| We are planning a family trip for just a few days. That | | | | 4. More than one bathroom. Need I say more? |
| is my family, my brother's family, and my other | | | | 5. Lots and lots and lots of more room. This is usually |
| brother's family. Our mother will be joining us, too. That | | | | the main selling feature. |
| makes four households, seven adults and six children | | | | 6. Private pool, in most cases. "Great to swim with the |
| all under three years old. Praise to my brave (foolish?) | | | | sound of insects....fortunately outside the 'cage'", wrote |
| wife who has somehow volunteered to coordinate the | | | | one visitor in the guestbook of Lesley & Gerry's |
| arrangements. | | | | villa. |
| Even reserving months in advance, we were unable to | | | | 7. Usually cost less than hotels. |
| get four rooms adjoining at the motel, all with the right | | | | 8. Store cold drinks, ice creams, fresh fruit or any other |
| view and on the right level. If we were going for longer, | | | | snacks you fancy, which is a huge cost saver, |
| we would probably rent a house as we have done | | | | suggests villa owner Christine Creasy. And a great |
| before. There are vacation rentals in almost every | | | | convenience, too. |
| corner of the world, but they are particularly common | | | | 9. Barbecue any time you want. You can still eat out, |
| in high-tourist areas like Florida, California and the | | | | but you don't HAVE to. |
| Mediterranean countries. | | | | 10. You don't have to take home several weeks' |
| Here is my top ten list of why a family should pick a | | | | supply of dirty laundry. |
| vacation rental (and specifically a vacation rental | | | | There you have it. My top ten reasons to choose a |
| home): | | | | vacation rental. I've written before on the benefits of |
| 1. Not toiling to find ideal, adjoining rooms. | | | | renting private accommodations: |
| 2. Everybody gets privacy, without having to worry | | | | Of course, I still prefer a tent in a wilderness park, but I |
| about where the kids are. | | | | might have some difficulty convincing my mother to |
| 3. You don't have to share the common area with | | | | join us there. |
| strangers, but you can still lounge around together. | | | | |