2025 average vacation cost: How much you need to budget

Not finding the right s Check out our list of alternatives to Airbnb before you book your next vacation: 1. Pacaso  Pacaso is also a great Co-ownership helps buyers afford 2. VRBO Like Airbnb, 3. Booking.com It is becoming a formidable Airbnb competitor in the vacation rental market, with offices in more than 70 countries and over 28 million listings, including hotel rooms. Booking.com charges a higher booking fee — 15% compared to Airbnb’s 3% — and renters will often pay these fees in the form of higher prices.  4. Hipcamp Since guests may travel to remote locations, Hipcamp has established standards to ensure safety and privacy. For example, hosts must limit campground occupancy and provide safety warnings for common dangers in the area.   Hipcamp’s search filters allow you to find the perfect spot for your desired activities. So if you want to hike, fish or ride horses, your hunt just got easier. The affordability and convenience make Hipcamp a great option for nature lovers.  5. Marriott Homes and Villas Managing expectations is one of the most challenging factors when staying at independent vacation homes. Hotel chains can deliver on cookie-cutter expectations but often lack the personal touch. The inventory is still growing — currently about 60,000 listings — but it has something most other alternatives to Airbnb don’t: a rewards program. Travelers can earn and redeem points for discounted stays in the future with a Marriott Bonvoy account. 6. Hopper Homes The streamlined app-only interface is convenient to use, with fewer distractions than many other platforms. Travelers can book their stay instantly rather than waiting for approval and receive flexible cancellation policies.  Hopper has its own rewards program in the works, Carrot Cash, to help customers save even more money while traveling. 7. Plum Guide Expect to pay more than the average vacation rental, but the price may be worth it if you value the luxury vacation experience. Plum Guide does offer price matching, just in case you see the same rental listed for less on another platform. 8. Agoda  You can receive a discount for being a solo traveler and find other discounts through a “secret deals” feature. Agoda’s website and app operate in 38 languages, with customer care in 16. While travel booking sites have moved into the rental property industry, Agoda performed a reverse migration. In 2019, the site launched a flight aggregator to compare hundreds of sites at once.    9. Homestayin When you travel, do you value cultural immersion above all else? It’s an affordable alternative to hotels while being a step up from the typical hostel. Homestayin is available for short- and long-term rentals, appealing to backpackers and students alike.   10. Sonder If you’re looking for a service like Airbnb that retains the comforts of a hotel, check out Every unit has a full kitchen, mini toiletries and Wi-Fi, making it great for long-term stays. The app allows for contactless check-ins along with requests for clean towels and restaurant recommendations.  11. Blueground If you’re living the digital nomad life, 12. Onefinestay All of the listings are whole units, so you won’t share the property with other travelers or the owner. The accommodations include houses, chalets and luxury villas, giving you the personal touch missing from hotels while delivering professional property management.  13. 9flats It works like an aggregator for other travel sites, so if you have issues with the interfaces of the other big names, 9flats might be more your style. It offers features like instant booking and advertises the maximum occupancy of every listing on the results page for quick scanning.  14. FlipKey While solo travelers can use FlipKey, it is ideal for groups. Finding a place big enough for a group can be challenging on other sites. FlipKey is facing the problem head-on.  15. Glamping Hub Like Airbnb, Glamping Hub is only a booking platform, so you’ll still depend on the property owner to deliver the rental as advertised. Glamping Hub allows you to filter through listings based on the type of building, cost and features, so you’ll have as rustic or luxurious an experience as you’d like.  16. ThirdHome To qualify, your second home must be worth at least $500,000, in a desirable location and well-maintained. This niche marketplace has 14,000 options, including entire estates and yachts. While you won’t pay a rental fee, Thirdhome does charge a booking fee that ranges between $495 and $1,395 per week.  17. Outdoorsy 18. Wimdu Users can choose from an array of filter options to search by distance to the city center (which is great for public transportation users), average ratings, amenities and price. They also have several pet-friendly listings and cater to families as well as solo travelers and couples.  19. Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals Tripadvisor taps into its deep reservoir of user-generated travel recommendations and reviews, so users get local recommendations on where to eat, the best excursions and more. 20. Expedia Vacation Rentals Reviews are also abundant here, helping travelers make an informed decision about what to do outside of the accommodation as well, allowing users to seamlessly combine their accommodation bookings with other travel essentials such as flights and car rentals.  21. Vacasa 22. HomeToGo Like Airbnb alternative 9flats, HomeToGo saves travelers time by allowing them to compare multiple sites in a single place rather than having to set search filters like budget and amenities on multiple sites to find answers. Once you find a rental that you like, you finish booking through the provider’s website.  23. Kid & Coe Since 2013, Regardless of the accommodation type, each hand-picked listing has a supply of books, toys and child travel essentials awaiting every family in 50 destinations around the world. Visitors can also request cribs and high chairs, ensuring a turnkey experience for every guest. When searching for a great vacation property,

Staying in a rental home can be a great way to spend a vacation. You aren’t confined to a single hotel room, and you have access to creature comforts like a kitchen, laundry and outdoor space. When it comes time to book a vacation home for an upcoming trip, it can be hard to know where to start. It seems like there are about a million Here are the differences between Airbnb and Vacasa, two of the most popular vacation home booking sites, plus an alternative that offers a true home away from home.  Vacasa is the largest full-service vacation rental property management company in North America. Unlike Airbnb, which primarily functions as a listing platform connecting travelers with hosts, Vacasa distinguishes itself as a comprehensive property management company. Vacasa's unique approach caters to both homeowners and travelers, providing services that go beyond mere listings to include property management, maintenance, and customer service. Recognizing this fundamental difference between Vacasa and Airbnb is pivotal for both homeowners and travelers when selecting a service for their vacation needs. Where you find listings  Airbnb listings are found on the Airbnb. You can use their full website or app to book, but the listings are the same. Homeowners have chosen to list their home (or room) for rent on the Airbnb platform specifically.  Since Vacasa is a full-service property management company, they list their clients’ homes  on multiple platforms, including their own website, Booking.com, Vrbo and yes, even Airbnb. Their goal is to showcase listings in as many places as possible to increase bookings for homeowners.  Available destinations and listings As of August 2022, there are roughly Vacasa takes a different approach. They focus on what they call “drive-to” vacation destinations, with roughly 35,000 listings concentrated in the most popular vacation hubs in the United States. (One reason is their use of local, on-the-ground property management teams.) Choose from beach destinations like Hawaii, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Miami, Cape Cod and the Florida Keys. They have a big presence in ski areas, too: Park City, Lake Tahoe, Stowe, Sun Valley and Vail. You can also find Vacasa-managed homes in Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico.  Types of rental properties  Vacasa focuses on whole-home rentals, including condominiums, townhomes and single-family properties. You’ll find homes with a wide variety of amenities, including If you’re looking for a more unique experience, Airbnb is a great place to search. You can choose from shared rooms, private rooms in a home or full home rentals. In addition, Airbnb offers a range of 3D walkthrough  You can’t always believe what you see in rental property listings, and it can put a damper on your vacation to arrive at a home that looks dramatically different from the pictures. Vacasa tackles this problem by providing virtual 3D tours for many of its properties, allowing you to get a better feel for the layout, views and size of the home you’re thinking about renting.  Currently, Airbnb doesn’t allow hosts to upload videos or 3D tours to their listings, so you’ll only find still photography on their platform. However, many hosts include links to videos of their homes on external websites.  Fees Vacasa charges renters a booking fee, cleaning fee and damage waiver. Additionally, you may be subject to extra fees, like a pet fee, hot tub fee or early or late check out fees. Be sure to click on “pricing details” to see what you’ll be required to pay in addition to the nightly fee.  Similarly, if you rent a home through Airbnb, you’ll pay a cleaning fee and a service fee. You also may be subject to a security deposit, extra guest fee or local taxes.  Regardless of the platform you use to book, it’s important to take a close look at the required fees and any cancellation penalties, as these line items can add up quickly. As of November 2022, Airbnb added a feature to its search results page called “Total price display,” which allows you to see available homes with the fees included.   Level of customer support Because Vacasa is a full-service property management company, renters staying in Vacasa-managed homes enjoy 24/7 customer service via phone or their app. There are also local management teams in case you need in-person support during your stay. And because If you experience an issue while staying in an Airbnb rental, your first course of action will be to reach out to your host. This could be the owner of the property or a property manager working on their behalf. That means that the speed and quality of the response can vary. If you can’t reach your host, you can contact Airbnb customer service and request help via AirCover, their included travel protection program.  Technology  Vacasa has a well-earned reputation for in-property technology solutions that help ensure a smooth vacation for renters. This includes things like smart locks and Wi-Fi. The Vacasa app serves as your primary resource for every rental, with home access instructions, directions, parking details and a complete home guide.  Airbnb leaves the smart home technology up to the individual property owner, but renters can access a lot of helpful booking information in the Airbnb app, which is also how you can contact your host.  Go from renter to owner with Pacaso If you find yourself regularly

Travelers seeking adventurous stays without the hotel price tag enjoy the convenient features Let’s find the best option for your next vacation. Sonder vs. Airbnb rental types Sonder, on the other hand, is a boutique-style hotel found in over 40 cities across the globe. Guests only have the option to book entire units and are supported by Sonder staff rather than individual hosts. Sonder generally caters to short-term stays and provides hotel-style amenities like bathroom supplies and coffee. Sonder vs. Airbnb user interface Both vacation rental websites have convenient apps you can download on your mobile device. While searching for a place to stay, both rental sites offer these filter options: Given the appeal of Airbnb’s unique stays, not all rental units have Wi-Fi, television or even electricity. However, guests can browse through extensive accessibility features and choose to stay somewhere that meets their needs. All Sonder stays are equipped with high-speed internet and contactless check-in. Sonder does not currently offer Sonder vs. Airbnb selection Given that Airbnb has various rental types in almost every country in the world, guests in need of a stay right away may have If security and a seamless check-in experience are your priority, Sonder has you covered. Since its listings are only available in major cities, Sonder vacation rentals can be a great option for those visiting tourist destinations. Sonder vs. Airbnb prices and fees Sonder charges a set rate for every unit it lists. This fee includes the price of lodging, cleaning and administration. The only other fees guests will be responsible for are tax and cancellations.  Sonder offers a Flex Rate at checkout that offers guests free cancellation and a full refund on their booking for a premium. However, bookings canceled within three days of a reservation do not qualify for a refund or free cancellation. Airbnb, on the other hand, charges a service fee for using its platform and a cleaning fee that can vary depending on the host. Guests can choose the Refundable Rate at checkout for free cancellation within 48 hours and a partial refund a week before the scheduled stay. AirCover by Airbnb is a free comprehensive coverage plan that guarantees all guests a similar or better booking in the event that they cannot check into their accommodation, the host cancels on them within 30 days of their booking or their unit isn’t as advertised. If a similar or better unit is not found, guests will be given a full refund. Sonder vs. Airbnb reviews Airbnb offers both guests and hosts up to 14 days to leave a review. A review is not mandatory for either party, and only hosts are able to respond to reviews left on their listings. Since guests have up to two weeks to share feedback, you may not have access to the most recent experiences of previous renters. Unlike Airbnb, Sonder does not have a rating or review system on its website. Since the platform chooses to operate like a hotel, each listing shares what guests can expect when they book the unit. Third-party reviews, however, are readily available on mainstream travel sites such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com, similar to hotel stays. Sonder vs. Airbnb customer service The Sonder app grants guests access to 24/7 customer support, and in-person attendants are available if virtual communication is unable to resolve the issue. Customer service at Sonder is able to provide guests with fresh towels, coffee refills and no-contact check-ins and checkouts. The customer service experience at Airbnb depends on the listing and the host’s level of involvement. Airbnb provides 24/7 virtual chat services to all guests under its AirCover coverage plan, however, in-person representatives are unavailable. Hosts may be available to help resolve issues, although this depends on the listing and is not consistent within the platform. Sonder vs. Airbnb safety Sonder emphasizes security and health safety within each of its buildings, and guests can select listings with a doorman for an additional layer of comfort. Contactless check-in helps keep guests safe while traveling and units are cleaned after each booking. Airbnb allows guests to share their itinerary with family and friends, which is especially helpful for solo travelers who prefer to stay in remote areas. It is the host’s responsibility to clean and maintain their listings,  the hygiene standard can vary across bookings. Contactless check-ins are available but are not standard. Another option for long-term stays: Second home ownership Sites like Airbnb and Sonder offer convenient booking options for occasional adventures. Travelers who find themselves drawn to the same destination, however, have another option that can save them money in the long run. Rather than wasting time and money looking for vacation rentals, you own a home that you can return to year-round and enjoy a consistent luxury experience. As a co-owner of a Pacaso, you can choose the amount of ownership that's right for you and schedule stays in your home. Pacaso acts as the property manager, taking care of the interior design, furnishings, cleaning and maintenance, as all you have to do is show up and enjoy. So when it comes to Sonder vs. Airbnb, both rental websites offer guests a convenient way to travel internationally. But is one better than the other? That depends on what you need out of your vacation rental. However, if you frequent a particular destination and are searching for a secure and comforting way to enjoy your favorite place, owning a

Escaping the high prices and constricting environment of hotel rooms is a high priority for travelers, which has led to lucrative opportunities for Two But you might be wondering, as many travelers and property owners do, “Between Vrbo vs. Airbnb, which is better for me?” That’s where this comparison guide comes in, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of each. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that many vacation rental owners (also known as hosts) list their properties on multiple online platforms. This allows hosts to cast a wider net with potential renters and gives renters the ability to do a side-by-side comparison on costs and fees — we’ll touch on more on that below.  Without further ado, lets find which option is right for you. Airbnb and Vrbo rental types The greatest distinction that can be made between Vrbo and Airbnb is the types of property each vacation rental company offers. Vrbo only allows the rental of private units — meaning Vrbo houses, cabins and apartments are only occupied by the renters. You won’t be seeing any shared spaces on the site, which makes it ideal for families and groups of people traveling together. Airbnb places no such restrictions on their listings. They allow the rental of entire homes, private rooms in a shared house, and even the sharing of a single room with other travelers. Airbnb vs. Vrbo user interface There isn’t much of a difference between the Vrbo and Airbnb user interfaces. Anyone experienced with booking travel accommodations online will find the platforms’ search functions familiar. They each have dozens of filter options to choose from, including:  Vrbo has a leg up on Airbnb by allowing renters to specifically filter by highly rated locations and cleanliness. Airbnb has a similar feature which filters by “Superhosts,” the label Airbnb gives to experienced and highly rated hosts, whether they’re individuals or Airbnb vs. Vrbo selection Since Airbnb has options for shared rentals, its total selection is about triple that of Vrbo’s. It’s estimated that Airbnb has about six million listings. So if you’re in need of a last-minute booking — or have tight Airbnb and Vrbo prices and fees Both Airbnb and Vrbo have service fees tacked onto their prices, but the options they give hosts differ.  Airbnb allows hosts to choose between host-only fees and split fees. Host-only fees mean the host is charged the entire service fee by Airbnb — usually around 14-16% of the booking cost. Airbnb’s split fee charges the renter the majority of the service fee. This can increase the  cost to rent by about 14%, while charging hosts only around 3%.  Hosts with strict cancellation policies can expect to pay even more in service fees.  Vrbo fees charge guests 6-12% of the total reservation cost. This service fee does not include optional charges, like cleaning fees, that are determined by the host. Vrbo provides two options for hosts to pay fees. They can choose an annual subscription fee of $499 and bypass service fees on individual bookings. If a host has multiple properties, they’ll need a subscription plan for each listing. So if you expect to make more than $10,000 per year, this is the preferred choice.  Vrbo also allows for individual booking fees of 5%. If your listing is seasonal and you expect to make less than $10,000 per year, this is likely the better option. Airbnb and Vrbo reviews Airbnb places a tight time constraint of 14 days on guests to leave their reviews. This means you’ll be getting the opinion of a previous renter when the experience is still fresh in their mind.  Vrbo guests and Vrbo hosts have up to one year after the visit to leave a review. Vrbo then gives the other party 14 days from the time of submission to send in their own review. Vrbo lists the submissions of both guests and hosts in the review section, giving potential renters both sides of the story. Airbnb and Vrbo both use a five-star rating system. Airbnb vs. Vrbo customer service Since both Vrbo and Airbnb are the liaisons between guests and hosts, they need to make both parties happy, which means that customer service resolutions can be complicated. But which has better customer service? Airbnb saw a tremendous amount of growth in a relatively short amount of time, which left them scrambling to keep up with their growing customer base. This led to lackluster reports about their Vrbo, on the other hand, has a direct support line that is ready 24 hours a day to help guests and property owners alike resolve issues. Their customer support team can even help hosts rebook guests in the event a natural disaster makes the property untenable.  It’s important to note that Airbnb handles way more rentals than Vrbo, so judging complaints based solely on these numbers may be misleading.  Airbnb and Vrbo safety Airbnb offers a specialized safety feature for Vrbo has fewer complications regarding guest safety since they only offer private rentals. Still, Vrbo provides assistance to guests who feel unsafe in their rental unit by helping them rebook. They then investigate the claim to determine if the host is in violation of any policies. All hosts are also required to disclose if any monitoring devices are installed on the property.  Airbnb and Vrbo cancellation policies  Both vacation rental platforms allow hosts to choose from different cancellation policy options. On Airbnb, the options range from flexible (where guests can cancel until 24 hours before check-in to receive a full refund) to strict (where guests must cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before check-in). There are a few other options in between.  Vrbo’s cancellation policy options are similar but named differently. The most lenient option is relaxed, in which bookings canceled with at least 14 days notice will receive a full refund. The strictest option is no refund, where no money will be refunded, no matter the reason. Like Airbnb, there are a few options in between.  As a renter, you should always check the cancellation policy before booking, as the restrictions can vary by individual listing. Cancellation policies can also vary based on the length of your rental. Longer-term rentals, like those longer than 28 days in duration, may have different cancellation policies.  Other options for long-term stays The Vrbo vs. Airbnb matchup is an easy one to make given their popularity and similar business models. However, there is a third option for travelers who regularly visit the same property, one that can improve safety while saving money long term. By using a service like Pacaso where you are an So who wins the Vrbo vs. Airbnb matchup? Well, it all depends on you. In general, a renter will have an easier time finding what they’re looking for by But if you’ve fallen in love with a particular city and you’re tired of throwing money away on rentals, learn more about how we can help it become your

Getting the best prices on your vacation can be tricky, and there’s nothing worse than booking non-refundable travel only to discover that the price has since gone down. While this can be unfortunately common when booking air travel, it can also happen on Airbnb, since many listings use dynamic pricing. Read on to get all your questions answered about when to Is there a best time to book?  Finding the best price on an Airbnb is an art and a science. Many factors go into pricing (more on that below), but according to recent Here’s one exception: If you’re planning a longer-term rental, it’s better to book as early as possible for the best availability.  What factors affect Airbnb prices? According to the same NerdWallet research, 84% of properties listed on Airbnb use dynamic pricing, where an algorithm automatically changes per-night pricing based on a variety of factors. Many things affect the price of a specific Airbnb property, including:  Do Airbnb prices get cheaper closer to my trip?  It is possible to score last-minute deals on Airbnb listings, as both dynamically priced and statically priced homes may drop prices a few days ahead of time to prevent a property from sitting empty. However, this tactic is best employed by flexible travelers. When you book last minute, you may find yourself with limited options and end up in a home or part of town that isn’t your first choice. If you’re okay with that, you might be able to save quite a bit.  What do I need to know about cancellation policies? How early you’re comfortable booking often comes down to the cancellation policy, and on Airbnb, property owners have their choice of multiple options. As a traveler, be sure to review the cancellation policy for the property before booking to make sure it works for your travel plans.  While there are many cancellation policy types at Airbnb, here are a few of the most common you’ll encounter. Be sure to read the full policy before booking, as there are some rules regarding partial payments:  Tips for getting the best price  Ready to seek out the best possible price for the Airbnb you’re eyeing? Here are a few tips for getting the best price:  Skip the stress of short-term rentals with a place of your own Airbnb prices are always changing, which can make it hard to feel like you’ve gotten a good deal. If you want to avoid the headaches of booking short-term rentals and prefer a vacation home over a hotel, Interested in a Pacaso but aren’t ready for full ownership? Give us a try with our

After weeks (or months) of browsing online, you’re confident that you’ve found your dream home. But what if timing or distance prevents you from viewing it in person? That’s where buying sight unseen might save the day. What is a sight-unseen offer? Buying a house sight unseen means purchasing a property without touring it in person.  Since the housing market is in a slump, with new home sales falling by 1. Work with a trusted real estate agent If you must buy a house completely virtually, having a good real estate agent on your side is a must. A qualified and experienced local agent can help smooth out every step of the purchasing process and provide expertise in negotiation, communication and knowledge of real estate and the neighborhood where you plan to buy. Here are tips on finding a trusted agent: When finding someone trusted to work with when buying sight unseen, 2. Get pre-approved Pre-approval involves determining how much money you can borrow to buy a home. Getting pre-approved can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of your offer being accepted. Here are some steps to take: Check out our 3. Research the area Since you won’t see it in person, thoroughly research the area and the home online. Here are a few research tips: Take notes as you research different properties to keep track of the pros and cons of each.  4. Take a virtual tour  When you buy a home sight unseen, you should take advantage of all virtual tour opportunities to get a complete picture of a home. Ask your real estate agent or the current homeowner for a virtual tour. There might also be online walkthrough videos or virtual Look at all the home’s details and features to hone in on your needs and determine if the home meets all your requirements.  5. Get a home inspection A home inspection is crucial if you’re purchasing a home you’ve never seen in person. An inspection should uncover any current and potential issues, including electrical or structural problems and water damage. This is especially valuable if you’re buying a second home that you’ll need to maintain and manage from afar. If you can’t make it, it’s a good idea to request a video call with your real estate agent during the inspection so that you can ask questions and stay in the loop.  6. Ask friends or family to tour Consider asking a friend or family member in the area to tour the home in person, with you tagging along on the phone. They can help you experience the home, get a feel for the place and get answers to questions in real time. Ask for help from close friends or family members who know your tastes.  7. Make an offer A sight-unseen offer isn’t too different from a traditional home offer. Once you have a pre-approval letter, you will need to decide how much money to offer and how much to put down. Your agent will help work through contingencies and negotiations to keep your offer competitive. Sight-unseen offers often have due diligence periods of two to four weeks, and more information can be gathered in that time. Because of this, you can technically make the offer as soon as you get the pre-approval letter. 8. Close on your home To Here are some of the steps to take when closing on your home sight unseen: The pros and cons of buying a home sight unseen Though unconventional, buying a house sight unseen isn’t without advantages. Buying a home sight unseen allows you to move quickly with convenient virtual tours. This is especially helpful if you’re buying a home There are lots of potential cons, though, too. It can be tough to gauge how the home feels in person through those video walkthroughs. You’ll also miss out on a feel for the community and won’t get to experience the amenities. Plus, hidden problems that might be impossible to see from a video could arise, such as a noise issue.  There are situations when you might have no choice but to buy sight unseen, such as when you must make a sudden military move. Even though it may not be the case right now, when the real estate market is hot, sight-unseen offers let you move fast and take advantage of good deals without travelling to see the property first. While other buyers might be scheduling in-person tours, you’re already viewing the home online and putting in an offer, saving you time and money. Get a beautiful home sight unseen Buying a house sight unseen is not for everyone, but you can do it with careful planning and communication.  One way to buy a house sight unseen yet stress-free is with Pacaso. If you’re ready to buy a second home at a fraction of the cost, consider the benefits of

A timeshare is a vacation ownership model where multiple parties share rights to use a property for a set period each year. But there are so many more versions of vacation home ownership that you’ll want to consider over a timeshare. There are far better vacation options, including: Let’s explore each alternative and explain how it differs from the typical reasons not to Second home co-ownership is when a property is jointly owned by multiple people. Buying a vacation home is a greater upfront expense than a timeshare, but you don’t have to be the sole owner. With this timeshare and Whether you’re buying with a group of friends or buying a Pacaso second home, you still have true real estate property ownership. You’re not just buying the right to use a hotel or condo-sized space for a set period. Timeshares are notoriously difficult to sell due to the many rules and limitations owners must abide by. The timeshare is also one of many identical units, creating an imbalance between supply and demand. On the other hand, unique homes attract buyers who must compete against each other in the whole housing market.   Browse a plethora of luxury co-ownership options all over the world with Pacaso’s 2 Vacation rentals are furnished spaces that are rented out on a short-term basis. Airbnb is as popular as ever, with 265 million users and over 7.7 million listings, according to Lighthouse. People choose vacation rentals because renting a property from a private owner is often cheaper than comparable hotel rooms, and they often give travelers added perks like kitchens and convenient locations. However, vacation rentals can come with charges like cleaning fees, sometimes making them even more expensive than hotels.  Vacation rentals are considered preferable alternatives to timeshares because they give greater flexibility in where and when you can vacation. You’re only paying for specific days, so you aren’t on the hook for yearly fees on top of the purchase price of a timeshare.   Timeshare owners often sell their timeshare days when they can’t use them, giving vacationers the option to visit the same timeshare facility without the long-term commitment.  3 Although Hotels often provide discounts to certain groups (like the military and AAA) or offer discounted rates throughout the year, making them even more affordable. Some hotel chains offer rewards programs, so the more you stay there, the more you get back. 4. Hostels  A hostel is a budget-friendly alternative to hotels with dormitory-style rooms and communal areas. They’re ideal for backpackers and young travelers seeking a social vacation where they might meet people from all walks of life.  Hostels are typically sparse in accommodations compared to timeshares, but the trade-off is worth it for people who enjoy different locations every year. You can find various types of hostels on apps and sites like Booking.com. In a budget hostel, you may stay in a room with six or more people. A boutique or luxury hostel may offer more upscale vibes and cleaner amenities, while party hostels host social activities and late active hours.  5 Resorts offer an all-inclusive appeal of many of the best timeshares, such as private beach access, live entertainment, gourmet food and guided tours. You’ll spend less time planning all the details of your vacation, leading to less stress and more time enjoying your break.  Just like hotels, resorts give you the flexibility to stay for longer or shorter durations than a timeshare. You won’t be boxed into traveling at predetermined times of year, and you can visit whenever you want. One example of a famous luxury resort is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, which boasts many amenities like spas, pools, beach access, multiple restaurants and exceptional customer service. 6 Travel clubs offer group travel rates to various destinations. Travel clubs operate similarly to timeshares and vacation clubs, while being slightly more affordable. Travel clubs require yearly membership fees, and some clubs also charge maintenance fees. These combined costs are often lower than those of vacation clubs. The benefit of travel clubs is that they arrange for group rates, making your stay cheaper while giving you the benefit of travel companions. Oftentimes, the club is centered around a shared trait, like a hobby or age group.  Aside from the social aspect of travel groups, travel clubs also free you from long-term commitments. Even the cost of an inexpensive timeshare begins to add up over the years if you aren’t able to sell it. Since membership in a travel club is yearly, you’ll only lose what you’ve already spent.  7 One big draw of owning a timeshare is the dependability of returning to the same destination year after year while avoiding the rising costs of accommodations. Buying a second home in a vacation destination gives you those same benefits and more.  Unlike a timeshare, buying a vacation home gives you real equity in the property, so you have the potential to recoup the money you put into it over the years. Timeshares rarely appreciate in value, and due to the many When you have your own vacation home, you have the freedom to use it as much as you want. In contrast, most timeshare options only allow you to use them once per year and have fixed scheduling limitations.  8. Vacation clubs Vacation clubs are travel services that offer members access to different vacation locations and amenities within their network of affiliated properties. For example, a Holiday Inn Club membership works by purchasing credits. However, many clubs have blackout dates that restrict your ability to travel unless you pay more money. Depending on the club you join, it could cost more per year than even luxury timeshares, but you’ll have easier access to multiple destinations. 9. Fractional ownership Fractional ownership is a collaborative investment where multiple parties share ownership of a vacation property. Each investor maintains specific ownership rights and entitlements to the asset based on their contribution. Fractional ownership is similar to vacation home co-ownership in that you can schedule specific usage times and/or access to different parts of the property.  Splitting the costs of a vacation home comes with benefits like owning a home in a luxury location that you might not otherwise be able to afford. You also share upkeep and maintenance costs. However, it also means all major decisions must go through all ownership partners. You’re also splitting benefits, leading to potential disagreements between owners. How to resell your timeshare?  As you browse timeshare exit vacation alternatives, you may wonder how to best get out of a timeshare. Though it can be difficult, there are a few ways to resell your timeshare. Here are some options: Consider second home co-ownership These timeshare alternatives may help you avoid a major scam and stick to your original goal of enjoying a beautiful vacation with your loved ones.  Unlike a timeshare,

For many, Location, lifestyle, attractions and budget are all factors.  To help you narrow it down, we’ve compiled 16 of the best places for a second home or vacation home in the U.S. — ordered by their median home prices — to help you find the spot that’s calling your name.    1. Whitewater, Wisconsin Whitewater is close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, giving nature-lovers all they could hope for in a retreat. It has biking trails, multiple lakes and dark night skies that are perfect for stargazing. The city is also only a one-hour drive from Milwaukee and two hours from Chicago, providing convenient access to big city entertainment. The nearest major airport is Milwaukee Mitchell International, which is 50 miles away.  2. Savannah, Georgia Savannah makes the list as one of the best vacation home locations thanks to its riverfront properties and classic Southern charm. This is one of the more affordable towns to buy property in this list, allowing you to get plenty of bang for your buck.  If cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-covered trees of Forsyth Park, historic architecture and a scenic riverfront are missing from your primary home, moving near the Savannah Historic District may offer all you need. Plus, it’s only a 25-minute drive to Tybee Island.  3. St. Augustine, Florida St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers and is among the oldest inhabited cities in the country. Those historic roots play an important role in its present-day culture.  Visitors can still see the Spanish influence all over the buildings, with fortresses like Castillo de San Marcos and cathedrals like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine being preserved to this day. Its prime location near St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach makes it a perfect oceanside escape, and it’s just a short drive from Jacksonville.  4. Charleston, South Carolina This charming port city is one of the best second home locations thanks to its subtropical climate and ocean access. Here, you’ll find cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and gorgeous parks like The Battery and Waterfront Park. It’s also a popular place to buy vacation rental properties and 5. Vail, Colorado And when the snow melts, the town transforms into an amazing summer destination. From adventurous activities like whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers to farmers markets and outdoor concerts, there are endless 6. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Hilton Head Island is located between Charleston and Savannah, providing a less congested escape for people looking to unwind in a 7. Palm Springs, California Palm Springs is a bucket list destination for people who’ve dreamt of rubbing shoulders with the old school Hollywood elite, like Frank Sinatra. Countless celebrities have called the city home over the years, leaving an unmistakable mark on its personality. Fans of Mid-Century Modern architecture will be hard pressed to find a better city to serve as their time capsule. Hikes through the desert bring spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. Afternoon retreats at your 8. Barnstable Town, MA  Cape Cod’s largest town has access to over 100 miles of beaches, including gorgeous barrier beaches like Sandy Neck. The town of Barnstable is comprised of seven villages, each with its own distinct personality.  With plenty of nearby fishing towns, harbors and lighthouses, Barnstable is a water-lover’s paradise. But appreciators of art will also find this town alluring. Barnstable also has two cultural districts, Barnstable Village Cultural District and Hyannis HyArts, which boast plenty of galleries, performances and museums. 9. Bend, Oregon Craft beer enthusiasts may want to take a special interest in 10. Scottsdale, Arizona Scottsdale is quickly becoming the mecca for snowbirds looking to skip winter weather and dodge the tropical storms of the Southeast. Here you’ll find year-round sunshine and zero humidity. You can watch baseball teams conduct spring training or spend your days on a golf course or in a spa. You’ll also have easy access to everything nearby Phoenix has to offer. 11. Napa Valley, California North of San Francisco, Napa Valley is wine country — with over 400 wineries and many fantastic restaurants (15 of which have Michelin stars), owning a 12. Maui, Hawaii Hawaii and paradise are often spoken in the same breath, and there’s no better representation of that than 13. Ocean City, New Jersey Located on the Jersey Shore, Ocean City is a family-friendly beach getaway. This fun, beachy town is famous for its 8-mile Ocean City Boardwalk, which is full of shopping, biking, amusement parks and other entertainment.  Choosing Ocean City as your regular getaway spot means tons of activities for the whole party, including fishing, lounging at the beach, surfing and treating yourself to plenty of saltwater taffy. 14. Steamboat Springs, Colorado If winter activities are more your speed, check out the winter wonderland that is Steamboat Springs. A known ski resort hotspot, Steamboat Springs is a prime place for winter sports. But there’s much to do off the slopes, too.  It’s also 150 miles from Denver and has its own airport. Located in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is surrounded by mountains and sits on a river. The myriad nature activities, like canoeing on Pearl Lake or soaking in geothermal hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs, undoubtedly make this town one of the best places to own a second home. 15. The Keys, Florida While Key West is probably the best known of this island chain, the others have too much to offer to be left out. With miles upon miles of sandy coastlines, you’re bound to find your perfect spot on the beach before hitting the southernmost point in the United States.  These small islands are brimming with stories about shipwrecks and celebrities. It’s hard to think of a place more fitting of the word “paradise.” 16. Park City, Utah Park City gives hopeful buyers a healthy mix between the great outdoors and homebound elegance. Luxury homes, second homes and vacation rentals in this destination often have gourmet kitchens, so you can recover with a proper meal after a full day of skiing. There are more reasons to live in Park City than just for the winters. Buying a 4 factors to consider when buying a second home The real estate cliche about location, location, location is just as true for second homes as it is for primary residences. It’s all about where you’ll spend your time and build your memories. We’ve identified a few factors to consider when searching through the best places for your second home. The real estate cliche about location, location, location is just as true for second homes as it is for primary residences. It’s all about where you’ll spend your time and build your memories. Below, we’ve identified four factors to consider — travel time, seasonal preferences, lifestyle and home use — when searching for where to buy a second home. Travel time By travel time, we mean the time it takes to get to your second home. You’ll also need to factor in how far your getaway is from family members and attractions. No matter where you live, you're likely to use your second home more if you don’t have a spirit-breaking slog to get there.  If you want the flexibility of driving to your destination, identify communities you love within a two-to-three-hour drive time from your primary home and family members. It's the reason Palm Springs and Las Vegas have long appealed to Angelenos, and why Napa, Sonoma and Lake Tahoe are retreats of choice for many San Franciscans. If you don't mind hopping on a plane and plan to use your home less often but for longer stretches, you could buy a second home in another part of the country. This will make planning ahead important, so factor both time and cost of travel into your buying equation. Make sure to consider locations with your preferred amenities and attractions nearby. A remote location might look enticing until you have to drive an hour to get to the nearest beach.  Seasonal preferences Some vacation home locations cater to seasonal visitors — think ski towns or sunny snowbird destinations. These bustling communities may transform into quiet, locals-only spots in the off-season. If you are looking for a second home for seasonal use, like skiing in the winter or lake access for summertime fun, it's wise to research weather and real estate market conditions to get the full picture of when to come to your home. You’ll want to know if roads near your summer home get plowed in the winter, or if your ski chalet is plagued with mosquitoes come summer.  If you plan to use your home year-round, the community will be a big factor in your buying decision. Are there recreational clubs, events, shops and services that meet your needs? The more you know about where you’re going to buy, the more confident you'll feel that you've picked the best location for your second home. Lifestyle Consider the kind of life you want to live in your second home. Does a remote home surrounded by nature appeal to you, or do you want to be within a stone's throw from urban amenities? Are you semi-retired and looking for new adventures, or are you in a young family seeking fun, Isolated locations are appealingly peaceful. If nature is important to you, what recreational activities are nearby? Explore area hiking and biking trails, and check out boating and fishing spots. If it's a ski hill you're after, see what it offers in both winter and summer.  The tradeoffs of an isolated spot are fewer amenities, less access to satellite internet and more drive time to get to restaurants and activities. In addition to streaming Netflix, you may want the option of working remotely. That will require a reliable connection, powerful enough for video conferencing. On the other hand, city living comes with less privacy but more proximity to good food — a draw for many buyers. Larger cities may also give you peace of mind knowing there's a hospital close by. Or, you may need to be near a train or airport. Identify the services you can’t forego while spending time at your second home.  Having these questions top of mind can help reassure you that you’re making the right decision. Home use  Finally, what is your goal for your second home? Are you looking for a private home to enjoy with your family and friends, or are you interested in a vacation rental property that can provide some annual gross rental revenue? You may choose to use the home as a secondary residence, a vacation home or a place for your kids to stay. How you use the home may determine whether it’s better to consider co-ownership.  Co-ownership is one smart option for owning a home you’ll enjoy periodically throughout the year. You purchase a fraction of the property, share costs with fellow co-owners, and easily schedule your stays with an app.  Consider a second home with Pacaso After researching the best places for a second home, it’s time to consider your buying options.  You can make your dreams a reality by co-owning a luxury home with Pacaso. With a