In a very short time friends, businesses and travelers from around the world have “friended up” with us to post deals, discounts, insight and offers on our little page on facebook known as “Vacation Rentals.”

Thank you everyone for signing up and sharing. We appreciate everyone that makes a genuine contribution to this page.

Also we really appreciate all of the recommendations that you have shared with your friends to sign up with our Vacation Rentals Page.

Now, let’s Keep It Going to 10,000 at a record pace! Please feel free to send this link to your friends, family, associates and everyone who is interested in travel deals, tours, hotels and most of all vacation rentals!

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Hey! Let them know deals and discounts can be found right here and suggest they should come join the fun!

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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

This is Going to Be Good!

Over the last several months this idea has been coming back to me time and time again. Initially it came on strong and I put it behind the more pressing things on my plate. A little over a month ago the sky opened up and creativity settled back in and sure enough boom… there it was again, dead center: an idea with a purpose that has every chance to change and enhance the vacation rental industry, and people’s experiences.

My usual method when starting a new project is to grab a piece of paper, pencil and ruler since I cannot draw any better than my seven year old. For some strange reason this approach did not work this time as I was overcome with thoughts of “You know what you need to do so just crank it out.” This is usually the second step.

For the next week or so all my waking energy went in to tapping on the keyboard, using the copy and paste feature in Word, capturing all those thoughts that had been rumbling around and applying them to this new concept. The phone rang, email filled my email inbox. I think I was a bad dad for a while by not paying attention to the family but this just had to get done. My mind was simply tired of storing up all the little ideas. Those ideas needed to fall into place. So I had to let it happen and put everything else on hold.

Days went by, and then weeks. I worked deep into the late night hours (this is when I do my best work) and finally it all fell into place. Everything that had been stored was now in digital format ready for the next step. The click of a button and off this project went to land on the desktop of my friend that is much more adept than I.

Upon first glance he said, “It’s a winner,” and something that “should have been done long ago.” I actually think he was as excited as I was which is hard to believe because I do tend to get a little wound up. You should see me at professional hockey games when the refs are out of line.

By now you may be wondering, “Just what the heck is this guy blogging about?” Or you may just think I’m nuts. Whatever the case may be, the vacation rentals industry will take notice. Perhaps not today or tomorrow or even this year but this idea will be launched and I believe will make an impact for the better of the wonderful vacation rentals industry I am involved in. The initial announcement will take place right here on WEDNESDAY MARCH 31, 2010 so…

Be Ready. Be Excited. It’s Going to Be Super! Coming April 2010.

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.

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!

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.