Vacation Rentals Blog

April 28, 2007. Hikers who want a luxury vacation rental near some great trails will be happy to know the long winter is subsiding in the Northeast. The New York Times ran some articles on some of the great hiking destinations up there.

Algonquin Peak, one of the most popular summits in the Adirondacks, made the list. The going gets a little tough near the top, making the distance feel a little longer than it really is. If you want equally good views with less effort, try Mount Jo.

Vermont's Green Mountain Club suggests hiking the Stratton Mountain portion of the famous Long Trail that shares a path with the even more famous Appalachian Trail. The trailhead can be easily reached from the Manchester area .

The White Mountains of New Hampshire may be some of the most rugged of the Appalachian, resembling something in the Western United States more than the East. The trek to the top of Mount Willard includes views of a U-shaped glacial valley. Franconia Ridge, which travels above treeline for a considerable distance, has become one of the most popular trips for its expansive vistas. Just don't hang out up there if a storm rolls in.

Posted by VRO at 08:19 PM | Permalink

April 27, 2007. The Internet may now be the most important marketing tool for luxury vacation rentals, tourism destinations and travel companies. As the World Wide Web evolves, consumers find new ways to research their trips and businesses and organizations see new ways to reach out to customers. Nova Scotia's recent efforts showcase some of the latest online trends, according to a Canadian Press article.

Nova Scotia has been blessed with some of the most impressive natural scenery in North America, as well as some historical villages that have few rivals in historical integrity and charm. This far eastern stretch of Canada is also challenged by a remote location and intense competition from other tourism destinations in Canada and the Northeastern United States.

To set itself apart, the province has turned to two darlings of the modern Internet: Google Earth and YouTube.

Google Earth uses satellite imagery and road maps to create virtual maps that give viewers an incredible feel for the beauty and layout of the land. Nova Scotia has overlaid points of interest on the interactive maps.

YouTube, a website where any user can post videos, made headlines last year when Google bought it for $1.65 billion. Nova Scotia posted its own videos on the website featuring aerial videos of the rugged coast and mountainous Skyline Trail. The easy-to-download YouTube technology is also used on Nova Scotia's official tourism web site.

Posted by VRO at 01:49 AM | Permalink

April 26, 2007. "Golf Trails" have gained in popularity as effective marketing tools for local tourism officials. For those staying in luxury vacation rentals, the concentration of links is a major amenity, and golf trails signal an abundance of opportunity. But as Golf Magazine noted, the proliferation of this idea has created an overwhelming number of choices.

To help readers plan their next trip, editors at the magazine picked four top trails based on the consistency of quality and ease of travel.

They chose the Sante Fe Trail in New Mexico for the "easy driving distance" between each course and the "quality and memorable moments." Clustered around the town Sante Fe, these options play through beautiful mountains, pine forests and the sweeping high desert.

Editors called the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail "the original, and still the best value in American golf." We recommend staying in Gulf Shores and focusing on the stops in southern Alabama. The trail showcases 10 total courses scattered throughout the state.

The Idaho Golf Trail may seem out of the way, but editors gave it high marks for ambience and value. This trail also has several clusters scattered throughout the state, from Coeur d'Alene to Southwestern Idaho to the Sawtooth Mountain. Pick one and play through.

Posted by VRO at 01:36 AM | Permalink

April 25, 2007. Budget Travel published a list of places every child should visit called "15 before 15." That apparently assumes that once your children turn 16, they'll be way too cool for family vacation.

It's not surprising New York City showed up twice on the list. The magazine suggested landmarks from two different times: Ellis Island, the gateway for immigrants, and Ground Zero, site of the country's most devastating attack on homeland soil.

A less famous, though equally important, pick was the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. This is also the home of Graceland, a Mississippi River museum and some very delicious barbecue.

Although most of the suggestions offer historical perspectives, the list also offers destinations that will fill your children with awe and reverence for the natural world.

Redwoods National Park in Northern California has the tallest trees on the planet in lush forests with mosses and ferns. Young adults will recognize the scenery from the Star Wars installment "Return of the Jedi." The Pacific Coast also has breathtaking scenery.

Not everything on the list has such a serious educational slant, however.

Disney World finishes the itinerary. As the article says, "…they're not going to be kids forever. Make them happy."

Posted by VRO at 01:55 AM | Permalink

April 23, 2007. A luxury vacation rental always benefits from a nearby waterfall. People are drawn to them. There's just something so mesmerizing about the cascading flow, the roaring sound, and the sheer rock face. When we saw USA Today run an article on waterfalls in the American West, we knew we had to share some of the suggestions.

Havasu Falls – They may not be that tall, but the white cascades and the blue pools below contrast so magnificently with the red sandstone that many people come from miles around to view them. Located in the southern section of Grand Canyon National Park, they provide an ideal day trip from Lake Havasu City, a nearby resort town that shares the American Indian tribal name.

Akaka Falls – As if the Big Island of Hawaii hadn't given us enough to love already, this wide ribbon streaks 420 feet down a sheer, mossy wall in Akaka Falls State Park, near Hilo. Legend has it the god Akaka slipped on the waterfalls after fleeing from his wife, who had just discovered him cheating on her.

Upper and Lower Falls of Yellowstone – These mighty cascades have been painted, filmed and photographed by thousands of people awed by their power. The force of Yellowstone River cut a chasm so deep that viewers must stand atop of the rim of the "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone." Stay in Jackson Hole or Southwestern Montana.

Posted by VRO at 09:18 AM | Permalink

April 21, 2007. When different people reserve a luxury vacation rental, they consider different characteristics about the locale. Some people want the most authentic local culture they can find. Some people want as many "developed" amenities as possible. Others look for certain kind of mix.

A recent article in the L.A. Times promoted Playa Chacala as a place where the "real" Mexico still exists – "Chickens at your feet," as one visitor put it. Well, there aren't chickens everywhere, exactly. The same visitor was quoted as saying that "snakes as big as your head" were poisoning people every day – a harmless lie concocted to keep his favorite getaway as unspoiled as possible.

Playa Chacala sits just 90 minutes down the road from a more popular Mexican destination, Puerto Vallarta. Whereas Playa Chacala has a local population of only 400, Puerto Vallarta boasts 177,830. It's still a remarkably authentic town, with a well-preserved traditional town and astounding natural beauty in the rock formations surrounding the port that first attracted settlers.

The Botanical Gardens of Vallarta, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the beaches are some of the most popular attractions in Puerto Vallarta.

Posted by VRO at 11:52 AM | Permalink

April 20, 2007. There are a lot of reasons why the Portland Oregonian might refuse to run an article describing the greatness of Seattle. After all, the two cities must compete for so much – tourism, business, bragging rights, etc. And Portland is a great town in and of itself, offering a great cosmopolitan mix in the shadow of Mt. Hood. But Seattle has the same type of greatness, only on a larger scale, along with the Puget Sound and not one, but two volcanoes on its city skyline.

We'll call it a tie and focus on Seattle for now, since that's the subject of the article.

The Emerald City has a major airport, so flying there usually comes with a reasonable price tag. Served by the north-south Interstate 5 and the east-west Interstate 90, it's also easy to reach for many automobile travelers in the Western United States. The entire region teems with vacation destinations worth an extended stay, from the Cascades to Vancouver, British Columbia.

This year, the Seattle Art Museum opened a major expansion that has increased exhibition space by 70 percent and opened out onto the waterfront. A unique dining experience that has become a requisite stop in recent years is the Teatro ZinZanni, a restaurant located in a climate-controlled circus tent, complete with acrobats overhead and magicians tableside. And while Seattle is always a great place to see some music of all kinds, pop music fans won't want to miss Bumbershoot, a Labor Day music festival that has become one of the country's best.

Posted by VRO at 01:13 AM | Permalink

April 19, 2007. Let's face it: The chances you will be pick-pocketed on vacation are slim. But why give thieves a chance to ruin a nice stay at a luxury vacation rental? An article in the Washington Post described an American's experience in Europe after being robbed on a train, and offers some great insight and advice.

The traveler wore a money belt, but wore it carelessly around his waist "like a fanny pack … instead of like a locked safe." With the zippered opening exposed, a thief carefully lifted the contents while the traveler chatted with his partner on the train. Needless to say, the experience put a sour end to an otherwise magnificent trip.

The Washington Post also offered several tips for travelers.

* Money belts are a popular choice for travelers to big cities and foreign vacation destinations, but they should be worn under the shirt, close to the body.

* Place wallets in the front pocket, rather than the more vulnerable back pocket. Wrap a rubber band around the wallet to create some friction, acting as an alarm if a thief attempts to remove it.

* Wear shoulder bags across your body, rather than over a shoulder or simply in hand.

Posted by VRO at 01:00 AM | Permalink

April 18, 2007. Yesterday, we discussed an article on tourism in America's biggest cities. Today, we have some suggestions for vacations in the country's smaller towns.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, sits on Lake Coeur d'Alene, with the Bitterroot mountain range in its backyard. This outdoors paradise had great weather, a nearby casino and a vibrant mix of shops, bars and restaurants. Must-see's include the Boulder Beach Water Park and a drive along the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway.

Traverse City, Michigan, also sits by a lake, albeit a slightly larger one (Lake Michigan). The town sits on an unusual bay that is bisected by a long, skinny peninsula, creating a West Arm and East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Nothing beats a walk on the soft sand of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Afterward, head out to one of the regional wineries for a tour and tasting.

Stowe, Vermont, has all the charm of a classic New England town. The links on Stowe Country Club's golf course have some beautiful views of the Green Mountains. The 5.5-mile Stow Recreational Path also offers a cycling and walking path corridor that passes scenic barns, swimming holes and downtown.

Posted by VRO at 01:56 AM | Permalink

April 17, 2007. Luxury vacation rentals can be found everywhere, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. When it comes to vacations, people seem to embrace both choices. As a result, one can find competition for tourism dollars virtually anywhere.

The Chicago Tribune ran a story this weekend about the efforts on behalf of big cities to attract visitors. With the summer vacation season approaching, metropolitan areas are rushing to repair, beautify and advertise. The article focused on five of the biggest: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

Talk about an advertising budget – New York City will spend $30 million across the globe. The return on investment generally falls in the ball park of $24 billion in spending per year. This year, the City That Never Sleeps expects 44 million visitors, and wants to bring in 50 million by 2015.

Miami's numbers aren't shabby – it spends about $12 million and attracts less than 12 million visitors. But then again, Miami seems concerned with its own image, rather than trying to chase NYC.

"We try to position Miami like Gucci, Fendi, Prada or Mercedes-Benz," said David Whitaker, executive vice president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

L.A., San Francisco and Chicago spend similar amounts of money and draw similarly large crowds, and for good reason. We could spend months in a luxury vacation rental in these great cities, exploring all the nooks and crannies.

In fairness to the little guys, however, we'll look at some equally exciting small towns in tomorrow's blog.

Posted by VRO at 01:00 AM | Permalink

Apr. 15, 2006. The cold temperatures---producing record lows in some cases—have taken their toll on the travel and vacation industry during this winter and early spring. While data is not available on vacation rentals, we always watch closely the weekly reports of the hotel industry published by Smith Travel Research. The fortunes of the vacation rental industry tend to track the data for the hotel industry.

The weekly report of the week ending April 7 showed the first big decline in some time for both occupancy rates (an 11% decline) and in revenue per available room (an 11.2% drop). Thus, it appears that hotel owners have dropped their rates, but it was not enough to overcome the unseasonably bad weather at the beginning of the spring season.

Of course this was not the case if the hotels and vacation rentals were located in balmy spots such as the Caribbean or the Southern tip of Florida. However, for the Mid West and for all of the East Coast—even in Northern and Central Florida—temperatures plummeted to a level that would not be considered comfortable for most vacationers.

While you cannot avoid such weather misfortunes, a strong marketing campaign and advanced bookings will mean that you will not suffer too much from such weather set backs. For more information on how to properly market your vacation rental so as to minimize weather disruptions, see the newsletters available to members of VacationRental.org.

Posted by VRO at 01:46 AM | Permalink

April 14, 2007. Women already hold veto power over the choice of luxury vacation rentals. They also plan "girlfriend getaways" and are often identified as the primary purchasers of most households. Now, American Airlines wants to increase the number of women flying with the company, and has created a women's section on its web site to attract them.

A recent news report on the Internet campaign noted nearly half of the airline's passengers are already women, and a mere two percent increase could gain the company an addition $94 million per year.

Well, it may just be a marketing campaign, but it's a useful one. Suggestions for girlfriend getaways include Las Vegas and South Beach, Miami. The web site features great tips on how to look good and stay comfortable while traveling, how to pack wisely, how to stay healthy on the go, and how to stay safe and secure.

The airline partnered with Jones New York on these fashions tips:

* Choose lightweight separates for "speedy style and climate changes" rather than bulky clothes.

* Shoes also take up space, so pick "one versatile flesh-toned heel for night and a 'stand-alone' flat for day."

* Minimize ironing by choosing fabrics that don't wrinkle, such as cotton blends and lightweight merino wool. Also, light spring dresses can steam easily if hung in the shower room.

Posted by VRO at 01:17 AM | Permalink

April 13, 2007. There's a certain kind of traveler who just can't go without his laptop, or at least without the Internet. Fortunately, many luxury vacation rentals now furnish computers with Internet service, and sometimes even provide wireless Internet. From the Bahamas to British Columbia, it's easier than ever to connect to the World Wide Web.

For those of us who can't leave their laptop at home, or at least need to check their email once per day, we offer these tips.

Prepare for takeoff. Laptops may be durable, but they are not invincible. We highly recommend a padded carrying case, whether in the form of a backpack, messenger bag or briefcase. Some vacationers may view this as an advertisement to thieves; if this is a concern, outfit a more discreet form of luggage with some padding (available at luggage shops, office supply companies and fabric stores.)

Score a connection. In a town like San Francisco, you can't go anywhere without finding a Wi-Fi connection. But what about Branson, Missouri? To begin with, try the local coffee shops. If you aren't sure where to find one, open up the phonebook and look for a Starbucks – the chain has Wi-Fi in thousands of locations now. Bagel shops, hotels, libraries and college campuses are also great places to try. Libraries are also great places to check email (you may have to sign up for a library card, but that's painless).

Security. You want your laptop to still be there after you grab an espresso. So how do you protect it? Physical locks will chain your laptop to a table leg. Motion sensors will sound an alarm if the computer moves suddenly or in a jerky fashion. And "LoJack"-type security software can even track your device as soon as a thief connects to the Internet. They may cost a little extra, but it's worth protecting your investment.

Posted by VRO at 01:54 AM | Permalink

April 12, 2007. MSN.com reprinted a Travel + Leisure article with a unique take on the Washington, D.C., vacation. If you’re planning on staying in a luxury vacation rental in the D.C. area, or just looking for a destination idea, this should be required reading. T+L suggested tours for different personality types: political animals, diplomats and spies, history geeks, and artists and aesthetes.

Political animals should note that the White House no longer allows tourists to just line up outside the door, according to the article. Apparently, visitors must now reserve a spot ahead of time. If you want to see important people at dinner, head to Charlie Palmer Steak on Constitution Avenue.

Aspiring diplomats and spies can check out the International Spy Museum, and then pretend they’re in another country in one of D.C.’s fabulous multi-ethnic neighborhoods. If you consider yourself a culinary adventurer, this town offers everything from Ethiopian to Ukrainian.

History geeks might be disappointed to hear the National Museum of American History is closed this year for renovation, but T+L suggests the National Air and Space Museum and the memorials located on the Mall. To travel back in time, take a stroll among the 18th and 19th century homes of the Georgetown neighborhood.

Posted by VRO at 01:30 AM | Permalink

April 11, 2007. Planning a trip to one of a national park this summer? Consider using a luxury vacation rental as "base camp." The advantages are numerous. Mom can prepare a fancy picnic in the kitchen and Dad can cook dinner on the grill. A spacious cabin will give everyone in the family some room for down time. Best of all, rental rates are often equal to or less expensive than lodging inside the parks.

Acadia National Park, located in Maine, combines some of the most beautiful coastline in the country with mountainous terrain. Park Loop Road provides a nice introduction to the varied scenery. For big views, hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain. The best places to stay are on Bar Harbor or near Stockton Springs.

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park might be the most spectacular scenic drive on the planet. Visitors will see rugged peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, blue lakes, mountain goats and maybe even some grizzly bears! The nearby mountain towns of Whitefish and Kalispell are worth the trip, too.

In California, three grand national parks lie within close proximity to one another in the High Sierra. The grand waterfalls and granite massifs of Yosemite National Park were the favorite subject of Ansel Adams, one of the finest outdoor photographers. The giant sequoia redwoods of Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks are also inspiring.

Posted by VRO at 01:43 AM | Permalink

April 9, 2007. There are people who know about Calgary, and people who don't know about Calgary. This former host of the Winter Olympics, self-titled "Capital of the New West," and somewhat-secret hotspot has been slowly gaining fans over the past decade. Cindy Loose's article in the Washington Post will probably generate quite a bit more interest.

Just read the opening paragraphs:

"I keep expecting drivers behind me to start blaring their horns as I try to exit the parking lot, but I can't get the payment machine to accept my bills. But I hear not a peep, except my own muttered curses. Just as I'm tempted to ram the gate, a man from several cars back gets out and, with a smile, drops several dollar coins into the machine for me."

"A fluke? All I know is that later, at a prepay lot, a woman walks to where I'm reading the instructions and hands me her prepaid card, which has hours' worth of parking on it."

Loose goes into the many reasons why the locals happen to be so friendly. She also details the many attractions that make this a worthy choice for a vacation.

To begin with, the town has everything a tourist could want, from shopping to eating to special events. True to its Western heritage, many of the art galleries feature Native Indian-influenced pieces. One can choose from many exceptional steakhouses, although the international restaurant scene will surprise many visitors. And the culture goes far beyond the Calgary Stampede, an annual cattle drive, with a world-class folk festival, philharmonic orchestra and art museum.

There's more to do outside of town, too. The Canadian Rockies tower over the skyline, offering stunning scenic drives, limitless hiking trails and epic skiing.

Posted by VRO at 05:02 PM | Permalink

April 7, 2007. USAToday.com published "10 Great Places to Put Spring into Your Step," a list inspired by SpringWatch USA, a new Animal Planet television series premiering April 21. TV correspondent David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, offered these destinations, where the changing seasons literally come to life.

* Butterflies flutter among fields of wildflowers at the Indian Boundary Prairies, located in the suburbs just south of Chicago. We would also like to suggest a stay in Northern Illinois, among the rolling hills and palisades of the Mississippi River.

* Coastal Delaware is a great place to witness the cycle of life every spring. Horseshoe crabs come ashore en masse while they are spawning and laying eggs. Reproduction is a dangerous business, however, as thousands of migrating birds arrive at the same time with a mighty hunger.

* Those who want to spot a moose know the Maine's Moosehead Lake region has some a large population of these beautiful, secretive animals. Spring offers the best opportunities to sight one.

* South Carolina's Kiawah Island has a healthy mix of wildlife habitat and resort development. As a result, everyone can find something fun here. The island "is simply majestic for wildlife watching," according to the article, with gray fox, white-tailed deer, alligators, bobcats, diamondback terrapins and more.

Posted by VRO at 02:34 PM | Permalink

April 6, 2007. Fodor's posted a very helpful article on its web site about rental cars. Because some people who stay at luxury vacation rentals may need to rent cars, we thought we'd share the tips with readers. Some of the advice surprised us.

* We thought, for example, that renting the smallest car would always be the least expensive option. Not so, according to Fodor's. Because the smallest cars are the most popular, they often have a higher rate than full-sized sedans.

* One might also assume that turning in the car early can save you money, but that's not always the case. If you're thinking about bringing your rental back early just to avoid paying a few extra days, call the agency first. Fodor's also said that extending rental periods can sometimes be less expensive than most people think.

* Preferred customer clubs may be worth the one-time fee for those who frequently rent. Benefits include discounts, upgrades, free rental days, privileged counter service and access to a wider choice of vehicles at airport lots. Check the cost and weigh the benefits.

* Many travel experts have debated whether to accept the insurance offered by agencies. Fodor's largely skirted the issue for rentals in a traveler's home country, but endorsed agency policies when visiting foreign countries. An American staying in a Caribbean luxury vacation rental, for example, will have much less hassle filing a claim with local insurance coverage, according to the article.

Posted by VRO at 01:15 AM | Permalink

April 5, 2007. We love a quick weekend at a luxury vacation rental. We dream of road trips. But the idea of "slow travel" plays to our desires to put the brakes on the hectic pace of our day-to-day lives. That's why a St. Petersburg Times article, "What's the Hurry? Try Slow Travel," attracted our attention.

This new trend urges travelers to spend some time (as in one week or longer) in one locale, rather than race around trying to see as many cities and regions as possible. The article references the web site SlowTrav.com, which features stories and recommendations from readers who have spent a week or more getting to know a place.

Is this trend really that new? Perhaps not. Slow travel promotes luxury vacation rentals as the surest way to feel "like a local," but the industry has been thriving since long before the new term. These days, however, when it seems that everyone is busier than ever, perhaps a renewed emphasis on long, relaxing vacations is just what we need.

Fresh or recycled, we like the idea and the web site SlowTrav.com. Readers have posted informative articles on everything from skiing in Canada to hanging out at Miami Beach.

Posted by VRO at 01:04 AM | Permalink

April 4, 2007. Who hasn't taken those tiny bottles of shampoo from a hotel, especialy if they are of good quality. We recommend that owners of luxury vacation rentals provide such tiny delights for their guests. Moreover, with the current travel restricitions on liquids on airlines, there is more of a demand than ever for these little toiletries.That's why we were intrigued by a recent article in the New York Times.

New products are hitting the shelves to help air travelers with the 3-1-1 rule governing liquids. This rule mandates carry-on liquid be stored in 3-ounce or smaller containers, and the containers must be placed in a clear, 1-quart zip-top bag. Each traveler is allowed one bag.

These new products are varied. One company offers tooth gel, shaving gel and mouthwashes that comes in the form of tablets, which when immersed in water transform like Alka-Seltzer into gel or liquid form. Another company has incorporated the handy wipe cloth into everything from nail polish remover to tooth cleaner. And, of course, one entrepreneur introduced a line of leak-proof travel containers.

We prefer to use the leak-proof containers found at outdoors recreation stores or chemistry supply companies. They come in 0.5-ounce to 3-ounce sizes, and are virtually indestructible and dishwasher safe. As for zip-top containers, we recommend you not go over the one-quart size. As rported in the Times, one traveler to Las Vegas learned, you never know what the security officials will decide to scrutinize.

Posted by VRO at 02:17 AM | Permalink

April 3, 2007. It's late at night, and you just want to get to your luxury vacation rental. But, somewhere many miles ago, you made a wrong turn. And the road you're on now doesn't seem to be on the map.

Sound familiar?

A reader submission to a Washington Post contest exemplified the values and pitfalls of Global Positioning System (GPS) automobile navigation units. The readers used their GPS unit on an 11-day road trip through Oregon. For the most part, they said, navigating was "almost always" easier. At one point, however, the unit "went quiet" on a "lonely stretch of U.S. Forest Service road, just after we'd wandered half-lost."

When choosing GPS systems, consumers should understand how these devices work and which features may be helpful.

GPS units use signals from satellites to pinpoint their locations on earth. The locations are fairly precise, but national security rules require them to be a few meters off. That minor imperfection is not important on roads. If the unit does not have a clear view of the sky, however, due to trees or buildings, it may not receive a signal. Choose a unit with powerful reception to avoid "quiet" spots.

The units will either come with map software, or the company will sell the software. Please note that you must buy the same company's map software – it's a nice little monopoly they've worked out. Remember, too, that maps can occasionally be outdated or incorrect, as anyone who's ever used Internet mapping websites may have discovered.

When purchasing a GPS unit for a vehicle, choose a "road" unit with a wide base that rests on the dashboard rather than a tiny, handheld "hiking" unit. The road units will have larger, color screens that are easier to view.

Most vehicle navigation systems now have touchscreens and will speak the directions. Touchscreens make it easier to scroll through the computer features, while talking units keeping drivers from constantly glancing at the monitor. Springing for these features will significantly reduce the distraction factor.

Posted by VRO at 12:43 PM | Permalink

April 1, 2007. “Hawaii's visitor industry is struggling to overcome falling demand amid rising vacation costs, an imbalance which has influenced spending and hotel choices for tourists,� according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin. The article quotes Smith Travel Research, which reports that hotel occupancy is down 10 to 12 percent in Hawaii, while room rates are up 8 to 10 percent.

We at VRO have long cautioned about raising rates to a level that most families are not comfortable with. Hotels in large cities that depend on business and convention travelers, such as New York and Washington D. C., have been able to jack up rates dramatically over the last two years. However, this does not work for family vacation destinations.

In some family vacation destinations, travelers have responded to the decline in availability of budget accommodations by choosing not to visit, to stay with friends or family when they get here, or to curb spending habits.

Another option is to stay in luxury vacation rentals, especially ones that guarantee a certain standard of quality, such as the quality standards of those listed on VacationRental.org. For the vacation rental owner in higher priced destinations such as Hawaii, the resistance to high hotel room rates offers a great business opportunity—the opportunity to offer more value for less cost.

For vacationers, the luxury vacation rental or villa can offer much more space for a family and the ability to save significantly on food costs by preparing meals at home rather than eating out at expensive restaurants.

Posted by VRO at 03:23 PM | Permalink