Steer Clear: Red Flag Words To Avoid In Vacation Rental Listings
People book vacation rentals for various reasons, as they offer several advantages over traditional accommodation options. Whether your reasons for choosing a vacation rental include the need for more space,…
People book vacation rentals for various reasons, as they offer several advantages over traditional accommodation options. Whether your reasons for choosing a vacation rental include the need for more space, a desire for privacy, budget-friendly, the craving for an authentic local experience, or simply the comfort of home-like amenities. But there are a few terms in the rental listings that you might want to pay particular attention to. You might even want to steer clear of rentals that use them. These sneaky terms can sometimes be misleading or fail to truly capture the essence of the property.
While looking at the reviews left by previous guests can definitely provide helpful insights, but it's important to approach them with a grain of salt. Remember, everyone has their own unique taste and preferences.
To avoid lousy vacation rental experiences, Elliott Report compiled a list of specific terms to look out for in listings that could be red flags. Their team based their list on thousands of vacation rental cases they have mediated on behalf of consumers.
"It turns out that vacation rental hosts often embed words of warning directly in their property descriptions," said in the article.
One example is the word "cozy." Sure, it has its dictionary definition, but in these contexts, it often hints at spaces that are on the smaller side. So, if you see "cozy" in a listing, chances are you're looking at a snug little spot rather than a sprawling mansion.
A few other words came up such as eclectic, secluded, secure, and rustic. These words can have different meanings and interpretations depending on the context. According to the study, when a listing says it's "eclectic," it might mean there's an "interesting" mix of things, not all of those things are desirable. It could mean, for instance, that the only sink in the place is oddly located over the toilet. Yes, that's eclectic, but it's also bad design.
As for "secluded" and "secure," they can imply being far away from civilization or having an excessive number of cameras watching your every move. And when it comes to rustic, it could be a potential red flag for no air conditioning or limited hot water.
It's important to remember that just because these words show up in a listing, it doesn't automatically mean that the owner is trying to hide something or that there's something inherently wrong with the property. Think of these words as another tool in your screening toolkit before booking a vacation rental. But these terms should definitely lead you to ask some questions about the listing before you commit.
Take a look at other words that made the list here.
The 5 Most Popular Souvenirs That Tourists Buy
People buy souvenirs to be reminded of special moments from trips. Sometimes they want something to help them remember those special moments. That small item from the place you traveled and toured around is a physical memory. These purchases are a symbol of moments of fun or relaxation.
Icelolly.com -- a travel site -- came up with a list of the best and worst souvenirs for tourists. Some of the items listed are as simple as a t-shirt, magnet, or a key chain. Some of them are more permanent. People actually get tattoos when they travel to remind them of their trip.
When it comes to travel keepsakes, they said most people prefer items that are small or inexpensive. They also mentioned how the story behind the souvenir is better than the object itself. You may want to consider these souvenirs during your next destination gift shop trip.
Here are 5 of the most popular souvenirs tourist buy. See their full list here.
Number Five - Tattoos
Getty ImagesTattoos are a pretty permanent and unforgettable souvenir. Some people get them in each new place they visit. It’s a great way to keep those travel memories with you. Or rather, on you.
Number Four - Shot Glasses
Getty ImagesThis may be one of the best ways to save on bag space. They are easy to find because almost every souvenir shop has one while traveling. Just wrap them in bubble wrap, or tissue paper so they don't crack or break. But once you get them home, they don't take up too much space and they can always come in handy (if you like to do shots in the comfort of your own home, that is).
Number Three - Postcards
Getty ImagesOne of the best parts about postcards as souvenirs is that they’re inexpensive. Also, there are plenty of options to choose from and sometimes you can personalize them. If you're sending them to other people as a souvenir of your trip, you might want to wait until you get home to drop them in the mailbox. Especially if you're overseas. Depending on where you travel to, sometimes the postal service can be really slow.
Number Two - T-Shirts
Getty ImagesSo you may only use the t-shirt to sleep in when you get back from your vacation but they’re convenient to have in your luggage and easy to store away. They also make great gifts, depending on where you were traveling to.
Number One - Ornaments
Getty ImagesMost of the time, you can find a nearby gift shop to buy an ornament. That ornament can tell a story, reflect on a vacation, or celebrate some sort of milestone.
