Ultimate Guide to Vacation Rentals with Tiny Travellers
So, you’re thinking of skipping the hotel scene and going full vacation-home-rental mode with your kids? Bold move. There’s something incredibly appealing about the idea of having your own space, a kitchen to whip up gourmet dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, and—if you’re lucky—a pool that doesn’t require a 6 a.m. wake-up just to claim a sunbed.
But renting a vacation home is not as simple as scrolling through pretty photos, clicking “book now,” and imagining yourself sipping wine on a picturesque terrace while your children play peacefully (HA). There are traps. There are hidden horrors. And we are here to guide you through them so you don’t end up in a place that looks like it was decorated by someone with a deep, personal vendetta against aesthetics and basic safety.
Step One: Finding a Family-Friendly Rental (That Won’t End in Tears)
Let’s get real—not all Airbnbs, VRBOs, and vacation rentals are created equal. Just because a listing says "family-friendly" doesn’t mean anything beyond yes, technically, a child could physically enter this building. You need to be strategic about your search.
Read Between the Lines on Listings
“Cozy” = Too small for your family and luggage.
“Rustic charm” = There’s probably a questionable smell involved.
“Minimalist design” = No storage, nowhere to put your stuff, and possibly furniture so sharp-edged it’s a toddler’s ER visit waiting to happen.
“Off-the-grid experience” = Hope you enjoy rationing Wi-Fi like it’s an endangered resource.
Look for actual kid-friendly amenities: cribs, high chairs, blackout curtains (unless you love 5 a.m. wake-ups), and a washing machine. Trust me, when your two-year-old smears yogurt all over every item of clothing within a 3-mile radius, you’ll be grateful for in-house laundry. If necessary take the time to message the host and ask about these things.
Location, Location, and the ‘Oh No’ Factor
Is the house in the middle of nowhere? Sounds peaceful—until you need emergency diapers at 10 p.m. and the nearest store is 40 minutes away.
Is there a main road right outside? Because nothing says “relaxing getaway” like playing traffic guard 24/7.
Are there farm animals nearby? Cute in theory, until you’re awakened at sunrise by a rooster that has no regard for your need to sleep past 5:30 a.m.
Step Two: The Safety Checks (Because Toddlers are Tiny Chaos Agents)
Let’s be honest—most vacation homes were not designed for families with young kids. They were designed for aesthetically curated Instagram moments. Which is great…until you realize there are glass coffee tables at shin height, a staircase with no railing, and exactly one electrical outlet in the entire place that isn’t covered.
Staircases and Balconies: The Danger Zones
If your rental has stairs, you need baby gates. If they’re not provided, you’ll be spending your vacation MacGyver-ing a blockade with suitcases and furniture.
Balconies should have proper railings. A waist-high, artsy metal bar situation is NOT a railing. It’s a trap.
Pools: Bliss or Parental Anxiety Central
A pool without a safety fence is an instant no-go if you have toddlers.
If it’s a shared pool, check if there are designated family hours or if you’ll be dodging bachelor-party cannonballs all week.
Step Three: Vacation Homes vs. Hotels—The Brutally Honest Pros & Cons
You’re making a huge decision here, so let’s break it down.
Pros of Renting a Vacation Home:
✔ More space – No squeezing your entire family into a tiny hotel room where you have to whisper after 7 p.m. because the kids are asleep.
✔ Kitchen = freedom – No expensive, questionable hotel breakfasts where your toddler only eats half a dry croissant.
✔ Feels more like home – Which means kids might actually sleep, and you don’t have to share a bed with a child who sleeps like a starfish.
✔ More affordable for bigger families – A rental can be cheaper than multiple hotel rooms, especially for longer stays.
Cons of Renting a Vacation Home:
✘ No housekeeping – Guess who’s still washing dishes and tidying up? (It’s you.)
✘ Potentially bad Wi-Fi – No Wi-Fi = No Netflix = No Paw Patrol = No peace.
✘ Lack of on-site entertainment – No kids' club, no activities, just you and your ability to make fun happen.
✘ Check-in drama – Ever arrived at an Airbnb where the key was not where it was supposed to be? Not fun with cranky kids in tow.
Meanwhile, hotels may have smaller rooms, but they offer room service, daily cleaning, pools, kids’ clubs, and the simple joy of calling reception when something goes wrong instead of troubleshooting it yourself.
Final Thoughts: How to Make a Vacation Rental Work for Your Family
If you’re set on renting a vacation home, just do your research like a detective solving a crime.
Read reviews like your trip depends on it (because it does). Skip the ones that say “great for couples” because those people don’t care if there are 30 breakable items in the living room.
Message the host. Ask direct questions: “Is there a high chair? Are there blackout curtains? Is the Wi-Fi strong enough for streaming?” If they give vague answers, run.
Plan for the unexpected. Bring a white noise machine (because neighbors), portable blackout blinds (because thin curtains), and a small stash of basic cleaning supplies (because kids spill everything).
Vacation home rentals can be a fantastic option for families, offering space, convenience, and that sweet, sweet ability to cook your own breakfast instead of paying $18 for a child to eat exactly three bites of toast. But they also come with risks—some minor, some major, and some that will have you vowing never again.
So, choose wisely, pack smart, and may your vacation rental actually look like the photos. 🙌
P.S. Here are some of the unspoken “Traps” of Booking Platforms
Sneaky fees: The cleaning fee alone might cost more than your mortgage.
Vague cancellation policies: Some are literally “no refunds unless a miracle happens.”
Photos vs. reality: That bright, airy kitchen? Wide-angle lens magic. That "beachfront" listing? Maybe if you squint hard enough across a highway and an abandoned parking lot.
