Travelers Blog - Vacation Rentals by Rentalo.com

Located in east central California, Yosemite National Park is a place that will remain in your memory for a lifetime. And there is a good reason for that. Its majestic views along with its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams and most of all its internationally recognized Giant Sequoia groves, make this biologically diverse park a favorite among tourists worldwide.  The park, which was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, is visited each year by an average of 3.5 million vacationers. Although the park covers an area of about 1,189 square miles most visitors spend their time in the seven miles that comprise the Yosemite Valley.

When visiting this majestic park, expect to find all kinds of outdoor entertainment possibilities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park and there are over 800 miles of trails available to hikers ranging from easy strolls to multiple day backpack trips for the more advanced. I personally recommend experiencing other portions of the park besides Yosemite Valley. If you plan an overnight backpack trip keep in mind that you need a wilderness permit and approved bear resistant food storage. You can find free information is available from the Park Service in Yosemite with details on all the requirements, trail maps and much more.

Rock climbing and biking are other popular pastimes in the park. If you decide to try biking, you will find bicycle rentals in Yosemite Valley from spring to fall and over 12 miles of paved bike paths. You can also ride on regular roads, however off-trail riding and mountain biking are not permitted. If you are visiting with kids keep in mind that helmets are required by law for children under 18 years of age. If you prefer rock climbing you will not be disappointed. The park played an important role in the development of rock climbing as a sport and one of its campgrounds is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Lessons are also available if you wish to take them.

If you visit during the winter months —mid-December through early April—you will probably find several roads closed due to the heavy snow. The Yosemite Valley however, is open year-round and you will be able to enjoy downhill skiing at the Badger Pass Ski Area, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. As with hiking, if you are planning a backcountry overnight ski trip, make sure to have a wilderness permit, as it is required.

As far as accommodations you will not have a problem finding a suitable option for you and your family or friends in Yosemite. You will not have a hard time finding everything from beautiful Yosemite vacation homes, cozy Yosemite bed and breakfasts and Yosemite cabins with great views that will ensure a comfortable and memorable vacation!

Only in San Francisco, you will find cable cars and crooked streets. Only in San Francisco you will find distinctive neighborhoods with charming personalities; a historical bridge and an incredible bay. Only this California destination holds so much magic in its streets. So get ready to explore, discover and simply have lots of fun. Visiting San Francisco is a never-ending adventure.

The appeal of this city rests on its numerous things to do and places to visit; which cater to everyone in the planet. If you are visiting with a special someone, romantic San Francisco offers a great restaurant selection with incredible menus and views beyond words. Kids will love a visit to the Exploratorium with its more than 600 science, nature, art and technology exhibits; or taking a Fire Engine Tour were festive guides will pass out fire hats, jackets and scarves to make the experience as real as possible; and families will simply enjoy touring around this beautiful place. One thing is certain; you will never get bored while in San Francisco!

San Francisco Transportation: The Fun Way to Get Around!

Transportation is one of those things that make San Francisco so unique. Unlike many other cities in the world, where getting around is always a hassle, exploring San Francisco on public transportation is actually very exciting. You can start by booking a first-class limo to take you from the airport to your San Francisco vacation rental. Limousines here are very popular and affordable; and for a rate similar to that of a taxicab you will get top quality service that will make you feel just like a celebrity.

When it is time to get to know the city a good idea is to take San Francisco’s famous cable car; an activity that both adults and kids will enjoy. San Francisco’s cable car system is the world’s last permanently operational and manually operated cable car system and it is also an icon of the city.

If you want to do some around the bay sightseeing the best option is a ferry. There are many ferry tours that take visitors along the city’s waterfront, past the Pier 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge, by Sausalito, past Angel Island and around Alcatraz among many other places. Tour times are usually an hour although times may vary.

Regardless of the transportation method you choose to use, getting around San Francisco will always be an exciting adventure.

San Francisco Attractions: The Ones You Can’t Miss

When it comes to things to do San Francisco offers a wide range of alternatives and sometimes it is hard to choose what to do and where to start Considering that must people visit San Francisco with limited time, here is a list of those attractions that you simply can’t miss!

Fisherman’s Warf, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39

No visit to San Francisco would be complete without visiting this area. These half a dozen blocks along the waterfront constitute San Francisco’s stereotype and are the most popular attractions in the city.

The Fisherman’s Warf, once home to a fleet of over 400 boats, is the perfect place to eat sidewalk seafood and get souvenirs of all kinds. Around the Fisherman’s Warf you will find such attractions as the Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

The Pier 39 is another great option to get souvenirs. Visitors love this place due to its numerous souvenir shops and restaurants. There is also a marina next door where you can enjoy the view of the Sea Lions if they are home.

Home to a retail outlet and sweet shop of the famous Ghirardelli chocolates, the Ghirardelli square, another icon of the city, is ideal for dinning and shopping. If you are lucky you may also witness special events such as the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival which is held in September.

Other Area Points of Interest
Maritime Museum
Cable Car Turnarround
Aquatic Park

The Golden Gate Bridge

A marvel of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most visited attractions of the city. The best way to really appreciate it is by walking on it. At mid-span you will be 220 feet above the water’s surface and all ships will look like little toys. There are also a number of guided tours available, but most of the times they only allow a few minutes to get out at the south vista point.

Chinatown: A Unique Opportunity

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the most famous Chinatowns of the world. It is the largest Chinese community in the west-coast and the second largest in the United States after New York. It is the perfect opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and eat some delicious Chinese food.

Union Square, Lombard Street and Coit Tower

Three of the other must see attractions of San Francisco are the Union Square, one of the city’s three original parks; the Lombard street the famous crookedest street of San Francisco and the Coit tower; which offers panoramic views of the city from the top of Telegraph Hill. Certainly symbols of the city that no tourist should leave unseen.

San Francisco Restaurants: Our Picks
Park Chow
Chevy’s
Mel’s Dinner

Clickhere to see a list of Vacation Rentals in San Francisco

A beautiful harbor that houses 2,500 yachts within two marinas, a beach where visitors can walk their dog and a place where movie stars are all around”Los Angeles and Orange County entice visitors worldwide with a variety of attractions. Those looking for a fun yet relaxing vacation will find this area of California fascinating.

Besides attractions such as Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios and the Getty Museum, visitors to Los Angeles or Orange County will find beautiful beaches in places like Huntington Beach and Dana Point. Relaxing walks on the beach or an entertaining afternoon with your pooch at Huntington’s Dog Beach are some of the possibilities while vacationing in this area. Along with entertainment, Los Angeles, Huntington Beach and Dana Point also offer a wide variety of lodging alternatives for every taste and budget. A convenient way to find vacation rentals in Los Angeles or Orange County is by searching through an online directory. Rentalo.com, for example offers a selection of vacation rentals in the area to suit different types of travelers.

Those who like the excitement and variety of Los Angeles can find a beautiful vacation condo in the Los Angeles area that accommodates four people for only $135 USD a night. This condo has new contemporary décor, a fully-equipped kitchen and an attached laundry. High speed wireless Internet is also available throughout. A full description of this condo, including pictures, is available at: http://rentalo.com/205344/losangelesguest.html. A list of Los Angeles hotels and vacation homes can be found at Rentalo.com

For a more relaxed vacation, travelers can head to Huntington Beach. Rentalo offers a modern Huntington Beach rental home for six that features designer furnishings and a gourmet kitchen. It has two patios, a veranda and a beautiful courtyard. It is close to a golf course and tennis courts, shopping, dinning and Los Angeles attractions. Those interested in more information and pictures of this property can visit: http://rentalo.com/117357/huntington.html. More Huntington Beach accommodation options are available at Rentalo.com.

Visitors to Dana Point will find a beautiful Dana Point vacation home for six only steps from the beach. Guests can enjoy a perfect vacation in this professionally designed condo. The master bedroom has been beautifully decorated with a king size canopy bed and Coastal Style furnishings and has a private garden patio. It is located near the five-star St. Regis Spa and is close to the Dana Point Harbor and the shops and art galleries of Laguna Beach. Details of this vacation home can be found at: http://rentalo.com/168047/danapointvacationrental1.html. Visit Rentalo.com for more Dana Point lodgings.

Aside from San Francisco’s magical cable cars, fine dining and five star shopping, California’s Bay Area also offers some interesting discoveries in Napa and Santa Cruz. Wine lovers will be delighted by the Napa Valley’s beautiful vineyards, while Santa Cruz’s colonial style will enchant those looking for a tranquil place to relax and unwind.

If accommodations are a concern, some internet research will help in finding the perfect Bay Area lodging in spite of budget or number of people traveling. Vacation Rental directories such as Rentalo.com list a wide selection of San Francisco vacation rentals, Napa condos and Santa Cruz hotels.

A cozy one-bedroom San Francisco garden apartment, perfect for a business trip or a romantic getaway, is available for $135 USD a night. It sleeps three people comfortably and is conveniently located in the Richmond district of northwest San Francisco. Guests of this San Francisco vacation rental will enjoy a quiet urban neighborhood while minutes away from downtown and tourist attractions. The apartment is fully furnished and nicely decorated. There is off-street parking and the bus line is one block away. To see a full description and pictures of the apartment visit: http://rentalo.com/109861/cozyapartment.html. A list of San Francisco vacation rentals is available at Rentalo.com.

Those planning to visit Napa will find a beautifully decorated two-bedroom, one-bath Napa vacation apartment for $175USD a night. The apartment is suitable for four people and guests can walk to restaurants, wine-tasting facilities, Copia (The American Center for Wine), the wine train, the theater and the opera house. A detailed description is available at: http://rentalo.com/208667/downtownnapa.html. More Napa vacation apartments are available at Rentalo.com

Those looking for a tranquil vacation will definitely enjoy Santa Cruz. A spacious beach house and vacation rental for eight people is available for $350 per night. The home has hardwood floors, a huge sectional couch with large Sony TV, and is conveniently located right across the street from Pleasure Point’s first and second peak surf spots. The property features a waterfall in the back, a large teak table, a barbecue, and a Jacuzzi with a gazebo. The kitchen opens up to the library, dining and living rooms, which makes it great for entertaining and relaxing after a trip to the beach. Details of this Santa Cruz vacation rental can be found at: http://rentalo.com/184129/eastcliff.html. For more Santa Cruz vacation houses options visit Rentalo.com

A beach full of street performers where a day is never just “a day at the beach;” a place where sunsets are amazing almost every day; and a paradise where skies are always blue’this is Southern California. Regardless of the type of vacation a traveler wants, Southern California’s towns of Venice Beach, Balboa Island and Rancho Mirage will certainly surpass expectations.

The best part of visiting these towns is that they offer several lodging alternatives and it is not hard to find accommodations for large or small groups that fit any budget. Rentalo.com, a website that connects travelers with vacation rental owners, has a large database of options. From small modern condos to cozy cottages and large houses, the options are limitless.

Spend a stress-free vacation at a luxurious Venice Beach vacation rental that fits twelve people. This beautiful duplex is a brand new renovation located 100 yards from the beach. It features an open kitchen and dining area, wood floors throughout and a large master bedroom with a walk-in closet, dressing room and private bathroom. There is a fantastic roof top deck with a barbecue grill, patio furniture and amazing ocean views. For more details and pictures visit: http://rentalo.com/183781/venicebeachduplex.html. A list of Venice Beach vacation homes is available at Rentalo.com

To enjoy the most spectacular and tranquil sunsets, Rentalo offers an upscale bay front vacation apartment for two people on Balboa Island. Perfect for those traveling with a “valentine,” this centrally-located vacation condo is steps form beautiful Newport Beach and features two private patios, a soaking tub, a walk-in closet and astonishing views. The condo has tasteful decor and is only a minute from a ferry ride. The duplex is currently listed starting at $250 USD a night. Pictures and a detailed description are available at: http://rentalo.com/97359/anupscale.html. More Balboa Island vacation condos are available at Rentalo.com

Those on a tighter budget can opt for beautiful Rancho Mirage and stay in a one- bedroom unit for $170 USD a night. This condo, located in the Mission Hills Country Club, has everything needed for an unforgettable vacation. It was recently redecorated and features vaulted wood ceilings and a new air conditioning and heating system. More information regarding this condo is available at: http://rentalo.com/209724/fantasticlake.html. For more Rancho Mirage accommodations visit Rentalo.com

The charm and beauty of California’s beaches, in addition to its relaxed atmosphere and friendly people, attract travelers from around the planet to this beautiful state. From the tranquil beach atmosphere of Mission Beach and the enchanting sunsets of Oceanside to the beautiful people in Newport Beach, those thinking of a beach vacation should consider Southern California.

Although a beach vacation can mean spending a lot of money, with the help of the web, it is easier than ever to find affordable accommodations. Staying in a vacation rental house or apartment instead of a hotel, for example, is an excellent way of saving money. Vacation rental directories such as Rentalo.com offer a variety of alternatives to fit almost any budget.

A beautiful Newport Beach vacation home that can comfortably fit eight people is available at Rentalo for $207 USD a night. This vacation rental has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The home also offers 180 degree ocean views and a pool. Those interested in this vacation rental can see a full description with pictures at: http://rentalo.com/59010/newportbeach180degree.html. A list of Newport Beach vacation homes is also available at Rentalo.com

A three-bedroom, two-bathroom Mission Beach vacation house is currently listed for $125 USD a night. This spacious duplex located on a pedestrian-only street, is steps away from the Pacific Ocean and one block from Mission Bay. It is also only minutes from the San Diego Airport, Downtown, Point Loma, La Jolla, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the Wild Animal Park and Legoland. This Mission Beach vacation rental house is ideally located to optimize your vacation time. Details of this Mission Beach vacation home are available at: http://rentalo.com/59010/lamission.html. Visit Rentalo.com for more Mission Beach lodging alternatives.

If traveling for a longer period, Oceanside offers a newly-decorated, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo suitable for six people at $1200 USD a week. The vacation rental offers a fully-equipped kitchen, a queen size sofa, and a fireplace. Visitors can also enjoy a beautiful tropical garden with waterfalls, koi pond and swimming pool. More information regarding this Oceanside vacation home is available at: http://rentalo.com/30176/oceansidepenthouse.html. Rentalo.com also offers a list of Oceanside vacation rental alternatives.

Those looking for a tranquil and less frantic vacation in California can opt for less touristy destinations. Anglers will have a blast when visiting the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, a popular fishing destination. Strawberry fanatics should consider Oxnard, considered the strawberry world capital, and those who want the typical Southern California experience, yet far from the crowds, can visit Long Beach.

If accommodations are a concern, travelers should look into alternatives to a hotel room. Southern California offers a myriad of accommodation options including Long Beach vacation homes, Oxnard condos and Monterey oceanfront homes. Staying at a vacation rental in Southern California can offer travelers comfort and amenities not offered at a hotel room as well as privacy and space.

A brand new Monterey vacation home that suits eight people comfortably is available at Rentalo for $450 USD a night. This luxurious 300-square-foot home has a beautiful view, a pool room, and a grass barbecue in the backyard. Travelers interested in a detailed description, pictures and contact information regarding this property can visit the following page: http://rentalo.com/93745/montereybay.html. More Monterey vacation rental listings are available at Rentalo.com.

Visitors in Oxnard can relax and unwind in the Mediterranean Sand Castle, an astonishing Oxnard vacation home that boasts three stories, four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. It is located directly in the middle of Silverstrand Beach and can comfortably sleep ten people. Guests can step out the back door to a serene, un-crowded mile-long stretch of white sand and take in the unspoiled beauty of the Pacific and the neighboring Channel Islands. This vacation home is available for $575 USD a night. More information can be found at: http://rentalo.com/233523/mediterraneansand.html. For more Oxnard lodging alternatives visit Rentalo.com

A beautiful Long Beach bungalow, recently remodeled, is available on Rentalo at a special rate of $125 USD a night. This vacation rental sleeps four people and is conveniently located only a few minutes from the beach, downtown and the freeways. It has a patio and modern décor. Full descriptions and pictures of this rental are available at: http://rentalo.com/260168/longbeachvacationrental2.html. More Long Beach vacation homes can be booked at Rentalo.com.