Vacation Rentals Blog

May 31, 2007. USA TODAY's suggestions for whale watching locations also happened to be a great list for luxury vacation rental destinations. Our fascination with whales was very evident in the past couple of weeks as the nation kept up with the plight of two humpback whales that swam far inland in California.

Here's a sampling of the list:

Dominica – This Caribbean island nation is a nature lover's paradise, with great attractions both on land and in the water. Blunt-headed sperm whales inhabit the warm waters year-round, while humpback whales come to the bays each winter to breed.

The Dominican Republic has also done a great job preserving parts of its mountainous jungle for the enjoyment of the public. Cabrits National Park and Morne Trois Pitons National Park each have an abundance of waterfalls and wildlife.

Baja California, Mexico – On the other side of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez hosts blue whales, the largest of the species, as well as gray whales. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are two great resort towns from which a visitor can book a whale watching expedition.

Coastal Oregon – The great thing about the Internet is the potential for reader participation. One reader posted a comment suggesting Coastal Oregon as a great whale watching spot. She couldn't have been more correct. You'll find tour operators in the quaint fishing villages along this rugged and beautiful coast.

Posted by VRO at 01:24 AM | Permalink

May 30, 2007. When most people book a luxury vacation rental for the summer, they plan on summertime activities – hiking, golfing and fishing, for example. Some people, however, just can't get enough snow, and they find ways to ski and snowboard all year long. Here's where they go:

Tuckerman Ravine, New Hampshire – The New York Times ran a great article with photos this weekend about the revered spot. "Its volume of snowfall (it averages 55 feet in its deepest spot) and the mountain's altitude — it's the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet — makes the area too dangerous to ski in winter. But it also keeps the snow around deep into spring." The snow is expected to last through June this year.

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia – The Blackcomb Glacier at the Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort holds snow throughout the summer, making this an interesting spot to visit if you're staying in nearby Vancouver. The resort even shapes a half pipe for the daredevils.

Mt. Hood, Oregon – The unusual conditions of the Palmer Snowfield on Mt. Hood, the volcano outside Portland, Ore., keep the snow on ice, so to speak. As a result, Mt. Hood ski resorts have a summer ski season. The training camps have become especially popular with students from around the country.

Massachusetts – From the "weird news" file, The Daily News Tribune ran a story over the weekend about a developer's plan to build a skiing, tubing and snowboarding park at Prospect Hill, near the Cape Cod Bay. The park would be a "smaller version of the European trend in Waltham," according to the article. "The so-called 'snowflex' surface features bendable layers of polymer composite that simulate the feeling of snow and provide cushioning for falls."

Posted by VRO at 08:26 AM | Permalink

May 29, 2007. Inflation has been in the news lately, but is it affecting luxury vacation rentals? Only time will tell, but we thought we'd discuss a couple of articles from the weekend.

Christopher Elliott, ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and host of "What You Get For The Money: Vacations" on the Fine Living Network, wrote a column on MSNBC.com about "vacation inflation." In his article, he quotes a recent survey by the Travel Industry Association of America.

"In its study of leisure travelers, it found that the biggest barrier to achieving an ideal vacation is money. More than a quarter of the respondents admitted that they were disappointed with their last getaway."

Elliot also quotes an estimate that found "economy" hotel rates rose 19 percent last year, to an average rate of $164 a night.

Gas prices have also been a major topic lately, but experts still forecast an increase from last year in Memorial Day weekend travel. An Associated Press survey found that although travelers were concerned about the high prices, few were planning to significantly cut their driving.

The AP also quoted the AAA's polls of various travel-related expenses.

"Holiday travelers will find gas prices nationwide averaging $3.225 a gallon for self-serve regular, according to AAA. That's up 36 cents from a month ago."

"Hotel rates are also up about 13 percent from last year, the association found, but flights and car rentals are expected to be a bit cheaper."

Posted by VRO at 01:22 AM | Permalink

May 26, 2007. When some people stay at luxury vacation rentals, the first thing they do is seek out the local antique shops. A recent article in the Detroit News featured a mother of three who decorated her Gross Pointe home with antiques. We thought we'd highlight a few great places to go antiquing.

Hudson Valley – Many of the small towns throughout the Hudson Valley offer great little shops, but none of them beat the town of Hudson, which boasts 70 dealers in a five-block radius. No wonder this is where New Yorkers go when they want to find a unique piece.

Maine's Route 1 – This coastal highway has been popular with vacationers seeking natural beauty, but other travelers spend all their time indoors. You'll find great stores from South Coastal Maine to Bar Harbor.

St. Augustine– Like the Maine stores, Florida's feature many great maritime pieces. But whereas the New England hegustinritage is typically older and more classic, St. Augustine can be an ideal place to track down funky Art Deco treasures you won't see elsewhere.

San Antonio – For whatever reason, it seems like antiques in Texas go to San Antonio to find their buyers. The home of the Alamo is also the home of Alamo Antique Mall, the Center for Antiques, and numerous other hubs of hard-to-find treasures.

Posted by VRO at 03:48 PM | Permalink

Several customers have reported email scams recently. Be aware of this problem and double check all credentials especially potential renters that want to over pay bookings and get credits or refunds. Email us if you have any questions or would like examples of these fraudulous emails.

Posted by VRO at 08:49 AM | Permalink

May 25, 2007. If you're planning on vacationing this year, we have two bits of advice: stay in a luxury vacation rental and read Budget Travel's "105 Supersmart Strategies." Budget Travel Online excerpted parts of the article from its June 2007 issue, including the sections on trip planning, packing and "on the ground."

In the trip planning section, we noticed the authors covered hotels extensively – how to avoid paying extra, how to make sure you're really getting what you expect, etc. They are great tips that will no doubt help many travelers. At VacationRental.org, our clients show the customers exactly what they are getting, through descriptions and photos, and for how much. It takes the guesswork out of booking accommodations.

The packing advice included encouragement to "pack as little as possible," a theme we keep seeing but which we have some difficulty following sometimes. Luckily, the writers had some tips for minimizing luggage. And they told us about something we hadn't heard of before – shipping luggage via FedEx, rather than checking it. The theory is it eliminates the hassle of dragging around heavy luggage. If some travel pundits' predictions come true and charges for checking in luggage become standard, this solution might become more common.

Posted by VRO at 08:26 AM | Permalink

May 24, 2007. Regardless of high gas prices, this weekend marks the beginning of summer for the luxury vacation rental market. That means the nation's highways and byways will be carrying more automobiles. The Today Show offered some safe driving tips on its website we would like to share with our readers.

1. Practice preventative maintenance
Don't want to end up on the side of the road? Take your car to a repair shop before the big trip and have them perform a thorough check. Throughout the trip, continue checking engine oil and tire pressure.

2. Make sure you have the emergency roadside essentials
Before you leave, make sure you have everything you need to put on the spare tire. A working cell phone will also be a huge help if you need to call a tow truck or 911. Emergency roadside repair kits with air compressors and reflective triangles will also come in handy.

3. Know when and where should you pull over

"Studies have shown that cars parked on the roadside are often struck by passing traffic, especially at night," according to the article. If you can, continue to the next exit. If you must, park as far onto the shoulder as possible, turn on emergency flashers and place reflective triangles, and wait several feet away from the car (out of the reach of errant vehicles.)

4. Load the car properly

Check you car's weight limit, which has a major effect on how well it can brake or swerve in an emergency when loaded down. An overloaded car simply won't function properly. Also, make sure that loads won't shift during sudden braking – you don't want a cooler to the back of the head, do you?

5. Be aware of rest stop surroundings
"General alertness is key," the article says. Whether at a rest stop, gas station or attraction, use common sense: be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups, keep the car locked, and put valuables out of sight.

Posted by VRO at 02:05 AM | Permalink

May 23, 2007. For many people, summertime means one thing: the opening of amusement parks. Some travelers even choose their luxury vacation rentals on the quality of the local roller coasters. The Associated Press has a good breakdown of "What's New at Amusement Parks around the Country."

In roller coaster news, "floorless" seems to be a new trend. Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia, has introduced a new coaster with no floor – just a view of the tracks beneath your feet. Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, will also take the floors out of one of its existing ones. The Busch Gardens franchise has long been at the forefront of this particular ride, so it will be interesting to see if other companies follow suit.

In another unusual offering, the Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld San Antonio finishes a standard roller coaster ride with a nice twist – a splash into the water at 49 mph!

Of course, there's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than in a water park. The Tornado at Six Flag's Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom in Queensbury, N.Y.,sends people through winding tunnels and into a giant funnel. You'd better like spinning to enjoy this wet and wild ride.

Posted by VRO at 01:41 AM | Permalink

May 22, 2007. Rising entrance fees at America's national parks are drawing criticism, according to an article in USA Today. Americans love their national parks, and as a result, many luxury vacation rentals can be found near those parks. Many communities near those parks have also become known as "gateway towns," because their economies have become so closely linked to tourism at those parks. It should be no surprise then, that people have raised concerns about fee increases.

In January, the National Park Service replaced a $50 pass for all of the national parks with an $80 pass that includes national parks, national recreation areas, U.S. Forest Service areas and other public lands that charge visitor fees. The National Parks Conservation Association is urging the park service to also sell the $50 pass again.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

"The park service raised entrance fees at 34 parks over the past two years and plans to raise them at another 124 parks in 2008 and 2009. Fees at some parks, like Glacier National Park in Montana and Joshua Tree National Park in California, will go up twice. Then beginning in 2011, park officials plan to increase fees every three years, based on inflation."

The fee hikes come on the heels of a $3 billion maintenance backlog in the national parks system. Advocates of the increases say the money is necessary to help keep the parks in good shape. Funds are needed for everything from road paving to visitor center repairs.

Posted by VRO at 01:37 AM | Permalink

May, 20 2007. In a survey that is a lesson for luxury vacation rentals, the American Customer Satisfaction Index shows that the luxury hotel brands scored higher for consumer satisfaction than the budget and mid- priced brands. Once again Marriott led the way, with a rating of 79, two points higher than its nearest rival, Hyatt

An article in USA Today points out that the hotel industry scored 71 out of 100, down from 75 last year, according to the survey, which is compiled annually and based on responses from 80,000 U.S. consumers queried about a broad range of their recent dealings with businesses. Tepid scores for budget and midprice hotels caused the decline.

For those who read our members –only newsletters, Marriott’s performance is not surprising. As we pointed out in the June 2006 edition of our newsletter, Marriott’s corporate culture and commitment to excellence have made them the number one hotel in the world in revenue. In addtion to requiring that our members committ to a standard of quality, we continually urge that our members follow many of these Marriott principles in the operation of their vacation rentals.

Posted by VRO at 04:30 PM | Permalink

May 19, 2007. They may have chilly winters, but the summer temperatures in New England are just right. A traveler only needs to spend a day at a luxury vacation rental in the Northeast to come to this conclusion. There are many great mountain destinations to choose from, including the Berkshires and the Green Mountains.

The Berkshires straddle the state line between in Massachusetts and New York. What makes this region unique is the rich theater heritage. Thirteen venues and theater companies offer endless choices for entertainment, including a theater festival and Shakespeare in the Park. Taking in a show is the perfect way to end a day spent golfing, hiking or shopping. As one writer for SmarterTravel.com discovered, the Berkshires also have quite the literary heritage – she visited Edith Wharton's sprawling estate and Herman Melville's more modest home.

The Green Mountains of Vermont draw people for the pastoral mix of broad farm valleys separated by lush, large mountains. There's no better place to experience this than Stowe, a resort town tucked into the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. The town's new event, Wings Over Stowe will surely become a favorite with birders. The month-long festival, held May 27 through June 30, will feature bird walks, kayaking expeditions and an exhibit of naturalist John James Audubon's famous illustrations at the Shelburne Museum of American Folk Art.

Posted by VRO at 08:46 AM | Permalink

May 18, 2007. In the heart of the country, the Ozarks provide some topographical relief between the Great Plains and the Midwest. The lakes, mountains and forests are a perfect place for luxury vacation rentals. But this isn't just a place to enjoy the Great Outdoors. The town of Branson, Missouri, has become one of America's entertainment capitals.

The Ozarks are actually a large plateau that straddles the Arkansas-Missouri border. Thousands of years of weathering have created a beautiful series of canyons and ridges that harbor unlimited outdoors recreation opportunities: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, off-road driving and golf. And then there are the massive lakes that have been created in the region. In one recent article, fishing guide Archie Gauwitz said the Lake of the Ozarks has the best fishing of anywhere he's ever been.

The town of Branson, Missouri, sits at the northern edge of the Ozarks. This little town has grown up to be a big-time showcase for theater, musicals and concerts. From Dick Clark's American Bandstand to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, visitors will have a choice of some of America's top performers and shows. Missouri's wine country has also migrated toward Branson, according to an article in the local newspaper. Stone Hill has been drawing visitors for years now, and the Mount Pleasant Winery will open in 2007.

Posted by VRO at 01:01 AM | Permalink

May 17, 2007. The luxury vacation rentals along California's Central Coast occupy some of the most beautiful land in the country. The mountains rise out of the ocean, creating a rugged terrain that contrasts with the seemingly infinite blue ocean. In the summer, the fog lifts every morning, revealing golden brown grasses and gnarled green cypress trees. Right through the middle of this scenery, the Pacific Coast Highway carries motorists from town to town, scenic overlook to scenic overlook.

Stretching from the San Francisco Bay Area to Southern California, this stretch of coast features some charming small towns. Santa Cruz is a funky beach town with a famous Boardwalk that has roller coasters, rides and cotton candy. The nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park has some great hiking trees among the redwood trees.

South of Santa Cruz, the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links lie on a peninsula between the Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Voted Number One Public Course in America by Golf Digest, this resort is a must-play for any serious golfer. The towns of Pebble Beach and Carmel also provide upscale accommodations near Monterey, home of one of the best aquariums in the country.

Other attractions not to be missed are the expansive vistas along the Big Sur section, the Hearst Castle, and the Point Sur Lighthouse.

Posted by VRO at 10:03 AM | Permalink

May 16, 2006. There's no need to rent a movie when the family stays in a luxury vacation rental in Los Angeles. The New York Times' chief film critic, A.O. Scott, took his family to Tinseltown for a working vacation and found a lot of movie magic in real life. That's no small feat, considering that folks like Scott from New York City have a certain kind of jealous rivalry disdain with their West Coast cousin.

A trip to Los Angeles might have nothing to do with Hollywood. After all, there are plenty of other attractions, from Knotts Berry Farm amusement park to the J. Paul Getty Museum. There beaches for those who like sun and surf, and mountains for those who enjoy hiking. Because of the volume of flights in and out of LAX, reasonable airfares are easy to come by.

Scott and his family, however, went out like movie stars. The visited Warner Brothers Studio, one of several that feature tours of the very sets where movies and television shows are filmed. They hit up the famous intersection of Hollywood and Highland, home to the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater shopping mall complex. They drove to Malibu, beach town of the rich and famous, and watched dolphins swim in the ocean.

Sometimes, the mandatory tourist stops can be disappointing because they have become so cliché. Somehow, this isn't true in L.A. Maybe it's because the sights-to-see feel so comfortably familiar, like you and all the strangers around you have seen them all somewhere before. Somewhere right in your living room…

Posted by VRO at 01:55 AM | Permalink

May 15, 2007. With the rainy season giving way to the bluebird skies of summer, now is the time to start thinking about a trip to the Pacific Northwest. Giant Douglas fir trees, ferns and moss-covered boulders create an ethereal setting around the mountain cabins and coastal homes in this corner of the continent.

Seattle and the towns scattered around the Puget Sound comprise the largest metropolitan region of the area, making it one of the top destinations. After taking in the views from atop the Space Needle, check out the lively scene at the Pike Place Market. If you prefer hiking in the woods to walking in the city, stay in the nearby Cascades.

Portland, Oregon, has a small-town feel compared to Seattle, but plenty to offer nonetheless, from the shopping in the Pearl District to the Forestry Museum. A cabin near Mt. Hood will provide easy access to the town, the Willamette Valley vineyards and the wonders of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Coastal Oregon vacation rentals aren't far, either, for those travelers who prefer seafood, beach combing and whale watching.

British Columbia also has a great mix of attractions. The golf courses on Victoria (LINK 5) play through lush forests. The city of Vancouver has mix of family attractions, such as the Playland @ the PNE, the Vancouver Aquarium and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Posted by VRO at 01:42 AM | Permalink

May 12, 2007. Woe is the American traveler who works too hard and doesn't make enough time for vacation. Apparently, that's the majority of us, according to the 2007 National Travel Monitor. Today, we look at the last of five trends highlighted in a recent speech by the founder of the annual travel survey. The Chicago Tribune wrote about the advance peek.

According to a survey of 1,800 travelers, only 23 percent of Americans spend five or more days at a time on vacation, and the bulk of those travelers seem to be retired or semi-retired. Only 23 percent are able to manage weekday vacations of up to four days. The majority of those surveyed – 52 percent – take weekend vacations of less than four days including a Saturday stay.

This sad reality is due to "time poverty," said Peter Yesawich, the developer of the report and chairman and CEO of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, a PR/marketing/ad agency. Americans may have money, but they don't have the time to enjoy it.

During the speech from which the Chicago Tribune quoted Yesawich, he pulled out a chart with some disturbing facts about the average vacation days per year Americans take compared to other people from other developed nations:

Italy: 42

France: 37

Germany: 35

Britain: 28

Canada: 26

Japan: 25

United States: 13

Come on people, we can do better than that! We here at VacationRental.org propose that every American do his or her patriotic duty and take more vacation days! Book a week at a luxury vacation rental in Florida. Spend a couple of weeks in a cabin in the Sierra Nevada. At the very least, take a four-day weekend in Nantucket.

Remember, vacation is good for the economy, it's good for your family, and it's good for your soul.

Posted by VRO at 01:10 AM | Permalink

May 11, 2007. Families who haven't already made summer vacation plans are no doubt doing so now. But how much will it cost this year to travel to the luxury vacation rental? That depends on whether they drive or fly. According to a preview of this year's National Travel Monitor, 78 percent of respondents in a survey said they use a car for at least one trip while 48 percent will fly at least once.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects summer gas prices to hover around $3 per gallon this summer, the Associated Press reported . The average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline may fall to $2.90, but not much lower, the EIA said. Fortunately, the EIA said it did not think gasoline would approach $4 per gallon, as reported in some stories.

Summer airfares have risen up and down in the course of the past two weeks, as some airlines first chose to hike prices, but then slashed them back again, according to another article. The increase started with United airlines, which bumped prices up to $100 per round trip in some cases and up to $20 per round trip elsewhere. Fortunately for consumers, "Other airlines were mostly declining to match the increases, putting pressure on United to retreat." Some other airlines announced $10 per round trip increases, but quickly scrapped those increases when United backed down.

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Posted by VRO at 09:59 AM | Permalink

May 10, 2007. This week, we've been taking a sneak peek at the National Travel Monitor, an annual survey that gauges major travel trends. The Chicago Tribune's "Travel Insider" reported on the advance news from a recent speech by Peter Yesawich, founder of the study.

Among the five trends studied were dream vacation destinations – the 1,800 people who participated in the survey were asked where they wanted to go in the next two years.

The largest number of respondents, a whopping 68 percent, chose the Hawaiian Islands, and 63 percent of all respondents specifically targeted Honolulu. That's understandable. What could be better than perfect weather, great beaches, epic golf courses and spectacular outdoors recreation?

Speaking of outdoors recreation, the second most popular choice, coming in at a close 67 percent, were the national parks. "Yesawich said travelers yearn to commune with nature," the Tribune reported.

The Florida Keys rounded out the top of the pack with 51 percent. These islands are wonderful, beautiful destinations when considered on their own merits. Like Hawaii, they have great weather, beaches, golf and deep-sea fishing. But, unlike Hawaii, they can be reached by automobile.

That's key (pardon the pun) because the majority of travelers drive to their vacation destination. Tomorrow, we'll look at the National Travel Monitor's findings regarding vacation transportation and check out the predictions for summer gas prices and airfares.

Posted by VRO at 01:14 AM | Permalink

May 9, 2007. Whether they are reserving a luxury vacation rental, planning activities or mapping their itinerary, more and more travelers are using the Internet. That should be no surprise to most of our readers, but this year's National Travel Monitor offers some concrete data from a survey of 1,800 travelers. The Chicago Tribune's "Travel Insider" offered a sneak peak at the upcoming report.

Here's what the survey found:

* Sixty-six percent of travelers "use the Internet to do their planning, including their search for airfares and hotels. Another 23 percent rely on the Internet and a travel agent for trip planning, while 5 percent use only a travel agent and 6 percent use neither a travel agent nor the Internet, but rely on recommendations of family and friends."

* Six of 10 leisure travelers now make reservations online, 6 percent more than last year.

* One-third of the travelers who use the Internet said they would not make a reservation online with a credit card because of identity theft concerns.

This just reiterates the importance of a professional online presence for luxury vacation rental owners. The use of a website such as VacationRental.org improves the visibility and credibility of luxury vacation rentals.

Customers with concerns about identity theft can visit the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse for tips about online shopping. Although identity theft in general is one the rise, theft of credit card information during online transactions remains rare, thanks to secure billing devices.

Posted by VRO at 01:37 AM | Permalink

May 8, 2007. For 16 years, the National Travel Monitor has caught the attention of travelers, luxury vacation rental owners, and the entire travel and tourism industry. The Chicago Tribune's "Travel Insider" offered a sneak peek of this year's trends, based on a recent speech by Peter Yesawich, developer of the report. The 2007 survey was based on a sampling of 1,800 travelers in January and February, according to the Tribune.

This week, we'll look at the five trends mentioned in the article. Today, let's talk about what's happening with family vacations.

According to the report, both parents work in 6 out of 10 households. That means that, although family vacations are on the rise, planning them has become increasingly difficult. And whereas singles and couples report being able to travel all throughout the year, families identify summer as their window of opportunity. The time crunch likely explains why "57 percent of parents surveyed said they have no qualms about taking their kids out of school if they can't travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day."

Family travel, by the way, includes grandparents, according to the report. We reported on "Grandtravel" previously in our blog.

We believe this news is important to both families and the businesses that serve them on vacation. First of all, the majority of parents out there believe it is acceptable for their children to miss some school in order for the family to spend some valuable time together. As long as parents communicate with their children's teachers to make up schoolwork, we wholeheartedly support a little hooky every once in a while.

Second, we believe luxury vacation rental owners and tourism-based businesses can increase their marketing edge by making it easier for busy parents to plan vacations. Informative, user-friendly web sites will go a long way to this end. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the whopping number of travelers who plan their trips online.

Posted by VRO at 01:33 AM | Permalink

May 6, 2007. When you go on vacation, do you turn off your cell phone, forget about your email and stay away from the television? If you answered yes, you may be part of a growing minority, for better or worse. According to an article in Realty Times, hotels and vacations rentals owners are spending more on technology amenities to respond to an increasing demand from their customers. Those who don't may be placed at a disadvantage.

We've previously blogged about the subject of Internet addiction. It's not just a simple Internet connection many customers demand, however. In an age when high-speed lines are reaching farther into rural and remote areas, dial-up connections may not suffice for much longer. In fact, more andmore savvy travelers demand wireless (WI-FI) capabilities.

It's no secret the lodging industry has been losing ground to vacation rentals in recent years. In response, according to the Realty Times article, the industry will spend $5.5 billion on capital improvements that will be heavy on technology. Those plans include:

* In-room MP3 (a digital audio format used by iPods and other devices) compatible sound and television systems.

* Installation of flat-screen televisions, high-speed wireless Internet, self check-in and check-out kiosks and computers and printers in business centers.

* Design enhancements appealing to Generation Xers and Millennials, including informal gathering areas, extended hours for food and beverage operations and wireless Internet access.

Posted by VRO at 02:56 PM | Permalink

May 4, 2007. Everyone aspires to vacation as much as possible, but we've never seen anyone who travels as much as Kyle Wagner, whose Denver Post column "Road Tripper" finds him at a new destination (or luxury vacation rental) every week. We have to give Wagner respect for succinctly extolling the virtues of luxury vacation rentals:

"I like to go the condo route whenever possible, mostly because it's just more comfortable - everyone can spread out, there usually are laundry facilities, more beds and televisions, and the kitchen means the extra cost can often be offset by cooking several meals."

We also have to give Wagner respect for the places he's been.

One week he was in Sante Fe, taking advantage of off-season prices and the lack of crowds to enjoy the local art. He ate dinner at Maria's New Mexican Kitchen and loved the margaritas (the bar offers more than 100 different kinds of tequila.) He ate breakfast at Sage Bakehouse, a hip bakery where patrons revel in the fresh baked smell while gnoshing and reading the New York Times.

The next week he flew across the ocean to Maui, where the humpback whales were "breaching right and left." This time, he goes for Hawaiian-style kalua pork, hangs out on the beach, and does a little shopping.

Last week, he was off to Los Angeles to take the "Hollywood Behind the Scenes" tour, visit Tinsel Town landmarks and see a Dodgers game.

Tough job, eh?

Posted by VRO at 01:23 AM | Permalink

May 3, 2007. For many families, the annual stay at a luxury vacation rental marks the highlight of the year. But these trips aren't always without incident. A Fodor's editor and father of three shared seven mistakes parents can easily make while spending some quality time with their family.

Mistake #1: Packing the wrong bag.

Mistake #2: Altering meal times.

Mistake #3: Pacing the day badly.

Mistake #4: Denying you could get lost.

Mistake #5: Driving like an idiot.

Mistake #6: Not setting a budget for the little things.

Mistake #7: Forgetting that the journey is the destination.

Based on our own experience, we might add another mistake: Underestimating the importance of comfortable accommodations.

The place where your family stays can have a big impact on their mood. After all, this is where everyone begins and ends their day, even if they aren't hanging around inside all day. Poor accommodations can color the rest of an otherwise delightful trip.

That's why VacationRental.org makes it easy to see what you're getting before you make the reservation. Each property must meet the VRO Standards of Quality. If you're concerned about the perceived cost of luxury vacation rentals, we urge you to compare prices before making a decision – you'll be surprised how similar they often are to hotel rates.

Posted by VRO at 01:37 AM | Permalink

May 2, 2007. This month marks the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, the country's first permanent European settlement. The Colonial National Historic Park on the site of this historic place will celebrate with special events every weekend.

Only ruins remain of the original fort and subsequent settlement, but the historic park has an excellent museum, engaging reenactments, and recreation opportunities such as hiking trails, bicycle paths and a scenic driving loop on the Jamestown Island.

The park also has a great location, near many popular vacation destinations.

Virginia Beach sits less than one hour away. Whereas Jamestown was located slightly inland on the swampy mouth of the James River, Virginia Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean, where sand and waves beckon.

Luxury vacation rentals can also be found along the Chesapeake Bay, into which the James River empties. Folks looking for a quieter setting may appreciate the waterfront homes that sit on private beaches.

Farther inland, the mountainous landscape of the Shenandoah Valley offers a beautiful contrast to the coast. From a cabin in these hills, Jamestown would be a nice daytrip. Visitors could spend the rest of the week hiking, visiting Civil War and Revolutionary War historical sites, and touring the Skyline Drive.

Posted by VRO at 02:27 AM | Permalink

May 1, 2007. When staying at a luxury vacation rental in Key West, one might never leave Duval Street, the famed center of attention on this Florida isle. But that, according to a New York Times article, would be to miss the point. To find the true laid-back character of this island, one must venture elsewhere.

The article follows the newspaper's weekly "36 Hours" theme, in which itineraries assume a brief weekend visit.

The author suggests setting the pace at the Turtle Kraals Restaurant and Bar, where tickets to gamble on the turtle races are free. The beer is cold and the view from the rooftop is superb.

A bicycle tour leads visitors through private backyard gardens and includes history and lore from a longtime native who acts as tour guide. At the Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Park, visitors can chill on the beach or rent a snorkel set or two-person glass-bottomed boat.

This article reminds us to dig a little deeper wherever we go. The local tourist strip always offers some nice shopping, eating and entertainment, but venturing beyond those boundaries can yield great rewards. When in doubt, sign on for a local tour guide.

Posted by VRO at 02:20 AM | Permalink