Big Bear, located in the San Bernardino Mountains northeast of Los Angeles, isn’t as high-profile as some California hotspots but it deserves credit for being about as varied, action-packed and lovely as can be. This picturesque paradise of mountains, lakes, valleys and forests has been accentuated (but not tamed) with abundant resort and recreation facilities, meaning that any sport or activity you can imagine engaging in is likely available here.

Another attractive aspect of Big Bear involves vacation rentals. When traveling to a spot off the beaten path, it makes sense to go for a lodging situation that is a little bit unconventional, too. Unconventional in a good way, of course – in a way that makes you and your family feel exceptionally at ease as soon as you walk through the door of your cabin, condo or cottage in the woods. Escaping to nature without giving up the comforts of home provides a uniquely pleasant experience, one that every vacationer should experience at some point.

Staying in a Big Bear cabin is like discovering a new way of life. And, contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to be incredibly rich or well-connected to justify staying in one of these properties. Vacation rentals come in all size, level of extravagance and price range. For every decked out mansion on top of the mountain there is a perfectly reasonable and non-pretentious log home conveniently situated near a ski lift and waiting for a regular family just like yours.

Having access to a kitchen, entertainment center, barbeque grill, patio and enough bedrooms and bathrooms to keep conflicts at bay are priceless commodities (but again, you don’t have to go broke to obtain them), and close proximity to the treasures of the mountain are also sure to make things go smoothly. Big Bear is a happening place to be during all seasons, so whether you’re here to schuss or water ski, it’ll be worth it to pick a place nice and close to a hub of activity.

If you’re planning a vacation, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Many people first think of hotels, though vacation rental homes have gained in popularity as a place to stay.

House or villa rentals offer more privacy than a regular hotel. Because many of the houses are single, detached homes, you won’t have to worry about the noise from rowdy vacationers, housekeeping and slamming hotel doors. It’s sometimes possible to find rentals with amenities like private pools and hot tubs to make your vacation as relaxing as possible. Booking a villa rental means you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, all without worrying about other vacationers.

Private units are perfect if you have a large group or are vacationing with extended family. Places like California and Florida are popular family destinations, so finding Disney vacation rentals that sleep the whole family means it’ll be easy to transport everyone to the nearby amusement parks. Booking a separate lodging instead of a hotel means parents and children can have separate bedrooms. Also many of them have multiple bathrooms, making getting ready in the morning faster and easier so you can get out of the house more quickly and enjoy more of your vacation time.

In the past, larger families with young children needed to find a hotel with adjoining rooms in order to fit everyone in. Many parents are uncomfortable with their children being in a room that opens into a hallway if they can’t be in the same room and a private unit solves that problem. Private units are also good for very young children that need to go to bed early. The kids can go to bed, while parents can still enjoy their down time without needing to worry about waking up the kids.

Private units can be less expensive than you’d think. Think about it this way – if you’re a family of 5, you’ll likely need a hotel suite or two rooms to fit everyone in. If you stay more than one evening you’ll be facing a large hotel bill at the end of your trip because hotels often charge extra for more than one person per room. A vacation rental home, however, is the same price no matter how many are staying in the home.

In addition to the reduced cost of lodging, these rentals usually provide a full kitchen, which means less money spent on eating out. These two facts will often drive down your cost significantly, leaving you more money for fun and souvenirs. Using vacation rental homes instead of hotels can add to the fun of a great holiday. These villa rentals can offer you more privacy, are great for large groups and families with young families and can reduce the overall cost of your holiday.