ARUBA -- If you haven't experienced what a vacation is like in a rental home, it's probably because you have fallen victim to believing what you read. Booking a vacation home is the easiest, most affordable way to travel, but thanks to common misconceptions, travelers often are hesitant.

Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, urges travelers to do their own research and book a vacation property through a reputable company and experience a more comfortable way to vacation.

"There are a lot of myths about booking a vacation home, which is why a lot of people still opt for a hotel room vacation," said Smillie, whose company offers travelers assistance with planning an Aruba golf vacation. "It's high time we debunk the myths and show people what a rental can offer them."

Here are the top 10 myths about renting a vacation home:

  1. Vacation rentals are expensive The per-person cost of a vacation rental is significantly lower than the cost of a hotel. Plus, for no extra cost, you will have privacy, extra space, and many of the luxuries you would find at home, like a full kitchen and a private pool.

  2. Booking a vacation home is unreliable With the Internet comes the occasional scammer. We all know this to be true. But when you book a property through a reliable property management company, you can rest assured the property you book is the property you get and they won't give your reservation to someone else.

  3. Hotels and resorts have more to offer This couldn't be farther from the truth. When you book a vacation home, you get more amenities at no extra cost. Imagine having a private pool, full kitchen, game room, laundry room and separate bathrooms and bedrooms for the same price as a hotel room. Not even a free continental breakfast can touch that, no matter how good it tastes.

  4. Vacation rentals are not well-kept Many vacation homes are owned by private individuals who pay a company to manage their property. When travelers are not occupying their home, the owners enjoy their beach rentals, which means they are invested in maintaining the home so they can enjoy it as much as their renters. Many property owners even pay for cleaning services before and after travelers visit to ensure it is in tip-top condition.

  5. There is no one to call if something happens Regardless of whether a vacation home is maintained by a company or the owner, there will always be someone available to assist you. They can help you with everything from a leaking toilet to recommendations for dinner.

  6. Dining out is preferred While it is convenient to order room service or eat out for every meal, it can get costly. Staying in a vacation home means you have the luxury of shopping at the local markets and preparing your own meals, or you can enjoy a few nights on the town without going over budget. With access to a full kitchen, you can choose to save money or splurge on local cuisine.

  7. Vacation rentals are in rural areas On the contrary, vacation rentals Aruba are available wherever you want to stay. From beachside homes that are within walking distance to local attractions to private villas away from it all, vacation rentals are in the heart of your vacation destination.

  8. Limited options Vacation homes are available for every taste and family size. Whether you are looking for a romantic condo for two or a large home with a private guesthouse, a vacation rental can accommodate you.

  9. Concerns about safety Many vacation homes are nestled in private, gated communities with 24/7 security. Forget the hassle of handing out hotel keys to members of your family and letting them go to the room on the top floor alone. When you stay in a vacation home, your family is always safe and within arms’ reach.

  10. No concierge Property management companies offer travelers the same level of assistance as a concierge at a hotel. Whether you need assistance with booking an excursion or need to arrange for a car service, a property management company has a staff of people available to help you 24/7 with anything you might need, including an in-home massage.

"Property management companies are available to help travelers find the perfect home for their vacation," the vacation rentals in Aruba professional said. "Once you experience the value of a vacation rental, it will be hard to consider a hotel ever again."

© 2012 Master Google and Aruba Villa Vacation Homes. Authorization to post is granted with the stipulation that Aruba Villa Vacation Homes and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Posted on Jul 09, 2012.