Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Bookings Up 100% for Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals In 2010 At ReserveMyHome
Thursday, December 9th, 2010ReserveMyHome, LLC the “All-In-One” booking site for verified vacation home and cabin rentals, reported today that bookings over the last three months have doubled in the Lake Tahoe region compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Property managers who have partnered with the company have helped drive booking conversions higher. The housing market for Tahoe rentals Real Estate is rising. 
ReserveMyHome, a branded hybrid vacation rentals and cabin website, reported today that the company looks to at least double its bookings vs. the fourth quarter of 2009 in its Lake Tahoe test market. Throughout 2010 the company added over 350 new homes, cabins and condos in the Lake Tahoe region, making it the largest local vacation rentals company in all of Lake Tahoe in just 18 months of operation. 300 new rentals were added in Maui, Hawaii during the same time period. Projections show that 100,000 rentals will be added nationally through several strategic agreements in 2011.
Local property managers that have been in business for many years are lining up to have their properties included on the website as a way to increase their bookings without any added expense to their bottom line. ReserveMyHome processes reservations through its large network of marketing channels which allows a renter to search, find and book verified vacation rentals faster than other rent-by-owner websites. After selecting a rental home, cabin or condo on the site, a renter can book it and go in minutes.
For renters, this eliminates the painstaking task of trying to reach an owner who in many cases will not respond to inquiries for hours and sometimes days. Vacation rental owners have day jobs and have little time in the evenings to answer calls and emails from renters. The logistics also take time to process back and forth between the renter and owner. ReserveMyHome’s automated software processes everything in real time down to the driving directions and entry information for access to the vacation property.
The overall state of the economy has second home real estate owners looking for ways to increase their income by converting their second homes into vacation rentals. More travelers are staying closer to home and making road trips to local destination travel hot spots. Low interest rates, are helping owners generate personal revenue and lodging tax for the local communities. ReserveMyHome now has approximately 670 vacation rentals just in the Lake Tahoe located on the North and South shores of the lake.
The company is now seeing repeat renters from last year booking on average 45 days in advance. Most bookings are for families and groups with five or more people with an average stay of 4 nights.
About ReserveMyHome
ReserveMyHome, LLC based in Incline Village, NV is the largest reservation and booking portal for professionally managed verified vacation rentals including homes, condos, cabins, villas and rooms in the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. ReserveMyHome offers a safe, fast, and easier way to find and book the perfect rental accommodations for travelers through the integration of the ReserveMyHome website and booking software.
How To Book A Lake Tahoe Cabin Rental
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010I have not posted in a while but the latest winter storm has me planning snowboard lessons for 
the kids and planning our family holiday getaway to a Lake Tahoe cabin rental. Recently, I wrote a page on the different types of websites used to book cabin rentals and vacation rentals in general. Many travelers out there do not realize the several types of booking or listing sites on the Internet today.
There is simply no substitute for due diligence when it comes to booking Lake Tahoe vacation rentals and cabins. The elements of trust, patience and local knowledge should always be close at hand when browsing through thousands of rental listings on the thousands of websites for your next family vacation for three main reasons:
1. Trust: Many of the Lake Tahoe cabin rental advertising sites for travel accommodations do not verify their listings. In most cases you are dealing directly with owners you have never met before. Remember trust should always be your main concern prior to sending a property manager five hundred to several thousand dollars in rental fees at the time you make the booking. More
Vacation Rentals Search Using Google Maps
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010August 31, 2010 ReserveMyHome, LLC, The “All in One” listing and booking site for verified vacation rentals from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to Orlando, Florida and beyond today announced the inclusion of Google maps. This new functionality allows travelers to search find and locate the physical location of the vacation rental, cabin or condo with precision. 
Now, a traveler can get a much better feel for where the vacation rental is located and use this mapping tool to plan for the amount of time it will take to drive to the rental or from their rental accommodations to the local supermarket, ski resort, beach or the nearest Italian restaurant.
Zoe Avery cofounder of ReserveMyHome said, “Many travelers have questions around the physical location of the vacation rental they are interested in since they either have not been to the area or a new activity or attraction has been put in place. We are always looking for ways to help travelers that are looking for travel accommodations find and book their perfect rental. Google maps fits with our verified rentals theme and will provide travelers with more information to make a more informed decision 24/7 365 days per year.”
The company is based in Incline Village, Nevada where locally it has grown quickly to become one of the leaders in all of Lake Tahoe for vacation home accommodations.
Demo the search click here.
About ReserveMyHome, LLC
The ReserveMyHome, LLC website portal connects verified vacation rental homeowners and property managers with travelers and renters who seek fast and easy streamlined bookings for private vacation rentals, homes, cabins, condos, beach houses and cottages in the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
VRMA 2010 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
The 2010 VRMA seminar (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) by all accounts was a hit – jam packed with many new and old participants. For those of you who are not familiar with VRMA it stands for “Vacation Rental Managers’ Association” established in 1985 and is a professional trade association for the vacation rental management industry. There are two major shows per year with the next show scheduled for May 5-6, 2010 in Reno, Nevada. This will be VRMA’s West coast show and will be held at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
Many vendors in the vacation rental industry come together for these two seminars to learn about the latest news, marketing tips, products, software and trends in this rapidly changing marketplace.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Myrtle Beach seminar last week and introduced myself to many friendly vendors, partners and new entrepreneurs. Email, chat and online has changed the way most businesses are run today and taking the opportunity to meet a handful of partners face to face that I have only worked with via email and phone was the highlight of this year’s VRMA seminar for me.
Aside from the conferences at the seminar that were loaded with exciting and relevant vacation rental information, there were a few vibrant exhibitor showcases that really stood out and are on their way to carving out a niche in this space. A few of the exhibitors that caught my eye were:
1.) IdentifyYourself – www.identifyyourself.biz. A new company that provides promotional products such as magnets and mousepads for managers of vacation rentals. What’s nice about this concept is that property managers can have their logo, brand, and specials printed on a wide selection of promotional products. The magnet was super-easy, as it’s glued to a postcard which can then simply be mailed to your past renters.
2.) MDM Group – www.mdmgroup.net. An insurance company that provides coverage for vacation rentals in the event there is theft or accidental damage to a rental. The plan they offer is very competitive. A renter pays a small flat fee in lieu of a large security deposit. This program is a benefit to both the renter who does not have to come up with a lot of money and the vacation home owner who is covered up to $3,000 in damages.
3.) InterCoastalNetDesigns – www.icoastalnet.com. A website design firm for the vacation rental industry which also integrates booking engines into these designs. They have the ability to drive visitors to your website, capture leads and record revenue from unique visitors.
4.) OurFriendsPlace.com. A facebook platform that allows owners of vacation rentals to rent their vacation homes out to other friends. The beauty about this concept is that once a home is listed on the site it is easy to share the rental information including photos with other friends in your network.
Other well-known participants present at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel were Vacation Rent Payment, Barefoot Technologies, HomeAway, Instant Software, Escapia and Navis. There were between forty and fifty vendors displaying at the show. Each booth had knowledgeable and nice staff to answer any questions about their services, software or products.
The Reno, Nevada VRMA show coming up in the next few days is sure to be another great opportunity to attend if you missed the Eastern seminar. Many of the same vendors will be present along with some new exhibitors promoting their vacation rental concepts, ideas and software. If you are a property manager of vacation rentals I suggest you check out the VRMA show and seminars in Reno, Nevada. Expect to leave with your name entered in one of the many contests, great new marketing ideas and a new partner or two that can help you grow your vacation rentals business.
For more information on VRMA and/or the West Coast seminar and show you can find their official site here http://www.vrma.com/
Admission to both the VRMA Eastern and Western show is not cheap but may will be worth every penny especially if you run into a new partner or product that will generate more bookings.
ReserveMyHome – A compelling case for this vacation rentals website award.
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
Here I will describe why this website and company’s business model sets itself apart from the competition in the vacation rental industry. A measure of hundreds of online vacation rentals websites sites were used in this comparison over a two year period.
A website in the vacation rentals space must do three things to enable travelers to make an online reservation with confidence:
- Be the perfect storefront for each rental home, attracting renters to explore it further; and
- Provide the traveler with comprehensive information they need to know so they can best identify what they get with their purchase.
- Allow travelers and owners to view travel guides and post useful booking and travel content, tips and advice.
In addition to the above, a winning vacation rentals website that is both innovative by way of design and provides a feature set that allows a renter to easily book the verified home online.
Following those two things, travelers need an easy-to-use feature set which allows them to search for and find fitting rentals, send inquiries and book their vacation rental accommodations easily and without worry. In addition to any brand familiarity provided by the virtual store front, the site must instill trust by way of a verification process for each of the rentals listed on the site to help prevent scams that are prevalent in this marketplace.
Owners of vacation rentals need an easy-to-use tool set to list their vacation properties, share information on the “Vacation Rentals for Family Vacations Blog,” and facilitate the booking process on the rentals site. ReserveMyHome encourages property managers of vacation rentals to simply copy and post a direct link back to their unique ReserveMyHome viewing and booking page from wherever they are promoting their properties – taking travelers seamlessly from exploring to booking.
You could say ReserveMyHome was built for those who want more exposure and bookings without the hassle. The live reservation agents are there to assist travelers with general questions and can usually handle most requests quickly. Travelers like this. Best of all, the ReserveMyHome model is performance based so there is no charge to list rentals on the site and a small commission is subtracted from the nightly rate for all successful bookings on the website.
There are very few websites today that offer all of these innovative components for travelers and owners alike. However, these are all key features for travelers and owners of vacation rentals that are integrated into the ReserveMyHome site making it a leader in the vacation rentals and booking marketplace.
Beyond a typical “billboard” rentals site ReserveMyHome offers instant bookings on most of their rentals. To put this in perspective they have done what the hotel industry has been doing for years but on a more complex level by offering each home’s individual location, features, pictures, amenities, availability and pricing and the ability to book it and go.
The fear of losing a booking is a traditional stress for owners. The loss of two bookings per month at $300 per night with a three-night stay amounts to a $21,600.00 annual loss. ReserveMyHome has changed that, without risk to owners.
At the time of booking on the site, a traveler can easily enter their arrival and departure dates, select a damage insurance waiver vs. a hefty deposit and pay with a credit card. Almost instantly the traveler receives the following:
- Confirmation of payment and dates for their selected vacation period
- A rental contract
- Additional paid amenities associated with the booking
Seven days prior to their arrival a second email is automatically sent with the following information:
- Clear and detailed driving directions to the vacation rental.
- Entry instructions for access to the home
- The owner or property managers contact information for specific last minute details or in the event of an emergency.
All relative booking information is then shared in “real time” between the (parties) property manager of the vacation rental and traveler. Furthermore, the property manager saves money in advertising, employee wages and support as ReserveMyHome remits payment timely and directly.
At anytime a renter can log in to their own unique account to view all of their booking details. Upon arrival back home, the traveler also receives an email with a welcome back greeting that allows the traveler to post a review of their vacation rental and stay.
This vacation rentals website, built and maintained by ReserveMyHome, LLC, simply takes virtual vacation rentals website listings directly to confirmed bookings: a level well beyond the scope of most in this competitive marketplace.
Finally, as of this writing it has been reported that state of the art search and mapping functionality on the site is set to be integrated in early May 2010.
About ReserveMyHome
The ReserveMyHome, LLC website portal connects vacation homeowners and property managers with travelers and renters who seek fast, easy, search options and who want fast, streamlined bookings for trusted vacation rentals, homes, cabins, condos, beach houses and cottages in the USA, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.
Please Give Me a Refund!
Monday, February 15th, 2010Often, I receive emails from vacation renters but a recent email request has been on my mind of late. The renter simply wanted a refund. What most travelers do not realize is that once a booking is made by a traveler for a rental home, cabin or condo the owner’s home is taken off the market. This means it is no longer for rent. It is unavailable period. Could you imagine showing up at the home only to find another family is cooking dinner and enjoying their stay? What a mess!
So, let’s assume for a moment that a traveler books a vacation rental for Christmas week in the middle of November. This amounts to one and a half months prior to their booked arrival date. Over the next forty five days inquires will no doubt come in for that same home (that is off the market) and other inquires for different rentals listed on the ReserveMyHome site. Many folks will still inquire about the unavailable home that has been booked. These travelers are turned away from the booked rental because it is simply unavailable. Some renters will move on to the next home or website to seek a similar home.
Unlike a hotel room, a vacation rental cannot be switched around to accommodate a renters request of an ocean view, a deluxe room with two king beds or perhaps a request for a higher floor.
The vacation rental is selected and booked ahead of time. Typically a renter will research and accept suggestions and agreements from family and friends, agree on a location and the amenities that come with the rental. After all this sharing and research is complete a decision is made. Friends and family are advised of their secured accommodations and other travel plans are made to complete the trip. Using this example above and can consider the rental booked. Then tragedy happens and the renter that booked the home or cabin months ago can no longer honor their agreement and requests a cancellation and refund.
They know the refund and cancellation policy, they know it’s a long shot, but what they may not know is how many bookings have been turned aside since their original booking. This is why ReserveMyHome has a refund and cancellation policy. It is used to protect the owner of the home from loss. It is used to clearly define the process if tragedy happens. It is upheld by our company to ensure the home is available. In a perfect world we could make everyone happy (and we try very hard to do just that).
ReserveMyHome is not in the business of giving out refunds or switching around rooms like a hotel. When a renter books it they can trust in it. The home will be there for them and their family and friends when they arrive on their confirmed dates.
Recently, a request for a refund came in. Tragedy had struck and they simply could not attend. In this case, a new renter wanted the same home which resulted in this email from the original renter…
‘To Reserve My Home,
I recently booked a house with ReserveMyHome. We had a serious family emergency that came up two weeks prior to my arrival date. I contacted Zoe Avery and advised her of my situation. Zoe informed me of the cancellation policy and notified me that it was not in the agreement to refund the payment of the house.
Despite the policy Zoe and ReserveMyHome went above and beyond to work with me in regards to the payment of the house. The compassion and excellent customer service your company has shown is greatly appreciated. I look forward to doing business in the future with you and would recommend this company to anyone I know. I appreciate all that help you have extended to me in this tough time. Thank you again Zoe and ReserveMyHome.’
Sincerely,
W. Padilla Jr.
I wish it was this easy all the time! But the fact is… It’s not.
“Don’t Worry, It’s a Vacation Rental”
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Who is Watching Your Vacation Rental?
Almost everyone’s said it, about a car or a house or a hotel room – that’s why when we’re on the other side we have concerns about opening our personal vacation property to renters.
One specific concern is the rental group who overfills any house with more (sometimes many more) people than it reasonably accommodates. Sometimes it’s to reduce the cost, sometimes more people than expected show up; but sometimes renters intentionally take the opportunity to invite as many folks as they want – knowing that “it’s just a rental.”
Some destinations even advertise this as a specific benefit vacation rentals compared to hotels: “Hold your family reunion here, no capacity requirements!” It is a difficult situation to control, so what can you do as the property owner to influence renters to bring only a reasonable number of people along?
Listen for clues
Most renters will ask questions…listen carefully:
• How many cars can we park?
• Do you have any more pullout couches or cots?
• Can we bring tents?
• Is there space at the dock for more than one boat?
• Is there parking for an RV?
Ask for number of adults and children on your rental application
Provide the empty space on the form and it will most likely get filled in accurately. Without specifically asking for number of children, you may only get the count of adults declared. I like the sign my veterinarian has in her office: “Any children playing on the scale will be sent home with a kitten.”
Set the agreement for their number of guests
Provide your rental agreement for the number of guests the renter has stated in the application, even if your property accommodates more. If the renter was intending to bring more people, this will generate questions and help head off ill intentions.
Add a clause to your Terms & Conditions
“The maximum occupancy of this property is 6 people (adults and children). Exceeding this at any time without notification will result in an immediate non-refundable charge of $150 per person in excess of 6 and/or immediate eviction with no refund.” Better to have the rules clear up front then to risk an untenable situation.
Let them know somebody’s watching
“The home is located in a great and friendly neighborhood. Neighbors watch out for each other, and can be counted on to help. As a courtesy, we notify our neighbors who live in the area full-time when we are expecting renters.” This is just a nudge to anyone who might be thinking of bending any of your rules.
At the end of the day, if someone is bound and determined to violate the rules and requirements, it will happen – owners can’t be there to monitor every renter. These tips will help to dissuade people away from taking advantage of the situation, and will help keep your home in good shape!
A Room? How About a Whole Vacation Home
Sunday, December 20th, 2009Discover the secrets of vacation rentals and cabins that are spread across most of 
the world. Imagine all the comforts of home for your family vacation in the perfect location: on your favorite river, near Disneyland, close to the ski slopes in Lake Tahoe, or on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii and the Gulf Shores. The comforts, perks and amenities are many, but the location and cost for a week-long family vacation may surprise you, in a good way.
Picture your kitchen in your home. Now picture your family in your kitchen. Sleeping. Showering. Playing. For a week. Your kitchen is about the same size as a hotel room. Now picture a fully stocked kitchen. Surrounded by 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a laundry room. Add your family to that picture for a week. Aaaaaah, much better. Space for meals. For the kids to play. For you to relax with a book. No hotel room has that much space (not even the fancy end suite) – at least no hotel that your average vacationing family can afford.
Hotels have to cover extraordinary costs with their nightly rate, their room service and restaurant prices, and their fees for services. That’s why even tiny 400 square foot rooms can be so expensive (and that’s before you’ve even eaten or gone anywhere). Vacation rental owners have much more modest costs to cover to maintain their property. And they pass those savings on to travelers. Vacation rental homes begin less expensively, allowing you to enjoy more of the things you’re on vacation to enjoy: the attractions, a couple of really good meals out, peace of mind.
The power of choice. It’s worth a lot. And it costs a lot when it’s taken away by Housekeeping entering your room at 7:30 am, or by noisy neighbors in the room above or next door, or by the raucous partiers returning to their room at 3:00 am. In a vacation rental home, you have the choice – party all night, or curl up with a good book next to a fire. Take some friends along to enjoy the company of others, or keep it low key. Either way you like it, the choice is yours.
Have a party and where does everyone end up? All together now: THE KITCHEN! The most important part of any home, it’s where home cooked meals are created and eaten. We can’t say enough about the kitchen. From a “these are the moments life is made of” perspective, having your own kitchen on vacation is priceless. From a hard cash perspective, having your own kitchen on vacation can save you bundles. Eat out two nights instead of every night. Pack picnic lunches instead of dining out. Enjoy breakfast in bed, and not for those exorbitant room service rates. Put leftovers away to enjoy the next day. That extra money? Sock it away and save it. Or spend it on one more day of lift tickets, Sea Doo rentals, a Mickey hat, or one last fabulous meal at a fabulous restaurant.
Book your travel fun on your own time! Eat the leftovers instead of paying $50.00 for lunch at the hotel. How about the silverware and refer stocked with great snacks at 75% off. Book a vacation rental clearly has its little benefits that add up to huge savings. The amenities found throughout vacation rentals, well those are FREE!
Vacation Rentals in The Gulf Shores are everywhere situated along the beaches but did you know that most all top visited travel hot spots offer vacation rentals, beach homes, villas and condo rentals? Families traveling with kids or in groups are finding some great deals on these amazing properties around the world.
Here are some of the more popular areas for vacation rentals. Cape Coral, Myrtle Beach, Indian Shores, Orlando, Destin, Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Telluride, Steamboat, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, Table Rock, Shawnigan Lake, Davenport, Hilton Head, Fripp Island, Scottsdale, Cancun, Palm Desert, San Diego, Las Vegas, Oregon, the Virgin Islands…just about any destination you can think of, you will find a vacation rental, not just hotels. Beach rentals in The Gulf Shores, Orlando, Florida or any beach house travel destination and ski cabins where you as a kid grew up still exist and make great family trips for you and your new family. Areas like Lake Tahoe and Breckenridge, Colorado make for some great ski adventures. The Gulf shores and Santa Cruz, California offer beach rentals that will have the kids filled with enjoyment throughout the entire day. It doesn’t get any better than vacation rentals in Maui, Hawaii for a completely relaxing vacation. In no time you will be on the phone extending your stay with the owner of the beach home or condo.
The cozy cabin perched on the creek with the swimming hole that reminds you of being a kid simply cannot be passed up for that next family vacation. Ski home rentals are some of the best deals around. Take Lake Tahoe rentals for example; every Tahoe Vacation rental has a world class ski resort within minutes of your mountain getaway. Hotels are easy but to truly relax on your next road trip vacation rentals and beach home rentals are a more affordable solution for a family vacation.
It is important to remember to always do your research BEFORE booking a vacation rental. There are a ton of scams in this market place. Your hard earned money needs to go to an owner that is verified as a good manager. ALWAYS USE WEBSITES THAT VERIFY THEIR RENTALS! NEVER BOOK VACATION RENTALS THAT ARE NOT VERIFIED! These days anyone can post a few pictures and some rates on a vacation rental listing site but getting to know who stands behind that home is very important!
There is only one really good way to determine if the Tahoe vacation rental or the Gulf Shores beach home is verified. Only search vacation rental websites that verify all rentals posted on the site AND accept credit cards. These advertising sites should have strict guidelines and owner-provided documentation that is reviewed before the listing is made available to travelers. Be very careful with sites that provide renter reviews. Inquire who reviewed and posted this information. As a general rule, take an average of the best and the worst reviews and draw your own conclusion right down the middle. Booking your vacation rental through a reputable, local property management company is always a good idea. You might pay a few extra bucks, but surprises are never good while traveling in groups. Remember to use the new adage “know BEFORE you go.”
Searching for vacation rentals to book? Simply type in “BOOK VACATION RENTALS IN LAKE TAHOE” or “BOOK VACATION RENTALS IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA” or whatever destination you and your family have in mind. Many sites that list vacation rentals provide you with fantastic resources for your next holiday adventure. Remember to spend a little time on the site and most of all look for vacation rental listings that are NOT too good to be true! Talk to the owner of the site to inquire about their process of verification. And when you get tired of hotels with views of the parking lot check out a mountain top vacation rental with views of the canyon may be right for you and your family for your next family vacation.
Learn more about vacation rentals stop by ReserveMyHome where you can find out all about vacation rentals from Lake Tahoe to the Gulf shores, to the Island of Maui and Beach Homes for your next family Gulf coast family holiday.
Vacation Rentals and Travel OMG! Everyone Wants a Trip Deal
Friday, December 18th, 2009With winter here many families are preparing another expensive family vacation, but with your checkbook M.I.A., you 
may be wondering if it is even possible to afford the same level of family fun as you did last year on your winter vacation. We all want to be there for our kids and loved ones but with the economy in limbo and unemployment at record levels not seen in decades, is planning a trip really a good idea? You bet it is but there is a catch. You must look for trip deals that are out there and you have to know where to look for these deals, discounts and savings on airfare, vacation rentals, and free trials for your next family trip.
Most of us use the internet to find the best trip deals, and the economy hasn’t changed that. It’s easy and fast to plan and pay for vacations online – if you know where to look. Google a search using “trip deals” and you’ll see all the companies that are providing great rates, discounts, coupons, extra nights for free…you name it, you’ll find it! All of the great destinations are available.
However, some flexibility is going to be required on your part to make this work and here is why. Most people seek the fast and easy route to their travel destination. This demand keeps the cost up. To get a deal on your trip you have to book your stay during the non-peak days and use transportation that will have you at your travel destination a bit later than you may prefer. Airlines are famous for this as they may have you stop in an additional city before arriving at the city you are flying to. Hotels need their rooms to be booked but as the demand increases so does the price. Schedule your stay a day later to beat the crowds and save a bundle.
Don’t limit yourself to standard hotels and resorts – there is a fast-expanding market of vacation rentals out there that can also provide you great trip deals. Google “book vacation rental deals” to see all the properties that are available…oceanfront, beside a beautiful river, or mountain top…they’re all out there. Owners and property managers are happy to deal!
These days most everything related to vacation, travel, air and accommodations are on sale and it is easy to determine the best time to book a deal for your family by simply comparing peak days vs. non-peak days on the many websites that offer trip deals. Family road trips with today’s gas prices make good economical sense. Book a vacation rental that comes with discounted ski tickets if you have skiers in the family. But, go travel before the crowed or after they leave.
Finally, be patient if at all possible when planning your family vacation this year. Generally, prices start out at relatively elevated price tag. The deals, discounts and savings will arrive as your travel date becomes closer unless the demand has outstripped the supply. Search the major travel deal websites like for vacation rentals, Expedia, Cheap tickets and Travelocity for last minute trip deals. This is always the risk but in these time patience is truly a virtue that will pay off in savings that will help you to find your checkbook again and make that fun family holiday again this year. A good idea is to bookmark your favorite travel sites.
This winter should be spent with family whenever possible. If you want to find out more about trip deals, in addition you may find wonderful family travel guides for planning a fantastic budget vacation.
Need A Vacation After Your Vacation? Book A Vacation Rental Next Time
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Vacation Rentals
Discover the secret of vacation rentals from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to the Caribbean and every travel hot spot in between. These vacation homes, condos, villas and cabins are spread across most of the world. Now, just for a minute imagine all the ‘comforts of home’ for your family vacation in the perfect location: on your favorite river, near Disneyland, close to the ski slopes in Lake Tahoe, or on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii. The comforts, perks and amenities are many, but the location and cost, yes the savings these vacation rentals offer for a week-long family getaway may surprise you, in a good way!
More space to relax – A 400 square foot hotel room vs. a 2,500 square foot home… any more questions? That extra space equals more relaxation while traveling with family and friends. A vacation rental is a wonderful alternative to a hotel room. On a family vacation, everyone just needs their space. The kids need to play, mom and dad need to wind down and relax, and your guests certainly need their own room (not a creaky, uncomfortable rollaway bed right in the middle of everything). Not even a fancy end suite in a hotel can provide the space you’ll find in a vacation rental – not to mention the $3000 per night you’ll spend for that end suite. The kitchens alone in most vacation rentals, beach homes, ski chalets and condos are larger than even a 5-star hotel room.
More bang for the buck – Booking that perfect vacation rental for a few nights, a week or perhaps a month will be so much cheaper than even a mid-grade hotel room. Hotels make a large portion of their money from the restaurants on the premises. How much was your last room service bill? I recall spending $85 for a continental breakfast for two in Hawaii…yep, that’s right, 85 bucks for coffee, juice and a couple of danishes! Private vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens ready for home cooked meals on the cheap. Or, how about a drive to the local restaurant everyone has been talking to you about for a night out – one or two nights out instead of every night? The versatility that comes built in with these homes for family vacations is often overlooked by travelers. Rental owners don’t have the cost and expenses associated with property tax, large loan payments, restaurants, upkeep and advertising; therefore the savings is passed along to the renter. In terms of size, comfort, luxury, amenities and location, your bucks go a lot further when spent on a vacation rental.
Peace and quiet – It’s 7:30am…knock, knock, knock \”Housekeeping, housekeeping!\” followed by the key in the door. Does this sound familiar? Most hotels rooms are surrounded by other rooms with other people. While sleep is important on vacation, no hotel I’ve ever stayed in has a curfew. \”Bang, boom, thump,\” sound familiar? We all know the irritation of noisy neighbors in the room next door or up above yours. A vacation home is as quiet as you make it or as loud as you want it to be. It’s your choice. Vacation homes come with space around them and insulation to buffer you from the outside world when it’s your time to rest and relax.
Kitchen – Most vacation rentals include kitchens the size of a normal hotel room. Three meals per day adds up to major bucks but entertaining guests and occasional family breakfasts, lunches and dinners around the fire may allow for an extended stay on your next holiday. Most kitchens provide cookware, dishes and utensils, just the way you like it. Your own kitchen. Your own microwave. Your own stove. A full-sized refrigerator. These are some of the most popular features of vacation rentals, because they simply offer you complete control over your meals during your trip. Breakfast in bed is still a real possibility followed by a picnic lunch on the beach, and then you could still head out to a local restaurant for dinner. The flexibility built in to this type of accommodation adds convenience, lowers the cost, and provides the good old ”comforts of home” feeling. Those breakfasts and lunches eaten at ”home?”…they just allowed you to spend one more day at Disney World, Sea World, on the slopes, touring Lake Tahoe on snowmobiles, or snorkeling with the sea turtles.
Have it your way – No more planning around the hotel shuttle, no more spending premium rates for taxi rides (or the tips)…you can make your own schedule in a vacation rental. Need some ice, board games, movies, books, a hot tub, pool, WIFI or how about a backyard? You are in luck. Booking a vacation home is your choice and so are the cool amenities that come with it at no extra charge.
Vacation rental hot spots – Did you know that most all top destinations offer vacation rentals in addition to hotels? Here are some of the well known getaway destinations that offer beach homes, cabins, houses, condos, chalets, villas and cottages:
Cape Coral, Myrtle Beach, Indian Shores, Orlando, Destin, Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Telluride, Steamboat, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, Table Rock, Shawnigan Lake, Davenport, Hilton Head, Fripp Island, Scottsdale, Cancun, Palm Desert, San Diego, Las Vegas, Oregon, the Virgin Islands…just about any destination you can think of, you will find a vacation rental, not just hotels.
How about that cute little cabin along the river where the kids can play in the swimming hole throughout the afternoon or that ski home next to Northstar in Lake Tahoe? A nice bungalow in the Caribbean can have its advantages. Don’t get me wrong, hotels do have their place, but for family travel, take advantage of some of the great deals on your next beach home down in the Gulf Shores or wherever it is you like to vacation.
WARNING: Only Book Verified Vacation Rentals – Finding a verified vacation rental means that what you see is what you get, guaranteed, without you doing the legwork beforehand, or worse, arriving at your destination only to find the property is not what you signed up for (and spent your money on). Most websites that display vacation rentals do not verify the listings. This means that you must do a little homework before plunking down several hundred dollars for your accommodations. One site that verifies all their vacation rentals is http://www.reserevemyhome.com/
There are two really good ways to determine if the vacation rental your family has selected is genuine:
First, only search vacation rental websites that verify all rentals posted on the site. These advertising sites should have strict guidelines and owner-provided documentation that is required before the listing is made available to travelers. (Be very careful with sites that provide ”renter reviews.” Inquire who reviewed and posted this information. As a general rule, take an average of the best and the worst reviews and draw your own conclusion right down the middle.
Second, book your vacation rental through a reputable, local property management company. You might pay a few extra bucks, but surprises are never good while traveling in groups. Remember to use the new adage ”know BEFORE you go.”
So don’t spend that next vacation in a box, a tent, or all crammed into one tiny space. Book that perfect vacation rental, save some money, and say goodbye to needing a vacation after your vacation. Enjoy the comfort, space, quiet, and flexibility of having the choice in a vacation rental. A little time put aside to plan your trip will only add to the experience of your next getaway. By the way, vacation rentals around the world have ”no vacancy” signs as well.
There really is no limit to the size, variety or price of vacation rentals available for your next family vacation. Check out the Best Destination to List or Book Vacation Rentals from Lake Tahoe to the Caribbean.
