Editor's P.S.
My ideal vacations put my feet into warm sand, lull my senses with the rush of waves breaking in the distance, and relax any frayed nerves with a hearty dose of nothing to do. Imagine looking out upon your own private oasis--no noisy neighbors, no crummy views of a motel parking lot, no need to duct tape the minibar shut to keep your children from eating all the $10 Snickers bars. Such a dream can become a reality by renting a beach house or condo.

Advantages are plenty: multiple bedrooms; large, completely furnished living areas; a full kitchen; and sometimes even rafts and toys for your use. The best part is that instead of chucking out $200-plus per night for a bargain-basement hotel room, depending on your needs, you may be able to save cash by renting a condo.

A smooth renting experience, however, requires advanced planning if you want to do it right. To avoid having a scary experience, I've included tips below from our travel staff as well as a rental expert. Good luck out there.

How To Pick a Property
The questions that make first-time renters lose sleep include, "Will we like the accommodations? Suppose it's a dump? What if we need a passport to get to the beach?" Internet pictures don't always tell the whole story.

The safest way to find a house or condo where you'll feel comfortable is to visit the area and investigate. Stay in a hotel for a weekend in the off-season when you can get a reduced rate. Call the local convention and visitors bureau or tourism development office for brochures on the area. The second-best option may be just as effective and certainly cheaper--ask friends where they stay.

Finding an Agent
Rental agents, who often have access to dozens of properties, are a valuable resource. One popular online service, www.resortquest.com (1-800-467-3529), allows visitors to search an enormous database of properties by location, number of bedrooms, and price. Better still, ResortQuest thrives by using local rental agencies to provide information for their national database. Because Birmingham is just five hours from Florida's Panhandle, many of us at Southern Living vacation there. We often use a company called Abbott Resorts, 1-888-909-6807, which is owned by ResortQuest.

Top 10 Rental Tips
1. "Book by March or April for summer," says Abbott's Joann Saucier, a 20-year veteran of the rental industry.

2. Off-season rates can drop to 50% of peak-season prices.

3. Always ask for discounted rates. "Everyone runs specials," Joann says.

4. Get the total price (with taxes) in writing, and read the fine print. Find out when the deposit is due and what the cancellation policies are.

5. Ask about the bed sizes. Kings? Singles? Are linens provided?

6. If you have toddlers, ask if the house is childproofed. Does the rental company provide high chairs, cribs, etc.?

7. Where do you pick up the keys to the house upon arrival?

8. If the dishwasher, TV, or fridge breaks, who is responsible, and who do you call?

9. You can always buy groceries near your destination, but bring your own spices from home to save cash.

10. Who cleans the house upon your departure? If not you, do you get a bill for it?

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