WHY RENT?

Since beginning this project I’ve asked several travel industry professionals–those within the rental business and those who compete–what the advantage of renting are. Everyone I’ve spoken to has given me a few of the same answers.

First, the cost. Staying in a hotel, as occupancy goes up so does the price. In rentals, that is the exception and not the rule. Book a space big enough for everyone who’s coming and it’s almost always less expensive than accommodations of similar size and quality in a hotel.

Second, privacy. Staying in a rental means you have a couple of rooms to do with as you please. Relax, enjoy the kitchen, bedroom and living room. More space means less neighbors.

Third is comfort. Rentals come in all types, just like hotel rooms, but the homelike atmosphere means your apartment, home or villa is your home. Decorate, make the bed the way you like (or don’t), have your food the way you want it. Welcome home.

Something else every mentions at some point is being part of the place where you are staying. Instead of being the prototypical Ugly American, the locals know you’re making the effort to see how they live, try it for yourself, to understand their country and be a part of it for a little while. And you do. You can come home from your vacation feeling you’ve left your second home.