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.

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.