Vacation Rentals Blog

March 31, 2007. A recent article on Assateague Island reminded us how special it is to see wild horses. There's something about these animals that symbolizes freedom and harkens back to a different time, when the European explorers first came ashore.

Assateague Island sits of the coast of Virginia and Maryland, near Virginia Beach. America's first colonists came to this region, and historians believe the wild horses either escaped from their settlements or swam ashore from shipwrecks. Today, the animals still thrive in a protected national wildlife refuge.

Wild horses can also be found farther south, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Both of these vacation destinations are remarkable for how remote they can feel, even though they are in the midst of major resort towns and near some of the country's most populated regions.

Wild horses also roam the Western United States, particularly in the vast ranching lands of states such as Nevada and Wyoming. These two states also harbor herds of wild burro, which escaped from or were let go by the Spanish explorers who first came to this region.

Posted by VRO at 02:12 AM | Permalink

March 30, 2007. Several weeks ago, we wrote about catching some pre-season baseball games at the spring training camps. With the regular season starting next week, now is the time to plan for a summer baseball trip. Sports writers Erin McClam and Mark Niesse have a great idea – they are planning to see every major league baseball stadium over the course of a couple decades.

Many of their trips will involve visiting multiple stadiums near one another. Oakland and San Francisco, for example, sit less than one hour apart (depending on traffic on the Bay Bridge, of course.) They also note that schedules become available in the winter, so it's never too early to reserve accommodations or arrange transportation. We would have never thought of one of their tips: arrive at the stadium early.

"This is critical for taking in the singular feel of each park," McClam wrote, "the cavernous bowl of RFK Stadium in Washington, the retro feel of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, the towering, otherworldly 'A' that looms over Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Arriving early also means the chance to take in several hours of batting practice, and scramble for baseballs that land in the seats."

The article also suggests taking in the local flavor. You can't visit Chicago, for example, without patronizing a local blues club or enjoying a day on Lake Michigan.

Posted by VRO at 01:48 AM | Permalink

March 29, 2007. The Southeastern United States is home to many enchanting caves and luxury vacation rentals. When the Raleigh News-Observer ran a story about caves in the region, we noticed their locations coincided with some of our favorite getaways.

These underground labyrinths combine geology's oddities with nature's art. They are so unusual and so fascinating. Many tours allow cameras, so you add some unique photos to your album. But never remove or break formations – they take thousands of years to form.

The Lost Sea and Forbidden Caverns can be found in Eastern Tennessee. According to the article, the Lost Sea "is not technically a 'sea.' It's a 4 1/2 acre lake, and the 75-minute guided tour includes a ride in a glass bottom boat." Above ground, vacationers can enjoy much larger lakes such as the Watauga and Dale Hollow.

Linville Caverns are North Carolina's only "show" caverns, according to the article. In addition to stalactites and stalagmites, you'll see some wildlife – three types of trout in the underground streams and rare, hibernating bats. After exploring deep below the surface, you can hike at one of the area's highest peaks, Grandfather Mountain.
Another cave can be found farther south along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but you can't just walk up to the ticket window to gain admission. The Nature Conservancy owns Bat Cave, and shows this special formation by appointment only. Unlike the other caverns that were formed by water, Bat Cave was formed by a giant crack in the rock. It's located close to Asheville and Lake Lure.

Posted by VRO at 02:42 AM | Permalink

March 28, 2007. While planning our next luxury vacation rental, my wife and I had a debate about the Caribbean. She wanted to "do more than just lie on the beach." You see, my wife needs to be either exploring or shopping, with occasional breaks for meals and desserts. Well, you can do more than just lie on a beach on those wonderful islands. As proof, I dug up two recent articles on MSN.com.
The article "Dominica: Caribbean's 'Nature Island'" highlights some of the bizarre and beautiful sights of the Dominican Republic. Boiling Lake, "a bizarre cauldron of steaming-hot water, 200 feet across," rewards visitors at the end of a six-hour hike. The trail leads over the mountains, through the rain forest, and into the Valley of Desolation, so named for the destruction wrought by a volcano. That's just one of the many attractions on the island, which includes the 17,000-acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which juts into the Caribbean, has been nicknamed the Mayan Riviera for the confluence of Mayan and tourism culture. "The Real Yucatan, Beyond the Tourists" tells the story of one visitor who ventured beyond the beaches to witness the fascinating local culture. He visited seldom-seen locales such as Convento de San Bernardino, "a sprawling 1550s monastery" in the colonial city of Valladolid, and Tulum, a village beyond the resort towns that has some Mayan ruins.

Posted by VRO at 01:56 AM | Permalink

March 27, 2007. As frequent visitors to the luxury vacation rentals of exotic places, we were especially intrigued by an article on probiotics, or "good" microorganisms. The Washington Post reported on the possibility that probiotics, found in health supplements and some yogurt, may be helpful in fending off travelers' diarrhea, or TD.

While TD only affects about one in five travelers to developing countries, it can still be a nuisance. The culprit is usually bacteria from infected drinking water or food. So can "good" bacteria combat the "bad" bacteria?

The short answer is maybe, although no hard scientific evidence backs this up.

Biocodex is suggesting its product, Florastor, may help if taken "twice daily before, during and for a few days after a trip." The product has had a following with Europeans for about 50 years, and one study suggested yeast related to Florastor's active ingredient was helpful.

Scientists interviewed for the article suggested there is no study that provides conclusive evidence. They were measured in the criticism, however, and many said the use of probiotics could not hurt.

Sounds like the jury is still out on this one.

Of course, nothing could ever stop us from visiting Mexico or Belize. Next time we go, however, we're might just pack some probiotics.

Posted by VRO at 05:55 PM | Permalink

March 24, 2007. CNN.com published a story this week entitled "What to watch for before renting a vacation home." The story has some great tips and anecdotes based on the author's trip to the Jersey Shore, so we thought we would share some of them.

* Ever heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words?" The author says visitors should be able to view photos of a property, and we wholeheartedly agree. In fact, unlike many web sites, VacationRental.org features photos "front and center" on our pages, rather than forcing visitors to navigate several pages or visit another web site.

* "Don't assume anything. Make sure you get a checklist of what is included in the house, and then bring that with you when you begin your stay." Again, we concur. That's why VacationRental.org requires home owners to list amenities.

* Know where you're renting. The last thing you need to find out when you arrive is that your home for a week sits in the worst part of town, far away from the beach. We include a Google map of each property's location to save you time and effort.

We urge all of our customers to research their luxury vacation rental before making the commitment. You work hard for your money, and you probably don't receive nearly enough vacation time to waste it on shabby accommodations. That's why we require all properties to meet our standards of quality before listing with us.

Posted by VRO at 01:03 AM | Permalink

March 23, 2007. Or does travel imitate art? This spring's art exhibits could inspire one to book a luxury vacation rental, do some gallery hopping and maybe even create their own masterpiece. USA Today featured a roundup of the most notable collections throughout the nation, from modernist Georgia O'Keefe to Roman antiquities. Each destination has plenty to offer well beyond the museum walls.

The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach will display the O'Keefe exhibit "Circling around Abstraction." More than 40 of the modernist's works exemplify her fascination with circular motifs and prove her influence. Later that night, hit the clubs in Miami. Recuperate on the beach.

The Baltimore Museum of Art shows "Pisarro: Creating the Impressionist Landscape." USA Today said, "This show touts itself as the first to explore how Pissarro transformed himself from a traditional landscapist to a pioneer of Impressionism." After strolling the halls, do your own plein air painting on the Chesapeake Bay.

Los Angeles boasts two major exhibits on the list. "The Modernist West: American Landscapes" will change the way viewers look at the countryside. O'Keefe, Adams and Pollock are among the featured artists. Another display, "Stories in Stone: Conserving Mosaics of Roman Africa," travels 2,000 years back in time. These ancient floor mosaics show at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa, Los Angeles.

Posted by VRO at 01:01 AM | Permalink

March 22, 2007. Many people splurge on vacation. But sometimes, after a trip, one may begin to regret a few expenditures that blew the budget or just seemed downright wasteful.

We have several recommendations for eliminating some bad purchases and saving some money.

* Put a limit on a dining out. We're not saying don't eat out, but lay a few ground rules. Stay in a luxury vacation rental with a kitchen (or at least a refrigerator), draw a list of the meals which you will eat in or pack to-go, and head to the grocery store. Then do a little research to find out which restaurants you really want to visit. There are a lot of great restaurants in resort towns such as Nantucket, and these easy steps will make sure you end up eating at the good ones. With a little planning, you can avoid the bland, overpriced tourist grill just because it was the only one around when everyone suddenly became hungry.

* Give everyone a "gift budget." By creating some parameters on souvenir spending, you're less likely to end up with three snow-globes that you'll never look at again. Include the children – they will be delighted at first to be given their own spending money (even if Mom or Dad hold onto the actual cash) and will be forced to make wise choices while shopping on the Jersey Shore.

* Raid the visitor center and scan the tourist pamphlets. Some people think they already know what they want to see, which very well may be the case. Visitor centers, tourist pamphlets and vacation guides often have coupons for the attractions on every traveler's list. Don't discount their value.

Posted by VRO at 02:33 AM | Permalink

March 21, 2007. Living up North can be difficult this time of the year. The long, cold winter just won't go away, even when the weather report tells of sunny, warm days in the Southeastern United States. That's why spring is the perfect time for a trip to Dixie Land.

Spring in the south can wonderful –the spring flowers have already begun to bloom, and the humidity hasn't yet arrived.

In the Georgia mountains, the dogwoods are sprinkling some color throughout the Appalachian forests. The waterfalls are flowing. As always, the corner markets are serving boiled peanuts. A cabin in the woods could be the antidote to your cabin fever.

In Asheville, NC visitors have the choice of several fine spring garden experiences including the Biltmore Estate's festival of flowers and staying in one of 25 vacation cabins that are in a woodland garden.

The South also offers some great beach destinations. For a high-class golf vacation, head to Hilton Head, South Carolina. While your friends back home are still practicing their putt on the living room carpet, you'll be driving down a fairway with an ocean view.

For a less expensive, more laid-back beach trip, try Gulf Shores, Alabama. Forget about ice fishing, and enter the Orange Beach Annual Red Snapper World Championship Tournament. Bring your camera phone and send out some photos of the big catch.

Posted by VRO at 02:30 AM | Permalink

March 20, 2007. The L.A. Times featured a big spread in this weekend's travel section focusing on Hawaii, that perennial travel favorite. The articles highlight the diversity of activities and attractions, but especially underscore the adventurous side of these Pacific islands.

A story about night-time deep-water diving off Hawaii's Big Island really spurs the imagination. The author participated in one in which he saw a variety of strange ocean wildlife, all the time looking over his shoulder in case an unwelcome creature should swim along.

"A breathless step into the cold, solemn darkness… a Venus girdle floats by, a translucent ribbon about 2 feet long that moves in the water like a woman's windblown silk scarf. The creature's edges are outlined in kinetic rainbows…"

Another article featured the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kaui. This is the steep, rugged, lush coast that serves as the backdrop for the television series "Lost" and countless shipwreck movies. Listen to the description of this trail:

"One misstep would have led to a twisted ankle, a wrenched knee or worse: To our left was sheer free fall, an elevator chute into open space."

OK, OK. What about something for us normal folks?

Those of us who want to return home alive will find each of the islands to have plenty of attractions that are perfectly safe. And the great thing about Hawaii is the ease of travel between them all. Thanks to the new Superferry, trips between Kaui, Oahu and Maui will be easier than ever before.

Posted by VRO at 01:24 AM | Permalink

March 17, 2007. We thought about saving this item for Halloween, but we can't wait seven months. After all, fans of horror, suspense and the supernatural love their entertainment all year long, not just in October.

CNN.com ran a story about a festival this weekend in Providence, Rhode Island, honoring H.P. Lovecraft, the celebrated horror writer. Walking tours of the author's old haunts will complement lectures about his works. If this sounds like your kind of trip, you'll be happy to know this sort of Guides will take clients to supposedly haunted buildings, weaving tales of history and explaining paranormal events along the way.

Several tour companies in Savannah, Georgia, will show clients the locations of places mentioned in the popular book and film, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." This absolutely beautiful Southern town can fell a little supernatural at night even without the ghost tours that are also offered.

For those who believe in life on other planets, the Extraterrestrial Highway can be found just outside of Las Vegas. Experts claim this remote stretch of Nevada State Route 375 has been the location of more UFO sightings than any other place in the country. The controversial Area 51, a top-secret federal facility, is also located nearby.
thing goes on year-round all across the nation.

Haunted Ghost Tours hosts walks through eight American cities, including Asheville, North Carolina.
At least one thing is for certain – when your book luxury vacation rentals with VacationRental.org, there's no horror or suspense involved.

Posted by VRO at 02:31 AM | Permalink

March 16, 2007. Today's active grandparents may be finding scarce opportunities to spoil their grandchildren. Some children's schedules have become as hectic as those of their parents, while others simply live too far away. Perhaps that explains the increasing popularity of "Grandtravel," which NBC's Today Show recently identified as one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.

They also offered some tips for grandparent-grandchild travel:

* Parents and grandparents should communicate beforehand about ground rules and children's abilities. This will ensure that some well-intentioned spoiling doesn't thwart a parenting strategy, and will make sure kids aren't dragged into an activity beyond their skill.

* "Don't insist on togetherness for the sake of togetherness." This is a theme we've seen with family travel before. You should genuinely want to spend time with the little ones, or nobody will have fun. Also remember, grandtravel seems to be successful because Grandma and Grandpa are more likely to do what the kids want to do, not what the grown-ups want.

* Do a test run. Spend a weekend together before booking a week at Disney World. Pick a fun, local town that a has a children's museum and a nearby petting zoo, like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, before embarking on the big trip.

Posted by VRO at 01:34 AM | Permalink

March 15, 2007. This is the season for booking luxury vacation rentals. This is also the season to renew or obtain new passports. But this year, because of new rules, air travelers had better get everything in order well in advance.

Perhaps months in advance. As the L.A. Times reported , "Travelers applying for passports are facing waits of 10 weeks — instead of the usual four to six — as the State Department grapples with record demand."

Air travel rules tightened this year on January 23, when Americans became required to show a passport upon reentry from Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. As a result, demand has surged.

March has always been a busy month for passport offices, but the added regulations have exacerbated the situation. Reports of long lines have been common. New applicants must appear in person, as well as those who have lost their passport. If you already have one, you can renew by mail –just don't expect quick service.

The majority of luxury vacation rental clients drive to their destination, so this may not affect many readers. Thankfully, there won't be any new regulations on driving.

Posted by VRO at 01:28 AM | Permalink

March 14, 2007. Even for those who are not connoisseurs, a winery tour can be a delightful activity during a stay at a luxury vacation rental. According to a recent survey by Gourmet magazine and the International Culinary Travel Association, one in ten leisure travelers make wine-related trips.

Yesterday, we looked at some of the food-related trips featured in that survey. Today, we examine the wine destinations respondents said they preferred to visit.

The top two spots were occupied by the country's top two producers. California, which produces 90 percent of the country's wine, came in first. New York, the second largest producer with only five percent of the country's total output, was the second most popular wine destination.

No surprises there. Other popular destinations did not necessarily correlate with production numbers, however.

North Carolina, for example, is only the tenth largest wine maker, but was one of four states that tied for third place. Wineries are scattered, from the coastal plain to the mountains, so visitors can tailor trips according to their own preferences.

Oregon, a state whose pinots have gained acclaim, also had a third-place share. This state's most popular vineyard region lies near two great attractions, Mt. Hood and the city of Portland.

Wherever you go, remember not to drink and drive. Choose a designated driver or call a taxi if you intend to sample the local flavor.

Posted by VRO at 01:13 AM | Permalink

March 13, 2007. Let's face it: When we go on vacation, we want to eat well. In fact, some of us book a luxury vacation rental purely on the basis of the local dining, according to a recent survey. Gourmet magazine and the International Culinary Tourism Association commissioned a survey that found one in ten leisure travelers go on trips strictly for the culinary pleasure.

Respondents were also asked to identify their favorite culinary destinations. We took a look at the top spots.

We were surprised New York didn't do better than third place, but at least it was in the top three. There are many great cities and regions to choose from in the Empire State, but many of the best chefs in the country call New York City their home.

America must be full of seafood lovers, because Florida took second place. Miami's restaurant scene has also benefited from the city's multiculturalism, which may also explain the high ranking with serious foodies.

California topped them all. The trendy slow food and organic movements were practically born in San Francisco, and Los Angeles has always been at the forefront of fusion cuisines.

As could be expected, California also topped the wine-related travel destinations in the survey. Tomorrow, we'll look those results and the country's most popular wine regions.

Posted by VRO at 01:53 AM | Permalink

March 11, 2006. In a recent article in Yahoo Real Estate, Kendra Todd lists “The Best Places to Retire and Stretch Your Real Estate Dollar�. Her nine top picks are also great place to find luxury vacation rentals. This will enable you to get a better idea if the area is right for you than if you stayed in a hotel. You have a better chance to experience what life is like and a better feel for whether it is where you want o spend your golden years. You can check out such important considerations as:

1. Cost of living –can you afford the housing you desire and live comfortably on you savings.
2. Climate - Most people want someplace warm, or at least moderate in temperatures.
3. Things to do - with scheduled onsite activities, a surrounding area where you can find arts, culture, sports and entertainment, or both.
4. Community - Not all retirees want to hang out only with people their age, but most want a social network of people of different age groups.

The top 9 picks in Ms. Todd’s words are:

“Charleston, S.C. If you can put up with the humidity, this Southern belle of a city offers very low housing prices in a seaside location with tons of history.

“Asheville, N.C. Known as the Paris of the South, this western North Carolina town of about 70,000 is renowned as a spot for the arts, culture and diversity. The housing costs and cost of living are below average.

“Cedar City, Utah. Cedar City is a great small western town, home to very reasonable home prices, Southern Utah University, the Utah Shakespearean Festival and a great climate.

“Boerne, Texas. An undiscovered spot not far from San Antonio and Austin's cultural scene. Low housing prices, lots of outdoor activities, a historical downtown and a relaxed, ranching lifestyle make this a prime spot.

“Prescott, Ariz. CNNMoney.com and I agree on this one. Prescott is a wonderful Southwestern town where you'll still find a leafy center courthouse park, lots of restaurants, great neighborhoods of old homes and a location near numerous outdoor and cultural activities, including the funky hillside artists colony of Jerome. Housing costs are moderate and taxes are low.

“Fort Collins, Colo. OK, it gets cold, but this Rocky Mountain city of 128,000 has so much to offer. First of all, housing prices are just over $200,000, so you can probably land a terrific house and still have money left over for your savings. It's got a strong economy and moderate taxes. Finally, it's close to outdoor splendor.

“Beaufort, S.C. Ninety minutes south of Charleston lies this city of about 13,000 on Port Royal Island. Surrounded by tidal wetlands and small islands and steeped in military culture, Beaufort is distinguished by having its entire downtown designated a historic treasure. Health care is plentiful and homes with a view of the changing marshlands can start as low as $275,000.

“Lawrence, Kan. Lawrence, home to Kansas University, is an island of culture in the eastern prairie, and a fantastic place to get the most for your retirement dollar. Average home prices range about $180,000, in a happening university town of about 80,000 with sports, a rollicking downtown, tons of history, great health care and weather that, surprisingly, isn't so bad.

“Paso Robles, Calif. The Golden State has a reputation for being overpriced, but some places are worth it. With an average price around $380,000, you can get a great old home in a comfy town of 29,000 that's right in the middle of one of the premium wine growing regions. Recreational opportunities abound, the coast is an hour away, and you're halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.�

Of these 9 choices, Charleston, Asheville, Beaufort, and others have a good choice of luxury vacation rentals.

Posted by VRO at 01:54 AM | Permalink

March 10, 2007. After most people book a luxury vacation rental in Branson, Missouri, they're likely to look around online for some of the city's popular entertainment shows –Dolly Parton, Yakov Smirnoff, or the Acrobats of China, anyone?

But increasingly, Branson is becoming a culinary destination as well. USA Today reported 34 new eateries opened last year, serving an increasing demand for dining experiences. The town already had a big list of restaurants, from the white-cloth Candlestick Inn to the good ol' Baldknobbers Country Restaurant.

Missouri has also become a hotspot for wineries, as reported by CNN.com. A recent travel poll found the state shared third place for wine-related travel in a four-way tie with North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Most of the vineyards sit closer to the Missouri River, but there are quite a few in the southern part of the state.

Branson also draws visitors for the golf courses and proximity to the Ozarks, a great outdoors haven. With so many things to do, it's easy to plan a vacation there that will please everyone.

Next week, we'll look more closely at the travel poll featured on CNN.com. Gourmet Magazine and the International Culinary Tourism Association commissioned the survey, which really whet our appetites!

Posted by VRO at 01:33 AM | Permalink

March 9, 2007. Yesterday, we discussed the advantages of choosing a luxury vacation rental for your next golf vacation. Today, we'd like to present our favorite destinations for such trips. Here they are, in no particular order:

The newcomer Pacific Dunes has been giving the famous Pebble Beach a run for its money. Visitors cite the unspoiled, real estate-free scenery, the laid-back, no-cart vibe and the overall value along the Oregon coast. Nearby Bandon Dunes is another world-class course.

That's not to say we don't recommend Pebble Beach – in fact, we recommend it whole heartedly. For many golfers, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a crowning achievement among their golf travels.

On the other side of the country, we like North Carolina's Piedmont region for its rich selection. Pinehurst, recent two-time host of the PGA Men's Open, is one of the country's oldest and most elegant set of links. The huge variety in the area serves the "Research Triangle" – Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

If you're looking for something up north, we suggest heading to Michigan, a state that loves the game and has many beloved courses. You couldn't ask for better weather in the summer. Nor could you ask for more enjoyable experiences than Arcadia Bluffs and Bay Harbor, two notables within short proximity to one another. Both play along beautiful Lake Michigan.

Posted by VRO at 01:10 AM | Permalink

March 8, 2007. Across the nation, the tease of warmer days has many of you golfers headed into the garage to dig out your bags. This year, you've vowed to knock a few strokes off your handicap. Maybe you just want to get out more. If you want to get the best out of this season, we recommend organizing a golf vacation with your pals. A big trip will motivate the busiest executive, focus the most distracted family man, and give the consummate daydreamer something to plan.

Although many travel planners offer golf-hotel packages, we recommend booking a luxury vacation rental for several reasons. First of all, a house or condo gives the group much more privacy and space than a hotel suite; your golf group may not have traveled together before, so it's a good idea to give everyone some room. Second, many golf-hotel packages come with too many stipulations and include the green fees for just one course, assuming you and your buddies want to play the same course over and over again. Keeping the green fees and accommodations separate will give the group more flexibility.

Golf Digest's travel editor, Mike Stachura, wrote a great article about planning golf trips. Stachura offers advice on everything, from choosing travel partners to creating itineraries. From the way he describes the experience, the most difficult step will simply be agreeing when and where to go.

Tomorrow, we'll suggest a few of our favorite destinations.

Posted by VRO at 01:14 AM | Permalink

March 7, 2007. Tales of lost luggage have figured prominently in the news lately, prompting many air travelers to wonder what they can do to protect themselves. Whether you're headed to Miami or Minnesota, filing a baggage claim isn't the best way to start a nice week at a luxury vacation rental.

To address these concerns, we thought we'd offer some advice. But first, we'll share some facts about lost luggage.

Statistically speaking, the airlines aren't likely to lose your luggage. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Transportation statistics, carriers recorded a rate of 8.19 reports of mishandled baggage per 1,000 passengers in January. That was "an improvement over December 2006's rate of 8.93 but up from January 2006's 6.93 rate."

Despite the unlikelihood, if you want to cover yourself, the only sure way to prevent the airlines from losing your luggage is not to check any. Instead, pack everything into a carry-on bag.

Airlines regulate the size of carry-on bags in total inches, a measurement that accounts for the sum of the length, width and height (L+W+H) of a bag. Most carriers only allow 45 total inches, although some allow 55 total inches.

So how do you pack everything into one bag? We recommend visiting two sites: OneBag.com and The Travel Zine. Both offer great tips on choosing what to pack, eliminating unnecessary gadgets and arranging everything to fit perfectly.

Posted by VRO at 03:49 AM | Permalink

March 6, 2007. If you can't wait for spring to come to your hometown, or you're planning a last-minute spring break, we would like to suggest taking a trip to the Caribbean. Here are five hot destinations:

Caribbean Travel and Life called Playa del Carmen the "trendiest town" of the region. The international crowd grows more and more each year, drawn by the boom in entertainment, dining and ecotourism opportunities, as well as for the "gorgeous" beaches that have always been there.

The Bahamas offer the most peace, quiet and relaxation for travelers who want a slice of beach all to themselves. Governors Harbor villas offer the best accommodations with the most privacy.

Grand Cayman Island has a family-friendly atmosphere with a just the right mix of development. The amusement park and petting zoo will please the children, while adults will relish the golf and scuba diving.

Puerto Rico offers a great value and ease of travel. Although most of the population speaks English, the locals still maintain a distinctive Spanish-influenced culture. The mountainous interior also provides a nice contrast to the beaches.

The Virgin Islands typify the high-class island experience. This is the perfect place to splurge on a second honeymoon, complete with candlelit dinners, spa treatments and lots of time alone.

Posted by VRO at 02:51 AM | Permalink

March 3, 2007. With spring approaching this month, now is the time to reserve a luxury vacation rental and tour one of the nation's great gardens. To help you decide when and where to go, USA Today featured an article on "The USA's Most Beautiful Gardens." In addition to the many public grounds open year-round, the story also highlights some private estates that offer tours during this season only.

In Charleston, S.C., several special events will allow you to take in several private gardens per tour. Because of Charleston's location in the South, these tours begin in mid-March and last through April. If you've never been to "The Palmetto City," this is your chance to see not only some beautiful backyards, but some of the country's oldest and most charming homes.

Out West, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix and the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, Calif., also show their best early in the season. The former specializes in unique desert species, while the latter offers a variety that includes subtropical and Australian specimens.

If you want to see some blossoms later in the season, simply adjust your itinerary northward. The Garden in the Woods, in Framingham, Mass., is best enjoyed in April or later.

For those who wish to enjoy the ultimate garden experience, visit Willow Winds Woodland Gardens in Asheville, NC, the only luxury vacation rental development that is actually in a woodland garden. The gardens at Willow Winds burst into full bloom in March and continue through May. From this location you can enjoy the fabulous gardens of the nearby Biltmore Estate, which features the festival of flowers in April and May.

Posted by VRO at 01:51 AM | Permalink

March 2, 2007. What if you knew who had the cheapest gasoline on the drive to your luxury vacation rental? What if an Internet mapping service also showed you the restaurants at each interstate exit? And wouldn't it be nice if there was one website that could give you both of those benefits, and information about the attractions at your vacation destination?

The new American Automobile Association (AAA) website opened to non-members this year, and the features are numerous. Simply type in a zip code and the association's Fuel Price Finder can tell you who has the cheapest gas within a 10-mile radius. A quick search of Newport, Rhode Island, for example, showed the least expensive gas station to be 34 cents per gallon cheaper than the most expensive one.

You still have to be a AAA member to order TripTiks, the famous maps, but the group's online mapping service adds a few extra features to the typical Internet mapping program. With a click of a few buttons, a route map also can display restaurants, gas stations, auto repair shops and local attractions. We thought this could be especially useful for planning breaks and lunch stops.

The website has also compiled some basic information about local attractions. A savvy Internet user could probably find better information somewhere else, but it's still a convenient one-stop feature. The website also allows visitors to search for rental cars, cruises, flights and hotels, although for the best accommodations, we recommend VacationRental.org.

Posted by VRO at 01:14 AM | Permalink

March 1, 2007. Taking the children to the zoo has become a classic American right of parenthood. Now it can be the centerpiece of the next family vacation. MSN.com recently excerpted a list of the country's best zoos from "Frommer's 500 Places to Take Your Kids before They Grow Up." Each of picks happens to be located in all-around great destinations.

The San Diego Zoo occupies a spot in one of our favorite California cities. San Diego has great weather year-round, wonderful beaches and a long list of historical, cultural and natural attractions.

The Brookfield Zoo sits just outside of Chicago, one of the best urban family destinations. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Six Flags Great America are also among the best of their kind. Downtown's pedestrian friendly vibe also makes it fun to walk around.

The Cincinnati Zoo is located in a classic Ohio Valley city that travelers often underestimate. Several hip districts, such as Clifton on Ludlow and Mt. Adams, offer an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and other attractions. Two professional sports teams, the Bengals and the Reds, have new stadiums on the redeveloped waterfront. You'll want to stay in the undiscovered pastoral paradise of Southern Ohio, a land of gently rolling hills that is home to Amish communities, covered bridges and Wayne National Forest.

Posted by VRO at 08:50 PM | Permalink