Vacation Rental Blog

June 19, 2009 With the recent demise of several Extended Stay hotels in Las Vegas, there became an immediate opportunity to help introduce guests to a superior form of extended stay lodging, the vacation home rental. Most people simply opt for the typical glorified hotel room and haven't a clue that much better options are available. The typical extended stay hotel in Las Vegas will cost about $80 per night for a one bedroom suite. For that same rate, Las Vegas Retreats customers can have an entire 2 bedroom condominium with two king or queen beds, a real kitchen and dining room, and a family room with big screen or flat screen television. Considering that cable television and high-speed Internet access is also included for free, the value should be obvious to even the casual traveler. All this from, Las Vegas Retreats, one of the leading providers vacation home rentals and condo rentals in Las Vegas, NV. More information can be found in this article from PRweb

Posted by VRO at 06:32 AM | Permalink

June 18, 2009 TravelStorm plans to empower the Vacation Rental Industry with Rezolution, a state of the art booking engine and content management system. Focusing on simple user-interface, Rezolution provides powerful tools that integrate with all of the Instant Software products including First Resort, Entech, Property Plus and V12 in order to make managing a website seamless. Integration is in the development plan for other leading industry software solutions. TravelStorm's owners are Joe Scurto and Amber Leto, both seasoned Vacation Rental veterans with extensive portfolios of web development, innovative marketing plans, Search Engine Optimization services and Vacation Rental Consulting. More on this new development from PRWeb

Posted by VRO at 06:15 AM | Permalink

June 17, 2009 Here are some great tips for finding a nice vacation rental and if you plan to take a trip to the beach this summer but haven't booked a place to stay yet, you're in luck because rentals are still available. If you know where you are going and when you're going, do an online search for that specific area. If your destination is relatively flexible, check out some of the bigger vacation rental sites. If your time-frame is flexible and particularly if it close, check Craigslist.org for owners discounting on unreserved last minute dates. There are more tips and details from the examiner.com

Posted by VRO at 08:01 AM | Permalink

June 16, 2009 Families are still coming to the beach in the face of a recession, they're just waiting until the last minute to decide to do so. After all, it would be no surprise if families who traditionally travel to the beach year after year made this particular vacation season an exception to protect their already dinged wallets. In past years for oceanfront properties in the month's of June, July or August, rentals would be booked out and they regularly start booking up to nine months ahead. Not this year, as it is a very good year to call in even at the last minute and it might be a little less expensive. More on how vacation rentals are doing in this recession from this article in the ocregister

Posted by VRO at 07:01 AM | Permalink

June 15, 2009 A vacation rental is often the most economical and convenient way to arrange accommodations at a vacation destination. These days, more and more, owners are posting their properties on the big online want ad sites—Craigslist and Kijiji. Many of the listings are obviously identical to those on the major rent-from-owner sites that charge listing fees. Some, however, cover the type of rental you seldom see on other sites: personal homes available for a few weeks to a month or two while the owners are away somewhere else on vacation. The want ad sites may have some of the lowest prices, but the risks of disappointment are highest. However you arrange it, most vacation rentals require full prepayment, often months in advance, and most provide very limited refunds for cancellations. For that reason, it is strongly recommended that you purchase trip-cancellation insurance any time you arrange a rental. More on this from smartertravel.com

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June 12, 2009 Some people who once used their vacation homes solely for their own enjoyment are now renting them out. Homeowners can hold on to more of that rental income by marketing the property themselves. An effective do-it-yourself Internet campaign can cost less than $500, compared with the 10% to 25% of total rental income that real-estate agents and management companies may charge to find tenants. Renting a property for even one or two weeks can produce found money. Homeowners can rent their property for up to 14 days without reporting the income to the Internal Revenue Service. Some owners run vacation homes like businesses. A lawyer or accountant can determine the most appropriate option for minimizing taxes and liability. These and more tips available from this article on finance.yahoo.com

Posted by VRO at 06:38 AM | Permalink

June 11, 2009 Vacationers will absolutely cherish a holiday experience in Martinique. The island features sophisticated French culture along with stunning beaches. You will be captivated by the dazzling white sands of some of the island beaches shore that shimmer like a diamond under the sun. With a wonderful Caribbean atmosphere, the island best beaches with white sand located on the south shore are Cap Chevalier and Plage de Salines. For your lodging, Martinique vacation rentals are available within the island in different variety such as luxury hotels, cottages, villas, condos, apartments and private homes for rent. You can always make a comparison which can give you a more comfortable accommodation at a lower rate. For more information on a vacation in Martinique try this article from traveltips.utilizer.com

Posted by VRO at 07:56 AM | Permalink

June 10, 2009 A vacation rental is often the most economical and convenient way to arrange accommodations at a vacation destination. These days, more and more owners are posting their properties on the big online "want ad" sites. Many will rent through one of the big rental specialist sites. For minimum risk, consider renting through one of the many online vacation rental agencies that inspect and screen all properties they list. Posted descriptions are based on inspections by agency staff rather than whatever the owner might submit. Your financial deal is with the agency, which must cope with any complaints or problems. The "want ad" sites may have some of the lowest prices, but the risks of disappointment are highest. Through-owner sites usually give reasonably low prices, and the bigger ones provide at least some protection against misrepresentation. The lowest risk is renting through an agency that has actually inspected the properties it arranges, but, of course, you'll pay more for that reassurance. More on this from baltimoresun.com

Posted by VRO at 07:16 AM | Permalink

June 9, 2009 Vacation rental expert Milan Matchev has announced the launch of the Manual For Vacation Rental Owners: 100 Tips for successful Renting, a highly informative e-book which reveals the true secrets to 100% occupancy ratios of vacation rental properties not only during peak season but also during off season by implementing little known strategies which the author has discovered from personal experience and meticulous research. The business of vacation rental property management is no more just a simple business, it’s a full fledged industry with hundreds of properties around the world being added to the inventory each day. Vacation rental ownership comes with the added responsibility as a hospitality industry service provider and the e-book shows how to assume and exercise this role in a responsible manner. To download the eBook and read more try this article from newdesignworld

Posted by VRO at 06:51 AM | Permalink

June 8th, 2009 This summer, procrastination might just pay off. Last-minute deals on vacation rentals around the country offer savings of up to 50 percent off regular rates. Considering that vacation rentals already tend to offer better value than hotel stays, particularly for families or groups, additional discounts really are the icing on the summer vacation cake. more on specific deals from this article in smartertravel

Posted by VRO at 06:42 AM | Permalink

June 5, 2009 Do you love your ocean vacations and long for a second home at the beach? Buy that second home and let it help pay for itself as a vacation rental. Beach area homes are in high demand, so they don’t get hit with the down side of the real estate market to the degree other segments of the market are affected. You need to work with a broker who is experienced with both real estate sales and vacation rental management so you can understand the ins and outs of vacation rental ownership. Having a house at the beach is wonderful. It’s rented out most of the time, but when you are there, you can work on it and have fun at the beach. Beach area properties range in price, but good bargains and fixer-uppers are still to be found. Beach front and bay front properties are most desirable and will bring in the highest rents. You can expect to pay less for a home or condo a little farther from the water, but it will also bring in lower rents. In general, you need to decide what your goals are and what you can afford. Be sure to talk with your tax professional about the rules regarding second homes and vacation rentals. All this and more from missionbeachmagazine.com

Posted by VRO at 05:12 AM | Permalink

June 4, 2009 Property owners and managers at Plum Island and Salisbury Beach say the market for their rental units is soft this year compared to previous summers. The slowdown applies equally to people who have a single cottage to rent out and those who have dozens of places. There are unbelievable choices out there for people who want to be on the oceanfront. Bookings are off in part because of the economy. More on this story from newburyportnews

Posted by VRO at 07:51 AM | Permalink

June 3, 2009 It is no secret that a majority of vacationers use the Internet for researching and booking their next vacation and vacation rental customers are very internet savvy and informed consumers. Their online shopping experiences have led them to not only look for the best properties available but also for the best possible values. Vacationers with Outer Banks Blue are able to choose from Oceanfront to Soundfront and all areas in between and have numerous amenity options including private pools; hot tubs; high speed Internet access and even pet-friendly properties. Outer Banks Blue provides all guests with needed linens including fully made beds and towels for all guests based on the advertised number of people a property will accommodate. The Blue Plate Special will change daily and the savings on that property will only be available for 24 hours – so it behooves people to check in with us every day to find their perfect vacation rental and act quickly when they find their next vacation. More on their Blue Plate Special from this article on news.hospitality-1st.com

Posted by VRO at 08:11 AM | Permalink

June 2, 2009 Rental property managers from Silver Lake to South Haven are reporting 10 to 20 percent discounts for properties. Owners are also forgoing annual price increases or offering incentives to make the best of the 10-week peak summer rental season. With weekly vacation rentals averaging $1,700 and going up to $5,000, discounts can amount almost to a free day at the beach. Owners will discount for an upcoming week that's not rented but, if you're calling now to rent in August, there's likely no discount. A lot of properties will now do a three-day minimum but, if someone walks in the door, we will book them for just one night if there are vacancies. Part of the reason our rentals are up is that people are shifting away from the all-inclusive vacations and cruises, sticking closer to home and doing family vacations at the beach. More on this from mlive.com

Posted by VRO at 08:25 AM | Permalink

June 1, 2009 The recession is making vacation rentals more appealing to travelers because they're typically less expensive than resort hotels. Panama City Beach has a wide range of deals this summer for travelers looking to get away without breaking the bank. This year, travelers can take advantage of free-night stays, lodging specials and kids-eat-free deals to take advantage of 27 miles of pristine shoreline. To find some of these best offerings available try this article from al.com

Posted by VRO at 07:38 AM | Permalink

May 29, 2009 Vacation rentals are found everywhere in the world, from ski chalets to high-rise apartments, oceanfront bungalows to quiet country estates. Because a vacation rental is a type of home that is being rented out, a vacation rental typically gives travelers a lot more space for their money. Vacation rentals are an incredibly good value for your buck. In addition to the extra space, often with several bedrooms, living and dining areas, porches/decks, and pools, you'll also get fully equipped kitchen facilities. The option to cook your own meals offers savings over expensive restaurants. If you're looking for a city condo, a house right on the ocean, a mountainside villa, or even something completely different, chances are you'll be able to find a vacation rental property that suits your needs and budget. More information on vacation rentals from this article in smartertravel.com

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May 28, 2009 Promote your vacation rental property to get guests the first time and back again soon. Make sure your web site is easy to navigate, post lots of photos to showcase your property, but most importantly ,make sure your rules and rates are clearly spelled out. The more online awareness you build the better of you will be. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. By being a member of your Chamber -- you establish credibility, legitimacy and an implied endorsement by your town. Even if your town doesn’t require – get a rental business license for your property and frame it prominently so guests will know. Be mindful of the economy and various flexible schedules. If weekends are always busy and weekdays are tough -- then give tourists a reason to come during the week by offering a lower nightly rate or an extra night free. If the guests have indicated they are on a romance weekend or other special occasion, they will also have a bottle of champagne or box of chocolates. First impressions are important for vacationers. Have local guides that describe restaurants, boat rentals, movie theaters, and special performing arts events. Keep the vacation rental clean! These tips and more available from this article on the examiner.com

Posted by VRO at 07:31 AM | Permalink

May 27, 2009 The ongoing recession continues to inhibit consumer spending, and many who rent out vacation homes are finding that this year is not yet measuring up to seasons past. As consumer confidence starts to inch back up, many rental agencies are starting to see signs of a late surge in business. Despite the recent strength in the market, many in the industry are reporting that there is still a gap between their current numbers year-to-date and their performance over the same period last year. Though the rental market may be unsure so far this year, vacation homes have been growing in popularity as compared to traditional lodgings for several years. An increasing number of homeowners who have not previously rented their properties are trying out the market this year as they look for some extra income. More on this, available from capcodonline.com

Posted by VRO at 07:04 AM | Permalink

May 26, 2009 Without question, it is the best summer to come to Nantucket. Between the restaurants, and the vacation rentals, all kinds of great deals are being offered. Nantucket, is about 30 miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod. Visitors on the island can find weekly rentals for 20 percent less than last year. The best deals are for mid-priced rentals. Nantucket’s year-round population of 11,061 goes as high as 60,000 in the summer. Restaurants and hotels are responding to consumers’ desire to economize. At the Seagrille restaurant, entrees usually priced at $22 to $40 are all $15 on Monday and Thursday nights. The lobster dinner is $20 on weekends through the end of this month, rather than $35. There are deals to be had on Nantucket. Three nights of lodging for the price of two at the Hawthorn House and many rooms are reduced like the most expensive room to $185 a night from $275. For more on these recession prices being offered try this article from bloomberg.com

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May 22, 2009 Now, more than ever, travelers are looking for great values without compromising quality. As one of North America’s fastest-growing lodging categories, vacation rentals often cost less than a single hotel room and provide considerably more space, privacy and personal amenities than other hospitality options. Online, travelers can easily and securely view trusted images of available rentals, choose one that best suits their needs and book their stay, all from their personal computer. Vacation rental homes and condominiums are becoming even more attractive to consumers looking for greater value from their travel dollar. With or without deals or special offers, there is an underlying value to vacation rentals. Family and group vacations continue to account for the most popular use of vacation rentals, but travelers are also considering staying in vacation properties for a range of travel, including trips typically associated with shorter stays, such as festivals, sporting events and business trips.
With hundreds of thousands of vacation rental choices nationwide, consumers can select the right rental to fit their personal travel needs. More on these benefits from PRWeb

Posted by VRO at 07:42 AM | Permalink

May 21, 2009 While there have been some signs of economic recovery, it hasn't lessened the anxiety for many Americans worried about their finances. But it is a buyers market for those looking to get away. And now more than ever, there are ways to vacation on a budget. Emerging as an economical alternative to hotels, vacation rentals appear to be an extraordinarily popular choice among travelers this season. As such, vacation rental companies are coming up with wildly creative incentives this summer season including discounts, two-for-ones, gas cards, grocery cards and the other enticements to motivate guests to book one property over another. Americans are traveling, but being cautious with spending. As a result travel companies are aggressively competing for your vacation dollars. Vacation packages of air and hotel together offer deeper discounts because companies are willing to cut prices when their discounts are not listed but hidden in the package cost. Vacation rental homes and condos are also offering deals. Those accommodations may offer more room to those traveling in groups. Find out more about the best deals from this abc news article.

Posted by VRO at 07:14 AM | Permalink

May 20th, 2009 Tips for finding the right place for your vacation rental. In general, you know what you’re getting with a standard hotel. But the experience in a private home rental varies greatly because the house reflects the personality and taste of the owner. Be sure to talk directly with the owner and don’t be afraid to ask questions: Is the pool heated? Are children allowed? Pets? What amenities and utensils are available in the kitchen? Does the property have a grill? What is the neighborhood like? Are there shopping areas nearby? Will you need a car?
Get as much information as you can. The more you know, the more you can get out of your stay. Some Web sites offer reimbursement and replacement guarantees if you aren’t satisfied, but that would be cold comfort for any group on a short visit. As a rule, the more you pay for the rental, the more services and support you can expect. More information on these vacation rental tips are available from petergreenberg.com

Posted by VRO at 06:33 AM | Permalink

My 19, 2009 Many families are planning trips of a few days to a week by car this year. Here are some tips on how to save on trips this summer. Do some research on prospective destinations for the availability of cheap or free things to do. Check out AAA guides and family-travel websites to get a feel for the area you wish to visit. If you’re planning to get away for just a couple of days or even a week and you’re looking to cut lodging costs consider renting a vacation rental. This often gets you a lot more space at the same or lower per-night cost of a hotel room and will save you all kinds of money in things like food. If you can be flexible about where you go and are willing to wait till the last minute, say, the week before your vacation you can get great deals on un-rented vacation houses -- and most likely there will be a fair number of these available this year. This can be a great opportunity to explore another place or perhaps even another state than your usual vacation spot. More great tips for your vacation this summer on boston.com

Posted by VRO at 07:01 AM | Permalink

May 18, 2009 Opting for a vacation rental with friends rather than staying in a hotel and by taking some extra time to research possible vacation spots you can find a great deal for you next vacation. By renting a house, it becomes as little as $250 per person and you get your own rooms, a jacuzzi, and privacy unlike staying in a hotel. With consumers uncertain about the economy, many are forgoing vacations, and leaving deals out there for those who are still traveling. It’s a great time for the consumer as vacation rentals will start seeing prices drop this summer, and you’ll see lots of deals out there. For those who don't wish to gamble on snagging a deal at a popular resort area at the very last minute, try locations that are off the beaten path. More on this and some lesser known destinations try this article from cnbc

Posted by VRO at 07:17 AM | Permalink

May 15, 2009 Palm Desert could be missing out on significant amounts of transient occupancy taxes due to lax enforcement of its laws on vacation home rentals. The city requires anyone renting out a home for less than a month to pay the tax, and a quick search of vacation home rental sites on the Internet shows hundreds of homes and condos available. Vacation homes in the city rent for about $150 to more than $500 per night, with weekly prices running from $750 to several thousand dollars. The city's transient occupancy tax is 9 percent. More about this vacation rental tax on mydesert.com

To deal with budget constraints and millions of dollars in lawsuit costs, Malibu city staff has proposed the collection of transient occupancy taxes on private home rentals. City staff on Monday recommended that Transient Occupancy Taxes of 12 percent of rental income from private homes leased for 30 days or less be collected beginning July 1. (A property owner will have to pay $120 per $1,000 in rent charged.) More on this from the Malibu Times

Posted by VRO at 06:55 AM | Permalink

May 14, 2009 The weather is starting to get nice again. And the travel bug is biting. But the bucks aren't stacking up the way they used to. Still you want to get away? In this economy there are some secrets the travel industry may not want you to know. Here are 6 Secret Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation. Follow these tips to get the best travel values and get your vacation for less In a bad economy, this qualifies as good news for many. A recent Reader's Digest poll shows that 58 percent of Americans are planning to take a family vacation. And almost 75 percent of them are traveling more than 250 miles from home, with nearly half budgeting at least $1,000 for the trip. With one eye on a good time and the other on a good bargain, travel experts pick 40 places that will almost certainly float your boat.

Posted by VRO at 07:28 AM | Permalink

May 13, 2009 In response to the recent economic slowdown, travelers are looking to maximize their vacation value by forgoing overly expensive hotel rooms and opting instead for vacation rentals, which are often more luxurious than hotel rooms and offer superior value to individuals travelling in groups.The savings get even higher when one considers that vacations rentals often come with their own fully-equipped kitchens, which allow guests to cook up (or have a private chef cook up) world-class meals using local ingredients at a fraction of what a restaurant would charge. In today's value conscious economy, travelers in all price segments are doing the math and deciding that a vacation rental makes a whole lot more sense than a standard hotel room. Families and groups, in particular, are attracted to vacation rentals for the privacy, flexibility, and comfort they provide. More on this from PRWeb

Posted by VRO at 07:21 AM | Permalink

May 12, 2009 Traveling with your children can be the best vacation ever especially if you stay in a vacation rental property. Build sand castles, watch the sea gulls soar and splash in the waves. Beaches provide a carefree way for families to enjoy the sun and sea without worrying about making too much noise. Early-rising toddlers and parental access to refrigerators and cook tops make home rentals a good choice when traveling with the youngest explorers. A Colorado guest ranch is a good bet for families in which some members are too young for, or aren't interested in, horseback riding. Parents can choose to pursue adult sports while their youngsters enjoy age-appropriate fun in the company of trained caregivers. All of these options are available for parents vacationing with their children and more can be found in this article from dallasnews.com

Posted by VRO at 07:21 AM | Permalink

May 11, 2009 With money tight, people are being choosier about their rental selection. Frommers.com reports that travel is down 50 percent over this same time last year. With the drop in travel come some great deals. Hotels are offering: stay three nights get your fourth night or fifth night free. That adds real valuable savings to it and this just isn't at Holiday Inn, we're seeing hotels like the Four Seasons do that. We are now seeing this type of discount from many vacation rental properties. If you’re looking to stay closer to home this year to cut back on gas or airfare costs, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a vacation home within a two-hour drive of most metropolitan areas in the U.S. Many homeowners will let you rent by the weekend or even on a nightly basis, particularly during the off-season. Think about the difference between a tiny hotel room, possibly with limited amenities, and an actual home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and kitchens, living and dining areas. Obviously, eating every meal in a restaurant gets pricey. The ability to prepare your own meals not only saves money, there’s just something nice about savoring a home-cooked meal while on vacation. Once you go the vacation home route, you probably won’t go back to hotels. For more reasons to skip the hotel look over this article on rismedia.com

Posted by VRO at 07:30 AM | Permalink

May 8, 2009 Finding a perfect accommodation is one of the biggest challenges of planning a trip. During the economic crisis, not many can afford hotels. Fortunately, there are numerous directories that list vacation rentals, condos and apartments at reasonable prices. Vacation rentals have plenty to offer in the summer season. Vacation houses are quieter, roomier, and more affordable than hotels. Some people rent large houses for family reunions or destination weddings. For those on a budget or those with families, renting houses can cut down on vacation costs since meals can be prepared at the house rather than eating out. Make sure you see pictures of the outside of the rental house and ask for an address so you can locate it on Mapquest or Google Maps. The aerial or street view can tell you a lot about the neighborhood. When considering a vacation rental residence, keep in mind location and ask the owner or property manager to be honest with you based on your desires. While Google maps are a nice resource, its best to consult with someone familiar with the property i.e. the owner or management. Be sure to explain in detail what you are looking for in your rental vacation residence. Basically, the value equation must not just be dollars saved, it must be “will you be happy?”

Posted by VRO at 07:07 AM | Permalink

May 7, 2009 This year, Panama City Beach, Fla. travelers can take advantage of free night stays, lodging specials and kids-eat-free deals complete with summer sun and sandy fun along the destination’s 27 miles of pristine shoreline. Pinnacle Port Vacation Rentals welcomes travelers with a stay six nights; get the seventh night free deal this summer. The Town of Seahaven’s accommodations are rich with amenities: beachfront and gulf-view rooms, multi-bedroom accommodations, private balconies and more plus you can get your 3rd night free at many of the available lodgings. Blowin-N-The Wind Management is offering a stay five nights and get two nights free special through Labor Day. Blowin-N-The Wind Management’s offers seven different rental properties with accommodations ranging from multi-bedroom condominiums to three-bedroom cottages and more. More on these special summer deals can be found in this article from travelvideo.tv

Posted by VRO at 06:56 AM | Permalink

April 6th, 2009 If you've been dreaming of sand castles and cresting waves, but haven't firmed up your plans for fear of sticker shock, now is the time to think about booking. Galveston might still be recovering from Hurricane Ike, which hit the island hard last September but by visiting Galveston and spending precious tourism dollars, you'll help with the rebuilding efforts, which have already come a long way. Many of the main attractions are open and ready for business. Charleston also has plenty of nearby beaches to draw sand lovers from all over the U.S. And to make things more affordable, the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a Family Fun value promotion, which features many discounts. In Santa Barbara, where you can get discounts and perks for leaving your wheels behind and walking, biking, or even taking the train instead of driving the city has initiated a Car Free promotion that includes a host of savings for vacationers. Beachgoers who like it hot will love Florida this summer. Located on the state's Gulf coast, St. Petersburg/Clearwater is home to several powdery white-sand beaches that consistently rank as some of the best in America. The deals, which you can always find online, are pretty nice, too with many vacation rental properties that offer free tickets or discounts to local attractions. More ideas on these budget vacations available from this article in smartertravel.com

Posted by VRO at 07:41 AM | Permalink

May 5, 2009 No matter where your choices take you, cottage vacationing offers an unbeatable home-away-from-home base that always has that next spectacular sunset waiting for you, right outside your door. It's an economical way to go. It's a vacation all in itself for one price -- bring food to cook, and everything is right there. If you want to hold down costs even more, ask the cottage owner about weekend or several-day rentals. Not every owner wants to offer shorter terms, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Because of the economy, there was a trend last year of cottage owners shortening rental times because they saw the need. Find out what is provided by the owner and what you need bring. Some cottages offer bare-bones experiences; others have all the bells, whistles and cable TV. Check -- and observe -- rules for telephone use, waste disposal, pets, campfires, parking, visitors, property boundaries and other expectations. If your interested in renting a vacation cottage for this years vacation read more about it from this article in mlive.com

Posted by VRO at 06:13 AM | Permalink

May 4, 2009 Vacation rentals in popular vacation spots like Myrtle Beach, Orlando and the Poconos are going for as much as 60% less than they did last summer. Quite simply there are too many vacation homes and not enough vacationers. The growing competition for vacationers' dollars has forced property owners to slash prices and even offer add-on perks such as free tickets to local attractions, sailings on catamarans or free rounds of golf to sweeten the deal. Families looking to visit the Florida theme parks this summer will have more cash to put toward those pricey park admission tickets. Prices are down by almost 20% or more across the board, thanks to a glut of new resort communities and condos. Hilton Head, S.C has a 12 mile-coastline and drew 2.5 million vacationers last year. Yet, despite the area’s perennial popularity, there are still plenty of properties available during prime summer months. More on these great deals available from this article in smartmoney.com

Posted by VRO at 07:20 AM | Permalink

May 01, 2009 Approximately 10 percent of all U.S. adults and nearly 20 percent of all online travelers have booked a vacation rental. The vacation home rental offers an inherent value, more room for the rental rate. Yet, unlike hotels and resorts which have standardized ratings and/or management affiliations, a vacation home rental can be the ultimate paradise or nightmare. How do you truly know what you are renting? This question was posed by an article in the examiner.com One easy way to be assured of quality is the VacationRental.org Standards of Quality. Each member commits to the standards as a condition of listing on the website directory. This is just one more way in which you can depend that your stay in a vacation rental will be everything that you expected.

Posted by VRO at 06:48 AM | Permalink

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.

Posted by VRO at 06:30 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by VRO at 07:15 AM | Permalink

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

Posted by VRO at 07:47 AM | Permalink

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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March 31, 2009 The economy has more second home owners than ever before deciding to rent their homes to vacationers. Likewise, the economy is playing a significant role in the growth of the vacation rental industry and in creating opportunities for second home owners. More on this growth of vacation rentals available from this article. A new study of the occupancy rate of vacation homes, hotels and time-shares shows that vacation homes were the only one to increase in 2008. British and European tourists tend to prefer renting homes that are fully furnished with kitchens, several bedrooms and private pools, rather than motel or hotel rooms, as Americans more typically have done in the past. Now Americans have found out it's more cost effective to rent a short-term vacation rental. More on this story from theledger.com

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March 30, 2009 Just because your bank account might be light is no reason to cancel your vacation this year. There are alternatives to expensive hotels. Actually, renting someone's vacation home for two to three weeks is usually cheaper than a fancy hotel and you get a lot more room to spread out. Want a luxury beachfront vacation rental on Grand Cayman? Here is a great promotion that offers a Sixth Night Free, which is exceptional because every unit includes three bedrooms, each with attached bath, plus a full kitchen, living, dining and patio area. Available through the Coral Stone Club. There are even more options for this summer's vacation getaway. Many people are able to book vacations this year and bargain down the rental price due to a slow start this rental season. This turns into great value and many more options for vacation rentals. More on this available from this article on projo.com

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March 27, 2009 Just because your bank account might be light is no reason to cancel your vacation this year. Actually, renting someone’s vacation home for two to three weeks is usually cheaper than a fancy hotel and you get a lot more room to spread out. Hotels cannot match the space, price, convenience, relaxing atmosphere and experience that a stay in a beautiful vacation rental home offers. After a long day at the theme parks, playing golf, or a days shopping spree there is no better way than to come home and relax than in a comfortable vacation rental home. If your thinking of a Florida vacation this year try this article from NewDesignWorld for more information.

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March 26, 2009 Vacation home rentals are most common in beach areas and ski areas, but can be found just about everywhere. Relax and enjoyment is the only thing which everyone explores during holidays or on vacation. But complete relaxation can not be achieved without the presence of comfortable stay. Vacation rentals offer an added space & functionality that will make all the difference in the world. Fully furnished kitchens numerous bathrooms, spacious living areas complete with large screen TV’s, games rooms and private screened pools and spa’s all promise to enhance your next vacation when you book a vacation rental. More information can be found in these articles from About.com or maybe your interested in a Disneyworld Florida Dream Vacation from this article on PowerHomeBiz.com

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March 25, 2009 Staying in a vacation home is the best way to get the most out of your vacation dollar. Vacation rentals provide spacious and inviting alternatives to the typical hotel, including two- and three-bedroom condos and town homes, as well as single-family estate homes with up to seven bedrooms. All feature private pools and vacation home rental accommodations at affordable prices. One of these extraordinary Orlando vacation home deals available now from ALL STAR Vacation Homes is pleased to announce its ‘Stay 5, Get 2 Free’ Orlando vacation special. More about this from EarthTimes.

If you need help, travelers can easily determine if they would save more money staying at a hotel or a vacation rental, by using TripAdvisor's Vacation Rentals Calculator, one of the latest of several new products recently launched to help travelers stretch their travel dollars farther in 2009. More about this new tool from prnewswire.

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March 24, 2009 Americans can take advantage vacation rental travel deals if they know where to find them. Traveling from Florida gives you an advantage since you have multiple departure points to choose from. The Caribbean, Central America and South America are a hop skip and a jump away from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The benefit of resting your head at night in a vacation home or a short term rental is that it takes you away from the tourist traps and gives you a realistic glimpse into the neighborhood and local life. Hotels can be uncomfortable and often do not provide the conveniences of home. Why pay more for less space when instead you can have all the creature comforts of a short term rental at an economical price? Read more from the Examiner.

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March 23, 2009 Vacation rentals, which have long been considered bargains because you have a whole house, often for less per night than the price of nearby hotels, seem a particularly tempting option this year. The vacation rental market, though, is vast and varied, and whether deals are available will depend on what type of rental you want, and where. Vacation rentals do offer some important advantages over conventional hotels and resorts such as paying less per person, cutting your restaurant bills and many vacation rentals are pet-friendly. For more information try these articles: Boston Globe or the News Tribune.

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March 20, 2009 With the decrease in the economy vacation rentals are a better value than hotels. There are many last minute deals available for potential customers of vacation rental properties everywhere. Some rentals are even 1/3 to 1/2 off their normal rate. More information can be found in this USA Today article.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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…

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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. 

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January 30, 2008. The media has been beating the bad news drum on the economy lately, but as any observer knows, there's always a silver lining in someone else's raincloud. In the case of the weak dollar, any vacation rental that accepts the dollar may be a winner.

The Conference Board's most recent consumer survey, for example, found the number of Americans who intend to take a vacation within six months has hardly taken a hit. The percentage went from 46.4 one year ago to 45.8 percent this year.

Many experts also speculate those travelers will stay in North America, because the dollar won't go as far in Europe or Australia as it will in California or New York.

The weak dollar could also draw more visitors from foreign countries, a demographic that has declined slightly since the September 11 attacks. Softening prices in the residential real estate market has also been drawing foreign investors eager to snap up a deal.

Likewise, American exports have been favored by the weak dollar, as our products now become less expensive for other countries to purchase.

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January 25, 2008. One great thing about luxury vacation rentals is that they tend to be more low-key environments, making them less of a target for thieves and criminals. Nonetheless, whenever you are traveling, it helps to be aware and practice a few precautions. Kevin Coffee, a public speaker known as the "Scholar of Thievery," has a lot of great articles about this subject on his website.

"Tips for Carrying Money and Documents while Traveling"

Wallets and purses are out! Hidden money carriers are in! Coffee reviews the different types (neck/shoulder pouch, waist type, hidden pocket wallet, leg type, belts, etc.) and discusses their pros and cons. Belts, for example, don't work well for women who wear dresses. Leg types can come undone during hectic, last-minute runs through airports.

"Credit Card Tips"

What if someone steals your husband's credit card? Do you have a card from the same account? If so, make sure your individual card has a different credit card number. When you report one card stolen, both cards will become inactive if they have the same number.

Also, remember to notify your credit card companies when you are about to travel. Some companies will decline charges when a card is suddenly used several times in one day in a location far from your home.

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January 24, 2008. The New York Times' "Adventure Guide to Mexico" reminds us there's more to our southern neighbor than great beaches.

Off the Yucatan Peninsula, for example, the snorkeling provides spectacular opportunities to have an experience straight out of Jacques Cousteau or Wild Kingdom. These waters are home to the whale shark, the world's biggest fish. They can most easily be found congregating around Isla Holbox from June through September, when seasonal plankton blooms create a smorgasbord for the gentle giants. The Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve protects the coastal mangrove areas, which provide ideal whale shark habitat.

If you'd cas. The NY Times evokes John Steinbeck's novel "The Sea of Cortez," in which the write notes how the area is "ferocious with life." Does that mean even the worst of us anglers will catch a big one? Well, the area has been called rather be in a boat catching fish, rather than swimming with them, try deep-sea fishing off Cabo san Lucas, the marlin capital of the world, with 50,000 trophy fish of various kinds pulled from these waters each year.

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January 23, 2008. The venerable magazine Travel + Leisure has a series of articles in this month's issue in its "User's Guide to Renting Villas." The articles range from "how-to" to "where-to," with an emphasis on luxury.

Such a large endorsement from such an esteemed publication shows the value and quality available in today's vacation rental market. Villas have increasingly become a way to have a more authentic experience wherever one travels, and they often come with many extra amenities.

Here are the magazine's "Seven Steps to Rental Success":

1. Know what to expect

2. Travel with like-minded friends

3. Book early… or last minute

4. Call upon the experts – Like VacationRental.org
5. Ask the obvious questions

6. Get everything in writing

7. Buy travel insurance

Note item number five: Ask the obvious questions. The great thing about VacationRental.org is that we already do this for you. Our listings detail all of the features and amenities, as well as information on the area and links to websites with additional photos.

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January 22, 2008. Everyone who skis or snowboards dreams of a luxury vacation rental near the slopes. For those who don't, however, the prospect of a ski vacation may sound dreary. Fortunately, ski areas and mountain towns have wised to this situation, and many now provide plenty of fun things to do for everyone.

Sherman's Travel detailed the options in its article, "Top 10 Ski Vacations for Non-Skiers." While one party cuts turns on the slopes, another could be ice skating, shopping, taking yoga or getting a massage. At the end of the day, everyone can regroup for a night on the town.

Taos, New Mexico – Some folks come here just for the art scene, which rivals any other small mountain town. There's also the "A-list" restaurants that specialize in Southwest cuisine and the Taos Pueblos, an American Indian town that has been occupied for at least 1,000 years.

Sun Valley, Idaho – Catch a film at the Sun Valley Opera House, and then pay your respects at the grave of Ernest Hemingway. Also an art gallery town, this one specializes in Western and Modern. To work up an appetite for the local saloons, go snowshoeing.

Stowe, Vermont – "Featuring half-a-dozen wellness centers and spas… yoga and Pilates centers… and the warm whirlpools at Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield." Add Ben and Jerry's and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company.

Posted by VRO at 01:24 AM | Permalink

January 18, 2008. One key to a great trip is good planning. Another is a luxury vacation rental. So says Budget Travel magazine, in an article reprinted this weekend in the Washington Post.

"Think outside the hotel-room box," the article advocates. "Renting a house, condo or apartment -- or swapping homes -- may be better, especially for groups. The Internet has made locating such non-hotel options a million times easier."

VacationRental.org is a great place to locate those options, in our opinion.

The article also had something important to say about online research: "Don't rely on any single source; look for consensus."

This can be especially important in the age of user-generated sites and sponsored articles. One person's bad review might not mean much, for example. Customers aren't always right, but if they fell slighted, it's easy for them to distort the truth online. Look at several reviews, and use good judgment to decide where the truth lies.

On the other end of the spectrum, watch for articles that may actually be placed by the companies being written about. These articles may have merit, but you'll want to check several sources to get the whole picture.

Posted by VRO at 06:32 AM | Permalink

January 17, 2008. Have you ever noticed, during your travels, that the best neighborhoods always have a good coffee shop? There's nothing better than finding one near your luxury vacation rental, waking assured that fine espresso or fresh-ground beans are available every morning.

Forbes Traveler went so far as to pick "America's Hottest Coffee Houses." They're all to be found in bustling cities, where the pace of life no doubt requires a little caffeination. These same cities are also great vacation destinations.

Zoka Coffee Roaster and Tea Co., Seattle – A story can't be written about coffee without mentioning Seattle, home of Starbuck's. The Emerald City has far more to offer than today's fast-food equivalent of a java purveyor. Zoka stands out among them with its small-batch roasting.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Portland – The other major city of the Pacific Northwest also deserves a mention. Stumptown's claim to fame lies in its "direct trade" with farmers, which cuts out the middleman and helps sustain small, independent farmers.

Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea, Inc., Chicago – Intelligentsia also helped pioneer the "direct trade" movement, finding rare beans to delight the taste buds. And you have to admit, the name is pretty cool.

Posted by VRO at 01:47 AM | Permalink

January 16, 2008. The Austin American-Statesman brought up a good point in a recent article entitled "Spring for a Break": Now is the time to be thinking about spring break plans.

Whether you are a student or faculty member, or just someone who likes to travel in the spring, there isn't much time to waste.

In Texas, for example, public schools and universities share a common spring break week, March 10-14, placing extra demand on popular getaways such as Galveston.

"A condo is a good bet for a family or for six or eight single breakers looking to share costs. The kitchen's handy, and large complexes can have lively pool scenes for socializing."

Or, the article states, consider a large house.

"A beach house with several rooms is perfect for a big, happy group in which everybody gets along (and that part's crucial)."

Florida's beaches will enjoy a sustained peak from March through April. Of course, for some people, that might mean adjusting dates to avoid the crowds.

If you're looking for something different, try Lake Havasu City in Arizona. Sitting on a namesake lake, the picturesque desert village has become especially popular with students from the Southwestern states. When visitors get tired of sunbathing and beach volleyball, they can stroll the English Village's shops and galleries or rent a jet ski for some adrenalin-packed fun.

Posted by VRO at 01:33 AM | Permalink

January 15, 2008. The New York Times Travel section had a couple of good articles on skiing this weekend. One reflected upon the family ski trip, and the other espoused the value of some overlooked resorts in Empire State.

Amy Virshup, deputy editor on the Culture desk, wrote the "The Family Ski Challenge" after a winter trip to Colorado. She captured the joy of seeing your children embrace a sport you love, and offered some tips for parents who might follow in her ski tracks. Among her biggest recommendations: slopeside lodging. Driving to the slopes every morning just adds one more logistical hurdle a family can do without.

The feature "New York's Overlooked Ski Resorts" begins with this question:

"Do you know which state has the most ski areas?"

The answer is New York, with 44 resorts. The article describes how many of the state's residents drive right past these gems on their way to other New England States. It also asserts the quality of the state's ski areas, citing a Ski magazine that named to New York ski areas among the Top Five of the East. Finally, the writer counters a few myths regarding accessibility and amenities.

Posted by VRO at 02:14 AM | Permalink

January 11, 2008. Travel buffs who aren't relaxing somewhere in a luxury vacation rental will probably head to the movie theaters this weekend to see "The Bucket List," which opens today (January 11) in theaters across the nation.

The film features two terminally ill men, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, who decide together to do everything they ever wanted to do before they "kick the bucket." They charter a private jet and trot across the globe to exotic locales such as France, Egypt and India.

While the Average Joe may not have the resources to hop in a private jet for a whirlwind tour, we can all aspire to see the world over the course of our lives. Perhaps we can start today by writing our own "life list" of places we want to see and things we want to do.

If you're interested in learning more about the places featured in the film, check out an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times, "Follow Nicholson and Freeman in 'The Bucket List.'"

The skydiving scene, for example, was filmed in California. Now there's a location we can all feasibly visit. Of course, not everyone aspires to go skydiving.

Posted by VRO at 01:21 AM | Permalink

January 10, 2008. This is the time of the year when the media looks forward and tries to predict what the big stories will be. The San Jose Mercury News gave it a go with the article "2008: Where We'll Go, and What We'll Do When We Get There".

Southeast Asia and China, host of the 2008 Summer Olympics, top the list of hottest travel destinations. With the dollar low against some foreign currencies, however, many travelers will stay in their own hemisphere. The article also identified three trends closer to home:

"Babymoons" – The nickname "DINKs" describes couples who enjoy a Double Income with No Kids. Now, more and more couples are going for one last hurrah before baby makes three. With a bun in the oven and the impending expenses of parenthood, however, these trips will often be kept short and low-key. A romantic cabin and spa weekend in New York's Hudson Valley, for example, would qualify.

Singles travel – The 95.7 million unmarried citizens of America represent a major marketing demographic, and one in 10 of them already hit the road alone, according to research. Off-season trips to the Dominican Republic and other budget-conscious adventures to exotic locales are always popular.

Local travel – Travelers who once overlooked their own backyards are increasingly rethinking their need to go far away for a good time.

Posted by VRO at 01:48 AM | Permalink

January 9, 2008. In the near future, U.S. travelers headed by land or sea to luxury vacation rentals in some countries may use a special passport card embedded with a computer chip in lieu of a traditional passport.

That has some privacy advocates worried.

This would be an exception to a new rule requiring American travelers returning from the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico to provide a passport upon reentry to the country. The exception would not apply to air travelers.

According to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times, the State Department gave the new initiative the green light last week. It's ostensibly an effort to appease critics of the new U.S. passport rule, officially called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The passport requirement that originally took place in January 2007 caused such a backlog at passport offices across the nation that it was temporarily lifted, and is currently the subject of legislation in Congress.

Now, critics are saying the computer chip alternative is a violation of privacy rights because the cards can be read from 20 feet away. This raises fears of identity theft, some say.

The State Department says the cards will not contain biographical information that could be used by thieves.

Posted by VRO at 01:49 AM | Permalink

Travel Tips from National Geographic

January 8, 2008. When it comes to traveling, the folks at National Geographic probably know what they're doing. From luxury vacation rentals to grass huts, they have seen it all. National Geographic Travel recently published an article called "51 Ways to Cut Vacation Costs."

Let's look at some of their advice.

Ground transportation – Take New York City, for example. A cab from JFK to Manhattan costs $40. A subway ride to Penn Station costs less than $2, and from there, one can take a cab to their accommodations for around $5. The lesson: Inquire about the local shuttle and public transportation opportunities.

National Parks passes – Most major national parks, such as Yosemite, charge around $20 per entrance fee. Two to three national park visits in one year, therefore, will pay for a $50 National Parks annual pass.

Pay by credit card – To skip the currency conversion fee, simply pay by credit card. Bonus: Earn frequent flyer miles.

Posted by VRO at 02:05 AM | Permalink

January 4, 2008. When most people arrive at their luxury vacation rental, the last thing on their mind is their resolution – probably already long forgotten – to get in shape. It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, vacations present numerous opportunities to get the kind of exercise that many people can't fit into their everyday lives.

First of all, many vacation destinations offer plenty of walking opportunities, from hiking trails to pedestrian friendly shopping districts. Let's say you're staying in Hawaii, for example. Why not go for a walk on the beach every morning and evening?

Second, remember that vacations should be a time to relax and recharge. That means you don't have to spend every minute of every hour of every day rushing around like a turbo-charged, sight-seeing maniac. Attend a yoga or pilates class at the local studio, or schedule an appointment with a personal trainer at the local gym. You might pick up something to improve your routine back home.

MSNBC.com reprinted a Tripso column this week aimed at traveling business people, but many of the tips could be relevant for the casual traveler. One of the best ideas: Pack your own equipment. If you bring your gym clothes, running shoes or yoga mat, you're more likely to break a sweat on vacation.

Posted by VRO at 10:54 AM | Permalink

January 3, 2008. Ever since VacationRental.org unveiled its Green Certified Vacation Rental program, we've been noticing more and more news about the greening of the travel industry. While we have yet to see another certification program for environmentally friendly luxury vacation rentals, the New York Times just published an article called "Pleasure Without Guilt: Green Hotels with Comfort."

The article cites several examples of green hotels in destinations such as Napa Valley and San Francisco.

The possibilities for the environmentally friendly travel options seem limitless. Boeing's new Dreamliner cuts fuel use by using carbon-fiber throughout parts of the airplane, thus making it lighter. Car rental agencies now offer fuel-efficient vehicles. Many restaurants have begun attracting travelers from near and far by using local and organic ingredients.

As the New York Times article states, none of these eco-conscious ideas sacrifice comfort. The Dreamliner is a two-aisle plan, hybrids are now available in full-sized sedans and SUVs, and local/organic restaurants have been getting rave reviews in the foodie media.

In many cases, the solutions are also improving bottom lines. High fuel prices are hammering consumers and airline companies alike, for example. Something as simple as a compact fluorescent light, which uses less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb, can also reduce pollution and decrease the utility bills.

Posted by VRO at 02:22 PM | Permalink

December 21, 2007. Reading the New York Times' "53 Places to Go in 2008," one might envision luxury vacation rentals in the most far flung places. But, in fact, the newspaper included several great destinations to be found in our own backyard…

Mid-Beach and South Beach, Miami – These two fabulous communities have designer boutiques, "glitterati hangouts," and, of courses, nice beaches. It's really a testament to their allure that they have continued to make travel lists year after year for the better part of a decade now.

Puerto Vallarta – Perhaps this Mexican beach town seemed another world away when we first saw "Night of the Iguana" in the 1960s. It was during the filming of this movie that Elizabeth Taylor had a much-publicized affair with Richard Burton. Now, thanks to regular non-stop flights to several U.S. destinations, Puerto Vallarta is easier than ever to visit.

San Francisco – There's something about this foggy city by the bay. Maybe it's the year-round mild climate. Perhaps it's the abundance of museums and parks. Or maybe it's the dazzling array of homey neighborhoods with fantastic restaurants, diverse shops and friendly people.

Posted by VRO at 01:42 AM | Permalink

December 19, 2007. When it comes to time to pick a luxury vacation rental for a ski or snowboard trip, stick with North America. That's the verdict from Forbes Traveler, which recently published an article on MSNBC.com called "Top 20 Snowiest Ski Resorts in the World." Only one resort – Japan's Niseko – was not located on this continent.

That's largely because of the orientation of our mountains, according to the report. Storms travel in a West-East fashion. Luckily, the north-south orientation of ranges like the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Wasatch act like walls against which the storms slam up against, dropping all of their snow. Europe's Alps have an East-West orientation, which doesn't pull as much snow out of storm systems.

That's good news for our ski resorts and the luxury vacation rental industry. Europeans already have the incentive to travel here, thanks to the good snow. With the Euro favorable to the dollar right now, their money will also go farther here than it ever has before.

Posted by VRO at 01:03 AM | Permalink

December 17, 2007. Yesterday, we discussed another great excuse for luxury vacation rentals – a guys golf trip for the winter. For all the same reasons, a gals spa and shopping trip makes perfect sense. After all, women of the world work hard all year long to take care of their children (husband included.) What could be better than a relaxing day of massage, mud bath and manicure, followed by a hunt for a new outfit or two (or three or four?)
When planning a gals spa and shopping trip, it’s best to get everyone involved early on. Organize a night out for dinner or drinks, and then offer the idea. Write a list of destinations on a napkin.
California’s Wine Country offers some world-class spas and shopping, and San Francisco’s shopping districts are only a hour away. The Mediterranean-like climate stays mild through winter. Miami also has equally fantastic boutiques and spas. Or, head to San Antonio and its famous Riverwalk, where stores display cowgirl boots alongside high heels.
When everyone’s agreed on a location, offer to handle the reservations and transportation. If anyone volunteers, perhaps you can spread the duties around. If not, have fun planning the trip!

Posted by VRO at 01:44 AM | Permalink

December 15, 2007. Winter is the perfect time to book a luxury vacation rental for a guys' golf trip. Got the winter blahs? Book a guys golf trip. Family got dibs on summer vacation? Book a golf trip in the winter. Slow time of year at work? Take advantage, and… you get the idea.

The first step in putting together a solid guys golf trip is simply to take charge. Trying to let everyone plan the vacation will likely result in little or no progress. So, pick a place (Floridaor Arizona ?) and then do a little research. Estimate the travel costs, luxury vacation rental, green fees, rental car and dining expenses.

Next, email the invitations. The easier you make it for your buddies to say yes, the quicker they will say yes. Throw out the set of dates and the approximate cost. Most importantly, phrase your proposal this way: "The first x of you to commit x amount of dollars for the deposit will get the extra spaces in the Palm Springs rental house." This creates a sense of urgency. Plus, requiring a deposit from them will take some of the financial burden off your back and makes it less likely that someone will bail at the last minute.

Posted by VRO at 01:30 AM | Permalink

December 11, 2007. The only bad part about staying in a luxury vacation rental, or traveling in general, is having to choose what to pack and what to leave at home. This becomes especially troublesome with clothes, so Budget Travel sought out the advice of Clinton Kelly, host of The Learning Channel's "What Not to Wear."

The posed him with a challenge: helping an editor pack for a long weekend in the Berkshires. Here are some of his tips: "The The big rule: "Nothing gets packed unless it goes with at least two other pieces.

1. Nothing gets packed unless it goes with two pieces."

2. Commit to neutrals, which can be mixed and matched more easily.

3. If you bring jeans, choose wisely. Dark jeans (versus light) and straight leg (versus baggy) are more versatile because they can be "dressed up."

One thing Kelly didn't mention is especially pertinent in the winter, and certainly so in the cold Northeast: layering. Layering is a strategy that allows a person to shed or add clothes on layer at a time as conditions change. One good set of layers that matches all the tops and bottoms will go a long way without taking up space. A light sweater, fleece, and rain-proof outer shell is a great combination.

Posted by VRO at 06:46 AM | Permalink

December 7, 2007. When it comes to luxury vacation rentals, the folks at Fodor's have been all over the world. So, when we saw a list of links collected in the article "Tips for the Super Organized Traveler," we thought we'd make a note of it. The article is full of some good ol' standbys and some choices we'd never seen.

Locate Wi-Fi beforehand. Finding an Internet connection isn't always easy, even in this day and age. That's why it pays to know where to go before you're stuck with no signal. JiWire has a list of locations in most major destinations.

Reservations for two. When you first arrive to a new place, finding a restaurant can sometimes be challenge. Sometimes, finding a restaurant without a one-hour wait can be a challenge. OpenTable.com allows you to find a place to eat while you're still at home (or in the airport lounge) and then book reservations.

What's in the surf? Everyone prefers an unspoiled beach, but they aren't always as clean as we want them to be. In fact, oil spills and sewage leaks occasionally shut down some beaches, and others suffer from less-than-desirable conditions. Visit the Blue Flag Programme for a list of which ones are clean and which ones aren't.

Posted by VRO at 06:34 AM | Permalink

December 6, 2007. With children in tow, skiers and snowboarders have to make different decisions about their luxury vacation rentals. Moms and dads also have to consider how family-friendly the ski areas are. MSNBC just published a helpful guide on kid-friendly ski resorts.

Here are some of the things they discuss:

Safety. Everyone should wear a helmet. Period.

Ski programs. Some resorts have a reputation for great ski schools, and a great first experience can often be tied directly to a good ski teacher. This is especially true for impatient parents, who should leave the teaching to professionals. Smuggler's Notch in Vermont, for example, has a famous program.

Childcare. If the kids are too young to ski, or too young to ski all day, consider putting them in childcare. It may seem like an added expense, but Mom and Dad might enjoy at least one day on the slopes together, for old time's sake.

Terrain. Let's say you're vacationing at Lake Tahoe. The children are just experienced enough to keep up, but not old enough to be set loose (or leave you in the dust). Squaw Valley has the best terrain, but if you can't actually find the time to ski it, settling for Northstar's gentle slopes will save money.

Posted by VRO at 01:30 AM | Permalink

December 4, 2007. The folks at the New York Times must have been dreaming of a luxury vacation rental right on the slopes. The newspaper featured an excellent article on ski condos one day and then dedicated a whole Travel issue to skiing on another day.

In the article "Sharing (For A Price)," the reporter discusses the ins and outs of purchasing vacation rental property on the mountain. Some tips:

1) Buy as close to the slopes as possible.

2) Hire a reliable property management service.

3) Decorate/furnish nicely to earn repeat business.

As for trends, this headline says it all: "Going Green, Luxuriously." If global warming means less snow, it's no wonder ski resorts are making their operations as environmentally friendly as possible. And, in their continuous effort to capture more visitors, they have upgraded many of their features. At Aspen, for example, the employee housing has a new photovoltaic solar array.

Another "36 Hours In…" feature spotlights one of our favorite winter destinations, Park City, Utah. Perhaps more than any other town, Park City has attracted an infusion of urban amenities, from high-profile chefs to Hollywood celebs. Most importantly, the skiing is to die for.

Posted by VRO at 01:13 AM | Permalink

December 2, 2007. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, many families are bonding in places such as malls, outlet centers and urban shopping districts. In honor of this fringe benefit to Christmas, we'd like to suggest some gift gathering destinations:

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The Washington Post just ran an article on this outlet mecca. What a brilliant plan: 140 tax-free stores to make up for the lull of the off-season.

Charleston, S.C – This uniquely beautiful city has an old-world flair that will have you feeling like the star of a Christmas movie. Independent stores like Half-Moon Outfitters stand side by side with brand-name big-hitters like Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria's Secret, all on pedestrian friendly city streets. Unlike Rehoboth, December temperatures could easily linger in the 60s.

Orange County, Calif. – While Minneapolis and Philadelphia both have larger malls, Orange County, home of the third-largest mall, has guaranteed good weather. Macy's, Robbinson-May, Nordstrom, and Sak's Fifth Avenue are the anchors. When you're all shopped out, relax on the beach or hit up the museum connected to the mall.

Posted by VRO at 02:49 AM | Permalink

November 30, 2007. When the New York Times' Frugal Traveler stays at luxury vacation rentals, he seeks out the local food and drink. And although we always knew Seattle was a great place for microbrew beers, when didn't know it had such great food.

Sure, there's Pike Place, the venerable market famous for its seafood. But dining here isn't all salmon and crab legs. Cascadia is a gourmet spot worthy of New York City or Chicago.

Of course, the author found so much more to do in Seattle. The Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park has striking, large modern sculptures set against a stunning backdrop of the Puget Sound and snow-covered mountains. And what would be a trip to the Birthplace of Grunge without a visit to a music hall, such as Triple Door or the Music House?

The Seattle/Puget Sound area is an ideal destination for weekend trips or full-blown vacationers. Interstate 5 allows an easy drive for West Coasters, and the international airport, known as Sea-Tac, has enough traffic to offer reasonable fares.

It's the kind of place where one could enjoy urban bliss or reconnect to nature.

Posted by VRO at 01:46 AM | Permalink

November 29, 2007. Perhaps you've been driving to a luxury vacation rental in Branson, Missouri, and noticed the Elvis Is Alive Museum. Maybe you've riding across Texas and stopped at the Cathedral of Junk. Or maybe you made a special trip to Idaho just to see the World's Largest Potato.

Anyone who's ever traveled in our country knows the Roadside Attraction, a kitschy tourist spot and welcome relief from long hours on the road. According to a report on National Public Radio, however, Roadside Attractions are a disappearing phenomenon in America.

It seems that on-board DVD players, portable video games, and other electronics are keeping the children too busy to want see highway oddities. The owners of many Roadside Attractions are also getting old, and closing their businesses. In some cases, interstate systems and bypasses have rerouted traffic away from once bustling travel arteries. In other cases, local zoning laws have made these unusual ventures harder to operate.

So, if you're ever driving and you spot a 40-foot-tall gopher or a collection of oddly-painted toilet seats, remember to stop and enjoy these unusual sites. They may not be around for much longer.

Posted by VRO at 01:26 AM | Permalink

November 28, 2007. Travel writers often encourage moves such as staying in beachfront luxury vacation rentals in the winter, or visiting ski resorts in the summer, as a way to beat the crowds. So says MSNBC travel columnist Christopher Elliot, who questions the wisdom of such contrarian advice.

"Sometimes, the mob knows best," Elliot wrote. "I reached this unlikely conclusion after years of listening to my colleagues telling everyone to go against the grain."

Elliot came up with a list of "four times when you should go with the flow, and when the herd knows best." He has some interesting points.

When You're Visiting Families for the Holidays – Buck the advice to travel on the actual holidays, because it's worth shelling out the extra dough and dealing with the minor inconveniences of holiday travel.

When You're Planning a Seasonal Vacation – Martha's Vineyard is best in the summer. Florida is best in the winter. Why suffer through extreme cold or heat to save money? Vacations are supposed to be fun…

When You're Traveling with Little Ones – Enough of a challenge in and of itself…

When You're Seeing What Everyone Wants to See – Chances are, there's a reason why everyone's headed that way…

Posted by VRO at 01:36 AM | Permalink

November 26, 2007. The Thanksgiving travel weekend went smoothly for the most part, according to news reports filed Monday. Thousands of Americans took to the roads and skies, heading to luxury vacation rentals or to see relatives. The worst problems seemed to occur in the South, where rain caused accidents on crowded roads.

ABC News ran a report called "Worst Travel Day? Not This Year." American Automobile Association spokespeople noted that record gas prices didn't keep people at home, and the Federal Aviation Administration found few delays.

The news was mixed for Black Friday retail sales. According to Bloomberg, overall sales were up but each shopper spent less on average. The paradox was traced to major discounts designed to lure more shoppers in a season predicted to be lackluster.

The National Retailers Federation predicted "the slowest increase in sales in five years. Customers have cut back on spending in the face of increased costs for milk and gasoline and the worst housing slump in 16 years," Bloomberg reported.

For consumers who need to watch their spending this year, vacation rentals could provide a price-conscious alternative for winter travel. Ski cabins and beach houses with enough room to lower the per-person rate might be the best option.

Posted by VRO at 12:23 PM | Permalink

November 19, 2007. Guys, have you ever wondered exactly what your wife means when she asks for more romance? We'll offer a suggestion: a luxury vacation rental would be a pretty good start. For those readers still blinking their eyes in bewilderment, LovingYou.com published a helpful article entitled "Plan a Surprise Romantic Getaway."

AHA!

Imagine planning one of these for next Valentine's Day. She would be not only surprised by your manly prowess, but by the fact that you actually planned something months in advance! In addition to garnering untold points, you will get to spend a marvelous, all-expense-justified vacation in the Caribbean, California's Wine Country, or some other fantastic location.

Before you start thinking about a trip to your favorite football team's hometown, remember this: LovingYou.com recommends choosing a place where she has always wanted to go. Next, find out when she is free, and come up with a little white lie to make sure her schedule stays that way. Then, plan the trip.

Helpful hint: Have the bills and travel literature sent to your office, so you can keep it a secret until the right moment.

LovingYou.com didn't recommend this in its article, but we suggest waiting until you're in the doghouse to announce the surprise trip. Or, just give her the reservation confirmation in a Christmas card.

Posted by VRO at 01:54 PM | Permalink

November 17, 2007. Ask anyone staying at a luxury vacation rental for their favorite travel activity, and the answer will often be "shopping." These days, shopaholics are increasingly looking for green goods.

That's green as in earth-friendly, or environmentally sustainable.

A new niche of shops have popped up all over the nation, carrying everything available in the traditional marketplace, but with a green spin. That means clothes made of organic cotton, furniture made from sustainably harvested wood, and jewelry made from recycled materials.

Not surprisingly, many of these shops can be found in popular travel destinations, according to an article in Travel + Leisure.

New York City – America's fashion capital has clothing shops like and Ekovaruhuset. Patrons will find hand-woven "flip" skirts that convert into dresses, and organic canvas sneakers with natural Amazonian-rubber soles.

Seattle – The brands may not be everyday names, but stores like Juniper carry emerging designers who specialize in unusual fibers such as bamboo.

Asheville, North Carolina – Although only a fraction of the size of NYC and Seattle, this mountain town boasts several shops. Just to name a few, Nest Organics specializes in baby clothes and kitchenware, Spiritex has eco-conscious clothes, and A Natural Home offers bedding and linens.

Posted by VRO at 01:02 AM | Permalink

November 15, 2007. It's that time of the year again, when parents are busy reserving luxury vacation rentals for the annual ski trip. This year, check out the new website, WeJustGotBack.com. It's a travel website for families, by families. They recently published an article called "More Snow, Less Dough: How to Save on a Family Ski Vacation."

Here are some of their tips:

Aim off peak – At Smuggler's Notch in Vermont, lift tickets cost half as much during the slow weeks as they do around the holidays. Forget about three-day weekends such as Presidents Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Go mid week – Weekends also cost more in many cases than weekdays. Use weekends for travel time or for off-slope activities. Many resorts and nearby towns have plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Get free kids lift tickets – In the contest to attract families of skiers and snowboarders, many areas offer free or discounted lift tickets for children.

Consult the deal watchdogs – Some websites have dedicated themselves to searching out the deals. Try Liftopia or SkiCoupons.com , for example.

Posted by VRO at 01:17 AM | Permalink

November 14, 2007. One week after CNN published a story about the advantages of luxury vacation rentals, USA Today offered a more thorough examination of this rising phenomenon.

According to the story, homes and condominiums are gaining on hotel rooms as the preferred choice of many travelers, and major companies are taking note. Europe's two largest vacation rental companies have begun to eye the American market, and discount travel websites that previously focused on planes, hotels and rental cars are adding vacation rentals.

"The Internet is doing for vacation rentals what eBay and similar online marketplaces have done for merchandise sellers," the article said.

"Travelers are benefiting from more choices and better websites, including some with video tours of each property. They're also demanding and getting a higher degree of assurance that the vacation property they rent meets expected standards, and that they won't be fleeced."

Consider these numbers:

* $63 billion in revenue annually, or nearly half as much as the hotel industry.

* A 12% rise this year in the number of rental homes being managed.

* A 5% rise in the sale of vacation homes, to a record 1.07 million last year, with 18% of buyers saying they bought them to rent to others.

Posted by VRO at 02:16 PM | Permalink

November 13, 2007. The first snow reports in the nation came in this weekend from various luxury vacation rental destinations. In any given year, some parts of the country may still be too warm, or may not have received any snow. But there are always the lucky resorts that get to open before Thanksgiving.

As usual, Colorado is reporting some of the first winter storms. October storms and chilly temperatures allowed at least five resorts to open, according to the Denver Post. Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Wolf Creek have already started, while Crested Butte and Winter Park will open this week.

A cold front that passed through the Southeast allowed three North Carolina resorts to start up the snowmaking machines. Sugar Mountain and Cataloochee opened limited runs, and other resorts expect to open around Thanksgiving, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times. Weather experts seem to disagree over how much snow the region might get this year, but a forecast for cold season will be enough for nightly snowmaking.

Another cold front passing through the Northeast allowed Pennsylvania skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. Big Boulder in the Poconos opened its terrain park and a beginner slope, according to the Pocono Record. The headline read, "Resort's Early Opening Pyschs Skiers."

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November 9, 2007. It has long been our opinion travelers should find the best accommodations for the price, and we believe luxury vacation rentals almost always fulfill that role. Now, CNN and National Geographic Traveler have become the latest media outlets to support our contention in the article "Inn Is Out: 5 Reasons to Skip a Hotel."

Here are our comments on the author's reasons:

1. More room – This one is a no-brainer. Many hotel rooms remind us of studio apartments, while luxury vacation rentals tend to be converted homes and condominiums.

2. More privacy – Ever had to turn up the television to drown out the noise from next door? And where in a hotel room do you find privacy from roommates? Hint: The lobby.

3. Better price – It's not as simple as comparing the flat nightly rates. Compare what you're getting for those rates. And consider the economy of scale – if more than two people will attend, a vacation rental usually beats multiple hotel rooms.

4. More local flavor – Hotels the world over hardly seem to differ sometimes, except for their level of luxury. A rental house, one the other hand, most likely incorporates some regional architecture and may be located in a real neighborhood versus a sanitized tourist district.

5. Extra flexibility – Want to add an extra guest to your hotel room? You'll probably pay for it. Renting a cabin or a condo? One flat rate will likely cover everyone.

Whether you're staying in Cozumel or Canada, we recommend a luxury vacation rental.

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November 7, 2007. When it comes to choosing a luxury vacation rental, the ideal destination is a matter of opinion. The divergence in tastes ranges from ski vacation versus tropical escape to urban amenities versus country living.

The Washington Post Travel section always has a great Q&A feature, and this week's column featured two locales that lie on polar opposites of the getaway spectrum: Montreal and Buenos Aires. One will be rather frigid, the other will be sizzling.

A concerned reader asked whether there would be anything to do Montreal in the depths of winter, specifically over the holidays. To which writer Scott Vogel replied:

"You're kidding, n'est-ce pas? Are we being punk'd? Given Montreal's love of the season, not to mention its deep French Catholic roots, you'll be stumbling over buches de Noel at every turn."

Apparently, Montreal has serious Christmas celebrations. To protect its denizens from the cold, the city also has a 20-mile pedestrian network linking shops, restaurants and cultural institutions.

The second writer asked whether she could travel to Buenos Aires if she didn't speak Spanish, to which Vogel replied an emphatic yes. Another South American hotspot where English is often spoken is Venezuela's Caribbean Coast.

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November 6, 2007. The headline said it all: "A Long Weekend? How About a Whole Year?" So asked the New York Times of its readers in a look at families who took extended vacations to see the world.

The locations were mostly exotic, from Dubai to New Zealand, and the travel style was often somewhat fast-paced. But one family noted that their biggest goal was to spend long enough in one country to truly get to know the place.

The notion got us wondering – why not spend a few months in a luxury vacation rental in the United States?

How about a winter in a Colorado ski vacation rental? The goal would be to ski every resort in the Rocky Mountain state. Some trips to Denver's museums and cultural institutions would be appropriate for children who need to be homeschooled. The family could head to the Four Corners region if they get sick of snow.

Or try a month in California's Wine Country, immersing oneself in the culture of the aficionado. Mornings could be started with invigorating bicycle rides on the pastoral country roads. Afternoons could be spent visiting the vineyards and wineries. And evenings would consist of sampling the gourmet restaurants.

The possibilities make us dizzy…

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November 3, 2007. We often find that it's easy to eat healthy at home or while staying at a luxury vacation rental, but not during the trip to the vacation destination. The longer the drive, the more we move away from our good eating habits. No wonder, when the source of nutrition comes from fast food restaurants, gas stations and the continental breakfast bars at hotels.

IndependentTraveler.com has an excellent guide to the healthiest menu choices at major fast food restaurants. Sorry, but burgers and fries aren't mentioned. Grilled chicken tops the list at most establishments. Ask them to hold the mayonnaise and other sauces, which are likely high in fat. And if you order a salad, go easy on the dressing, which can add enough calories to cancel the benefits of the greens.

About.com offers suggestions on how to approach each meal on the road. To begin with, avoid the excess sugar often found in donuts and other easy-to-grab breakfast items. At a hotel breakfast bar, for example, opt for a whole grain cereal and some fruit. At a gas station, look for the same or pick out the protein/energy bar with the least amount of sugars and calories.

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November 1, 2007. When we think of all the great places to rent a luxury vacation rental in the "off season," our minds go into overdrive. As the fall colors wind down, we enter the stage before epic snows and tropics-bound winter escapes. A few items inspired us.

The Washington Post ran an article titled "Key West: In the Off-Season, It's Even More Laid Back." An even more laid back Key West? Sounds good to us. Writer Diane Roberts incorporates the six-toed cats living in Ernest Hemingway's home as metaphors for the way life should be:

"The Hemingway cats embody the lazy hedonism of Key West, drinking, eating and sleeping when they feel like it."

The Toronto Globe and Mail promotes the savings and wisdom of off-season travel combined with tried-and-true frugal travel tips. Stories of sterling deals in exotic locales like the Caribbean are combined with tales of frequent-flier-mile pros. In our experience, the off-season is one of the easiest times to redeem frequent flier miles.

There are also a few weeks left in the shoulder season at ski locales, of which Canada has plenty. If you don't ski or snowboard, but don't want to pay summer prices for a Canadian vacation, these next few weeks might be the time for spontaneous travel.

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October 31, 2007. Every family has a Thanksgiving tradition. Increasingly, many families are foregoing a gathering with the extended clan in exchange for some bonding with the spouse and/or children. This might be due to mobility of modern people and the their increasingly scattered relatives, which makes even-handed gatherings all the more difficult. After all, one visit with in-laws inevitably breeds jealously with the other set(s).

Perhaps as a sign of the times, CNN.com weighed in with their suggestions for holiday getaways. Interestingly enough, they interviewed one family who brought in siblings and in-laws from all over the country for a reunion in Colorado. CNN also offered some advice: start planning plenty early and be clear about who pays for what.

Another great idea: Charleston, South Carolina. Although not mentioned in the article, we recommend the Charleston area because the weather is usually perfect at the end of November. Furthermore, the many restaurants in the area often host Thanksgiving dinner for a decent price. And the small city's excellent shopping will be a perfect place to cross items off the Christmas list.

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October 30, 2007. The New York Times Travel section published a full spread on Caribbean travel this weekend. It's a worthy, inspiring package that will have you planning an island vacation moments after you fold up the paper.

The topics are diverse and appropriate for the season. Now is a great time to make travel plans, if you haven't already, for a winter escape to a warmer climate.

One article examines non-stop flights and the ease of travel they provide between your hometown and your vacation destination. There isn't always a non-stop flight, but they are increasing in numbers. Puerto Rico leads the pack, with zero-layover options being extended this year.

The Dominican Republic is the subject of an ode to authentic cultural experiences, but with a twist: the article details the pockets of Dominican restaurants and culture in New York City. It's a clever addition to the whole package.

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October 27, 2007. Golf.com recently featured an article highlighting golf choices in Palm Beach for three budgets. We'd like to make a small suggestion: next time you organize a golf trip, make sure your reserve a luxury vacation rental. As hard as you work, you deserve nice accommodations. And for the budget conscious, a luxury vacation rental split between golf buddies can be one of the least expensive options available.

The Golf.com article has recommendations that fall under $600, $900 and $1,750, with corresponding increases in green fees and nightly hotel rates. With a set weekly rate for a luxury vacation rental, travelers can mix and match.

The list of golf courses had us salivating… Although it has some of the least expensive green fees, the PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course isn't too shabby an option. One of the mid-range courses, the North Palm Beach Country Club, is one of our favorite choices in the area. Of course, you'll want to shell out some extra pesos for some of the pricey selections, like The Breakers' Ocean Course, which features outstanding views of the Atlantic.

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October 25, 2007. Have the first cool breezes of autumn made you wish for sunnier climates? Late October and early November is a popular time to hit the road and head for the Sun Belt. These are the places to go:

Scottsdale-Phoenix – This desert metropolis has become the golf destination of winter. More than 200 courses are scattered about the Sonora, basking under blue skies. When you've had enough golf, head to the mountains for some adventure. Or relax at some of the famous spas. Or hit up Scottsdale Boulevard, home to chic boutiques and gourmet cafes.

Galveston – Being on the Gulf of Mexico has advantages, but being located next to Houston really helps. When you decide you need some big city pleasures, just head off to "H-Town," as the locals call it. Most of the time, you'll prefer relaxing walks on the beach, daily games of golf, and Texas barbecue.

Savannah– This antebellum coastal town has charm and spunk. Morning walks through the historic neighborhoods are the perfect way to start the day. Head to the wharf district for great seafood. Spend the afternoons exploring the Atlantic coast of the Southeast.

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October 24, 2007. If you're headed to a luxury vacation rental in the coming weeks, you may have a chance of seeing a bald eagle. There are several reasons for this, according to travel columnist Rob Lovitt.

With winter approaching, many bald eagles are on the move, inhabiting a wider variety of places. Thanks to the falling leaves, it's also easier to see the big birds. And, thankfully, the numbers of our national symbol, once nearing extinction, have now rebounded enough to potentially take them off the Endangered Species list.

Here are just a couple of locations where the bald eagle may be spotted:

Florida – Talk about a snowbird! Lake Kissimmee State Park is a popular spot to find them, although they are scattered throughout the state. Florida is, in fact, an all-around great birdwatching location this time of the year, with many species en route to Central and South America.

Virginia – What better place to see this patriotic raptor than Virginia, a state steeped in the history of our country's founding? The Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge, 18 miles south of Washington, D.C., was actually the first wildlife refuge created specifically for the bald eagle.

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October 23, 2007. Trying to decide where to book your next luxury vacation rental? Or what to do on your next vacation? Fodor's reprinted an article on lighthouses last weekend in honor of the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge, an annual tour of the beacons of New Jersey.

The article also mentions one of our favorite destinations, North Carolina's Outer Banks. These barrier islands are home to the tallest lighthouse in North America, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Cape Hatteras is the farthest southeast point of the Outer Banks, and its location at the confluence of two ocean currents gives it an amazing biological diversity. The test weather and rugged coast have also been the site of many shipwrecks in the past centuries.

As the legend goes, these shipwrecks cast horses into the sea, and some of the horses swam to shore. Today, the descendants of these escapees enjoy fame as wild horses. As many people come to see them as they come to see lighthouses.

For more information on lighthouses, visit the website of the United States Lighthouse Society. These treasures of the past are a sight to see, but they are also an inspiration to travel. And although many no longer serve as maritime guides, they still show us where to take our next vacation.

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October 21, 2007. It comes in the middle of winter, that yearning for a luxury vacation rental in the Caribbean. The short days, the cold temperatures, the cabin fever… you will need an escape to a warmer climate. It seems months away, but now is the time to start planning and make reservations.

But which Caribbean island should you choose?

If your sole intention is to lie on white, sandy beaches, then shoot for the Bahamas. Governors Harbor is home to some of the best beaches to be had. Visitors intentionally choose this destination for the absence of glitz and glamour and the preponderance of tranquility.

Those who prefer more excitement, from shopping to entertainment to sightseeing, should consider Jamaica. This friendly island is known for its laid-back attitude and good times. After touring the coffee farms of the Blue Mountains and buying some world-class beans, pull an all-nighter at the nightclubs in Montego Bay.

Nature lovers and adventure buffs will enjoy the Dominican Republic, a country that prides itself on its preservation ethic. Jaragua National Park is home to more than 100 species of birds and some ancient rock paintings. Or go whitewater rafting on the Jaque de Norte.

Head to the Virgin Islands for a classy getaway replete with world-class restaurants, top-tier golf courses and beautiful beaches. Vacationers can shop high-end boutiques in modern towns with a slightly European flavor, and then escape to palm-lined sands and bright blue waters.

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October 19, 2007. Fans of Tony Hillerman mysteries will want to check out the article "Tony Hillerman's novels inspire Four Corners tours," in the Dallas Morning News. The reporter interviews Hillerman and joins a sanctioned tour of the author's storybook settings by the Scottsdale-based group Detours of Arizona.

The award-winning mystery writer has earned a loyal following with his gripping tales set in the Four Corners states of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. The books feature crimefighters and gumshoes from the Navajo tribe and various High Desert communities, and showcase a landscape that includes ancient pueblo dwellings, parched landscapes and rugged mountains… Just the kinds of places many people enjoy for sightseeing.

Consider this excerpt:

"In the fall, wend through golden aspen groves until coming upon the ghostly shadow of Shiprock Peak, scene of the crime in The Fallen Man, as you come into the northwestern part of New Mexico. The yellow-gold trees are brilliant, set against the chilly specter of this dormant 40 million-year-old volcanic pinnacle shaped like a clipper ship. Shiprock Peak appears in four Hillerman books."

The tours don't just stop with real-life locations, however. Hillerman based many of his characters on real people, and some of those people are gracious enough to welcome visitors.

"These include James Peshlakai, a Navajo scholar, teacher and silversmith who appears as a Navajo shaman in The Wailing Wind. Mr. Peshlakai is a longtime friend of Mr. Hillerman, and stories of their friendship and of how he came to be in a couple of the writer's novels are as fascinating as he is."

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October 17, 2007. MSNBC.com and Dog Fancy magazine published a list that is sure to catch the attention of dog owners: Top 10 Pet-Friendly Cities. It's really all about dogs – no offense to cat owners. Here are some of the places they discuss:

San Diego – Have you ever heard of a shopping center with a dog park? Well, that's the Otay Ranch Town Shopping Center for you. They even have dogsitting service for $5 per hour so that you can try on some clothes. Nearby LaJolla has the pet friendly Nine-Ten Restaurant Bar and a sea kayaking company that provides doggy life jackets!

Orlando – President Bush's brother Jeb and the other Floridians love dogs so much, they wrote a law about them. Florida's "doggy dining law" allows canines to accompany their masters in outside seating areas throughout the state. A preponderance of such opportunities, as well as pooch-welcoming shops, exists on Orlando's E. Pine Street, and in the nearby town of Celebration.

Portland, Ore. – Hipsters and their dogs can choose from a microbrewery, The Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, or a coffee chop, the Iron Mutt Coffee Company. There's plenty of room for Fido to run free in the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest.

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October 16, 2007. To start the week off in luxury vacation rental news, here are several news items about the airline industry.

The New York Times reported that "Discounters Are in for the Long Haul," examining low-cost carriers offering long-distance flights. These revolutionary offerings cut the price and the layovers, giving business and international flyers a competitive edge. One example: A British businessman cut his flight to Hong Kong from several layovers and up to $8,000 round-trip down to a direct flight at $980 one way.

As part of the continuing efforts to phase out paper tickets, the International Air Transport Association announced cell phone technology that will allow travelers to check in using a bar code sent to their cell phones. "Passengers will register their cell-phone number when buying a ticket and receive a bar code by text message," the Associated Press reported. "Check-in staff will scan the bar code directly from cell phones, doing away with the need for a boarding pass. Alternatively, passengers can also receive the code by e-mail and print it out."

And, of course, there's news on the security front, this time involving a feature seen previously in science fictions films. The Phoenix airport is testing a full-body scanner, according to USA Today. Passengers will walk through a scanner that will create an X-ray-like image, allowing officials to look for contraband hidden on the body. The controversial measure has attracted criticism from civil rights groups for its invasiveness, but supporters say it could virtually eliminate pat-downs, which some passengers find equally humiliating.

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October 11, 2007. If you're looking for a stay in a luxury vacation rental, remember that there's more to autumn than fall colors. CNN.com published an article called "Taking the Kids: Leaf Peeping from Their Perspective," that offered some suggestions for making fall vacation more interactive.

Here are some of their suggestions:

A scavenger hunt – A hiking guide in Yellowstone National Park suggested one adult place envelopes with cards inside along a trail. Each card has some fun facts about nature, perhaps about the tree or rock it is placed next to, and a clue to find the next card.

Corn mazes – The ears may be gone, but the stalks remain, and there's nothing more fun that letting the children lead the way. Davis Farm in Sterling, Massachusetts, is one place that has a farm every year.

Ride a chairlift – Many ski resorts, especially in Colorado, run a chair lift through the summer. Often, the lifts serve mountain bike parks or mountaintop restaurants. But the ride in and of itself is fun, especially if your children have never been on one before. And the views are great.

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October 10, 2007. If the summer beach crowds kept you away from coastal Mid-Atlantic destinations, now is the time to re-evaluate these fine locales. With the peak season visitors gone, an easy tranquility sets in over the small towns on the bays and capes. Life returns to a mellow pace, guided by the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

Virginia Beach – Strap on some roller blades or get on a bicycle to enjoy the boardwalk at Virginia Beach. Rent a kayak and paddle down one of the scenic waterways, enjoying the fall colors and the snowy egrets. Or bring the clubs for a round at Hell's Point Golf Club.

Chesapeake Bay – Maryland's quaint fishing villages on the Chesapeake Bay offer peaceful escapes. Rekindle the romance with a sunset sailboat ride. Have seafood with every meal. History buffs will find an adventure on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a water-based route that includes sites of significance in this early explorer's travels.

Outer Banks – North Carolina's Outer Banks are home to shipwrecks, wild horses and scenic beaches. Maybe you'll spot a mustang on a morning walk along the shore. At the very least, you're certain to spot a lighthouse or two.

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October 6, 2007. There was a time when I felt really lucky if we were going to fly to a luxury vacation rental. I loved to fly, because I loved looking out the window. I also viewed flights as a break from work and school. There was nothing to do but nap, read or look out the window.

With all of the bad news about delays, lost luggage and security, some people might suggest the pendulum has swung in the other direction – that flying has become a dreaded chore. I happen to disagree with that, but I noticed that flying is becoming more like normal life.

On a recent flight to Texas, for example, I brought my work with me. With a laptop and cell phone, I barely found time to crack open a book for pleasure.

Two recent articles also caught my eye because they suggested the continued creep of everyday life into what was once a unique experience.

Business Week reported that some airlines are attempting to improve their dining menu. I remember a time when a free meal was standard. It was nothing fancy, but who flies for a culinary experience? Now, these airlines are offering roast beef Cobb salad sandwich, grilled shrimp salad, and black olive spaghetti salad at $7-$10 a pop.

The Associated Press also reported that airports are looking more and more like malls, with recognized brands such as Brooks Brothers and Victoria's Secret opening shop. Why start on that mystery or thriller when you can shop for a tie or a bra? At least if your plane gets delayed, your shopping experience becomes extended.

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October 3, 2007. For those who love to fish, luxury vacation rentals are the obvious choice. They provide enough room to store the gear and adequate kitchen facilities to fry up the catch. Forbes Traveler recently asked top anglers for their favorite places to fish, so we thought we'd share their picks.

Baja - Kip Adam, guide and owner of World's Best Big Game Fishing Inc. of Oakland, Calif., pulled a 120-pound sailfish and a 200-pound striped marlin out of the waters off the East Cape. Blue marlin, the most prized sport fish of all, also thrive here.

Columbia River – The fourth-largest river in North America is home to the largest fish species on the continent, the white sturgeon. Matt Straw, an editor at In-Fisherman magazine, landed an 8-foot-long white sturgeon from the Columbia, which may explain why he picked this river. Set up shop near Portland, Oregon, and Mount Hood.

Puerto Rico – Believe it or not, outdoors writer Greg Breining chose a location that was once a part of a Naval bombing range. Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, has been reclaimed and now teems with record tarpon that tip the scales at more than 200 pounds.

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October 4, 2007. Every golfer has a wish list of courses. Some of those courses may be out of reach, while others may not be. The great thing about Jack Nicklaus is that he designs courses that we can all play (as well as courses that only sheiks and CEOs can play).

Golf Magazine recently published "Top 10 Nicklaus Courses You Can Play," an inspiring list that makes us want to book a luxury vacation rental and start playing religiously.

Here are a few picks:

Mad River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff – Located in Bluffton, near Hilton Head, South Carolina, this course embodies everything about the Southeastern coast – "massive oaks drenched in Spanish moss, freshwater wetlands… and the oyster-filled May River."

Reflection Bay at Lake Las Vegas – The polar opposite of Palmetto Bluff: dry, sunny days, desert backdrop, and Sin City. Just 30 minutes from the Strip, according to the article.

The Ocean Course at Ginn Hammock – Rent a home anywhere along the Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida, and divide your time between beach cruising and fairway driving.

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October 2, 2007. Many vacations revolve around the Great Outdoors and places that reconnect us to nature. The Washington Post Travel section just published an article noting that National Wildlife Refuge Week comes around Oct. 7-13 this year. The National Wildlife Refuge System protects nearly 97 million acres in 548 refuges, according to the article.

In honor of these pristine lands, The Post suggested a few D.C.-area refuges. The nearby Blackwater NWR is a great place to go canoeing and birdwatching. The Patuxent Research Refuge welcomes hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The grasslands of the Occoquan Bay NWR are famous for attracting butterflies.

Delaware has the Bombay Hook NWR, which is another birding hotspot and has a 12-mile scenic drive and five nature trails. Visitors can win a free annual pass to the refuge by following 10 clues to different locations and photographing themselves at each site for the Family Nature Scavenger Photograph Search Challenge, being held between Oct. 13 and Nov. 2.

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September 29, 2007. When Forbes Traveler dished on the playgrounds of billionaires, we noticed something: VacationRental.org has places at those destinations. So if you're wanting to vacation like a billionaire, here are some places to check out:

Palm Beach – Celebrity rich people such as Donald Trump, Andre Agassi and Vera Wang continue a tradition that was begun in the 1920s. Palm Beach has fine sands, nice restaurants and chic shopping. And it's close to Miami. If you're regular folk, you can hire a charter boat and go deep-sea fishing. If you're a billionaire, you can hop in your yacht anytime and buzz down to the Caribbean.

Nantucket – Fidelity Investments billionair Abigail Johnson is among the social leaders of the rich on this quaint New England island. As one person put it, it's the kind of place where you can feel equally at home attending cocktail parties in an evening gown or a beachside barbecue in jeans.

Aspen – This Colorado mountain town is a second home for Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell, Inc. As Forbes put it, one can see "corporate moguls, movie stars, Internet titans and bona fide cowboys" mingle here. It's a great year-round spot, with epic skiing, fall colors, and great golf and outdoors recreation.

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September 27, 2007. When of the first things you may search for when staying in a luxury vacation rental is a local museum. These monuments to natural and cultural history feature not just exhibits, but escapes. We can imagine life in another era, ponder deep questions about our existence, or just find a place to think with some peace and quiet.

Forbes Traveler recently ranked the Top 25 Museums in the country. You won't find a local history society tucked into a schoolhouse; these are the big ones. But the diversity is a welcome sign – everything from art to nature to industry to history made the list.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum – Washington, D.C.,might be the capital of museums, as well. In a city with so many great galleries, this is one of the most impressive. You'll walk away with a new respect for the wonder of flight and the ingenuity of mankind.

Metropolitan Museum – New York City is a multicultural mecca, and the Met features art from all over the world. It's also fitting that America's largest city is also home to the country's largest art museum. You'll need more than just one day to appreciate this behemoth.

Pacific Science Center – Located in Seattle, the Pacific Science Center gets credit for its broad appeal. It gets top grades for kid-friendly exhibits, too. Check out the Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool for a very interesting lesson.

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September 26, 2007. If you haven't reserved a luxury vacation rental for the leaf peeping season, now is the time to do so. In recent weeks, we've highlighted some great spots on the East and West coasts. Of course, we haven't come close to covering them all, so here are some more suggestions:

The Ozarks – The plateaus and canyons of the Ozarks are chock full of scenic vistas from which to view the changing hues. Best of all, you can pair your trip with some fishing in the Buffalo or White rivers, or a catch some entertainment in Branson, Missouri.

The Poconos – With its more famous rivals in New England getting all of the attention, the Poconos are often overlooked. The hardwood forests in these Pennsylvania mountains have plenty of brilliant autumn colors of their own, however. The small towns along the scenic highways also offer plenty of dining and antiquing opportunities. Addition fun includes the Pocono Raceway, whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, and several fantastic golf courses.

Georgia Mountains – Georgia's share of the Appalachian mountains are located in the northern part of the state, but as far south as these mountains are, you can be sure they are soon to approach peak season. The best place to soak in the fall colors is atop 4,784-foot Brasstown Bald, the state's highest peak. The Appalachian Trail, which begins at Springer Mountain, also has some great scenic overlooks.

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September 25, 2007. What are you going to do during your next stay at a luxury vacation rental? One family, on a recent trip, decided to do some bonding by hiking to the top of a mountain.

The Chicago Tribune published a thoughtful story by the mother, with photos by the father. They were driving their daughter to college, and worrying about the separation and the challenges their child might face. So, in a symbolic gesture of obstacles overcome, everyone stopped in the Adirondacks for a group summit of 3,524-foot Crane Mountain.

Along the way, they face brutally steep trails, dehydration, and poorly marked trails. But in the end, they make it, and the family bond grows tighter as a result.

Consider a challenge on your next trip. Maybe you want to shave a few points off your handicap with a week of golf in Palm Springs. Or perhaps learn to ski a black diamond on your next Colorado ski vacation. Whatever the test, you will be glad you at least tried.

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September 21, 2007. Sometimes, those destinations off the beaten path can be the most rewarding. We thought we'd compile a list of places you might have forgotten about, or perhaps never heard of…

Red River Gorge, Kentucky – Sandstone bluffs, arches, overhangs and other rock formations create a fantastic landscape in this little slice of the Bluegrass State. The Red River Gorge Geological Area has some of the best hiking in the state. A chair lift at Natural Bridge State Park whisks visitors to the top of one of the largest rock bridges in the country. Nearby outfitters also offer rock climbing lessons, canoeing and horseback rides.

Western Pennsylvania – A variety of surprises are hidden away in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. Hidden Valley Ski Area offers winter getaways, while the Golf Club at Hidden Valley draws summer patrons. Architect Andrew Lloyd Wright's most famous house, Fallingwater, welcomes visitors. And a tour of the Glades Pike Winery will almost certainly see you leave with a few souvenirs.

Bend, Oregon – Nestled at the base of the Central Cascades, this small college town has become a hip enclave for artists, California refugees and outdoorsy types. By day, choose from any outdoors pursuit you can imagine, from golf to hiking to fly fishing. In the evening, sample the local microbreweries and go shopping in the surprisingly large downtown district.

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September 20, 2007. Part of the fun of booking a luxury vacation rental is researching your destination online. The tasks of travel arrangements, check-in times, etc., can be a little more odious. A new online organizer could make your next trip a little more fun and a little more organized at the same time, according to the MSNBC travel writer Rob Lovitt .

TripIt is an online tool that replaces the manila folder full of printed confirmations. As you make reservations online, you email your confirmation to TripIt. The website then compiles that info into "a single master itinerary complete with pertinent destination information."

"For example, I recently booked a trip to San Francisco using frequent flier miles on United.com, a coupon on Dollar.com and the luck of the draw on Hotwire.com. When I forwarded my confirmation e-mails to TripIt, the Itinerator organized them in chronological order and added date-specific weather data, local maps and driving directions between the airport and my hotel."

Other Web tools Lovitt reviewed in his column include Mapplets, from Google Maps, a user-friendly features that makes it easier to create mashups; OrbitzTLC Travel Update, a real-time, user-generated resource for travel conditions; and a new feature on the social networking site Facebook that adds GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates to you profile so your friends and family know where you're located.

Posted by VRO at 01:43 AM | Permalink

September 19, 2007. Flying has long been a common mode of travel, whether traveling on business or going to a luxury vacation rental. Recently, however, flying has been blamed as a culprit in global warming, because of the high amounts of pollution created during flight.

That has spawned a new program called "carbon offsets," a voluntary system in which participants pay a company to invest in projects that will offset their flight's carbon dioxide emissions. According to a Budget Travel Online article, however, not all carbon offset programs are created equal.

Take a trip from Massachusetts to Los Angeles, for example. Two different programs calculated two different costs to offset the carbon emissions of such a trip. One cost $10 while the other cost $65.

Budget Travel recommends asking a few questions:

How are donations used?

Are results guaranteed?

Is there a seal of approval?

Do you have a pet cause?

Critics charge that carbon offsets might create the illusion that consumers are buying a "pardon," but supporters say the programs support carbon-reducing projects, from tree-planting to renewable energy projects.

Posted by VRO at 01:33 AM | Permalink

September 17, 2007. As the steamy Las Vegas summer gives way to the perfect temperatures of fall, winter and spring, now is the perfect time to think about luxury vacation rentals. The Dallas Morning News has a good take on the city, with alternative ideas to the Strip.

Not that there's anything wrong with the Strip. The lights, the action, the frenzied pace, and, of course, the gambling. The restaurants, the shopping and the entertainment. But for many, a rental by the Strip offers just as many opportunities. If you like to golf, for example, you don't want to be stuck among the high-rise casino-hotels.

This glitzy town is also surrounded by incredible natural beauty, from the nearby Red Rock recreation area to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, recommended by the Morning News.

Because of the massive amounts of visitors, flights in and out of Vegas are surprisingly cheap. That makes a vacation less expensive than you might have thought. Eat at some restaurants off the Strip, and you'll save even more money. The Morning News has some great ideas for restaurants , too. According to their article, Vegas is a multicultural town, with delicious Chinese, North African and Indian food.

Posted by VRO at 07:43 AM | Permalink

September 15, 2007. We recently highlighted some ideal locations for luxury vacation rentals in the major leaf-peeping regions of the Eastern U.S. Today, we'll point out a few great destinations in the West.

Yosemite – There are two reasons to love Yosemite in the fall. One, the grasses and oaks on the valley floor turn golden brown, while the aspen in the side canyons turn brilliant yellow (sometimes even orange). Two, the summer crowds are gone. Of course, the waterfalls may be dwindling as the last of the snowmelt expires, but there's plenty to look at in this national park.

Colorado Rockies – Go hiking in the Maroon Bells wilderness or ride the train from Durango to Silverton. Western fall colors in most wild areas depend almost entirely on the aspen, and Colorado has more than its share of these beautiful trees. In between summer vacation and ski season, visitors may even find reduced rates.

Cascades – The Cascades of the Pacific Northwest depend on the larch tree for their fall colors. Great places to see this wonderful tree include the Horseshoe Lake Hike, Ingalls Lake and Lake Ann. The North Cascades Highway and Methow Valley provide a wonderful scenic drive.

Posted by VRO at 01:28 AM | Permalink

September 13, 2007. When staying at a luxury vacation rental, shopping is always inevitable. USA Today ran a very informative article about shipping home the spoils of your shopping trips, in lieu of carrying them on the plane or in the car.

Tips include:

Choose a carrier – Official postal services are not always efficient or reliable, so consider going with private carriers such as FedEx and UPS.

Plan ahead – Research local carrier stations and customs laws regarding what can be shipped.

Pack it properly and insure it – Unless you just don't value the $500 vase you just bought.

The article inspired us to think about some of the great vacation destinations where visitors might find themselves shipping home some nice arts and crafts. We thought about:

Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue has become the hottest strip on the Yucatan Peninsula. Save some energy for the nightclubs.

Montego Bay, Jamaica – Can you say duty free? The girls back home won't just be jealous about the necklace, they'll envy the bargain you got.

San Pedro, Belize – The local artisans showcase their Mayan heritage at the tiny mercados in San Pedro and nearby villages. These are one-of-a-kind finds.

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September 11, 2007. One major trend we've noticed while researching luxury vacation rental news for our blog: online video feeds. MSNBC.com has been at the forefront of this technology, with videos that are easy to download even on slow Internet connections. This week, on "The Ultimate Getaway," an Internet video show, the website chronicles the offseason adventures at Nantucket.

The winds begin to blow this time of year, making sailing an great choice for this coastal Massachusetts getaway. Several local outfitters offer lessons. The host also visits Cisco Brewers, a local microbrewery, and some nice restaurants.

There are other great beach vacation spots in the area that no longer have the crowds of summer. Martha's Vineyard is a charming island with paved bicycle trails, golf courses and celebrity ambience. Cape Cod, home of Cape Cod National Seashore, is a great place for the family, with great beaches and opportunities to look for sea critters in the exposed tide pools at low tide.

All of these destinations, of course, have great seafood, whale watching and historic districts. The weather stays pleasant until November, when the winds begin to carry a bit more chill.

Posted by VRO at 10:51 AM | Permalink

September 6, 2007. The travel media has turned its attention to fall events lately. USA Today reported on a couple of options, for example.

"The Martha's Vineyard Harvest will celebrate 'sea, farm and vine,' bringing together chefs from the island, Boston and New York, artisanal food purveyors and winemakers," according to a recent article.

Martha's Vineyard already has an incredible restaurant scene, no doubt enhanced by this festival. Local food has become a popular trend among consumers, growing in accord with the organic food movement. Culinary travel has also gained traction in several regions of the world. Thanks to the beaches and local bicycle trails, festivalgoers will have plenty of opportunities to walk off the calories.

Another article, "San Diego Heats up with Autumn Events," looks at what's happening on the other coast. With perfect weather all year long, San Diego is always an ideal place to visit.

Fleet Week, which actually occurs over six weeks from Sept. 17 to Oct. 27, highlights the region's close ties to the Navy and the ocean vessel culture. The 32nd annual Harvest Festival (Oct. 26-28) showcases 300 artists and craftsmen, making it one of the largest art and gift shows on the West Coast.

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September 5, 2007. The New York Times published a wistful farewell to summer vacation this weekend, interviewing seasonal inhabitants and workers on Cape May, on the Jersey shore. One young man who had spent the past 15 summers living and working on the Jersey shore described the annual trip home.

"It's probably the worst feeling, driving out on Avalon Boulevard across the bridge," he said. "Because you know your summer is gone."

One young man's misery may be another traveler's fortune, however.

As many resort areas move into the off-season, or hit the shoulder season between summer vacation and fall leaf-peeping or snowbird migrations, rates often dip a little. With the crowds down, visitors will also find the sights all to themselves.

Here are some ideas:

Florida – When a chill nips the air up north, the snowbirds take the cue and begin a mass movement. For many, winter is prime time in Florida. That means September and October are perfect for the rest of us.

Smoky Mountains – With school back in session, the traffic congestion has cleared on Newfound Road, the main artery through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The going should stay good until October when the fall foliage comes in.

Colorado – The Rocky Mountain state sees a lull in visitors until the snow falls, at which point skiers are coming from around the world. Late summer and early fall are great times to go for hikes because the afternoon thunderstorms lessen their intensity.

Posted by VRO at 06:11 AM | Permalink

September 1, 2007. Babies change the whole vacation equation. There's a new responsibility injected into your leisure, and spontaneity gets a measure of consideration from the new party. But it's not impossible, and luxury vacation rentals make traveling easier.

We were reminded of the topic after reading travel etiquette writer Harriet Baskas' column, "Diaper Duties on Airplanes." The subtitle is straightforward: "Is changing on tray tables OK?" As one might imagine, the opinions fall predictably into two camps – those who have babies, and those who don't.

Baskas collected a nice set of alternatives. Two people can turn to face each other, knee-to-knee, and use their legs as a table. Use the floor. Use the seat. The bathroom may have ample room on the sink or the toilet lid, but germs are an obvious concern. One grandmother suggested sitting on the toilet seat, then placing the baby on your legs.

Ahh, the joy of babies!

We recommended staying in a luxury vacation rental with some extra room and some privacy. A crying baby isn't nearly as embarrassing in a beachside condo as in a crowded motel. At VacationRental.org, the ample photos of each rental will also give you an idea ahead of time where you might be able to change those diapers…

Posted by VRO at 10:01 AM | Permalink

August 30, 2007. If you're headed to a luxury vacation rental for Labor Day weekend, please be patient and courteous. Experts predict major crowds on the roads and in the air.

The American Automobile Association predicts 34.6 million Americans will travel this weekend, according to Newsday. That figure is down just slightly from last year, but it's still one in 10 Americans. Economic woes tied to the housing market are blamed for the minor drop.

There is good news. The national average earlier this week for regular gasoline was $2.758 per gallon, 8.2 cents less than a year earlier. That helps the vast majority of travelers, 29 million of whom will drive to places like Cape Cod and the Cascades in cars and RVs, according to the AAA.

The Federal Aviation Administration expects 15.7 million Americans to fly this weekend, a three percent increase over last year, according to ABC News. That rise comes despite the number of flight cancellations having doubled since last year.

For a humorous and informative column on Labor Day flights, check out James Wysong's column on MSNBC.com.

Posted by VRO at 01:31 AM | Permalink

August 28, 2007. What if you arrived at the airport, ready to fly home, only to realize you had left your plane ticket in the luxury vacation rental? A hassle of epic proportions would most likely ensue, no doubt. That is what is great about e-tickets – you don't get them until you arrive at the airport, so you can't lose them (until you get to the airport).

Starting May 31 next year, paper tickets will be a thing of the past, according The World radio program. Many air travelers may have already noticed the gradual disappearance of paper tickets, which were once mailed to the traveler's home in advance of a journey.

The International Air Transport Association announced its last order for paper ticket, which marks the "nail in the coffin." Already, 84 percent of international flights already use paperless tickets, so most travelers will hardly notice the transition.

The story reminded me of the time I left my paper tickets in the arriving flight on a trip Washington, D.C. I didn't notice I had lost them until the day before I was scheduled to fly back to Kentucky, my home at the time. I spent many hours on the phone and had to arrive at the airport several hours early to obtain a new ticket.

Another advantage of the complete switch: the airlines will save $9 per passenger and an estimated 50,000 trees per year.

Posted by VRO at 01:11 PM | Permalink

August 24, 2007. You can't stay in a luxury vacation rental without taking some photos for posterity. For those interested in the latest photography news, The Washington Post travel section published several features on cameras and photos.

The Post reviewed single-use digital cameras, which are shipped to a photo developer after use and then recycled. Let's say you're in Hawaii and you forgot your own – no need to worry, just buy a single-use, heir to the disposable film camera. As can be expected, the picture quality isn't tops, but it's an inexpensive alternative to buying a new one and it's better than nothing at all.

They also reviewed the Quikpod Pro, an extendable handheld monopod that lets you hold the camera and take a picture of yourself. "Instead of an uncomfortably up-close-and-personal shot of our forehead, we ended up with a balanced image good enough to hold on to. Be on the lookout for camera shake, though."

A survey of online photo-hosting sites compares four websites that allow users to upload their photos, email them to friends and order prints. Another feature discusses unusual ways to display your photos, from purses to postcards.

Posted by VRO at 01:48 PM | Permalink

August 22, 2007. The New York Times published this weekend an ode to lake trout, step-child to the brook trout. When it comes to trout, most fishermen picture an angler wading in a stream or river, rhythmically casting his fly rod back and forth across the surface. One doesn't ascribe that vision to the bass, varieties of which can be found in streams, lakes and oceans, but life just isn't fair.

The Times focused on the lake-trout-crazy communities of the Finger Lakes region of New York. Located in the western part of the state, these long, skinny lakes sit parallel to one another between small mountain ridges. Some local restaurants serve up the fish for dinner, and one photo showed a mailbox painted and shaped in homage.

Lake trout prefer cold, deep waters, making the Finger Lakes ideal for them. Another great place to cast for these underrated guys is Lake Michigan. A stay at a Michigan vacation cottage is nice enough, but a bountiful catch of lake trout for the grill will make the stay unforgettable. The cold, northern waters of Minnesota often harbor some lake trout as well.

If you go fishing in search of this species, you'll need a boat. Because they prefer the cold, deep waters, they tend to congregate off shore.

Posted by VRO at 07:05 AM | Permalink

August 21, 2007. MSNBC and Concierge.com published a nice little guide to mountain towns for the summer. "…there are other places than the ocean for cooling off," the article reads. "August is the best month to seek out great mountain towns, which have finally cast aside their snowy comforters for crisp sheets of green trees with patterns of blue lakes and rivers."

Here are some of their suggestions:

North Adams, Massachusetts – Stay anywhere in the Berkshires, but make sure you visit North Adams while you're there. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, or MASS MoCA, is the country's largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts, with 13 acres, 19 galleries, and 100,000 square feet of exhibition space. Nearby, hikers enjoy bagging the state's highest peak, 3,491-foot Mount Greylock.

Brevard, N.C. – This is just one of many mountain towns in near Asheville in Western North Carolina. Interestingly, Concierge.com highlighted Brevard College's Porter Center for the Performing Arts, but forgot to mention the famous white squirrels that scurry about campus.

Park City, Utah– A perennial favorite with skiers can also be a fantastic summer getaway. Thanks to the big money from the Hollywood set that arrives every year for the Sundance Film Festival, Park City has become rather upscale. Rembrandts grace some of the art galleries, and foie gras can be found on a restaurant menu.

Posted by VRO at 10:43 AM | Permalink

August 19, 2007. So, you're driving to a luxury vacation rental when it appears on the horizon: a giant pair of scissors. Then, you see the Eiffel Tower. Next, a 40-foot-tall Paul Bunyan.

You could be in anywhere in America, with its affinity for eye-catching roadside attractions. RoadsideAmerica.com , self-dubbed "Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions," highlights strange sights such as these all over the country. The aforementioned oddities can be found in Northern California .

Other sights include the world's largest ball of string, found in Missouri, and the largest Jackalope, spotted in Wyoming.

The website also features weird news tidbits related to roadside attractions, such as this item about a "vampire peacock memorial" in New York City:

"On the morning of June 28, 2007, a peacock wandered into the parking lot of a Burger King on Staten Island in New York City. The workers were astonished, and walked outside to feed it bread. What happened next was even more astonishing. A homeless man appeared, grabbed the bird by the neck, threw it to the ground, and stomped it to death… 'I'm killing a vampire!' he cried, and then ran away.

"Police caught the man four days later… He was identified as John Potts. His mother explained that he was a schizophrenic who actually loved animals, but who had also stopped taking his medicine. When the police asked him why he had killed the peacock, Potts replied, 'It had negative energy. It came out of the darkness and I kicked it.'"

Posted by VRO at 07:18 PM | Permalink

August 17, 2007. For some people, the ideal luxury vacation rental sits on a beach or a golf course. For others, it sits in the midst of an adventure. Adventure-based travel companies are reporting an increase in business, according to USA Today.

At one company called Backroads, "Bookings this year alone are up 35%. Similar increases are being reported in family offerings from other leading outdoor tour companies such as Mountain Travel Sobek and Butterfield & Robinson. Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, with a 30% rise in families booking adventure tours this year, created a website especially for family adventures, akadventurecrew.com."

VacationRental.org offers a plethora of cabins and homes with adventures waiting right out the backyard, no tour operator needed. Here are two ideas:

Glacier National Park – Featured in the above-mentioned article, this park on the Montana-Canada border displays spectacularly carved mountain ranges teeming with wildlife. Take a guided horseback tour to get farther into the backcountry, or book an expedition to one of the vanishing namesake glaciers.

Yosemite National Park – The 17-mile roundtrip hike to the top of Half Dome will be the walk of your life. Lasting about 10-12 hours, the trip is only for the physically fit, although the summit often sees small children and elderly sloggers. The last stretch involves a steep ascent up some bare granite, with cables installed to give you something to hold onto.

Posted by VRO at 01:47 AM | Permalink

August 15, 2007. In the latest technology news, travelers to luxury vacation rentals can now download podcasts with recorded travel guides, according to an article on MSNBC.com. The podcasts come at a time when 11 percent of all Americans have MP3 players, and almost one-fifth of all Americans under age 30 have one, according to a Pew survey.

With those numbers expected to grow on all fronts, podcast travel guides make sense. Some of our homes and condos on VacationRental.org even feature MP3 "docks" with stereo speakers.

Let's say you're staying on California's Monterey Bay. Before leaving, you can download guides to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach and the nearby town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Florida has podcasts for Orlando and the Everglades National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has downloadable guides to bears, hiking, bird watching and more.

The podcasts create a new marketing opportunity that could be useful to everyone, but that especially targets the elusive 18- to 30-year-old niche. This media savvy group has been found to be a powerful consumer group, but spurns traditional advertising methods. Many advertising methods now attempt to infiltrate their lifestyles through less conspicuous means.

Posted by VRO at 02:16 AM | Permalink

August 14, 2007. Luxury vacation rentals remain popular throughout the year at Lake Placid, New York. But no matter what time you visit, the Winter Olympics will surely be prominent, according to an article in the New York Times.

A travel writer who visited the resort destination found the main attractions to center around Winter Olympic sports, history and training. Because so many athletes train here in the summer, popular pastimes include watching figure skaters perfect their routines. You can ride a bobsled down the run used in the 1980 Olympics. Or take the gondola to the top of Little Whiteface, once the site of the downhill skiing contests and still a popular hill with skiers and snowboarders.

It's easy to see why this place draws visitors all year long. Lake Placid's shimmering waters beckon visitors in the summer, and the surrounding hikes travel through beautiful forests. In the fall, these hills blaze with color. And at 3,420 feet, Whiteface offers the most vertical drop of any ski resort in the East. Its steeps are also legendary.

Being a short jaunt from Interstate 87, the area is also an easy drive from most places in New England.

Posted by VRO at 07:05 AM | Permalink

August 11, 2007. If you ever need to travel with a family pet en route to a luxury vacation rental, do not try to smuggle the animal on board an airplane. On Tuesday, a man was discovered on a flight to New York City with a monkey hidden under his ponytail.
According to news reports, the man had already gotten away with flying from Lima, Peru, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Apparently, the monkey grew tired of hiding out and emerged from underneath the man’s hair.
“Other passengers asked the man if he knew he had a monkey on him,” an airline spokesperson said.
The monkey was initially deemed to be healthy, but it will be quarantined for one month to be certain. The owner was taken away for questioning, but it remained unclear as this blog was written whether he would face criminal charges.
Some airlines do allow pets in the cabin, depending on the size and type of the animal. Most airlines, however, require the animal to remain in a container for during the flight. For a quick overview, see the Federal Aviation Administration’s FAQ “Pets in the Passenger Cabin.”

Posted by VRO at 01:26 AM | Permalink

August 9, 2007. If you haven't already booked a luxury vacation rental for a fall foliage trip, now would be the time to do so. According to an Asheville Citizen-Times article, a North Carolina biologist and seasoned fall colors forecaster said this year's weather could produce some of the best autumn displays in years.

The biologist said Western North Carolina has historically benefited from the drought in spring and early summer, especially since the drought has abated somewhat. In September and October, the most helpful weather will be warm, sunny days with cool, frost-free nights. Another drought, excessive rains, or cold snaps could foil a dramatic display.

The most popular places to stay in the region include Grandfather Mountain, Asheville , the Murphy-Franklin area , and the Smoky Mountains. All of these destinations provide easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the area's plentiful public lands.

Posted by VRO at 01:23 AM | Permalink

August 8, 2007. If you are flying, just keep repeating to yourself: "I will make it to the luxury vacation rental."
The U.S. Department of Transportation released its Air Travel Consumer Report, and the news was not good. Complaints are increasing, the rate of cancellations and lost baggage has risen since last year, and delays are at their highest since 1995, when thorough records began.

The Associated Press reported that experts blame the problems on three main factors: soaring demand, profit chasing and an antiquated radar system. To begin with, more people are flying than ever before. Airlines, seeking to increase their bottom line, have turned to smaller jets rather than fewer larger jets, causing more congestion. Compounding matters is the need for a new radar system to keep up with the increased traffic, but airline companies are fighting over how to pay for the upgrade.

As you fly this summer, we encourage you to arrive early and be patient. Picture yourself on that beach at Martha's Vineyard, or in those Cascade mountains of Washington. If that doesn't appeal to you might try driving instead—unless your vacation destination is in Hawaii or a Caribbean Island

Posted by VRO at 03:21 PM | Permalink

August 7, 2007. The New York Times mentioned two of our favorite places for luxury vacation rentals in the Southwest: Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Sedona, Arizona.

The article, "Is Santa Fe Ready for a Makeover?" compares this town's 400-year-old history with some recent developments. The newest additions only underscore the wonder of Santa Fe. Consider this excerpt:

"The Rail Runner commuter train is coming, linking Santa Fe directly to downtown Albuquerque in an hour and a quarter. A huge new $100 million commercial center, the Railyard, is being built downtown, a rival hub to the plaza in contemporary-industrial steel and glass. Tax incentives have greatly enhanced the film industry in New Mexico and much of the post-production is centered around Santa Fe. The celebrated Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta is now represented not only by the Marion Center for Photographic Arts at the College of Santa Fe but also by the Zocalo, an extraordinary condominium development spilling down a hillside north of town. And in 2005, Santa Fe was designated America's first Unesco Creative City, a global acknowledgment of its place at the forefront not just of folk art, crafts and design, but in new media too."

On another Southwestern note, the Times also ran a great weekend getaway profile (LINK 3) on Sedona, Arizona . After checking out the photos on the slideshow, you'll be ready to head out. Surrounded by red rock formations, this town has a special place on the planet. It's the kind of destination that will please a rebellious teenager as much as a stressed-out parent or relaxed retirees.

Posted by VRO at 08:22 AM | Permalink

August 5, 2007. Is stress starting to get to you? Have you taken a break lately?

Perhaps a relaxing weekend getaway is just what you need.

Even at the height of summer tourist season, some rentals will have openings or cancellations. If you have enough vacation days to be flexible with your reservation, you increase the odds of finding one. Consider it an investment in your mental health that will benefit your productivity in the long run.

Here are some suggestions for rejuvenating trips:

Northern Illinois – Not far from the Type-A city of Chicago, the peaceful plains resume their pastoral way of life. The area along the Mississippi River has a particularly quaint feel. Go antiquing in Galena, take a riverboat ride down the big river, or visit a local winery.

Blue Ridge Mountains – The Blue Ridge Mountains have a timelessness that puts your own life into perspective. Go for a scenic drive or a hike to an overlook, and just spend some time soaking in the view. Little towns like Murphy and Cashiers have great restaurants, so you don't have to cook if you don't want to.

Cape Cod – Nothing soothes the soul more than the sound of gently crashing ocean waves. For New Englanders, Cape Cod is one of the best places to enjoy the beach. The local spas and seafood restaurants will augment the good life.

Posted by VRO at 06:58 PM | Permalink

August 3, 2007. The Los Angeles Times published a story about Glacier National Park that makes us want to book a cabin and pack our bags. With attractions like impressive glaciers, the scenic Going to the Sun Road, and the bears, how can you go wrong?

(Yes, bears. Best seen from far away, of course. Appropriately, the L.A. Times also published a guide to bear awareness and safety.)

The author stayed in a lodge inside the park, but more spacious and affordable accommodations can be found outside the park, too. If you're visiting the area, you'll also want to take some time to visit nearby attractions outside the park. The gigantic Flathead Lake is a great place to go fishing and boating. The historic town of Kalispell offers classic mining town ambience with modern shops and restaurants.

This is an important time in the national park's history because the namesake glaciers are disappearing, according to the article.

"Toward the end of the 19th century, explorers documented more than 100 glaciers, some covering nearly 1,000 acres. Five years ago, there were 37, and today, 27. By 2030, scientists predict, they will all be gone."

So, if you want to include the glaciers in your sightseeing itinerary, you'd better get there sooner rather than later.

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Posted by VRO at 09:08 PM | Permalink

Aug 1, 2007. At VacationRental.org, we're always looking at the newest, coolest websites related to luxury vacation rentals. A few items recently caught our eye.

Rob Lovitt's most recent column on MSNBC.com's travel page discusses some new websites that will likely have a big impact.

YAPTA, which stands for "Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant," takes a fresh look at airfare watchers. It's actually a plug-in, a type of program used in conjunction with online travel agencies and airline websites.

Let's say, for example, that you want to find a good deal on a flight to the Cayman Islands. As you search for airfares on those other sites, use YAPTA to bookmark your finds. The program monitors the flights you mark, and over the coming weeks will alert you of rate increases or decreases. Ideally, you snag a ticket when the price drops.

We've also recently been turned on to National Geographic Traveler's IT blog, winner of the "Best Travel Blog" at the 2007 Travvies. An acronym for Intelligent Travel, this blog focuses on "sustainable," or environmentally friendly, travel trends. Recent posts have covered items such as a new short-haul jet that will emit 75% less nitrous oxide and 50% less carbon dioxide.

Posted by VRO at 08:06 PM | Permalink

July 29, 2007. If you're staying in a luxury vacation rental near one of these national parks this summer, here's some advice. The crowds at Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon can swell at certain times in certain locations. The experts at Fodor's say minimizing your exposure to the masses is just a matter of adjusting your schedule and seeing things from a different angle.

In nearly all cases, Fodor's recommends arriving early, taking a break during the midday rush, and then hanging 4)around near sunset. Travelers should also master the art of patience. Whenever you find yourself gripping the steering wheel, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you're on vacation – with no deadlines to meet or clocks to punch.

Here's a summary of some important points:

1) Grand Canyon visitors who hate heavy traffic should avoid AZ 64 and US 180 into the park; instead, use the scenic and less traveled US 89-north to AZ 64-west route.

2) If you can visit Yellowstone in June rather than mid-July to August, you'll be avoiding the peak season.

3) After scoping Yosemite's waterfalls early in the morning, head to the Hetch Hetchy reservoir – a seldom visited section of the park – for an afternoon of peace and quiet.

4) Enter Zion Park from the east entrance as early as possible to skirt the traffic coming through the south gate.

DB

Posted by VRO at 05:22 PM | Permalink

July 29, 2007. If you're staying in a luxury vacation rental near one of these national parks this summer, here's some advice. The crowds at Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon can swell at certain times in certain locations. The experts at Fodor's say minimizing your exposure to the masses is just a matter of adjusting your schedule and seeing things from a different angle.

In nearly all cases, Fodor's recommends arriving early, taking a break during the midday rush, and then hanging 4)around near sunset. Travelers should also master the art of patience. Whenever you find yourself gripping the steering wheel, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you're on vacation – with no deadlines to meet or clocks to punch.

Here's a summary of some important points:

1) Grand Canyon visitors who hate heavy traffic should avoid AZ 64 and US 180 into the park; instead, use the scenic and less traveled US 89-north to AZ 64-west route.

2) If you can visit Yellowstone in June rather than mid-July to August, you'll be avoiding the peak season.

3) After scoping Yosemite's waterfalls early in the morning, head to the Hetch Hetchy reservoir – a seldom visited section of the park – for an afternoon of peace and quiet.

4) Enter Zion Park from the east entrance as early as possible to skirt the traffic coming through the south gate.

DB

Posted by VRO at 05:22 PM | Permalink

July 28, 2007. There's something special about seeing wildlife while you're on vacation. To begin with, you were trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Then, you spot it in the woods – an elk cow and its calf. They look at you, you look at them, and then they bound off. It's a simple pleasure.

USA Today highlighted some of the best places for wildlife viewing with a list of "10 great places to go on a safari – in the U.S.". Here are two of their picks:

Moose Alley – Route 3, heading from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the Canadian border, has been officially designated a "Watchable Wildlife Corridor." Its nickname reflects the number of moose in the area, which often amble across the road or play in the ponds and wetlands along the roadside.

The Everglades – Visitors will surely see more than a few crocodiles and alligators in Everglades National Park. They might also spot manatees, deer, wild hogs, turtles, roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, hawks, eagles and a wide variety of other birds. The likelihood of seeing a rare Florida panther is slim to none, but you never know. In this particular environment, hiring a guide service will maximize the safari factor. Stay in nearby Miami or on the South Gulf Coast.

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July 26, 2007. Families who must board an airplane to reach their luxury vacation rental this summer are probably getting nervous. After all, there have been several news reports about parents and children being booted off flights.

While these seem to be isolated incidents, we understand the cause for concern. That's why we scanned two great websites with tips for flying with children.

Flying with Kids was created by a New Zealand mom with many family flight miles under her belt. She dishes out practical advice from the perspective of someone who's actually been there. Her tips cover everything from planning beforehand to changing diapers in mid-air.

One of my favorite tips: "Smile sweetly and helplessly at everyone and you may get help." If you want a smooth flight, let other people's rudeness bounce off of you. You can curse them while you're relaxing safely in your luxury vacation rental.

KeepKidsHealthy.com has a helpful article from a family who flew regularly from Southern California to Rhode Island. This family is realistic. They allowed plenty of time during connections between flights. They put potty training on hold for the day and put pull-up diapers on their toddlers. And they learned to assume they would lose stuff along the way.

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July 25, 2007. So, you've stayed in luxury vacation rentals all around the U.S., and in several other countries. You consider yourself a seasoned traveler. Well then, let's see how well you know your geography.

The Chicago Tribune recently reprinted Geography Challenge XVII, a set of different games that include multiple choice, crosswords and maps. The Geography Challenge was originally featured last fall as part of National Geography Awareness Week.

What city is the setting for the television show "ER," for example? (It's Chicago.) Which Wisconsin region is known for its waterparks? (The Wisconsin Dells.) And to what national park does Mount Desert Island belong? (Acadia.)

One of our favorite traveling games consists of opening a road atlas and picking random questions about state capitols, local landmarks and other geographic tidbits. It's a great way to pass the time.

A study last year suggests we may need to play such games more often. According to the Tribune, "a National Geographic-Roper Public Affairs geography literacy study, aimed at young American adults between the ages of 18 and 24, revealed their limited knowledge of the world."

The article cited these findings:
* Six in 10 respondents couldn't find Iraq on a map of the Middle East.
* Nine in 10 couldn't find Afghanistan on a map of Asia.

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July 22, 2007. In Arthur Frommer's latest syndicated column, "America's War on Tourists: How the U.S. Hurts Itself," the travel guru highlights a disturbing trend in international tourism.

Since 2000, fewer travelers from other countries have been visiting America. Worst of all, rather than encouraging international tourism, our government seems to be making it more difficult for visitors.

One would think, Frommer postulates, that the weak U.S. dollar would have international tourists flocking to America in droves. Unfortunately, tourism to the United States from abroad has declined by 10 percent since 2000. In the same period, tourism has increased in other developed countries: Britain is up 13 percent; France by 20 percent; and Australia by 21 percent.

"Though all nations lost tourism in the immediate wake of 9/11, virtually all other nations have made up the deficit and forged ahead," Frommer writes.

Foreign tourists say the difficulty obtaining visas is one of the major obstacles, citing a several-week wait merely to make an appointment – just an appointment! – to apply for such a visa at a U.S. consulate. Now, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to add even more layers to the process, Frommer reports.

International tourism has always been a strong force in many American travel destinations, from Yosemite National Park to New York City. While recognizing the American government must address heightened security concerns in a post-9/11 world, perhaps it is time for the government to also address promoting international tourism.

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July 19, 2007. When searching for advice, look to the pros. Joel Widzer may not be flying to luxury vacation rentals, but he has accumulated 3 million miles of air travel in the past 15 years. He travels especially often in the summer months, he said, racking up 24 flights this past June.

We'd say he knows what he's talking about when it comes to smooth flights. That's why summer travelers should read his recent column. His advice is to follow the three Ps: plan ahead, be proactive and have patience.

Plan ahead: Widzer was sitting on the tarmac in bad weather and knew he might miss a connection in Atlanta to his destination in Memphis. Rather than hope for the best and deal with the situation when he got there, he called the Memphis hotel where he had reservations and an Atlanta hotel where he might stay if he missed his connection. Both turned out to be very accommodating, relieving much stress.

Under the proactive heading, Widzer shows how it pays to work the system. And his advice for being patient is priceless: when faced with a tough situation, remember that anger and stress don't solve problems – cool-headed solutions do.

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July 18, 2007. As many people return home from their summer vacations, they are turning their thoughts to an important question: Where will we book a luxury vacation rental this winter?

Just as it is not too early to begin making plans for your winter vacation, it is not too early for you to apply for a passport. After the major backups at federal offices this past winter, U.S. officials delayed until Sept. 30 a rule that required Americans to show their passports upon reentry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and non-U.S. Caribbean countries. The leeway was meant to ease the backlog.

Still, passports are currently taking 10-12 weeks to process. The savvy traveler will make preparations before Sept. 30 so she doesn't have to scramble at the last minute.

Fodors.com posted a helpful list of frequently asked questions. The travel authority's advice reflects a general consensus that the backlog may not get much better:

"The State Department says it expects to cut the waiting period to eight weeks by September, and be back to its standard six-week turnaround by December. But travelers should factor in a potential flood of new applications from people who have waited to renew their passports until the current logjam clears. This will no doubt cause continued delays in processing time."

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July 17, 2007. Next to sleeping in late at a luxury vacation rental, one of the finest joys of summer is listening to a concert outdoors. USA Today asked Tom Clynes, author of Music Festivals From Bach to Blues, to recommend 10 outdoor venues and music festivals happening this summer. Here's a sample of what he suggested:

Newport Folk Festival – This is the place where Bob Dylan infuriated traditional folk musicians by plugging into an electric guitar and jamming out on his formerly acoustic pieces in the 1960s. Today, according to Clynes, electric guitars are as common as acoustic ones. As a bonus, when you stay in Newport, Rhode Island, you get to explore Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor.

Tanglewood – Many New Englanders travel to the Berkshires in Massachussetts solely for the storied outdoor amphitheater, which was built in 1938. Summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this center for the arts also hosts chamber and choral music, musical theater, jazz and a Festival of Contemporary Music.

Aspen Music Festival – By winter, Aspen is a glitzy ski resort. By summer, it's a still a glitzy outdoors mecca, but with a summer concert series. Music includes classical, opera and Jazz Aspen Snowmass.

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July 14, 2007. Someone once asked my aunt, why do you always vacation at the ocean when you don't get in the water and you don't lie on the beach? Simple, my aunt replied – I like the sound of the waves.

For people who don't necessarily like beaches but love the coast, we selected several ideal vacation spots.

Nova Scotia's South Shore – This has always been the land of seafarers, as the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will attest. Large peaceful harbors created safe refuges for boats along an otherwise rugged yet beautiful coast. So many lighthouses have been preserved that the coastal highway is often called the "Lighthouse Route."

Outer Banks – Legend has it that a Spanish galleon once wrecked off North Carolina's barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks. Nobody knows what became of the crew, but the horses swam ashore, and they roam freely. The wild horses of Corolla and Shackleford Banks are but two of many attractions that include the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Washington's South Coast – If it's seclusion you crave, look no further than the South Coast of Washington State, a sleepy stretch of sandy beaches with a backdrop of lush temperate rain forests. Bring the binoculars to search for whales and sea lions in the water. At low tide, search the tide pools for anemones and starfish.

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July 13, 2007. For those who judge the quality of a luxury vacation rental by its proximity to high-end shopping, we found an article on ForbesTraveler.com proclaiming the world's best shopping districts.

In the United States, Forbes called Los Angeles and New York some of "the classics."

According to the article, when in New York, "If you only have a few hours, you can get a taste of several designers with a stop into Fifth Avenue's Bergdorf Goodman. Afterwards, wander down the street to classics such as Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston."

Pop culture most often associates Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with celebrity shopping, but the stores are actually somewhat spread out, according to Forbes. "Focus your energies on Robertson Boulevard's celeb hotspots such as Lisa Kline and Madison," the article suggested.

We would like to mention another American standout that wasn't on the list.

In order to cater to the international clientele who frequent the city, some of the casinos in Las Vegas have added elite stores with designer clothes and jewelry. Via Bellagio, for example, has Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Chanel, Moschino, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

Posted by VRO at 01:26 AM | Permalink

July 12, 2007. The next time you book a luxury vacation rental, should you get travel insurance as well? Experts have debated this question throughout the media, resulting in a very unclear answer, according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times.

Perhaps the best answer is, it depends.

It depends on whether you could face huge financial losses if something goes wrong with your trip.

"The first question to ask yourself about travel insurance is whether something trip-related could land you in financial disaster," according to the article. "Insurance has the most value when it protects you from financial ruin, not minor annoyances."

The L.A. Times did a great job laying out the components of travel insurance and plotting questions every traveler should ask before buying in. The three primary components are trip-cancellation insurance, unexpected costs and medical insurance. The questions one should ask are:

What am I afraid of?

What coverage do I already have?

How expensive is my trip?

How much of my trip is prepaid and nonrefundable?

Let's say you have a family vacation planned for Belize. You booked airfare for five, two weeks in a luxury vacation rental, and a three-day whitewater rafting and rock climbing excursion in a remote jungle. Your health insurance policy doesn't cover expenses incurred outside the United States. And your sick mother in-law just announced an operation the week before you leave.

That's quite a few opportunities for financial issues, from possible cancellations to possible medical expenses.

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July 11, 2007. Here at VacationRental.org, we watched closely as wildfires burned in recent weeks south of Lake Tahoe. This fantastic region’s luxury vacation rentals have been favorites of ours, and we hoped for the safety of its residents.
Fortunately, firefighters contained the blaze just before Independence Day, just as it began to creep into the giant basin that holds the 22-mile-long, 10-mile-wide lake.

Yesterday, USA Today reported that Lake Tahoe tourism officials encouraged visitors to return to their community. We couldn’t agree with them more.

As you may recall, we included Tahoe on our list of last-minute summer vacations just before the fires started. This world-class destination has been a favorite of ours for many reasons. First of all, its sheer size impresses us like few natural wonders can, on the order of monuments such as the Grand Canyon. Looking down upon its blue waters from one of the many scenic overlooks is a mesmerizing experience.

We also love the little towns and restaurants that ring the lake. Eating on the lakeside deck at Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay is one of the best al fresco dining experiences in the country.

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July 9, 2007. Millions of people are traveling this summer, and thousands will no doubt hit America's waters – lakes, rivers, seas and all. There's nothing more fun than a week in a luxury vacation rental, days spent on the boat and evenings spent dining and relaxing.

Whether you're staying on Lake Michigan or the Gulf of Mexico, we encourage everyone to practice safe boating. It's the best way to keep the good times rolling for years to come.

Here are the latest statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, reflecting the 2005 season:

* 697 fatalities — 3,451 injuries — nearly $39 million in property damage.

* 87 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.

* Alcohol was either a direct or indirect contributing factor in approximately one-quarter of all boating fatalities.

* About 70 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Some things you can do to protect your family and friends are obvious: don't drink and drive, wear life jackets, and take a safe boating course. For more information, the Safe Boating Council has links to online courses and on-site boating schools.

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June 27, 2007. AAA projects a record 41.1 million people will travel next week for the Fourth of July, and increase from 40.8 million people last year. These optimistic projections come despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, and amidst leveling gas prices. In fact, AAA's survey found that many people might be taking extra days off work because the holiday falls in the middle of the workweek.

Other highlights from the latest AAA Leisure Travel Index:

* Gas prices are down 23 cents from one month ago, but averaging about 14 cents higher than the same time last year.

* Hotel rates for properties rated AAA Three Diamond and higher are up about 5% this year

* Airfares are down 12%.

* Car rental rates will be up 3%.

Celebrations are planned throughout the country. Current drought conditions in some parts of the country, such as Georgia have shelved fireworks plans .

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June 27, 2007. Here's one to post in every luxury vacation rental. If there were rules to travel, these would be them. San Francisco Chronicle travel editor John Flinn wrote a hilarious column of 24 travel rules. We're grateful to the Chicago Tribune for reprinting them, because we missed them the first time around.

Flinn is an experienced travel writer who seems to have the dream job we all want. He has also created one of the most enjoyable newspaper travel sections in the country. It's certainly not the biggest or the newsiest, but it always has some interesting tales. It's also a great resource for California travel.

Here are a few of his "rules":

3. At scenic overlooks, ancient ruins and other points of high traffic, tourists attempting to frame and focus a photograph must not keep others waiting more than five seconds.
4. Every American citizen has the constitutionally protected right to walk into any McDonald's, anywhere in the world, and use the restroom -- even without buying something.
5. Bed-and-breakfast inns are hereby prohibited from posting more than five house rules ( i.e., "Do not feed your happy-hour cheddar cubes to the tropical fish," etc.).
6. Theme park rides must offer the parents of exuberantly acquisitive children an alternative exit that doesn't pass through the gift shop.

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June 26, 2007. Luxury vacation rentals often pride themselves on their proximity to amenities. So which amenity do travelers prefer the most? A 2006 Travel Industry Association survey that found that people prefer dining the most, followed by shopping and finally sightseeing. A Forbes article on the survety focused on shopping abroad, so we thought we would suggest some exotic markets.

Margarita Island, Venezuela – This popular vacation destination off Venezuela's Caribbean coast was included in Frommer's list of Top 10 Up and Coming Destinations for 2006. You'll find upscale shopping worthy of Rodeo Drive in the main resort cities on the Eastern coast, and a more authentic local experience at the El Mercado de los Conjeros.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico – This laid-back cousin to nearby Cozumel has a strip called Fifth Avenue, where expatriate artists from all over the world set up shop. Mixed with the local Mayan crafts, the offerings can be rather unique.

Bahamas – Can you say "duty free?" The savings will almost be worth the airfare. Savvy shoppers load up on everything from perfumes and jewelry, to fine linens and china, to cameras and binoculars.

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June 23, 2007. We realize some folks like to procrastinate. Others have a hard time making a decision. For those who haven't booked their luxury vacation rentals yet, and don't even know where to go this summer, we offer these suggestions:

Lake Tahoe – Escape the heat by going high into the mountains and visiting the cool, clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Charming mountain resort towns ring the lake, and the scenic loop (which can't really be done in just one day) takes you past beaches, state parks, kayak rentals and photo-friendly vistas. Fly into Sacramento or Reno.

The Adirondacks - The north woods of New York State lie within easy driving distance of most of the population in the Northeast, making it a favorite getaway. Arts and crafts festivals abound, with one in Warrensburg and one in Bolton Landing on July 7-8, one in Lake Luzerne and one in Inlet on July 21, and many more.

Galveston– Families in Houston don't have to drive far to get relief from the heat. If the breeze and cool waters of the ocean don't help, they'll find solace in one of the water parks at Schlitterbahn or Moody Gardens.

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June 22, 2007. Two reports out this week bode well for the luxury vacation rental industry. The first, a USA Today analysis , found the average round-trip domestic airline ticket this summer cost 2 percent less this year than last year. The second found the index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent. While bits of news may seem insignificant, they both counter reports earlier this year that airfares were going to rise significantly and that the U.S. economy could have faced a slight recession.

USA Today hired Sabre, the USA's largest computer reservation system, to examine more than one million tickets bought by May 31 for travel in June, July and August. That analysis found summer airfares for trips within the USA have dropped for the first time since 2004, despite soaring oil prices and airlines' repeated attempts to raise fares. The average round-trip domestic airline ticket this summer costs $340.

Various wire reports compiled in USA Today also touted overall good news about the American economy. The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3%, higher than the 0.2% analysts were expecting. That index forecasts economic activity over the next three to six months. Experts also predict that numbers will show the economy grew by at least three percent in the last quarter, which ran from April through June.

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June 20, 2007. Sure, the children loved the trip to Disney World. But were they as impressed with the luxury vacation rental in the Bahamas? And did they have as much fun as you did, visiting the museums of Washington, D.C.?

The Washington Post set out to get kids' thoughts on travel. Considering the number of children who travel has reached an all-time high, at 1.9 million, this seems like a good idea. After all, although they are often brought along, how often are they really consulted? And would they otherwise give their parents such frank advice as telling "good jokes, and not duds?"

To begin with, children report they can appreciate attractions beyond Disney World. Especially when they recognize historical monuments from the movies, such as the Colosseum in Rome. But in somewhat conflicting reports, they complained about being marched around too much and having to sit around for too long.

Although many parents want a gustatory adventure while they're on vacation, children have not yet become so adventurous with their food. They cited grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese as their favorites, and complained in particular about being asked to eat seafood.

"I've never really been into shrimp," one kid said. "It tastes like you're eating something raw. But since they like it, they always forget and think I do."

That may be the gist of the story: just because we adults think something is the coolest thing in the world, doesn't mean our children do.

Posted by VRO at 06:26 AM | Permalink

June 19, 2007. You've just pulled into San Francisco, ready for a week in a luxury vacation rental, when you realize you're low on gas. But where's the nearest filling station? Just whip out your web-enabled cell phone, select "cheap gas" from the menu, and you've got a list of filling stations, with info on the price at the pump.

That's how a new breed of mobile Internet services can help customers, according to an article in the New York Times. The very situation above was mentioned as one of the possible scenarios. Services such as Mobio, Earthcomber and Where have been created especially for cell phones, Blackberries and other mobile devices. They can also help you find an ATM, cab, movie, restaurants and entertainment. Most users will punch in a zip code, but Earthcomber and Where can communicate with GPS-enabled phones to omit that step, giving users information on the fly.

The new services reflect the growing movement to put more user-friendly Internet features on mobile devices, according to the article. Anyone who has ever browsed the web on a cell phone knows the experience has yet to be fine-tuned.

The technology could have an impact on luxury vacation rentals, too. Imagine two spontaneous travelers are on a road trip and decide they want to stay in the Georgia mountains for a few days. Rather than settling for a motel room on the side of the interstate, they might be able to track down an otherwise hidden hotspot in the mountains.

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June 16, 2007. In honor of Father's Day, we picked three great locations where Dad and the family can hang out and do some bonding. Book a luxury vacation rental at one of these destinations in honor of the guy.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

If father is a fishing man, he will love the waters of Western Minnesota, which are teeming with fish. Choose from hotspots such as Otter Lake, Sauk Lake, Lake Osakis and more. Although these places feel extremely remote, they are easily accessible from Minneapolis-St.Paul, an airport that offers inexpensive fares.

Golf on the Ocean

The many golf courses of Hilton Head Island feature spectacular ocean views that have been known to distract players. The family can join Dad for a round, or let him enjoy himself while they hang out on the beach. The courses range from affordable public to exclusive.

History in Paradise

History buffs recognize that Pearl Harbor is the setting of one of the most pivotal moments in America's history – the bombing of the naval base there brought the United States into World War II. Today, the harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is still the Pacific headquarters of the naval fleet and a monument to military history that is open to the public. Oh yeah, and Oahu has palm trees, beaches, and all that other stuff, too.

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June 15, 2007. When we first reported on Enterprise Rent-A-Car's plans to add a few hybrid cars to some California locations, the company was optimistically cautious about demand for the rentals. Now, it seems, the idea has caught on.

USA Today reported the company now has 3,000 gas-electric hybrids, and Hertz and Avis have announced plans to add thousands of the vehicles to their fleets this month.

Hertz will begin offering 1,000 Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrids at 50 airport locations and in Manhattan. The company wants almost 2,000 hybrids by the end of this year and 4,300 by the middle of next year. Avis will introduce 1,000 Priuses this month, primarily in California, Washington, D.C., Seattle and Portland, Ore.

Although the hybrids cost $5 to $10 more to rent than equivalent-sized cars, the rental companies say they will save customer money on gasoline. Hybrids average about 55 miles per gallon of gas, so if a renter drives 500 miles, savings can range from $20 to $45.

Rising gas prices have also prompted Enterprise Rent-A-Car to tout the overall fuel efficiency of its selections, claiming that "28 percent of its 199,000 vehicles worldwide average at least 32 miles per gallon of gas," according to the article.

Posted by VRO at 01:13 AM | Permalink

June 14, 2007. These days, a client in a luxury vacation rental could be on a business trip or on vacation, or both. Two separate stories in the news this week discussed people who did work on their vacations and people who brought their children on business trips.

An Associated Press-Ipsos poll released last week found that one in five of those surveyed did some work while vacationing. The respondents cited various reasons: they worried about missing important information, they were expected to be available or they just enjoyed staying connected.

The survey found:

* 80 percent of respondents brought their cell phone with them.

* 50 percent checked their office voicemail

* About 20 percent brought laptop computers.

* 40 percent checked their email.

The younger people were, the more likely they were to stay connected, according to the poll.

Another story focused on a trend toward bringing children on business trips, citing data from the National Business Travel Association. According to that group, "62 percent of U.S. business travelers said they add a leisure component to at least one business trip per year. Among those travelers, two-thirds say they bring a family member or friend with them."

Several factors are driving that trend:

* The growing number of single parents.

* Women in executive ranks.

* Two-income families.

* People having children later in life.

* Employees searching for ways to stretch their dollars.

Posted by VRO at 01:31 AM | Permalink

June 13, 2007. Napa Valley is great, but . Maryland and Virginia are far more practical choices for Washingtonians who want to spend a weekend away in a luxury vacation rental. And for the family who wants to tour the Mid-Atlantic region, finding a place to stay near these vineyards is as easy as plucking a grape.

The Washington Post ran two features on the vineyards of Maryland and Virginia this weekend, highlighting the special qualities that make these places worth visiting.

Virginia has 122 wineries, many of which sit near Shenandoah National Park. They are also located in close proximity to high-end restaurants, a meadery, a buffalo farm and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Maryland has a much more low-key scene, with only 25 wineries scattered throughout the state. All of them are within driving distance of the Chesapeake Bay. The state's two tourist routes, the Frederick Wine Trail and the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, swing by antique hotspots and the historic town of Frederick.

Posted by VRO at 01:56 AM | Permalink

June 12, 2006. Some travelers headed to luxury vacation rentals in other countries may breathe a sigh of relief at some news this weekend. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security announced together on Thursday they would temporarily lift the requirement for American citizens to have passports upon reentry from some countries.

Last January, the government announced a new security measure tightening the passport requirements. Upon reentering the country, Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America and Central America would have to show their passport. The move caused an overload at passport offices, causing delays of more than two months in some instances.

The new rule allows U.S. citizens through September to simply have government-issued photo identification and online receipts of their passport application if returning from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The State Department expected the number of passports it issued this year to jump from 12 million to 17.5 million, according to the New York Times.

In related news, MSN published an article showing how to fill out a passport application with minimal hassle.

Posted by VRO at 01:08 AM | Permalink

June 10, 2007. Many luxury vacation rentals are located near national parks, so MSNBC's article about new developments this year in the park system caught our eye. As you can guess from the headline, "The Good, the Bad and the Pricey," the news is mixed.

Last month, we discussed the controversy over a new price increase for a nationwide pass to all of the national parks. According to the MSNBS article, that isn't the only price hike hitting the system. "This year, 11 park sites will see higher entrance fees, part of a multi-year plan to raise such fees at approximately one-third of the system's 391 units," the article reads.

Those price increases aren't just evaporating into thin air, however. Several new facilities are being unveiled this summer and many ongoing construction projects are addressing long-standing maintenance backlogs.

The newly renovated Yavapai Observation Station on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has "new artworks, photographs and high-tech geological exhibits." Sequoia National Park finally has a free shuttle service to alleviate traffic congestion and make it easier for everyone to enjoy the ride – now the family driver doesn't have to keep his or her eyes on the road.

Some repairs and construction projects might cause a little disappointment this summer. In Yellowstone National Park, South Rim Drive will close on July 9 for repairs that are expected to last through next year, for example.

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June 8, 2007. Luxury vacation rentals near wine producing regions have long hosted oenophiles from near and far. Now, with the microbrewery resurgence going strong, beer enthusiasts are also traveling for their drink of choice. The Associated Press reported on people whose vacation plans include touring microbreweries, tasting local ales, and attending microbrewery festivals.

The article didn't cite any hard facts other than mentioning the attendance at the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado. Last year, 41,000 people spent an October weekend sampling 1,600 different beers from 380 breweries. In support of the movement's popularity, tourists reported planning entire vacations around microbrewery tours and brewhouse managers gave credit to out-of-towners for a significant part of their business.

Luxury vacation rental owners can capitalize on this trend by familiarizing themselves with their local breweries and providing information to clients via their websites and in the rentals.

In addition to reading the article, those who appreciate fine beer will find several helpful websites. BrewPubZone.com and RateBeer.com are among two of the best. Both offer lists of breweries from Maine to Oregon.

Posted by VRO at 05:56 PM | Permalink

June 7, 2007. Whether you are renting a luxury vacation rental for the summer or the week, chances are you will have some stories to tell and some photos to share. Thanks to some user-friendly Internet tools, anyone now can publish the high-tech equivalent of a photo album or scrapbook online. Friends and family all over the world can see what you're up to in the Bahamas with travel blogs and web-based photo galleries.

Vacationers can write about their adventures and post photos as often as they like with blogs, which also allow viewers back home to post comments. WordPress and Blogger are two websites that host free blogs, with standard templates and features that are easy enough for anyone to use. TravelBlog also offers a free, user-friendly service and a compilation of travel blogs being written from every corner of the Earth.

If you don't want to blog while you're on vacation, try a web-based photo gallery. These galleries simply display photos that you upload from your computer with the click of a button or two. Gallery templates, slideshows and captions add a little flair. Picasa and Ringo are two of the most popular choices. Both allow you to send email announcements after you've filled their pages.

Posted by VRO at 06:17 AM | Permalink

June 6, 2007. The St. Petersburg Times of Florida examined an interesting trend in weddings in its travel publication, Latitudes. The article, "Wedding Expedition: Couples Find Advantages in Taking Their Nuptials on the Road," looked at couples who take their weddings – not just their honeymoons – to vacation destinations.

The article doesn't cite any statistics, but provides some anecdotal evidence, such as this quote from JoAnn Gregoli, a New York wedding planner and co-author of The Knot Guide to Destination Weddings.

"I've been doing weddings for 20 years and from what I've seen over the past decade the whole industry has shifted from hometown, homespun weddings to destination weddings," Gregoli said.

Celebrities have been holding their ceremonies in exotic locations such as the Caribbean Islands, and everyday people seem to be following their lead. Other popular destinations mentioned in the article include Rhode Island, Colorado, and California's Napa Valley.

Luxury vacation rentals are an ideal choice for destination weddings, providing privacy and comfort for the bride, groom and wedding party. VacationRental.org requires all of its clients to meet a standard of quality, ensuring that guests will remember the special event, not the poor accommodations.

Posted by VRO at 06:12 AM | Permalink

June 5, 2007. Hiking is a popular activity for many people who stay at luxury vacation rentals. But what is the best way to find local hiking trails? If there's a ranger station nearby, you're in luck. Local bookstores and gift shops may sell hiking guides and maps, but you might never use them again when the trip is over. We recommend an Internet search before you leave for your trip.

USA Today published a story reviewing several good websites. Among them were three long trails and a website to find hiking companions. As many dog owners know, some trails prohibit canine companions, so it also pays to check out Hikewithyourdog.com.

Performing your own Internet search will yield plenty of results. The most simple search term simply combines a destination, such as Asheville, with the search term "hiking," such as "Asheville hiking."

If that fails, try looking for a local hiking group by searching for "Asheville hiking club," for example. You'll be surprised how many hiking groups have popped up across the nation as Baby Boomers finally find themselves with the time to explore the outdoors. A quick email to the webmaster or group leader might yield a secret waterfall or vista you might not have otherwise found.

Posted by VRO at 01:02 AM | Permalink

June 2, 2007. In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (subscription only) Nancy Keates reports on how seasoned travelers decode the ratings on the nation’s most influential hotel review site. She cautions against blindly accepting the reviews with carefully checking them against other sources. We checked out the site and found it can also be quite helpful in finding the right vacation rental.

Ms Keates reports that “for many, TripAdvisor has become a first stop for travel planning. Thanks in part to its prominence in Google searches, some 24 million visitors a month check out what other users have to say about where to stay, eat and play around the world.�? It is more useful than other sites because it reviews 250,000 hotels and has more reviews—nearly 10 million reviews and opinions. It doesn’t cover nearly as many vacation rentals as hotels, although we found quite a few that were helpful.

For vacationers, we recommend checking out TripAdvisor. The place you are considering renting may be listed. It can also be helpful in avoiding booking an especially bad place. If the vacation rental you are considering is not listed, another good resource is our own site, VacationRental.org, where all listings must meet certain standards of quality.

Posted by VRO at 09:34 PM | Permalink

June 1, 2007. For those who will fly to their next business meeting, wedding or luxury vacation rental, the New York Times offered a fascinating and frustrating look into the “art�? of bumping passengers.

Passengers are bumped when flights are overbooked and the gate agents need some people to voluntarily or involuntarily stay behind. The compensation for such an inconvenience usually involves free airline tickets that can be used later, a hotel stay and money for meals. For someone with a flexible schedule, being bumped can become a small windfall; some passengers report they frequently volunteer. For others, it can be a nightmare, as the increasing amount of overbooked flights can delay them for days, in some extreme cases.

Depending on the airline, only 9.5 to 16 people per 10,000 passengers were voluntarily or involuntarily bumped in 2006, according to the New York Times article. That was a minor increase from last year, however. The article probes in depth the way airlines purposely overbook flights to prevent them from losing money on empty seats. Compensating a bumped passenger costs less than leaving a seat empty, the airlines say.

The airlines employ statisticians who constantly analyze data and decide by how much to overbook a flight. Their data tells them, for example, that people from the Midwest will make their flight, while people leaving Las Vegas might be a no-show.

Unfortunately, the number-crunchers sometimes overestimate the no-shows, and too many people show up for an overbooked flight. And that is why overbooked flights are on the rise.

Posted by VRO at 08:27 PM | Permalink

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."

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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.

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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.

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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

April 28, 2007. Hikers who want a luxury vacation rental near some great trails will be happy to know the long winter is subsiding in the Northeast. The New York Times ran some articles on some of the great hiking destinations up there.

Algonquin Peak, one of the most popular summits in the Adirondacks, made the list. The going gets a little tough near the top, making the distance feel a little longer than it really is. If you want equally good views with less effort, try Mount Jo.

Vermont's Green Mountain Club suggests hiking the Stratton Mountain portion of the famous Long Trail that shares a path with the even more famous Appalachian Trail. The trailhead can be easily reached from the Manchester area .

The White Mountains of New Hampshire may be some of the most rugged of the Appalachian, resembling something in the Western United States more than the East. The trek to the top of Mount Willard includes views of a U-shaped glacial valley. Franconia Ridge, which travels above treeline for a considerable distance, has become one of the most popular trips for its expansive vistas. Just don't hang out up there if a storm rolls in.

Posted by VRO at 08:19 PM | Permalink

April 27, 2007. The Internet may now be the most important marketing tool for luxury vacation rentals, tourism destinations and travel companies. As the World Wide Web evolves, consumers find new ways to research their trips and businesses and organizations see new ways to reach out to customers. Nova Scotia's recent efforts showcase some of the latest online trends, according to a Canadian Press article.

Nova Scotia has been blessed with some of the most impressive natural scenery in North America, as well as some historical villages that have few rivals in historical integrity and charm. This far eastern stretch of Canada is also challenged by a remote location and intense competition from other tourism destinations in Canada and the Northeastern United States.

To set itself apart, the province has turned to two darlings of the modern Internet: Google Earth and YouTube.

Google Earth uses satellite imagery and road maps to create virtual maps that give viewers an incredible feel for the beauty and layout of the land. Nova Scotia has overlaid points of interest on the interactive maps.

YouTube, a website where any user can post videos, made headlines last year when Google bought it for $1.65 billion. Nova Scotia posted its own videos on the website featuring aerial videos of the rugged coast and mountainous Skyline Trail. The easy-to-download YouTube technology is also used on Nova Scotia's official tourism web site.

Posted by VRO at 01:49 AM |