Dreamy Cottage Rentals: Finding Your Perfect Getaway

By Author: Mark Cottager
Total Articles: 4762
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Whether your goal is to relax on a private beach with your significant other, explore hidden coves near inland lakes, or experience nature for the first time through your children's eyes, renting a cottage is the perfect option for a getaway. Cottages offer numerous advantages over hotel living, among them: privacy, premium locations, and budget-friendly options.

Picking the right cottage rental can literally make or break your vacation. So, how can you be sure you're renting your dream cottage and not planning to live a week-long nightmare? Following a few simple steps can make your cottage vacation a dream come true.

Tips for Selecting a Cottage Rental

1. Choose your destination -. Knowing where you want to go will begin to narrow down the search. Choice cottage rentals can be found in all vacation hot spots including beaches, mountains, inland lakes, and forested areas.

2. Examine location - Do you want to be near a large city for shopping options or an out of the way country location for privacy? A convenient location is likely to save your family money if essentials are forgotten or bags are ...
... lost on a flight. Likewise, being a street or two off the beach may mean a short daily walk, but it can also mean huge savings on cottage rental costs. Consider using a service to choose a cottage which allows you to narrow down options such as price point, location, and number of bedrooms. Most importantly, it will allow you to read reviews posted by others who have stayed at the cottage you are considering.

3. Create a budget - Knowing how much you have to spend helps to narrow down your options when selecting the perfect cottage rental for your family or friends. More people can mean a greater division of costs, but having realistic expectations are key. If you expect a top notch location at rock bottom prices, you may have to rent a cottage that hasn't been renovated in 20 or 30 years. In this department, it's always best to remember: caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware).

4. Take a close look at your traveling party - Obviously you will need to know how many bedrooms you'll need, but beyond that are other considerations. Can you put two children on a sleeper sofa? Grandma and grandpa may not be happy to learn that they are expected to sleep on bunk beds. Are several couples traveling together? Privacy could be at a premium!

5. Closely examine rental features - No two cottage rentals are exactly alike. Make sure that the features offered by the cottage you choose match the type of party you are traveling with, and make a list of amenities you know you will not be able to live without. A hot tub may not be the best option for a family traveling with small children, but it could be perfect for a couple looking for a romantic getaway. Do you want or need internet access? How about televisions? Some travelers prefer to completely get away from the outside world, but others would never survive a week away from "civilization" without being able to get the latest news updates. Is there a microwave? Does the cottage offer beach chairs and beach umbrellas or canoes and life jackets? Such a convenience can save money. If the cottage is located near the water, are safety fences in place to protect children?

6. Pets - Some families would never dream of leaving their beloved pet behind for a week. Are pets allowed? If so, how many? There could be a pet deposit or a limit on the size of the animals allowed on the premises.

7. Get pictures - While you may not be able to inspect the cottage prior to securing your rental, you should view pictures online. If pictures are posted, find out if you can get more. After all, a picture does speak 1,000 words, and if a landlord doesn't want to send pictures, it doesn't bode well for the upkeep of the cottage.

At the end of the day, be sure to check out the cottage and the location you are considering thoroughly. If your dream cottage is located in a less than desirable neighborhood, your vacation won't be a pleasurable one. Do your best to have a look at the cottage yourself. Barring that, find someone who has been there, or get as many pictures as possible. Doing so will ensure that your cottage rental is the start of a dream-come-true vacation.
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're looking for. Listings include Muskoka cottages, Stony Lake Cottages, Kawartha Highlands Cottages to name a few. Visit us online today and you'll know you have come to the right place.