Many people enjoy living in other areas for part of the year. They may be retired, work remotely, or run their own business online, which gives them the freedom to escape freezing cold winters or blistering hot summers in order to stay somewhere else for a few months at a time. If you're interested in staying somewhere new for a few months, booking a hotel most likely will not be financially feasible. In this type of situation, you are much better off looking for a seasonal rental. Use the following tips to help you find the right seasonal rental:

Begin Your Search in Advance

As soon as you know that you will need a place to stay for at least a couple months, it is in your best interest to begin searching for available rentals. Many destinations have regular visitors at the same time, year after year, so the best seasonal rentals are typically booked far in advance. If you want to increase the likelihood of finding a seasonal rental that meets all of your needs, the best thing that you can do is begin looking several months ahead of time. In the event that you need a seasonal rental in an extremely popular destination, you may want to begin planning as far as a year in advance.

Work with an Experienced Property Management Company

There are many property management companies that specialize in seasonal rentals, and they are your best bet when you're searching for a place to stay. Take the time to research seasonal property management companies in your preferred destination and narrow down your options to one or two. Then contact each one to see if they have what you are looking for. When working with a seasonal rental property management company, make sure that you are very specific about your budget, what size rental you need, and the exact area where you would like to stay.

Be Prepared to Pay Upfront

Seasonal rentals are quite a bit different than apartment rentals—there usually is no formal lease, but you will have a rental contract. Likewise, when you book a seasonal rental, you won't be paying for it month by month like you would when renting an apartment. In most cases, seasonal rentals need to be paid for upfront, typically a couple of months before you check in. Thus, make sure that you have the funds available when you book a seasonal rental.