On behalf of the Rentalo team we would like to express our empathy, condolences and support to the families of the victims involved in this tragic accident.
Surely this is a sad moment for the entire travel industry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rentalo Team
As an effort to promote the region, Rentalo and WOR Newstalk Radio have teamed up to offer lucky listeners of this New York based radio station the chance to win a vacation rental in New England, Cape Cod, Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard.
Three listeners will be able to spend one week in Rentalo.com homes that are nearby all the conveniences of these resort locations. In order to participate listeners of the area have to fill out a form at WOR’s website. Here are some of the radio promotions being aired since May 18, 2009.
A mystical area composed by Southhampton and East Hampton; the Hamptons are the ideal way to spend a 
family vacation or a romantic getaway. With miles of beautiful beaches and peaceful bays, the Hamptons offer visitors excellent fishing, surfing and sun bathing. Those who like hiking or walking will also find beautiful rolling hills and broad plains with an incredible variety of wildlife. Tourists of this area can also count with excellent shopping and dinning opportunities with antiquing being one of the most popular activities in the area.
East Hampton
The charm of this township has no limits. It is situated to the west of Montauk and it is made up of numerous delightful villas which include Sag Harbor, Wainscot, Northwest Harbor and East Hampton North among others. It is home to the largest privately owned island in the United States and to the largest fishing fleet in the state of New York. East Hampton is surrounded by water on the three sides and it is full of chic stores, historic sites and renowned art galleries making this destination a year-round favorite. Outdoor opportunities are great in this area of the Hamptons, with hiking, biking and wildlife watching being at the top of the list.
It is considered among the most luxurious towns of the country and many call it the “Playground for the Rich.” Celebrities and politicians are known to vacation here and it has also been the home of presidents and first ladies such as Julia Gardiner Tyler and Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis.
Sag Harbor
A former whaling port, Sag Harbor is known today as an upscale getaway with delightful shops and scenic 
villages, yet the town keeps the charm of the old days. Its streets with grand houses from the whaling days and its enjoyable restaurants make it another favorite among visitors to The Hamptons. Tourists can count with an extraordinary bay with a Wharf that is the perfect setting for a post-card picture.
A great way to experience the magic of the village is by taking a bike ride; a well-liked activity among locals. You will be able to appreciate the sunset over Noyac Bay. If you are looking for some help and a map that shows where to find such things as museums, eateries, shops and local architectural and historical treasures, your best bet is to head to the Windmill Visitors Center.
Although I have to admit that I am tired of reality shows and contests that make participants live through hell in a ferocious competition for money, I would also say that The Biggest Loser Season 7 from NBC has been a true inspiration and a reality contest that I feel like recommending. While I have never been overweighed myself (I think thanks to my digestive system more than anything else), I do feel empathy for people that struggle with weight, especially in a society like ours with so many double standards and contradictions. We are constantly bombarded with images of happy people, skinny, beautiful with perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect everything and on the other hand there is always the Big Mac, the Big Coke, and the famous Starbucks Venti (I still don’t understand why can’t they use regular size names). How can a normal mortal keep a normal weight with so many “Tall,” “Grande,” and “Venti” options?
This is why I have liked the Helen Phillips and the Biggest Loser story. I truly admire Helen Phillips and all the participants particularly the finalists. Yes, I still think that this kind of shows are no more than marketing tools and another of our “perfect world” representations where there is always a happy ending, but this show, in my opinion, it’s a little different. While other reality contests seem to be a disloyal and unfair competition of what they call talent; in the Biggest Loser participants are truly battling with themselves and there is nothing they can do or say to make the other look bad, at the end the scale decides.
This week we saw the 3-hour season finale of Biggest Loser; revealing that 48-year old Helen had lost the largest percent of weight (55%) therefore winning the challenge and a very likable $250,00
0 grand prize. Season 7 was unique compared to previous seasons because it had the heaviest, the oldest, the sickest and the youngest contestants throughout the history of the show. Season 8 of this show will start in September and casting for season 9 is now open. For now, as a travel enthusiast I believe that Helen Phillips should book a luxurious Caribbean vacation rental and enjoy her triumph in a paradisiacal beach while listening to the sound of waves. She has gone through great lengths to win the challenge. She deserves it!
The Swine Flu, also known as the Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) has been one of the top headlines in 
newspapers around the world lately, and a favorite topic among journalists who have warned the public about the possibilities of a pandemic. So what exactly is a pandemic, the swine flu and should we really be alarmed? What precautions and safety measures should we take if we are traveling in order to avoid getting the virus? Although it is not time to panic yet, it is still a good idea to take some safety measures especially if you are planning to travel to your summer vacation rental these days.
What is the Swine Flu?
The Swine Flu, according to Wikipedia refers to “the influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) that usually infect pigs.” The flu outbreak in humans is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that originated in Mexico. The symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of a regular influenza with respiratory illness, fever, headache, sore throat, nasal stuffiness and cough. Some of the basic differences include having besides all other symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting and very high temperatures.
At What Point Should I See the Doctor?
Although doctors recommend not panicking over regular flu symptoms it is important that the very young and the very old always see a doctor about any flu. If you have any diarrhea or high fever and you are getting worse then don’t doubt about making the phone call. The reality is that although everybody would like to have an answer as to what exactly determines if you have swine flu or not, only a lab test can confirm it.
For Those Traveling
If you are traveling to a vacation home these days and consider you might be at high risk here are some safety measures that can be taken in order to avoid getting infected.
-Take an Antiviral (Tamiflu or Relenza) before traveling.
-Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use alcohol-based hand gel.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
-Avoid close contact with people who appear ill.
-Avoid crowds in affected areas.
-Update routine vaccines.
-Defer travel to areas with poor medical infrastructure that have a high incidence of swine flu or other diseases.
-Be sure your health insurance will cover you abroad; if not, consider travel insurance but read policies carefully.
More than a National Park the Grand Canyon is an experience. This marvel of nature is one of those places that can truly leave you breathless. Once there, you realize that you are just a minimal creature of this world, and that there is got to be a supreme force that is able to create such an awe-inspiring beauty. Taking a look at this staggering creation of nature is simply a privilege that not a lot of people in this world have; so if you do have the opportunity of visiting this place, don’t even doubt it for a second.
The Grand Canyon National Park is located in Northern Arizona and it is one of the United State’s oldest National Parks. The park contains the beautiful Grand Canyon which is a chasm of the Colorado River and one of the wonders of the world, also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its immense size of 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep can overwhelm anybody’s senses and its geologic record preserved is what attracts the attention of the world. Although its rocks are not unique and many similar rocks can be found in other places of the world, its wide variety and clarity with which they are exposed is what makes them exclusive.
Hiking at the Grand Canyon
There are many ways to experience the splendor of the Grand Canyon and one of them is hiking. If you like
adventure and are a professional hiker, this is an opportunity you will never forget. When hiking at the Grand Canyon you will be hiking at a high elevation of 7,000 to 8,000 feet in a desert climate. Water and element protection as well as appropriate skills will make the difference between life and death; however the rewards are simply indescribable.
Air Tours
If you are not so adventurous yet would like a panoramic view of the Canyon you can try an air tour. Outside the Grand Canyon National Park there are numerous scenic air tour operators that offer helicopter and fixed wing tours. Many companies also operate tours out of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.
Mule Trips
If you prefer earth activities like me, then a mule trip should be your option. There are two different mule trips, the ones that go from South Rim and the ones that go from North Rim. South Rim trips can last two days and go to the Colorado River and back up to the South Rim. There is also a one day option. North Rim trips do not go to the river and can be from one hour to half a day. It is recommended that you book in advance because this tours get booked really fast.
You can find vacation rentals in Arizona at Rentalo.com
Have you ever feared booking a vacation rental because you don’t know what to expect on the other side? This is a totally understandable fear and a very common concern from travelers that are about to book a vacation rental. Although most travelers are honest people sometimes booking a vacation can be a surprising experience if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
In order to give travelers more confidence when booking a vacation home, Rentalo.com has introduced the “Worry-Free Guarantee.” With this guarantee you don’t have to worry anymore. It is a free guarantee that provides up to 5,000 USD of payment protection so that your lodging is worry free. You can go ahead and book with confidence, we’ve got you covered!
In order to qualify for this guarantee you only have to follow three simple steps:
1. Make a Reservation via Rentalo.com.
2. Register your reservation online BEFORE making any payments to the property owner.
3. Book with confidence!
These steps are very easy and can save you headaches later on. If you want further information regarding this guarantee and the form to register your reservation you can find it at: http://rentalo.com/web/traveler/guarantee.cgi.
There are many ways to travel the world; through luxurious resorts, in a pre-arranged tour and backpacking
among others, but one way that I find particularly interesting is through festivals. Around the world there are many strange traditions and happy festivals being held, that give travelers the opportunity to explore the world through a more artistic way. From the UK to Africa and South America, there are millions of possibilities with countries holding a festival every day of the week. In our travel blog we have decided to review some of these festivals, whether popular or not to give our audience an idea of what could be exploring the world through the eyes of a festival.
It is all About Food
Some places have a strong fixation on food and they demonstrate it through their festivals. The Cheung Chau Bun Festival in Hong Kong is an excellent example. This one hundred-year old festival is set on the island of Cheung Chau and is held every year in May. In the past, after a three day vegetarian diet, thousands of men descended to the island’s lone village where a 60 ft ‘bun tower’ awaited for them. The idea was to climb the tower and pull off more buns than your competitors. Unfortunately due to an accident where the tower collapsed injuring more than 30 climbers this festival was cancelled in 1978. The new festival was re-established in 2005 with new safety rules like allowing only 12 people to climb the tower, all properly harnessed for security. At the end of the festival there is a parade with dragon dances that fill the streets.
Other popular festival is the “Noche de Rabanos” or Radish Night in Oxaca, Mexico. This festival is held every year during December and it is the focal point of Christmas celebrations. During this festival the idea is that visitors carve radish sculptures that range from small animals to human figures and events representations and the grand prize is around the 1,300 USD. It lasts only a few hours due to the vegetables limited lifespan, There are other two categories in which the participants compete: using dried flowers (flor inmortal) and corn husks.
Music Colors and Tradition
If you want some music, colors and tradition I highly recommend Colombia’s “Carnaval de Barranquilla.”
Although not as big as Rio’s carnival, the Barranquilla Carnival has gained international recognition in the latest years for being one of the most traditional festivals in the world. Celebrated four days before Ash Wednesday at the end of February, this carnival offers visitors traditions that date back to the 19th century featuring street dancers, music performances and masquerade parades that practically paralyze the city. During the carnival you will see typical Colombian dances that include Cumbia, Porros, Mapalé and Fandango among others. The carnival was proclaimed by the UNESCO in November of 2003 as one of the “Masterpieces of the Oral Intangible Heritage of Humnanity.”
So next time you think about traveling check out some travel blogs and get informed about the festivals going around. This way of traveling will definitely give you another perspective of the place you are visiting.
Shopping almost always is a thrilling experience for most people, but it can also be tiring and depressing considering high prices. There are several ways to make shopping during your family travel exciting, and get deals you would never imagine.
Flea Markets: A Display of Culture and Superb Souvenirs
Flea markets are a great example of fun and cheap shopping. The world is full of places that offer flea markets with original souvenir alternatives. And the best part of it is that you can always bargain; so chances are you will get a really good deal. Some of the best flea markets according to the Travel Channel include the All Night Flea Market in Wheaton Illinois which, as its name implies, takes place at night once a year on the third Sunday of August at the Dupage County Fairgrounds; the Brimfield Outdoors Antique Show in Brimfield Massachusetts held three times a year during May, July and September and featuring 4,000 dealers and the New Caladonian Market in New England which takes place at the Tower Bridge Road every Friday from 5 am to Noon. A good idea for this flea market is to get there as early as possible as it is very popular in London and it tends to get packed.
As far as overseas flea market two personal favorites are the Buenos Aires’ Feria de San Thelmo; which not only offers an incredible variety of antiques, hand made jewelry and all kinds of items such as handbags, clothes and art, it also offers a unique cultural experience where you will see street performers playing music, and dancing Tango; and the Bogota “Mercado de las Pulgas” in Usaquen. Although small, this flea market is located at a trendy area of the city full of restaurants and bars where tourists can enjoy an afternoon with a good lunch, visiting the market and maybe listening to some of the street stand-up comedians.
Online Shopping: Fast, Easy and Fun!
If you are enjoying a vacation and you want to spend time getting to know places instead of shopping, an
excellent idea is to try online shopping. Although you may think this is something that you can do from anywhere in the world, not all online stores ship everywhere. Many stores offer deals that can only be obtained online specially when there is a change of season; so if you are traveling from overseas to Miami for example, take advantage of your time there and order things online. Most inside U.S shipping takes about a week but you can also order overnight. This alternative will allow you to fully enjoy your family vacation without being tired all the time and get excellent deals from the best brands.
Boston is a place huge in name, beauty and opinion. It is the capital and largest city of Massachusetts and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the area. It has been rated as a top destination in numerous travel reviews and travel blogs around the world, and it is ideal for those travelers who like history, culture and a scholar ambiance unlike any other. It is home to the first subway system in the United States and the first public school; the Boston College. Neighboring Cambridge is home to the renowned Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
An Influential City
Boston has played an important role in shaping the history of America. It was the location of major events during the American Revolution such as the Boston massacre and the Boston tea party. Today Boston holds a strong sense of cultural identity as a result of its intellectual reputation and lures students, tourists and families alike. Among the many museums to visit in the city, tourists will find the Boston Children’s Museum, ideal for those traveling with kids, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments in Cambridge and the Harvard museum of Natural history among others.
The Back Bay: Boston’s Trendiest Neighborhood
If you are looking for a chic place in Boston to go shopping or spend an afternoon in a café, the Back Bay is the place to go. This part of the city offers numerous beautiful boutiques ideal for souvenir shopping, ethnic eateries and an outstanding Victorian architecture typical of the area. If you look for a traditional shopping experience the Back Bay offers the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and if you simply want to stroll around the area then head to the Copley Square. This square is one of the most famous of the city for being the place where the runners of the Boston Marathon end their 26 miles race.
Cambridge: A Heaven for Free Thinkers
No visit to Boston would be complete without stopping by its famous “cousin” Cambridge; located across the Charles River only minutes from Boston. The city was named after the University of Cambridge in England and it is home to the prestigious schools of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT. Many free thinkers, radicals and scholars call this place home and more than 50 languages are spoken in this tiny area. When visiting Cambridge you will find a great population of students, such museums as the MIT Museum, the Semitic Museum and a myriad of restaurants and cafes of all kinds.
Walk the Line
If you want to truly get acquainted with Boston, one of the best ways is to walk the famous two and a half 
mile trail. You will love this trail especially if you like history. You can start at America’s oldest public park and follow the painted line through the Bunker Hill Monument, the Paul Revere House, the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House among others. If you are in a rush you will be able to cover the line in about an hour; however it is recommended that you allow at least 3 hours to leisurely walk and be able to thoroughly see all the sites. There is a Freedom Trail information booth available for tourists at Boston Common where you can get a map and information about the trail sites. If you would like a guided tour, the National Park Service rangers conduct such tours from April through September.
Downtown: The Financial District
The downtown is a Boston must see. It is the city’s retail and financial center, so if you want to go shopping head to downtown. Among the places to see you will find the Boston Massacre Site, The Boston Opera House, the Boston Tea Party ships and Museum and the Theater District. If you are traveling with kids a good idea is to visit the New England Aquarium where you will find all kinds of marine creatures; the Children’s Museum is another excellent option. Other sites of interest in Downtown include the Rowe’s Warf, the Christopher Columbus Park, Chinatown, the King’s Chapel and the King’s Chapel Burying Ground and the U.S. Custom House.
Check out Boston vacation rentals at Rentalo.com!