If you are considering a vacation rental for the first time, here’s what you need to know:

1. Explore in Advance: Safeguard your vacation by gathering as much information about the rental unit and the destination as possible—distance to the beach, the living room view, items of interest in the surrounding area. Professionally managed vacation rental companies work on your behalf to ensure that you have updated and accurate pictures and descriptions so you can feel fully comfortable and confident with your selection.

2. Book with Confidence: If booking directly with the owner through a listing service site, be sure to verify his or her credentials and use a secure payment method. An alternative is to opt for a professionally managed vacation rental service that acts on behalf of a vacation rental’s owner. It can help take care of many aspects of vacation planning, including confirming the availability of accommodations and authorizing online payment in real time through a reliable method.

3. Enjoy Vacation Security: Many vacationers find added security by using Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the only such provider backed by a major hotel brand. Working with a renowned hospitality brand that has established quality and service standards and 24/7 customer service support before, during and after your stay can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your vacation is in the hands of a company you can trust.

In an effort to educate consumers on the emerging vacation rental industry, Wyndham Vacation Rentals has developed a Vacation Rental Bill of Rights that already addresses many of these considerations.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)