Choosing a vacation rental that suits your needs is an important step towards having a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Because rentals are often non-refundable, and because it is a hassle to find another place to stay if you are unsatisfied, it is wise to carefully consider where you will be staying. Here are three things to look for when choosing a vacation rental.

1. Reviews

While customer reviews of a product or service can be biased, they are useful as an overall indicator of how an experience might go at a vacation rental. Look for common themes that reviews refer to, whether it is something good or something negative. If a property seems otherwise perfect but some of the reviews say something concerning, reach out to the owner or manager of the property about your concerns.

2. Amenities

Amenities at North Carolina beachfront rentals may include things such as laundry facilities, access to parks and beaches, free wi-fi, and covered parking. Even if you do not require your vacation rental to have many amenities, knowing which amenities are and are not included helps you know what to expect. For example, if there are no laundry facilities, you will know to pack extra clothes or prepare to stop at a laundromat during your stay.

3. Surrounding Neighborhood

Taking a look at the neighborhood surrounding your rental property gives you a feel for what kind of atmosphere to expect while staying at the property. For example, a rental with bars and nightclubs nearby will have a livelier atmosphere, which may or may not be what you are looking to experience during your vacation. If you are unable to scope out the neighborhood ahead of time in person, using maps or asking locals questions can help you get to know the area better.

Look at these three things when choosing a vacation rental.