Vacation Rental Deals

Archive for the ‘Summer Vacations’ Category

Summer Specials

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

As spring chugs along, we find ourselves getting closer and closer to…drum roll…summer vacation! Whether or not you’ve got kids going on break soon, there’s a decent chance you’ve got a trip or two planned. Or almost planned. Or you’re at least planning to plan a trip. Let’s speed things up a bit, huh?

Vacation Rentals.com is here to help. The site features a host of summer rentals that range from beachfront suites in Miami to apartments with views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Whatever type of vacation, and whatever budget you’re working with, we are confident we’ve got a vacation rental for you.

If you feel a little lost, try these tips -

  • In the summertime, many destinations are worthwhile to visit. That’s because the weather’s warmer (at least in most popular tourist destinations) and beaches and lakes are more welcoming. So, how can you steer clear of “tourist inflation” on a summer vacation? After all, summer’s not often considered an “off season.” But that just depends on where you’re looking. While certain cities grow in population during the summer – especially northeastern beach towns, like Ocean City NJ – others don’t. Vegas is a good example. While it’s too bold to say Vegas has a crowd-free time of year that you can visit, a visitor will enjoy a bit more space to themselves since the city has such oppressive summer heat. You don’t have to be physically uncomfortable to save money, though. Research your options and avoid tourist traps.
  • Instead of booking an expensive hotel room, book a much cheaper, much bigger house. Vacation rentals are widely available throughout the year, but this is especially true for holiday seasons and of course, summer. Pick a destination or pick your travel dates, and then peruse the summer rentals that fit the bill.
  • Consider booking a last-minute deal on a summer rental. While you’ll typically save a lot of money by planning ahead, Vacation Rentals.com does feature some jaw-dropping last-minute deals that are worth considering if you don’t mind being flexible.

Do you feel ready to save money this summer? Then, get to it! Find a rental today.

Lake Getaways

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

The beach can be a little overrated…no one likes to accidentally swallow salt water, and everyone’s got a fear of Jaws. Okay, so, going to the coast is pretty much a great time. But have you considered your freshwater alternative – the many wonderful lakes of the United States?

We’ve got some fabulous lake houses on Vacation Rentals.com that are as charming as they are spacious as they are affordable. It’d be a shame to miss out just because you’re obsessed with the ocean.

Here are some great lake destinations to consider for your upcoming trip:

  • Mammoth Lakes, California
  • Lake Tahoe, California
  • Lake George, New York
  • Lake Norman, North Carolina
  • Lake Travis, Texas
  • Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
  • Lake Havasu, Arizona

And there are many, many other options as well. Check out our guide to Lake Rentals for more direction!

Labor Day Getaways

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

So, the Labor Day weekend is upon us. If you haven’t already planned a mini getaway, don’t fret. Vacation Rentals.com is still brimming with last-minute Labor Day deals.

There’s no reason to staycation this year. Summer’s almost over, and you owe it to the season to say goodbye in a proper way! Do your summer memories justice with a last vacation “hoorah.” But where do you start? Well, first off, you can browse Vacation Rentals.com’s current deals. Maybe there’s a great bargain that could sway you to book a rental ASAP.

Then, you could search for deals in particular cities/areas. Many great Labor Day festivals and events are happening around the country. Like the Chicago Jazz Festival, the DC Blues Festival, the Boston Labor Day Parade, a Taste of Colorado food fest, the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival (in Georgia), and so very much more. But whether or not you go somewhere for an event, you’re guaranteed a great deal on Vacation Rentals.com.

Head to the nearest coastline, or go on a shopping spree in the Big City. Whatever the case, Labor Day’s not a time to stay at home. It’s a time to get away and save money, too!

Florida Beach Vacation Ideas

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Ah, the Sunshine State. The idyllic spring to summer vacation spot, but really a great year-round destination. Festivals, beaches, interesting people, awesome seafood, and the perfect mix of cosmopolitan charm and natural beauty – that’s Florida in a nutshell. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your getaway to one of America’s favorite states now!

Family
Florida’s filled with family-friendly destinations, however it’s also got a handful of cities that cater to adults more so than kids. For example, you wouldn’t want to go to Panama City Beach during Spring Break. For good clean fun in the sun, consider Daytona Beach, Tampa, and Amelia Island. For non-stop theme park action, there’s the Disney area and to a greater extent, Orlando.

Outdoor Adventure
Florida’s brimming with lovely lakes and a sweeping coast line – so there’s always opportunity for water sports. If you consider yourself a nature connoisseur, however, book a Florida rental near the Everglades.

Romantic
Looking for a little peace and quiet so you can spend some quality time with your sweetheart? There are plenty of romance-inspiring beaches in Florida – some standouts include Caladesi Island, all of the Florida Keys, Marco Island, and Cocoa Beach. And remember, most couples would have a blast at Disney World!

Party
So, you’re headed to Florida for the social interaction, huh? Well, you’ve got lots of options. Miami (particularly the South Beach area), Panama City Beach, and Key West.

Canada on the Cheap

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

If you’re an American, you’ve probably thought about visiting your neighbor to the north. Well, why not today? Sure, Canada’s not going anywhere, but there’s no reason to put off visiting this beautiful country. After all, you’ll probably end up planning a return trip ASAP!

Besides the True North’s many sights to see and things to do, it’s also easy to do Canada on the cheap. We’ve got a few tips for saving money:


1. Nature’s Free To See, And Priceless

Canada is not only full of lovely national parks (like the St. Lawrence Marine Park and Banff, etc), but gorgeous natural surroundings just about everywhere you go. From towering mountains to pristine lakes, you can keep yourself busy just by visiting with good ol’ Mother Nature.

2. Cheap Canadian Vacation Rentals are Plentiful
Instead of booking an expensive hotel room (or a cheap but super small and shady hotel room), go for a spacious and budget-friendly vacation home in Canada! We’ve got rentals all over the country, from Ontario to Vancouver. Not only are Canada vacation rentals affordable, but they’re also the best way to really get to know a city, because you’ll often be residing right alongside the locals.

3. Drive, If You Can
Canada may be a different country, and even a different universe to some, but for many folks, it’s not too far away! You can save a lot of money by driving across the border – rather than flying. If you must buy airfare, just be smart about it. Compare different airfare sites, and try booking your tickets last minute for extra special deals.

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!

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.

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!

Has the Recession Stopped You From Traveling?

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Seems “recession” isn’t the powerful buzz word it was a few months ago, but it’s still at the top of our minds – whether we hear about it in the news, or worry about getting laid off. One of the first things we sacrifice when the times get tough is The Family Vacation. But can we get away with getting away, despite the rough economic climate?

Well, it’s important to examine what our worries are really made of – truth or fear – before we jump to conclusions about what we can and can’t afford. Have you actually lost your job, or are you just afraid you’ll lose your job? If you’re just afraid, do you have any real reason to be? Being cautious with money is a new habit for many Americans these days, and by all means, it’s a good one. But perhaps the solution isn’t sacrificing the Family Vacation. Perhaps it’s spending less on things we don’t need – like Starbucks, expensive dinners out on the town, or (ladies) extra shoes.

The common perception is that the Family Vacation is an expendable, “luxury” item. But is it? Take a moment to recount your most vivid and fond memories as a child. There’s a good chance those priceless memories are from a vacation.

Now, we certainly don’t recommend that you splurge on a trip. We don’t want you spending any more money than necessary. From road tripping to a nearby beach house, to booking a 5-bedroom luxury home for under 200 bucks, Vacation Rentals.com is dedicated to getting you a good vacation deal.

Don’t let the recession stop you from traveling – you can getaway with getting away.

Money Saving Secrets in the Disney Area

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

How many pennies will Disney World shake out of you? If you’re headed to Orlando with the fam, you’re headed for a world of headache when it comes to budgeting. As the little details add up – plane tickets, hotel rates, dinner out, souvenirs, side attractions – you’ll suddenly understand the saying “the sum is greater than the hole.” You’ll wish you didn’t.

Well, we know the Disney area. And we know you don’t want to bust the piggy bank open in the name of family vacation (no matter how important that is). For starters, Disney resort accommodations – while charming – are expensive. Like, really expensive. Like, not worth it expensive. Unless…

You book a private Disney resort home through an individual. At this moment in time, we’ve got 100 Disney vacation rental deals. Imagine paying $55 a night for a THREE BEDROOM home. Yes, really. Or enjoying a free night in a villa that looks like something right out of Animal Kingdom. Even if you don’t snag up a last minute deal, we’ve got a total of over 400 Disney listings, and that’s not including our Orlando and Kissimmee rentals. That means you have a ton to choose from. And nearly every single Disney vacation home or condo we feature is significantly cheaper than a comparable hotel room. Plus, you can do your laundry and cook your meals without ever leaving your rental. Cheaper and more convenient.

But we’re not just here to get you into a cheap Disney accommodation. We’ve studied this Mickey Mouse-crazed town up and down and we’ve got even more cool money-saving magic trips to share:

  • Buy a discounted 3, 7, or 10-day Magic Your Way Pass – the longer you stay at the park, the more you’ll save.
  • Use FASTPASS. The less time you spend in line, the more enjoyable and “worth it” your vacation will be!
  • Don’t rent a car if you’re staying near the park. You don’t need to. Free shuttle service is widely available.
  • Pack Disney souvenirs ahead of time – don’t buy them at the park. Distribute toys and keepsakes to the kiddos throughout the trip. They won’t know the difference between this and buying stuff at the stores. In fact, it has even more potential for fun. Wrap these goodies up if you want to add to the euphoric effect your little one will experience!
  • When possible, travel during the park’s off-season (though, note that Disney’s always bustling): weekdays, non-holidays, and whenever the kids are in school, mean less crowds and more deals.
  • If it’s your bday, you’ll get free admission, so visit the park during one of your family member’s special days!

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