Vacation Rentals Blog

April 30, 2009 Long Beach Island has some of the nicest beaches found on the east coast of the United States. The east coast has a huge supply of vacation rentals, and many, especially in the slow economy, are frugal-friendly. You can save hundreds of dollars by choosing a week that's not considered prime rental time. And believe it or not, some of those weeks are in June. In September the water is still very, very warm, and there are hardly any crowds whatsoever. There's room to negotiate prices for off-prime weeks. Check the internet for shore rentals in the Hamptons, Fire Island and the Jersey shore. A realtor can help you book one. Then choose extended family or friends you can live with for a week, and the sand, the surf, and the sun is yours! More on finding a shore house from this abc article.

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April 29, 2009 Oregon coast vacations could be your next summer destination. Lincoln City has it all: miles of sandy beaches, funky rock formations and even a bay that’s plentiful with natural sights and sounds. Accommodations range from lodgings, hotels, motels, inns and B&B’s to grand, upscale hotels, to vacation rentals for a myriad of tastes and desires. You'll find amenities such as a year-round heated swimming pool, spa, saunas, exercise room and wi-fi. Complementary wine and hor d'oeuvres, tea before bedtime and full gourmet breakfasts are available. Lovely garden areas, porch with a wonderful views, gas grills with a picnic spot, phones, cable TV and some rooms with ocean vistas are all available. Many rentals are close to shops, golf, fishing & restaurants and are served by a free casino shuttle. There are many beach rentals with options galore. To find out more about this wonderful beach location follow this article from beachconnection.net

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April 28, 2009 The Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce believes the current economy may actually benefit Hampton Beach. Those who may have gone to a tropical island for their summer vacation may choose to stay closer to home in order to save money. The proximity to major highways and the Boston market, a continued surge in Canadian visitors and the beach's overall affordability, should keep the coast hopping this summer. Vacation rental prices all depend on the location, the condition, the size and proximity to the beach. You can come to the beach for a week and spend $1,000 to get a nice little rental and the beach is free. How much you spend after that is up to you. More on this great vacation area in this article from seacoastonline.com

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April 27, 2009 Businesses try to draw customers with recession-themed marketing. Real estate agents are offering recession specials, as are tourism and travel firms. Operators of vacation businesses, which are a discretionary purchase, are battling hard to attract consumer dollars. Traveling is still the best way to relax your mind and body from the hard times. In addition to the “recession specials” that promise discounts and special pricing, some companies, particularly ones that are at least marginally associated with higher-end products, seek to broaden their appeal during an economic downturn by expanding their focus to the cost-conscious, many of which include vacation rentals. For more on this story, go to registerguard.com

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April 24th, 2009 Playa Del Carmen is a popular getaway and second home destination for Americans and Europeans. Every year many foreigners lured by the scenic beauty of this beach side area are flocking to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Naturally, this popularity has resulted in a booming Real Estate market in Playa del Carmen. More and more people are dying to buy Playa del Carmen Real Estate. Though, real estate in Playa del Carmen is a very lucrative and good long term investment, many factors have to be considered before buying property in Playa del Carmen. More information on the specifics of this investment opportunity available in this article from pr-inside.com

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April 23, 2009 There are about 25,000 Central Florida vacation homes — full-size suburban houses rented for short periods — many clustered in the Four Corners area that straddles Osceola, Polk, Lake and Orange counties. Though no one tracks the industry with precision, local real estate agents and property managers who work with owners depict troubling conditions. Many of the owners and renters live in the United Kingdom, where vacation home rentals are a popular alternative to hotels. Another problem faced by owners of Central Florida vacation homes: They operate in the nation’s second-largest hotel market, which has about 120,000 hotels rooms. As a result, vacation-home rental rates have dropped by up to 30 percent in the past year. However, the number of domestic travelers renting vacation rentals within driving distance in some of these areas seems to be on the rise. More on this story from orlando.bizjournals.com

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Vacation rentals are a more appealing travel option this year -- thanks to a tanking economy, a proliferation of second-home owners trying to cover their mortgages through rental income and a growing number of Internet-based listings and resources. The growing ranks of vacation rental owners -- many of whom had never intended to rent out their second homes -- are responding to the financial downturn with price cuts and other incentives. Those incentives include shorter stays (down from a typical seven-night minimum) and last-minute discounts of up to 20 percent, to free nights or tickets to local attractions. Vacation rentals give you cost savings from buying local foods so you can do your own cooking to not having to listen to a noisy traveler telling his life story at the hotel bar. More on this story available from indstar.com

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April 21, 2009 As the economy has squeezed vacation budgets, driving up vacancies in once-sizzling travel spots, beach rental companies are looking for new ways to attract business. In addition, many are more receptive to negotiating rental rates than in the past. Those who are booking trips are doing so at the last minute and staying shorter amounts of time. There is a general shift toward rental condos and houses over hotels, primarily because they can accommodate more guests, and guests can save money by cooking at the houses instead of dining out. The economy – and the Internet – have driven the discounts, with people becoming increasingly picky about where they stay and what they pay. It is a great time to book a trip with companies offering lower prices for big parties, free gas, and are open to negotiating rates. Find out more about the deals available especially near the Carolina coast by reading this article from charlotteobserver.com

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April 20th 2009 Typically all good properties are gone before April 1st but that hasn't happened this year. Vacation rental property owners are discovering that this year's summer vacation season is going to be much leaner than in the past. Real estate owners in the US who rent their properties out during the summer are experiencing a slump in demand as more holidaymakers leave it until the last minute to book. Some vacation rental prices are down 20% from last year. Renters are looking at shorter stays and wanting increased amenities. This rental slowdown is affecting popular vacation areas in the mountains and the beach More on this from nuwireinvestor.com.

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April 17, 2009 Special Deals are in abundance for this years vacation if you know where to look. Idyllwild Vacation Rentals is offering a "Free Night Special" in any of its mountain rentals, which is available through May 21st. Book now for the best selection by choosing from one of the largest inventories Idyllwild has to offer. These Southern California vacation homes range from rustic cabins to luxurious mountain lodges, located in close proximity to hiking areas, rock climbing, and the village. More from eMediaWire

NextWeekVacations.com is promoting the idea of last minute vacations by giving a way a seven nights in a six bedroom oceanfront vacation rental in Hatteras, NC. This six bedroom oceanfront vacation rental built goes for over $8,000 a week in the prime summer months. In an effort to highlight last minute vacations, this sweepstakes is for April 25th - May 2nd 2009. Consumer must register by April 20th and the winner will be notified by April 22nd. More on this special from PRWeb

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April 16th, 2009 The down economy has had a significant positive impact on the vacation rental market. Many homeowners also rent their vacation home after one or two years of purchasing it because it's not used as much as anticipated. While real estate sales may be slower, the vacation rental market is strong. People may not be willing to purchase, but they still want the beach experience, even if it's short-term vacations. A noticeable trend is that while many vacationers still book a year in advance, many more are waiting until closer to their actual vacation time to book accommodations. This means there are still rentals available for this season. Most high-exposure vacation markets require an airport to get there. Vacation rental market's that are less than a day's drive from their main customer base seem to be doing well and are more accessible for people who don't have to book airlines in advance to get there. Many Florida visitors are actually coming from within the state, in addition to the other traditional drive-time markets including states stretching north. The tourism industry in Franklin County, Florida is holding up well, particularly considering the overall economy. More on this vacation rental growth from an article on tallahassee.com

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April 15, 2009 A slow start in rental business is a break from conventional wisdom that dictates when the sales market is poor, the rental market booms. Uncertainty in financial markets and fears of unemployment have now splashed water on both fires. In a rental market that several agents have called the worst in memory, many vacation rentals, and the vast majority of others up for rent, are still not spoken for. This season has one of the latest start's in history. Much like the gridlock that has slowed the business of actually selling houses, the rental market seems to be stuck in a sort of pricing standoff between those offering their houses for rent and those interested in renting. In a good year, about 80 percent of the properties on the market are rented, most of those well before the start of April. Thus far in 2009, some brokers estimated just 20 to 30 percent of listings have been booked for the summer season. But there may be light on the horizon. Many have noted an increase in activity in the last few weeks. Ever optimistic, nearly every one is certain that business will pick up as the weather warms and that this summer season will be a good one in the end. More about this story available from 27east.com

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April 14th, 2009 More customers are waiting longer to book this year, generally because they do not know if they will have money for a vacation. It's been the trend the last seven to eight years that people are renting later and later. No matter what, people are going to go to the beach. Average weekly prices for a three-bedroom, two-bath home near the beach is around $2,500. Expect bookings to pick up as the weather warms and summer nears. So if you want to get the best deals at the best prices, now is the time to book your vacation. The busiest rental months are typically July and August, when most children are on summer vacation. Some agencies are reporting a drop in beach rentals according to this article from wboc.com so if you are thinking of going to the beach this year and want a vacation rental, it would be best to book now before the summer rush begins.

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April 13, 2009 Rental agents in traditional vacation destinations tell us that when the economy is down, vacation rentals usually go up. Renting a house or condo at the beach is much less expensive overall than staying at a swanky hotel or resort. Since the dollar is hurting against other currencies, you can likely get a better value by paying in U.S. dollars. All of this and more are good reasons to put your vacation home to work. Some things to consider would be that the vast majority of people who want to rent your vacation home for a week long vacation will take care of it as if it were their own. As far as cleaning afterward, calling a local hotel and asking for the housekeeping manager, can get you reliable referrals for this. Also, many of your expenses may be deductible. More on the benefits and value of vacation home rentals can be found in this article from ajchomefinder

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Vacation rentals are really starting to catch on. People are starting to realize they can have the uniqueness of a private venue and have access to the wow factor. This is a more intimate experience and vacation homes are able to offer all the hotel type amenities and services. The average 5-star luxury vacation home is less expensive than a mid-range hotel on a cost per person/per night basis. After years of disorganization, vacation home property owners and marketers have become extremely sophisticated and are following in the successful footsteps trod by timeshare and residence clubs. Proponents say the vacation rental business’ time has come, and this niche’s success may put pressure on the traditional hotel business. More on this from Hotel Interactive

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People aren’t staying in hotels anymore because they have found a better choice, vacation homes. Instead of a small 300 sq ft room for all the family to feel like sardines, a much more roomy and massive 1500 square feet vacation home is more comfortable and relaxing. Over the last three months Florida Leisure Vacation Homes has been placing their “Friends Don’t Let Friends” bandanas in their vacation homes and asking guests to take amusing pictures of themselves with the bandanas. This is all a part of the “Friends Don’t Let Friends Stay In Hotels™” contest that awards guests with great prizes for the best stories using the bandanas. As more and more vacationers turn to vacation home rentals and see the value over a hotel stay the vacation rental industry will see continued business growth. More on this story from PRLog.

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The Caribbean villa rental industry survives because it provides value, luxury, and the opportunity to see island culture in an upfront and personal way. Villa renters charter boating, sport fishing, and dive trips; frequent local restaurants, nightclubs, and grocery stores; as well as hire chefs, caterers, massage therapists, and nanny care providers. Villa vacation rentals have a continued devotion to the ultimate vacation experience and have been a saving grace to many Caribbean destinations. More on this from forimmediaterelease.net

Affordable deals are available on luxury St. Maarten villa vacations. Villa properties are exceptionally clean and furnished with all the necessities & comforts of home and decorated with elegant, Caribbean island taste. There is something for everyone to do on St. Martin Island. Snorkeling, fishing, and hiking are very popular. There is plenty to do, or not do, depending on the desires of the guest, on a St. Martin villa vacation. Learn more about the possibilities for you vacation to St. Maarten from this article on WebWire

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April 7, 2009 Want a summer vacation that's going to give the best experience for your hard-earned dollars and vacation time? Family vacations, road trips, and classic destinations are popular this summer, and deals are plentiful. Summer is the most popular time for families to get away, and the plethora of deals this year reflects that. This year travelers are planning to return to tried-and-true destinations, rather than explore new unknowns. Vacation rentals can be a great option for a family traveling together. More on these travel trends from this article on TheSouthern.com

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April 6, 2009 The creation of a new private residence club in the Sebago Lake Region of Maine offers exclusive services and amenities unrivaled by ordinary vacation rentals or whole ownership properties in the area. Owners will benefit from daily housekeeping, pre-arrival grocery shopping, and year-round maintenance. Canoes, kayaks, and bicycles will also be on hand for member use. A concierge is available to coordinate boat, jetski, and snowmobile rentals; babysitting services; dinner reservations; golf tee times and more. The Club's hassle-free ownership and affordable luxury will provide a highly desirable vacation home alternative for frequent visitors. More on this new vacation rental idea can be found from PRWeb

Rental rates for travelers who pick up a car in Florida and drop it off out of state start at $3 per day, before taxes and fees. You could fly one-way to Florida and pick up an economy car from Hertz for only $14.99 per week, if you drive the car out of Florida. You can rent the car for one day to two weeks with this deal. Schools let out in late May or early June, and you could get a family vacation cheaper than you imagined if you take advantage of this deal. You can read more about this great deal from the DallasNews

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April 3, 2009 Specialty Lodging offers vacation rentals throughout Arizona, allowing vacationers to choose a luxury home base while taking advantage of everything Arizona has to offer. Whether it is sightseeing the Grand Canyon, golfing at some of the best golf courses in the United States, enjoying the many street festivals and events, relaxing at world class spas or enjoying the dining and nightlife – Specialty Lodging has the Arizona property for your perfect vacation. They will be celebrating mothers, grandmothers and families this May. All vacation rentals arriving in May will receive a free Enterprise rental car for one week – allowing families to get out and explore Arizona! For more information on this great deal read this article on hospitality-1st.com

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April 2, 2009 Traveling families are going to be looking for creative ways to get the most out of their vacations this year. The best way to save on a vacation is to stay at a vacation rental property. You can save a lot of money because vacation rentals have kitchens so you don't have to eat out for every meal. Guests at Asheville North Carolina properties can enjoy a round of golf, admission to the Biltmore House, white water rafting, a trolley tour, or a tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway every day of their stay. Many specials and discounts can be found like three nights for the price of two on all reservations which include your own private hot tub and wood burning fireplace. Spring time is most beautiful in the North Carolina Mountains especially during the Blitmore Festival of Flowers April 4–May 17. The gardens will be bursting with color and fragrance—thousands of tulips, flowering shrubs and trees, and spring bulbs dazzle your senses. Enjoy the grandeur of the Biltmore House and Estate as a part of two Biltmore Packages that provide free tickets as a part of your three or four night stay at our luxury Asheville NC cabins during April and May.

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April 1, 2009 This summer, taking your family vacation to Central Florida and renting a Disney World-area professionally managed vacation home for a minimum of five nights, will get you one free Disney park ticket for accompanying immediate family members. What a fantastic deal! Professionally managed vacation home rentals are fast becoming one of North America's fastest-growing lodging categories. Rental home rates start as low as $129 per home per night. Vacation rentals offer accommodation comfort and provide considerably more space: multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and other personal amenities such as private swimming pools and home theatres. This all available through Imagine Vacation Homes. More information on this great deal in this article from PRNewsWire.

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