Are you thinking of renting a cottage for your vacation this summer? If so, you probably dream of fun and games on the water, lazing on the dock with that book you’ve been dying to read, balmy evenings spent barbecuing and watching a knockout sunset, and roasting marshmallows on the campfire. Then waking to the sound of loons calling before another day in paradise. These practical tips will help to make sure your dream becomes a reality and not a potential nightmare, so do your homework and have a great time this summer.
Don’t leave it to the last minute 2006 was the year of the last minute booking, with a huge scramble for remaining cottages in July and August, however, this year the rental agencies are reporting a brisk business in enquiries and early bookings. If you have specific needs, for example, a cottage that sleeps more than 8 people, a sandy beach, or have to have queen beds in more than one room, you should make your reservation now.
Decide what is important to you and what you could live without Have a family conference, decide which area you want to visit, how far you are willing to travel, how much you want to pay, how remote you want to be, what facilities you must have, and which are not as important. Make a list of these in order of their importance to you – remember, you may have to sacrifice some of your wants, the later you leave your booking. If you have small children, a sandy beach with shallow waterfront for wading may be number one on your list as could be a washer and dryer; if you really want to get back to nature, privacy and adequate distance from neighbors might be your priority. Get these wishes clear and the less likely you are to be disappointed.
Be selective about your waterfront A vacation can be spoilt if the children can’t swim because the volume of boat traffic and wake affects their safety. As lakes become busier, boats get bigger and schools of teens on seadoos are the norm, it can be very annoying if all you want to do is relax and enjoy some tranquility.
Make a list of questions to ask Don’t take it for granted that the facilities listed on a website are accurate, so if something is very important to you and your family, check it will be available to you.
Keep a record of your cottage search There are so many websites and so many cottages for rent that it is easy to forget where you saw that lovely one with the great sandy beach, and hot tub!
Payment protection If you use an agency, ask if it is registered with TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario). Not only does this give protection for your money if the agency goes out of business, but it demonstrates that the company you are using is a member of a professional register and conducts its operations in accordance with provincial regulations. If you rent your cottage from a private individual, the transaction is based on trust so make sure they have a good rental agreement that lays out the obligations of both parties. Expect to pay a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost with the balance paid anywhere from 45 days before the vacation takes place onwards.
Cancellation policy An agency will have its policy on cancellation clearly available on its website or in the documentation you receive on booking. For private bookings, make sure you know what the owners’ policy is. Taking out a simple travel insurance policy will cover cancellation on medical and emergency grounds; some of these even offer a ‘change of mind’ clause that will cover your deposit if you decide not to complete the reservation.
Make your payments on time The high season weeks of July and August book up quickly and both owners and agencies are inundated with enquiries from January onwards. So, don’t expect either to honour a telephone or email booking if you haven’t sent your deposit. If you can’t use a credit card, then send a cheque by Express Post.
Enjoy planning your vacation - it's a great part of the experience!
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