Understanding the General Itinerary

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Before determining your ideal lodging location, having a clear grasp of your vacation itinerary is paramount. Your choice should harmonise with your planned activities. If your vacation primarily explores downtown shopping and dining, consider properties in the heart of downtown, ideally within walking distance of these attractions. On the other hand, if your itinerary encompasses hiking adventures or visits to various attractions, opt for an area that minimises commuting time. Like in real estate, the golden rule of "location, location, location" holds when selecting your vacation rental.

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Specify Your Stay Dates

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During your property search, ensure you input the exact dates of your planned stay. Filling in your visit dates is crucial. When you omit them, your search results often display the "average price per night," but the availability remains uncertain. Without specific dates, you might encounter an average rate combining low and high-season pricing, which can be misleading if your trip falls within the high season. To secure accurate and relevant information, always provide your intended stay dates for a more precise search experience.

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Use the "Search When I Move Map" Feature:

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With your vacation plans in mind, it's time to locate your ideal lodging. The "Search When I Move Map" feature is a valuable tool that lets you pinpoint available properties in your preferred area with precision. Here's a handy tip: Zoom in on the map to reveal specific street names, which can be incredibly helpful. Once you've narrowed down your options, consider using Google Maps to explore the property's surroundings and calculate distances to nearby attractions. 

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Pay Close Attention to the Photos

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Take the time to closely examine the property's photos – you might be surprised by how much you can discern from them. Here are some key aspects to consider:

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• Furniture Condition: Do the furnishings appear well-maintained, or do they show signs of wear and tear?
• View: Check out the view from the windows – does it align with your expectations?
• Bathroom: Is the bathroom newly renovated or in need of updates?
• Decor and Cleanliness: Assess the overall decor and cleanliness of the property. Is it tastefully decorated or cluttered?
• Layout and Style: The photos give a general sense of the property's layout, cleanliness, and style.

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Experienced property owners often provide multiple photos of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, offering a more comprehensive view of the property. If the photos are blurry or of poor quality, it's usually a red flag, and it's advisable to continue your search. Trust your visual instincts – they can be a reliable guide in selecting the right vacation rental.

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Curious to see how much you could earn on Airbnb? Schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with our Airbnb Management Gold Coast team to uncover your property’s revenue potential.

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Take Time to Read the Reviews

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Delve into the reviews left by fellow travellers who have stayed at the property before you. These reviews hold valuable insights. Here's what to look for:

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Star Rating: Start with the star rating. Aim for properties with at least 4/5 stars and numerous reviews. A higher star rating indicates a more satisfying experience for previous guests.

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Abundance of Reviews: Properties with numerous reviews are a good sign. It suggests that the owners have been hosting guests for a while and likely ironing out any issues.

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Invaluable Insights: The reviews can be a treasure trove of information. Discover hidden gems like great restaurants in the neighbourhood or must-visit nearby activities. You can also glean practical details like the comfort of the sleeper sofa, noise levels, and any peculiarities of the property. In essence, reviews often serve as the richest source of information about the property.

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Utilise Keywords for Precise Location

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To pinpoint the exact location of the rental, you can harness the power of keywords found in the listing title, description, and guest reviews. Here's a step-by-step guide:

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• Start with Google Maps: Initiate your search by entering the city where the property is listed.
• Include Landmarks: Add any nearby landmarks mentioned in the listing details.
• Zoom In: Zoom in on the map to identify places, stores, and restaurants that are specifically mentioned in the property's description and guest reviews.

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Seek the Premier Partner Badge

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VRBO offers an exceptional feature—the Premier Partner badge recognition program!

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This prestigious title is granted to property owners and managers with a remarkable track record characterised by minimal cancellation rates and consistently outstanding reviews. It's an exclusive club; only those who consistently go the extra mile for their guests receive the invitation. Properties must maintain stringent standards over 365 days to attain Premier Partner recognition. Once achieved, travellers can rely on and trust the Premier Partner brand as a mark of exceptional quality.

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You can easily spot the Premier Partner badge on the main listing page, prominently above the star rating. This prestigious status is also mentioned in the property description and can be filtered using the Premier Partner search filter.

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Houst: Your Trusted Partner in Rental Management

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Houst is your go-to rental management company. They care for everything, ensuring your property shines on platforms like VRBO. With Houst, you get more bookings, more income, and less hassle. It's that easy.

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