Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Videos from Ideal Vacation Rentals
Click here to view videos on a bigger screen.
Take advantage of our special video creation offer when you sign up for a deluxe listing.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
West Maui Beachfront Vacation Rentals
Imagine sitting on your own private beachfront lanai and being able to throw a rock into the ocean because you are so close. Imagine having a front row seat for whale watching when the humpbacks come down from Alaska to mate and have their babies (Nov thru April). Imagine having unobstructed views of the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai. Imagine sipping a cool drink and enjoying a glorious Maui sunset.You can have all this and more just by renting a West Maui beachfront condo directly from an owner. West Maui has a lot to offer because you will be close to shops, farmer's markets, world class golf, beautiful beaches, fantastic snorkeling and diving, whale watching tours, great restaurants and unsurpassed entertainment.
You will find that staying in a condo is much more affordable than a hotel room for many reasons. You have the option of cooking your own meals either in the kitchen or at the poolside BBQ. Also you can rent a 2 or 3 bedroom condo and share expenses with your family and friends. Most condo owners include many extras for your use, like beach towels and chairs, snorkeling equipment, sand toys, books, videos, CDs and more. You will also receive free wireless internet at most West maui condos. The oceanfront condos dotted along Maui's west side offer everything you need to make your Maui vacation a memorable one.Check out these two great West Maui beachfront condos.
Maui Sands One Bedroom Condo
Hololani Two Bedroom Oceanfront
For more Maui vacation rentals click here
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Video Creation Service for Vacation Rentals
Why Make a Video of Your Vacation Rental?
Did you know that video marketing for vacation rentals through YouTube and other video hosting services, is becoming the trend? There are so many vacation homes out there now that potential renters are becoming more discerning when they are looking for a suitable place to stay.
Offering an appealing video with music, as part of your advertising makes your vacation rental come alive and provides an experience beyond photos. The great advantage with YouTube is that it allows you to post unlimited videos free of charge. (size restrictions apply) You are also allowed a description of your vacation rental as well as key words. This gives you an excellent opportunity to write rich content so that the search engines will give you the rankings that you require for your area and type of vacation rental. Another great plus is that you can also link back to your own webpage from the YouTube video so that users may click through for more information about your property. Not only that but it gives you a strong incoming link that will strengthen your position with the search engines.
The benefits don't stop there so read on. YouTube also provides you with an embedding code, so that you can actually put this code into the html of your webpage or blog and your video will be live on your own website. If you belong to sites that don't allow embedding, there is also a link code which is your URL address with YouTube.
When Google purchased YouTube for 1.65 billion dollars from its creator in 2006 they knew what they were doing. Statistics show YouTube to be the third most popular site on the entire internet and the most visited site for watching videos.
Try our Video Creation Service for Vacation Rentals now if you don't want to make one yourself. Sample video below.
Did you know that video marketing for vacation rentals through YouTube and other video hosting services, is becoming the trend? There are so many vacation homes out there now that potential renters are becoming more discerning when they are looking for a suitable place to stay.
Offering an appealing video with music, as part of your advertising makes your vacation rental come alive and provides an experience beyond photos. The great advantage with YouTube is that it allows you to post unlimited videos free of charge. (size restrictions apply) You are also allowed a description of your vacation rental as well as key words. This gives you an excellent opportunity to write rich content so that the search engines will give you the rankings that you require for your area and type of vacation rental. Another great plus is that you can also link back to your own webpage from the YouTube video so that users may click through for more information about your property. Not only that but it gives you a strong incoming link that will strengthen your position with the search engines.
The benefits don't stop there so read on. YouTube also provides you with an embedding code, so that you can actually put this code into the html of your webpage or blog and your video will be live on your own website. If you belong to sites that don't allow embedding, there is also a link code which is your URL address with YouTube.
When Google purchased YouTube for 1.65 billion dollars from its creator in 2006 they knew what they were doing. Statistics show YouTube to be the third most popular site on the entire internet and the most visited site for watching videos.
Try our Video Creation Service for Vacation Rentals now if you don't want to make one yourself. Sample video below.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Vacation Rental Bookings Are Up - So Are the Number of Vacation Rentals Available!
Today I am reprinting an article by Jayne Brodie with lots of great tips for vacation rental owners.
There's been a lot of focus in the media recently about summer travel, and ways that travelers can save money and stretch their dollar. Of course that's been great for the vacation rental industry. HomeAway, the leader of Property Rental Advertising, just reported on Fox Business News that their site traffic is up 30% this year. However, they also noted that most vacation rental owners are offering discounts. What they didn't address is how many more vacation rentals are on the market this year as more second property owners need support in covering their mortgages, and renting out their home as a vacation rental helps out tremendously.
So what should property owners be doing to stand out? Discounting is one option, but I don't think that's the answer. I've stayed at 90% occupancy this year by doing the following things:
1) Getting a really thorough understanding of how my renters find me. Yes, that finding out what keywords they type into search engines when they're looking for a vacation rental in my area. Sound daunting? It's not. It's actually really fun once you understand it, because then you'll be able to leverage those keywords in all of the marketing that you do...and you'll be able to reach your renters quickly and at no cost.
2) Creating a video. I've always believed that pictures are worth a thousand words, and that's especially true in the vacation rental industry. People want to know what they're paying for. Video kicks it up a notch and let's you show your renters every nook and cranny of your property. It's a wonderful tool, and it will help you with your keyword rankings as well. When I added video to my site and ad listings, my bookings increased 20% almost immediately.
3) Overhauling your ad listing. When was the last time you did a competitive review of your ad listing, made sure your amenities were up to date, and reviewed your ad to make sure your keywords were incorporated. Have you tested different headlines and thumbnail photographs? There are all kinds of little "tweaks" that will make a big difference in your "curb appeal" to renters.
These are just a few of the components that will help you remain competitive and stand out among the crowd and keep your vacation rental booked solid!
Jayne Brodie is the author of the "Booked Solid Blueprint", a popular guide designed to help vacation rental property owners boost their bookings. To learn more about her book and sign up for FREE simple, quick, and easy ways to Boost Your Vacation Rental Bookings, go to http://www.bookedsolidrentals.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayne_Brodie
There's been a lot of focus in the media recently about summer travel, and ways that travelers can save money and stretch their dollar. Of course that's been great for the vacation rental industry. HomeAway, the leader of Property Rental Advertising, just reported on Fox Business News that their site traffic is up 30% this year. However, they also noted that most vacation rental owners are offering discounts. What they didn't address is how many more vacation rentals are on the market this year as more second property owners need support in covering their mortgages, and renting out their home as a vacation rental helps out tremendously.
So what should property owners be doing to stand out? Discounting is one option, but I don't think that's the answer. I've stayed at 90% occupancy this year by doing the following things:
1) Getting a really thorough understanding of how my renters find me. Yes, that finding out what keywords they type into search engines when they're looking for a vacation rental in my area. Sound daunting? It's not. It's actually really fun once you understand it, because then you'll be able to leverage those keywords in all of the marketing that you do...and you'll be able to reach your renters quickly and at no cost.
2) Creating a video. I've always believed that pictures are worth a thousand words, and that's especially true in the vacation rental industry. People want to know what they're paying for. Video kicks it up a notch and let's you show your renters every nook and cranny of your property. It's a wonderful tool, and it will help you with your keyword rankings as well. When I added video to my site and ad listings, my bookings increased 20% almost immediately.
3) Overhauling your ad listing. When was the last time you did a competitive review of your ad listing, made sure your amenities were up to date, and reviewed your ad to make sure your keywords were incorporated. Have you tested different headlines and thumbnail photographs? There are all kinds of little "tweaks" that will make a big difference in your "curb appeal" to renters.
These are just a few of the components that will help you remain competitive and stand out among the crowd and keep your vacation rental booked solid!
Jayne Brodie is the author of the "Booked Solid Blueprint", a popular guide designed to help vacation rental property owners boost their bookings. To learn more about her book and sign up for FREE simple, quick, and easy ways to Boost Your Vacation Rental Bookings, go to http://www.bookedsolidrentals.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayne_Brodie
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
England's Five Best Canal Holiday Routes
I'd like to share with our readers, an article I just came across in the Times Online about England's five best canal holiday routes. Terry Ramsey and friends have taken an annual trip on England's waterways for the past 16 years.
Here are his favourites
I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.
Here are his favourites
I personally would love to take a canal holiday tour, and then stay in a cottage or vacation home for the rest of my visit to England.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Top 5 Sun Holiday Destinations
If it’s a holiday in the sun you’re after, a trip to Croatia will certainly suffice. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s rocky coastline is intriguing and beautiful, making it a prime spot to get some sun while enjoying exceptional scenery.
It’s not only the coast that makes Croatia a good sun holiday destination, with the rolling hills in the north and northeast, and the thick forests of the mountains in Lika and Gorski Kotar providing a good contrast to the beach summer holiday stereotype.
When you’re in the mood for a bit of sightseeing, Croatia boasts eight National Parks and seven World Heritage Sites, ensuring you’ll never be short of something to do.
2. Sun and Culture in Cyprus
Cyprus is a culturally rich sun holiday destination, where lazy days spent on the beach can be coupled with fascinating cultural excursions. Choirokoita is possibly the best preserved site of prehistoric settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean, where you can sneak a peak into an ancient civilisation. Wander through Roman villas where floor mosaics depict mythological scenes, and pay a visit to the underground tombs of kings.
A wide variety of beaches are, of course, readily at your disposal. Pick a beach to suit your mood, from secluded bays to stretching sandy coastlines or rocky coves.
3. The Miniature Continent of Gran Canaria
One of the seven Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a ‘miniature continent’ in its own right, with a variety of landscapes and climates despite its small size. A holiday in the sun is virtually a permanent possibility on this island, with average temperatures being 20˚ even in winter.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city, is known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as miles and miles of beautiful beaches. For a quieter and more local experience, Agüines is a small traditional Canarian town, centred around its old church. Another worthwhile stop is Vecindario, a town predominantly inhabited by locals, with a weekly open air market selling local goods.
4. Volcanic Landscapes in Lanzarote
A truly unique sun holiday destination, Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes contrast rocky mountains and beautiful beaches. With volcanic eruptions as recent as 1824, large parts of the island have landscapes which look like something from another world. El Golfo is a volcanic crater filled by sea water made green by algae, creating a green lagoon surrounded by black sand banks.
The Timanfaya National Park is a must for anyone travelling in the region, where 100 volcanoes rose up and dramatically altered the landscape. This mountainous region is known the Montanas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), and the temperature just below the surface is between 400˚ and 600˚. You will be sure to witness a demonstration of this heat by someone at the park, where a dry brush is thrown down a hole in the earth and instantly ignites.
In addition to the stark volcanic landscapes, golden, black and white sandy beaches line the coast, providing relaxing relief from exploring the inland wonders and creating a holiday in the sun with a difference.
5. A Taste of Turkey
Turkey marks the gateway between Europe and Asia, creating a blend of Eastern and Western cultures and traditions. Encircled by the sea on three sides, Turkey is a beautiful sun holiday destination. With the Aegean Sea in the West, the Black Sea in the North, the Mediterranean Sea in the South, and the Sea of Marmara situated inland, there is certainly no shortage of beach.
Exploring Turkey is an exciting endeavour, with the culture, music and food all displaying the blend of cultures making up this unique land. Enjoy delicious dining as you feast on simple dolmas, or enjoy the principle fish of Turkey, Hamsi, which is served in 41 different ways (including a dessert!). You can expect great-tasting food, interesting culture and beautiful scenery, making for a great holiday in the sun.
Article Source: Articles Engine
Don't forget that Hawaii is a year round fun in the sun destination.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Vacation Rentals vs Hotels for Holiday Accommodation
Read this well thought out article by David Elliot.
8 Essential Reasons to Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel
There is no doubt that staying in a hotel whilst on vacation can be the height of luxury and relaxation, but it can also offer regimentation and tension. You have to watch the clock to make the times for food; listen out for housekeeping; hand in your keys to reception every time you leave the building. Is this really relaxation? Maybe it is time you thought about renting a holiday home next time you go on vacation. Holiday homes are no longer wooden chalets on a self sufficient site, they offer varied standards of accommodation depending on your budget. They can provide high standards of comfort at lower prices, along with the additional benefits of privacy, freedom and the ability to choose your own meal times and food.
Do you need more reasons why you should choose a holiday home rental over a hotel for you next vacation, well here are some.
1. When renting a holiday apartment you will find you have a lot more privacy and freedom than you will ever get in a hotel room. The time is yours to do with what you want, no fixed meal times and no having to worry when housekeeping are going to turn up at your door.
2. Over the years the spread of the multi-national hotels all over the world means that all hotels are beginning to look the same. Regulation style rooms, Cable TV, staff wearing the same uniform; when you move about the hotel it would not matter if you were on the French Riviera or on the Moon, everything would be standard. A holiday rental apartment can offer you the experience of living exactly like the locals. If you want that extra bit of luxury then you have the option to choose a rental with a swimming pool or BBQ patio just for you and your family, can a hotel offer you that.
3. If you enjoy taking your vacation with friends or your extended family then staying in a holiday rental is the most practical option, everyone can share the costs as vacation rental apartments charge a flat fee for the apartment, it is not calculated by the number of occupants. Therefore, you save money on what you would spend on hotel rooms. That means more money to spend on enjoying yourself.
4. Are you taking children with you on holiday who are too old to share a room with each other or with you? Well a holiday rental means that you do not have to worry them being in another room, and all the going between the rooms to find out what is happening. Your holiday rental would be like a second home, everybody in one exclusive area but being able to enjoy their own space.
5. Most holiday apartments offer fully equipped kitchens. This gives you the freedom of choice on whether to eat in the apartment or go and sample the local cuisine. This can save a lot of money when you have the whole family to feed. In a hotel you are likely to end up paying for food you do not eat, because there will be the days, after a day in the sun on the beach, or walking around all the local attractions, you will not feel like making yourself look respectable in order to share a meal time with a hundred strangers eating food you do not feel like eating.
6. The best thing about vacation rental apartments is that you will feel like it is yours exclusively for the duration. You decide when and what you eat, you decide who you meet, who you share the pool with, it is all yours. But this does bring with it the day-to-day chores you find at home, but what better way to mix in with the whole ambience of the region you are in, meet the locals, buy local food from local shops, drink in local bars. This must be more appealing than the sterile atmosphere of a hotel.
7. When selecting your holiday apartment the options are endless, do you want a cottage or a castle, are you on a budget or are you looking for that luxury villa you always dream about.
8. Can't you just picture yourself now, walking out of your apartment, stepping onto your patio to sit by your pool with a glass of your local wine you bought and poured yourself? Can any holiday hotel offer you that?
David Elliot writes for TravelEden, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, apartments, farmhouses and self catering holiday villas in Europe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Elliot
Find more vacation rentals by owner worldwide on Ideal Vacation Rentals
8 Essential Reasons to Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel
There is no doubt that staying in a hotel whilst on vacation can be the height of luxury and relaxation, but it can also offer regimentation and tension. You have to watch the clock to make the times for food; listen out for housekeeping; hand in your keys to reception every time you leave the building. Is this really relaxation? Maybe it is time you thought about renting a holiday home next time you go on vacation. Holiday homes are no longer wooden chalets on a self sufficient site, they offer varied standards of accommodation depending on your budget. They can provide high standards of comfort at lower prices, along with the additional benefits of privacy, freedom and the ability to choose your own meal times and food.
Do you need more reasons why you should choose a holiday home rental over a hotel for you next vacation, well here are some.
1. When renting a holiday apartment you will find you have a lot more privacy and freedom than you will ever get in a hotel room. The time is yours to do with what you want, no fixed meal times and no having to worry when housekeeping are going to turn up at your door.
2. Over the years the spread of the multi-national hotels all over the world means that all hotels are beginning to look the same. Regulation style rooms, Cable TV, staff wearing the same uniform; when you move about the hotel it would not matter if you were on the French Riviera or on the Moon, everything would be standard. A holiday rental apartment can offer you the experience of living exactly like the locals. If you want that extra bit of luxury then you have the option to choose a rental with a swimming pool or BBQ patio just for you and your family, can a hotel offer you that.
3. If you enjoy taking your vacation with friends or your extended family then staying in a holiday rental is the most practical option, everyone can share the costs as vacation rental apartments charge a flat fee for the apartment, it is not calculated by the number of occupants. Therefore, you save money on what you would spend on hotel rooms. That means more money to spend on enjoying yourself.
4. Are you taking children with you on holiday who are too old to share a room with each other or with you? Well a holiday rental means that you do not have to worry them being in another room, and all the going between the rooms to find out what is happening. Your holiday rental would be like a second home, everybody in one exclusive area but being able to enjoy their own space.
5. Most holiday apartments offer fully equipped kitchens. This gives you the freedom of choice on whether to eat in the apartment or go and sample the local cuisine. This can save a lot of money when you have the whole family to feed. In a hotel you are likely to end up paying for food you do not eat, because there will be the days, after a day in the sun on the beach, or walking around all the local attractions, you will not feel like making yourself look respectable in order to share a meal time with a hundred strangers eating food you do not feel like eating.
6. The best thing about vacation rental apartments is that you will feel like it is yours exclusively for the duration. You decide when and what you eat, you decide who you meet, who you share the pool with, it is all yours. But this does bring with it the day-to-day chores you find at home, but what better way to mix in with the whole ambience of the region you are in, meet the locals, buy local food from local shops, drink in local bars. This must be more appealing than the sterile atmosphere of a hotel.
7. When selecting your holiday apartment the options are endless, do you want a cottage or a castle, are you on a budget or are you looking for that luxury villa you always dream about.
8. Can't you just picture yourself now, walking out of your apartment, stepping onto your patio to sit by your pool with a glass of your local wine you bought and poured yourself? Can any holiday hotel offer you that?
David Elliot writes for TravelEden, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, apartments, farmhouses and self catering holiday villas in Europe.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Elliot
Find more vacation rentals by owner worldwide on Ideal Vacation Rentals
Friday, May 1, 2009
Travel Implications After Mexico Swine Flu Outbreak
The following is a letter I received this morning from Alan Fox, Chairman and SEO of Vacations to Go.
Dear Ms. Roberts
A swine flu outbreak is dominating the news. The headlines are changing hourly but at the time of this writing it has been confirmed that this new strain of swine flu originated in Mexico and that Americans traveling in Mexico have returned to the U.S. infected with swine flu.
The U.S. Department of State has issued the following Travel Alert:
"The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 "swine flu." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. CDC's notice also suggests precautions that travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico. CDC provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, and recommends measures to take following return from an area that has reported cases of swine flu. The complete CDC notice can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates..."
As a result of this advisory and in an abundance of caution, major cruise lines that we represent have stopped calling on ports in Mexico and have developed--or are developing--positions with regard to future calls at ports in Mexico, while the outbreak lasts. We have been waiting for these official statements and I wanted to get them to you as quickly as they were available--hence the second newsletter this week. To see these cruise line announcements now, please click http://www.vacationstogo.com/swine_flu.cfm. If you are booked on a cruise that is scheduled to visit Mexico, you may want to check these statements on a regular basis. We will update this page every weekday with any new policies or changes. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your Vacations To Go cruise counselor. These itinerary changes disrupt the vacation plans of guests, cost the cruise lines money and deal a harsh blow to anyone in Mexico who relies on tourists for their livelihood. Indeed, there are no winners in the swine flu outbreak, but canceling port calls in Mexico was absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of every passenger and crewmember and to combat the spread of the influenza.I applaud the cruise lines for taking prompt and decisive action. No one knows how long this outbreak will take to run its course but I will be the first to announce the cruise lines' return to Mexico when the swine flu is behind us. That announcement can hardly come soon enough.
Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
If you were booked on a cruise to Mexico and had to cancel you may want to consider Hawaii as your fun in the sun destination. Choose from a variety of Hawaii vacation rentals during your stay.
Dear Ms. Roberts
A swine flu outbreak is dominating the news. The headlines are changing hourly but at the time of this writing it has been confirmed that this new strain of swine flu originated in Mexico and that Americans traveling in Mexico have returned to the U.S. infected with swine flu.
The U.S. Department of State has issued the following Travel Alert:
"The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 "swine flu." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. CDC's notice also suggests precautions that travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico. CDC provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, and recommends measures to take following return from an area that has reported cases of swine flu. The complete CDC notice can be found at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates..."
As a result of this advisory and in an abundance of caution, major cruise lines that we represent have stopped calling on ports in Mexico and have developed--or are developing--positions with regard to future calls at ports in Mexico, while the outbreak lasts. We have been waiting for these official statements and I wanted to get them to you as quickly as they were available--hence the second newsletter this week. To see these cruise line announcements now, please click http://www.vacationstogo.com/swine_flu.cfm. If you are booked on a cruise that is scheduled to visit Mexico, you may want to check these statements on a regular basis. We will update this page every weekday with any new policies or changes. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your Vacations To Go cruise counselor. These itinerary changes disrupt the vacation plans of guests, cost the cruise lines money and deal a harsh blow to anyone in Mexico who relies on tourists for their livelihood. Indeed, there are no winners in the swine flu outbreak, but canceling port calls in Mexico was absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of every passenger and crewmember and to combat the spread of the influenza.I applaud the cruise lines for taking prompt and decisive action. No one knows how long this outbreak will take to run its course but I will be the first to announce the cruise lines' return to Mexico when the swine flu is behind us. That announcement can hardly come soon enough.
Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
If you were booked on a cruise to Mexico and had to cancel you may want to consider Hawaii as your fun in the sun destination. Choose from a variety of Hawaii vacation rentals during your stay.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Gloomy Economy Drives Growth of Vacation Rental Industry - FOXBusiness.com
This is a very uplifting article for those of us in the vacation rental business. It basically says that the down turn in the economy is creating a postive impact on the vacation rental market. Read more by clicking the link below.
Gloomy Economy Drives Growth of Vacation Rental Industry - FOXBusiness.com
Posted using ShareThis
Search Ideal Vacation Rentals for some great rentals.
Gloomy Economy Drives Growth of Vacation Rental Industry - FOXBusiness.com
Posted using ShareThis
Search Ideal Vacation Rentals for some great rentals.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tips for Vacation Rental Owners
Joyce Copeland has graciously shared her April 9th blog article with us. If you own a vacation rental, you might want to use some of the ideas below that Joyce has picked up in her travels, reviewing vacation rentals. If you have some of your own personal touches to share with us please leave a comment.
5 Personal Touches I've Found in Vacation Rentals (Not Hotels)
When I'm not reviewing vacation rentals, I review boutique hotels all over the world.
I've been treated to lots of welcome baskets with wine, cheese, fresh fruit and chocolate.
But here are five really unique, personal welcomes I've received from owners of vacation homes that I've never received at any hotel. Anywhere.
1. A handwritten welcome note.
What a concept in an age of online conformations!
Which makes it even more heartwarming is knowing that someone took the time and effort to pick up a pen, address me by name and include a few details they thought would make my stay more enjoyable.
So simple. And not so rare in vacation rentals!
2. A disposable camera.
This is especially memorable because, as fate would have it, I ran out of disk space shortly after arriving at this vacation rental.
So the camera was a lifesaver. (Still wondering if the owner was clairvoyant.)
I saw a disposable camera in a hotel minibar once, and thought how cool! Until I saw the minibar price tag.)
3. A phone card for free long distance calling.
More and more vacation rental homes offer free unlimited long distance.
So why do hotels cling to their hefty surcharges? At one hotel I visited recently, it cost $1.25 just to pick up the receiver. Kidding! (But only a little.)
4. Specially blended rosebud and licorce tea.
I'm not a tea-drinker, but this family recipe was delicious -- not to mention fragrant and beautiful to look at. (And said to be good for my skin, too!)
5. Personal recommendations.
They're like gold to me. I'll admit I've gotten some gems at smaller hotels, where the owners rub shoulders with the guests.
But vacation rental owners are champs in this area. Exactly why I included "Owner's Favorites" in every home review. Check out the Owner's Favorite listed at the end of my review of Sanctuary by The Sea Pacific Grove. Permalink -- click for full blog post
Find some Beach Homes in Hawaii
5 Personal Touches I've Found in Vacation Rentals (Not Hotels)
When I'm not reviewing vacation rentals, I review boutique hotels all over the world.
I've been treated to lots of welcome baskets with wine, cheese, fresh fruit and chocolate.
But here are five really unique, personal welcomes I've received from owners of vacation homes that I've never received at any hotel. Anywhere.
1. A handwritten welcome note.
What a concept in an age of online conformations!
Which makes it even more heartwarming is knowing that someone took the time and effort to pick up a pen, address me by name and include a few details they thought would make my stay more enjoyable.
So simple. And not so rare in vacation rentals!
2. A disposable camera.
This is especially memorable because, as fate would have it, I ran out of disk space shortly after arriving at this vacation rental.
So the camera was a lifesaver. (Still wondering if the owner was clairvoyant.)
I saw a disposable camera in a hotel minibar once, and thought how cool! Until I saw the minibar price tag.)
3. A phone card for free long distance calling.
More and more vacation rental homes offer free unlimited long distance.
So why do hotels cling to their hefty surcharges? At one hotel I visited recently, it cost $1.25 just to pick up the receiver. Kidding! (But only a little.)
4. Specially blended rosebud and licorce tea.
I'm not a tea-drinker, but this family recipe was delicious -- not to mention fragrant and beautiful to look at. (And said to be good for my skin, too!)
5. Personal recommendations.
They're like gold to me. I'll admit I've gotten some gems at smaller hotels, where the owners rub shoulders with the guests.
But vacation rental owners are champs in this area. Exactly why I included "Owner's Favorites" in every home review. Check out the Owner's Favorite listed at the end of my review of Sanctuary by The Sea Pacific Grove. Permalink -- click for full blog post
Find some Beach Homes in Hawaii
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How to Find the Best Vacation Rental
I just came across a great article by Heather Bayer on how to find the best vacation rental. Her points are very well taken and give a perspective from an owner's point of view, that potential renters should consider when choosing a vacation rental. Read on:
There are many thousands of vacation rental properties available on web sites, through rental agencies, and listing sites. Finding the perfect one for your vacation can be quite a challenge, and sometimes even when you feel you have found just the right one for your family, there is a good possibility that someone gets there before you, and you lose the week you want.
Here's a few secrets from vacation rental owners that may help you find the perfect place, create a great relationship with the owner, and have the most amazing vacation.
1 Remember that you are not reserving a hotel room. Owners who rent out their homes are real people who have spent much time and effort on making the place comfortable, ambient and fully equipped for their rental clients. A good rental will provide you with all the comforts of home, a well decorated environment, entertainment systems, a kitchen with everything you need to create family meals, and comfortable bedrooms. The owners are likely to be very proud of their home and only want to rent to people who will appreciate it. This means that if you treat them as you might a hotel or resort reservationist, they might just turn your request down. From my own experience, I like to have people in my cottage who I think will respect and enjoy the experience of staying there, so I want friendly renters that I can chat to on the phone and assess if they are right match for my property.
2 When you speak to the owner or agency, don't be vague about the number of people in your rental group. When they ask 'how many people do you have', don't reply with, ' I'm not sure yet', or 'we haven't decided how many people will be coming', as this will start alarm bells ringing in the owner's mind. One of the greatest fears that a vacation rental owner has is that they will rent to a group of people who see the property as a 'party house' and invite all of their friends to come along and share the accommodation. Be specific about the people who will be in the rental group and respect the owner's accommodation limits.
3 Accommodation limits are usually determined by several factors. Firstly, the owner may simply decide to set a limit on how many people he will accept in the property based on the potential for wear and tear. This is his choice, and should be respected. So even if the property listing says it has five bedrooms, however the accommodation limit is set to six, resist the temptation to argue that since there are beds for at least 10 people, that is how many you will bring, as this will not endear you to the owner who may well end of the conversation there and then. The second factor is one that is common to many country properties that are not serviced by township septic and drainage systems. These places will have holding tanks or septic tanks, both of which have capacity limits which will place a restriction on the number of people the property serviced by the systems can accommodate. These limits are usually based on headcount so there is no difference between adults, children or babies. We often hear rental clients saying, 'they're only babies, they don't use any water, and they are in diapers anyway'. Even though it's quite a long way in the past, I can still remember that I bathed my babies quite regularly, and usually in the bath tub using more water than a shower would take.
4 Before you start e-mailing or telephoning an owner with a long list of questions, please check that the answers are not already shown on a web site or rental listing. Many owners have comprehensive web sites that provide all the information you need, and although they are happy to answer any additional questions, it is very helpful to them if you have already read the listing. If the property is very attractive and popular the owner may be receiving numerous enquiries every day and may be very selective about who they will rent their property to. Bombarding them with questions about features and facilities that are clearly shown on the listing may not result in a favourable response.
5 Many vacation rental owners welcome pets; many do not. Please don't expect an owner of a non-pet-friendly property to accept your 'adorable, well-trained, hypo-allergenic, Labra-doodle-poo', even if it is crated, kept under control at all times, and 'never allowed on furniture or beds'. If the owner doesn't like dogs or cats, you won't change his mind by pleading or asking in a dozen different ways. It would simply be better to either accept you have to put your pet into kennels, or find another property. In any case, wouldn't you prefer to bring your much loved pet to a property where he or she is welcomed with a few dog treats?
I have owned several vacation properties over the past 20 years and have met many people, some of whom are now good friends. Along the way, I've learnt a lot about my rental guests, what they expect, and how I should provide a space that is just right for them. As a responsible owner, I work hard to create that space and offer good value for money, and in return I simply look for respect for my property and an appreciation of the special nature of a rental vacation. This type of vacation is not right for everyone, and if you are looking for the type of sterile, impersonal environment found in many hotels and resorts, then v not be right for you. On the other hand, you may find that once you experience vacation rental for your family, you will never take any other type of vacation again.
Heather Bayer is CEO of CottageLINK Rental Management, specialising in cottage vacations in Ontario and Southern Quebec. http://www.clrm.ca. She is a sought-after expert on vacation rental and writes regularly at Cottage Blogger
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Bayer
For a great choice of vacation rentals worldwide try Ideal Vacation Rentals
There are many thousands of vacation rental properties available on web sites, through rental agencies, and listing sites. Finding the perfect one for your vacation can be quite a challenge, and sometimes even when you feel you have found just the right one for your family, there is a good possibility that someone gets there before you, and you lose the week you want.
Here's a few secrets from vacation rental owners that may help you find the perfect place, create a great relationship with the owner, and have the most amazing vacation.
1 Remember that you are not reserving a hotel room. Owners who rent out their homes are real people who have spent much time and effort on making the place comfortable, ambient and fully equipped for their rental clients. A good rental will provide you with all the comforts of home, a well decorated environment, entertainment systems, a kitchen with everything you need to create family meals, and comfortable bedrooms. The owners are likely to be very proud of their home and only want to rent to people who will appreciate it. This means that if you treat them as you might a hotel or resort reservationist, they might just turn your request down. From my own experience, I like to have people in my cottage who I think will respect and enjoy the experience of staying there, so I want friendly renters that I can chat to on the phone and assess if they are right match for my property.
2 When you speak to the owner or agency, don't be vague about the number of people in your rental group. When they ask 'how many people do you have', don't reply with, ' I'm not sure yet', or 'we haven't decided how many people will be coming', as this will start alarm bells ringing in the owner's mind. One of the greatest fears that a vacation rental owner has is that they will rent to a group of people who see the property as a 'party house' and invite all of their friends to come along and share the accommodation. Be specific about the people who will be in the rental group and respect the owner's accommodation limits.
3 Accommodation limits are usually determined by several factors. Firstly, the owner may simply decide to set a limit on how many people he will accept in the property based on the potential for wear and tear. This is his choice, and should be respected. So even if the property listing says it has five bedrooms, however the accommodation limit is set to six, resist the temptation to argue that since there are beds for at least 10 people, that is how many you will bring, as this will not endear you to the owner who may well end of the conversation there and then. The second factor is one that is common to many country properties that are not serviced by township septic and drainage systems. These places will have holding tanks or septic tanks, both of which have capacity limits which will place a restriction on the number of people the property serviced by the systems can accommodate. These limits are usually based on headcount so there is no difference between adults, children or babies. We often hear rental clients saying, 'they're only babies, they don't use any water, and they are in diapers anyway'. Even though it's quite a long way in the past, I can still remember that I bathed my babies quite regularly, and usually in the bath tub using more water than a shower would take.
4 Before you start e-mailing or telephoning an owner with a long list of questions, please check that the answers are not already shown on a web site or rental listing. Many owners have comprehensive web sites that provide all the information you need, and although they are happy to answer any additional questions, it is very helpful to them if you have already read the listing. If the property is very attractive and popular the owner may be receiving numerous enquiries every day and may be very selective about who they will rent their property to. Bombarding them with questions about features and facilities that are clearly shown on the listing may not result in a favourable response.
5 Many vacation rental owners welcome pets; many do not. Please don't expect an owner of a non-pet-friendly property to accept your 'adorable, well-trained, hypo-allergenic, Labra-doodle-poo', even if it is crated, kept under control at all times, and 'never allowed on furniture or beds'. If the owner doesn't like dogs or cats, you won't change his mind by pleading or asking in a dozen different ways. It would simply be better to either accept you have to put your pet into kennels, or find another property. In any case, wouldn't you prefer to bring your much loved pet to a property where he or she is welcomed with a few dog treats?
I have owned several vacation properties over the past 20 years and have met many people, some of whom are now good friends. Along the way, I've learnt a lot about my rental guests, what they expect, and how I should provide a space that is just right for them. As a responsible owner, I work hard to create that space and offer good value for money, and in return I simply look for respect for my property and an appreciation of the special nature of a rental vacation. This type of vacation is not right for everyone, and if you are looking for the type of sterile, impersonal environment found in many hotels and resorts, then v not be right for you. On the other hand, you may find that once you experience vacation rental for your family, you will never take any other type of vacation again.
Heather Bayer is CEO of CottageLINK Rental Management, specialising in cottage vacations in Ontario and Southern Quebec. http://www.clrm.ca. She is a sought-after expert on vacation rental and writes regularly at Cottage Blogger
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Bayer
For a great choice of vacation rentals worldwide try Ideal Vacation Rentals
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Puerto Rico Vacation Rentals
If you are looking for Puerto Rico vacation rentals, you are probably interested in learning more about this wonderful Caribbean destination.Puerto Rico is an island located in the Caribbean, approximately 1,000 miles south of Miami, Florida. The island of Puerto Rico is 110 miles long and 35 miles wide and is one of the larger islands in the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas and was claimed by the Spanish crown in the same year. The island came under United States sovereignty by the Treaty of Paris in 1898 and in 1950 the US Congress enacted Public Law 600 which provided that existing laws which defined the political, economic and fiscal relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States should remain in full force. It also authorized Puerto Rico to draft and approve its own Constitution, which took effect on July 25, 1952 giving Puerto Rico's relationship with the US commonwealth status.
Over the years Puerto Rico has become a major Caribbean travel destination offering Puerto Rico vacation rentals in many locations.
San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean. Old San Juan, founded in 1521, boasts the largest and best-preserved complex of Spanish colonial architecture in the Caribbean and is the oldest capital city under the US flag. Puerto Rico has many tourist destinations and as a result a popular form of accommodations is vacation rentals by owner.
San Juan vacation rentals include villas, homes and condos and many travelers who have chosen this form of accommodation find it much more affordable and personal than staying in a hotel.
Other popular vacation destinations in Puerto Rico include Ponce city with fine art museums, Mayaguez, Rincon, Vieques Island, El Yunque tropical forest, Luguillo, Guayama, Condado, to mention a few. From the charm of Old San Juan with colonial architecture, to the fascinating El Yunque Rain Forest, to beautiful beaches, natural beauty and wonderful people, a holiday in Puerto Rico is unsurpassed.
You will want to search for Puerto Rico vacation rentals for an unforgettable holiday in the Caribbean.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Why Choose Vacation Rentals in Mission BC
For those who like to get away from city life and relax on a beautiful lakefront property, Mission BC is the perfect vacation destination.
Mission, British Columbia is a quiet and relaxing community nestled in the foot of the Coastal Mountains overlooking the lush Fraser River Valley. It has great public transit with the West Coast Express train which has an express service twice in the morning and twice in the evening every day to downtown Vancouver, just 70 kilometres away. Throughout the remainder of the day the service is by bus. If you choose Mission vacation rentals you get the best of both worlds because you can enjoy the excitement of city life by day and return to your quiet retreat in the evening.
Mission has a rich history which began when the Sto:lo, First Nations People founded the community in 1892 and is home to the oldest known First Nation's archeological site in British Columbia. It was also the site of Canada's first train robbery, BC's first rail link to the United States, and one of the earliest Hydroelectric dams and Fraser River bridges.
A visit to the Mission Museum, will reveal more of this fascinating history.
The ideal climate, incredible mountain vistas and natural forest settings, not to mention the surrounding lakes and streams make Mission an ideal vacation destination, especially for those who like to stay in a waterfront vacation home. Some of these lakefront vacation homes like one on Silvermere Lake have private docks and boat lifts, allowing water skiing for lots of family fun at the lake. Outdoor recreation is plentiful and the 32 parks offer dozens of hiking trails as well as fishing, camping and skiing. Also the area boasts two golf courses for the golf enthusiast.Bird watching enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven in this home to bald eagles, trumpeter swans and blue herons.
The annual Mission Folk Music Festival has been a popular event in July for over 20 years, and attracts thousands of music lovers each year. For links to more Mission attractions click here.
In summary choose Mission vacation rentals if you are looking for a quiet, laid back holiday with lots of outdoor recreation.
Check out Ideal Vacation Rentals for more vacation homes in British Columbia Canada.
Would love to hear your comments and suggestions for other lakefront vacation rentals in BC.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Barack Obama Chooses Kailua Vacation Home
I was happy to see that the president elect had enough sense to choose a Kailua vacation home for his family holiday in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I know that there has been much controversy about vacation rentals being allowed on that side of the island. I sincerely hope that this issue has been resolved. Vacation rentals are badly needed, especially for families that would not be able to travel if they had to stay in an expensive hotel. Renting a private vacation home from an owner gives you self catering accommodations, usually a private pool, and many other amenities that you will not find in a hotel. Another good thing is that vacation rentals range from cheap to luxurious, depending on your budget. Kudos to Barack Obama!!!!! Find some Hawaii vacation rentals at this site. Ideal Vacation Rentals-Hawaii
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