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Vacation Rentals on Sale ... If You Know Where to Look

Posted on March 11, 2009 at 11:00 am ET by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
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With vacation rentals being a hot topic right now, I wanted to let you know there are additional ways to save on these already-affordable accommodations. Many third-party suppliers have contracted with property owners and managers to list their latest deals online. Offerings can be worldwide or not too far from your own backyard. Be flexible when searching these specials, as many are last-minute or are only available during a destination's low season.

Here is a recent sampling of available promotions; check back often to get the latest deals.

  • HomeAway currently offers deals at properties in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Mexico. At press time, deals included discounted rates of $700 per week for a one-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach, Florida; 40 percent off a studio condo in Waikiki; and a sale rate of $85 per night at a two-bedroom condo in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Rentalo's special offers include deals in the U.S., Australia, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The latest offerings include 33 percent off a beachfront condo in La Jolla, California; 26 percent off a home in Crescent Lakes, Florida (near Kissimmee), and 18 percent off an oceanfront home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • VacationRoost's deals currently feature a fifth-night free deal at properties in Big Sky, Montana; 25 percent off rentals in Crested Butte, Colorado; and a fourth- and seventh-night free offers in Cabo San Lucas.

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If you're partial to a specific vacation rentals listing site, but no deals are posted there, don't be discouraged. Remember: You can always ask the individual owners or managers directly about what they're willing to offer. In today's tenuous economic climate, managers and owners are willing to go the extra mile to get your business. Ask your property manager or owner if any discounts are available, or if there are value-added extras that could be included in your vacation price. You may be surprised at how far your travel dollars can go.

Have you seen a great vacation rental deal out there, or do you have a favorite savings strategy? Share your tips by submitting a comment below!

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Archived Comments:

  • Mistyeyed - March 12, 2009

    I've been looking for some vacation rentals in the Outer Banks for the summer. I've actually been looking on a site Viscape.com. They've got a number of affordable vacation rentals as well.

  • vwdriver - March 13, 2009

    Craigslist is another source of vacation rentals. Go to www.Craigslist.com for the destination city and click on "vacation rentals." I've had two excellent experiences with condos rented this way and have made reservations for a third rental.

  • Joy - April 10, 2009

    I just came across this article. Renting holiday homes is very popular in Europe and I no longer stay in hotels. You get more value for your money with a holiday home. Last year I was able to find a community of beach cottages (Hoopers Bay Villas) on the island of Exuma in the Bahamas. We rented two cottages and were surprised that we had the beach to ourselves. The cottages were 2 bedroom with 2 bathrooms and spacious. Kitchens are important and while these kitchens lacked a few items, they were well stocked. We saved even more money by preparing our own meals, and using the electric grill that came with the cottage. We were also able to negotiate a lower price and got 4 sets of snorkeling gear!

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