Planning a trip to Eagle…or thinking about packing up for a weekend getaway? Eagle has a growing number of vacation rental homes available, in addition to our wide selection of hotels.

If you’re new to the vacation rental scene, here are the questions you should consider—and ask any vacation rental manager or owner—before you book:

​​Think outside the four walls—where do you really want to be?

If you’re going to be out sightseeing or skiing from the early morning to the late evening, a condo rental close to your choice of activities might be the most practical. If you’re looking for a remote getaway where you can forgo technology or spend distraction-free time with loved ones, a quiet cabin on the hillside—or even a spacious home in a quiet subdivision—might be better. Don’t get stuck only considering the number of beds and baths—think about the overall experience you’re looking for.

​​If you want to get away from it all…how will you actually get there?

Even in the summertime, that secluded mountain cabin might be tricky to reach. So before you book, ask—is four-wheel drive required to access the home?

If you don’t want to worry about wheels at all, think about a rental close to public transportation or on a local shuttle route. This is a particularly good choice during peak seasons, such as ski season or the height of summer, when parking can be scarce. Paying for an airport shuttle and a well-located rental home can often be cheaper, and way more convenient, than renting a car.

It’s always a good practice to ask about all things vehicle: the number of parking spaces available, any permits you’ll need, four-wheel drive requirements, etc. Sometimes those details can get lost when you’re thinking about hot tubs and gourmet kitchens, but they’re essential to find out, especially in mountain towns.

​​You’re (over)packed and ready for an epic adventure—but is your vacation home ready for all your stuff?

Visiting the mountains often means a lot of gear: bikes, skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and every other essential gadget you need for the trip of a lifetime. If it’s not clearly spelled out in the home’s listing, ask about storage, like a garage where you can stash your bikes, or a condo complex with designated ski lockers.

​​Is this a dream home…or a potential nightmare?

In today’s market, booking a vacation rental can be just as straightforward as booking a hotel…but it’s still smart to be wary of scams.

Lots of management companies will require payment up front, but asking for a money order is a big red flag—most legitimate properties will accept credit cards or other traceable methods of payment. If you’re concerned a home is too good to be true, read reviews from earlier travelers for clues about cleanliness, accessibility, and the accountability of the homeowner or property management company in dealing with hiccups or unexpected issues.

Whatever your dream vacation home may look like, the right rental is out there! Sometimes finding it can require a little more time and energy, but you’ll be rewarded with vacation memories that will last a lifetime.

For your next epic adventure, our team here at Vacasa would love to be your host! We’re wholly committed to make vacation rentals easy, but you can see for yourself by checking out our website. (And we promise, we’ll never, ever ask you for a money order.)​

Thank you to Vacasa for this informative post!