Banana Bread, home-made ice cream and secret trails

When we vacationed in Maui the owners guide book told us about wonderful banana bread and fresh-made coconut ice cream, from separate places on the Road to Hana. In Costa Rica we found an out-of-the-way restaurant near Uvita that was tiny, but could challenge Michelin starred places in terms of creativity, presentation and taste. Our hosts in Sedona pointed us in the direction of lesser-known hiking trails not trodden by the tourist crowds in search of the vortex experience.

Going where the locals go creates an authentic experience

My elder son is currently on a round-the-world trip that has taken a year so far on the Far East alone.  His blog posts on his journey are rich and varied but without exception point to the benefits of living like a local and using insights from hosts and fellow travelers to enjoy a location from the perspective of residents and not the tourist hordes.  That’s not to say you want to avoid the ‘bucket list’ spots – I would not have missed the Grand Canyon or the Eiffel Tower on my travels, but finding the restaurants where the locals go, or the secluded waterfall that’s not in the tourist guide is often worth the trip alone.

Everyone sharing benefits everyone!

When I am in a vacation rental, I love to see a guest book that has a section for guests to comment on the places they have enjoyed (and the ones they didn’t), and will always contribute our experiences.  We see it as our way of giving back to the owner for sharing their place with us – it’s the least we can do to share what we did while we were there.  It’s even better when the owners have taken all those reviews their guests have left and compiled a Live Like a Local Guide to their area.

Our wonderful brand of accommodation offers so many opportunities to share the best of where we live and where we stay.  Not only does this make for a great vacation experience but it helps the local economy too, and that’s where it really counts.  So, go on….if you loved the rhubarb tarts from the bakery, or the home made jam from the farmer’s market, let everyone know, and we’ll all benefit by learning to live like a local.

Do you have any travel experiences that made you feel like a local?. Tell us about them!

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I started on my trip last week, beginning in Massachusetts. We are making the trip slowly and just visited Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. This small, historic town is the perfect family vacation location with excitement and education!

Harpers Ferry is right on the Potomac, with an amazing view of the rushing waters from the small town center. The town is a historical hot spot. It was the site of John Brown’s raid, which began the Civil War and where Lewis and Clark started their expedition!

The two streets of shops bring you back in time with antiques and vintage textiles. But the kids might be more interested in the three ice cream shops!

If the families enthusiasm starts to wane, you can always try some white water rafting on the Potomac. There are white water rafting companies in the area that give you a whole new look at Harpers Ferry (with a few more screams).

This gorgeous home in Hagerstown, Maryland is only 20 miles from Harpers Ferry and is ideal for a family, with a big yard and two bathrooms. The place is pet friendly, so you could even help the dog gain some historical perspective. Are you ready for a family vacation in Harpers Ferry?

Wish Kendra a great trip in the comments and tell her where she should go! She’s heading to New Orleans next!

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This guest felt his exposure to risk was much greater in renting a vacation home than in say, booking a hotel room, where a receptionist would provide a secure key, and at the end of the stay would assess a final charge.  He had never been in a position where such a large amount was payable in advance; where he would arrive to find a key (hidden in a bench seat on the terrace) and would have to leave it on departure, and where no-one would oversee his check in or out.  In short, he was very unsettled by the process.

I can understand where he was coming from.  There’s a large number of people who have never heard about vacation rentals (62% in the US  according to a Phocus Wright survey) and when they do, it’s a new experience.  Their previous vacation history has probably included hotel and resorts, and the change has moved them out of that comfort zone into uncharted territory.  Our job as owners is to nurture a sense of trust and confidence so their first foray into our special brand of accommodation delivers great memories without uncertainty or doubt in their accommodation decision.

This cuts both ways and when I talked to our client this morning, I discussed the mutual trust that’s involved in a vacation rental home arrangement.  Where he felt exposed in not having the reassurance of on-site staff to check him in and out, so too did the owner who had expectations that his property would be treated respectfully, and left in a good condition.

In a time where we are dealing with the potential of fraudulent activity such as phishing, listing scraping and scams, creating a great relationship with our guests from the first contact becomes a priority.  For owners there’s a feeling of confidence their incoming guests are who they say they are and will take care of the property; for travelers, there is the surety the property exists and they will arrive to the welcome they expect.

As an owner of several properties, as well as someone who rents vacation homes frequently, I’ve been on both sides of the fence and really appreciate the contact with guests and owners during the reservation and pre-vacation process.  The confidence this creates can last long into the holiday and beyond and that is what makes vacation rental so special.

Have you had some weary renters? Have you been a nervous renter? Tell us your story in the comments!

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Rainy days on vacation are often an opportunity to sit down with the guest book and see what other visitors have enjoyed about the property; what restaurants they went to; which attractions are worth seeing, and whether that snorkeling trip we saw advertised was value for money.  From an owner perspective, it’s great to read that our guests have had a great time and have some insight into how well we are doing at creating a thoroughly enjoyable vacation rental experience. Here’s a few things I’ve learned that our guests have enjoyed: 

• - The classical music playing softly when they arrived
• - The fresh-baked gluten free goodies we left (date & walnut squares and banana bread)
• - Finding games they remember from childhood – Monopoly, Scrabble etc
• - New packs of cards
• - A wide range of paperback books and DVDs to suit all tastes
• - The half-day driving tour we suggested (visits a cheese factory, chocolate outlet and a brewery)
• - Suggestions for rainy day activities such as local museums, art galleries and craft stores
• - Having a take-away menu for our local delivery restaurant
• - The herb garden and tomato tubs so they can pick their own
• - Having fishing equipment that enabled their children to catch their first fish

also ask our guests to tell us if there is anything they would have liked us to provide and it’s gratifying to hear from many of them that there was nothing missing from their experience.  Occasionally there are little things which makes me think they’ve had to think really hard about it – the ice cream scoop, apple corer and meat thermometer were a few suggestions that we were able to implement. Unfortunately we were unable to help the guests who asked for better weather!

What comments have your guests made that make you feel good?  Have they made suggestions that you have acted on?  Are you a guest who has been to a vacation rental and been blown away by the experience?  We’d like to hear that too.

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A great part of Myrtle Beach as a vacation destination are the condo options. This Myrtle Beach condo has a gorgeous view and can easily sleep eight to ten people.

Wouldn’t you love to eat brunch with a sea breeze? Plus once you’re stuffed you could lounge in one of the many deck chairs and watch the tides change.

The kids will be certainly be begging to go downstairs and enjoy the pools, slides, and waves. If the weather isn’t all that you dreamed you and the kids can still enjoy the indoor swimming pool.

The hardest part of a week by the beach is finding enough dry towels. Luckily it shouldn’t be too hard with the in-condo washer and dryer.

The connected dining room and kitchen will make serving meals a breeze and there are enough seats that everyone can fit.

Picking your bedroom might be the trickiest part since each bedroom is adorable. I think I’ve found my favorite of the four, because of the awesome view:

What do you think? Which bedroom do you like most?

Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Would you like to stay in this luxury Myrtle Beach Condo?

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Still, we shared those with our workmates and talked excitedly about what a great time we had until the memories faded to a pleasant recollection. Oh, and we used travel agents to book vacations after spending hours poring through the glossy brochures, or took our chances on a villa rental via a classified ad in a newspaper with varying degrees of success.

Those were the good old days of being accepting of the vagaries of vacation rental – the odd mouse poop or spider web made no difference whatsoever; if the roof leaked when it rained, we just put down pans and bowls, and when the power went out we played Monopoly by candlelight and told ghost stories.

I’m not saying that was better – if you ever met me in person, you would notice fairly quickly I have a passion for technology.  My purse contains a tangle of Apple device chargers; my briefcase contains both a Windows laptop and a Mac Air and I am usually carrying a Canon T3, a Sony digital camcorder and a smaller digital camera.  Plus the iPhone of course…and an iPad.

Where I’m going with all this is that our guests are mostly savvy with sharing devices now.  They don’t need to wait till they get back from vacation before they write a blog post, send a tweet or update their Facebook timeline with some pithy comment about their stay.  If something wows them, they will take a photograph and share it with Instagram; a video featuring your place can find its way to Youtube in an instant with mobile enabled videocams, and a comment on the state of your knives is winging its way to Twitter before they get through cutting the first tomato.

There’s a great advantage to this if what is shared is positive – it’s a form of viral marketing that doesn’t cost a cent and when it’s spread to friends and family of your guests, there’s a good chance it is reaching your preferred demographic. So, it’s worthwhile giving some attention to making the experience special and creating something your guests are likely to share.

What do you share while on your vacations? Is is before or after you get home?

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Give into Crazy Cravings in Anguilla

Image via Flickr by aturkus

At certain points in your pregnancy, generally after the 35^th week, you’ll want to stick closer to home. Before that, feel free to explore the outer reaches by taking a trip to the British West Indies. Anguilla is a favorite among the stars, but it’s also filled with hot spots and rentals that cater to your growing family. The restaurants will do more than pamper you, they’ll give into your every whim—even if you have a sudden craving for shrimp cocktail mixed with ice cream or Hawaiian pizza covered with caramel syrup.

Even better, you’ll definitely get to relax. In fact, with access to cashmere sands and flawless turquoise waters, you’ll relax in the very lap of luxury. The temperate weather will keep mom comfortable even in the midst of a wicked hot flash, and dad can have fun fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, or simply catering to the expectant missus.

Live the High Life in New Orleans

image via Flickr by Jim Nix/ Nomadic Pursuits

If you’re from the states, there are loads of opportunities for babymoon destinations nearby. Many couples enjoy one last wild hurrah, so they choose to go to busy, bustling metropolises such as New York City, or even LA. For a slower pace that still has plenty of party spirit, take yourself, your partner, and your upcoming bundle to another LA: Louisiana, and New Orleans specifically.

Look for lavish rentals in one of those gorgeous, historical districts. Try the French Quarter for a truly authentic experience, or indulge in some living history in the lush, thriving Garden District, where you’ll enjoy a genteel, decadent getaway.

When you’re in the mood for a risqué night, a simple stroll along Bourbon Street will get you in the spirit. You can also spend time winding down in one of the stunning squares, sipping on decaf café au lait and munching on perfect baguettes. In the evenings, head to a blues show or cabaret, and in the mornings simply sleep in.

Have a Palm Beach Pampering Party

Image via Flickr by milan.boers

Experiencing the Florida heat during the last months of your pregnancy is the most relaxing reprieve you can imagine. While there are several happening hot spots, such as Miami and Orlando, Palm Beach is great for pampering. Filled with boutique shops and exquisite cuisine, you can enjoy all the fun without the frenetic energy. Here the vibe is a little slower, which is ideal for those last moments as a twosome.

The beaches alone are a huge draw, because what’s better than lounging on the sand with a virgin daiquiri by your side? Since exercise is excellent when you’re expecting, you can even talk your partner into going dancing with you night after night. You’ll have the chance for a lie-in the next morning, and you should sleep late whenever you can, while you’re still able.

Capture Native Culture in Jackson Hole

image via Flickr by travelswithkim

A visit to Wyoming might not seem exotic, but it’s the perfect vacation destination for a nature loving family. Jackson Hole is rich with culture, history, and pure natural beauty. The vibe is comfy, homey, and always welcoming, so the locals will embrace you like one of their own—you won’t want for anything in Jackson Hole.

In between learning about local Native American history and culture, you can also take in nearby Yellowstone. Maybe you can even plan for the day when you’ll return with the baby. If you really want to experience nature and are not too far along, however, plan to hike around the Tetons, which are some of the most beautiful, rugged mountains in the state.

Linger in Languor by Visiting London

image via Flickr by TJ Morris

If you’re in the market for a trendy kind of vacation, it’s time to hop the pond. Look for authentic rentals and flats that will make you feel like a London local, if only for a week or two. Languish in Royal Greenwich, cool Kensington, or book a spot near iconic Trafalgar Square. Wherever you stay, you’ll love being surrounded by posh shops, colorful markets, cool pubs, and hip, trendy people.

Take a trip to Big Ben or set eyes on the Royal Jewels between taking a stroll along the magnificent Millennium Bridge. There are museums, high teas, breakneck bus trips, and so many hidden corners and alleyways to explore. The food is wholesome and hearty, the history is rich, and you really can’t beat all those charming accents.

Rekindle Your Romance the Parisian Way

Image via Flickr by tijmengombert

What can’t you do in Paris when you travel there for a lavish babymoon? The locale is low-key but still incredibly indulgent. You’ll get the chance to dine on exquisite French cuisine, and though you might have to give the wine a miss, you’ll still tempt your palate with plenty of delicacies. But while the food in Paris is top-notch, you’ll spend most of your time on the go.

It’s a perfect time to see all those amazing attractions, after all. Rekindle your romance underneath the Eiffel Tower, or explore the sprawling corridors of the Louvre. Because there are ample ways to travel, you can easily take a few days from your rental space to head to the countryside, or even take the train to London or Belgium. It’s like three babymoon destinations in one.

What babymoon destination appeals to you? If you could travel anywhere in the world for your babymoon, where would you go?

The post 6 Babymoon Destinations Parents-To-Be Will Adore appeared first on Vacation Home Rentals Blog.

I love properties that fit perfectly with their surroundings. This cottage nestles into the trees off Swan Lake marvelously. The cottage is filled with charm, but so is the amazing, pristine lake.

The dock on Swan Lake is where all the best memories start with canoeing, snacking, sunbathing, and swimming. Looks like the best place for the kids. Do you think you could tear your kids away? And the floating dock is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Once you and the kids are all worn out by the outdoors (it can happen) you can enjoy the living room tucked in the trees with a view of the lake. Over a week long visit you can expect to fall asleep in the comfy floral chairs at least a few times.

But what makes this property my Dream Maine lake rental is the amazing kitchen. Take a look:

That kitchen is so up my alley. I love the mismatching chairs and the vintage yellow fridge. I could imagine having a delicious pancake breakfast here, complete with wild Maine blueberries.

Not only is this cottage super adorable, but it also gets great reviews. The cottage has four 5-star reviews, which all sounds like this one from Fiona from NY, “Just got back from a week at this property and my family loved it! The cottage is just precious, so carefully and tastefully decorated, from the paintings to the kitchenware! The view was spectacular and we felt like we were living in a tree house.”

Are you convinced yet? Is my dream Maine lake rental also your dream Maine lake rental?

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When I stay at a vacation home with my family, one of the first things we check out is what’s in the games cupboard.  Here’s our top five:

Trivial Pursuit

There’s one member of our family – he who shall remain nameless – fancies himself as the trivia genius.  He’s the one who will deliver a ‘fact’ on any occasion, on any topic, and is annoyingly correct most of the time.  When Trivial Pursuit first came out in the 1980s , he was ecstatic.  We refined the game so he doesn’t play by himself – he becomes a roving consultant and if his services are used during a game, the player loses the next turn.

Monopoly

As Brits we love the traditional set – the one with Pall Mall in purple, Trafalgar Square in red and Old Kent Road in brown.  With so many versions of the old favorite available, it’s a challenge to find the orginal version, but a pleasure when we do.

Clue

Get the family doing their own sleuthing rather than mindlessly watching Criminal Minds or Law and Order.  One of the simplest traditional games to learn, it’s great for all ages.  I was playing this recently with family, including three kids aged 6, 8 and 10.  They love this game and clamor for TV to be turned off so they can play.

Scrabble

Forget the mobile versions, although I’m hooked on Scrabble on the iPad. (My claim to fame is that I can complete an entire game against the computer while the kettle boils.)  This was the game that grew my kids vocabulary early on.  They can still come up with obscure two-letter words they know the meaning of – check out qi, za, xu and ag and try to use them in a sentence!

Risk

Risk is like that peculiar British spread, Marmite – people either love it or hate it.   It can go on for days, inspire arguments and laughter, and generate strategy discussions long into the night.  I’m the one who loves it; my husband kicks in with his Trivial Pursuit mentality and will argue that proposed treaties and alliances would never happen.

What are your favorite vacation rental games?  What takes your kids away from the TV and the Xbox?

The post Bring Back the Classic Board Games appeared first on Vacation Home Rentals Blog.

The home looks out on Nantucket Sound and is perfect for green light gazing. The property can sleep 18 and would be perfect for any large gathering.

This room is called the Gatsby Dining Room, because of the homes historical past. Mr. John Peale Bishop and his wife built the home in the 1930s. Mr. Bishop and F. Scott Fitzgerald where best friends when they went to Princeton together. Fitzgerald even based a character off Bishop in his first book, This Side of Paradise. Isn’t that amazing? Are you in love with the home and the history as much as I am?

Have you read the Great Gatsby? Will you see the movie?

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