Vacation rental prices fall in a wide range from $700 to $5,000 (or more) a week, depending on your choice of accommodation, location, luxury factor and season. Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island are at the high end. Topsail, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and the Brunswick Beaches (Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach) offer a broader array of less-pricey accommodations, but also have their share of high-end properties.

Most agencies require a deposit, and there are various stipulations in the agreement that you need to be familiar with. For example, a state/county tax of 7 percent and, depending on the location, a room tax ranging from 1 to 6 percent are added to the cost. Rental rates are subject to change without notice. Winter rates may be significantly less. A deposit of 50 percent is generally required to confirm reservations. Major credit cards are usually, but not always, accepted. Check with the individual rental agency for required methods of payment. Some accept personal checks provided they arrive 30 to 60 days in advance of your arrival.