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July has been a hot month, no pun intended, for booking last-minute summer getaways and planning warm-weather winter trips. Our readers are also excited to finally be able to travel internationally again, and Italy and Costa Rica are two early favorites. Travel trends have shifted a bit since the pandemic and private vacation rentals are outpacing hotel and resort stays. From the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to sunny Clearwater Beach, here are our TravelAwaits readers’ top 20 most-booked vacation rentals during July 2022.

Editor’s Note: The rental homes are arranged in alphabetical order by destination name for easy searching.

Casa Edda is conveniently located just 36 steps below the main road in Positano. While heading down to the beach and docks will be a bit more strenuous, there’s easy access to the buses and taxis that will shepherd you to other towns. The bus stop is right outside the entrance way. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having a home on the street level after a long day of walking up and down the steps of Amalfi. 

The house itself has a large terrace with a clear view of Positano’s churches and beaches. The high-ceilinged living room has a sofa that can also serve as a double bed.

Praiano is a great home base for any Amalfi Coast vacation. Situated between the region’s two biggest towns (Positano and Amalfi), Praiano itself is one of the quieter towns on the strip. This doesn’t mean it falls short when it comes to views, sites, or incredible restaurants. And this wonderful home promises easy access to Praiano and the area.

In addition to the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean, the balcony has an unobstructed view of the town’s medieval fortification. The apartment is divided into two floors, each with a bedroom. Among other nearby delights, the seaside cuisine of Il Pirata Ristorante and beach club are just about a hundred (stair) steps down. Fine food and ocean spray make the climb well worth it. 

For more amazing vacation rentals on the Amalfi Coast, click here.

The outdoor area of this home is less a patio than a scenic ocean overlook. Were it not private property, it’s easy to imagine a lot of cars pulling aside and people to snap photographs.

With giant windows on both sides, guests enjoy excellent views of mountains as well as the ocean. Each of the three bedrooms has a large bed. In addition to the gorgeous views, this single-level house is well-placed to enjoy Big Sur as it is on the main road, close to both Carmel-By-The-Sea and roadside sites.

Thinking about a trip to Big Sur? Click here to view the top pet-friendly vacation homes.

Calling those who are looking for a luxurious, modern getaway: Pie in the Sky is the luxury cabin for you! This cabin seamlessly blends nature and modern amenities with its smart-home technology, boho-chic design, and never-ending mountain views. There are two outdoor decks — one for dining, one for lounging — so you never have to peel your eyes away from nature’s beauty.

If mother nature has other plans, the large windows are perfect for observing the range from the comfort of the indoors. Best of all, though, is the unbeatable location! Pie in the Sky keeps you close to all of the best attractions, including Banner Elk Winery , Grandfather Mountain , and Sugar Creek Gem Mine .

The Blue Ridge Mountain range is the perfect setting for a relaxing fall getaway. Click here to view the best list of luxury cabin rentals!

Located on Kiawah Island’s quiet West Beach, this oceanfront vacation villa is about half an hour from downtown Charleston. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, it can accommodate up to six adults and two children. On the main floor, the master suite features a king-size bed, electric fireplace, and private bath. Another bedroom has a queen-size bed and private access to the hall bath. Yet another bedroom has two twin beds and a private bath. A loft overlooks the living spaces below with two twin beds and its own bath.

A bright oceanfront reading nook has floor-to-ceiling windows. Sit by the tacked-stone fireplace in the living room. Listen to the surf, smell the saltwater, and let the oceanviews hypnotize you from the huge oceanfront deck. This non-smoking property does not allow pets and comes with two parking spaces. Tennis courts, a golf course, local shops, and restaurants are all just a short walk away.

Right in the center of James Island, this one-bedroom, one-bath cottage offers the best of both worlds. It is 10 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from downtown. Surrounded by lovely landscaping, the screened-in patio offers a dining table for four and two comfortable chairs. There’s also a grill, outdoor shower, and fire pit. The home also has a washer and dryer for your convenience.

Two beach chairs, boogie boards, and beach towels are provided, as is a County Park Pass. This pass provides access to local parks, including one a couple of miles away, which features great walking paths and bike, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. T ons of restaurants are close by so you don’t have to cook while on vacation.

Charleston is a charming vacation destination year-round; discover the full list of vacation homes here.

This property sits on a vast bay offering brilliant views of the crystalline water. There is a waterfront patio to appreciate the gleaming water and boating docks are available to rent. Inside, take a break and enjoy modern amenities such as high-speed internet and a high definition television. There are three kayaks available for use on the property and a swimming pool for a quick, refreshing dip.

Wake up to dazzling views of the sunrise appearing over the vast ocean as you enjoy this affordable cozy condo with a loved one. Enjoy an evening stroll and walk along the private dock as you soak in the awe-inspiring view.

For a truly luxurious stay, this 8th floor penthouse is available to rent. Step out onto the large balcony and enjoy breakfast with a magnificent view of Clearwater Beach. The penthouse is in close-proximity with several local attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Splash Harbour Water Park, Florida Botanical Gardens, and more!

Don’t wait too long to book your warm winter beach trip! Discover our favorite affordable Clearwater Beach rentals here.

For a couple that loves exotic beach getaways as much as they love each other, this fine beachfront guest house offers an unforgettable experience. It is a simple home ready to bring extraordinary delight to its guests. It has a full kitchen, king bed, and direct access to the beach. Grocery stores, super markets, and restaurants are easily reached on foot, as are places to rent a boat.

The home is in Costa Rica’s northern Guanacaste region. Home to dry tropical forests, volcanoes, and howler monkeys, this region sees virtually no rainfall between December and May. The home is half an hour away from the new airport in Liberia.

Relax in tranquil surroundings at this spectacular home on the Osa Peninsula in southern Puntarenas Province on the aptly named Sweet Gulf. The peninsula, dominated by the unforgettable Corcovado National Park, was called one of the most biodiverse on the planet by National Geographic . The park has an incredible array of sites, including the 100-foot King Louis Waterfall .

The house, 10 minutes outside of town, is something else as well, with charmingly unique plant-filled bathrooms that almost feel like you’re showing under water the cascading of a jungle tree. The house has a modern kitchen and backyard pool where the jungle encroaches despite the bamboo fence.

You deserve a tropical vacation! Check out the rest of the swoon-worthy Costa Rica vacation rentals here.

Just 152 steps from the ocean, this sugar plantation-style cottage is teeming with tropical energy and ready to be your little slice of paradise. The Nene Nest is located in Kekaha on the west — and sunniest — side of Kauai! The lavish garden lanai, complete with a private lawn area, is perfect for those early risers looking to feel the gentle Hawaiian breeze with a cup of coffee in hand. Step inside French doors from the lanai to the thoughtfully designed, airy interior with 9-and-a-half-foot ceilings, giant windows, and original crown molding! Curate your favorite dishes or give a local recipe a try in the fully-equipped kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances and a tasteful backsplash. The Nene Nest’s neutral, earthy decor is sprinkled with beachy floral accents, light oak finishes, and tropical ceiling fans for seeking solace after the sunshine.

Kekaha is considered a true Hawaiian town out of the way of tourists and a splendid location to immerse yourself in the culture of Kauai. Hear grocery-store conversations in the native Hawaiian language, plan to stop for lunch at the Lodge at Kokee, or experience hiking at the exhilarating Waimea Canyon.

To truly get off the grid in Hawaii, you can’t go wrong by visiting Kauai. Discover the best vacation rentals here.

With hikes aplenty, abundant wildlife, beautiful mesas all around, and the Colorado River just a 5-minute walk from your front door, this isolated lodge is an incredible base for experiencing Utah. Relax on the beach or paddle out in a complimentary kayak — there are so many possibilities even without leaving the property.

Though the location and amazing views are definitely the selling points here, the lodge itself is comfortable. Highly recommended for couples looking to have some alone time in the desert.

Moab is an ideal base for exploring Arches National Park; check out our full list of rentals available here.

Need something cozy and classy? Check out this pad , which, yes, has its own little tiki bar. You’ll also enjoy vaulted ceilings, a jacuzzi, and free laundry.

This property has direct beachfront access. The owners say it feels a bit like being on a boat. After all, the seawall is just about 20 feet away.

We hope you like beach views, because you’ll have lots of them if you stay here. The beach house is all about the indoor/outdoor living experience, with breathtaking lanais that overlook stunning beaches. Snorkeling, surfing, and shelling are only steps out the door.

With three full bathrooms, this is another great choice for a big family trip. The gourmet full kitchen includes Viking appliances, so don’t be shy about cooking. In fact, you can try your hand at preparing the catch of the day — some of the island’s best fishing is just a two-minute walk from the property.

Oahu is one of the easiest islands to get to in Hawaii, but staying on the North Shore gets you away from the crowds. See our full list of the best North Shore vacation homes here.

Looking to stay in Portland proper? It doesn’t get much better than this waterfront penthouse suite! Located in a historic 19th-century brick building, this condo has exposed beams and brick and whitewashed wood walls. Go up to the rooftop deck to watch the yachts come in and out of the harbor and enjoy views of the city. Stop at the famous DiMillo’s On The Water floating restaurant for dinner or a drink.

Park in the spot provided in the lot next door and explore several must-see spots nearby. Sample seafood from Harbor Fish Market and J’s Oyster and try a Maine potato donut from The Holy Donut. Take the ferry to visit the islands of Casco Bay. Shop on Exchange Street and sip on a stellar selection of craft brews at Novare Res Bier Cafe. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Hannaford are all within a mile of this downtown vacation rental.

Portland is the largest city in Maine and offers world-class cuisine and plenty of activities for all ages. Discover the rest of our waterfront Maine rentals here.

In the foothills of El Yunque National Forest, this vacation rental is inland between Fajardo and Old San Juan but far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Breathtaking mountain and ocean views in this quiet rural neighborhood make for a tranquil, picture-perfect setting. This private estate overlooks lush tropical grounds. Stay in the studio by the pool and eat fresh fruit from the garden.

A quarter of a mile down the road, you’ll find access to the Río Grande river and its fresh pools and waterfalls. Swim at the beach in nearby Luquillo.

A tropical winter getaway to Puerto Rico is just what the doctor ordered. See the rest of the beautiful vacation homes here.

A beauty to behold, this Scottish castle also has the benefit of being about an hour away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The site began as an abbey in the 13th century and the current neo gothic mansion was built in Victorian times.

As the photos show, it is an elegant and tasteful expression of the Victorians’ fascination with their past. The rooms now open to guests are the building’s former Great Hall. One of the queen bedrooms is decorated in a delightful faux-medieval style while the other is more modern. There is a third room with two twins, a luxurious kitchen and dining room, and a rooftop with excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

Maybe you’re looking for a unique bucket list experience? Explore these 9 castle in the United Kingdom you can actually rent!

The owners call this gorgeous, cozy cottage “Standing Wave.” We can see why. Imagine waking up and enjoying a cup of coffee on that patio — it feels like you could reach out and touch the ocean! 

Just an FYI, this guesthouse is located on the owners’ private property, but it’s separated from the main house by a large meadow and rolling hills. The cottage happens to be on one of the largest oceanfront lots in Sea Ranch, so if picturesque views are your thing, you really can’t go wrong with a stay here.

Sea Ranch is a quaint beachfront community in Sonoma County, ideal for exploring wine country. See our full list of amazing vacation rentals here.

Kicking off the list in luxury, we have this amazing oceanfront home in charming York. It may cost a pretty penny, but as one review notes, “you get what you pay for.” Two decks and a large yard with plenty of outdoor seating overlook the water. Plenty of parking is available and the rental comes with a few bikes as well. Go all out and hire the private chef for cooking classes or to prepare meals. If this property isn’t available during your desired dates, check out this premier host’s other York Beach rentals: this three-bedroom oceanfront home or this three-bedroom seaside bungalow.

If this Maine beach home is a bit out of your budget, check out the rest of the top Maine rentals on the water here.