A Cottage Rental Checklist

By Author: Mark Cottager
Total Articles: 4762
Comment this article

When thinking of a quiet and relaxing getaway, most people don't think about hotels. After all, hotels are where you stay during the hustle and bustle of business trips, or for convenience's sake during a jam-packed family vacation to a new city. Interested in finding a more secluded and peaceful spot that feels kind of like a home away from home? Then a cottage rental might just be the way to go.

You might be used to planning those other kind of trips. Are you unsure what to do when it comes to renting a cottage? Here's some help, in the form of an essential checklist for a cottage rental.

1.Where would you like to rent a cottage?
The first order of business is to decide where you would like to go. Cottages are available all around the world. A secluded holiday in the beautiful countryside of Europe may be just what you've been dreaming of. On the other hand, maybe you need something a little closer to home that won't require oversees travel, a passport, or any of those other complications that come with leaving the country. In that case, consider this-cottages are all around, in those little hidden corners ...
... of the U.S. countryside or tucked away in a small town, just waiting to be called home for a weekend, a week, or even longer.

2.When are you planning to rent your cottage?
Once you've decided on a general location for your getaway, it's time to decide when you will be enjoying your sabbatical. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering renting a cottage is that cottage rentals vary in price throughout the year. Peak season rentals can be more costly than off-season rentals, and renting a cottage around a school holiday is more pricey than renting when school is in session.

3.What's your cottage rental budget?
With any trip away from home, it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Staying within your financial means always makes for a better overall time, as you aren't adding to stress by putting yourself in a financial bind. Be realistic with your budget and make sure you allow yourself some leeway. Investigate your rental options in the general area you're interested in staying and start making phone calls. Contact the cottage owners in the area and work with accurate figures while making your final plans for your cottage getaway.

4.What are your plans for activities during your cottage getaway?
What do you plan to do on your holiday? Maybe you're planning to hike and explore the countryside. There may be daytrips you can take to local markets, parks, lakes or the seaside. Investigate your options for calm or quaint adventures in the area surrounding your cottage, and work those into your holiday budget. Or maybe you're more interested in staying in and relaxing in your cottage, in which case you'll want to plan your reading materials, take your crafting supplies, or pack your laptop for writing that manuscript you've been thinking about.

5.How soon should you schedule your holiday?
Schedule your getaway as early as you can, and try to book the rental in advance. Many people go back to the same cottages year after year, making the schedule pretty busy for the cottage owners. The sooner you book your rental the better off you will be.

6.What should you pack, take with you, or plan to buy while you're there?
You should consider the time of year and local weather conditions when planning what clothes to pack for your trip. Ask advice from the cottage owner when you book your rental, or investigate on the Internet to find local weather information. Be sure to pack any books, hobbies or other projects you plan to work on while on your getaway. Even if you've filled your day plans with trips out and about, having some activities for the evenings by the fireplace or while relaxing on the front porch of your cottage will give you options. You should plan your grocery and dining needs in advance, and decide how much you plan to take with you and how much you plan to buy while at your cottage. If you plan to do your shopping while on your holiday, make sure you know where you can get your groceries. Some of the more secluded cottages may only have a few options for shopping, and the distance to stores may not be appealing to you.
About Author:
CottageCountry.com is the premier online destination for people looking to enjoy the great lifestyle of Cottage Country. With many cottage rentals available you're sure to find the one you are looking for. Listings include Muskoka cottages, Stony Lake Cottages, Kawartha Highlands Cottages to name a few. Visit us online today and you will know you have come to the right place.