South Carolina Vacation Rental Checklist

Renting a vacation home is a great way to enjoy the splendor of South Carolina. The combination of home conveniences and a premier location is what attracts thousands of tourists to this lodging alternative. While few would argue the benefits, it is important to note that there are some risks. By using the checklist below, you can ensure your family will have a great vacation in South Carolina.

1. Destination - South Carolina offers a number of fun areas to find a vacation home. The key is to make sure you choose a destination that fits your expectations. The barrier islands, like the Isle of Palms, have unmatched privacy but are limited in their extracurricular attractions. Myrtle Beach on the other hand has a wide array of amusement activities, but is very densely populated. You should consider your vacation expectations before choosing a destination.

2. Budget - A complete assessment of your vacation budget should be done before shopping for a vacation rental. Keep in mind that the rental rate does not include ancillary costs such as tax, travel fares, food and beverage, or amusement prices. Depending on your situation, the vacation rental rate may only represent half of the total cost of your vacation.

3. Time of Year - The season that you visit South Carolina will have a direct impact on the cost of your vacation. The most expensive time period falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You are more likely to find bargain prices if you can avoid this peak season.

4. Rental References - In the era of online information, most people are utilizing the internet for reserving their South Carolina Vacation Rentals. While this is a time efficient way to search properties, you need to conduct in-depth research on the property you are considering. Ask the owner for three or more references from previous rental tenants. Call the references and ask them questions about the cleanliness and upkeep of the property. You may also want to ask about the accessibility of area attractions. Calling rental references is a great way to make sure your dream vacation rental lives up to its billing.

5. Rental Terms - One of the easiest ways to exceed your vacation budget is to overlook the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Be sure to incorporate common costs such as lodging tax, linen charges, cleaning costs, and club memberships. Most of these items are clearly outlined in your rental agreement. You should also be comfortable with the terms of payment. Most vacation rentals require 50% of the rental rate provided up front, along with a security deposit. The balance is typically due about 14 days prior to the rental date. Overlooking these deadlines could result in losing your reservation and deposit.

6. Amenities- Although there is a distinct advantage to using a vacation rental when it comes to home-like provisions, you should be aware of everything that is advertised to be included with your rental. Televisions, stereos, cooking utensils, towels, and bed linens are all important things to check for. Not having access to these supplies could lead to costly trips to the local Wal-Mart.

7. Weather - Take a minute to study the average temperature and climate conditions for the time of year you are renting. While it is safe to assume that South Carolina is warm in the summer, seasons such as spring and fall can provide more uncertainty in temperature. Also take note of the precipitation forecast. Rain and wind can lead to cooler temperatures and the need for appropriate apparel.

8. Vacation Insurance - Most vacation rental owners have very strict refund policies. Unfortunately, they rarely refund your money. You can assume that full payment is expected as long as the property is standing and in livable condition. This comes into play for instances of hurricanes and natural disasters. Basically, unless there is unforeseeable damage to the house, you are obligated to complete your contract. Thus, it could pay dividends to investigate the cost of vacation insurance. This type of policy protects your losses in the event of a family emergency, weather conditions, or any other variable that prevents you from reaching your destination.