Summer is fast approaching and you are most likely preparing for your future vacation (if you haven't already). It's time to book your accommodation, but you don't know which site to turn to? Our Royan concierge presents the best seasonal rental sites and everything you need to know to find the rare pearl without being scammed.
Seasonal rental platforms are multiplying
In recent years, seasonal rental sites have not stopped growing. The evolution of the Internet and consumption patterns has made it possible to develop this new way of life considerably, making it possible to travel for less. Thanks to these sites, you can rent accommodation in a few clicks, and it only takes a few minutes to find the ideal vacation rental in the vacation spot of your dreams. The offer has developed so much that today, it becomes almost complicated to navigate.
It is therefore necessary to know how to be vigilant when choosing your site, in order to avoid some pitfalls. "Remember to book early to get great rates," explains Anne-Claire Souty, director of our Royan Concierge. EarlyBooking is a better way to save than waiting until the last minute”. Also check the ads, and pay attention to any suspicious detail. The ideal is to contact the owner before booking, and if possible to verify the veracity of his announcement, even of his identity. Of course, remember to check whether any notices have been posted concerning the owner and his accommodation.
What are the best travel sites?
AirBNB, the boss of seasonal rentals
AirBNB is obviously the benchmark for seasonal rental sites. It is this platform that has been able to revolutionize and democratize the concept of short-term rental of apartments and houses. Available primarily in major cities when it first debuted, the AirBNB juggernaut has established itself across the world and is now one of the most widely used and profitable sites, with over 8,4 billion dollars in turnover in 2022. Since 2008, AirBNB has been riding the trend of "social travel" by making holidays much more accessible to as many people as possible.
Booking, another behemoth of seasonal rentals
Another seasonal rental specialist, Booking has established itself as a must-have over the years. It has the advantage of offering a wide range of choices, because in addition to tourist accommodation you will find flights, rental cars, but also attractions. The seasonal rental site has been able to renew itself and today offers nearly 30 million accommodations in nearly 230 countries. Booking also offers a lot of very interesting discounts and a lot of options, with very detailed descriptions, which can greatly help you to make your choice.
Abritel, a heavyweight in the tourist furnished market
Abritel is part of the Homeaway group, which has continued to develop in the field of seasonal rental sites since 2004. Today, it is one of the market leaders and is one of the best travel sites in the world. With VRBO or Homelidays, which are also part of the Homeaway group, Abritel has more than 2 million seasonal rental ads in nearly 190 countries. Note that Abritel also offers a booking with confidence guarantee, valid from the date of payment on the platform to your return home, to ensure optimal protection.
Expedia, one of the best travel sites in the world
Founded in 1996, Expedia is one of the oldest vacation rental sites and also an excellent travel site. A safe bet on the market, you can find many accommodations around the world there. Based in the United States, the site is however very reliable and has many partnerships with hotels and airlines. Another positive point: by creating an account, you can benefit from a 10% reduction on some of the services offered and sometimes benefit from hotel nights at half price. The icing on the cake, if you find lower prices with a competitor, the platform will refund you the difference.
TripAdvisor, the key to seasonal rentals
Founded in 2000, TripAdvisor is a website specializing in tourist offers and opinions coming directly from consumers. Very popular with travellers, TripAdvisor also allows you to book a seasonal rental. With 490 million unique visitors per month, posting your ad on TripAdvisor will once again help you attract more tenants. With more than 830 vacation rental ads on its site, the reputation of this site is second to none. In addition, you will also be able to find a large number of recommendations in terms of restaurants, activities and even shopping.
How to choose the best travel site?
One of the first things to determine for a trusted travel site is to look at reviews. Today there are many sites allowing you to consult the opinions of travelers (sometimes the platforms post them themselves on their sites), in order to give you an idea of the quality of service. Then you can rely on the age of the platform. Generally, if it has existed for several years, this means that it is quite well established. Finally, also check whether the site has obtained any "awards" or labels certifying its quality in terms of customer service or ecological responsibility, for example.
To choose your destination and the type of trip you will make, look at what the travel platform offers and, above all, if it meets your needs. For this, a platform with filters is ideal. Indeed, it allows you to select your destination according to your prerequisites (swimming pool, breakfast included, bed and breakfast, shuttle, excursions, etc.). Also favor travel sites with “human” customer service (and not a chatbot) capable of answering your questions in the event of a problem encountered before or during your trip.
Seasonal rental: consider price comparisons
Another interesting option to find the best seasonal rentals is to go through a price comparison. Again, there are many choices available to you and they are very interesting because they offer many filters. “It is an option that must clearly be considered, analyzes Anne-Claire Souty, director of the conciergerie Royan. The comparisons can allow you to find cheaper and better quality accommodation than the ones you saw in the basics”. Remember, however, to remain vigilant and not to fall into a trap that could cost you dearly.
Among the best price comparators, it's hard not to cite Trivago, which has become the benchmark for booking accommodation because it compares all hotel and vacation rental booking sites. In short, Trivago scours the web and gives you the cheapest price for rentals in the city you are targeting. Trivago's success lies in its simplicity. When you start your search, the most important information is displayed right away: the price, reviews and possibly free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.
Best travel sites: the opinion of our concierge Royan
Vacation rental is a practice that is growing more and more year after year. "Seasonal rental offers many advantages," explains Anne-Claire Souty, director of our Royan concierge service. It offers visitors a sense of independence and is generally less expensive than a hotel room. This is why this sector is growing year after year”. Be sure to make sure of certain conditions before booking accommodation, such as cancellation conditions, cleaning fees or the deposit. Stay vigilant until the last minute!
The rise of seasonal rental sites has therefore considerably developed the offer of platforms, which all compete to offer you the best options for your stays. Everyone is jostling to be the best travel site, but remember to be careful and make sure you don't fall for a scam that could cost you dearly. It shouldn't ruin your vacation.
