Where to Find Your Rental
Reputable websites for locating rentals abound. Homeaway.com is the largest source of vacation rental listings, Vacationhomerentals.com specializes in places for big groups. Vacationrentals.com features last-minute deals, Kidandcoe.com is geared to families with babies and toddlers, and Flipkey.com automatically shares your listing with Tripadvisor.com. Bonus: Renting a house together is usually cheaper than booking two hotel rooms.
A Grand Place to Go
South Carolina is a choice spot for a multi-gen house rental, thanks to the balmy weather, family-friendly beaches, and easily walkable small towns. Try planning a stay on the Isle of Palms, a 20-minute ride from historic Charleston. If you have swimmers, reserve a place near the County Park on 14th Avenue, a beach with lifeguards. Take an eco tour of the nearby islands to learn about local wildlife — birds, crabs, and dolphins. And don’t forget to hit up Island Joe’s Espresso & Ice Cream Shop for hot New Orleans–style beignets!
For a bit more bustle, consider a rental on Hilton Head Island, where you’ll find water parks, mini-golf, zip-lining, a children’s museum, and The Black Dagger, an old pirate ship that sails around Calibogue Sound (Piratesofhiltonhead.com). The adventure starts at the dock, where you’ll get dressed up like a buccaneer and then race to get to the booty first.
Rent a House Together
If the main goal of your trip is letting Gram and Papa spend low-key time with your kids, renting a multi-bedroom home is the way to do it.
