Whether California or the Caribbean, the view changes but the hotel room is basically the same: one or two beds, a television, a chair and, if you've chosen wisely, a beautiful bathroom with premium amenities.

But before you dismiss a familiar destination in search of a more exotic locale, why not rent a vacation home or villa there and bring a new element to your vacation experience?

Choose a gorgeous villa overlooking the ocean or a mountain-top log house. Add a private pool or hot tub, a housekeeper and a personal cook to prepare authentic local cuisine.

Sounds heavenly - but it's out of your price range, you say? It needn't be, especially if you don't mind sharing those accommodations with friends or family.

According to Rick Fisher, president of the Vacation Home Expo happening next month in Atlanta, "Vacation home rentals are like the cruise industry. We estimate only about 15 percent of Americans have ever stayed in a condo, villa or vacation home. They believe it's too expensive, or they don't really understand how the process works."

He continued, "You can stay in 3-, 4- or 5-bedroom villas for less per night than you would pay for most upscale hotel rooms. And much like people who return from a cruise, there is a high level of satisfaction with people who stay at a villa, condo or vacation home."

My search for a vacation home revealed a striking, 8,000-square-foot luxury villa in Mexico overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The multi-level house accommodates 10 guests in five exquisitely decorated master bedrooms, each with its own balcony and private bath.

The $8,400-a-week rental (yes, that's U.S. dollars) may seem shocking, but keep in mind that it's divided by 10. You'll have to add in the cost of food and gratuities, of course, but you'll still be living like Oprah and Gayle - at least for a while - for the same price as a one-week stay in a hotel room.

Planning the trip

Next, you'll want to decide the type of accommodation best suited for your group. Luxury properties and beach homes can be opulently furnished. Other vacation homes or condominiums may be more Spartan, with only basic bedrooms and a kitchenette. Your budget will help narrow this choice quickly.

Many homes are snatched up quickly by departing guests who will often place a deposit for next year's rental. However, there is still time to choose the perfect accommodations for the summer season if you act quickly.

"Tell the rental agent what

you're looking for so they can match you with the right property," suggested Stewart Brown, office manager for CondoLux, a vacation rental company in popular Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Ask yourself if you want to be directly on the beach or simply close to the ocean. If budget is a greater concern, a house located near the beach is more affordable but can still provide the luxury amenities you desire.

Here are some more tips on vacation home rentals:

_ Decide who pays for what and put one person in charge of the finances and money collection before the vacation starts.

Pooling your money for groceries is a cost savings and spares you the hassle of going out each morning for breakfast. Keep some beverages and snacks on hand, too.

Do you prefer to eat dinner out nightly but your travel companions don't? Clear up those expectations beforehand so you aren't contributing to groceries you won't be eating.

Sometimes, the rental manager can arrange to have the kitchen stocked with groceries before your arrival, usually for a fee.

_ Make sure there are enough double beds, if your group consists of all couples, and/or sufficient single beds and baths for single travelers and children.

If everyone is paying the same price, you need to decide who's going to sleep where before you arrive - or agree that the first to arrive get first choice of bedrooms.

Ask the rental manager about the bedroom configuration to make sure someone doesn't wind up on a sofa bed. Just because the brochure says "sleeps 8" doesn't necessarily mean there are eight regular beds.

_ Determine how often your accommodations should be cleaned and, if there's no housekeeper, set up a cleaning schedule so there is no misunderstanding about who does what.

_ Deposit amounts vary, but they're returned once the house is vacated and determined to be free of damage.

Brown said each rental company will have its own agreement and procedures regarding length of stay, age requirements, payment methods, cancellation and refund policies.

Remember, you are signing a legal, binding contract, so review the agreement carefully and make sure everyone in your party understands it.

_ Ask the right questions to determine if the area you've chosen has activities appropriate for your group. Are there are restaurants nearby? How far are you really from the beach or nearest town? Do you want a secluded location or the center of town?

Small children a part of your group? Opt for the beach rather than worrying about their safety around a private pool. And when choosing a beach location, make sure the water is calm enough for swimming.

_ Finally, remember you can save hundreds of dollars if you're willing to vacation during off-peak times. Rates also can drop dramatically in the shoulder season - the weeks before and after Memorial and Labor Day. The weather is still good then, but the crowds of summer are gone. *

P.J. Thomas is editor and co-publisher of Pathfinders Travel Magazine for People of Color, a nationally distributed publication founded in 1997, and co-host of "Travel with Pathfinders" on WPGC-AM in Washington, D.C. Contact her at

pjthomas@pathfinderstravel.com.