Vacation Rentals Blog

February 27, 2008. While staying at a luxury vacation rental, one might wonder which forms of payment are bet for travelers. There are several options to choose from: credit cards, debit cards, cash and travelers checks. CNN.com offered some advice in a recent article. Each of the currencies has pros and cons.
Although we don't like to admit something bad could happen during our travels, things occassionally do go wrong. In the event of theft, credit cards are most easily replaced, and credit card companies are good about making sure their clients don't get saddled with bills for money they didn't spend.
Cash is king when it comes to small purchases, however. Some small retail stores and restaurants will actually charge small fees of 75 cents or more for purchases less than $5 or $10. That's not a big deal in your everyday life, but it could add up on vacation, when you're constantly purchasing individual drinks, museum admissions, etc.
Although the article aims much of its advice at foreign travel, we believe debit cards are convenient if you have a national bank such as Bank of America. In this case, you won't incur extra fees, whether you're in North Carolina or Northern California.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:33 PM | Permalink

February 25, 2008. We don't expect to hear presidential candidates including luxury vacation rentals in their stump speeches. With travel being a $740 billion industry, however, one columnist might argue this topic should be on every candidates' radar. MSNBC columnist Christopher Elliot wrote a thoughtful article on the matter.
Elliot outlines six major issues that a future president should address (but probably won't, he concedes):
1) Record air travel days and cancellations
2) Soaring fuel costs
3) Traffic congestion
4) New, confusing and expensive passport and transit rules
5) Declining value of the dollar
6) Amtrak funding
Elliot also found some evidence that voters share his concern:
"In a poll conducted ahead of the primaries in South Carolina and Florida — two states where travel is critical to the economy — nearly two-thirds of prospective voters said they don’t believe the 2008 presidential candidates have adequately addressed a travel system that is increasingly viewed as “flawed and frustrating.”"
Hey Mr. President, how about tax deductions for family vacations? After all, they stimulate the economy...

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:16 PM | Permalink

February 21, 2008. A SmarterTravel.com reader asked Ed Perkins, travel writer and author of the Ask Ed column, how to cope with rising hotel rates. Ed suggested turning to rentals. His comments were directed at a traveler headed to Paris, but his advice applies to the American and Caribbean market. Here were the benefits he listed:

"More space per dollar. If you share, you pay less per person; if not, you enjoy lots of additional room.

Kitchen facilities. Even if you eat nothing but breakfast in, you can cut your restaurant bills significantly.

Ease and access in the countryside. You find rentals just about anywhere, even where there are no motels.

City parking. Downtown rentals may include parking—usually a big cost item in city hotels."

Of course, Ed wouldn't be a decent journalist if he couldn't find some cons to balance out the pros. He noted that some consumers should beware rentals that fail to deliver on promises made online or over the phone.

That's why VacationRental.org requires its rentals to meet strict Standards of Quality, post photos of the property, and disclose all the available amenities. VacationRental.org also provides Google maps to help users identify the specific location of rentals, and offers valuable information about popular vacation destinations.

Posted by VRO at 01:07 AM | Permalink

February 19, 2008. If you haven't booked a luxury vacation rental for spring break, all is not lost. There are still some rentals out there that haven't been taken, and you can also ask to be placed on a waiting list for cancellations.

Here are two hot destinations:

Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Southeast's ultimate beach town has miles of sandy shoreline, and many blocks of exciting entertainment. This is truly a place where everyone can find something. Spend time outdoors by renting a jet-ski, playing a round of golf or wildlife watching at the local parks. Get your shopping fix at Broadway at the Beach or the Coastal Grand Mall. Or just work on your tan.

Corpus Christi, Texas – This coastal Texas town has a nice mix of culture, outdoors recreation and good-old-fashioned beach fun. The town's museum district is home to the Harbor Playhouse theatre, the Texas State Aquarium, the South Texas Institute for the Arts, the Museum of Asian Cultures, and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Padre Island National Seashore is just one of several famed spots for birding, hiking and sea kayaking. The windy shores are also prime for sailing and wind surfing.

Posted by VRO at 10:33 AM | Permalink

February 15, 2008. Many Spring Break travelers have already booked their luxury vacation rentals, so if you don't have your plans in order, there isn't much time to waste. Many breaks are set to take place in March.If you're not sure where to begin, here are some tips:Be honest about what kind of trip you want to take. Spring break is synonymous with parties, but not all travelers want a rowdy time. Don't expect peace and quiet in notorious college destinations.Check comparable destinations in similar regions. Sure, each island in the Caribbean has its own character, but they all have great beaches. So, if you don't find the price or rental type you're looking for on one island, check another.VacationRental.org makes it easy to look at lots of different options in a given state, country or region.Research each rental, and skip the ones without much information. VacationRental.org requires each of its listings to post photos, describe amenities, and adhere to strict standards of quality. If you can't find information like that about a vacation rental, there may be a reason why. Reputable owners have nothing to hide.Next week, we'll talk about some if this year's hottest destinations. 

Posted by VRO at 01:45 AM | Permalink

With Shedd's Oceanarium Closed, Where to Go?February 13, 2008. One of the most popular activities for people staying in Chicago luxury vacation rentals is the Shedd Aquarium, with its astounding Oceanarium. From killer whales to sea turtles, this ocean exhibit is one of the finest in the nation. The Oceanarium will be closed for several months starting in September of this year, however.

So, while we're on the topic of great tributes to the ocean, let's discuss two of our other favorites.Sea WorldThis Orlando  theme park has it all – fun rides, marine exhibits and a great location. The dolphin and killer whale shows are not to be missed. The interactive exhibits also deserve recognition.

There is also plenty of other things to do in the area.Monterey AquariumLocated on the Monterey Bay, this newcomer to the scene has developed a stellar reputation in the last decade. The large viewing screens and underwater tunnels make visitors feel like they are right there in the tank with the sharks and the fishes. Except, of course, that they are safe and sound from the sharks. 

Posted by VRO at 02:50 AM | Permalink

February 8, 2009. Travel and Internet go together these days like oceans and sand. Of course, we always turn to VacationRental.org for luxury vacation rentals. When we need something else, we check out these websites.

Farecast.com – Talk about useful information. This site compiles historical data on airline ticket prices to forecast price trends for just about any flight you can summon. Hopefully, you can purchase your tickets when the price is right.

WeJustGotBack.com – If you have children, you need to check out this website. Written by families, for families, about family travel. The site features destination reviews, but also handy advice.

Viator.com – Plenty of websites portend to be regional experts, but no website pulls everything together as well as Viator. Specializing in local attractions and things to do, the site also offers tickets to many of the top activities. Even better, visitors can submit a date range to limit the search and coincide with their vacation. You won't find every out of the way destination here, but most of the hotspots are already featured and more are being added.

Posted by VRO at 01:58 AM | Permalink

February 6, 2008. You may have heard this one from a friend who heard it from a friend. A friend of hers was flying to a luxury vacation rental when she uttered the secret code to the gate agent: "Code 240." Next thing she knew, she was upgraded to a better flight.

Such "urban travel legends" are common, according to an article on MSNBC.com.

There's the one about dressing up for an upgrade to first class. Sorry. Airlines can usually sell the upgrades at the last minute, or give them to frequent fliers if they have to.

The good news is that, contrary to rumor, electronic hotel room key-cards don't carry personal information such as your credit card information. Some travelers have been concerned that hotel clerks would later use the information to rip off unwitting customers. If you're really that concerned, you don't have to return the key.

The disgusting tales about unsanitary hotel rooms may be true, however. According to the article, several news reports have caught hotel maids cutting corners when it comes to cleaning rooms.

"And that's no surprise," the article read, "Noted lodging consultant Michael Matthews once estimated that the average hotel maid has just four seconds per square foot to clean a guest room and is paid half a cent per square foot for her labors."

Maybe travelers should stick with the luxury vacation rentals that have standards…

Posted by VRO at 11:22 AM | Permalink

Feb. 1, 2008. Now that Valentine's day is less than two weeks away, you'd better get planning. A nice stay at a luxury vacation rental might be just the thing. MSNBC.com has some great ideas in a reader-submitted photo essay called "Most Romantic Trips."

Not surprisingly, the Bahamas popped up in a couple of photos. The brilliant blue waters and palm trees make it the ideal place to nourish a relationship. Couples can also work on their tans, enjoy seafood, and choose from a variety of activities such as deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, sailing and more.

Jamaica was the subject of another photo. This easy-going island will help couples forget about the hectic pace of their everyday lives and remind them why they fell in love in the first place. In addition to great beaches, Jamaica has wonderful hiking, golf and reggae clubs.

A photo of Clearwater and Florida's North Gulf Coast showed what great sunsets this area receives. This could be a great option for those who want to stay in the United States. The area combines the best of all beach vacations. 

Posted by VRO at 01:36 AM | Permalink