You know how to book a hotel room, but do you know how to rent a vacation condo? Finding hotels can be as easy as going to the website of your favorite place to stay. When you click on the Motel 6, Sheraton, or Holiday Inn website, you will find the space to write the dates, how many beds, and whether you prefer a smoking or non-smoking room. Simply enter your credit card number and you’re done. Leasing a condo is a bit different than reserving a room at the Motel 6. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Search the place

There are several ways to search for the getaway condo of your dreams. You can conduct an online search by typing in keywords related to what you’re looking for, as well as where and when you plan to vacation. If you haven’t identified the exact city, you can search the entire area. For example, type: Beach condos Gulf. Or type: Florida Vacation Rentals. And so. You can also find the perfect place through a property management company. Again, Google the areas that interest you but by typing in keywords related to vacation rental property managers. There you will find phone numbers and email addresses of property managers so you can contact them for more information. These management teams are specialists in the field, so they will be able to send you links to various options.

Visit locations virtually or in person

If you plan to stay in an area not too far from home, you can make an appointment to tour some of the possibilities. Driving the weekend before you book your reservation will be a good outing and may give you a chance to review everything. If you don’t live close enough to visit in person, you can also visit virtually. With a click of your keyboard, you can view the interiors and exteriors of properties through photos or video clips. These links are often available through a property manager, just as you would be viewing real estate to buy.

Save the Dates

Once you’ve found a condo that meets your specifications, all you need to do is book the week or season you plan to travel. Rates are often different for off-peak and off-season, so check out the cost differences before you decide. There are pros and cons to going during high season or off-peak times when places are less crowded with tourists. It all depends on your preferences and schedule. To lease a space, you will need to make a deposit and complete an application. After that, everything is ready. It’s not that hard after all, right?

The benefits of reserving a condo instead of a hotel room are many. Hotels may be good enough, but condos are more spacious, more fully equipped, and akin to your own vacation home away from home. Once you’ve experienced these units with all the amenities, you may never stay in hotels, motels or resorts again.