A stay at a vacation rental can take your trip to new heights, allowing you to explore under-the-radar neighborhoods and mix in with the locals—all while having a temporary place to call home. Vacation rentals are often more affordable than other accommodation options—especially when you’re traveling with companions. That said, if you’re not used to searching for and booking a vacation rental, there are nuances that can make or break your stay (ones you probably don’t want to learn the hard way). These eight tips will help make booking (and staying at) a vacation rental a breeze.