Live it up, but first. . .

Here, based on my own adventures and conversations with several experts, are 14 things to know about vacation rentals.

-- Christopher Reynolds

1. Know whom to call when the AC breaks down: Get your host's cellphone number -- and his handyman's. Sure, it's nice if your host leaves behind some ideas of local attractions and restaurants, but chances are you've covered a lot of that ground with your own research. Better that your host -- who probably lives hundreds of miles away -- should leave you some domestic reassurance. If you know what number to call to reach a relevant human being when the pilot light dies and the dishwasher spews on a Saturday night, you'll be happier. This is a double imperative if renting through a management company, because those arrangements often add one or more players to the game of telephone.

2. Not every picture is worth a thousand words. If you're looking at photographs on a website, be sure to ask how old they are. What has changed since they were taken? You may want to ask for customer references, and if you have a friend who can do a drive-by, all the better. It's safest to assume that the website running those tempting for-rent-by-owner ads will take no responsibility for its accuracy. (The HomeAway.com website says as much and goes on to implausibly suggest that "potential renters visit properties in advance to confirm all terms of their intended rental.")

3. Pay with a credit card or beware. Some legitimate owners ask for PayPal ( www.paypal.com) payments or money orders, and some accept personal checks or other types of payment. But one of the best ways to protect yourself from shady operators is to pay by credit card. Even though accepting credit cards costs homeowners a sliver of their revenue (usually 2% to 5%), more have decided it's the best way to assure customers a safe transaction. Homeowners generally ask for an initial deposit (usually 10% to 50%), plus a refundable cleaning deposit, with the balance of the cost due well before you arrive. Get your rental agreement in hand before sending any money, and make sure you understand the cancellation policy.