So you’re thinking of going on holiday, and want to find a comfortable vacation rental that will meet all your needs. Whether it’s a long-term or short-term rental you’re looking for, there are tons of options both in the US and internationally to choose from. Perhaps you’re just going away with your significant other, or you’re looking for a vacation rental for you and the whole family, whatever your criteria, here are top tips for finding vacation rentals for seniors:
Rent a Bungalow
Vacation rental bungalows are very popular amongst all age groups. A bungalow is easy to get around, you don’t have to worry about going up a set of stairs, and they have a cozy, homely feel to them. Bungalows, chalets, or beach cottages, are particularly great in coastal locations. Browse the best vacation rental sites to find your perfect vacation rental.
Bungalows or cottages are small and usually have one to two bedrooms, making them an affordable option. The smaller the size of the vacation rental, the more manageable it will be for you. You won’t have to worry about walking around a large house to check that all the windows are closed, climbing stairs, or moving from room to room.
Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment
If you’re renting an apartment, be sure to speak to the vacation rental’s owner about the apartment’s accessibility. Some apartments, especially those housed in historic buildings such as in New York, Madrid or Paris, won’t have elevators. They often have narrow stairs and can feel like a big leg workout — even for the fittest of us. Always speak to the vacation rental owner before you book and ask how easy it is to access the apartment. The most important questions to ask are what floor is the apartment is on, is there an elevator, or if there are any stairs, how many will you need to climb to get to the front door. It should be a priority to check in advance how accessible the apartment is from the street.
Furnished Vacation Rentals
Any senior is going to need a fully furnished vacation rental so as not to worry about bringing any extras along to ensure the stay is comfortable. Fully furnished vacation rentals should make you feel like you’re staying in a home-from-home. Look for something that comes with cozy-looking sofas, chairs, and a modern bathroom. Try to opt for a rental that provides towels, so that’s one less thing for you to have to think about packing.
Number of Bedrooms
If it’s just you and your significant other, stick to renting a one-bedroom place. This will make the vacation home feel snugger and familiar. If you’re going to be on vacation with your family, you’ll need to search for a bigger property.
Stay in the US
If you’re staying on home turf in the US, there are tons of amazing vacation destinations in the country, most of which have plenty of vacation rentals that come in all shapes and sizes. Florida is a popular vacation destination for seniors thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, the abundance of golf courses, and warm, sunny climate. There’s also a large senior community in Florida, so it’s a great place to mingle and make some new friends. Opt for a bungalow with a pool so you can relax.
Other top destinations in the US include North Carolina, known for its sandy beaches, golf courses, and nearby national parks, and Arizona, known for its relaxed pace of life. Generally, many over 65s fly south in search of sunshine and warmer climates.
Staying Safe
Unfortunately, there are plenty of crooks out there looking to scam oblivious vacationers, and seniors are a particular target. Always rent a vacation rental from a trusted, official home rental platform. These are regulated and there’s a smaller chance of things going wrong. Take care when renting from sites such as Craigslist as it often has scams that involve fake listings.
Speak to the Owner
If you have any concerns about the vacation rental’s location, accessibility, home layout, furniture, or the noise surrounding the property, contact the owner of a prospective vacation home first before booking. A good homeowner or host should be able to answer all your questions thoroughly and provide you with a much better picture of how things work in the apartment. It’s also a good idea to let them know that a senior or seniors will be staying at the property.
Airport Transfer
Look for a property that offers free airport transfers. Some also offer airport transfers for a reasonable fee. This will make your arrival and departure feel so much smoother and it will give you one less thing to worry about when planning the logistics of your trip.
Recreational Activities
Anyone over the age of 60 knows that they should be exercising — willingly or unwillingly. Look for a vacation rental property that is close to recreational activities so you can stretch your legs, get a large dose of fresh air, and keep active. Rentals with pools are great for this reason as swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, being gentle on joints and working almost every muscle. Look for properties close to other fun recreational activities, such as golf, walking trails, cycling trails, bowling, and tennis. It’s also worth looking for home rentals that are close to museums and galleries — if you do your research beforehand, you might be able to get in for free!
Mobility
If you have a disability or impaired mobility, it’s worth asking homeowners if they have adjustments such as a moveable mobility ramp or detachable rail grabs in bathrooms. Some homeowners can provide this and have already catered to seniors in the past.
Space to Relax
After a busy day playing golf or walking along the coast, you’re going to want to kick back and relax in your vacation rental home. Look for something with a nice outdoor space to unwind and a comfortable living room area. It might also be worth asking the homeowner about the bed mattress if you suffer from a bad back.