Vacapedia Vacation Rentals Blog

So perhaps you’re a vacation rental veteran who’s made the rounds through every type of vacation rental available. You’ve stayed in log cabins in the woods, lakeside cottages, beachfront condos, apartments in bustling cities, and perhaps even splurged on a luxury villa at one point. But have you ever considered a houseboat rental?

While obviously not available in every vacation destination, just about any popular holiday spot with a lake, river or other large body of water nearby is going to have a selection of houseboats which you can rent as a vacation rental. And whether you’re putting notches in your vacation-rental gun or just like the idea of water being your front yard, staying on a housebut is a fun option to consider for your next trip.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re interested in staying on a houseboat.

• Space can be at a premium in some houseboats, as you might expect. It’s not going to be like you’re in a motorhome, but it’s unlikely you’re going to find an expansive gourmet kitchen or giant jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Many are only one-storey, so be sure to find out how many people it’s meant to sleep comfortably before you book. (And make sure you know whether that translates into actual beds or some convertible couches.)
• If you’re traveling with kids or pets, make sure the houseboat is kid-friendly or pet-friendly. And that means more than just finding out whether the homeowner allows children or pets. The decking around many houseboats is railing-free, meaning there’s nothing between your three-year-old child or inquisitive pooch and the water. This means you’ll either have to stand guard or opt for another vacation property.
• The cost for renting a houseboat is generally going to be about the same as it would be for renting a similarly-sized house or condo on land, so don’t automatically assume the novelty of it would make it beyond your budget. Again, because many houseboats are pretty small, you’re not talking about the equivalent of a luxury villa here.
• While rates for renting a houseboat are roughly equivalent to the rates for renting a land-based property of the same size, the seasons when you’ll find the best deals on houseboats are going to be a little more limited than with land-based vacation homes. It’s unlikely you’ll find much competition for renting that houseboat on the frozen lake in the middle of winter - in fact, it may not even be rentable at that point! Instead, the summer seasons are the most popular (and therefore generally the most expensive), with the “shoulder” seasons of spring and fall being the times when you are likely to find the best deals.
• Depending on the rental situation, you may have use of a small boat along with the houseboat rental so that you can actually take advantage of the body of water you’re waking up to everyday. Should your houseboat come with a small boat you can use, make sure there are life jackets for everyone and that you get any boat-operation instructions you need before setting out on an adventure. Of course, if it’s a canoe, there should be no instructions necessary. (Additionally, some houseboats are mobile themselves!)

Staying in a houseboat rental is a great alternative to the same kinds of condos and cabins that everyone else stays in, especially if you’re looking to really enjoy a particular river or lake for your holiday. Check out your houseboat rental options today and enjoy your trip!