Posts Tagged ‘vacation rentals’

3 Things To Consider When Planning A Romantic Getaway To Normandy

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

It’s not hard to see why and how Normandy is becoming such a popular travel destination. With its strong ties to Impressionist art, beautiful vistas and fabulously delicious cuisine, this is a region that was quite simply made for lovers. It’s absolutely ideal for a honeymoon or bonding experience.

However, planning a romantic getaway and making sure it goes off without a hitch are two very different beasts. Consider the following objectives to make absolutely sure you and your sweetheart get the most out of Normandy while you’re there.

1. Soak in some of Normandy’s rich artistic past.

Normandy is famous for being one of the epicenters of the French Impressionist art movement in the 18th Century and no trip to the area would be complete without visits to the art museums in the area. Be sure to take time to visit the actual sites where Turner and Monet painted their masterpieces. An afternoon spent at Rouen cathedral or walking along the same banks where Monet painted his water lilies would be the perfect way to bond with a loved one.

2. Sample plenty of Normandy’s famous cuisine.

The food in Normandy is simple, yet amazingly flavorful and rich. No romantic vacation or honeymoon would be complete without plenty of good eating with the perfect wines to match. Normandy is especially famous for its seafood, so be sure to make reservations at plenty of local seafood eateries. You must be especially certain to try the oysters and mussels, the area specialty. You may also be interested in signing on for a wine and cheese tasting. Cheese is yet another Norman culinary specialty and what better way to enjoy it than alongside the region’s very best local wine offerings.

3. Forgo the hotel and rent a holiday cottage in Normandy instead.

Paper thin walls and tiny spaces don’t exactly scream romance. Why not consider renting your own private holiday cottage Normandy instead? You’ll not only have your privacy and your peace, but you’ll have plenty of space. You’ll also have a fully functioning kitchen of your own where you can prepare your own Norman specialties and enjoy them over candlelight while you admire a beautiful view.

It is important to note, however, that if you’re considering renting a holiday cottage Normandy, you should make your reservations as far in advance as possible. These cottages are quickly becoming all the rage among travelers, so you’ll want to be sure to get exactly the one you want. Also, the earlier you make your reservations, the more likely you are to get an early booking discount.

If you think that a Norman vacation or a holiday cottage Normandy sounds like the right option for you, then it really pays to do your homework as far in advance as possible. Find out everything you need to know sooner rather than later.

Why Rent A Hotel Room When You Can Rent A Holiday Cottage Instead

Friday, February 18th, 2011

When you’re planning a vacation, there are certain things that are just considered to be essentials regardless of where you’re going. If you’re going far, then naturally reservations for plane tickets must be made. You must also decide how you’re going to get around while you’re there, so you will need to think about renting a car or purchasing rail passes. Also, there is the issue of where to stay, so a hotel room must be secured for the duration of your stay… or must it?

The fact of the matter is, more and more people are discovering what a wonderful alternative renting a private holiday cottage can really be to staying in a standard hotel room. This is especially the case when it comes to vacations to regions where such cottages are plentiful and readily available, such as beautiful Normandy.

A holiday cottage is more private.

One of the worst things about staying in a hotel is the fact that a hotel room simply doesn’t offer you much in the way of privacy. If you’re traveling with friends or family, we’re talking cramped quarters and a lot of arguing over whose turn it is to use the bathroom. Then there are your neighbors to worry about. Paper thin walls can make it even more annoying than it would otherwise be to deal with someone noisy next door.

Rent a holiday cottage Normandy instead and all those annoyances disappear. You’ll get to enjoy all of the comforts of home including comfortable beds, a lovely view, plenty of space, and a fully stocked kitchen where you can cook your family hot meals a few nights a week. You’ll have your precious privacy kept well intact. You don’t have to worry about limiting check-out schedules either.

A holiday cottage is a better value.

Renting your own holiday cottage Normandy is actually not much more costly than a hotel room would be. This is especially the case if you’re looking to be there for a month or more. Hotel fees really add up when we’re talking about that amount of time, so your pocketbook will be thanking you for renting a cottage just as passionately as your nerves will!

A holiday cottage allows you to fully experience your vacation.

Visiting Normandy as a tourist just isn’t the same as truly immersing yourself in the culture. A holiday cottage allows you to live among the locals and experience local life the same way they do – fully, totally and completely. You can take the same walks they do in the morning, shop at the same places and get to know your neighbors. In short, you’ll have the invaluable experience of actually becoming one of the locals for a while!

If you’re looking to select the perfect holiday cottage Normandy, then it pays to do a little research first.

How To Select The Right Normandy Vacation Cottage For You

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

So you’re going to Normandy to rent that amazing vacation cottage you’ve been talking about for years! You’ve dreamed about if for so long and now it’s a reality. That means the hard part’s over… doesn’t it?

Choosing a vacation cottage can indeed be more daunting and confusing than you think, so it’s important that you have your facts straight before you sign on the dotted line. Keep the following directives in mind when settling on the cottage of your dreams to make the entire process as hassle free and simple as possible.

Location is definitely priority one.

When they say that location is everything, they mean it and this is certainly the case when it comes to vacation cottages Normandy. The location of your cottage is directly related to price and availability. You also want to consider deciding factors that tend to slip people’s minds when thinking about something like a vacation.

How close are the cottages you’re considering to necessary facilities like hospitals, grocery stores, and fire departments? Also, how close are the cottages to points of interest you know that you’ll want to spend time exploring while you’re there? These points are important for your safety, but they also help determine the price of your cottage.

Make sure the cottages you’re considering meet your needs.

Although a particular cottage can seem promising from the outside, it’s of the utmost importance that its insides meet all of your needs. Remember, this is a vacation cottage! You want it to be comfortable, cozy and exactly like a home away from home for you and any friends or family you may choose to bring with you.

Many people thinking of renting a vacation cottage remember to double check the number of bedrooms or see to it that there are enough bathrooms included to cut down on quibbling over whose turn it is to use the shower. However, quite a few of them actually forget to check out the kitchen.

Sure, you’ll probably be eating out at least some of the time you’re there, but there will be many nights when you’ll want to enjoy a home cooked meal at home as well. Check to make sure the kitchen is well-equipped enough to handle the kinds of menus you’ll be preparing. Does it have a dishwasher, come with cooking utensils, and enough small appliances to suit you? If not, see what the next group of cottages in Normandy has to offer.

Don’t forget to check with your travel mates.

Before deciding on a particular cottage once and for all, you may want to sit down with your friends and family and ask them what features they would most like to see in a cottage. Does your wife dream of enjoying a sea view while she sits and catches up on her reading? Is it important to your best friend that there be a spa within easy driving distance? This is their vacation as well, so take their requests into consideration.

One thing’s for sure. Checking out the best cottages Normandy will never be something you look back on with regret. Because of it’s amazing scenery and historical heritage, Normandy is quickly becoming one of the premier destinations in the world.

3 Reasons To Consider Renting A Holiday Cottage As Part Of Your Normandy Vacation

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

It’s hard for most people to imagine going on vacation without renting a hotel room. You have to have somewhere to rest, right? However, oftentimes a hotel stay comes along with inconveniences that can take away from an otherwise really nice time. No one like uncomfortable beds, cramped spaces, and rigid check-out times. Too bad there’s not another way!

Well, actually there is. If you’re planning a vacation to an area like lovely Normandy, then you have the option of renting a cozy holiday cottage Normandy that adds to your vacation instead of taking away. They’re private, they’re affordable and they represent a terrific alternative to a standard hotel room for a number of reasons.

1. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home.

Although a big part of going on vacation is about getting away from it all, there are quite simply many comforts associated with home that we would rather not leave behind. When you look into renting holiday cottages in Normandy, you will enjoy a comfortable bed and a beautiful view. You and your travel companions will have all the privacy and quiet you need. You’ll even have a full kitchen where you can cook and eat your own homemade meals while you enjoy your very own majestic view of the English Channel or the stunning Norman countryside.

2. You’ll be just like one of the locals.

Staying at a hotel just doesn’t immerse a visitor in the customs of a new area in the way a visitor to an idyllic setting like Normandy would no doubt like to be immersed. When you’re the guest of a hotel, you feel like a tourist and you are seen as a tourist by the locals. However, when you elect to rent a holiday cottage Normandy, you’re living among the locals just like one of them. You can truly discover what Norman life is like for yourself for a while and that’s what a real vacation is really all about.

3. Holiday cottages are a bargain.

You might be inclined to think that renting holiday cottage Normandy would cost you too pretty a penny for it to be something you could ever seriously consider. Even so, you would be very far off base. Many holiday cottages can be rented for rates that are comparable to the costs of staying at a decent hotel. They are an especially good option if you are thinking of spending an extended amount of time in Normandy and what better place for an extended stay! Save even more money when you reserve your holiday cottage Normandy ahead of schedule!

Successfully renting a holiday cottage Normandy involves doing your research ahead of time. Find out more about what to look for in a great holiday cottage and more about planning a wonderful Normandy vacation today.

Rio Hotels Have the best of Every little thing

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

While Carnival is very possibly probably the most well-liked tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, this gorgeous coastal city offers visitors significantly far more. If you start searching at Rio hotels, do not just take into consideration your budget. Consider what you like to do.

Should you wish to remain in a luxury hotel and you are able to pay, at least, $495 per night for a single room, the Copacabana Palace by Orient Express is for you. For $605 per night, you’ll be able to get a room having a view of the beach. Their rooms have amenities like DVD players, bathroom telephones, and separate bathtubs and showers. Guests have access to an outdoor pool, a health club and a full-service spa. Besides becoming near the beach, the Copacabana Palace is also near Avenida Atlantica and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Familiar names give some men and women comfort once they travel outside the United States. There a quite a few Rio de Janeiro hotels that fit that bill. The Sheraton Rio Resort is one of them. Situated near Ipanema and Leblon beaches, the Sheraton Rio offers visitors a multi-lingual staff, cable or satellite tv in their rooms, access to tennis courts, an activity room, on internet site restaurant and well being club. If you’re vacationing with young young children, it is possible to take benefit the Sheratoons kids’ club.

Budget travelers be warned which you get what you pay for when it comes to affordable Rio de Janeiro hotels. The Hotel Americano, in the Rua Joaquim received favorable reviews on Booking.com, but some did lament that the accommodations had been not as comfy as they would have liked. The room rates begin at $80 per night. If you can afford to invest $50 more per night, you can stay in a location such as the Apa Hotel. The Apa is really a three-star hotel located inside walking distance of Copacabana beach along with the subway. They offer free of charge breakfast and free of charge Web access within the hotel lobby.

If you just cannot leave property without having the family pet, know that you’ll find some aparthotels, just like the Apa, that don’t let pets. Others may well ask you for a fee. Whenever you do your search make certain you check to see which will and those that is not going to enable pets. If you would like to go to Rio de Janeiro, know which you can come across a affordable Rio aparthotel. You just must be willing to sacrifice several comforts and amenities.

Rio Exclusive is a property management firm that also provides for rent rio de janeiro hotels. If you would rather choose from a list of rio de janeiro hotels, they have several boutique type hotel rooms you can consider.

What Should Be On Your Rental Agreement?

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

It is an exciting decision to rent a luxury beach house for the summer! Living in a beautiful home just steps from a sandy beach and crystal blue water seems to be a popular choice for many people with the means to do so. However, before signing the first lease agreement that is put in front of you, make sure are well informed on landlord – tenant regulations.

Tenants of luxury rentals need to ask their agent important questions about the house before they sign an agreement. Is there direct access to the beach? Are pets or children allowed in the house? Is there a pool? Are utilities included? Is there a noise curfew in the neighborhood? What happens if a repair is needed? What happens if you damage something in or around the property? When is the rent due? What type of insurance do I need and how is the property insured? How many people can live at the property?

The best way to make sure everything goes smoothly is to first educate yourself on the rental rules and guidelines in effect in the area your are renting. Educate yourself on the rights of the landlord, the agent representing the landlord and yourself as the tenant. Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and what you can expect from the tenant-landlord relationship.

After you have learned about the local rental guidelines, it will be easier for you to ensure your rental agreement is useful and accurate. It should include basic information like the correct address of the rental property, the name of the landlord as well as the name of the authorized agent and their contact information. Make sure the contact information is correct. Your own name, home address and contact information should also be there. A clear list of all the utilities should be on the contract, with both parties initials beside them indicating they agree on the inclusions. Available parking spots, use of communal property such as a pool, spa or gym (if any) should also be on the contract.

Most generic rental agreements outline general rules for rental properties, such as no use of illegal narcotics on the premises, no water beds, no wild animals etc. However some crooked property owners use this section to insert odd demands like a fine will be charged if more than 10 people are on the property after 5 pm or no use of the beach by children under the age of two years (yet they are allowed to live in the home). Be sure to read the entire agreement before signing.

Five very important pieces of information that must be included on the contract are:

- the amount of rent to be paid (in the local currency)

- the exact date rent is to be paid

- how often (monthly, weekly etc)

- to whom it should be paid (landlord or agent)

- in what manner (post dated check, cash, automatic debit)

Finally, both parties need to sign the agreement. An unsigned contract is usually unenforceable.

The question of insurance is an important thing to consider. Ask the property owner how the building is insured. Be sure to take out your own insurance for your belongings, as well as for injury or illness. No one wants to be sick or hurt on their vacation, but having insurance will help, just in case something happens.

Most rental guidelines recommend both an incoming and outgoing property inspection that includes the presence of the tenant and property owner or their agent. The incoming inspection will comprise of a walk through of the building and around the property, taking inventory of the furnishings, making note of any deficiencies and perhaps taking photos. Attending this first inspection takes extra time, but it is well worth the investment as it can help prevent a dispute at the end of the tenancy. For example if the landlord claims a piece of furniture is missing, and the tenant disagrees, the inventory list can be consulted and the dispute resolved. The same goes for damage, especially if photos were taken. The outgoing inspection may not be as time consuming, but it is just as important. Leaving the property and its furnishings in the same order in which they were when you arrived will mean you will get all of your damage deposit back. Thus, the investment of time is well worth it.

Florida Vacation Beach Rentals’ properties are located on Florida’s warmest thermal belt that provides a lush tropical climate and endless recreational activities. Visitors to the area rave about the beaches, water sports, cycling, tennis, golf and many come exclusively for the great surfing. To view our complete listing of florida vacation rentals visit us online!

Ocean City Maryland’s Exciting Activities

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Ocean City Maryland can be a exciting and lively vacation destination for the entire family. During the summer months individuals travel from thousands of miles away just to vacation here. It is a area packed with entertainment, night clubs, exceptional hotels, along with fantastic food. If you enjoy the beach you’ll love it in Ocean City Maryland. You can spend your day lying on the beach and soaking in the sun or enjoy the amazing waves.

You can also rent all type of boats from the several operators around the area. You can rent jet boats, pontoon boats, and “cigarette boats”. You can even hire an driver to take you out on a motor boat for some para sailing. There are numerous skilled para sail instructors which have excellent safety records that can teach you how it’s done.

Throughout the months of July and August you may enjoy free live shows right on the beach. Labor Day weekend is particularly busy on the beach due to the numerous concert performed for free. If you are willing to get off the beach and uncover something amazing to do then you should check out Assateague Island.

This can be a wonderful treat for nature lovers. If you enjoy camping this National Park is a great place to do just that. Lots of people love to visit the Ripley’s Believe it or not museum that is located right here in Ocean City. The whole family will enjoy all the weird and unusual displays at this museum.

You can also come across wonderful restaurants to refuel for the next busy day of fun and entertainment. Ocean City Maryland is a very busy vacation vacation spot. When you encounter all the fun, you will figure out why it is so busy and you will want to keep coming back.

Want to find out more about Ocean City Maryland, visit www.Abetterstay.com to get the best prices on your Vacation Rentals in Ocean City MD

Travel to cuba

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Cuba is the largest and most beautiful island in the Antilles. This amazing country offers a mix of culture, history, architecture, music and geography that captivates whoever visit it. There are plenty of tour operators offering Cuba holidays. All you need to do is find the one that offers what you are looking for.

If you are a water sports lover Cuba is the perfect destination, with astonishing white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and limestone formations just few meters away from the shores.

For SCUBA diving packages or sailing holidays to Cuba the best is to speak to a specialist. Only few tour operators deal with this kind of package holidays. They are more tailor made and it requires more knowledge and research from the agent.

If you are interested in Culture and history you have to visit places like Havana, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba. These are just some of the best locations in terms of culture interaction. Havana’s night life is without a doubt the most active in the whole of Cuba. Trinidad’s architecture is a must see and the music tradition in Santiago de Cuba is certainly something you should get to know.

If you are looking for shopping holidays then Cuba is perhaps not the best destination although there will be a number of hand craft markets available on each an every location in Cuba. Tobacco, rum and coffee are the most popular souvenirs tourists buy in Cuba. Black coral jewellery is also very demanded.

Traditional package holidays to Cuba are available with several leading tour operators, and can represent excellent value for money. Alternatively, for greater flexibility, and equally competitive prices, simply choose a hotel in Cuba from the selection of Cuban hotels available, and add this to a flight to Cuba, to create your ideal Cuban holiday. If you are visiting family or friends, you may not need to book accommodation in Cuba at all, and may wish to only search for flights to Cuba.

If when surfing the net you can not find what you are looking for then get in touch with us. We are all Cubans in our team and we certainly love to share our knowledge and expertise with you. Remember it is your holiday and you deserve the best you can get. We will endeavour to make your holidays in Cuba an unforgettable experience.

Jose Garces is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. If you require further info about Cuba you can visit: Info on Cuba

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Discover the secrets of vacation rentals and cabins that are spread across most of the world. Imagine all the comforts of home for your family vacation in the perfect location: on your favorite river, near Disneyland, close to the ski slopes in Lake Tahoe, or on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii and the Gulf Shores. The comforts, perks and amenities are many, but the location and cost for a week-long family vacation may surprise you, in a good way.

More space to relax – A 400 square foot hotel room vs. a 2,500 square foot home…any more questions? That extra space equals more relaxation while traveling with family and friends. A vacation rental is a wonderful alternative to a hotel room. On a family vacation, everyone just needs their space. The kids need to play, mom and dad need to wind down and relax, and your guests certainly need their own room (not a creaky, uncomfortable rollaway bed right in the middle of everything). Not even a fancy end suite in a hotel can provide the space you’ll find in a vacation rental – not to mention the $3000 per night you’ll spend for that end suite. The kitchens alone in most vacation rentals, beach homes, ski chalets and condos are larger than even a 5-star hotel room.

Hotels have to cover extraordinary costs with their nightly rate, their room service and restaurant prices, and their fees for services. That’s why even tiny 400 square foot rooms can be so expensive (and that’s before you’ve even eaten or gone anywhere). Vacation rental owners have much more modest costs to cover to maintain their property. And they pass those savings on to travelers. Vacation rental homes begin less expensively, allowing you to enjoy more of the things you’re on vacation to enjoy: the attractions, a couple of really good meals out, peace of mind.

Peace and quiet – It’s 7:30am…knock, knock, knock “Housekeeping, housekeeping!” followed by the key in the door. Does this sound familiar? Most hotels rooms are surrounded by other rooms with other people. While sleep is important on vacation, no hotel I’ve ever stayed in has a curfew. “Bang, boom, thump,” sound familiar? We all know the irritation of noisy neighbors in the room next door or up above yours. A vacation home is as quiet as you make it or as loud as you want it to be. It’s your choice. Vacation homes come with space around them and insulation to buffer you from the outside world when it’s your time to rest and relax.

“Sorry, I can’t take the leftovers, we’re staying in a hotel.” Oops, that was money, going down the drain. Or, “Wrap it up – I will LOVE eating the rest tomorrow!” In a vacation rental home you can enjoy that leftover gourmet meal from a plate, warmed up in the microwave, with real silverware. You can cook your own gourmet meal. Pack picnic lunches. Enjoy breakfast in bed without the heavy hotel price tag. AND you can enjoy eating out, but you don’t HAVE to eat out.

Locating the travel route for the next shuttle crammed with others is not an ideal way to plan your own schedule. The last time I checked hotels did not offer a board games for the family, a private hot tub, books, pool tables, free WIFI, romantic fireplace or how about a backyard. The cool amenities are truly endless when it comes to these type of accommodations. The best thing about it is you say when, where, how and who is going. Plan your travel schedule on your time which may simply include leaving Dad at home for a daytime nap. Personally, I love leftovers so the option to munch on the leftovers from the backyard grill is a complete treat not to mention the savings.

Lake Tahoe rentals for Tahoe family vacations are a great choice Lake Tahoe hot spots are fantastic for family vacations but did you know that aside from the Lake Tahoe area most all top travel destinations offer vacation rentals in addition to hotels? Here are some of the well known getaway destinations that offer beach homes, cabins, houses, condos, chalets, villas and cottages:

If you have not stayed in a vacation rental check out some of the most desired travel destinations that offer vacation rentals for all budgets. Cape Coral, Myrtle Beach, Indian Shores, Orlando, Destin, Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Telluride, Steamboat, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, Table Rock, Shawnigan Lake, Davenport, Hilton Head, Fripp Island, Scottsdale, Cancun, Palm Desert, San Diego, Las Vegas, Oregon, the Virgin Islands…just about any destination you can think of, you will find a vacation rental, not just hotels.

NEVER BOOK VACATION RENTALS THAT ARE NOT VERIFIED! LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN, NEVER BOOK VACATION RENTALS THAT ARE NOT VERIFIED! Why? The internet is a breeding ground for scams. Anyone can list a handful of vacation rentals in Orlando, Florida or New York City and throw some competitive prices into the advertisement. The next thing you know you arrive at an empty lot after a long day of travel only to find out you were scammed.

A tip for your next family vacation rental should be to always use caution when booking vacation rentals. From Lake Tahoe, Nevada to Maui, Hawaii to the Gulf shores most “rent by owner” websites do not verify thier listings and scams are in this marketplace just like all areas that allow individuals to advertise. Simply because the vacation home is listed does not mean it has a foundation and an address. Always find out as much as you can about the owner of the rental before submitting your hard earned money. Owners and listing sites that accept credit cards should be placed at the top of your list. Check with the owner of the website to ensure each vacation rental, beach home or ski cabin has been checked out and verified with documentation. It only takes a few minutes to research this but time well spent prior to sending someone you don’t know a thousand bucks!

To find vacation rentals simply type in to your browser “BOOK LAKE TAHOE RENTALS” or “BOOK VERIFIED VACATION RENTALS” or BOOK MAUI, HAWAII CONDO RENTALS” and away you go. Sometimes half of the fun is researching that special beach house or rental home that fits what you and your family desire. These homes come in all price ranges and are sure to fit even the most critical traveler needs. Here is a great vacation rentals website for booking verified vacation rentals which allows rental bookings as fast as booking hotel rooms, and yes they come with discount too. Many Disneyland and Disney World vacation rentals come with kitchens the size of hotel rooms.

You are all ready to book your next Lake Tahoe Vacation, family get-together in San Diego or a Maui, Hawaii adventure. Finding a vacation rental is as easy as search, find and book. Simply type in “BOOK VACATION RENTALS IN TAHOE” or “BOOK VACATION RENTALS in Maui, Hawaii” or “BOOK VACATION RENTALS IN THE GULF SHORES” OR where ever you desire and away you go!

Want to find out more about Lake Tahoe Rentals, then visit our verified vacation rental site Tahoe Cabin Rentals for your next Lake Tahoe Vacation.