Planning a beach vacation can be fun and exciting but it can also come with a bit of stress too. While you know you want to head to the beach, where do you want to stay? You may have ruled out staying at a resort or hotel and instead have opted to stay at a vacation rental. Where do you want that condo or home to be? Do you want it right on the beach? Or is it ok for it to be a few blocks away?

Here are some top tips for finding the right vacation rental for your next beach vacation.

Beachfront Home Or A Beach View Condo

When you are searching for a vacation rental that is located on or near a beach, you need to be careful of the wording in the listing. You will most likely see both beachfront homes or condos and beach view condos or homes. They aren't the same, and you should know the difference between them, and know which is the right one for you.

Beachfront means the home is right on the beach or steps away from it. They tend to be a bit more costly but if you plan to spend the majority of your time on that beach, it could be the better option. If you have smaller kids or people with mobility issues, being closer to the beach might work better as well.

Beach view means you can see the beach or the water but the home isn't right on the beach. It could be a short drive or walk away. This can be more cost-effective for families. It can also be a good choice if you would prefer to be closer to shopping or restaurants and don't plan to spend most of your time on the beach.

Find A Home Or Condo With A Pool

You might think it's redundant to find a vacation rental with a pool in the backyard or a condo with a pool area, but there could be times when you may wish you had one if you don't. When you have a family with younger kids, it's not always easy to head to the beach every day, and if it's a crowded beach, they can be hard to keep an eye on amongst the throng. A pool can be a great way to get some swimming in without worrying about having too many people around or having to haul everyone to it.

Also, even on sunny days, there is always the possibility that you may not be able to swim in the water at the beach. It might have rained the night before so the sand and bacteria needs to settle before it's safe to swim again. A pool is a good way to enjoy the water without having to wait for the beach to be cleared for swimming again.