Curated list compiled by Mary Helen Scott-Lewis.
Once upon a time, travelers could choose from hotels and motels, traditional vacation rentals like beach houses or bed & breakfasts.
Along came home-sharing sites Airbnb and Vrbo, and nothing’s been the same since. Vacation rentals are a type of rental property that typically last from a few days to months and offer the amenities of home, such as fully furnished kitchens, more expansive living spaces and a neighborhood feel hotels often lack. In many ways, the most authentic way to experience an area is a short-term stay at a local’s house.
From a charming waterfront cottage to an expansive farmhouse surrounded by fields of flowers to a contemporary apartment a short stroll from restaurants and shops, vacation rentals increase the supply and variety of tourist accommodations. That, in turn, makes travel more affordable, especially for families and groups for whom multiple hotel rooms can be pricey.
In places with limited hotel accommodations, increasing the number of places visitors can stay is crucial to growing tourism and the local economy.
While plenty of travelers are attracted to how budget-friendly vacation rentals can be, there’s also the reassurance that the source—whether Airbnb, Vrbo or a local property management company—has done its homework. Hosts are verified, amenities are confirmed and guest reviews are posted online.
Once, the biggest challenge of trip planning was choosing where to go. These days, it could be deciding which fabulous vacation rental to try first.
The Local Scoop reached out to Vrbo and Airbnb hosts in our coverage area directly and through social media channels. All the listings included in the following curated list were submitted by the property hosts or their professional property management companies. Every effort was made by The Local Scoop to verify any information provided by hosts. The Local Scoop is not responsible for inaccurate information.