Planning a vacation with your kids can be stressful, but you can make it easier by asking your potential host questions before booking. We’ve compiled a list of ten questions you should ask before booking a vacation rental with your kids to ensure you are booking the right place for your family! Be sure to read our other blog post about questions to ask before booking your vacation to ensure you are prepared for your trip!
1. Is There a Pack-n-Play or Crib Provided?
When traveling with young kids, you need to bring a lot of stuff; anything provided by the host that can save you from having more to pack and carry around can be a huge help. If your kids use a pack-n-play or crib, your host may provide one. It may be stated in their listing, but not always. If it says in the listing that one is provided, it’s still a good idea to ask the host about it so they can ensure it is there for you. There’s also a chance that they will provide a high chair. It never hurts to ask your host about extras that may be provided to save yourself some space when packing. If it isn’t provided, ask your host if they have a preferred partner for rentals like our partner, CondoCierge.
2. Does the Unit Have a Bathtub?
If your kids still take baths, knowing if there is a bathtub in the unit for you to use is essential. If the listing pictures don’t show the bathtub, asking the host questions is helpful to understand if the unit will work for your family. You may want to ask the host how big the bathtub is so you know if it will work for you. Some units may have multiple showers or tubs, which will be helpful to know before booking.
3. Are Beach Toys Provided?
The less you need to pack, the better! Some beach condos will have beach toys available for you to use. Often, guests will leave the beach toys they purchased while visiting for future guests to use. I always find it helpful to see what is in the unit and then pick up some cheap toys nearby if there aren’t any available in the condo. That way, there is less to pack and you can leave them for the next guests to use! If you do plan on leaving some beach items behind, it is always a good idea to contact the host before you go to see if there is a certain place they would like you to store them. There may also be a Facebook group for visitors to give away things they no longer need before they leave the area!
4. Are There Kid-Friendly Activities Nearby?
Before you book your family’s condo, you will want to know about the area around the resort. Are there certain activities that you’re kids want to do? Are those activities close to the resort? Finding a vacation rental that is close to the activities that you want to do is important. Your time during your vacation is precious, and you don’t want to waste a lot of that time driving or sitting in traffic. You should also ask if the activities are within walking distance. Being able to walk to the activities your family wants to participate in can help you save time during your vacation.
5. What Kid-Friendly Amenities Are in the Resort?
Just like understanding what is available for kids around the resort, it’s important to know what is available for kids in the resort. Most likely, you will be spending a lot of time at the resort so you want to make sure there is plenty for your kids to do. Is it on the beach? What are the pools like? Are any of the pools heated during the cooler months? Some resorts offer game rooms and movie theaters for guests to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they may want to work out while on their vacation. Will they be able to work out at the resort? If you have toddlers, you may want a pool with a kids’ area. Is that available? Are there grills or fire pits for your family to use? Does the resort offer areas for the kids to play? These are important questions to ask to know if the resort is a good fit for your family.
6. Is the Unit Family Friendly?
The last thing you want to do after a long travel day is arrive at your condo and find out that it is not set up to be accommodating for a young family. You don’t want to spend the duration of your vacation worrying about your kids breaking items in the unit. You may want to ask the host if there are breakable items that are used for decor in the unit. Is there a deadbolt on the front door for additional security? Are there games in the unit for the rainy days when you’re stuck inside? Does the host offer streaming services, or do you have the ability to log into your own streaming services? These are important questions so that you can understand what is available in the condo for days when you want to spend some time inside.
7. What Are the Sleeping Arrangements?
When traveling with kids, you want to know what their sleeping arrangements will be like. Many parents will decide where each child will sleep before they ever leave for vacation to avoid fighting over beds when they arrive. What types of beds are available in the unit? If there are bunk beds, are they twin over twin or twin over full? How tall are the bunk beds? Are they easily accessible for the kids? Knowing what the sleeping arrangements are before you book a vacation rental can help you make sure that the unit will be a good fit for your family.
8. What Linens and Consumables are Provided?
Most parents like to be prepared when going on vacation. It’s good to know what the host provides and what you will need to bring. Some hosts may provide enough shampoo and conditioner for everyone for the whole stay, but most provide a limited amount, and it is up to the guest to provide the rest. You may want to bring the extra toiletries, toilet paper, and kitchen products from home or put them in your grocery pickup or delivery. Another important thing to know is if the host provides linens for the unit. Do you need to provide your own bedding, towels, or beach towels?
9. What is the Cancellation Policy?
When traveling with kids, anything can happen. It’s important to know what the cancellation policy is before you book. It is also important to ask the host what the travel insurance options are. It’s important to make sure that you are covered in the event that something unexpected happens and you aren’t able to travel. Travel insurance can also help if your vacation ends early or something happens during your trip. You can read about the importance of travel insurance in our blog post.
10. Ask Your Host About Your Previous Experiences or Concerns
If you have other questions about your trip or concerns from previous experiences, your host wants to know! Your host’s main goal is to ensure you have a great vacation, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Answering questions and helping ease your worries is what your host is here for. If something has happened during a previous trip and you’re concerned about it happening again, discuss it with your host. Maybe you experienced rambunctious teenagers, and security wasn’t available to help. Your host will be able to tell you how they can help you handle similar situations if they arise during your trip, and hopefully help you feel more confident in booking your trip.
Don’t go into your trip with questions. Make sure to ask your host before you book and leading up to your trip, any questions you may have to ensure you have a great vacation. Your host is here to help! Now it’s time to find the perfect vacation rental for your family! You can check out our website and inquire about any of our properties to start asking the questions you want answers to before you book your vacation!