Vacation Rental Deals

Archive for July, 2009

Your Dream Vacation: Action-Packed, or Time to Relax?

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Everyone has a different vacation style. Maybe you’re a workaholic who wants to do anything but be active on your next getaway. Or maybe you’re a nature enthusiast who can’t wait to go whitewater rafting or mountain climbing.

But how about this – change up your style on your upcoming trip! Instead of lounging around by the pool or ocean all day, go for a hike (through the city or the mountains). Or if you’re used to chasing after adventure on every vacation, try taking it a little easier next time.

Why?

When you go out of town – even if it’s just for work – it’s a learning experience. You’re meeting new people, seeing new things, and even eating new dishes. And that’s what makes a vacation so great: it has the power to change your life. Whether you’re a travel addict or a one-vacation-a-year type person, try to go somewhere different and do something unpredictable.

The easiest way to switch up your routine? Stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel room! Not only are vacation homes unique and charming, promising a truly memorable stay, but they also position you closer to the locals. That way, you can really experience your destination – not just visit it.

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Posted in Unique | 1 Comment »

More than a Couple Deals for Couples

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

It may seem like honeymooners and couples on holiday get the bum’s rush on Vacation Rentals.com, which often caters to families on a budget. But a vacation rental is amazingly versatile, and is a way better (and more affordable) alternative to a hotel, no matter who you are, who you’re traveling with, or where you’re going.

Seriously. Whether you’re in need of a cozy B&B for a weekend away from the kiddos, or you’re planning a massive company retreat, Vacation Rentals.com has the perfect accommodation for you.

But what makes a vacation rental so great for romance? Well, for starters, it’s inexpensive. So, you and your sweetheart can fall in love with each other all over again, without a distraction or care in the world.

It’s also private. You have the option to stay in an upscale resort or in a secluded hideaway. But whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy as much or as little privacy as you want on vacation. Don’t share a swimming pool or a view of the ocean with a host of other hotel guests, and don’t worry about others intruding on your precious time together.

In addition to being cheaper and more of a “secret” to the outside world, your vacation rental will also set the mood for love – from cabins to cottages, none of Vacation Rentals.com’s properties are identical. Cozy furnishings, charismatic decor, and welcoming rooms – you and your significant other will feel a lot more at home in a vacation rental.

You already know that vacation rentals are bigger, better, and more budget-friendly. But maybe you’ve ruled them out for a romantic getaway. Next time you plan to sweep your loved one off their feet, consider booking a vacation home, near or far.

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Posted in romantic | 1 Comment »

Las Vegas Is Dirt Cheap Right Now

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Maybe you haven’t heard yet, but Las Vegas is (arguably) cheaper than its ever been. The recession and the recent heat wave have really taken toll on Sin City’s tourism industry. The good news is that means lots of Vegas vacation rental deals.

Vegas rentals are an excellent alternative to their more expensive, yet smaller hotel counterparts. Remember, you can see all of the city’s most famed hotels without paying a dime! That’s because they are open for sightseeing, gambling, and shopping.

Instead of booking a small, overpriced hotel room, stay in a cheap Las Vegas vacation home right on the Strip or in Vegas’ more scenic outskirts.

Las Vegas vacation rentals offer up lots of value throughout the year, but now they’re especially discounted.

Check out our current Las Vegas deals now!

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Posted in Summer Vacations, city vacations, las vegas | 1 Comment »

Trouble in Airline World, and How it Affects You

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Maybe you just read the news about JetAmerica, the budding airline that failed before even taking off. Or maybe you’ve heard about all the people Continental Airlines had to fire in order to stay viable.

Whether or not you’re in the (at times, depressing) travel news loop, it’s pretty clear that airlines aren’t looking all that pretty at the moment. While our favorites – like Southwest Airlines – manage to enjoy mini successes, these cases are exceptions to the rule.

So, what does this mean to you – the passenger?

Anyone who’s played the role of “Consumer” in the past year knows that the recession has a silver lining. Cheap clothes in places you’d least expect them (like Saks), cheap homes in places you’ve always wanted to live, and…well…cheap airfare to places you’ve always wanted to visit. The great part about all this mess is that you’ll benefit financially.

Not all deals are created equal, though, so you’re still at risk of getting ripped off. However, round-trip airfare might be more affordable than it’s ever been. As well, destinations themselves are more affordable to vacation to – check out our current vacation rental deals if you don’t believe us!

As you might have guessed, there’s also a downside. And not just for former employees of JetAmerica and Continental Airlines.

Like airline fees. You could pay less for your ticket than normal, but a whole lot more on baggage check fees. Make sure to really reevaluate the cost of your whole airport to airplane experience (including internet charges) – not just the ticket! The airlines will find sneaky ways to get you, so just be on guard.

Or canceled flights. Imagine finding out that the flight you booked for a friend’s wedding has been canceled, because the airline you booked it through is no longer operating. Case in point: JetAmerica. We don’t think the odds of this happening to the Average Jet Setting Joe are very great, but we also don’t think it’s crazy that an airline might cancel an under booked flight, either.

Moral of the story? Take advantage of those amazing deals, but do so with care.

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Posted in airfare | No Comments »

Deals Your Dog Will Love

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Airlines have been all about four-legged passengers of late. Some are loosening their restrictions on flying with a pet, while new airlines – like Pet Airways – are 100% dedicated to the concept. (In select airports, you can drop your feline or canine off at the Pet Lounge and then meet them at your destination. Yes, really!) Vacation rental owners have been way ahead of the game on this one, though. Pet-friendly vacation rentals are easy to find, easy to book, and easy to afford. And they have been for a while.

Maybe you ruled out getting away with your pet – it’s impractical and expensive, right? Well, especially now that the airlines are starting to take a hint, it’s cheaper and more convenient than ever to share your vacation with your favorite cat(s) or dog(s). Vacation Rentals.com has rentals all over the world that will accommodate you and your pet, without hurting your pocketbook. Your pet will love roaming around a spacious rental, rather than passing time in a tiny kennel all day and night long.

Also, keep in mind – pet expenses don’t disappear when you leave town. You’ll be spending money regardless. So, do you want to pay for someone to babysit Rex the bulldog, or do you want to pay for a pet-friendly rental that will allow you to enjoy your trip alongside him? Besides choosing a pet-friendly vacation rental, which is an accommodation type you can search for on Vacation Rentals.com, you should also seek out our latest deals. Why not check out our deals in these dog-friendly destinations?

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Posted in pet vacations | No Comments »

How to do a Big City on a Budget

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Big cities cost you big money. Tickets to a Broadway show, dinner at a nice restaurant, souvenir (and clothes) shopping, museum admission…it really adds up, doesn’t it? Seriously, we’ve got a pretty good MasterCard commercial going here.

So, how can you afford an overpriced hotel room on top of all that? Well, the short answer is, you can’t. Or you shouldn’t try to, at least.

Vacation rentals offer up more square footage and perks than hotels, but they’re not nearly as expensive. Plus, they’re located all over New York City, Boston, Chicago, and nearly every other major metropolis (many are within walking distance of top attractions, too). But it’s not just the basic vacation rental rate that makes a trip to the city suddenly so affordable.

First, let’s get to the food. Food’s not cheap, particularly in the big city. When you stay in a vacation home, however, you can cook as many meals as you want on your own. With a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area, it’s easy to eat in and save money in the process.

Now, the people. To go to NYC with a group, you’d need to book several hotel rooms. Unless you don’t mind giving up all your privacy and comfort, that is! This seems a silly exercise if you know about all the vacation rental possibilities. Why not book a 3 to 6-bedroom Manhattan town home and split the cost with your friends and family?

Other tips for doing the Big City on a Budget:
-Get a CityPass, which features discounts and coupons on popular attractions.
-Ask locals for advice on good (but cheap) restaurants.
-Spend the bulk of your time sightseeing – that’s typically free!

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Posted in city vacations | No Comments »

Colorado Summer Deals

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

The Spring Break or wintertime trek to Colorado for skiing – many of us have done it before, and plan to do it again. But have we forgotten about the summer?

Colorado summer deals are available in spades, because although June through August isn’t quite “off season” for the Rocky Mountain State, it’s not as popular. Which is sort of an odd thing, considering there’s actually more to do in the outdoors when the snow’s melted away. From crowd drawing concerts to whitewater rafting, Colorado’s abuzz with fun all summer long.

Colorado summer deals have a way of uniting families; dad can go golfing, while mom and kids hit the museum. Fishing, hiking, shopping, mountain climbing, and of course eating really good food – these are just a handful of things to do. All ages, all interests, and all budgets are welcome here.

It’s easy to find Colorado summer deals, especially if you’re getting out of town at the very last minute. Choose from cheap Colorado cabin rentals and more luxurious, yet affordable condos.

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Posted in Summer Vacations | 2 Comments »

The Reinvention of the Family Vacation

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

What do you think of when you hear the words “family vacation?” Chevy Chase embarrassing his brood on the beach? Kids throwing temper tantrums at Disney World? Everyone cramming into a teeny-tiny hotel room, and fighting with other guests over who gets to dominate the pool?

Well, let’s revisit and rethink the Family Vacation. What are the requirements?
-A well-rounded itinerary that keeps you and the kiddos happy.
-Inexpensive lodging, attractions, and dining.
-Plenty of opportunities to take a picture worthy enough to make it in the family photo album. (Just kidding, kinda.)

While we can’t guarantee you’ve picked out the right destination, we can offer you private lodging, which can pretty much take care of most of these Family Vacation requirements.

A vacation home features room for everyone to truly relax, and comfy furnishings and amenities that will keep everyone entertained in between sightseeing (like pool tables, wide screen TVs with cable, Jacuzzi tubs, and swimming pools). They also, more often than not, boast a full kitchen and dining room. That means you can call the shots on what you eat and don’t eat. Instead of wasting money dining out every evening, why not cook your own meal at home? That’s a whole lot healthier and cheaper!

A fully loaded vacation rental is often an attraction in itself. All you really need is pretty backdrop (like the mountains or the beach).

The best part? Vacation Rentals.com not only offers up a plethora of amazing discounts, savings, and last minute deals, but a private vacation home is automatically more valuable than a hotel room. Consider staying in a 3-bedroom estate for the same price as a plain, small hotel room!

Get a little more luxurious, stylish, and comfortable on your next family vacation – and still save those pennies.

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Posted in family vacations | No Comments »

The Art of the Last Minute Vacation

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

So, you keep hearing about those spectacular last-minute travel deals. Well, who in their right mind would put off planning a trip to the very last minute? Frugal vacationers, that’s who. But it’s a lot easier said than done. Here are some great rules of thumb to go by as you plan an impromptu or last-minute vacation.

1. Be Open-Minded About Your Destination
Okay, so this is the hard part. You’ve got your heart set on Disney or NYC or the Smoky Mountains… whatever the case, there’s probably an equally fun alternative destination you can vacation to, for way cheaper. While of course you can find a deal in your chosen destination, you’ll find a better one somewhere else. You may even end up with a better vacation. If you jump on a great last minute deal to a destination you didn’t previously think of going to, you’re in for an affordable time and lifelong memories.

2. Be Flexible With Your Dates
Another hard part. But instead of going on vacation when everyone else is going on vacation, why not travel during a shoulder or off season? Better yet, pick a date range for your vacation and then finalize the dates based on a great last minute deal. Tell your employer your plans to travel and your reasoning for not specifying a particular week – in this economy, they’ll probably understand!

3. Don’t Do Everything Last Minute
Although your aim is to take advantage of a last-minute vacation deal, that doesn’t mean you have to do everything last minute. Make as many arrangements (financially and schedule wise) as possible and even pack some stuff up! Chances are, you know if you’re headed to a tropical or snowy locale, even if you’re not set on the exact destination or date just yet. As well, last-minute vacationers have often been planning for a long time up until their departure. Keep an eye on lodging and airfare deals for a good chunk of time and you’ll learn when to strike!

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Posted in Summer Vacations | 1 Comment »

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