Renting a Vacation Home - Doing the Math

Typically going on vacation in my household involves hours and hours of driving, with more time spent on the interstate than at our destination. Often I long for a relaxing week away from work and a stress-free path to take me there, so I may enjoy the actual trip rather than sour my stomach in heavy traffic. Many beach destinations are close, and we've considered renting a house for the week. Perhaps you have as well, but have blanched at the prices. If you've considered making your vacation more of a reunion with friends and family, you'll find that memorable beach trip can be had at a good rate.

Vacation homes will vary in rate based on a number of factors: proximity to the beach, size, and the season. Naturally, bookings during the peak summer months are higher than in the winter, and if you want to find a good place to stay it's important to book early. While I can't recap the cost of every house in th e Eastern Seaboard here, I'll offer up an example of what you can expect to pay in July.

While searching rental companies, I found a nice beach home with five bedrooms - but could feasibly sleep 15-20 people - for $5200 a week in July. This includes the taxes (12.75% in this case) and optional travel insurance, which you may wish to purchase. It's important to note, too, that rentals in the area usually run Saturday to Saturday. If I were to rent this home in mid-July, I may check in on Saturday the 16th and get everybody out on the 23rd.

So, you use of a home for seven days for $5200. That's a lot of money for a family of four, but if you live close to the area you visit you'll find it is arguably reasonable compared to flying the same family to Orlando for a stay at a theme park. Bringing in more family and friends to share the week with you can significantly cut your costs:

Ten people - $520 each, which amounts to about $74 a day.Fifteen people - About $347 each, which amounts to about $50 a day.Twenty people - $260 each, which amount to about $37 a day.

As you look for houses, confirm that conveniences like linens, cleaning fees, and amenities like outdoor grills and hot tubs are included. The comfort of a beach home gives you access to the shoreline and great seafood, so you definitely want to consider a trip to stay. Find the right rental home and do the math - it can lean in your favor.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Outer Banks vacations and Corolla vacations.

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