Planning an Extended Vacation Home Stay: The How-to Guide

You've finally taken the plunge and booked your month-long extended stay at a vacation home worthy of a Travel + Leisure feature. Spending extended periods in a faraway destination can offer working professionals reprieve from the chaos of looming deadlines, conference-room meetings, and a slew of unopened emails. However, these long-term trips can significantly impact your finances, making a vacation home an ideal option for those vacation-goers looking to spend a month or longer at a tropical destination (and stick to a budget)

Long-term vacations can be exhilarating and unforgettable experiences, especially when well-planned and executed. Besides being cost-effective, a long-stay program offers you great value, peace of mind, enhances social independence, and enables you to live like a local and study the ins and outs of an unfamiliar culture. 

After committing to an extended vacation, you'll need to make arrangements and weigh the pros and cons of extended-stay hotels and vacation homes. Before drafting a pros-cons list, travel-hungry vacation-goers will need to account for the cost of enclosed auto transport services. When spending several months in your new home away from home, you won't want to drain your savings covering transportation costs. 

For those interested in embarking on a month-long vacation, you may be wondering: What do I need to know before planning an extended stay at a holiday home? Wonder no longer. Here is an outline of the background knowledge you'll need in your back pocket, as told by an expert long-term vacationer 

Why choose a vacation home?

Vacation homes continue to dominate the tourism accommodation industry, with no sign of backing down, for a good reason. Unlike hotels where you have less control of your stay, rental homes provide you the flexibility and convenience you need to enjoy every bit of your holiday. 

One of the notable benefits of vacation homes is that there are no schedules to be followed. Unlike a hotel, you get to decide what to do when and where, without restrictions. 

These homes also have various facilities such as the kitchen where you can prepare your favorite meals instead of draining your savings to cover the cost of to-go meals. Another significant benefit of a vacation home is that it provides accommodations for a large group. That means that if you travel with your friends, there's no need to bunk with your estranged cousin or restless child. Additionally, this option provides unbeatable customer services through agency staff.

What you will need to Pack

Besides the apparent must-haves like towels and bed sheets, you may need some extras to make your vacation more comfortable and enjoyable. But what else should you bring along with you? 

Night lights

Pre-vacation, parents are usually in the dark about the lighting situation of their vacation home of choice. Therefore, you must bring along some form of night light. Not only will a nightlight soothe your children's anxieties but prevent you from sustaining injuries on your nightly trip to the restroom. 

A sharp knife or knife sharpener 

Almost all rental homes have one big thing in common: keeping their knives notoriously dull and blunt. Carrying your sharp knife or a sharpener with you will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and prevent dinnertime mishaps. 

Toiletry kit

A toiletry kit is a must-pack essential for your extended vacation. Although you can buy your shampoo, toothbrush, comb, and other toiletry essentials when you arrive, bringing these items can save you a great deal.

How to prepare for extended vacations

Do your research

When preparing for an extended trip, ensure you conduct thorough research. Check on your intended destination's climate, familiarize yourself with jet lag side effects, and confirm that the area is safe for young children. For safety purposes, scan the relevant websites and read about war zones, closed borders, and hot spots. 

Put your travel documents in order.

You want to ensure that your travel documents, including visas, passports, and other identification documents, are to avoid last-minute panic attacks or even delays. For a seamless journey to your final destination, renew or apply for a new passport if it's about to expire, and prepare other relevant documents.

Review guide books

Spend quality time reading various guide books regarding extended travel trips. By following this step, you can gain insight into what you can expect during your trip. Purchasing guide books will also give you a head start when planning the day's events. During your research, assess the available travel options and weigh on airfares. Remember that every country has a different transportation system and governance policies. Some are reliable, and others are not, so understanding this information can help you make an informed decision.

When booking a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, it's in your best interest to take the following steps before diving headfirst into new cultural practices and uncharted territory. To avoid unpleasant homesickness, make a concerted effort to transform your vacation house into a vacation home. After all, you don't want to spend 30-90 days in living spaces that make your skin crawl. Isla del Sol rentals provide an ideal escape for anyone wanting to unwind amid ancient trails and crystal-blue waters.

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