| Families decide to cut out their summer vacation, | | | | something in the cottage needs to be repaired, |
| because summer is the optimal time to take | | | | would it be your responsibility to fix it or theirs? If |
| school-age children on a holiday, and a great | | | | they perform the repairs, how can you contact |
| chance for parents to soothe their frazzled | | | | them and how quickly could they be expected to |
| nerves. Nixing a vacation may save money, but it | | | | make the repairs? What are the terms of the |
| can also result in higher tensions and stress since | | | | lease? Is the cottage furnished, including small |
| they did not take a much-needed break from | | | | appliances and linens, or are you expected to |
| daily life. | | | | bring your own? In addition, find out if there is a |
| If you want to cut costs while still taking a | | | | security deposit required upfront. If there is, ask |
| vacation, you should consider renting a cottage. | | | | what condition you must leave the cottage in to |
| Many cottages are available that can house up to | | | | get your full deposit returned. |
| fourteen people, so sharing it with family or | | | | Some cottages and pet and children friendly; |
| friends can be a very effective way to take that | | | | others are not. If you plan on bringing your pets |
| vacation on a tight budget, while enjoying your | | | | or children, make sure that the cottage allows |
| vacation with the people you love. | | | | them. If you are booking without seeing the |
| The primary concern with this arrangement is the | | | | cottage in person, make sure to ask for the |
| decision as to who is responsible for what, such | | | | most current photos of the property and a |
| as grocery shopping, laundry duties, cooking | | | | thorough description of the cottage. Ask for a |
| expectations, cleaning duties and other chores | | | | floorplan if one is available. |
| that are included in a cottage vacation. Even with | | | | Renting a cottage can be done on almost any |
| family and friends, problems can arise if every | | | | budget, from the most elaborate to the smallest. |
| person's expectations are not the same. If you | | | | How much a rental will cost varies greatly |
| work out these differences before the vacation, | | | | depending on location, size of the cottage, and |
| you can avoid turmoil during and after the trip. | | | | time of year. If you can arrange a vacation |
| Renting a cottage for a vacation is an option that | | | | before or after summer, you may be able to |
| is widely available across the globe. Some of the | | | | save hundreds of dollars by renting in the off |
| cottages are part of larger resorts in popular | | | | season. This option may not be the best choice |
| destinations, but even those usually retain their | | | | for families with school-age children, but it is worth |
| cosy feel. In addition, many private owners rent | | | | considering. |
| out their cottages for the summer. Some | | | | If you plan on vacationing at a popular destination, |
| privately-owned cottages are managed by a | | | | a vacation in the off season would have the |
| private rental company. | | | | additional advantage of smaller crowds. If you'd |
| If you choose to rent from a private owner or | | | | like to take a break without breaking your budget, |
| company, there are some things you should | | | | consider a cottage vacation. |
| consider before officially renting the cottage. If | | | | |