The 7 Most Important Features in a Vacation Rental

The realm of vacation rentals is constantly in flux.

Some of that variation boils down to local restrictions. Over the last few years, places like New York City and Maui have both put forth strict rules on when and how guests can book stays.

In NYC, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are no longer allowed, while Maui authorities want to get rid of private rental properties altogether.

And that’s just the legal side of things. In a constantly evolving private rental industry, which features do you actually need? And what else should you look out for in this over-saturated market?

Private rentals—they’re not how they used to be

As a frequent traveler, I’ve also noticed a huge gap in the quality of rentals offered. The most famous example is those skyrocketing cleaning fees.

I’ve stayed at rentals with hefty cleaning fees that included a list of chores for the guests—all the while, the stay wasn’t clean to start with.

For example, one rental I stayed at had a stained sheet being used as a window curtain… and this was a nearly $300 per night stay that had a long list of cleaning chores for its guests. (This rental was in Oslo, too—a city known for great design and sensibility.)

Then there are increasingly common situations in which hosts ignore rules and regulations. I recently had a friend book a private rental near my place in Barcelona’s Old City. The hosts knew they weren’t allowed to rent out their place to guests—so they put a note on the door asking my friend to tell any chatty neighbors that they were friends of the owners. Yikes.

So, if you’re a little nervous about booking private rentals, then you aren’t alone. To make it clear, I still love staying at a great rental—I’m just unhappy with the inconsistency from some hosts.

And while you usually have options when it comes to a subpar, dirty, or dangerous stay, it’s always best to know what to look for before you book.

If you want to nail a private rental booking, I’ve got a few tips about the most important features. These are based on my own experience having stayed in private rentals around the world, plus the great minds of Lodgify.

Their 2024 trend report is geared toward hosts, highlighting the most important features that guests want to see.

Guests like me and you.

Most important features of a private rental like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking, & more

If you can’t find a clear answer about these features in a private rental’s description, feel free to reach out to the hosts. But don’t forget to dig into the rental’s reviews to see how other guests felt about certain features.

Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi

I’m a fan of dropping off the map—but I also work a lot when I travel, so a rental must have reliable Wi-Fi.

I don’t usually need high-speed Wi-Fi because I don’t have too many calls, but that’s not the case for my partner. He needs video-call-sufficient Wi-Fi.

When we need to get some work done on the road, our top priority when booking a private rental is usually verifying the Wi-Fi speed.

We look for at least 20mpbs, but a very reliable connection and speed is more like 60mpbs. If a rental has this type of fast Wi-Fi, they’ll usually list it.

Fully equipped kitchens

One of my tried-and-true tips for saving money—especially on group trips—is to make some of your meals yourself. In fact, I think this is the core appeal of a vacation rental: giving visitors the tools to feed themselves.

Not only does that enable you to save a little bit of money, but it’s also great for picky eaters. Americans are known for having limited palates, so it’s great when we can grab a few staples from the grocery store that we know we’ll like.

I’ve also found that a fully equipped kitchen makes those late-night meals even easier—and nothing prevents a bad hangover like a midnight snack. A midnight steak, more specifically.

Washer-dryer

The very best way to stay fresh and clean on a long trip is to do laundry when you have the chance. The most convenient way to do that is with a washer-dryer set up at a private rental.

Just make sure to watch out for those dryer settings—a little heat could shrink your favorite gear when you’re far from home.

Outdoor spaces

According to the Lodgify report, 62% of respondents said that access to outdoor spaces is of utmost importance. Lawns are the top selection, but balconies and rooftops are also important in dense urban centers.

I think outdoor spaces is one of those deceptively important features—at least, it is for me. A solid outdoor space lets you unwind right where you are, amping up the downtime on your vacation by offering a comfortable hang out spot.

Whether a rooftop sitting area or a backyard, these are the places where you can reflect on your trip with friends while sharing drinks and a snack. Best of all, many outdoor spaces include a view—and those views let you maximize your experience by giving you a backdrop to hang out in front of.

Parking

Again, this feature is more important for more suburban or rural stays. The only time you’ll need a car in a city is if you’re visiting a destination in the United States or Canada.

In both cases, make sure your parking is covered—even if you’re staying smack in the middle of a city like Houston or San Diego.

The basics for kids—and pets

The Lodgify study found that 22% of private rental guests want specific gear for their young children. To my great surprise, that percentage is even higher for pet-specific amenities at 27%.

I think both of these stats point back to the added desire for outdoor space.

Having a fenced backyard, for example, gives your kids extra space to run around, explore, and hang out. The same for pets, except it’s also their bathroom.

Self-check-in

Guests and hosts are overwhelmingly interested in self-check-in. Not only does it leave more flexibility for both parties, but it also gives them unique benefits. Hosts can live further from their rentals and avoid long trips.

Guests, on the other hand, have an even more convenient and private way to check in and start enjoying their vacation.

The Priority Pass Debate—Should You Join or Not?

In case you’ve missed out, Priority Pass is one of the longest-running travel membership programs out there.

Back in 1992, the company was founded as a network of partner lounges and restaurants in American airports. The idea was simple: pay an annual fee for unlimited access to a more satisfying airport experience, one lounge at a time.

Over thirty years later and the company is still going strong—a testament to the high-value offer of lounge access. As airports become more hectic and unpredictable, more travelers like me are starting to ask… is it time to join?

Here’s what you need to know about Priority Pass, including what may or may not make it worth it for your travel needs. (Also—you might already have access and not know it!)

Inside the Priority Pass

Joining Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,700 airport experiences, which includes around 1,500 lounges. That’s coverage in over 600 cities in 45 countries around the globe—a pretty unbeatable offer in terms of application.

That’s the magic here: lounge access at the world’s busiest airports. You can pre-book a trip to the lounge for a small fee or show up unannounced. You even get access to unique offers, like discounts at airport restaurants and spas.

That’s great for any easily stressed travelers or business people who need to log a few hours before boarding their flight.

You can choose from three membership tiers, including Standard ($79 for the first year, then $99), Standard Plus ($279 for the first year, then $329), and Prestige ($469 per year).

Standard membership gives you access to the lounges—but you still need to pay the $35 fee to enter. Standard Plus grants you ten free visits a year. A Prestige membership gives you unlimited access to lounges all year round, although you still need to pay for some guests to join you.

Do you already have a Priority Pass membership?

Three popular travel rewards credit card programs come with Priority Pass membership.

If you carry a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or The Platinum Card from American Express, you’ve got unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges. Congrats!

Signs it’s time to join—or not

At least once a year, I talk myself into and then out of paying for that Priority Pass membership. I always back out when I consider paying for the membership, and then another $35 each time I want to enter a lounge.

So let me lay out the cons first:

You’ll still be paying to enter the lounges with a Standard and Standard Plus membership. Given how expensive travel is, handing over $35 to get access to a lounge is a pretty low charge. That being said, I still dislike paying an annual membership fee when every lounge visit also has a charge tacked on.

Plus, guests aren’t included. Even with a Prestige membership, you still need to pay $35 for a guest to join you. At any elite membership status, that seems a little weird.

You can always pay for a day pass. Most Priority Pass lounges allow travelers to pay around $50 to access their lounge for a limited period. Viewed in this way, the membership isn’t actually saving you money—it’s just guaranteeing you can get through the door.

Lounges fill up. If there’s no space for you at a packed airport during rush hour, it doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not—you won’t make it into the doors. (That being said, I’m sure Priority Pass agents would work hard to help you find a solution.)

Now onto the benefits:

The lounges are built to offer total comfort and convenience. From great snacks to charging ports to comfortable chairs, Priority Pass lounges act like little oases that offer shelter from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Some even have showers… and the select few even have pools. If you’re a frequent flyer, you might need a membership like Priority Pass to stay sane.

It’s great for domestic flights in the US. The bulk of Priority Pass’s top lounges are located around the United States, covering some forty airports. Obviously, they have lounges around the world—but you’ll get even more out of the pass if you usually fly domestically.

It’s not only the Priority Pass network. When you purchase membership, you get access to additional lounges from other great brands. For example, some Plaza Premium Lounges are joint ventures, giving you even more ways to unwind.

Airports are only going to get messier. This is just my opinion—but I’ve seen a sharp downturn in the overall airport experience over the last ten years. Having access to the Priority Pass network gives you the guarantee of sanctuary in places that could make a monk cry. I’m talking about Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, Dallas Forth Worth International Airport, JFK, and beyond.

Should You Bring Cash When You Travel? And What About Exchanges?

When I immigrated to Barcelona back in 2018, I had a hefty chunk of (physical) change in my suitcase.

I’d taken on a side gig to save up for the big move, and some of those earnings were in cash. While it’s legal to bring up to €10,000 into Europe (or its equivalent in another currency), I was more than a little apprehensive about what to do with that money once arriving.

Should I exchange it for euros in one fell swoop? Should I hold onto it until I open up a bank account, and then deposit it? Or should I keep it in a shoebox under my bed and parse it out for those tighter moments? (I know this isn’t the Great Depression, but that’s my impulse.)

The better question is probably, does the average traveler actually need to bring cash with them?

In my case, I was immigrating full-time—so I needed every dime with me, including cash earnings. But the average traveler probably doesn’t need more than a hundred or so dollars with them when they head abroad.

Here’s what you need to know about bringing cash abroad, exchanging dollars for local currency, and using a card, instead.

Should you bring cash with you?

I always recommend having some cash on you when traveling.

Some travel writers consider this risky due to pickpocketing, but you can always leave the bulk of your cash in your hotel room or rental.

The idea behind having cash on hand is that it’s more widely accepted globally. Though places like Europe and East Asia are renowned for accepting cashless payments, from Apple Pay to credit cards, you can’t go wrong with cash. (So long as you have smaller bills, at least.)

Plus, an electrical outage won’t bar you from spending your physical bills.

I prefer to use cash for smaller purchases, like coffee. If you’re leaving tips abroad, you should also have some small bills on hand.

Just make sure to keep your cash safe in your hotel room—and always break those larger bills. Not only are they easier for vendors to change, but you won’t be as upset if you lose a $5 bill compared to $50.

What’s the best way to exchange currencies?

Again, you don’t need to spend only in cash on your next vacation—that would be flat-out insane. But how should you exchange your dollars?

Remember, currency exchange rates are constantly changing, so you need to pay attention to conversions just as much as the rates offered by currency exchange businesses.

Here’s my advice:

Start with your bank. They’ll help you out without adding on fees, which means you’ll get the precise exchange rate conversion when transferring your dollars into another currency. Just make sure to call ahead to see if your bank has the notes you’re looking for. While most banks have euros and pounds on hand, that’s not the case for more unique bills.
Exchange your cash locally—but not at the airport or in touristy centers. If you weren’t able to make it to the bank on time, don’t worry. Most cities offer reasonable exchange rates—outside their tourist hotspots, at least. When I exchanged my dollars for euros in 2018, I did so in a neighborhood outside the city center. That got me a slightly better exchange rate than what was offered in the touristy area. But avoid those airport kiosks at all costs—they usually charge the highest fees.
Ask for small bills. I’ve touched on this a few times in this article, but I highly recommend requesting small bills when you exchange your dollars. Smaller bills are easier for vendors to handle, letting you use those bills whenever you need to. On top of that, you won’t be nearly as upset by misplacing (or being robbed of) a small bill compared to a large one.

What about using credit cards?

I’ve lived in Barcelona for six years now and I still use my Bank of America travel rewards card. The sole purpose of that card is for me to charge larger expenses here in the city, from a sailboat tour with friends to a fine dining experience.

Though I also have a local bank account and debit card, I still like to charge things on my credit card now and then.

Given it’s a travel rewards card, I don’t have to pay any international transaction fees. That should be your main priority when using credit cards abroad: avoiding those small fees that will add up by the time you’re heading home.

That brings me to my next point about spending on credit cards while traveling: always pay in local currency. When a vendor hands you a POS device, you’ll be prompted about whether to pay in the local currency versus dollars. While it’s probably tempting to pay in dollars, the conversion won’t work in your favor. Always go local.

Want to Visit an Active Volcano in the US? It’s Easier Than You Think

Last summer, my flight home from Catania, Sicily was interrupted when news that Mount Etna—the most active volcano in Europe—was spewing huge plumes of smoke.

The skies outside the airport looked like something out of a Michael Bay movie. Dark, foreboding, biblical.

But, having visited Etna before, I knew enough about the volcano not to fear a few wayward Strombolian explosions. In fact, 2024 was a big year for Etna, so the activity wasn’t a surprise or a problem.

We hopped onto a bus and headed further inland to grab a flight from another regional airport.

In terms of places pagans have been tossed, I imagine Etna has consumed quite a few over the last millennia. The name volcano comes from Vulcan, the Roman iteration of Hephaestus—metal worker and god of the forge.

But what about farther west?

When it comes to active volcanoes, Italy dominates the continent. But on a global level, the US comes out ahead in terms of the number of active volcanoes, followed closely by Japan.

While Hawaii is formed by volcanoes, including the highly active Mt. Kilauea, I want to explore an easier-to-reach region: the Cascade Mountain Range. More specifically, I’m taking us to the US’s most active volcano, Mount St. Helens.

Meet the US’s most active volcano

If we’re talking about major eruptions, there’s no mightier volcano than Mount St. Helens. It’s a stratovolcano, meaning its sides are steep with a snow-covered cap.

You might even recognize it from this video from 1980, which captured a deadly explosion as it happened live.

Over forty years later, Mount St. Helens is closely monitored for potential explosions. Like all other Cascade Range volcanos, it is active but is considered to be in a healthy ‘background state of activity’. That means you can explore the visitor center and massive area around the volcano without worrying about lava flows and ash clouds.

Whether you want to learn more about the history of the volcanos at the visitor center or forge into the mud flats, you’ve got options.

How to visit Mount St. Helens

A family hikes at Mount St. Helens National Park (Getty)

Mount St. Helens is located in southwestern Washington near the border with Oregon. In fact, you might be able to catch a peek at Oregon’s Mount Hood—another famous volcano from the Cascade Range.

The best way to experience the wonders of Mount St. Helens is to rent a car—because the area is so vast, you’ll spend a few hours getting from one side of the volcano to the other.

Head first to the visitor’s center to get a map of the area, learn about which spots are open to the public, and how to find the best views.

The best places to stay for full access to Mount St. Helens are Cougar, Hood River, Castle Rock, Longview, and Kelso. You can find great lodging options that let you stay close to the action, so to speak.

If wandering through the country roads sounds a little too intimidating, you can also take a tour from a professional guide.

I’d recommend taking an official tour—and from a major city, too. You can get to Mount St. Helens from Portland, Oregon (50 miles), Seattle, Washington (100 miles), and even Vancouver, British Columbia (45 miles).

You can shop around for day trips and guided tours that leave from these cities, letting you bundle a visit to the US’s most active volcano when you head to the Pacific Northwest.

How to Join CLEAR, the US’s Fast-Growing Security Club

CLEAR edges a little further into public view each year.

While it’s increasingly well-known by frequent flyers, it’s not a government-backed program like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Here’s a little refresher: TSA PreCheck lets you jump ahead in those long security lines to avoid physical screenings, in most cases. Global Entry lets Americans skip the long customs lines when re-entering the United States.

CLEAR, on the other hand, is a private company that offers biometric security services. It’s becoming more and more popular with American flyers, but most people (me included) have a few questions about how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth it.

Let’s dig in.

What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a private security company that focuses on expedited security screenings through the use of biometric data like iris scans and fingerprinting.

CLEAR security programs are being used at airports around the US, along with venues like stadiums and arenas.

When someone signs up with CLEAR, they hand over that biometric data. When they show up at an airport (or, again, a concert venue), they can head to a short line where a machine scans their iris and reads their fingerprint. This immediately verifies their identity and lets them clear security.

But she’s a pricy solution—one that costs $189 a year. While that might sound ridiculous, a handful of US airlines let their frequent flyers sign up for free or with a hefty discount. As of 2025, that includes Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.

So, if you like skipping security lines and aren’t shy about spending on tech solutions, it’s a pretty big win.

Pros and cons of joining CLEAR

The obvious benefit of joining CLEAR is to take advantage of shortened security lines. Your CLEAR membership lets you skip the line and head straight to the scanning portion.

(To clarify—you still need to have your bag and person screened, you just don’t need to wait with the plebs beforehand.)

If you fly often and live near a busy, hectic airport, then CLEAR can simplify and streamline your travels. You can skip those insane lines every time you have a flight to catch—and that price tag will be well worth it when you’re running late.

On the other hand, if you don’t fly often or you fly out of a calmer, regional airport, then CLEAR probably isn’t worth the fuss or the money. On top of that, if you felt a little weird about handing your biometric data over to a private company, I wouldn’t judge you.

While CLEAR states that it doesn’t sell or release personal data with a user’s consent, that doesn’t account for data breaches.

I have no idea what someone would do with your fingerprint or iris, but I can appreciate that the risks outweigh the benefits of skipping a security line for some travelers.

I was very surprised to learn how easy it is for someone to join CLEAR. While you need to sign up for Global Entry and wait for an in-person interview, it only takes ten minutes (or less) to sign up for CLEAR using an online application.

Once the application is reviewed and approved, you can head straight to the nearest CLEAR kiosk to submit your biometrics and speak with an agent.

Even if you’re heading to the airport to catch a flight, you should be able to get your biometrics taken and then uploaded by working with a CLEAR representative.

4 Places to Disappear in the United States

I remember the first time I ever disappeared via travel.

I was a teenager who had convinced her parents to let her travel abroad on a volunteerism trip. That was a big deal given my parents had never traveled outside the US and really couldn’t fathom why a seventeen-year-old wanted to build biodigesters on the other side of planet Earth.

Still, I pulled it off, packed my bags, and said adios. Given the remote nature of the trip, I was unreachable for most of it.

Not just disconnected from my own culture, language, and world-view, but technologically disconnected, too.

Nobody in the world could get ahold of me so long as I stayed on that tiny island in the middle of the Mekong River. I don’t know why, but that feeling had a huge impact on me.

Maybe it was my first taste of adulthood. Maybe it was the moment I knew that I wouldn’t end up in the place where I grew up.

Regardless of why it stuck, I know that moment was special. And it’s been hard to replicate because, almost twenty years later, the widespread adoption of mobile technology has made it harder than ever to drop off the map.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though.

Today, you can achieve a similar feeling by heading to a destination that doesn’t have internet or cell service. Why would you bother, you might be wondering?

Because disappearing was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever experienced, and I’d love to help someone else achieve the same feeling of perfect solitude.

Let’s talk about disappearing

Disappearing has a semi-nefarious tilt—I’m not suggesting anyone Gone Girl themselves. When I say disappear, I’m talking about dropping off the map in a more firm way.

No internet or, at least, spotty internet.

No cell service either, aside from emergency situations.

Let’s dig a little deeper into why you’d want to find a few places to disappear. Why would a traveler want to log off when they could book a trip to an all-inclusive resort where the piña coladas never stop flowing?

It’s a wake-up call. A chance for you to change lanes via transformation. An opportunity to dig deeper inside yourself. A moment of silence where you can listen to your intuition, or your logical mind, or whatever part of you has tapped out recently.

Most importantly, it’s about taking yourself out of the regular rhythm of your life and, instead of handing yourself the wonderful distractions of travel, you fall still.

That’s the idea here—even if you drop off the map with company, you’ll probably walk away with some personal epiphanies.

Best places to disappear in the United States

If you want to log off your brain for a while, you can stay (relatively) out of touch in these US regions, zones, and parks. Though most of them have basic Wi-Fi and cell service, the connections aren’t steady.

That gives you the power to plan your own DIY digital detox without heading out on an official retreat or being totally unreachable. Here’s where to go.

The National Radio Quiet Zone, West Virginia

West Virginia: home to the Moth Man and The National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). The latter is a 13,000-square-mile area that is protected from radio waves and emissions so that specialized astronomical equipment can function.

You guessed it—that means no Wi-Fi and limited cell service, making this one of the best places to disappear.

The unique part about the NRQZ is that it covers part of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. That makes this one of the most gorgeous and off-the-map sites in the United States—one that you might not even need to take a plane to access.

The largest cities in this zone are Buckhannon (WV), Harrisonburg (VA), and Staunton (VA).

Crescent City, California

I’ve got another jaw-dropping, off-the-map suggestion: Crescent City, California. This seaside town is surrounded by towering redwood forests which cut off service in the surrounding area.

That’s a pretty great balance for anyone who’s nervous about going whole-hog on the no Wi-Fi and no cell service train.

It’s also perfect for any campers and outdoor adventurers who want to get into nature without hearing any of those smartphone alerts. Just be mindful—this is dense wilderness.

Trust me. I slept in my Jeep in a park just outside Crescent City back in 2014 and got real spooked. (Redwoods are terrifyingly large. Why does no one ever talk about that?)

Sonoran Desert, Arizona

Heading to the Sonoran Desert National Monument or the surrounding area? Plan to have little or no cell service. If you’re noticing a pattern already, it’s that cell service is hard to guarantee in places where nature still rules.

From towering trees to sweltering deserts, humans still haven’t quite perfected the art of adapting radio waves for the wilderness.

You can venture off the grid from major cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Yuma, and Carefree. (I’d go for Carefree. Seems like a sign.)

Yakutat, Alaska

The county and city (both named Yakutat) are located on the southern, coastal tail of Alaska. With a tiny population, it’s a wild and remote frontier with a healthy population of Tlingit tribal members.

(You might know actor Tlingit actor Martin Sensemeier, who has starred in Yellowstone and Westworld.)

If you’ve been eyeing a trip to Alaska and want to bundle in some off-the-map downtime, Yakutat is a great spot. Its natural wonders alone make it one of the top places to disappear in the US.

You can reach the city via air or water, then start exploring some of its most renowned landmarks. There’s Hubbard Glacier, Russel Fjord (yes, Alaska has fjords), and the Situk River Flats.