Worldwide Vacation Rentals Leader - Vacation Rentals Home by Owner.

Vacation rentals are available today in many corners of the world. More vacation rentals in more locations means more choice for you.

Rentforyourvacation.com lists over 4,000 different destinations and allows you to search not only by destination but by theme, e.g. golf vacation or fun-in-the-sun vacation.

Vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes and at all price points - from budget condos to luxurious, expensive villas in exotic places. Many are located right where the action is - beach, ski-in mountain cottage - or in charming, friendly neighborhoods.

Rentforyourvacation.com posts thousands of privately-owned homes, condos, cottages and beach houses, as well as luxury villas and bed & breakfasts. Hotels are available at different levels of price, comfort and luxury and many have great amenities - but it's hard to get away from the cookie-cutter one-size-fits all feeling. And hotels are usually located in tourist areas, which keeps you in the tourist rut.

Vacation rentals offer all the comforts of home. Most first-time renters are amazed to discover that many rentals offer more amenities than you find in your typical hotel. In addition to fireplaces, private hot tubs, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and workout equipment, many rentals include BBQ grills, bikes, lawn and beach chairs and free Internet service. And don't forget the backyard living!

Vacationers have the choice of dining out or hunkering down at home. If you love to cook or you simply want to relax at home for dinner or you want to save money, a fully-equipped, sometimes hi-tech kitchen, is a fantastic addition. At the top end of the spectrum, luxury villas include all the amenities one would expect including private beach, boat, a chef... and why not cooking lessons! Most hotel amenities are limited to on-site restaurants, pools, workout rooms, spas and Internet service. The rooms themselves are pretty much limited to a small stocked refrigerator, a television, a hairdryer and Wi-fi - if you're lucky.

One of the most appreciated features of the vacation rental experience is space - lots of it! Most private vacation rental homes offer as much as five times more space than you will find in your typical hotel room. The living areas themselves are more spacious and there are often multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Families can finally vacation together and members can still isolate themselves from time to time. And it's the ideal option for group parties, wedding parties and similar gatherings.

After space, privacy is the most appreciated characteristic of the vacation rental experience. No hotel staff knocking at your door at inconvenient moments. No more worrying about the safety of your belongings when you're out for the day. Gone the feeling of being invaded. Or of everyone knowing at what time you leave and return. More control over noise.

More space means more private moments for each member of your family or group. You can huddle in front of the fire with your nose in a great thriller while your little one watches the latest Harry Potter in the home movie theatre and your teenagers scuffle over a hot game of pool in the billiards room. After the kids hit the sack, you and your honey can plan tomorrow's activities in the hot tub out on the back patio... and no one will realize you are there

There's really nothing like being at home - even if we do need to get away from our usual routine from time to time. And because many vacation homes are used frequently by their owners, they are well maintained, have all the comforts of home and you get that personal touch. Beds and pillows are typically more comfortable, kitchens and bathrooms are convenient and fully equipped, living room sofas are comfy and just waiting for you to take that afternoon nap.

Vacation rentals offer a great deal of flexibility. You can often choose the elements you want and skip the ones you don't - you can choose exactly the kind of accommodations that correspond to your personality and vacation needs. And the only person you have to negotiate with is the owner or property manager, not a hotel clerk in a big chain whose job is just to apply the rules. The vacation owner is truly interested in seeing that you have a wonderful experience so that you will return again soon and recommend him to all your friends and family. You can often negotiate your time of arrival and departure and certain amenities such as beach equipment. Many pet lovers will allow you to bring your four-legged friend - he needs vacation too!

You can eat what you want and at the hour you want - snack in the middle of the night or linger hours with a coffee on your private patio. Bring your own wine... every evening. No more waiting for a table or waiting to be served or keeping the kids in tow, handling their complaints.

Vacation rental prices are often lower than daily hotel rates - typically from 50%-80% less per square foot than the average hotel room in popular destinations. This is often a surprise for newcomers to the rental option. If you want to spend the big bucks, you can, but you can also enjoy great lodgings and a unique experience at budget prices.

Vacation rentals also offer the option of eating at home once in awhile or all the time if you prefer, which is great for homebodies, families with little ones or just folks on a tight budget.

Saving money allows you to travel more often and see more exotic destinations. This is a relief in hard economic times when airline fares and gas costs are climbing.

Nothing looks and feels cheaper than a cheap hotel room. And those fancy 5-star hotels have an equally fancy price tag.

Even in a reasonably-priced hotel, ever get ticker shock at checkout when you realize how your room service bills, telephone calls, restaurants and wine have swollen your hotel bill?

Many vacation rentals are located in the heart of normal, vibrant communities, which provides the unique experience of mingling with the locals - share a beverage at the corner café or touch shoulders with locals negotiating the cost of products in the community market. Many times you can return home with a couple of new friends with whom you will enjoy corresponding or visiting again one day.

Homeowners and vacation rental agents understand more and more that they need to become tourism experts. They often include tourist brochures in your welcome kit and make a point to stay informed about major tourist attractions. Even better, they are normally happy to provide you with tips that only the natives know - like the secret access to a never-ending, pristine beach or great picnic areas - which can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your trip.

Many vacationers love to be able to bring their pet on vacation - either because Fido is a nervous wreck when he returns from the kennel or because the kennel adds a substantial amount to the total vacation cost. Or because the kids just don't feel right leaving him at home. Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly and even provide pet beds and dog runs.

Vacationers who are used to booking a hotel room in the traditional fashion, or using the newer online services, sometimes find it uncomfortable at first to negotiate directly with a property owner. But once they've gotten the hang of it, the advantages start to outweigh any perceived disadvantages.

Vacationers are, understandably, concerned about the quality of the rental, its cleanliness, its amenities - as opposed to using brand hotels with which they are familiar. Web sites - such as rentforyourvacation.com offer owners the possibility to post multiple photos, videos and guest reviews, which reduces your risks considerably. Another reassuring fact is that, for many rentals, one can deal with vacation rental agencies that manage vacation properties for owners - these offer many of the same services hotels offer such as front desk check-in, 24-hour maintenance, in-house housekeeping and concierge service.