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The travel industry has changed over time, and with these changes comes the ebb and flow of various trends. While some trends tend to have their moment and soon fade out of relevance, one trend that has certainly made its mark is that of vacation rentals.

If you stand back and see how society has changed, it makes sense that being able to have a vacation rental as a lodging option was the next big step to take for the travel industry. At one time, you had the overwhelming presence of the big chain hotels, and before that, the motels and motorways made for interesting places to stay while you were on the road either for leisure or for business. At some point, though, and this goes for just about all industries, there was a lot more power given to the consumer, and once this shift in power took place, accommodations as they had been know before would no longer be the same.

People were deciding they wanted more amenities available to them, as well as access to more options on the fly in the event they had a fresh idea of what they wanted out of their lodging choice. Hotels looking to fight for bookings tried their best to scramble & meet demands, but then came the vacation rental properties. Now, there really was a greater sense of feeling like your place to stay while on vacation was a “home away from home”. Times certainly had changed.

Given the prominence of vacation rentals in the travel industry, it’s hard not to look at certain vacations and wonder whether they would have benefit from this lodging option. As such, here are three popular vacation destinations that might actually have quite a lot more to offer if you choose a vacation rental over a traditional hotel:

Orlando, Florida – Perhaps the greatest draw to this city, aside from the great beaches, happens to be centered around the world of a friendly cartoon mouse. There’s no denying you’re in one the most popular tourist areas on the planet, so you may want your lodging to be close to where you want to go but just far enough away where you can have some peace & relaxation.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Everyone knows about “The Strip”, and of course, you’re talking bright lights, a mass of people, and activities that stretch into the early hours of every day. The neon can be a lot to take, so what better way to take in all that Sin City has to offer than by retreating to a vacation rental not quite on “The Strip”. You may also gain an appreciation for all of the rest that Las Vegas has to offer other than the usual stuff that no one says happened.

Red River, New Mexico – You could venture over to more popular areas in northern New Mexico, but Red River gives you the same great access to the Rockies, year-round activities for the whole family, and superb snow sports that you can get elsewhere. Moreover, they are a small town with a small population that does its best to keep things nice & low-key.

Vacation rentals are “the new kid in town”, but while they may be relatively new to the travel industry, they are definitely worth a look when you are planning your family’s next getaway. It may just be the final piece to what will hopefully be a very memorable trip.

On an Old Orchard Beach vacation the “Maine” attraction is the 7-mile beach itself. The beach is perfect for long walks, getting some sun and cooling off in the chilly Atlantic waters. And there is even more to do beyond the beach, making this a top vacation spot in Maine.

Dining on Maine lobsters and steamer clams ranks high on the list of things to do in Old Orchard Beach. For the young kids and grown-up kids there is the Pier on Old Orchard Beach with its arcades, shops and food stands. And getting away from the beach itself there is golf, kayaking, shopping and other attractions.

Although it has become a year-round destination, the best time to visit Old Orchard Beach is the summer. The water will be especially chilly in May and June, but it gets better as summer progresses.

Old Orchard Beach Summer Activities

Among the events you can enjoy in the summer time are concerts in the town square, fireworks on the beach each Thursday from late June through Labor Day, beer and music festivals on the Pier, and a sandcastle contest in July. Annual events worth seeing are Illumination Night, on which the Ocean Park neighborhood lights up their homes and hosts a concert and treats; and the annual Beach Olympics, which is three days of competition and music and benefits the Special Olympics. Many summer events happen on or near the Pier and include music and food.

Things To Do At Old Orchard Beach All Year

Even in the off-season the beach is the focus at Old Orchard Beach. You can still stroll the hard-packed sand, but you might need a sweater and some long pants. In the fall you can enjoy the changing foliage and horseback riding on the beach. During the spring, you might not go in the water, but the sun will feel warm enough to soothe you on the beach. Rates for lodging can be quite good during the off-season as well.

Old Orchard Beach in the off-season also makes a good base for exploring other nearby attractions. There is great outlet shopping in Kittery and Freeport is home to L.L. Bean. Portland has historic attractions as well as good restaurants, shops and cultural events. And you can always go for a drive along the coast and stop in at a local restaurant for fresh lobster – year-round.

Old Orchard Beach Dining

Old Orchard Beach is well-equipped to suit the diverse palates that may be on vacation with you. You will, of course, find your staples such as pizza and burgers. The highlight will be the fresh clams and lobster, which you can enjoy almost anywhere from a roadside clam shack (think fried clams and lobster rolls) to a finer restaurant where the clams will be steamed and the lobster served whole. There are also plenty of options for a hearty New England breakfast of pancakes (with Maine blueberries), eggs and coffee.

Old Orchard Beach Accommodations

When vacation in Old Orchard Beach Maine, you will have plenty of accommodation choices. Being one of the more popular beach destinations in Maine, there are motels, hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. But there are alternatives to standard types of lodging. If you are traveling with your family, a large group or even just as a couple on a romantic getaway (think winter strolls on the beach, just the two of you and the ocean), you might consider renting a vacation home or cottage at Old Orchard Beach.

Offering all the amenities of home, and sometimes more, a vacation rental at Old Orchard Beach offers comfort and privacy that is uncommon at motels, hotels and inns. It’s easier than ever to find Old Orchard Beach vacation rentals online so keep it in mind when you’re planning your next vacation to Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Michigan can make a great vacation destination if you are into getting away from it all. It incorporates miles and miles of beaches, sand dunes, lush green forests, and of course… the Great Lakes. There are four regions of Michigan which are the Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and Downstate.

Michigan in the summer can be pretty exciting with activities such as canoeing down protected rivers through lush forests, motorboating or sailing on its many lakes, or fly fishing on a scenic stream. All in all there are around 12,000 lakes in the state including Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and a small amount of Lake Erie.

In the winter, water gives way to ice for some great ice fishing and miles of cross country skiing in both the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula. If you get there early enough (more towards the Autumn months) you might be able to take in some beautiful color changing aspects of the foliage.

There is a lot to see in Michigan depending on where your vacation home rental is near. The most recognizable sights in the state of course are the Great Lakes. Then there is Pictured Rocks, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Isle Royale State Park, and much more.

If you are looking for a ‘city vacation’ in Michigan there is Detroit, the largest city, and Lansing, the state capital. In these bigger cities you’ll find more city-like things to do with their many historic landmarks, fine dining, and cultural experiences.

Travelers all over the globe have long enjoyed the amenities and spacious rooms at resorts while on vacation. In recent years, however, more travelers have opted for luxury apartment rentals for more space, more freedom, and more access to local culture. Here are some of the ways that rentals are a better option than hotels for your next vacation.

Consider Who’s Traveling with You

Although hotel rooms have become more spacious over the years, travelers pay the price for larger rooms. By comparison, apartments or villas are more spacious and economical. For example, when your travel party includes the whole family, or several couples, splitting the cost for a spacious abode is quite economical. On average, luxury apartment rentals have around 1500 square feet, while the average hotel room only has 500 square feet. Even suites in hotels can’t offer the space or privacy of a multi-bedroom unit. Even when well-acquainted families travel together, a private bathroom is always welcome in their home away from home.

Savings on Food and Beverage Costs

Not only is added space something to consider when renting on vacation, but mealtime can also be more affordable when you rent an apartment or house. Smaller apartments and condos will at the very least contain small, galley-style kitchens where meals can be prepared just like at home. A full-sized refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave are usually available, and all the necessary cooking utensils and cookware are provided to renters. When you stay in a hotel, onsite restaurants can be quite expensive and limited in the types of cuisine on offer. The greater flexibility offered by a stocked kitchen allows families to prepare small meals, like a quick breakfast or lunch before an outing, in the comfort of their apartment. Large families may be surprised to find that the expenses they save on food make their luxurious surroundings a better choice than more economical choices.

New to the Neighborhood

Another aspect some travelers never consider when renting vacation apartments or houses is that these properties are frequently located in the same neighborhoods in which locals actually live and work. Unlike at hotels or resorts, visitors don’t need to feel separated from the local culture, because they’ll be staying in close proximity to people who know the area well and can suggest places that are off the beaten path. Visitors can learn more about the culture in the area, as well as seeing sights that may not be on the popular tour routes. This connection to the local community is also great for parents traveling with children, because it presents opportunities to learn about something other than theme parks and run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

For your next vacation, consider luxury apartment rentals for your home away from home. You’ll discover more privacy, better and less expensive meal options, and a taste of local flavor that isn’t available in a traditional hotel or resort.

In this economy where every dollar needs to be spent wisely, a family of four who wants to go to Florida on a vacation might find it hard to do so. Is it still possible to vacation near Orlando with a big family on a budget? Of course, there are such possibilities as renting a vacation villa with an inground pool and visiting the parks during the days.

Many of the Florida vacation villas even offer a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer and a dishwasher. Some will even offer a gameroom in the garage so the tired parents can relax while their children are enjoying themselves and getting tired.

The inground pool in the backyard of the villa is great for family fun or just relaxing. After dinner, the family can also decide to take a nice walk as most of these vacation villas are located in closed and secure communities.

The family members will also enjoy having their own bedrooms as most Florida vacation houses offer three to four bedrooms or even more to accommodate family and friends.

Florida has so many attractions to offer and a sunny weather that keeps shinning. Renting a vacation house will certainly offer a great way for the family to be comfortable while vacationing.

If the kids are older, most probably they will prefer to spend the day at Universal Studies where the rides and shows are more up to their taste.

If you have very young children, age from 1 to 5, then you definitely want to take them to Legoland and actually visit the site for yourself.

Whatever you decide: the beach, Disney, shopping, enjoying the pool, renting a vacation villa will meet all those needs.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, many of these houses even offer a barbecue so you can eat well and enjoy the fresh air.

The entire family will be able to save as they can prepare their lunch in their fully equipped kitchen. They will also be able to eat more healthy and not gain the dreaded 10 pounds from eating too much junk food.

The family can also decide to part… only for one day. This way, dad can go play golf (many of the vacation villas are located on golf courses). Mommy can decide to go with the kids shopping or play miniature golf and enjoy their day. Once the day is over, the family can get together and have a fun evening in the pool.

Every individual needs to have a break from the everyday task of the usual life. Relaxation, rejuvenation and unwinding from the daily work can only be achieved if you know where you want to go and that your stay will be provided with the amenities and activities that will provide you with the kind of relaxation that you need, as well as for your family. If you are looking for a place that will give you golfing, fishing, swimming and other outdoor activities during the warm season, as well as skiing, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling and many more in the cold season, then the Northern Minnesota vacation rentals is what you need to start to look for.

The Northern Minnesota vacation rentals are the best choice for either the winter and summer vacation break you want to have to achieve the hassle free vacation you want for you and your whole family. You can be provided with the location that will be applicable for the activities you got planned to do. You can find Northern Minnesota vacation rentals from known real estate agents or online for areas like the Grand Rapids, St. Paul, Minneapolis and many other tourist destinations in the northern part of Minnesota.

Northern Minnesota can provide you with the golf activity in these locations where you can be one with nature during your stay and at the same time provide you with the amenities of home. Your choice of place can put you next to the wildlife of the place and at the same time the availability of the golf course and fishing areas in the lake. You need not to pitch a camp in the hot weather of summer and in the cold nights of winter.

The rich watery environment of Northern Minnesota can also be fully utilized for vacation spots without having to stay out in a camp through the many vacation rentals in the area. Fishing for your hobby and swimming during the hot season will be a great experience to have. By getting ahead in the planning and finding the vacation rental earlier, you can be sure to have that cozy place to sleep in warmth during your winter stay and a cool shower or bath place during the hot weather of summer stay you get.

You will never go wrong in planning to get a vacation in Northern Minnesota, especially with the great places offered for your vacation stay. Cooking and active life will not be a problem, unlike when you stay in a lodge or a hotel. For such free-spirited person and family, get the right North Minnesota rental vacation to ensure that all the members of your family will be provided with their needed relaxations. Get those kids into the State parks, those teens swimming and oldies relaxing in the golf course or fishing site.

Are you wondering if you should choose a hotel or vacation rental for your next vacation?

Here are some questions to help you decide:

Is cost a factor at all?

Of course there are cheap hotels and higher-end vacation rentals. But when you evaluate hotels and vacation rentals of the same general class, you will always save money by staying in a vacation rental. The main factor? Food and drink! Even if you eat every meal out and only have drinks and snacks in your rental condo, you will save considerably, because the rental is like your home. Having breakfast at your new vacation home and packing sandwiches for a picnic out will add to your savings. Think of all the $2 bottles of water you have bought on vacation and all the hotel breakfasts your kids didn’t eat (at $14 per)! Save even more by cooking a few meals at your vacation home. Some nights you are tired and don’t really want to go to a restaurant, but in a hotel, your only alternative is budget busting room service!

Do you like to stretch out?

Dollar for dollar, you will get much more space in a vacation condo. Our Kauai Resort Condo has 1200 sq. ft for the price of a 300 sq. ft. room in a hotel with similar amenities. In a condo you can move around, take a nap in a bedroom, while others are playing music in the living room, or just feel that you are not cramped in your vacation space. If it rains or if someone is feeling sick and you all stay in, you will love having more room than just a room!

Do you want quality time with your family or friends?

In a vacation condo, you have the feeling of coming home in between activities or when you come back for the night. Grab a drink or snack from the fridge, play poker with your friends or puzzles with your kids. You’ll enjoy your time together, whether for a family vacation or friends traveling together.

Do you like to get a lot of freebies?

Most vacation rentals leave a lot of extra goodies for guests to enjoy. In our Kauai condo, for example, we provide guide books, Hawaiian history, language, and even cook books, Hawaiian music CDs, and DVDs of every movie made on Kauai. We also provide boogie boards, snorkel equipment, and many other extras. A vacation rental we stayed at once gave us the idea to have a Take one-Leave one book shelf so you can leave the book you finished and pick up one for the plane home. In a hotel you just get shampoo or a mint on the pillow! Another vacation rental we used once provided puzzles and board games for guests. We thought that was nice, but unnecessary, until a huge storm forced our party, eight family members between two years and 88 years old to stay inside for almost two days! The games came in very handy and the extra room of a vacation rental (see the second point above) kept us from going stir crazy! Now, we offer board games, also!

Try a vacation rental for your next getaway! Have a luxury vacation for less! It is the best vacation travel deal!

Tan-Tar-A Estates at the Lake of the Ozarks offers more to vacationers than you might imagine. For those of you have never visited Tan-Tar-A Estates you are in for a wonderful surprise.

Tan-Tar-A Resort, built in the early 1960's by Burton Duenke was once a premier resort destination. Duneke sold the Resort in the late 70's to Marriott who continued the tradition of excellent accommodations combined with deluxe service. Tan-Tar-A Resort continued to be "the place to stay" at the Lake of the Ozarks well into the late 1990's. At the turn of the century a new owner, Columbia Sussex, came into the picture and the facility has never been the same.

Columbia Sussex, a privately owned hotel operator, took over management of Tan-Tar-A after purchasing the Resort and immediately set about making changes. The most dramatic change was a new 140 room addition on resort property boosting the room count to approximately 500 rooms and suites on resort property.

This may be a good time to explain how Tan-Tar-A Resort and the Estates are set up. The Estates are made up of over 350 privately owned homes. Though some have mistakenly assumed the resort owned all the estate homes this has never been the case. All the homes in the estates are privately owned by individuals who may choose to rent out a portion or all of their vacation home when they are not using it. In the past this accounted for over 500 of Tan-Tar-A Resorts rental units.

With a new 140 room addition the resort no longer needed as many Estate units as in the past. This lead homeowners to find another property manager to manage their vacation rental. Since the Resort had historically managed any home in the Estates that an owner wanted to rent there was nothing and no one in place to manage vacation homes once the resort owner lost interest. It was because of this Estates Sales & Property Management was born. Started in 2001 the company was formed specifically to manage vacation rentals in Tan-Tar-A Estates. With 120 rental units they have everything from a standard hotel room to a luxury hot tub suite all the way up to a 5 bedroom home sleeping 20 guests available for nightly rental.

What you will find in the Estates are nothing like the typical resort rental units. The Estate homeowners have upgraded and added personal touches making their vacation homes some of the finest accommodations in the Lake area. Some of the improvements included getting rid of double beds in favor of queen and king beds, larger televisions, DVD / VCR players in all the units and a popular addition, Hot Tubs right outside the master bedrooms in most of the suites.

There are so many great reasons to choose Tan-Tar-A Estates vacation rentals it's hard to imagine anyone wanting to stay anywhere else at the Lake.

Lake Havasu is surely on of the few most exhilarating locations on the globe. It is situated not too far from Los Angeles as well as a few hours run from Phoenix. If you are thinking of renting a houseboat for a holiday this is the ideal place for you. Actually, the Lake Havasu houseboat rentals are comparable to and placed amongst the most luxurious houseboats that are found anyplace in the world.

1. Period of renting a houseboat

You can avail of Lake Havasu house boat rentals at anytime, as they are available round the year just for you, to offer you the experience of a lifetime. They are available for rent for any duration of time ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your requirement. In case you have not experienced a vacation on a houseboat earlier , may be you should at first take it on for a few days, however, it is a sure thing that you will positively hire the houseboat for a longer period during your next holiday.

Why Rent a House Boat

2. What is it like on a houseboat

Houseboats are a home away from home with all the comforts of your home and as comfortable as a hotel room if not more because they are very roomy and well done up. This is also a unique way to spend your holiday. There is nothing boring or routine in this very unusual way of spending you holiday, by getting away from the hustle and bustle and doing something so very different.

3. Away from the madding crowds

A holiday in Lake Havasu and making use of their houseboat rentals is the most innovative way to spend your vacation in a secluded area, where the crowds cannot ruin you holiday and your peace. Your friends, family and you need not be disturbed by crowds of people invading your privacy and you can find your own way of making your holiday full of fun and excitement without any intrusions.

Why Rent From Lake Havasu House Boat Rentals

4. Why should you rent from Lake Havasu house boat rentals?

The procedure to hire a houseboat is a very fast and simple procedure with no waste of time. This way you do not waste any of the precious holiday time and can be on your way having fun very soon. The long shoreline of Lake Havasu offers you all the seclusion that you could wish for. To top it all the prices are affordable.

This location is ideal for swimming, fishing, skiing, and many other activities. There is no need to do mush, you could just relax and take in the scenic beauty of this beautiful place. The lake is surrounded by Desert Mountains and the sunsets that you will get to see are breathtaking. If what you had on mind was a romantic place to get away, you have mad the right choice.

Florida is one of the most popular holiday spots in the country, welcoming millions of tourists every year. While there are several reasonable accommodation options available throughout the state, there are some good reasons to acquire your own vacation house in Florida.

Excellent Climate
Florida is the Sunshine State and not for nothing. It boasts of warm weather for most of the year, which means people from all over the US flock to its beaches for some sunshine. You can enjoy lots of natural beauty if you have a winter home in Florida. In fact, some famous Americans such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison have had a winter home in the state. Miami Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida where thousands of tourists like to spend the winter months, away from the chill and snow in the rest of the country.

Peace of mind
Peace of mind is necessary if you are planning a vacation, especially a long one. If you own a second home here in Florida, you will have convenient access to the warm weather and beautiful beaches all year. You can drop in any time and be sure of having a comfortable place to stay. Having your own home in Florida is also beneficial because you get the freedom to set it up according to your specific needs and lifestyle. You can come in and leave any time of the day without feeling guilty of bothering the owners.

Make your vacation home an investment
The best thing about having your own vacation home in Florida is that if you can use it as an investment . Florida is amongst the most popular holiday destinations in the country and is full of visitors all year. Tourists do not only need beaches and the sunshine, they need a nice, safe place to stay. If you choose to rent out your property to holidaymakers, you can be sure of full occupancy throughout the year. There are several agents in Florida who will market your property easily to visitors looking for a nice place to lodge.

Rent and tax savings
Acquiring your own holiday home is a sensible decision if you are a frequent visitor to Florida. It will save you the hassle of dealing with agents at the last-minute and feeling anxious about getting a poor bargain on holiday lodging. What's more, you will no longer have to worry about rental expenses on holiday. You will also save on taxes because you can claim the amount of annual depreciation as a deduction against your taxable rental income, just the way loans work. Thus, you can continue to invest in the upkeep and renovation of your property to keep it up with the times.

A good vacation home is a smart decision because of the convenience and other monetary benefits it brings. Having your own Florida home will allow you to spend your holidays without the stress of paying rent. What's more, you will even be able to extend your stay for as long as you want.