Booking travel accommodations can be confusing and spiraling hotel rates

can be jaw dropping. Just ask Canadian traveler, Jason Robertson, --- "It

seems to take me hours and hours to book accommodation - and even then, it's

very expensive and stressful." It's no surprise that people like Jason are

shifting towards using vacation rentals rather than the impersonal big box

hotel accommodation for holiday travel. Vacation rentals by owner offer travelers

unique stays in local environments. Instead of lining up at the concierge

only to be shuffled along to your room - a host greets you at the door with

keys to your very own space.

Instead of being confined in a boxy room, vacation rentals allow travelers

to sit back and relax in the comfort of a living room with space in which to

walk around. Travelers can save money on food by visiting a local market or

grocer and cooking in their vacation rental. Companies seizing the agenda

in the vacation rental space offer the flexibility for customers to contact

their host directly through their websites. Travelers are then able to see

which spaces best match their requirements and contact the host for prices,

availability and dates. The process is effortless and done completely in

the comfort of your own home.

In times when every penny counts, saving on accommodation is a huge relief.

Short term rentals give you the luxury of finding multiple accommodation types

with a broad range of price. If $30 is your budget, simply find a room that

asks that. If you're feeling like splurging a little, then spring for an

entire apartment at $150 a night. The possibilities are endless in terms of

price point and unique environments. Major Canadian hotel chains have been

known to bump up prices in the summer - especially surrounding major events

like Pride Week in Toronto or the Montreal Jazz Festival. This is a sure way

to beat the masses and inflated prices that travelers otherwise might face

during peak travel periods.

"Safety is always in the forefront my mind," added Robertson. "Secure credit

information and safe neighborhoods are all things that one may consider.

Using a vacation rental service is a safe way to book your accommodation.

We used a vacation rental company for our last trip to Paris - and we plan

to do the same thing in December when we're planning a trip to New York"

Home rental sites require guests speak with the host directly to ask any

questions or confirm details. Payment information is exchanged

confidentially and securely through the site; so one never needs to worry

about information falling into wrong hands.