Savvy internet publishers, prolific bloggers and owners of popular websites understand how to make lots of money using affiliate marketing programs that link to quality vacation rental websites. But some affiliate programs are better than others.

Here is a list of features and benefits you should look for when you become an affiliate of a vacation rental website.

High Commissions:

If you are going to host banners, videos and text links for holiday home websites, it should be worthwhile and rewarding financially. Look for vacation rental affiliate programs offering $20.00 to $50.00 per listing sold or 25% per upsell or upgrade.

Long Cookie Period:

Look for sites offering cookie periods of 120 days or more. Cookies are text files saved on the user's computer when a website is visited and remain actively tracking and rewarding affiliates if the visitor returns to the website to buy later.

Superior Creatives:

Go for affiliate programs with a rich selection of creatives including graphics like static and dynamic banners, evocative text links and even articles to publish, short flash videos, and even more sophisticated creatives available.

Multiple Verticals:

Look for affiliate programs for vacation rental sites that offer creatives that can fit into a number of different verticals you may be working within, or else offer creatives that fit within your specific niche. If you own a site about island hopping or luxury ski vacations, then your affiliate program should offer a selection of banners that would attract those who own, rent, or visit ski chalets, or those with interests in Caribbean villa properties.

Professionally and personally managed:

The best affiliate program for vacation rental websites will have a dedicated manager expertly handling every aspect of the program for the website sending you affiliate income. The affiliate program should at same time be managed with world class software to track commissions and reward affiliates. Some that come to mind are ShareASale, PepperJam Network or Commission Junction. One advantage to working with a holiday home affiliate program run by a human being is that when you need custom made creatives or you want to negotiate higher commissions for excellent performance from your site, a dedicated affiliate manager can help make that happen.

Certain vacation rental by owner affiliate programs offer the potential for a high passive income, but not all are created equal, and it is worth the research to find out which one offers all the criteria listed above.