August, like July, has been another month celebrating the travel resurgence. Vacation home bookings, and vacations in general, continue to hit and surpass pre-COVID levels as most are ready to get out and explore. August brought about a lot of fall and winter trip bookings, so it’s no surprise that warm weather spots are surging. The most popular fall destinations include national parks, especially Yosemite, and bucket list road trip spots, like traveling the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Our readers are also planning to flock to Florida during the cooler months and favored international destinations, like Costa Rica and Italy.
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From the unique car-free Mackinac Island to the laidback Amelia Island, here are our TravelAwaits readers’ top 21 most-booked Vrbo vacation rentals during August 2022.
Editor’s Note: The rental homes are arranged in alphabetical order by destination for easy searching.
California Vacation Rentals
Palm Springs
Palm Springs – Elegant Desert Home$450/nightly avg
This elegant desert home is located on a private street, boasts stunning mountain views, and comes with a 37-foot-long saltwater pool — a must-see! Located in the fabled Movie Colony of Palm Springs, this home has a large living room, media room, a dining area that can seat up to 12, and much more. Each of the three bedrooms has a king bed — the master has a California king — along with cable television. The pool and entire backyard are gorgeous; be sure to check out the photos. Note that though there is a daily rate shown, this is a minimum 1-month rental. No parties!
Palm Springs – Zen Modern Style Home$170/nightly avg
A golfer’s delight, this zen modern-style home is located in the Tahquitz Creek Golf Club area of Palm Springs, moments away from Indian Canyon Golf, Canyon Estates Golf, and Mesquite Country Club. This gorgeous home has mountain views, a sunning patio with lounge chairs, an amazing saltwater pool, an elevated built-in waterfall spa, extensive landscaping, and an outdoor shower on a private lot. Inside, this three-bedroom, completely remodeled beauty features high-end modern furniture, a 55-inch Samsung Smart TV, terrazzo-style countertops, and more! Note that this rental requires a minimum stay of 28 nights. Guests are required to put down a deposit to cover gas and electricity costs.
A trip to Palm Springs doesn’t need to break the bank! Check out the rest of the most affordable Palm Springs rentals here.
Costa Rica Vacation Rentals
Costa Rica – Majestic Villa In Cloud Forest$350/nightly avg
This heavenly home is a divine way to experience Costa Rica’s famous Cloud Forest. The protected area, deep in the country’s highlands, is said to be home to 2.5 percent of the Earth’s species, so you’re certain to see something incredible. There are incredible things to be seen without even leaving the grounds as the home is a genuine architectural marvel. Part treehouse and part airship, it seems a mixture of the primeval and utopian futurism. Enjoy eats from the local co-op and bakery. Hell, enjoy everything! All there is to enjoy can be found right here in this hilly paradise. That’s how it’ll feel when you’re at the villa, anyway.
Costa Rica – Chalet In Quiet Valley$149.30/nightly avg
This contemporary home, though quite splendid, pales in comparison to the majesty of the volcanic slopes on which it rests. It is on the grounds of Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica’s second-most popular. Waterfalls, monkeys, and beautiful birds can all be found within walking distance. The home is an elegant 21st-century construction, with ample glass and high ceilings. There’s room for a sizable group or family across three twin bedrooms and room for more on the sofa bed.
There’s so much to see in Costa Rica, but you might find yourselves wanting to stay here. It does make a great base as its position in the central Alajuela Province makes adventures to other corners of the country practical.
If you’re ready to book your trip to tropical Costa Rica, check out the rest of the best vacation homes here.
Florida Vacation Rentals
Amelia Island
Amelia Island – Romantic Oceanfront Condo$262/nightly avg
Romance, party of two! Full disclosure on this amazing oceanfront condo: When flipping through the photos, I actually said — out loud — Are these photos real? The views are amazing! This gem has a private balcony and is located on the south end of Amelia Island in Summer Beach.
Situated on the second floor, you’ll love the beautiful sight of the Atlantic Ocean, white sandy beach, dunes, and gorgeous pool. Beach chairs, towels, an umbrella, and a small cooler are provided for your convenience. Do not pass this one up — take a look!
Amelia Island – Beautiful Family-Friendly Condo$275/nightly avg
This oceanfront condo is also located at the Amelia Surf and Racquet Club, another stunning unit at the south end of Amelia Island. This one is also a “you’ve got to see these photos” beauty, and this freshly updated unit offers views of amazing beach vistas from the kitchen and dining area windows, nicely situated on the fourth floor — a corner unit with unobstructed balcony views.
The panoramic views of the ocean and beaches are incredible, and you’ll be glad you gave this one a look. Beach chairs, loungers, toys, and beach towels are provided — book this one soon!
Captiva Island
Captiva Island – South Seas Condo$491/nightly avg
Not only does this stunning modern beachfront condo boast ocean views, but it also comes with a golf cart! Watch the sunset from your private balcony of this condo within the South Seas Island Resort. Guests can enjoy the condo pools that lie within steps of the unit, but do not have access to the main resort pool. An in-unit washer and dryer is handy for long-term stays. Although it is a one-bedroom, the condo can sleep up to five people thanks to the pullout sofa and Murphy bed. It comes equipped with beach amenities, too. Take the golf cart around the island to the Mucky Duck, Bubble Room, Doc Fords, Green Flash, and Starbucks.
Captiva Island – Poppy’s Paradise$850/nightly avg
Located in the Village of Captiva, Aah!!! Poppy’s Paradise is within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It is also just 400 feet from the beach and features private beach access. After a long day at the beach, relax in the private heated pool and connected hot tub. Other highlights include a ping pong table and pool table. This Captiva vacation rental can accommodate up to 10 guests and requires a minimum stay of 7 nights.
Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach – Relaxing Space At Ocean Sands$196/nightly avg for long-term rentals
Are you ready to book a trip to paradise? If so, this relaxing condo at Ocean Sands is for you! This 1,000-square-foot condo sits on the fourth floor, offering panoramic views and sunsets from the private balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The complex provides guests with a heated private pool and spa, accessible by keypad gates for residents and guests only. You’re going to love the living room and master bedroom, each of which feature a wall of glass that slides open to your balcony. Beach chairs, beach towels, and a beach umbrella are in the unit and yours to use, so you can pack just a little more lightly.
Madeira Beach – Tropical Beach Cottage$250/nightly avg for long-term rentals
This “Old Florida” tropical beach cottage is full of modern amenities, privacy, and charm. You’ll have everything you need here including a fully-equipped kitchen, beach towels, and chairs. This location offers you no streets to cross to get to the beach, and is within walking distance to John’s Pass, restaurants, shopping, dolphin watching, and more. This little cottage is bright and fun and waiting for you!
Marco Island
Marco Island – Waterfront Home On The Gulf$485/nightly avg
Situated on the southern end of the island and half a mile away from each of Marco’s two main beaches, this home’s dock is just a few hundred feet from the warm waters of the Gulf. Its mix of modern style and timeless tropical atmosphere is classic Florida.
From the master bedroom’s beautiful bathtub to the elegant light fixtures, this house really is a slice of paradise. The kitchen is almost as bright as the lanai (which features a pool, this being Marco Island). Renting a boat will certainly add to your experience as there’s much more to see at sea than there is on land, as any local will tell you.
Marco Island – Inviting Home Near The Beach$283/nightly avg
About half a mile from the beach, this property promises guests privacy at home and easy access to the water. The yard features a lanai complete with pool and tall vegetation to ensure a sense of seclusion. There’s a master bedroom with a king and ensuite as well as two queen rooms and extra sleeping space on the sofa bed.
Potted plants and sealife decorations add a tropical flourish to this homey rental. The kitchen is fully equipped, but we expect many guests will appreciate the proximity of nearby restaurants, including ThaiSushi by KJ and Joey’s, the local pizza joint.
Don’t wait to book your warm weather getaway to Florida! Check out the top monthly rentals on the Gulf Coast and on the East Coast.
Italy Vacation Rentals
Tuscany
Tuscany – Oasis Villa La Poiana$381.60/nightly avg
Though humbler than other entries on this list, Villa la Poiana nevertheless promises guests a taste of Italy, a morsel so savory and wholesome as to capture the diner’s palette and leave them wanting more. Guests will enjoy stunning views of the countryside from atop the hill on which the villa sits. The grounds, though small, boast gardens, olive trees, and a beautiful pool.
The interior is a mix of rustic wooden beams and stone walls with modern furniture. Perfect for a family or small group, the home has four queen bedrooms (one of which also contains a twin bed). The ancient village of Buti has around a dozen restaurants and is reachable on foot via a 5-minute walk. For those going further afield, the property is well-placed to explore the breadth of Tuscany, with all the major cities and towns reachable in less than an hour by car.
Tuscany – Le Valle$1,700/nightly avg
Dating back to the 16th century, this lovingly restored villa promises guests an unforgettable exploration of the Italian way of life as well as the Tuscan countryside. The property consists of a former farm and watch tower which, in days past, were associated with the local castle. It is a mere 12 miles from Florence.
The historic structure is complimented with extravagant traditional furnishings, with an emphasis on 18th-century antiques. Modern elements have been added, including a steam shower and outdoor pool. From the marbled bathrooms to the rich decorative fabrics, the home is a showcase of the material beauty of Europe. There is natural beauty as well, seen throughout the villa’s grounds and in the views of the surrounding countryside.
Tuscany – Old Country Villa$101.33/nightly avg
The Old Country Villa sits on a stunning 5,000 square feet fenced plot, complete with sprawling gardens and large private swimming pool. The property is surrounded by olive groves and overlooks the city of Lucca, a short 6 mile drive away. Take in these serene views while sipping a glass from the vine-covered gazebo steps outside the front door.
However, don’t get too distracted by the outdoor scenery to forget to oogle the charming interior of this villa. The decor is beautiful and thoughtfully unique, without being too stuffy. The home has a large living room to gather around the cozy fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen, both ceiled with exposed brick and wooden beams. The three bedrooms include four beds, making this an ideal option for family travelers. Plus, you can’t beat the nightly price.
Bonus: This vacation villa is dog-friendly if you plan to bring your pooch along!
A trip to Italy deserves at least a couple nights staying in a luxury villa. Check out the rest of the swoon worthy Tuscan villa rentals here!
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Vacation Rentals
Lexington
Lexington – Iconic Downtown Mansion$1,411/nightly avg
A large rental option in Lexington, this Iconic Downtown Mansion offers 6,000 square feet of gorgeous architecture with a towering turret on nearly an acre of land. Featuring 12-foot ceilings, this beautiful historic gem is within walking distance to numerous restaurants and bars. If your Bourbon Trail adventure happens to end in Lexington, this enormous house offers the perfect exclamation point to your trip. You’ve got to see the photos — it’s straight out of the movies!
Lexington – Gratz Park Place$1,181/nightly avg
On the off chance that you’ve made it all the way to Lexington on your Bourbon Trail adventure and made lots of friends along the way, Gratz Park Place is the perfect spot for you and your group of up to 12. In a neighborhood full of the oldest and most beautiful homes in Lexington, this gorgeous rental is sure to impress. Just a short drive to plenty of attractions, this home is gorgeous and inviting — definitely worth a look!
Fall is the perfect time to round up the family or some friends and take a trip down the Bourbon Trail. Check out the best places to stay near popular Kentucky distilleries here.
Michigan Vacation Rentals
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island – Beautiful Vacation Home On Lake Huron$386/nightly avg
Just steps away from Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge, this beautiful vacation home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, a washer and dryer, slate flooring in the lower level, and will sleep six comfortably. Your evening beach bonfires are going to include some truly gorgeous views. Bonus: this home is pet-friendly so your pups can enjoy it with you. Check it out today!
Mackinac Island – Lake House With Mackinac Bridge Views$215/nightly avg
Traveling with a large party? This Lake House rental with a great view of Mackinac Bridge, Bois Blanc, and Mackinac Island can host up to 13 guests and has plenty of room for kids and dogs to play. This is a really well-sized option, and it even has a kids bunkhouse with water views. The upstairs bedroom has a bay window that overlooks Lake Huron, and there are three basement bedrooms including the master with a king bed. The exterior features 150 feet of private sandy beachfront — the pictures say it all!
Ready to explore this unique U.S. island? Check out the rest of the top vacation rentals on and near Mackinac Island here.
Yosemite National Park Vacation Rentals
June Lake, California
Yosemite National Park – Gateway Chalet$481/nightly avg
For those looking to avoid the crowds, this family-friendly chalet east of the park’s border is an excellent hideaway. Most visitors enter Yosemite through the western entrances and head straight to the Yosemite Valley. Far too few go the extra mile to take in the Tuolumne Meadows. These scenic pastures are just 45 minutes from this luxurious chalet, as are Pothole Dome and Lember Dome, impressive, hikable, and generally overlooked granite monoliths. The spacious cabin is full of wonderful touches, from the clawfoot bathtub and hydrotherapy tub to the oak bar and the trees growing straight through the deck. Enjoy great mountain views here. The park is about 5 miles away and the June Mountain ski area is even closer.
Yosemite National Park – Romantic Cabin$270/nightly avg
Another great gateway into the quieter eastern part of the park, this cabin is a dream for any couple ready to spend time together in the great outdoors. Of course, if you stay here, the indoors will seem pretty good too. This is a cozy cabin with various flourishes, including certain southwestern touches and a clawfoot bathtub. There is a full kitchen and restaurants, bars, and spas within walking distance at the base of June Mountain — the sight of which will surely draw guests upwards. Hiking trails are right outside the front door and the stunning features of eastern Yosemite are about 45 minutes away.
Everyone needs to visit Yosemite National Park once in their lives. Check out the rest of the top cabin rentals near the park here.
For more fall and winter vacation planning inspiration, check out: