(NAPSI)—Renting a vacation home has become a popular choice among travelers, made easier than ever by trendy peer-to-peer sharing sites. Rather than squeezing into a hotel room, vacationers are spreading out and taking advantage of such benefits as extra space, convenience and privacy. Before booking a home base for what’s meant to be a relaxing getaway, however, travelers need to consider from whom they’re renting to ensure a trouble-free experience. Here are some important things to know before booking:

What are the options? Even before beginning the search for a vacation home, it’s important to understand the different types of rentals you can choose. Rentals differ when it comes to destination, number of bedrooms and overall style. What many people don’t realize is that they differ in other important ways, such as whether they’re rented out by a professional management company or the individual homeowner. For those travelers who want added peace of mind, most professional managers have established service and quality standards for their properties, unlike renting directly from an owner who isn’t necessarily qualified to deliver a hospitality-grade experience. In fact, a recent Wyndham Vacation Rentals survey found that approximately seven in 10 guests who have experience renting both ways prefer the managed option.

What can you expect? The last thing vacationers want is to check into accommodations that differ from what they had in mind, and not in a good way. According to the same survey, 46 percent of vacationers are not confident they’ll get what they anticipate if renting directly from a vacation homeowner. To overcome that, ask the homeowner specific questions about the property, from distance to the beach to included housewares, or consider working with a professional manager who can better vet the home.

Whom can you call? If the hot tub breaks or the kitchen’s missing promised appliances, know whom you can contact for timely assistance. Not being able to get problems solved quickly if renting directly from an owner worries 62 percent of vacationers, according to the survey. Don’t be caught off guard. Professional managers can ensure you have 24/7 assistance. If you’re renting from the individual owners, see how available they’ll be. If they live out of state and can’t offer help, be ready for the possibility that you might run into obstacles during your stay.

How well maintained is the property? Renting a home directly from an owner you don’t know can certainly cause apprehension. Nine in 10 owners (88 percent) who have rented their home themselves admittedly “dread” something about doing it on their own, from cleaning to keeping up with regular inspections. Don’t shy away from asking questions. If you don’t feel confident in the answers, consider working with a professional manager.

For more information on the benefits of a professionally managed vacation rental home, visit www.VacationDifferently.com.

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