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New York’s Vacation Rental Market Has “Wiggle Room”

Published May 13, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 2 Comments
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The news on the economy lately hasn’t been great, with lots of people who should know muttering the “R” word under their breath. We’ve mentioned before that choosing a vacation rental closer to home is one way to still have a vacation this summer without spending a fortune or trying to match the low U.S. dollar against stronger currencies elsewhere. Now there’s an article in the New York Times about how many choices are still available for vacation rentals this summer.

According to the article, more and more people are waiting until the last minute to book their vacation rentals in the hopes that prices will go down, but rental agents are saying the prices are staying relatively static as compared to last year.

The article also says that while the vacation rentals at the luxury end of the spectrum have already been reserved well in advance by the people for whom the “R” word isn’t really an issue, there are still lots of vacation homes available in the low- to mid-price range. This is partly due to the fact that people are booking at the last minute, and is also partly because so many people have bought second homes in the past year as real estate investments and then turning them into vacation rentals.

So it would seem that there would be so many new properties available that the prices would come down – but that doesn’t seem to be the case. In fact, one expert quoted in the article says, “The demand is still outstripping the supply. We know that people, even in a down economy, still take a vacation.” Although, as the last-minute booking trend indicates, vacationers are being much more cautious about spending their money this year.

Now, the NY Times article is focusing particularly on the New York area market, with more detailed information on the vacation rental market in the popular destinations around New York, but there’s no reason not to extrapolate some of this information from there to other popular summertime vacation spots throughout the country.

For instance, while high-end properties have probably been booked up already, you may find much more choice in the low- to mid-range than you expected to so close to the summer vacation season. You may also want to consider a few money-saving tips mentioned in the article, above and beyond booking a vacation rental instead of a hotel – such as taking a shorter vacation than you might have otherwise, or sharing the cost of a vacation rental with another family. And if you can stand to wait it out, you may find some great last minute deals on vacation rentals, even in holiday hotspots.

Still Have a Vacation, Even With the Low U.S. Dollar

Published April 17, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 3 Comments

cottagesIn an ideal world, we could all plan our vacations just by thinking about where we wanted to go, or what we wanted to do. This is far from an ideal world, however, and the question of what we can afford always enters into the equation. And with the ever-sinking value of the U.S. dollar, traveling on foreign shores is looking more like something that we’ll have to wait on. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of a vacation altogether – in fact, it’s a perfect opportunity to look into a vacation rental right here in the United States.

There are a few reasons why a United States vacation rental will help you save money on your vacation this summer (while still having a vacation!). The first is that you don’t have to worry about an exchange rate – keep your dollars as dollars, and you won’t worry about what they’re worth from day to day. Staying in your home currency means there are no pesky conversions to make – because who wants to be doing math on vacation?

The second good reason to go with a U.S. vacation rental is that if you pick a vacation spot from which you can walk or ride bikes to most of the things you’ll be doing on holiday, that means you’re saving money on gas, too. Sure, you may drive to the vacation home – but once you’re there, the more you can avoid driving, the more money you’ll save. Besides, it’s pretty nice to be able to have everything you want to do within walking distance of your vacation rental.

Another great money-saving aspect to a vacation rental in the U.S. is that you can, if you wish, make a few day-trips from one centrally-located vacation home instead of constantly packing up and checking into a new and expensive hotel room. Pick a vacation spot that is relatively central and you have lots of little vacations within a couple hours’ drive of your front door.

Finally, remember that with a vacation rental you can get a big family or traveling group under one roof – you split the cost of the vacation home, and you save money on your vacation overall. It’s that simple. And things like beach volleyball tournaments and forest hiking expeditions are always more fun when you’ve got a crew along.

So if you’re contemplating giving up on the idea of a vacation this summer because the dollar just ain’t what it used to be, take heart – staying in a vacation rental close to home can be just the money-saving (and fun) vacation solution you were looking for.

Aloha & ATA Airlines Go Belly Up – How to Get to Hawaii This Year?

Published April 10, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 3 Comments
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beachWith the recent announcement that both Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines have gone bankrupt and halted all passenger service, the question now is – will a vacation to Hawaii even be possible this year?

Both Aloha and ATA service to and from Hawaii were critical to some parts of the Hawaiian economy (for instance, ATA operated Hilo’s only flight to the mainland U.S.), so in addition to the poor travelers who are holding ATA and Aloha tickets that are now all-but-worthless, these announcements are causing some worry in the tourism offices around Hawaii. They’re concerned that visitor numbers will be down this year as a result of these airline bankruptcies.

Additionally, there are fears that airfare to Hawaii could go up, even beyond the high prices that airlines normally charge for trans-Pacific flights, because of rising fuel costs. The added burden of having to accommodate Aloha and ATA’s stranded passengers isn’t going to make airfare any lower, either.

Of course, there are still airlines which can get you to Hawaii, and you may find that there are bargains to be had on the islands this year as the state’s tourism industry tries to lure visitors. Take advantage of any potential deals by looking into a Hawaii vacation rental today. You could lock in a great rate, and then find discounts on everything from boating tours to surfing lessons once you get there. And with a vacation rental in Hawaii you’ll already be saving money over staying in a hotel.

The bottom line is that if you’ve been thinking about a trip to Hawaii this year, you need to make sure of two things – first, that you shop around for airline tickets and pounce on a good deal as soon as you find one, and second, that you take steps to stretch your travel budget in other ways. Then a vacation in Hawaii doesn’t have to be a luxury, but just a reasonable vacation.

Sun Kissed Vines of Monterey California

Published April 5, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 1 Comment
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vacation homes, rental homes, vacation rental homes, monterey, californiaFrom the sunny warm vines dancing in the breeze under the sun, the rolling hills around your vacation rental Monterey, California is the perfect picture postcard of the California wine country.  The beautiful serenity of the peaceful lands of vacation holiday homes in Monterey, California is the ideal combination of the American award winning wines and gourmet restaurants flavoring a vacation rental in Monterey in décor. 

Vacation homes in Monterey, California reflects the old world tradition of the vineyards and the seaside fishing village noticeable in the vacation rental homes Monterey, California.  From one happy extreme of strolling through the vines in the vineyards local to your Monterey, California vacation home to shopping in the quaint streets leading to your vacation home Monterey, you get to pick your favorite vacation activity while away from the comforts of vacation rentals Monterey, California.

Attractions near vacation rental homes Monterey, California: vacation homes, rental homes, vacation rental homes, monterey, california

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium:  An absolute incredible attraction for tourists and locals, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for spectacular exhibits of sharks and jellyfish.  With a petting facility for bat sting rays, you can even get your hands wet while stroking the soft sides of the rays.
  • Baywood Cellars Tasting Room:  Stop by this award winning tasting room of the Baywood Cellars, a family owned and operated vineyard since 1925, to samples the best of the region for Chardonnay and Zinfandel wines.
  • Monterey State Historic Park:  Take time to enjoy the many historical homes and adobe buildings dating back hundreds of years that are representative of the area of Monterey set in the picturesque gardens mixed with lovely sculptures in the Monterey State Historic Park.
  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf:  The most fun in the city of Monterey can be found at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf.  From fabulous seafood restaurants servings the best wines to shopping along the pier for souvenirs to exploring the seas looking for whales, it can all be done at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

vacation homes, rental homes, vacation rental homes, monterey, californiaGet ready to see the best vacation rental home in Monterey, California.  Whether you’re seeking opulent accommodations fit for the elite or a quaint cottage mirroring the relaxed welcoming of the region, Monterey vacation rental homes are calling you to visit their doors!

Enjoy your quest for rest or play at your vacation holiday home in Monterey, California by booking your vacation today with Vacapedia.

Your Own Private Hawaiian Island Hideaway

Published April 5, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 2 Comments
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hawaiiThere are lots of tropical islands around the world, but one small chain of islands in particular is the place where everyone wants to go – Hawaii. But instead of booking the same old boring hotel room like everyone else does, do something different for your Hawaii trip. Make your trip truly memorable with a Hawaii vacation rental.

The Hawaiian islands are littered with hotels, some of which are incredibly expensive, but there are also plenty of more interesting places to stay as well. For instance, there is this secluded spot on Hale Akua Aloha on the Big Island. It is so private that you will feel like you are the only people on the entire island – which is perhaps the closest you will get to owning your own private island, so it may be a good idea to take advantage of the chance while you get it!

This house is no modern or sterile Hawaiian condo, either – it was built in the late 1950s, and the original builders were able to take advantage of the landscape to create a perfect getaway. And now this perfection and privacy can be yours – if only for a couple of weeks. The property boasts a private pool that is fed by the ocean, so while you may be able to go skinny dipping in private with your friends you will want to keep an eye on the tides. When was the last time you had to watch out for waves in your backyard pool?

From your vacation rental in Hawaii, you can also explore all of what the islands have to offer, including hiking, mountain biking, surfing and – of course – just lying around in the sun doing nothing. Of course, this private getaway is not cheap, but sometimes the perfect vacation is not cheap. And if this special spot is a bit too rich for your blood, there are plenty more Hawaii vacation rentals to choose from. But keep this place in mind for when you have saved a few more of those vacation pennies.

Wine and Dine in Napa Valley

Published March 20, 2008 USA , vacation rentals Leave a Comment
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napa valley, napa, vacation rentals, rental homesOnce welcomed by the rolling hills tempting all to partake of the best California grapes have to offer, vacation rental homes in Napa Valley California give family and friends the chance to bask in the warm California.

Attractions near vacation rental homes Napa Valley, California:

  • Winery / Vineyards:  No visit to the official wine country of the United States famous the world over for producing award winning wines.  From the beautiful rows of vines pull of pump grapes reaching toward the warm California sun to the taste bud tempting flavors of finely produced wines, the infamous wineries and vineyards of Napa Valley have made the region one of the most visited to Napa Valley vacation rental homes.napa valley, napa, vacation rentals, rental homes
  • Spas:  Mingling the luxurious relaxation of special treatments pampering from head to toe with the natural landscape of rolling hills of grape filled vines dancing in the breeze of the sunset, the spa rich community of Napa Valley is ready to cater to your every whim to make your vacation at holiday villas in Napa Valley, California.
  • Antiquing:  Finding the perfect accessories for every room in vacation holiday home is easy in Napa Valley, California due to the combination of traditional cultures of a western California community and a welcoming invitation to a rustic old world Italian vineyard.  With every sight and sound covered in the old world tradition mingled with the modern way to bottle wine, your cottage in Napa Valley California will showcase the style of Napa.
  • Adventures:  Whether you would like to balloon high above your Napa Valley California vacation home, bike your way through the vineyards surrounding vacation holiday homes in Napa Valley, or beach house rentals on the coast, fun awaits at for every spirit in the heart of wine country in vacation rental homes in Napa Valley California.
  • Restaurants:  The perfect compliment to any incredibly flavorful wine is gourmet foods sizzling with the flare of Napa.  Close to Napa vacation rentals, restaurants fill the areas with the opportunity for visitors to sample the finest foods and wines the world has to offer.

napa valley, napa, vacation rentals, rental homesIndulge in your vacation holiday home in Napa Valley, California by booking your vacation today with Vacapedia.

Marco Island – Florida’s Largest of the 10,000 Islands

Published February 25, 2008 USA , vacation rentals Leave a Comment
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marcoislandWhile you may not have time to visit Ten Thousand Islands on your next Florida vacation, making the largest of those Ten Thousand Islands your home base is an excellent way to explore the nearby islands. Today we want to highlight one place where you can hang your hat, on the vacation playground of Marco Island.

This Marco Island holiday getaway is wonderfully cozy, and the perfect place for a romantic holiday for two. Okay, sure – the place sleeps up to four, but it is not very romantic if the kids come along, is it? Anyway, this great little Florida vacation rental is just a short trip from the center of the island and surrounded by lush greenery. Plus, do not assume that just because the place is small that you have to sacrifice any of the amenities you might expect in a larger house or a condo. With this gem you get not only a lovely terrace, but also a private swimming pool. Yes, a private swimming pool. Whoever said good things come in small packages was right.

In addition to the island’s center being close, there is also a beach, golf course, tennis court, restaurant and supermarket within easy reach. Plus, Marco Island itself is a great place to base yourself if you want to visit some of the rest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. This island chain (in reality only several hundred islands, not ten thousand, but who’s counting?) is a wilderness area covered in mangroves, and in fact most of the islands are so small that not only is there no one living on them – it would be pretty tough to live there even if someone wanted to. Still, many are available for overnight stays, if you want to take a break from your Florida vacation rental – but these are mainly accessible only via water, and it is not an easy trip, so the U.S. Wildlife Department recommend that only experienced canoeists and kayakers try to make it out to those islands on their own.

If you are not interested in an overnight stay away from Marco Island, then consider a day trip spent snorkeling or some other water sport. It could be a nice way to get involved in a local activity without having to invest lots of time in training classes!

This Marco Island house is the perfect Florida vacation rental, and the perfect place to spend a romantic holiday.

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