When you're putting together your Orlando vacation package, there are many benefits in deciding to go for a vacation home rental instead of a motel or hotel room - they include better value for money, more space and greater flexibility. You should think about the following before deciding which home to choose, though:

1. How will you pay the bill?

Some of the nicest homes are owned by families with no credit card facilities, so they can only accept payment by cash, check or bank transfer. However, using a credit card gives you some protection in case of problems. It's the option I would choose, even if it limits your choice of homes.

2. Are you sure you know what you're getting?

Some rental companies will only allocate your home as you arrive. I recommend renting from a company that specifies your home and provides you with online photos of it at the time of booking so that you avoid any last-minutes unpleasant surprises.

3. How big a party size can the home accommodate?

Florida State limits Orlando vacation home rentals via a license. The maximum party size per property is controlled (for example, most 3 bed properties are allowed to sleep up to 8, most 4 bed 10, etc.). It is important to match your party to the right home size very carefully.

4. What type of community do you want to be in?

There are simple residential communities that have few additional facilities and there are "resort" communities. Resort communities frequently have additional facilities e.g. club house, gym, community pool. If you don’t’ need those, consider one of the smaller, quieter residential-style communities

5. What type of property do you want?

Both types of property, single family homes and condos, have pros and cons. Single family homes are great but may be too large for a couple or a small family. Condos can be less expensive than a single family home, but sound insulation can be poor – as you may find out when people in the condo next to you are partying at 3 in the morning!

6. How will you get the key?

Some companies or owners send you directions that enable you to go straight to the home you're staying in to gain access (for example, a lot of vacation home owners fit coded lock boxes to the property and provide lock box access instructions once you've paid). Other companies insist that you visit a central check-in office. After a long flight, driving all over town to get the key from the landlord’s office may not be a great start to the vacation!

7. How far from the theme parks is ok?

Most people like to be within ten or fifteen minutes of the theme parks to minimize travel times (assuming your visit will include the parks!). But be skeptical of all claims about travel times: "5 minutes to Disney from our home" may be true at 3 a.m., but it could be 30 minutes at Easter when the roads are full!

8. How much parking space do you need?

Most Orlando vacation home rental properties have very short driveways. If you will have more than one vehicle, check out parking arrangements before booking!

9. How important to you is getting the absolutely lowest price?

We all love a bargain, but beware of going too far. Competition has led some Orlando vacation home rental companies/owners to offer uneconomic, tempting low prices. Eventually they go out of business. Every year, some families arrive for their dream holiday only to find the home unavailable. So balance the natural desire for low price with some caution.