Beach Vacation Rental Scout's Blog

Jun 15, A Discount Vacation Rental? Here Are 5 Strategies for Getting the Best Value.

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:38:32 GMT

How to Get a Discount Vacation Rental: Five Easy Ways to Save On Your Next Beach House Vacation Rental

Feb 18, Tips For Scouting the Right Rental for Your Family Reunion

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:39:43 GMT

More and more of us are vacationing with extended family these days. Vacation rentals are made for family reunions. The February issue of Life's A Beach House gives you tips for scouting just the right vacation home and ideas for planning memorable activites during your family reunion vacation.

Jan 28, Fort Myers Beach Cottages for Family Beach Vacations or Family Reunion Ideas

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:22:46 GMT

Fort Myers Beach Cottages and Villas: Plan fun affordable family vacations -- or family reunion vacations -- in these Fort Myers Beach Florida rentals with dog friendly yards.

Jan 23, Sanibel Island Florida Tree House with Loft Close to a Prime Shelling Beach

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:23:49 GMT

This Sanibel Island Florida monthly rental Is tucked into the trees near Bowmans Beach, the island's 30 mile bike trail and the renowned Ding Darling wildlife preserve.

Jan 19, Why You Should Take a Look at Monthly Rentals

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:39:35 GMT

A month of vacation? In your dreams! Youre lucky to manage a week away, right? In the January issue of Life's A Beach House I go out on a limb and suggest that maybe you can swing it. Here are two good reasons to ask yourself why not? 1. You can work from the beach. If you already work from home using a computer, high-speed Internet connection and telephone, why wouldnt you be able to do the same work from a vacation home? 2. You can test drive living in paradise. If youve been itching to find a place with less stress and many (many) more sunny days to raise your family or spend your retirement, you could be among the estimated 40 million who make the move (according to a book I just finished called The Geography of Bliss). Renting for a private home for a month -- or more -- is the best way to try out a permanent move to paradise. Live like a local! Meet two couples who are living the dream. And it all started in a monthly vacation rental.

Jan 13, Reunion Sites: Big Homes for Family Reunion Activities or Girls Getaways

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:27:44 GMT

Large vacation rental homes make great reunion sites, whether you're planning a family reunion, looking for graduation celebration ideas or just a different place to gather for girls getaways.

Jan 13, Reunion Sites: Choose a Great Beach House for Group Gatherings

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:23:59 GMT

California Reunion Sites: Check out these large occupancy vacation rentals if you're planning a family reunion, looking for beach wedding ideas or need a new venue for your girls getaways.

Jan 5, Best Travel Books -- California: Architecture to Zagat

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:29:58 GMT

Best Travel Books for California Beach Vacations: Browse my personal bookshelf for help finding the best beach, planning day trips and digging deeper into the history and culture of your destination.

Dec 19, The Second Issue of Life's A Beach House is Live!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:41:58 GMT

Take a look at two of the treasures I found on my latest scouting trip to Florida's Gulf Coast. Next month, I'll take a closer look at vacation rentals that are available by the month only. An option you thought was out of reach might just be a brilliant way to stretch your vacation without sacrificing a paycheck... Stayed tuned! Or subscribe so you won't miss a thing.

Nov 22, Road Trip Fun: Rediscovering the joys of traveling by car

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:53:00 GMT

Road Trip Fun: Rediscovering the joys of traveling by car

Nov 10, Steps for Planning a Wedding: Beautiful California Beach Weddings

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:01:31 GMT

Beautiful, Bright Califorinia Beach Weddings: An expert event planner lays out steps for planning a wedding on Southern California beaches.

Oct 22, Beach Wedding Ideas From Beach Vacation Rental Scout's Wedding Guru

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:12:02 GMT

Meet Beach Vacation Rentals Scout's Beach Wedding Guru, Joan Burns. She's helped hundreds of Southern California brides create their dream weddings and shares her beach wedding ideas with us.

Oct 20, Your Beach Vacation Packing List: Handpicked Items that Are Fun and Functional

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:59:38 GMT

Check your beach vacation packing list against this handpicked collection of fun and functional beach gear, electronics, sports equipment and accessories.

Oct 7, Beach Vacation Rental Scout E-Zine: Monthly Updates and Great Vacation Ideas

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:58:01 GMT

Beach Vacation Rental Scout Monthly E-Zine: Subscribe to Life's a Beach House for the latest whether you're planning a fun family vacation or just living vicariously.

Oct 2, 5 Things an Overnight Stay Can Tell You That a Listing Never Will

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:37:27 GMT

My upcoming trip to Florida Gulf beaches will be whirlwind. Almost every night in a different bed. But these overnight stays are essential. Here are a handful of things I learned by staying overnight that I never would have known if I'd just done a quick walk-through or made my decision based on a listing written by the owner or property manager. Would they make or break your vacation? You decide. 1. The Pipes (or Traffic, or Locals) Were Noisy.
I thought the First Airborne was buzzing my bedroom at 6 a.m. when the neighbor stepped into the shower. The walls groaned and moaned with rushing water. Water burbled up in my tub. (yuck) 2. The Location (Layout, Amenities)... Not What I Expected.
One home with a spectacular view should have been an easy walk to the beach. But, there was no safe way to cross the busy road separating the home's upscale neighborhood from the charming village and cove. So close to the sand -- yet, no way to get out of getting into your car and driving, and parking, to walk on it. 3. My Preconceptions were Right.
A freshly made-over condo -- granite counters, gleaming stainless appliances, model-home furnishings -- had the polish of a Hyatt. But, no heart. No personal welcome. In fact, in place of a welcome book, there was a posted list of "Rules". Instead of personal recommendations, a short stack of location brochures. The message was clear -- you're on your own. Which is okay, until you've experienced the alternative in home reviewed on this site. 4. My Preconceptions Were Wrong.
Condos are not always as cookie-cutter as I imagined. In Oceanside, I stayed in a spacious condo with a laid back bungalow feel. It was tucked into a resort-style complex with ocean views and access on three sides. The private common area was a lush slice of Hawaii that far, far exceeded my expectations and made it tempting to hang out in quiet corners surrounded by streams, fountains and tropical palms and bird of paradise instead of going to the beach! 5. Bottom Line: How a Place Feels Matters. A Lot.
It's not about the granite, it's the greeting. If you choose to rent a vacation home, you're choosing to forgo sterile style in favor of a more personal, Mi casa es tu casa welcome. You don't pay any more to rent these vacation homes. You just have to know where to find them. Stick with me and I'll point you to the best vacation home values.

Sep 30, Great Vacation Ideas: Traveling in the Off-Season

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:42:44 GMT

Great Vacation Ideas: Traveling in the Off-Season

Sep 25, Family Beach Vacations: Tips for Finding a Family Friendly Vacation Rental

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:23:24 GMT

Planning a family vacation at the beach? Renting a house (rather than a hotel room) will transform your family beach vacations. Here are five tips to help you find the right one.

Sep 17, Celebrations Guide California: Rentals With Event Venues, Concierge Services

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:04:24 GMT

Celebrations Guide - California: These beach rentals and rental property managers can help with beach wedding ideas, 40th birthday celebration ideas and pampering for girls getaways.

Sep 15, Pet Friendly Beach Vacation Rentals: California

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:09:04 GMT

Here are some of my favorite pet friendly beach vacation rentals and vacation rental property managers.

Sep 15, Vacation Trip Planner: From family reunion ideas to rental etiquette questions

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:10:54 GMT

Vacation Trip Planner: Whether you're planning a family vacation or looking for ways to travel on a budget, this handy guide is the place to start.

Sep 9, Southern California Beachfront Rentals With Built-In Beach Wedding Ideas

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:03:06 GMT

If you're planning a California beach wedding or looking for family reunion ideas, these Southern California beachfront rentals give you location, space and event planning resources.

Sep 4, Do You Own or Manage a Spectacular Beach Vacation Rental?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:25:37 GMT

I'm in scouting mode -- with trips planned to the California coast and to Florida's Panhandle and Gulf Coast this fall. If you own, manage or simply know of a fabulous vacation rental home on or near the beach in these areas, I'd love to hear from you! Click below for more detail about the value of a (free) independent review on Beach Vacation Rental Scout. I can't wait to hear about your gems!

Sep 1, Online Vacation Planning: Don't Leave Out Personal Recommendations

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:29:41 GMT

Online Vacation Planning: Don't Leave Out Personal Recommendations

Aug 28, A Virtual Vacation Trip Planner That Works

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:44:09 GMT

This innovative virtual vacation planning tool (click the link below) makes it easy -- and really, really fun -- to do nuts-and-bolts trip-planning. I put it through its paces using San Francisco and Carmel, California as my intended destinations. There are more than 100 destinations to choose from -- including more than a dozen beach locations in California, Hawaii, Florida and South Carolina. I couldnt have built a better itinerary myself! Typically, I like to be in the driver's seat when it comes to trip planning. What would have taken me a hour using the narrowed list provided by the tool (probably many more using a general Web-search and manual consolidation) took less than 10 minutes -- from quiz to final plan. All I had to do was click on the Add button to the right of any sight or activity that appealed to me. I also was presented with a day-by-day itinerary that matched my interests perfectly: - Daily sights and activities where arranged according to geographic proximity. - Costs were noted to the side. (I'd noted I was on a budget.) - Not too much planned for any given day (I said I preferred a relaxing pace). I also got: - Detailed descriptions of what Id see - Live links to relevant medianovels, guidebooks, coffee table books, movies - Ideas for activities that would help me get the most from my visit - Practical information: times of operation, bathroom locations, best modes of transportation - a short and thoughtful list (not the typical unvetted dump) of recommended restaurants And that's just my trip. I could easily see that a hundred different people would get a hundred different results. Really, there's is so much going on with this tool, I can't cover it all. Give it a whirl for a place you already now and tell me know how it works for you.

Aug 24, Beach House Vacation Rentals

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:39:43 GMT

This 10-point beach vacation checklist will help you focus your search for beach house vacation rentals -- and save you money and headaches when you arrive.

Aug 18, Social Media Tips: How to Expand Your Search Through Your Network of Friends

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:04:11 GMT

Social Media Tips: How to expand your search through your online network of friends

Aug 14, Facebooks Cool and Comfortable
Second Porch

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:58:01 GMT

When I wrote my last post about new players in the growing vacation rental industry, I left out social media. Ive seen the articles written about how Twitter, for example, is changing the way people plan trips. Just tweet your request and get real-time advice and recommendations from tweeps in your destination. Im not buying it. Its the definition of hit or miss. Your result is contingent on who happens to be out there within moments of when your tweet appears, and, even more important, whos listening. Most people are busy promoting their own message. If you do get a 140-character response, its likely to be a link to their site. And once again youre on your own to vet the source. I love Twitter -- just not for trip-planning. But Facebook is a whole different story. Its a network built on trust and transparency. Your Facebook Friends have profiles and e-mail addresses. Facebook Friends like interacting. And, guess what? Some of them have cool vacation homes you could rent. If youve got 200 Facebook Friends, you probably know 10 people who have vacation homes, says Brent Hieggelke, president of Second Porch. You may not know it, because its not something that comes up in casual conversation. Second Porch is a Facebook app that gives you easy access to Friends with vacation homes to rent. The beauty of searching for vacation rental homes using Second Porch is that each listing is attached to a real person, the face behind the place, says Hieggelke. You can click on the owners profile, send questions via e-mail and check out recommendations posted by people whove already stayed there. And if youre not ready to rent, click on Follow to save the home on a personal My Second Porch page for future reference. If youve never rented a vacation home and are troubled by nightmare stories and scams played up in the mainstream media -- which, by the way, are counter to a recent study by PhoCusWright, a research authority in the travel industry, that reported only one percent of renters came home unhappy -- Second Porch is a great place to get your feet wet. Choose a vacation rental by building a relationship with the owner first. Youll have a great vacation and a new Friend.

Aug 12, The Scouts Strategies:
My Guide to Finding a Great Beach Vacation Rental -- Part 1

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:07:39 GMT

My first Internet search for a vacation rental took many hours over several days. It was a journey in itself. At first, I felt like a kid in candy shop. Soon, I lapsed in overwhelm. There was a brief period of confusion as I weighed my options. Finally took the plunge and selected a home. Then I worried. Because it was my first experience renting a vacation home, I wondered if the house I chose for my family (traveling from Arizona and Colorado to join my husband and me and our dogs) was going to be everything I expected. Thankfully, it was. But I havent always been so lucky (more about that later.) With Beach Vacation Rental Scout, my goal is to create a collection of really special homes -- the best on the beach -- from among the thousands you have to choose from on the web. Thats a lot to bite off, so its going to take a little while. Meanwhile, as I plan my next review trips, Im inviting you along and sharing my scouting strategies along the way. They come from my experience renting vacation homes in different areas of the country. Theyre informed by hours and hours of searching through seemingly endless listings. And learning from my mistakes. Finding the right vacation is a three-stage process: 1. Surveying the Field
2. Narrowing Your List
3. Choosing with Confidence
Click on the link for the 30,000-foot-high view. You'll learn to Survey the Field with these web search strategies.

Aug 10, Vacation Planning Websites: 3 Cool Tools for Renters

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:22:04 GMT

Vacation Planning Websites: Three cool tools for renters

Jul 29, Beautiful Beach Houses: 5 Ways Your Accommodations Your Vacation Experience

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:15:18 GMT

Beautiful Beach Houses: 5 Ways Your Accommodations Can Change Your Vacation Experience

Jul 27, 5 Ways This Site is Different

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:41:49 GMT

1. Just the gems
Most prospective renters discover more is not always better. You could spend hours, days even, culling through pages of owner-written reviews. You can sort by number of bedrooms, but not by other details that may matter just as much.
Beach Vacation Rental Scout spends the hours handpicking homes from these monster sites, then doing the legwork -- contacting the owners, visiting and photographing the property and writing a detailed consistent review.
2. Profiles of selected local rental property managers
Watch for boutique rental property managers who specialize in a specific geographical area to multiply in this economy as more vacation homeowners seek income from their properties.
Its a good thing for you and, again, Beach Vacation Rental Scout profiles only the gems. Each rental property manager on this site offers three key things:
a.) A select inventory of stylish and immaculately maintained vacation rentals
b.) The the perspective of a long-time resident who knows each property and the area very well
c) Enthusiastic personal service . Theyll spend all the time you need helping you select the best option for your vacation. (More and more are offering concierge services, too!)
3. Straight talk
Most reviews written by owners or property managers are marketing copy. The best are well-written and detailed. But how many point out potential drawbacks (and every home has them) that might affect your decision? Every Beach Vacation Rental Scout review has two sections: The Very Best Things and Whats Not Perfect .
4. Owners (and managers) 'favorites'
One of the great joys of a discovering a new place is going beyond the standard tourist fare to places the locals love (and sometimes only the locals know about). Every Beach Vacation Rental Scout review ends with personal recommendations. Even if you dont rent the home, the recommendations (most not in traditional guidebooks) are gifts of gold. 5. A consistent format
Thanks to FlipKey, TripAdvisor-style consumer reviews of vacation rentals are finally surfacing to help you make better decisions. Use them! But, also take them for what they are: personal stories. Beach Vacation Rental Scout reviews are written in a consistent format each one covering all the bases that renters care about.

Jul 24, Handmade Personalized Gifts in Vacation Rentals

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:04:38 GMT

Handmade Personalized Gifts in Vacation Rentals

Jul 22, Vacation Rentals at the Beach: 5 Reasons a Rental is Better Than a Hotel Room

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:40:04 GMT

Vacation Rentals at the Beach: 5 Things You Can Do in a Rental that You Can't in a Hotel

Jul 22, Family Friendly Beach Vacation Condo On Two Great Southern California Beaches

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:33:49 GMT

The Perfect Family Friendly Beach Vacation: A Comfortable Condo in a Secure, Hawaii-Lush Complex on Two Great Southern California Beaches. Perfect for Family Reunion Activities.

Jul 20, Summers Hot (But 'Off' Season Deals Are Right Around the Corner)

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:36:30 GMT

Its been over 100 degrees for more a week. Even a short walk makes you feel like you're baking in an oven. Id love to be at the beach. Along with everybody else. Last-minute requests have been coming in -- some with a desperate ring. But even in this tough economy, lucky breaks arent common during the summer high season. The good news? In California, and many other areas of the country, the off-season is fast approaching. Starting September 8 -- only about a month and a half away -- you can rent a sharp Tommy Bahama-style apartment with two-bedrooms, two bathrooms and a killer view of La Jolla Cove for $1,250. (The summer renters paid exactly twice that!) In a prime Southern California beach town like La Jolla or Oceanside, fall is divine. Warm and sunnyperfect beach weather. Price is numero uno. But here are 4 more very good reasons why I think booking a vacation rental in the off-season is one of the best deals going. 2. The crowds are gone. For many families taking a summer vacation is more a tradition than a necessity. Used to be, all kids went back to school after Labor Day. But these days many kids in my neighborhood are on a track system, with month-long school breaks throughout the year. 3. You'll have more flexible options. Many rentals have a one-week minimum during the peak summer months. But just the other side of Labor Day, you can book two to four nights, even at the last minute, no problem. 4. Even when the weather's bad, it's still good. Weather. During the winter in California, rainy days are interspersed with lots of brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. Little wonder that snowbirds flock to Southern California from Canada, the Midwest and other places where snow and ice are the norm. But, what if you dont have months? Several days of bad weather when youre cooped up in snug hotel room with no view will put a serious dent in your vacation. You wont mind as much in the right vacation rental. Some of the most enjoyable afternoons I can remember were spent cozying up to a fire with a picture-window view of a winter storm whipping up the Pacific. And think of the beachcombing you can do when the sun comes out the next morning! 5. Summer already feels like a vacation at home. During the hot summer months, there are lots of things I do at home -- swimming, barbecuing -- that make me feel like Im on vacation, even if I cant officially take the time off. The rest of the year is not as laid back, so I need a vacation more.

Jul 9, The Property Might Not Exist and Four Other Vacation Rental Scare Tactics That Have Had Their Day

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:10:44 GMT

If I see one more article about vacation rentals asking Is It Worth the Risk? Im going postal! Cautionary advice is great. But repeated often enough, a sound bite becomes a meme -- a message passed along without question. And we stop using our brains. The truth is renting a vacation rental home is no more risky (for a reasonably savvy consumer) than choosing a plumber. Ask for recommendations. Ask questions. Use your intuition. If something seems fishy -- or too good to be true -- move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea. All you need to do is be the smart and careful consumer you already are. And whenever you run into any of these 5 common scare-tactics, please dont panic. Each one has a simple solution. 1. The property might not exist. Ask for the address and map it using Google. You should see a photo the exterior and surrounding neighborhood. 2. You don't know what you're getting. If there are few photos or theyre dark, ask for more. If a listing is short and vague, the owner may indeed be hiding something. Ask for more information and testimonials from guests. Read between the lines and use your intuition. Reputable owners and property managers will be straight with you. If the home youre interested isnt a good fit, they will tell you. If you have a bad time, it hurts their business. 3. You risk identity theft and fraud. No more than you would in your everyday dealings. Just continue to be careful with your personal information. Many owners and rental property managers take credit cards giving you third-party protection should a dispute arise. Some credit cards offer identity theft protection, as well. 4. Youll trade price for quality. Not unless you decide to! The truth: owners can charge less than rental property managers, because there is no middle-man. Simple economics. But regardless of who you rent from, seasonal discounts (as much as 50 in some pretty prime areas -- May in La Jolla, for example) can easily trump anything youll find at a hotel with comparable location and amenities. 5. You wont have local maintenance support. An overflowing toilet would certainly ruin my vacation -- which is why I address this issue specifically in each Beach Vacation Rental Scout review. Who are you gonna call? Again, ask. Youll find that reputable homeowners have a stable of trusted local professionals they have worked with for years. Most owners and rental property managers are accessible by cell phone 24/7.

Jul 8, Beach Safety Tips

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:17:08 GMT

Beach Safety Tips: 10 ways to stay a healthy and accident-free at the beach.

Jul 1, 5 Ways a Professional Review Beats A Testimonial (or Even TripAdvisor)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:51:29 GMT

Did you see Joe Sharkeys New York Times column, Aspiring to Rate Rooms When Everyones a Critic (June 22, 2009)? The focus is a new (another) hotel review site, this one manned by hired guns -- professional reviewers trained to review a property by the book -- a 60-page training manual, to be exact! Its an interesting launch. But for me, the immediate takeaway is this: reviews written by a professional inspire a level of trust that, say, vacation rental listings, testimonials and even great aggregate sites, like TripAdvisor, cant consistently duplicate. Says Joe: These online reviews, while often entertaining and informative in the aggregate, are typically written by anonymous people some of whom, for all I know, could be in a federal penitentiary and just killing time with wistful critiques of places they have never seen. Here are five things a good professional reviewer will always give you. 1. The straight story
We all know marketing hype when you read it. Life is rarely so perfect. And places with great character have flaws, just like people do. All Beach Vacation Rental Scout reviews note The Best Things and also whats Not Perfect. 2. Been-there-done-that perspective
Fuzzy, worn-out phrases make me wary. Thats where writers hide when they dont have personal experience to draw on. I want to hear enough specific, colorful detail so that Im satisfied that the reviewer has actually slept in the bed. 3. Consistent coverage
This is where reviews by even the best-intentioned random travelers fall short. Professional reviewers cover the same bases every time, using a consistent format for information they know renters want to know. 4. Good quality photos Duh! And yet, way too many vacation rental homes present you with scary shadowed spaces, weird angles or, worse, only beach shots. (What are they hiding?) Look for links to Flickr photo albums or YouTube slide shows on most Beach Vacation Rental Scout reviews. (Coming soon to all.) 5. Added value
Context is important. If a vacation rental home is on the beach, whats the beach like? Whats within an easy walk? One of my very favorite things in Beach Vacation Rental Scout reviews is the Owners Favorites section. This is where I coax out the names of the local gems owners love to recommend to friends -- the restaurants, hikes and things to do (many, only the locals know).

Jun 26, Hotels Play 'Gotcha' with Fees: 5 Ways Vacation Rentals Win

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:16:33 GMT

I was reading a recent article titled "Hotels Pile on Fees, Making Vacation Rentals Look Even Better" (click below for the full text) on Alfred & Emily Glossbrenner's FullyBookedRentals.com (a membership site for vacation rental owners), and I had a flashback. Suddenly, I was staring at bill for $46-and-change, a charge for "Refreshment Center Food" mailed to my home days after I checked out of a fashionable Santa Monica hotel. $46??? Even given the sky-high prices for the contents of the minibar, I'd have had to work at spending $46. I hope I would have remembered a binge like that. The fact is, I didn't even peek inside. (Yet, it took three telephone calls to get the charge removed!) Mind you, I had already paid $33 for one night of valet parking (not including tip) and $12 for access to high-speed Internet during my one-night stay. My room rate (comped, thank goodness!) was about $400. So it struck me as a tad tacky that the Internet wasn't included. (Who charges for Internet anymore?) And, if I has so much as touched the phone, a menu of steep surcharges would have kicked in. According to a Wall Street Journal article by Scott McCartney ("Paying for the Pool: Hotels Are Piling on Fees," June 18) hotels and motels are playing gotcha with guests. It's all about the quoted room rate, McCartney says. Travelers search for the lowest rate online. They book the room. And only after they check out do they see all the add-on fees. Gotcha! The Glossbrenners surmise: "The hotel industry, in the grips of the current Great Recession, is driving travelers into the arms of vacation rental owners everywhere." If so, hotels only have themselves to blame. Because here are 5 things you are unlikely to pay for when you rent a vacation home (at least in my experience): 1. Internet/Wi-Fi 2. Parking 3. Local telephone calls (some rentals offer unlimited long distance) 4. Laundry (most rentals have a washer a dryer) 5. Gobs of gratuities (for the valet, the bellman, the maid, the guy who brings you room service)

Jun 23, La Jolla Rentals: Great for Pet Friendly Vacations and Family Beach Vacations

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:58:04 GMT

La Jolla Rentals: These beach cottages, high-style apartments and homes are perfect for family beach vacations, steps from kayaking, snorkeling, surfing and La Jolla restaurants and shopping.

Jun 19, **Is There an Etiquette for Renters? (5 Guidelines)**

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:18:07 GMT

Somewhere in the insanity of getting your family packed, to the airport and through security, your BlackBerry disappears. All your contacts, all the details of your trip -- including check-in arrangements you've agreed to with the owners of the vacation rental home you booked at your destination -- GONE. Now it looks likely you'll arrive much later than you thought. But, no use stressing even more than you already are. It's not like they're going to give away your room like a hotel would. Right? Well, right. However, if the vacation rental owners at the other end don't know about your small crisis, they'll be waiting to greet you at the agreed upon time. If you don't arrive by midnight or even the next day, and they can't reach you, they're going to be the ones stressing. When you rent a vacation home, you're not the faceless occupant of one of hundreds of hotel rooms, you're a guest in someone's home. So, it makes sense that a different etiquette applies. The best policy: act as if you're staying with a friend. Because that's the way many owners welcome you. Here are 5 guidelines (most, simply good manners). 1. If your plans change, let someone know. Many rentals provide entry codes or a lock box containing the house key on the front door, so you don't have to "check in". But if you're made specific arrangements to pick up the key from the owner or manager, it's nice to call (use a pay phone, if necessary) with your new schedule or a status report. 2. If want to invite guests, ask first. Many rentals have specific policies about hosting parties and inviting guests to sleep over. The best policy: ask for permission. If you try to "get away it" and you're found out, you may forfeit some or all of your deposit. 3. If you break something, 'fess up. And don't worry. Most owners will chalk up a chipped plate or broken glass to "wear and tear". Still, it's polite to admit it, so they can keep tabs on inventories of dishes and silverware for future renters. 4. If you have a couple of minutes, do a few chores. This is your vacation, you shouldn't have to do chores. I hear you! But you get to stay in a comfortable home -- with no maid tapping at your door in the morning. So rolling the trash to a designated space and stripping the bed linens is really not a big deal. 5. If you had an awesome time, leave a note. Or a drawing, or a photo, or a poem. I seen examples of all -- along with even more creative entries in rental guest books. Sharing your favorite moments will remind you why you chose a rental instead of a hotel in the first place.

Jun 9, 5 Keys to Managing Your Rental Expectations

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:52:12 GMT

My husband and I were outside our weekend rental drinking in the ocean view when the renter in the downstairs unit rushed over to introduce herself. She was hosting a dinner for friends to celebrate a "big birthday," she explained. Just dinner, no noisy late night party. And, by the way, what did we think of the art work in the unit? She'd already taken down several of the oil paintings and stashed them under beds. Turns out she's an interior designer and was already compiling a list of style updates for the owner. I'm not going to tell you the place was HGTV-worthy. It was vintage -- and not in a hip way. But it was spacious, immaculate and completely comfortable. And, oh my God, the view! By weekends end, this renter had worked herself into a tizzy over little flaws including "no garlic press!" Ah, expectations. Now, there's a loaded topic. No vacation rental is perfect. And the way it's not perfect for me may not be the way it's not perfect for you. As a reviewer, my job is to step back and see a place through the eyes of many different kinds of renters. I describe the essence of the place, but also note what may not be perfect for some people. So, here's my advice on managing expectations: 1. Clarify what's essential.
Be honest with yourself. Will amateur art upset you? No doubt the renter I met felt that her choice of rental reflected on her professional reputation. 2. Look beyond the listing.
Most vacation rental listings are ads written by the owner. All pros, no cons. Testimonials are handpicked and sometimes edited. If you aren't sure you like what you see, ask for more photos. If you don't find the detail you need... 3. Ask.
Point blank -- about the smallest thing. Most owners will be honest. Your bad experience is bad for their business. 4. Listen.
Interesting: when I followed up with the owner she said she tried to steer this renter toward the upstairs unit because she thought the vaulted ceiling, ocean-facing kitchen and wraparound deck seemed like a better fit. 5. Make the best of it.
If a rental is a disaster, complain loudly. Write a review, if you must. But if it could be just a little more perfect, don't ruin your vacation or special party. Live and learn -- and move on.

May 26, 5 Ways Place Can Feed Your Soul

Tue, 26 May 2009 21:35:34 GMT

I'm not talking just about your destination. You've given that lots of thought, no doubt. I'm talking about how your choice of accommodation filters your perception of your destination -- for better, or not. How would your beach vacation be different in a buttoned-up, model home-perfect condo or quirky bungalow with beach towels and boogie boards right there? Here are five powerful place-attributes I'm always thinking about when I'm searching for a vacation home to rent: 1. Energy
Yes, sometimes I want the drama of waves crashing right at my door. But other times, I'd rather be to tucked away from the rest of the world, in a private pocket nobody else knows about. 2. Character
I adore cottages and cabins, eco-friendly furnishings, palpable history (or at least an interesting back story). On vacation, I want to be surprised and charmed by a way to live that's very different than my own everyday-life experience. 3. Pampering
High thread-count sheets, fragrant candles, hand milled soap. I forget to pamper myself in real life. Even the simple, small things make me remember to do that. 4. Room(s) for Inspiration
A deck, a tiny garden, a window seat, a balcony with rocking chairs -- even an interesting collection of books or CDs -- take me outside of the reality "box" I've created. I start thinking more creatively and I like that. 5. A Genuine Welcome
A handwritten note, a vase of fresh flowers, thoughtful advice and recommendations. There's really nothing quite like a sincere welcome.

May 21, Southern California Beach Vacation Rentals Made for Family Beach Vacations

Thu, 21 May 2009 20:44:28 GMT

Southern California Beach Vacation Rentals: VIP treatment rules for guests at these resort-luxe condos with all the amenities -- perfect for family reunion activities and celebrations.

May 19, 5 Things an Overnight Stay Can Tell You That a Listing Never Will

Tue, 19 May 2009 16:21:32 GMT

Just back from a week-long trip visiting vacation rental homes on the California coast! Here are a handful of things I learned by staying overnight that I never would have known if I'd just done a quick walk-through or made my decision based on a listing written by the owner or property manager. Would they make or break your vacation? You decide. 1. The Pipes (or Traffic, or Locals) Were Noisy.
I thought the First Airborne was buzzing my bedroom at 6 a.m. when the neighbor stepped into the shower. The walls groaned and moaned with rushing water. Water burbled up in my tub. (yuck) 2. The Location (Layout, Amenities)... Not What I Expected.
One home with a spectacular view should have been an easy walk to the beach. But, there was no safe way to cross the busy road separating the home's upscale neighborhood from the charming village and cove. So close to the sand -- yet, no way to get out of getting into your car and driving, and parking, to walk on it. 3. My Preconceptions were Right.
A freshly made-over condo -- granite counters, gleaming stainless appliances, model-home furnishings -- had the polish of a Hyatt. But, no heart. No personal welcome. In fact, in place of a welcome book, there was a posted list of "Rules". Instead of personal recommendations, a short stack of location brochures. The message was clear -- you're on your own. Which is okay, until you've experienced the alternative in home reviewed on this site. 4. My Preconceptions Were Wrong.
Condos are not always as cookie-cutter as I imagined. In Oceanside, I stayed in a spacious condo with a laid back bungalow feel. It was tucked into a resort-style complex with ocean views and access on three sides. The private common area was a lush slice of Hawaii that far, far exceeded my expectations and made it tempting to hang out in quiet corners surrounded by streams, fountains and tropical palms and bird of paradise instead of going to the beach! 5. Bottom Line: How a Place Feels Matters. A Lot.
It's not about the granite, it's the greeting. If you choose to rent a vacation home, you're choosing to forgo sterile style in favor of a more personal, Mi casa es tu casa welcome. You don't pay any more to rent these vacation homes. You just have to know where to find them. Stick with me and I'll point you to the best vacation home values.

May 10, What Beach Vacation Rental Scout Can Do for You

Sun, 10 May 2009 12:30:28 GMT

Three ways Beach Vacation Rental Scout makes all the difference.

May 3, 5 Reasons to Rent a Vacation Home You Might Not Have Considered

Sun, 03 May 2009 21:13:48 GMT

1. You're burned out.
Problem: You desperately need a change of scenery, but have no energy or inclination for sightseeing.
Solution: At a vacation rental, there's no pressure to do anything but decompress. 2. You're shopping for a new place to live.
Problem: Whether you're retiring or in the market for a lifestyle change, you need to know what it feels like to live (not vacation) in a new place.
Solution: Renting a vacation home helps you feel like a local, not a tourist. Settle into the neighborhood of your choice and just hang out. Chat with people from the neighborhood. Shop where the locals shop.
Does it feel like home?
3. You need some guy time.
Problem: You need a responsibility-free zone. No picking up your socks or watching your language.
Solution: Schedule kite boarding lessons, book a sportfishing charter, fill the fridge with beer and watch the big game.
4. You're about to have your first baby.
Problem: It's been good-crazy, but....crazy nonetheless. You need a special place -- away from couples showers, nursery decorating and the name-game -- to remember what just-the-two-of-you feels like.
Solution: A vacation rental on the beach is a great place to bank some rest and reconnect before a third starts stealing your attention and sleep.
5. You're grieving.
Problem: Everywhere you look are memories. You need a peaceful place -- free from interruptions (even by a chambermaid) and the familiar things that spark a flood of painful memories.
Solution: Ive read a number of profoundly touching entries written by guests who appreciated the privacy and quiet, natural surroundings of a particular vacation rental to heal after the death of a loved one.
Give yourself that gift.

Apr 29, Mission Beach Rentals San Diego: Specialists in Family Beach Vacations

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:15:57 GMT

Mission Beach Rentals San Diego: Visit San Diego tourist attractions and come home to one of the top Southern California beaches for families. This vacation rental property manager can help.

Apr 27, The Power of a Personal Recommendation

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:33:42 GMT

There's nothing quite as enticing as what follows "You HAVE to try...." A personal recommendation -- making one, or taking one -- is one of the warmest ways to connect with another person. The advice of travelers who share your preferences for hole-in-the-wall restaurants the locals line up for and off-the-beaten-path pleasures can literally transform your experience of a place. And vacation rental owners and local rental property managers can be fantastic sources of personal recommendations. Here are some very practical reasons to trust them. 1. They have their feet on the ground where you want to go.
They live in -- and love every corner of -- the place you're planning to spend a week. Guidebook and magazine writers mostly focus on hotels. They breeze through quickly and many times their reviews reflect it. 2. Your good experience is their bottom line.
Unlike hip hotels in European cities courting once-in-a-lifetime guests, vacation rental homeowners and local rental property managers depend on repeat business. Most owners and rental property managers will screen you over the phone to ensure the home you're booking is a good fit. If you're not happy when you arrive, some rental property managers will move you to a home you like better. 3. They're there to help throughout your stay.
Most times you will meet the owner or rental property manager in person. At the very least, you'll be greeted with a personally compiled guest book brimming with recommendations, menus and advice about things to see and do during your stay. And you're invited to call for more recommendations if you need them. Special Tip: If you scroll to the end of every review of a vacation rental on Beach Vacation Rental Scout, you'll find a short, very personal list of the Owner's Favorites. For example: At The Bay's Edge, Bodega Bay, CA Spud Point Crab Company looks like just another small local cafe. But it has the best clam chowder you've ever tasted! The owners operate the fishing boat that stocks it, so you can't find fresher seafood. The Laughing Buddha Beach House, Shell Beach, CA Take the Chumash Bluffs Trail to a stunning panoramic ocean view not in any guidebook! There are two ways up. The wider, low road is a gradual climb. The narrow trail goes straight up -- a heart rate-zinger. More than information, a genuine personal recommendation makes you feel like you've already found a friend.

Apr 23, What's The Buzz About Beach Vacation Rental Scout?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:18:36 GMT

The first press release officially introducing Beach Vacation Rental Scout to the world went out early this morning! Already, it's sparked tweets on Twitter, calls from the media and e-mails from vacation rental owners interested in having their homes reviewed. The press release is posted on a brand new Press/Media page (click below on the link below). While you're there, scroll down to read a great article about Joyce Copeland by Laura Byrne Paquet, whose Facing the Street blog guides travelers to the many ways to explore a place beyond the traditional package tour.