| ng a vacation home is a great way to enjoy the | | | | billing. |
| splendor of South Carolina. The combination of | | | | 5. Rental Terms – One of the easiest |
| home conveniences and a premier location is what | | | | ways to exceed your vacation budget is to |
| attracts thousands of tourists to this lodging | | | | overlook the terms and conditions of your rental |
| alternative. While few would argue the benefits, it | | | | agreement. Be sure to incorporate common costs |
| is important to note that there are some risks. | | | | such as lodging tax, linen charges, cleaning costs, |
| By using the checklist below, you can ensure your | | | | and club memberships. Most of these items are |
| family will have a great vacation in South Carolina. | | | | clearly outlined in your rental agreement. You |
| 1. Destination – South Carolina offers a | | | | should also be comfortable with the terms of |
| number of fun areas to find a vacation home. | | | | payment. Most vacation rentals require 50% of |
| The key is to make sure you choose a | | | | the rental rate provided up front, along with a |
| destination that fits your expectations. The barrier | | | | security deposit. The balance is typically due about |
| islands, like the Isle of Palms, have unmatched | | | | 14 days prior to the rental date. Overlooking |
| privacy but are limited in their extracurricular | | | | these deadlines could result in losing your |
| attractions. Myrtle Beach on the other hand has a | | | | reservation and deposit. |
| wide array of amusement activities, but is very | | | | 6. Amenities- Although there is a distinct |
| densely populated. Even with the dense population, | | | | advantage to using a vacation rental when it |
| there are many North Myrtle Beach hotels and | | | | comes to home-like provisions, you should be |
| condos available to rent. You should consider your | | | | aware of everything that is advertised to be |
| vacation expectations before choosing a | | | | included with your rental. Televisions, stereos, |
| destination. | | | | cooking utensils, towels, and bed linens are all |
| 2. Budget – A complete assessment of | | | | important things to check for. Not having access |
| your vacation budget should be done before | | | | to these supplies could lead to costly trips to the |
| shopping for a vacation rental. Keep in mind that | | | | local Wal-Mart. |
| the rental rate does not include ancillary costs | | | | 7. Weather – Take a minute to study the |
| such as tax, travel fares, food and beverage, or | | | | average temperature and climate conditions for |
| amusement prices. Depending on your situation, | | | | the time of year you are renting. While it is safe |
| the vacation rental rate may only represent half | | | | to assume that South Carolina is warm in the |
| of the total cost of your vacation. | | | | summer, seasons such as spring and fall can |
| 3. Time of Year – The season that you | | | | provide more uncertainty in temperature. Also |
| visit South Carolina will have a direct impact on | | | | take note of the precipitation forecast. Rain and |
| the cost of your vacation. The most expensive | | | | wind can lead to cooler temperatures and the |
| time period falls between Memorial Day and Labor | | | | need for appropriate apparel. |
| Day. You are more likely to find bargain prices if | | | | 8. Vacation Insurance – Most vacation |
| you can avoid this peak season. | | | | rental owners have very strict refund policies. |
| 4. Rental References – In the era of online | | | | Unfortunately, they rarely refund your money. |
| information, most people are utilizing the internet | | | | You can assume that full payment is expected as |
| for reserving their South Carolina Vacation | | | | long as the property is standing and in livable |
| Rentals. While this is a time efficient way to | | | | condition. This comes into play for instances of |
| search properties, you need to conduct in-depth | | | | hurricanes and natural disasters. Basically, unless |
| research on the property you are considering. | | | | there is unforeseeable damage to the house, you |
| Ask the owner for three or more references | | | | are obligated to complete your contract. Thus, it |
| from previous rental tenants. Call the references | | | | could pay dividends to investigate the cost of |
| and ask them questions about the cleanliness and | | | | vacation insurance. This type of policy protects |
| upkeep of the property. You may also want to | | | | your losses in the event of a family emergency, |
| ask about the accessibility of area attractions. | | | | weather conditions, or any other variable that |
| Calling rental references is a great way to make | | | | prevents you from reaching your destination. |
| sure your dream vacation rental lives up to its | | | | |
