by Yzzy Quarker

Created on: July 05, 2009

Even if you only sleep, shower, and change clothes in the place you choose, housing is a big expense on any vacation budget and it can make or break your good time. Having stayed in hotels, bed & breakfasts, and rentals I can say I am an avid fan of the rental. Not in any particular order, here are my tops ten reasons to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel.

Privacy - The idea of having a vacation free from cleaning is a main selling point for many, so they might prefer an establishment with maid service. But many of us find it creepy to have total strangers cleaning up after us, handling our stuff, and rearranging everything. In a rental I do have to clean up after myself, but my things are just where I left them and I like that a lot.

Availability - Vacation rentals or apartments are available everywhere on the planet. You can rent an apartment on a beach in Hawaii, a canal in Amsterdam, or one in Barcelona with a view of the Mediterranean, all with the comforts of home. They are usually well-stocked with condiments, coffee, tea, spices, and miscellaneous items. Many items are left behind by previous renters who didn't have enough time to eat or drink everything they bought. Packets of hot chocolate, exotic cooking oils, unusual herbs or spices are some of the things I've found and used.

Local Food - When on vacation cooking is not in the plan. Eating out is a favorite. Truth be told, I rarely cook when I'm home. But staying in an apartment while on vacation gives me the luxury of shopping at local markets and actually buying some local delicacy to bring home to enjoy. With an apartment to go home to, shopping at La Boqueria in Barcelona becomes a treat not a taunt. The shrimp trying to crawl off the table will join its peers in a wonderful stir fry combined with fresh vegetables purchased from a vendor a couple of stalls over. Sangria, in an icy cold pitcher straight from the refrigerator, will wash it all down.

Leftovers - Part of any distinguished vacation is scrumptious food eaten in wonderful restaurants. One of the saddest things is to be completely unable to eat another bite of a fabulously delicious meal with half of it still on the plate, and you are staying in a hotel with no refrigerator. To know that your choices are to take it to your room to later stuff what you can in your face right before bedtime, or more likely, throw it away, is sniffle-worthy at the very least. With a rental you will have a nice refrigerator to store

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