The vacation rental market is booming. It has been ever since the economy began to spiral out of control in 2008, as we watched the price of gasoline skyrocket.

Top news and business media such as MSNBC, Fox Business, Wall Street, and Business Week have chimed in on the subject. We even spoke a little bit about it in a previous blog post, where I mentioned PhoCusWright’s recent study on the vacation rental market place. Adding to that previous blog, the 2009 study found that the vacation rental home market place is worth about $24.3 billion (more than one-fifth of the U.S. lodging industry).

But what you don’t hear much about is what consumers look for in a vacation rental home. Many savvy vacationers are business men and women, older couples, families, and retirees. More often than not, they don’t want to be bothered by the noisy and obnoxious behavior frequently displayed by college kids (specifically if those under age 25 during spring break).

The basics are pretty important as well – you’d be surprised by how many vacation home rentals aren’t properly furnished, and items such as linens and house wares should always be provided. Walking into a tidy and refreshing vacation home rental also falls under the “basics” category, as well as having someone to do “light maintenance” on hand.

You also want to know what you’re getting into before you go diving in head first. Make sure that you’re able to view photos of the property, know how many bedrooms are in the home, and how far the beach, shopping centers, or attractions are from the home. Is information on security deposits, cleaning fees, terms of the contract, and contact information easily accessible? If not, it should be. Above all else, have the contract in writing and be sure you clearly understand all the rules and regulations.

Your best bet is to go with a vacation rental management like www.itrip.net. With iTrip you’ll have a “worry-free guarantee” ensuring that your vacation rental home is exactly what you reserved. Check iTrip’s testimonials and see for yourself.