Perhaps you’ve heard stories about someone’s vacation nightmares, or have had the unfortunate experience of having one of your own. Avoiding nightmares like these is so important when it comes to having the great vacation you’ve been planning! Here are some common vacation home nightmares and how to avoid them before the trip and during your vacation.

1. Start early and be patient – ​​Doing your research to find the perfect vacation home will be easier if you spend a lot of time searching. Finding a vacation home that has a good reputation and good reviews will give you time to organize finances, put down a deposit, talk to the owner, and understand what you’ll need to pack.

2. Before you go: read reviews of the properties you are most interested in and contact the owners. If you can’t get in touch with the property owners or people who have stayed there before, don’t bother with that property. Owners should be ready and available to answer questions, and property reviews should appear normal. Choosing houses or organizations that get reviews from travel magazines or blogs is a good place to start.

3. Have a plan: Know your budget and stick to it. This will help you narrow down your selection of vacation homes. However, be realistic with your budget. Don’t spend more than you can afford, but keep in mind that getting a vacation home with the amenities you want, in the location you want, and during peak tourist season can be expensive.

4. Read Between the Lines: If you’re still in the process of looking for rentals, be sure to read the listings very carefully; watch for red flags you may find in the floor plan, location, or home maintenance. This is the time to ask about the things that the house brings, such as bedding, appliances, cleaning service, etc., so that you know what to bring if you need it.

5. Pictures are worth a thousand words – and the lack of pictures is a huge red flag! Your vacation home listing should always have photos, and if they’re professionally done, you’ll be able to tell. Review the available photos and make a note of anything that appears worn or broken.

6. Have emergency contacts: both in the place where you are and at home. In an emergency, you’ll need a phone that works, know how to use it, and the numbers of services to call in case something happens. You should also be able to contact the vacation home owner or real estate agent at any time if a problem arises with the home.

7. Finally, to avoid a vacation home nightmare, always make sure to speak up if something is wrong. You’ll never be able to solve a problem if no one else knows about it, so talk to your landlord or real estate agent right away if you’re not happy with your vacation home. Always have a Hosting Plan B!