| A Hawaii vacation seems out of reach for most | | | | cost. The best rentals even stock laundry |
| people. But, it doesn't have to be. | | | | detergent. Laundro-mats in Hawaii are expensive |
| Accommodations in the high-end luxurious hotels | | | | both in money and in time wasted. |
| and coastline resorts that hug the aqua coastal | | | | Is there Internet access and is it free? No one |
| bays may be what you imagine for a dream | | | | wants to use precious vacation time searching for |
| Hawaii vacation. But, this may actually be what's | | | | an Internet café where they'll also be |
| out of your budget reach. Ditto for the expensive | | | | charged by the minute to be online. |
| private beach houses and condos. So, what's a | | | | If it's the lowest rates that attract you, it's best |
| budget-conscience person to do in Hawaii if | | | | to read the fine print and always ask questions |
| camping, cold showers or bad beds of a youth | | | | about the location. Remember to ask if the |
| hostel do not appeal? | | | | location is on a busy road. Often the lowest |
| You don't have to forfeit comfort, convenience, | | | | budget rentals are located far from towns for |
| location, privacy or even a little luxury when you | | | | shopping, popular attractions, and easy-to-access |
| travel to Hawaii. You can do it on a lighter budget | | | | beaches. There are hundreds of lovely areas but |
| whether you travel solo, on a honeymoon, or | | | | if it's the sun and surf you're traveling to Hawaii to |
| with the kids along. Rates and locations of | | | | experience, make certain that you are in the right |
| vacation rental cottages vary but there is a large | | | | location or you could find yourself having to drive |
| range to choose from many of which cost about | | | | more than you want to, or in a lush rain forest |
| one third the cost of a resort hotel. The best | | | | area (in the rain) or even at higher altitude on the |
| rates are usually found just a few minutes inland | | | | slope of a mountain where temperatures are |
| from the shore, and some are only minutes from | | | | colder. |
| most of the best beaches. | | | | When comparing vacation rental cottages, take |
| Staying in a vacation rental cottage is also a great | | | | note of any add-on fees to the rates - anything |
| savings on daily costs. Hawaii's restaurants are | | | | from booking fees (if handled by an agent), |
| expensive and it can even become tiresome | | | | cleaning fees, and damage / security fees. These |
| eating out every day. Vacation rental cottages | | | | actually hike up that low rate you thought |
| are usually equipped with kitchens to prepare | | | | sounded so good. |
| either at-home meals or picnic lunches to take | | | | If you're thinking of moving from one rental |
| along to the beaches, on hikes or other | | | | property to another so you can experience all |
| excursions. | | | | areas of a Hawaiian island, consider this: the |
| But, not all vacation rental cottages are created | | | | shorter stays of only one and two nights in each |
| equal. It is wise to compare not only the rates | | | | place could end up being a more expensive |
| and locations but also the amenities which could | | | | vacation! Most places have a minimum number of |
| add considerably to savings. Some cottage rentals | | | | nights at the full rate, but private vacation rental |
| offer only very basic cooking facilities such as hot | | | | owners may actually increase the rate for a |
| plates or toaster ovens. The best deals are | | | | shorter stay. You're more likely to get a better |
| vacation cottages with full kitchens. They can | | | | rate from the owner when you base yourself in |
| easily save a family a couple of hundred dollars a | | | | one place for a longer stay. The Hawaiian islands |
| day on meals by cooking at home. Well-equipped | | | | are easy to get around on. Even on the Big Island |
| kitchens include everything from blenders for | | | | it's very easy to experience it all without moving |
| island smoothies to all the comfort and | | | | from one accommodation to another. |
| convenience of a home-away-from home, plus | | | | Check if rentals are child friendly and, if so, is |
| more. | | | | there an extra charge for children. Most rates are |
| Is free off-road parking on the amenity list? Most | | | | for double occupancy and there are fees for |
| private vacation rentals are either in towns or on | | | | extra guests - even the little ones. Some private |
| the outskirts in residential neighborhoods where | | | | vacation rental owners may waive fees for |
| parking can be a contentious problem between | | | | children depending on the policy, the season, and |
| visitors and neighborhood residents. Look for | | | | your overall length of stay. |
| properties that offer you free parking for your | | | | Whether or not a discount is offered or extra |
| rental car. | | | | fees are waived, staying in a private vacation |
| Another savings in both money and time is to | | | | rental cottage is a great way to have a Hawaii |
| have an on-site laundry machine available at no | | | | dream vacation without the nightmare cost. |