Haven't discovered the secret of vacation rental properties? They make the best kind of 'home base' for that family vacation. The advantages are many, but the most important to us include: More space - On a family vacation, everyone just needs their space. Just about any vacation rental will be larger than a mid-priced hotel room. And many will give you more room to spread out than even those now popular 'suites' hotels. Let the property size on many vacation rental web sites listings be your guide. Less expensive - On a weekly basis, many vacation rentals are far less costly than a hotel room. Unlike hotels, private rental property owners don't have the overhead expenses associated with restaurants, clubs, large ad budgets, etc. In terms of size, luxury, amenities and location, your dollar goes much farther with a vacation rental. Displaying the lowest and highest rates for each property, as well as different rate periods and owner specials, many vacation rental web sites make it easy to find the rental property that's perfect for your budget. Variety - Feel like once you've seen one hotel room, you've seen them all? We know the feeling - it seems like once inside, you could be just about anywhere! There's only so much that you can do with a big building split up into hundreds (or sometimes thousands!) of little rectangular rooms. But like your home, there's absolutely no limit to the variety of vacation rentals available. Exotic location or in-town, slope-side or villa on the coast, there's no end to the choices you have. Kitchen - We know vacations are all about not cooking all the time, but sometimes you just don't want to clean up the kids and venture out. Kitchens are one of the most popular aspects of vacation rentals, because you have complete flexibility to dine whenever and wherever you want. Many families stay in for breakfast (who wants to get dressed?) and lunch, and head out to a local restaurant for dinner. That's a great blend of convenience and cost, while still sampling local cuisine. Think about your vacation budget beyond just your lodging - an equipped kitchen on your next vacation can be economical as well. Convenience and flexibility - With many vacation rentals, it is easier to come and go as you please, throughout the day. No big hotel security or parking hassles. Also, property owners usually provide cookware, dishes and utensils, as well as a host of entertainment and communications amenities you won't find in hotel rooms. You might even be able to travel lighter. Deal with a local expert - The owner. Owners are an invaluable asset when it comes to making a good vacation, great. Dealing directly with the owner provides you with more accurate information about the place you're going to stay. You'll also get loads of local insider information about the area. Where to fish, where are some tennis courts, where is a decent restaurant that welcomes kids, etc. Owners will tell you about the attractions, activities and dining options they feel best represents their area. Sure, hotels might have some menus you can look through at the front desk, but we've often wondered about the impartiality of the accompanying advice. Don't just vacation like a local - be one. So don't spend that next vacation in an anonymous 'McHotel' again. Join the thousands of families that make vacation rental properties the place they stay for a great vacation!