Continued from page 1
Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.
If you prefer a vacation without hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.
4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting villa. With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.
If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in interim.
5. Call telephone numbers for vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either owners or person who is handling property.
Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during conversation.
It also gives you a feel for person who will be your contact should you rent villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.
6. Ask what amenities are included. You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans. Does rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make beds or clean dishes, even if there is a dishwasher. Does rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.
Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will owner have essential items in refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own? Does rental have air condition or do you have to depend on winds to comfort you?
7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.
8. Are owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7? Owners are a wealth of information about area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.
This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in villa. There’s nothing worse than calling rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning phones for summer.
9. How long has owner been renting vacation rentals? If owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.
If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare villa so that you can have a great vacation.
10. And last, when you look at pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?
If pictures make you want to go right now, and answers to questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!
Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com