaners and paper towels. They usually have a vacuum that you can use in the rental house.

Bring along all your favorite games, movies, and books. If it rains you will want to have things to do so you are not all going crazy being on top of each other. Check if the unit has a DVD player or VCR and then bring your favorite movies with you.

Above all else - leave your worries behind you and that includes work. Remember that you are on vacation and though most homes have internet access you should not be checking your work emails. Relax and have fun - you earned it!