Rent My Place Vacation Rentals Made Easy

Southern California Vacation Rentals for Families

2011-02-24T19:41:00.001-08:00

Southern California calls to vacationers with it’s pleasant climate and high activity level. Three of the most popular vacation spots in this part of the U.S. are Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Diego. There is no end to fun-filled family destinations. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s get going.

Catalina Island

Just off the coast of Southern California is an island that is covered with lush forests. Catalina has secluded coves surrounded by ocean with abundant sea life, exceptionally clear waters, and a wide variety of colorful marine life. Within just a few miles of Avalon, you can see a sea lion colony, thriving kelp forests, and schools of flying fish. Whales, dolphin, flying fish and sea lions can also be spotted from boats near Catalina Island. Its only a short ferry ride to this very special Southern California retreat.

Legoland

If your children have used their imagination to create buildings, super heroes or flying inventions with the little lego pieces, they will love Legoland. This theme park is designed specifically for kids between the ages of two and twelve, or adults with a kid’s heart. There are boat rides, roller coasters, a driving school, a club house, water park and much more. U.S. landmarks have been created with lego bricks in Miniland USA. There are plenty of performances to take in when mom and dad need some sitting down time. Legoland is located in Carlsbad, just a half hour north of San Diego. After a fun day at Legoland, enjoy other Carlsbad family attractions, such as Carlsbad beaches, Carlsbad Children’s Museum and Sea Life Aquarium.

Disneyland

You could hardly leave out a Disneyland visit when you are vacationing, with the family, in Southern California. If you haven’t been there since you were a kid yourself, you’ll be surprised to know there are now two theme parks. Of course, there is the original Magic Kingdom, but also enjoy Disney’s California Adventure. You’ll want to plan to visit both destinations, in Anaheim, during your trip. Busy seasons for Disneyland are summer months, Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you want to miss the crowds, choose an alternate time to visit. However, sometimes the crowds are half the fun.

La Brea Tar Pits

This is a favorite Southern California Destination for kids. The enormous collection of ancient bones and bubbling water that cover the tar pits will keep, both children and adults interested for hours. See reconstructed skeletons of animals, some dating back to the last ice age, such as mammoths, saber-toothed cats and dire wolves. It is especially budget conscious, and perfect after you’ve spent the bulk of the vacation budget at some of the more expensive destinations. The tar pits are located in Hancock Park in Los Angeles.

Sea World

There is so much to enjoy at Sea World, in San Diego, but the biggest attraction is the killer whale pool. It’s hard to believe these orcas are considered killers, as they interact and play with the on-looking audience. The sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles and other sea life are fun to observe and educational to learn about. Don’t miss the river ride and the splash-down roller coaster. They will both cool you off on a hot summer day. After a day at Sea World, enjoy some of the other San Diego family attractions, such as the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo.

Magic Mountain

Located only 25 minutes north of Hollywood, children of all ages will enjoy this theme park that caters to the roller-coaster fanatics. Here you will find over 15 roller-coasters and dozens of other attractions throughout the 260 acre park. A visit to Magic Mountain should also include its sister park Six Flags Hurrican Park (the ultimate water park)

Free or Inexpensive Magical Destinations

Calico Ghost Town will make the family feel as though they’ve stepped back in time. It sits atop a hill that overlooks the Mojave Desert. Take a ride on the railroad, pan for gold or tour the Maggie Mine. The California Science Center, located south of Los Angeles in Exposition Park, is full of hands-on science exhibits. Best yet, the main exhibit galleries are free. Griffith Observatory has three floors of exhibits to investigate. Don’t miss the Planetarium Theater. Parking an admission are free. The observatory is located in the Hollywood Hills, above Los Angeles.

Places to Stay

There are many national chains throughout Southern California including Hyatt, Sheraton, Holiday Inn. For longer stays and vacations with families, you might want to consider renting a vacation rental property. Check out the many vacation properties in Southern California.

Click here to advertise your vacation rental.

Family Fun in Orlando Florida

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There isn’t a better choice for a family vacation than Orlando, Florida. The city advertises that they have something for everyone, and indeed they do. However, there are many things that no member of the family will want to miss. Amidst the go-go-go of family fun, take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the beautiful Orlando parks, visit the Orlando Science Center or the Kennedy Space Center.

Universal Studios

This theme park is located on 110 acres and showcases 22 big rides. Don’t worry about the age group of your children, there are appropriate rides and things to do for all ages. Everybody gets a turn. There is Seuss Landing for the younger set, where they will recognize characters from bedtime storybooks. Middle aged children will enjoy the mini water park, an island with atmospheric shows and a dinosaur park. Older kids and teens will love Marvel Super Hero and the world of The Lost Continent, which is a medieval land of wizards and dragons.

Tips
Hotels in and around Universal Studios are at a premium cost. Check out home and condo rentals as an option to enjoy all that Orlando has to offer.
You can save a bunch of cash if you purchase tickets directly from the Universal Studios site online.

Disney World and Downtown Disney

There are three sections of Downtown Disney that offers complete family fun, Pleasure Island, Marketplace and West Side. Enjoy free parking and a free boat ride on the lake. Pick up some Disney memorabilia in the Marketplace. Order one of the best chocolate milkshakes at Ghraradelli’s. Who could pass up Disney World on a family trip to Orlando. It’s too huge to mention all the exciting entertainment, rides and events, but the little ones will love hanging out with Tinkerbelle at Pixie Hollow. Don’t miss these other major attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pans Flight, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and the Jungle Cruise. Don’t miss the famous Blue Man Group.

Tips
Stop by the grocery store, before heading out to Disney World, for healthy snacks for the kids, such as juice boxes, bottled water, packaged carrot sticks and sliced apples. It will save a bunch of cash.
Take advantage of the promotion, Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Disney Day. Learn more at their website to volunteer for a day and get a free day’s entrance to Disney world.

Wet’n Wild Orlando

Touted as one of the best water parks in the U.S., Wet’n Wild offers aquatic fun for the whole family. Little ones won’t feel left out with smaller, milder versions of the teen-adult water rides. When the heat starts to hit during that summer Orlando vacation, there couldn’t be a better place to have fun and cool off at the same time. It’s just a short ride from other major Orlando destinations, such as Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Don’t miss some of the most exiting water rides, like Brain Wash, The Black Hole, Bomb Bay and The Storm. http://www.wetnwild.com/

Tips
Bring bottled water as there are no drinking fountains at Wet’n Wild.
Wear waterproof sunscreen.
Great prices, but long lines. Have a family member stand in line, while you take little ones to the restroom.

Places to find your hotel and vacation rental property
There are many great hotels in and around the Disney area. Check out hotels.com, priceline.com and expedia for the best rates.

Don't forget to check out all the vacation rentals in and around the Metro Orlando area, at RentMyPlace.com. Get the comforts of home and the benefits of a hotel at a
fraction of the cost.

If you own a vacation rental in Orlando and would like to list your property click here.

How To Find The Best Maine Vacation Rental

2011-02-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Maine Vacation Rentals

Maine is a state that can offer an exciting trip or a relaxing vacation. The outdoors person will find the location a dream, with excellent fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and hiking. Relax and read a good book, as you shut off the switch to your hectic life. Dangle your feet in the river in back of your Maine vacation rental cabin. Get a massage at the spa, before you step out to a fantastic dinner and enjoy some live music at a nightclub. Choose a rustic cabin or luxury condo for your vacation home rental in your destination location and then add interesting day trips to your itinerary.

Maine Highlands

Bangor is the third largest city of Maine and the commercial hub of the Maine Highlands. It’s home to Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, which covers over 117 square miles. Winter activities abound. Stick with your favorites or try something new. There is over a 1,000 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails. Cross country and downhill skiing, as well as snowshoeing treks are snow sports you may wish to try. For something a bit more adventuresome, try dog sledding or ice fishing. Get out at night and try a different sport, the sport of gaming. Try your hand at Bangor’s Hollywood slots. Then retire to your log cabin in south Twin Lakes that sleeps 7 people. This Maine vacation rental offers the private relaxation you need. You’ll wake up to spectacular mountain and lake views. Run along the private beach for a dip in the lake, before breakfast.

Plan a hike on the nearby Appalachian Trail, before a great meal at The Unbridled Bistro on Main Street. Enjoy the Grilled Maine Lobster, after their specialty which is called “Junk.” It’s a bed of greens with sautéed vegetables and artichoke hearts, topped with local feta cheese.

Down East and Arcadia

If you want to stay in a Maine vacation rental that draws you into a picture postcard site, Down East and Arcadia is the spot. The area extends from Penobscot Bay up to New Brunswick in Canada. The primary towns are Arcadia and Bay Harbor, but there are vacation homes dotted through the area. Here is the rocky coastal Maine that you imagined, with fishing boats packed in marinas and mountainous islands. The most popular outdoor activities along the coast are kayaking and whale watching. Take a day-trip from Bay Harbor, on Mount Desert Island to Canada’s Prince Edward Island or to Nova Scotia on a high-speed ferry. Reserve the perfect Main vacation rental located on a private two acres of wooded space and a private shoreline. It’s a small cottage that sleeps up to five people. As long as your dog is good-mannered, he is welcome in this rental home. For a place a bit larger, choose a lovely home with three bedrooms that is just 15 minutes from the town of Bay Harbor and 13 minutes from the Arcadia National Park. Yet, you will enjoy complete privacy on nearly 2 acres.

Southern Maine

If your vacation destination of Maine requires an area dotted with small New England towns, sandy beaches and restaurants offering fresh lobster the state is known for, choose Southern Maine. The picturesque towns include Wells, Yorks, Kennebunks, Ogunquit and Old Orchard Beach. The whole family will enjoy the boardwalk and amusement park. The shopper will enjoy the quaint shops and antique stores, as well as the outlet stores. Southern Maine is truly an excellent family vacation spot. Choose a Maine vacation rental that’s in a family-friendly neighborhood, yet close enough to walk to the beach. Or, you may need a larger rental. A 5-bedroom, that sleeps 10, is available and very close to the Saco-Ferry Beach, as well as 7 minutes from the water park, theme park and golf. This one is child and pet friendly.

A trip to Maine is a wonderful experience anytime of the year. Remember for all your vacation rentals, go to RentMyPlace.com

Palm Springs Vacation Rentals For Snowbirds

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Palm Springs, California is one of the best locations for snowbirds to vacation during their coldest weather. It’s located almost midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. As soon as you step into the lush, temperate dessert, you’ve all but forgotten about fog, snow and windstorms. Winter is the best time for a visit to Palm Springs, when it’s not too hot, but the coolest average temperature ranges between the upper 60’s and lower 70’s during the day. This area boasts 354 days of sunshine each year. With this kind of weather, you’ll find outdoor activity the most popular, but don’t miss some of the indoor education, fun and entertainment.

Golf

Snowbird golfers will find over 120 golf courses, in the Palm Springs area, to choose from. At first the passionate golfer will feel like a kid in a candy store. You’ll be thinking about the next course to play before you’ve finished the one you’re on. A central location of a house or townhouse vacation rental will allow you to try as many courses as you like. If you are looking to play at some of the best public golf courses, don’t miss Mesquite, Bel Air Greens, Desert Dunes , Desert Springs or Desert Falls golf courses. For great last minute golf deals visit golfnow.com

Follies

Snowbirds won’t want to miss the Palm Springs Follies. You’d never guess that all the performers in this famous vaudeville stage show are over 50. There are afternoon or evening events, so choose to have a wonderful dinner before or after the two hour show. Enjoy the 30s, 40s and 50s inspired comedy, dance and music year round. That means it’s a perfect event for winter snowbirds. It’s located in the Plaza Theater, at 128 South Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.

Walk of Stars

You’ve, no doubt, heard of the Hollywood Walk of Stars. Well, Palm Springs has its own tribute on Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Springs resident, Dorothy Dale Kloss is the latest, and 330th star on the walk. She is a Guinness Book of Records Holder and famous tap dancer. See if you can pick out some of the more well known stars to be awarded a Golden Palm Star, such as Lon Chaney, Chevy Chase, Buddy Hackett, Donald O’Connor, Elizabeth Taylor, Rudy Vallee and Adam West. The star is dedicated to those that have lived in Palm Springs and contributed to the entertainment prominence of the area.

Don’t Miss Destinations

Don’t miss Villagefest, the weekly downtown street fair in Palm Springs. Do a little shopping from local vendors and enjoy the street performers. Regular downtown businesses stay open late that night, as well. This is a Palm Springs tradition you won’t want to miss. The Palm Spring Zoo, or “living desert” as it is sometimes called, is a must see with its desert exhibits and animals. The aerial tramway travels up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains for a spectacular scenic ride. Enjoy the nightlife of gambling and entertainment at the Palm Springs Casinos.

For all snowbirds wanting to stay long term in Palm Springs, try renting out a vacation rental. Palm Springs Vacation Rentals offer great amenities and the benefits of having your own place and at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

Enjoy your winter holiday and bring sunscreen.

To search or list your Palm Springs Vacation Rental visit RentMyPlace.com

Ski Vacation Rentals in Beautiful Whistler Canada

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Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler, British Columbia has two of the best North American ski mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. It’s located about two hours north of Vancouver on the west coast. If your passion is skiing or snowboarding, Whistler is the perfect vacation destination for you. For an exciting change try snowshoeing or dog sledding. The fun doesn’t stop when the snow begins to melt away. Some of the best mountain bike trails reveal themselves beneath all the snow. Lifts run all year long for both skiing and mountain biking. For the best of both worlds, continue to ski from June to August. Glacier skiing is available in the summertime at the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Take a break for a game of golf or two. Whistler has four award-winning courses. Boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes abound in Whistler Village. It’s a pedestrian only area, which adds to the charm.

Where to stay in Whistler

For the best value in lodging, reserve a Whistler vacation rental. Rentmyplace.com has plenty of sizes and types of lodging accommodations. Choose a deluxe studio in the heart of Whistler Village. You can’t get any closer to the action than that. You’ll enjoy a glass of wine or hot cocktail, by the stone fireplace, after a day on the slopes. Or spend the evening at a choice night spot; you are just steps away. For the larger group, choose the Montebello 5. It comes with three bedrooms and a den, which will sleep up to ten people. Enjoy the hot tub after the chef in the group prepares culinary delights in the fully equipped kitchen.

Visit Whistler in the spring, summer or fall. The area truly is a four seasons vacation destination. Reserve the Nicklaus North 8. It’s situated right on the Nicklaus North Golf Course. This home is ready to accommodate up to 10 people. Everyone will enjoy the expansive media room. The patio offers a private hot tub with views of both mountains and the luxurious golf course.

Whistler Events

There is always something special going on at Whistler. Why not plan your trip around an event that truly resonates with your own passion. One of the biggest Whistler festival is the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival. It is scheduled as a farewell to the snowboarding and ski season. It consists of 10 nights of live music, sports and art. In 2011 the dates fall on April 15 through the 24th. The second large event at Whistler is Cornucopia. This festival takes the opportunity to usher in the ski season with a wine and food event in November. Join the fun in 2011, November 10 through the 13th. There are plenty of wine tasting and culinary events to enjoy. In addition, there are wine seminars, where you can learn the finer points of wine and there are parties galore.

If you can’t wait, for these events to arrive, there is a lot of winter fun going on. Go to snowboarding or ski school. Go snowmobiling or dog sledding. Take a guided snowshoe tour. The tube park is fun for the whole family. Take a sleigh ride. Spend a day at the Scandave Spa. Visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. These are only a few of the highlights you’ll find on your winter vacation in Whistler, British Columbia.

Remember, Whistler is only a 2 hour bus ride back to Beautiful Vancouver, Vancouver Bus Tours will take you door to door from Whistler to Vancouver.

Enjoy your wonderful holiday up at Whistler in one of the amazing vacation rentals offered from RentMyPlace.com

If you own a Whistler vacation rental click here to list your property today.

Beautiful San Francisco Vacation Rentals

2011-02-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Vacation Rentals

As the fourth most populous city in California, you will have no trouble finding the kind of entertainment you enjoy. With the San Francisco Bay and stretches of golden sand beaches, you can enjoy sun bathing, deep sea fishing or just about anything in between. One of the most famous things San Francisco is known for is it’s hilly streets. Just within the city limits, there are over 50 hills. Three of the most well known hills include Nob Hill, Pacific Heights and Russian Hill. With mild, wet winters and cool summers, anytime is a perfect time to visit San Francisco. Reserve a beach cottage, a condo in town or a private home atop a mountain that offers bay views. There are many San Francisco vacation rentals at rentmyplace.com to choose from.

Athletics

Sports fans will have no trouble finding a game or two to include in their vacation itinerary. The San Francisco 49ers top the list. This football team, named after the gold rush way back when, is owned by John York. Although the team has moved to Santa Clara, they are scheduled to continue playing at Candlestick Park at least through 2013. The San Francisco Giants, the city’s professional baseball team, were the 2010 World Series Champions. Professional basket ball team of the city are the Golden State Warriors. Or perhaps you’d rather take in a game of the Oakland Athletics baseball team or the Oakland Raiders, which are near by. You’ll be glad that you reserved a San Francisco vacation rental, at rentmyplace.com, so you can enjoy hashing over the game with your family or group later that evening in comfort.

Must See

The five most popular sites to visit in San Francisco are Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury and Pier 39. At Fisherman’s Wharf the hull fishing boats are lined up in the water, adjacent to restaurants and shops. Start your walk at the Wax Museum, than visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not. As you get to Pier 45, explore the USS Pampanito and the SS Jeremiah O’Brian. Next, stop in at Boudin Bakery and pick up the best sour dough bread you’ve ever tasted. It’s great for breakfast toast, at your San Francisco Vacation rental, the next morning. At Pier 39 you will find public restrooms in Cannery Row and the Ghirardelli shopping centers. At Pier 39 check out the Aquarium of the Bay and the Marine Mammal Center.

Alcatraz and Angel Islands

Take a boat out to Alcatraz for a tour of the island. The boats leave from pier 33. This tour is available daily, except Christmas, Thanks Giving and New Years Day. Allow about four hours for the complete ride and tour. There is a day tour and a night tour. You can also take a tour of both Alcatraz Island and Angel Island. Angel Island highlights include Camp Reynolds, NIKE Missile silo, the 1910 immigration station, Fort McDowell, At Angel Island you can go hiking, or rent a bike or kayak.

To book your San Francisco vacation rental go to www.rentmyplace.com to view hundreds of beautiful homes.

If you own a San Francisco vacation rental and would like to list your property please click here.

Florida Vacation Rentals

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Florida Vacation Rentals

Rent My Place is the premier Florida vacation rental site. The Sunshine State is known for it’s year-round enticing weather that draws so many vacationers. No matter what part of Florida you’ve chosen for your trip, there are plenty of choices. If you need a lot of room for a family or group trip, choose a three or four bedroom house. You’ll find it is very cost effective and it allows for the privacy that hotel rooms just don’t have.

Condos, Apartments and Townhouses

Condos are found right on the beach or in the midst of the hustle and bustle of some of the most adored vacation cities of Florida. Whether your destination is Coco Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando or Miami, you’ll find condos, apartments and townhouses in studios to several bedrooms. You don’t have to live large with a luxury penthouse appartment, unless that is your desire, as these units come in many different price ranges. Centrally located condos or apartments allow you to take day trips outside of the city, knowing you will be coming home in the evening to quiet, cozy living arrangements.

Single Family Dwellings

If you would rather soak up the life of a local, choose a vacation rental house. This choice lets you get the feel for the authentic Floridian neighborhood. Many homes are pet friendly, which means you don’t have to board your pup during your trip. Besides all the useful items you would find in a home, many vacation rental houses have libraries of DVDs, CDs, board games, hot tubs, barbecues, pools, internet service and big screen TVs. When every second of every day is spent going here and seeing that, it’s nice to take a break and just enjoy a stay at home family day or evening. Some homes have five and six bedrooms, allowing everyone to have their own private space.

Beach Front Lodging

Your dream may have always been to live on the beach. Even if it is out of your reach for the rest of the year, you can find just about any type of vacation accommodations right on, or near, the beach. And, Florida has a lot of beaches. You may prefer a spectacular view from a condo that’s several floors up or you’d like to walk out your back door onto a sandy beach. Either way, the roar of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. This is the perfect choice of the family, or group, that has sun worshipers and golfers. You see, any vacation rental you choose is sure to have one or two golf courses close by.

Top 5 Things To Do In Florida

1) Visit Disneyworld and the attractions around Disney, including Universal Studios and Sea World.
2) Spend a few days in "SOBE" A visit to Miami Beach is a mix of America/Europe and South America set on a beautiful beach with great "Art Deco" architecture from the 1930's.
3) Driving down to Key West and seeing all the islands as you travel down to the end of the road. Seeing the people watching the nightly Sunset in Key West is magical.
4) Attending a college football game between The Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles is a favorite fall pastime that should not be missed.
5) Seeing one of the many beautiful cities on the Gulf of Mexico. Whether it be Ft Myers, Clearwater or Panama City, you will be amazed at the beauty of this coastline.

You’ll find many vacation rentals at rentmyplace.com that offer weekly and monthly specials, saving you even more money.

If you own a Florida vacation rental click here to list your property today.

Hawaii Vacation Rentals On a Budget

2011-02-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

For many people, a trip to Hawaii is a life-long dream that they think is not affordable. Plan carefully and you’ll see that it is, in fact, entirely possible. Start by choosing just one of the islands to visit. Hawaii on a budget usually means not just watching your cash, but also watching your time. Hopping from one island to the next will use up both your money and time in short order. Start by Making a list of the “must dos.” Choose a central location that will allow you to easily get to all of those things easily.

Time
The weather in Hawaii seems perfect to most visitors, nearly all year long. It only makes sense to choose a time for your vacation when others might consider it an off time. You’ll find the best deals during the months of April through November. Spring and fall are the very best times to visit. This might seem odd at first. However, the islands are a haven for those in the northern areas. That means they travel to Hawaii in the winter months, when it is coldest in their home locations.

Flight fares
The least expensive flight fares will be, of course, out of the west. The further you reside from the western shores, the more you will pay for your flight. If you can be flexible about dates for your trip, you might find a last minute deal. It pays to keep an eye on airline sites and newsletters where unannounced special fares are offered throughout the year.

Accommodations- Hawaii Vacation Rentals
The most cost effective lodging is a vacation rental. It allows you to stay in one location, while you enjoy all the surrounding endeavors on your itinerary. Of course, you will need to attend a luau during your visit, but otherwise so much money can be saved by preparing your own meals. This is true even if you stock up on just breakfast and late night snack foods. Most Hawaii vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens. You will be pleasantly surprise to find the use of beach towels and other water recreational gear included in many Hawaiian vacation rentals. Renting a vacation condo, apartment or home, lets you receive the full effect of living in Hawaii.

Low cost or free
Hawaii’s natural beauty is free to enjoy. Spend time at one of the many exquisite beaches, enjoying snorkeling, swimming or boogie boarding. Take a picnic lunch, you packed earlier, from your vacation rental. No matter which island you choose, there are plenty of low cost and free endeavors. If you’ve chosen the island of Oahu to visit, don’t miss a hiking trip up Diamond Head. When you get to the top you’ll have a full view of Waikiki. The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial tour, at Pearl Harbor, is not to be missed. Maui offers many famous places to visit, such as the Haleakala Crater, Kaanapali Beach, the road to Hana and the old town of Lahaina. The island of Molokai has a rain forest on the east side. You’ll find African and Indian wildlife at the Molokai Ranch Wildlife Park. The Big Island is full of natural beauty, including Akaka Falls, Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Tsunami Museum (free admission).

If you own a Hawaii vacation rental click here to list your property.

To book a Hawaii vacation rental visit RentMyPlace.com

Homeowner Vacation Rental Tips

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How Vacation Home Rental Owners Can Succeed With Their Vacation Property

There are several tips that need to be followed in order to be successful as vacation home rental by owner. The first important tip is that as an owner you will need to screen the renters to be sure that you are dealing with the right people. The more you know about your renters the better will be your chances of making the right choices.

Advertise Your Vacation Rental on The Internet

To ensure that you get more choice of renters, a vacation home owner should advertise their vacation rentals and the Internet in particular will certainly help in getting the message across to the widest audience. Next, a good vacation home rental by owner will also make sure that they hire a good housekeeper, and in addition, choosing somebody that lives in the neighborhood will help you hire a person who will be more inclined to protect your property. Rentmyplace.com offers thousands of Vacation Properties all across North America.

Get References

As for succeeding as vacation home rental by owner you will also need to ask the renters to provide you with references, and to also ask the renters whether they have rented properties in your area previously. For renters that cannot provide references you should ask for and get the names as well as addresses of their current or even previous landlords.

To succeed as vacation home rental by owner you will also need to ensure that you get a security deposit from your renters and to ensure that the amount of deposit you receive is enough to pay for cleaning up your property as well as to get damages fixed. By asking for a good amount of security deposit you can also ensure that your renter will not take chances that will result in forfeiture of their deposit.

It is also necessary that a good vacation home rental by owner should provide renters with rules agreement so that everything is made clear at the very outset and it also allows the renter to opt out in case they do not agree with the terms and conditions.

Though it is easier to advertise a vacation rental through newspaper advertisers it will also at the same time mean offering your property to a limited audience. With the help of a vacation home rental website, you will, on the other hand, have a far wider audience and so chances of landing a suitable renter will increase. Rentmyplace.com will also promote your property on Facebook, Twitter and our Blog .

A good vacation home rental website should be designed in a manner that will ensure that your website gets maximum exposure and the website should also contain useful information as well as photographs of the vacation home. In addition, the vacation home rental website should specify type of amenities being offered as well as the rates. At Rentmyplace.com all property owners have the option of putting unlimited photos and video showcasing their property. We also provide a unique url for each property.

Your vacation home rental website can also include information regarding different activities available including skiing, beaches, golf, tennis and bicycling as well as fishing and a lot more. There should also be clear information about type of amenities being offered including air conditioning, internet access, hot tub/sauna, fireplace and patio/deck as well as a lot more relevant information. On our website, we provide examples of what you should try to include regarding your property listing.

Lastly, the vacation home rental website should also provide information related to the property owner or manager as well as provide contact information. If you are offering pet friendly vacation home rental then this information should also be made public. In addition, it also pays to inform visitors to your vacation home rental website that you offer services such as credit card processing, travel insurance etc.

Finally, it’s a good idea to contact the renter after they stay at your property and ask them question on how they enjoyed your property. Ask them questions on how you could improve your vacation property for upcoming guests. The more feedback you get from your renters will only improve your property for future vacation renters.

If you own a vacation rental and would like to list your property on our site visit us here.

How To Make Money With A Vacation ental

2010-06-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you purchased a vacation rental years ago and are now considering how you can hold on to it in these trying economical times. Or, maybe you are wondering how you can afford to purchase a vacation rental now. You may be needing additional income in order to retire, but don’t want to sell your vacation home now that you are in a position to really enjoy it. The answer to each of these considerations is to rent out your vacation rental.

Income
Whether you are looking for additional income or just want a way to make the mortgage payment on a vacation home, renting it out is your best bet. After you’ve decided to do so, the first question that comes to mind is how much to charge. For a starting point, divide your monthly mortgage payment by 7. This should be close to your average nightly rate. If your payment is $1500, for example, your nightly rate would be around $215 per night. It would appear that you would just have to rent out the vacation rental an average of one week a month to pay for itself. However, there are other expenses, such as property taxes, home owner's insurance, maintenance fees, electric bills, cleaning costs, etc. At the above calculated rate, you would need to rent the vacation rental 15 to 17 weeks out of the year, on average, to come out even.

It may not be as simple as just dividing your mortgage payment by 7 to come up with the final nightly rental rate. There are other considerations, such as location and time of year. You can only charge what the market will pay, or your vacation rental will be empty most of the time. If you are in a location where rentals are in demand, you can charge more. However, if you are in a less frequented location, you will have to drop your fee. There are also seasonal considerations. When your vacation rental is in a seasonally visited location, such as skiing or coastal havens, you can charge more as the season dictates. Likewise, charge less in the off season.

Tax Advantages
Homeowners know that the interest part of their mortgage payment is tax deductible. However, you can only get this same tax advantage, on your vacation rental, when you spend time there during the year. Otherwise, the IRS sees your vacation rental as just rental property. The IRS rule is that you must inhabit the vacation rental for 14 days or at least 10% of the amount of time it is rented through the year. For the complete official rules on the mortgage tax advantage see IRS Publication 527. In Canada, the mortgage interest on a vacation home is not deductible, but in both countries the income is taxed.

Money To Be Made
There is money to be made with a vacation rental. By advertising online with a vacation rental site like RentMyPlace.com, you have the best advantage of getting your place rented as it's seen by the many people. It is, however, extremely important to do your homework in regards to governmental rules, regulations and deductions. Don't stop there. Before you purchase the vacation rental of your dreams, pencil out how much income you can expect to recieve and what your expenses will add up to. An informed choice is a wise choice that will pay you back in cash.

Hawaii On a Budget

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Time
The weather in Hawaii seems perfect to most visitors, nearly all year long. It only makes sense to choose a time for your vacation when others might consider it an off time. You’ll find the best deals during the months of April through November. Spring and fall are the very best times to visit. This might seem odd at first. However, the islands are a haven for those in the northern areas. That means they travel to Hawaii in the winter months, when it is coldest in their home locations.

Flight fares
The least expensive flight fares will be, of course, out of the west. The further you reside from the western shores, the more you will pay for your flight. If you can be flexible about dates for your trip, you might find a last minute deal. It pays to keep an eye on airline sites and newsletters where unannounced special fares are offered throughout the year.

Accommodations- Hawaii Vacation Rentals
The most cost effective lodging is a vacation rental. It allows you to stay in one location, while you enjoy all the surrounding endeavors on your itinerary. Of course, you will need to attend a luau during your visit, but otherwise so much money can be saved by preparing your own meals. This is true even if you stock up on just breakfast and late night snack foods. Most vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens. You will be pleasantly surprise to find the use of beach towels and other water recreational gear included in many Hawaiian rentals. Renting a vacation condo, apartment or home, lets you receive the full effect of living in Hawaii.

Low cost or free
Hawaii’s natural beauty is free to enjoy. Spend time at one of the many exquisite beaches, enjoying snorkeling, swimming or boogie boarding. Take a picnic lunch, you packed earlier, from your vacation rental. No matter which island you choose, there are plenty of low cost and free endeavors. If you’ve chosen the island of Oahu to visit, don’t miss a hiking trip up Diamond Head. When you get to the top you’ll have a full view of Waikiki. The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial tour, at Pearl Harbor, is not to be missed. Maui offers many famous places to visit, such as the Haleakala Crater, Kaanapali Beach, the road to Hana and the old town of Lahaina. The island of Molokai has a rain forest on the east side. You’ll find African and Indian wildlife at the Molokai Ranch Wildlife Park. The Big Island is full of natural beauty, including Akaka Falls, Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Tsunami Museum (free admission).

Winter Ski Destinations in North America

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When you are passionate about skiing, your annual vacation takes place during the winter months. North America is never short of skiing destinations with excellent snow boarding opportunities. Although, most great skiing conditions are shrouded by resorts, you’ll find a big savings in renting a vacation rental rather than taking an expensive room. Start by choosing a winter ski destination in North America and then find a rental that meets all your needs.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley became a popular ski destination in the late 30s, when Earnest Hemingway made it a favorite winter get-away. More recent repeat seasonal visitors include Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood and Bruce Willis. Vacationers, from around the world, love the good quality ski trails and the two well-known mountains of Dollar and Bald. Dollar Mountain is the choice for beginning skiers and Bald (Baldy) Mountain is better for more advanced skiers, with a summit of 9150 feet. Sun Valley offers many cultural events that will add to your winter vacation enjoyment, such as art galleries, theater, concerts, lectures, opera and the symphony.

Whistler and Blackcomb, British Columbia

Major ski magazines have touted Whistler as one of the top skiing destinations. It’s most recently remembered as a host to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The Whistler and Blackcomb mountains make up the main snow sporting attractions of the area, which offers more than 200 trails and 8,000 acres of ski terrain. For a special treat, spend an afternoon at Blackcomb’s 7th Heaven location for some of the best views. Enjoy skiing Sunburn and Angel Dust for long, bumpy runs. You’ll find some of the best cuisine at the lodges and other restaurants, but the prices match the exquisite flavors. Enjoy a few great dining experiences, but save some cash by making use of the kitchen facilities in your vacation rental.

Aspen, Colorado

Populated with an abundance of beautiful aspen trees, the city of Aspen is touted as a luxury ski location. It can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save off of the slopes with renting a vacation rental. Although the four mountains at Aspen are not connected, they are close enough together that you can use the free shuttle to travel from base to base. At the end of the day, for the low price of $5, an attendant will deliver your skiing equipment to the base location you’d like to start at the next day. Beginning skiers will do best to start out at Buttermilk, while more intermediate skiers will enjoy the runs at Highlands or Aspen Mountains.

Mont Tremblant

The ski village of Mont Tremblant is located amid the Laurentian mountains of Quebec. A great beginners start can be found at the longest run, Nansen. However, there are plenty of runs for experts, such as Expo and Cossack If you are feeling extremely confidant try Dynamite. It’s the steepest run in Eastern Canada, with a pitch of 42 degrees. In total, you’ll find 95 runs to choose from. Ski areas are marked off into zones, such as ‘blade zone’, ‘mogul zone’, ‘glade zone’ and ‘slow skiing zone’. Mont Tremblant boasts skiing conditions past the winter months, all the way into April.

Benefits Of Renting A Vacation Rental

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Hotels and resorts have been the lodging experience of most vacationers. However, a vacation rental offers better options for individuals, families and groups that hotels and resorts are not equipped to present their guests. The most prized assets of a vacation home are the privacy it gives the vacationer, as well as, that home-away-from-home relaxation . Consider the many other benefits of renting a vacation rental.

Location

Vacation rentals can be found in the center of the action or in the most remote of locations, it’s your choice. Find apartments, condos and houses near almost any point of interest. They are available close to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and other activities. Yet, you will find a vacation cottage, cabin or house far away from all the busyness of the city. The sounds of nature can be the only sounds you hear for as long as you like.

Dining

Most rentals have kitchens. This means you can prepare just one or all of your meals, if you wish. This is especially nice for those who must stay on a specialized diet. However, it also saves a lot of money that you might like to spend elsewhere during your vacation. Prepare breakfast and lunch on your own and splurge on an exciting dinner spot. Don’t forget snacks. Oh sure, you can always order room service at a hotel, but it may break your budget. When your choice is a vacation rental, you can stock up on your favorites and have them ready at hand.

Space

The confines of a hotel room can give you cabin fever in a very short time. A vacation rental gives you space. Even a city condo or apartment rental offers more room, with separate bedrooms, living areas and kitchen. A rental is great for a family, or group gathering, where everyone can stay in the same location, with time to interact together. Not to mention, their’s a huge savings for everyone in the group. You won’t find many other accommodations that allow for outdoor barbequing or just private outdoor space with other options, such as a hot tub or private pool. Many vacation rentals allow for pets and have fenced yards giving them a safe environment for play and exercise.

Additional Benefits

You can see how a vacation rental offers savings on a number of items, that may take a cut out of the budget, when staying at a hotel or resort. Consider also that there is no staff tipping or service charges. Feel what it’s like to actually be part of the community, rather than a tourist or outsider. The ideal vacation rental, in the location of your choice, is out there just waiting for you, whether your needs are filled with a small apartment or a luxury mansion.