So over the holidays, the subject of the dreaded family vacation came up. I, being one of the few family members with a toddler, have decided to find my own lodging near the “big house” that is expected to hold as much as 20 people. It’s a matter of peace and sanity, and keeping the 2-year-old on his sleeping schedule, which of course ties back in to peace and sanity.

Planning a vacation may be considered one of life’s more befuddling tasks, at least for people like me who don’t deal well with minutiae and things like numbers. Below are some tips on things to consider when researching vacation property:

Proximity to beach, mountains, etc. Will you have a car? If not, your lodging arrangements ideally need to be within walking distance of the main attractions, unless there are ample public transportation options available.

Are pets and smoking allowed? This will be important in more ways than one. Even if you are a non-smoker or travelling without pets in tow, a place that allows these things may smell bad, for starters. Also, the presence of pets tends to have an effect on the quality of furniture and flooring.

Time of year. Alas, my family vacation will be in the peak of summer. With your vacation, however, you might opt for August 1 or later, or perhaps some time in May. The rates are much more affordable in off-peak seasons.

House or condo? There are many more options available nowadays in the area of vacation rentals. Research the benefits of each. Condos may be more affordable, but may not offer ground level entry. In that case, are elevators available? Never underestimate the value of personal interaction in finding and negotiating good vacation deals.