A vacation home is one of the best ways to spend time in a place you love. Having your own home allows you to visit when you’d like, stretch out and do whatever you want.

Since there are so many desirable features that can make up a vacation home, we’ve compiled eleven of the best options for you to consider below.

1. Location

The location of your vacation home plays a huge role in how easily you can access your favorite attractions. Unless you want to stay away from the action, choose a vacation home near your favorite beach, park or amusement experience.

Your home should be somewhere you enjoy spending time so you get the most out of your property. It should also be somewhere you can relax. If you’re too close to nightlife or noisy areas, the sounds might prevent you from resting well at night.

2. Increased Safety

Much like your regular residence, you want a safe vacation home so you don’t have to worry about your stay. Choose a home in a neighborhood with a high safety rating and a low crime rate. While crime can happen anywhere, a safer reputation will ease your mind that you and your items are safe.

If you’re in an area prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, you want to ensure your home has the proper protection against the events. Without it, you risk your life and home.

3. A Home Transformation

You go on vacation to take a break from the daily pressures you face at home. To avoid bringing that stress with you, make sure your vacation residence isn’t too similar to your main residence.

A new color palette, balcony or layout can help you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you own your vacation home. If you can choose the decor, try experimenting with new colors and patterns that fit the atmosphere you want during relaxation or fun.

4. Grand Master Bedroom

An outstanding vacation home ensures you enjoy your trip as much at night as you do during the day. Look for spacious master bedrooms with a television, fireplace, balcony, jacuzzi and private bathroom that make you feel like you’re in a palace.

A king-sized or California king-sized bed is a must for your vacation bedroom. Dimmable lights, lighted walk-in closets and lots of storage are also favorable features for your vacation master.

5. Pet-Friendliness

If you’re going to a dog-friendly beach or park, you might want to bring your canine companion to your private vacation spot. However, many rental homes don’t offer options for pets to stay in their homes.

Whether you plan to stay for a long time or just can’t find a sitter, bringing your furry friend along for the adventure can add extra enjoyment to your oasis. Homes with fenced-in outdoor areas, pet treats and beds can make the experience great for everyone.

6. Luxury Kitchen

Making and serving your food is a cost-effective way to enjoy meals on vacation. Some vacation homes have small or incomplete kitchens that are fine for a short stay but inadequate if you want to live there longer.

Chances are you won’t want to go out for every meal, and the versatility of having a full luxury kitchen gives you the ability to have a flexible schedule. Installing a full kitchen with pots, pans, dishes and cutlery allows owners to count on a longer stay from renters and consistent income.

Owners staying in the home will have so many options they’ll feel more comfortable staying there for long periods.

7. Incredible Views

Many vacation homes have beautiful views of their surroundings, and it’s worth investing in a place with gorgeous scenery.

There’s nothing like waking up in the morning in a home overlooking the ocean, mountains or trees rather than a small hotel room with a parking lot view. In scenic areas, the view alone makes many vacation homes worth the initial investment.

8. Relaxing Pools

A pool is a nice touch to almost any vacation home in the right climate. If you don’t have a pool at your primary residence, you’ll quickly fall in love with the benefits of a morning swim or evening soak.

When you have a pool, it will need maintenance and safety precautions, but for anyone who loves the water or vacations in a warm destination, a pool or hot tub is worth it to relax at home.

9. Cool Kids Features

As luxurious as many vacation homes are, you need areas that cater to the youngest in your party. Bunk beds, video game systems, a children’s bathroom and other amenities make a huge difference in family vacations.

It doesn’t have to be the entire home, but having spaces for kids to savor allows them to have their daily fun.

10. An Expansive Interior

Extended families or groups of friends often look for vacation homes to spend quality time together — meaning a lot of people are in the home at once. A great vacation home will accommodate multiple guests, allowing them to congregate in the same space.

High ceilings, an open floorplan and carefully chosen furnishings can make a large and cozy room for relaxing, sharing stories about the amazing activities you’re doing and playing games together.

11. Fixed Fees

Vacation homeowners will charge renters fees for cleaning, maintenance and other services. However, some owners change that fee after the house is booked, leaving renters in the unknown.

When you have your own vacation home, you can relax knowing you won’t face any unexpected fees or troubles with a rental.

Staying at a Vacation Home

A vacation home is one of the best ways to enjoy your favorite locations and escape the daily stressors you usually face. You can fully relax and rejuvenate by visiting your vacation home before returning to the daily grind.