Vacation Rentals Blog

June 19, 2008. While many Americans might still be happy to drive to luxury vacation rentals this year, they are still cutting back overall on their total driving. Americans drove 1.4 billion fewer miles in April this year than they did in April 2007, according to media reports.
That's boosted public transit in a big way. Does that mean more people are riding bicycles, too?
It's hard to tell, since the government doesn't track those numbers. But Forbes Traveler has identified America's Top Ten Friendliest Bicycle Cities. Bicycling is a great way to see a place. Not only does it cost less than driving, but the slower pace allows cyclists to enjoy the scenery more and notice things that would otherwise be a blur.
With 164 miles of bike lanes and 66 miles of bike paths, not to mention other bicycle-friendly road zones, Portland, Oregon, takes the cake as America's most bicycle friendly city. That makes it just as easy to stay on the outskirts of town.
Montreal, Quebec, tops that, with 200 miles of bicycle trails. Of course, it's a much larger city. But numerous cycling events cement this town's affinity for two-wheelers, and the European attitude conveys an attitude of respect that is sometimes lacking in American towns.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:14 PM | Permalink

June 17, 2008. Economists say there are winners and losers in every market. Luxury vacation rentals, for example, might fare well this summer as families look for ways to consolidate lodging, dining and entertainment expenses. Commodities growers and oil companies are seeing record profits, even though consumers are getting pinched. Will credit card companies benefit as more travelers look to frequent flier and points programs?
A recent article on Canada.com reviewed some valuable websites for uncovering "credit card bonuses," for example. The travel columnists particularly appealed to readers looking for flight miles, car rentals and lodgning points, much more so than free iPods or tote bags. Canadians have the upper hand in travel this summer, with favorable exchange rates with their neighbors down south. Snowbirds on their way up from Florida just might decide to linger in Michigan.
Travelers in the United States might want to check out FrequentFlier.com, a website that compares different reward programs for various airlines and credit card companies.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 09:18 PM | Permalink

June 11, 2008. When Budget Travel asked readers to submit their picks for the Top Ten travel innovations of the past 10 years, nine out of 10 results had one thing in common - they are digital or online technologies. Anyone who loves to stay at luxury vacation rentals will appreciate this list.
The odd choice out was the improvement of roller bags, which have come a long way from the topsy-turvy creations of the past. Nowadays, this piece has become ubiquitous among business travelers in New York City and beachgoers in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
But check out everything else on the list:
10. Online maps
9. Digital photography
8. Online flight check-in
7. GPS navigation
6. Worldwide ATM access
5. Cell phones
4. Global Internet access
3. TripAdvisor
2. Online travel booking
1. Roller bags
Technically speaking, you could fit all of these innovations except ATM machines in just three items: a laptop, a cell phone with GPS and digital camera built-in, and a roller bag to carry them in!

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:46 PM | Permalink

June 5, 2008. You're sitting in your office cubicle, daydreaming about your upcoming stay at an Orlando vacation rental. For now, all you can do is daydream. Thanks to GoogleEarth, however, what seems so far away can become a little closer, a little more real.
Google Earth is fairly new mapping program that creates 3D, flyover landscapes from satellite photos. Interactive features allow users to create custom maps, add photos and videos, and mark attractions and features. It's a high-definition flat screen with PlayStation 3 compared to a regular satellite maps' rabbit-eared tube television with Atari. And it's about to get a boost in popularity, thanks to Disney's decision to creat a Google Earth map of Disney World.
The virtual Disney World will show all four theme parks and give visitors a better idea of how the park is laid out. So, if you're trying to figure out what order to ride the rides in, you can consult Google Earth.
The idea of using this powerful tool to boost marketing and attract web visitors isn't new, but the arrival of a heavy hitter like Disney signals the creation's coming of age. No doubt, we'll see more of these in the travel industry's future.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 08:03 PM | Permalink

http://www.vacationrental.org/houston-texas-vacation-rentals.htmlIf you're looking to spend wisely on travel this year, a luxury vacation rental could be the way to go for several reasons.
First of all, they often provide accommodations equal to two or three hotel rooms. Second, they provide cost-cutting amenities such as kitchens, entertainment systems, and sometimes even pools and hot tubs. Finally, they tend to be located close to the popular attractions, or within self-contained communities that provide destinations in and of themselves.
The Houston Chronicle offered some more tips in the article "Recession-proofing your summer vacation." They encouraged travelers to stay close to home - which in the case of Texas means hotspots such as Port Aransas and Galvestion. They also encourage off-season choices, where lodging and ticket rates might be more favorable.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 09:18 PM | Permalink