Vancouver Island is a perfect vacation location in Canada. People from across Canada and around the world travel to British Columbia to enjoy the hot weather, expansive beaches, and vibrant wineries. You might be looking for Vancouver Island Cabin Rentals as an affordable and personable alternative to corporate hotel brands. If so, there are a few things you should consider before booking your cabin rental.
What is Your Budget for the Trip?
Vacation budgets vary wildly and also depend on how long you’ll be staying and what type of activities you’ll be participating in while there. the Island is a great destination because there are plenty of free activities to partake in, like exploring the local parks.
Sit down with a spreadsheet or checklist and brainstorm how much you are looking to spend on lodgings, food, activities, and travel expenses like gas or plane tickets. Remember: You’ll be spending a lot of time at your rental cottage and will want it to be comfortable, spacious, and safe. You can skimp on your food and drink budget but it’s best not to skimp on where you’ll be sleeping.
Regardless, there are vacation cottages on Vancouver Island ranging from $100/night upward so you are sure to find something that fits within the range you set for yourself.
How Many People Are Staying with You?
This will help you determine how many beds and rooms are needed within your vacation cottage of choice. More rooms tend to have a higher expense. Fewer rooms will allow you to save money. See if anyone in your group is willing to sleep on a couch or pullout bed—these tend to be located in the den area and don’t add much extra cost.
1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom cottages are pretty reliably available, as they tend to be the more popular sizes. You can also consider splitting your group up into smaller, more manageable parties and booking separate rentals for each clan. For something like that, you might want to seek out a rental cottage community so that you are still in close proximity to one another.
Are Pets Allowed at Your Cabin?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Not every vacation property allows pets so be sure to call ahead and get a clear yes or no answer before you pack Fido up in her kennel!
Are There Budget Vacation Deals Available?
Watch for booking deals for longer stays, last-minute rental discounts, or off-season specials to save a bit of money on your per-night rate. The best way to do this is to follow local Vancouver Island tourism companies on social media, where they are most likely to post and advertise these sorts of things. For example, you can find Breakaway Vacations on Facebook!
How Well-Cared for are the Vancouver Island Cabin Rentals?
Check online ratings, look at photos (and ask how recent they are), and email the cottage owner about cleaning regulations between guests. You don’t want to be stuck in a place that looks like it’s falling apart, nor do you want to be deceived by interior images that are way out of date. Don’t be afraid to push a bit here and get all the information you need to make the best decision.
Does it Come with Any Perks (pool access, WIFI)?
Not all cottage rentals will come with extras, nor should they, but it’s always a nice thing to have! Ask about:
- Free WIFI access
- Private yard space (with furniture?)
- Pool access
- Firepit access
- BBQ access
- Boardgames
- DVDs or Netflix login
- Any other perks you can think of
- How Long are You Staying? Is It During Busy Season?
If you are planning a longer trip or booking for the busy season (summertime, holidays, and so on) then be sure to start looking far, far in advance to make sure you get what you need before it sells out.
Do You Need Some Expert Help Picking between Vancouver Island Cabin Rentals?
Give us a call or email at Breakaway Vacations if you need help picking a cabin or cottage rental that works best for you. We have several luxury cottages available across the main Island, Pender Island, and more.