Renting a home on your next vacation can be a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture at the same time. But if you can’t visit the home firsthand, here are some tips on avoiding the scams, and getting the most out of your deal.

Number one, get the rental agreement in writing, and make sure to ask the right questions beforehand—about things like amenities, bedding, towels parking spaces, washer/dryer availability, cleanup expectations, Internet access, and the condition of the barbecue.

And don’t forget to ask whether the house is kid-friendly, if you plan on bringing along the children, and the same thing goes for pets.

Try to contact the rental owner directly.

This will allow you to get direct answers to your questions, sort out any issues, and arrange the small details or personal requests.

And last, but not least, don’t forget to ask about their cancellation policy.

Get more ideas for accommodations in our Hotels section.

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