Vacation Rentals Blog

July 31, 2008. With foreign currencies now strong against the U.S. dollar, luxury vacation rentals in some markets can expect to see more international clientele. The recent launch of DiscoverAmerica.com aims to increase that representation even further.
The six-language tourism portal is "the United States' first-ever official travel and tourism website," according to a press release from the Travel Industry Association. The TIA won a contract to develop the site for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Countries targeted include Canada (English- and French-speaking), Mexico, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Together, these five countries make up more than 75 percent of all internation tourism in the United States.
The TIA says content on the website will constantly increase, but they already have a good amount of information. The home page features a rotating splash of photos from some of America's best known destinations, from New York City to Miami.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 09:54 AM | Permalink

July 30, 2008. Folks who are flying to a luxury vacation rental this year have discovered a new phenomenom in air travel - the baggage fee. This week, the new trend worsened when Delta announced it will double the fee for checking a second bag from $25 to $50.
That makes Delta one of the most expensive airlines to check baggage with. So, will the new policies lessen the amount of luggage travelers carry? Industry studies say they already have, as well as decrease the amount of lost luggage.
Which begs the question: How will you pack lighter on your next trip?
Here are a few tips:
1) Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched easily to create many different outfits, rather than packing individual outfits for no regard to how they mesh.
2) Research in advance whether your accomodations will provide basics. If you're going to Florida, for example, will the lodging provide beach towels?
3) Make sure that everything you carry-on will be useful throughout the duration of your trip, and not just on the plane.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 08:50 PM | Permalink

July 24, 2008. When it comes to luxury vacation rentals, airplane tickets and other travel reservations, many people are booking earlier this year than in years past. The trend was identified this week in the New York Times "Practical Traveler" column.
The reporter found many hospitality and leisure companies that reported booking up to 18 months in advance, and other operators that were rushing out pamphlets and packages to capitalize on the extra-prepared market. According to the article, it was a win-win situation for consumers and businesses alike - the former who often receive a discount, and the latter who can secure some certainty about their future cashflow.
As more and more travelers choose to rent homes and condos over hotels and motels, much of the most prime real estate could be going faster than before. Perhaps now is the best time to snag a slope-side condo in Utah for the winter of 2010.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 08:47 PM | Permalink

July 23, 2008. If you're looking for a timely reason to choose luxury vacation rentals, look no further than the proliferation of gimmicky packages lately:
"Stay six nights at Hotel Interstate and get a seventh one free!"
"Buy tickets now and pay extra later..."
"Come visit and get your hotel, rental car and meals at a vaguely defined discount..."
In these times of panic, many hospitality and leisure companies are doing everything they can to lure travelers. And travelers, no doubt, are doing everything they can to save money. Savvy consumers, however, will look closely at the discount packages and marketing tactics. Remember the saying, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."
The luxury vacation rental industry typically doesn't offer such promotions. One can expect the price to fluctuate between peak season and off season, but rates are generally predictable and laid out plainly. Internet researchers on VacationRental.org can also see what the accomodations look like, read about nearby attractions and pinpoint the location on Google.
Transparency and honesty aren't the only values found with this superior form of lodging. Spaciousness, privacy and convenience are also significant advantages.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:59 PM | Permalink

July 16, 2008. As The Wichita (Kansas) Eagle notes, growing up means changing habits -- even when it comes to vacationing. A recent article on their website shows that cramped motel rooms just won't cut it past a certain age.
The article lays out a very thorough argument for using a "summer share," a home, cabin or condominium rented out on a weekly, monthly, and sometimes even seasonal basis. To begin with, they provide more space. Other advantages include the overall privacy and "social hub" they create.
Of course, friends should choose their getaway partners wisely. Beware of Over-Organizers, Cheapskates and Freeloaders, the article warns.
There are also some good ground rules. If someone does the lion's share of work making reservations, oganizing the trip, etc., then they deserve the best room -- or at least a good break on their share of the rent. When it comes to paying up, by the way, set deadlines in advance that participants must meet, or risk losing their spot.
Whether, you're staying at the beach or in the mountains, this article has something interesting for everyone.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 09:48 PM | Permalink

July 8, 2008. We recently blogged about North America's top bicycle-friendly cities, a popular topic in these days of $4 gas. But what about smaller vacation destinations where cars aren't needed? BudgetTravel.com answered that question with the article "10 Scenic Spots with No Cars."
North Captiva Island was among the destinations mentioned. Barely separated by small pass, the northern part of Captiva Island is very much the anti-Florida: there aren't many places to drive to, much less many roads to drive on. But that very character - along with beautiful beaches, a large state park and abundant wildlife - is why this unspoiled island still remains one of the Sunshine State's best-kept secrets.
In order to avoid having to drive while you're on vacation, you need not choose a car-free zone, however. Simply finding a pedestrian-friendly locale goes a long way. VacationRental.org has informative writeups on each of its destinations and regions, and each property owner adds more useful information on their description.
Look for homes that say they are within walking distance of shopping, dining and tourist attractions. Then, verify these claims with our handy Google maps - each property is marked with a red dot, so visitors can truly judge exactly where they'll be staying.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff at 07:28 PM | Permalink