All the Ways to Rent a Luxury Summer Vacation at an Affordable Price
This is what a fabulous summer day in Los Angeles looks like:
9am : Get your Jeep Wrangler top down, throw your bags and dog in the trunk and hit the road.
10:30 AM : Arrive at Malibu Beach, board your electric hydrofoil and spend the morning literally floating above the ocean waves.
3:00 PM: After a couple of hours relaxing on the beach, you head inland to a secluded oasis where your dog can run around in complete peace and quiet.
4:30 PM : While the doggie is napping, you can cool off with a swim in the immaculate private pool with a man-made lagoon and waterfall.
8:30 PM : Head into the starlit canyons to pitch your tent at a stunning private coastal ranch or secluded farmstead , away from the crowds of public parks.
If you bought all this yourself, it would cost you over a million dollars—homes with nice pools aren’t cheap here—but you can pull off exactly this million-dollar summer plan for about $470. Welcome to your “luxury summer on a budget”: thanks to the peer-to-peer rental economy, you can spend your summer like a rich person for next to nothing.
Where can I rent a boat through a private company?
They say the two best days in a boat owner’s life are the day you buy and the day you sell, but you can avoid the endless hassle and expenses of boat ownership by renting through Boatsetter . This peer-to-peer boat rental app lets you rent everything from a motorboat to a 106-foot yacht . Helpful tip: Boatsetter also allows renters to hire a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain as part of their rental; but if you prefer to do it yourself, you can get your boat license here .
Where to rent your dream car through a private company?
If you’re planning a summer road trip, Turo is the perfect place to rent your dream car. Whether you want to drive a new Jeep to the mountains or cruise the beach in an old Mercury Meteor , you’ll likely find it on Turo. It’s much cooler than that beige, generic minivan from Alamo. Tip : Scroll down to the “Extras” section; some Turo owners offer add-on packages that include things like beach chairs and coolers.
Where can I rent a pool for exchange between individuals?
I really love the idea of Swimply . Swimming in someone else’s pool is so much better than messing around with your own. It’s super easy: just enter your address and see which pools you can swim in for a fee. They have everything from above -ground backyard pools to exotic man-made lagoons with waterfalls . Tip : look for the “Instant Book” lightning bolt icon. Many hosts require up to 24 hours to review your request, but listings with “Instant Book” allow you to reserve your spot immediately. Perfect for those “I need a swim!” moments.
Where can I rent a vehicle for a vacation on a person-to-person basis?
Maybe you love camping but hate the discomfort. If so, you can own an RV without spending $60,000. RVShare connects you directly with local owners ready to hand you the keys to their luxurious Class A motorhomes, maneuverable Class B campers, or classic Airstream trailers. Tip : If you want to avoid the stress of driving such a vehicle, many owners offer delivery services to have your Winnebago delivered directly to your campsite.
Where can I rent a private campsite on a private-to-private basis?
If you’ve ever tried to rent a campsite in a state or national park, you’ve probably thought, “There has to be a better way.” That’s where Hipcamp , the camping equivalent of Airbnb, comes in. Hipcamp connects you with people who own land and rent it out for camping, so you can pitch a tent on a beachfront property or just in someone’s backyard. Tip : Many Hipcamp hosts offer extras, like fresh eggs from their own chicken coops.
Where can I rent adventure gear from private individuals?
If you’re going on vacation and need a bike, skateboard, or scooter, don’t take it from home, and definitely don’t ride those bulky cruisers that come with your Airbnb rental. First and foremost, check out FriendWithA . Besides power tools and cameras , you can “borrow” a variety of cool items, like e-bikes , golf clubs , paddleboards , or a “high-performance” jump stick . Pro tip : Every FriendWithA rental includes up to $10,000 in contents insurance (and up to $125,000 for more expensive equipment), so you don’t have to worry about damaging your expensive gravel bike.
Where can I rent a dog walking area on a private basis?
“Airbnb for dogs” sounds like a joke about the golden age of Silicon Valley, but it’s a real app where you can rent out backyards , swimming pools , and amusement parks for dogs so your furry friend can enjoy off-leash walks. Tip : The more I think about Sniffspot, the less ridiculous it seems, especially if your dog doesn’t get along well with other dogs.
Where can I rent clothes from private individuals?
The last time I rented a dress was for prom, but if you need the perfect outfit for a summer wedding or a rooftop cocktail party, don’t spend $400 on a new dress. Instead, consider Pickle , a private clothing rental app. Pro tip : If you’re traveling to New York, Los Angeles, or Miami for a special event, Pickle offers courier delivery of a designer dress straight to your hotel room.