Do Your Homework and Learn About the Culture

Some countries have very different standards and views of what is appropriate behavior for women. While in America inviting a person of the opposite sex to your hotel room may not be considered as a double standard, in certain countries it can be illegal and result in detention. Something along the same lines happens when doing business. While in some South American countries discussing topics like football or weekend plans before a meeting is an important part of establishing a relationship, in Canada meetings go straight to the point. Going straight to the point in a South American country can cost you the deal as it is considered to be rude and impolite.

Leave Valuables at Home

Leaving valuables at home is the number one rule of traveling alone. Although it may seem like an obvious tip, it is always important to think twice whenever packing valuable objects. Don’t take unnecessary things like jewelry or even costume jewelry. Burglars won’t know it is fake until they have stolen it. Extra credit cards are another common unnecessary and risky travel item.

Be Always on Guard

Muggers always take advantage of distracted travelers to carry out their misdeeds. It is important to always be on guard, regardless if you are in an area that is considered to be safe. Thieves don’t always look like thieves and tourists are always an easy target. Be ready to react to unfamiliar situations and always be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes the most harmless looking people are the most dangerous. Avoid lonely streets and dead-end alleys and if you feel like you are being followed step into a store. When lost, ask for directions in safe and public places such as a supermarket or a hotel.

Confidence is the Key

Even if you are not sure of what you are doing, try to act as though you know your way around. Burglars can detect fear at miles of distance and demonstrating fear will make you a preferred target for them. Being confident or acting like it can help avoid potential danger.

Look for vacation rentals worldwide at Rentalo.com.

Things to do in Mexico City

Boredom is something you will never experience at Mexico city. There are numerous things to do and see while visiting a Mexico City vacation rental. Regardless if you are visiting with your friends, family or kids, there will always be an appropriate thing to do in this never-stopping city.

Things to See

Angel de La Independencia: One of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Angel de la Independencia is known by locals as simply “El Angel,” is an iconic monument located in Reforma Avenue and Florencia Street.

Plaza Garibaldi – Mariachi: A popular square surrounded by restaurants and cafes where groups of musicians known as mariachis play folk music. Beware though, that payment is expected every time they play a song.

Torre Latinoamericana: If looking for a great view of the city, the Torre Latinoamericana is the place to go. With a height of 597 ft and 45 stories, this building is another major landmark of the city.

Things to Do

National Museum of Anthropology: Recognized worldwide as one of the best museums of its kind, the National Museum of Anthropology was built in the late 1960’s and it gathers an impressive collection of jewels, sculptures and handcrafts of ancient Mexican cultures.

Palacio de Bellas Artes: Very popular among tourists, the Fine Arts Palace is a concert hall and arts center that features some of Mexico’s finest murals worth seeing.

Other things to do in Mexico include:
Zocalo
Guadalupe Basilica
Six Flags Mexico
La Feria de Chapultepec
Chapultepec Park and Zoo

Tenerife: One of the most diverse islands of this archipelago, Tenerife offers visitors everything from beautiful coasts to giant cliffs and volcanic landscapes. It is the largest of the Canaries and among its numerous attractions visitors of a Canary Islands vacation rental will find great weather, climbing, paragliding, fishing, skin diving, surfing, windsurfing and many more.

El Hierro: Perfect for nature lovers, staying at a Canary Islands vacation rental in El Hierro offers a peaceful vacation full of natural beauty and a contrast of very different landscapes. This is the smallest of all the islands and features breathtaking underwater scenery, mountain bike pathways for active souls, charming rural accommodations and natural swimming pools among many other attractions.

La Palma: Colorful villages and colonial cities make up this enchanting island known by locals as “Isla Bonita” which means Pretty Island. Those staying at a vacation rental in La Palma will be treated with spectacular natural landscapes, volcanic cones and charming bays. Famous attractions include the woodland of “El Canal y los Tiles,” and the “Caldera de Taburiente” sight.

Gran Canaria: Golden beaches and endless dunes of white sand make Gran Canaria a favorite among tourists. Staying at a Gran Canaria vacation rental will provide you with a vacation full of historical quarters, extensive commercial areas, delicious restaurants and a unique nightlife. The island is perfect for those in search of real adventures!

La Gomera: Those who love tradition will love staying at a La Gomera vacation home. This island of the Canaries has conserved its ancient traditions and offers nature in its purest form. The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must visit to this astonishing place.

Lanzarote: Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, Lanzarote is an exotic island located in the easternmost side of the Canaries.  When visiting Lanzarote expect crystal-clear waters, dark volcanic sand and powerful waves ideal for such sports as surfing and windsurfing.

If You are Driving
If you are driving to your vacation rental during winter, your main concern should always be safety. Winter driving conditions can be rough and not friendly so it is necessary that you know how to get ready for your trip and how to handle a winter storm in case you are stuck in one.

Cold Survival Kit: Make sure to pack some extra clothing and emergency items inside your car. A basic kit can include a pair of gloves, weather-resistant pants, an old pair of boots, a blanket, jumper cables, a flashlight with good batteries, and a windshield scraper. You will surely appreciate having packed these items if your car breaks down in very cold weather.

Check Your Car: Checking your car for winter conditions is always a must.  Check your tires, and keep your headlights and taillights clean. Make sure defrosters work well and if possible put a bag of kitty litter in the trunk; this will add ballast and offer better traction. It will also be helpful to put under the wheels in case you need to get out of a slippery spot.

If you are Flying
When flying to your vacation rental the most common challenges you will face are airport delays, cancellations, passenger strandings and airport woes among many others. Here are some ideas on how to cope with these flying issues.

Non-stop is the way to go: Usually the biggest problems for travelers include missing a connection because the first outbound flight was delayed or cancel. Therefore if you know that you might travel during difficult weather conditions try to book a non-stop flight. It will save you several headaches.

Early Bird: If you can’t book a non-stop flight then do your best to book an early flight. You will be less likely to have your flight affected by problems in other airports and you will have more options in case your flight is cancelled or delayed.

Vancouver Westside: Covering the neighborhoods of Kitsilano (often referred as simply Kits), South Granville, UBC and South Vancouver, this part of Vancouver offers Vancouver vacation rental guests a relaxed break with beautiful beaches, charming markets a thriving arts scene, numerous museums and delightful gardens among many other things. If visiting Kits, make sure to visit the Spanish Banks, a set of three beaches popular among skimboarders and kite boarders. If staying at South Granville a good entertainment alternative is the Vancouver Arts Club Theatre Company while those visiting UBC and South Vancouver should not miss the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.

East Vancouver: Although this part of Vancouver is largely residential those visiting this area can have fun at the Playland a the PNE, a medium sized amusement park with activities like a wooden rollercoaster, games, shows for kids and many other rides. The park is open daily from late June to August and weekends only on May and September. Other area’s popular attractions include the Parade of Lost Souls which takes place around Halloween and features fire dancers, live music and many other fun things. If you like sports and horse racing the Hastings Racecourse and a Vancouver Giants Hockey game may be the option for you.

Things to do in Destin

When staying at a Destin vacation home you can choose among a great variety of activities; but remember, doing absolutely nothing is also an option.  Destin’s beaches are considered amongst the world’s most beautiful beaches and are the perfect setting for numerous recreational options. Snorkeling and fishing off of the beach are preferred activities among visitors and sunbathing and swimming are also very popular.

Watersports fanatics will never feel short of alternatives at Destin; pontoon boats, jet skis, parasailing and waverunners are all available in the area. And those who prefer fishing will be delighted with Destin’s outstanding fishing possibilities. Many species of sport fish at the Emerald Coast can be caught without the need of a boat, by simply going off the beach pier and jetty. The best sport fishing is between April and October.

Golf enthusiasts will also find great options when booking a Destin vacation rental. The area abounds with golf courses that differ in difficulty and degrees of challenge. Golfers will be treated with breathtaking sceneries and outstanding facilities that will make the golfing experience as unique and enjoyable as possible. Some of the most popular golf courses include the Bluewater Bay Golf Resort a semi private course, the Club at Hidden Creek, a semi private championship 18 hole course, the Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club, a public championship course and the Golf Garden of Destin, a public lighted golf course and ten-acre practice area with ten multi-pin target greens among others.

If you are traveling with the kids and the whole family a great alternative is to take a dolphin cruise. The Destin area is a natural habitat of dolphins and these fairly inexpensive cruises allow travelers to enjoy the pristine waters of the Emerald Coast, while watching dolphins, seabirds and a variety of marine life. You can also feed the birds, enjoy the music and narration of the tour, and some snacks and souvenirs.

Things to do in Kailua Kona
Being part of the Big Island, Kona offers great entertainment alternatives. Some of the most popular include:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This is one of the country’s most spectacular parks. It was established in 1916 and it displays the volcanism and evolution of hundreds of years. It has been recognized as both and International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding natural values. When visiting the park you can drive around the crater and feel the hot steam rising from fissures all around.

Rainbow Falls: Other popular Big Island attraction, the Rainbow Falls are located in Hilo and provide visitors with the perfect  opportunity to witness an 80 foot waterfall rushing into a pool almost one hundred feet in width.  Try to visit the falls during the morning hours when the sun rises over the area’s mango trees, you will be able to take some post-card like photos if you’d like.
Hapuna Beach State Park: If you are looking for a great beach the Hapuna Beach State Park is the place to go. You will find lots of soft sand and a great view of Maui. Swimming conditions here are excellent most of the time and snorkeling is great at the south-end of the beach. There is a coral reef and fish are very varied.

Punalu’u Beach: This is a black sand beach where turtles come to nest. Visitors of this beach will be treated with beautiful scenery and excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions as well. It is located south of Hilo and it is a quiet spot perfect for those looking for total relaxation. It is recommended not to touch or distress the turtles.

Vist Rentalo.com for vacation rentals in Kailua Kona

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
The place is full of opportunities especially for active souls. It is one of Mexico’s top dive destinations, attracting thousands of scuba diving lovers every year. Those who are not as daring can go for a snorkeling adventure at the popular areas of Los Arcos underwater caves and the Marieta Islands caverns. If you aren’t a fan of water activities a canopy tour may be the ideal option. The city is well known for its canopy and zip line tours, offering tourists an exciting experience that combines adrenaline and great views as you fly over the tree tops. Other favorite activity among Puerto Vallarta visitors is exploring the Sierra Madre.

If you are not the sports type of traveler then visiting the Vallarta Botanical Gardens might be the way to go. Located only twelve miles south of Puerto Vallarta, these gardens are easily accessible and feature numerous botanical collections on with a great variety of species of plants. Some of the most beautiful exhibits include the Palm Gardens, the Rose Garden, the Orchid House, a display of Mexican wildflowers and a favorite among visitors, the Carnivorous Plant Connection. Make sure to bring your swimming suit to enjoy a dip in the beautiful and crystal clear Rio Los Horcones.

Another very popular activity among Puerto Vallarta travelers is golfing. The city offers astonishing courses within incredible natural settings. If you are an avid golfer you can head to La Marina Vallarta Golf Course. This golf course offers great challenges as it has narrow fairways that are guarded by water. The Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta golf course is an 18-hole par 71 course that was designed by Jim Lipe. If you want an easy game then the Los Flamingos Golf Course is widely known for being one of the easiest ones to play.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach
There is no doubt that Panama City Beach can be what you want it to be. If you want to party then options are unlimited, if you want to rest, then a relaxing day at your beachfront Panama City Beach accommodation is always an option. Besides these two alternatives, here are some of the most popular Panama City Beach attractions:

Adventures at Sea: Located in 5711 North Lagoon Drive, this vacation attraction is ideal if you are traveling with your family and kids. It is never closed and offers guests such activities as parasailing, jet skiing, waverunner rides, boat rentals, banana boat rides and swimming with dolphins; kids’ favorite.

St. Andrews State Park: Perfect for those who like adventures, the St. Andrews State Park is located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and at Panama City Beach’s east end; and offers guests great camping opportunities. If you are looking for a primitive camping site, ask for the one that faces both the Lagoon and the Bay.

Gulf World Marine Park: This fun park has been one of the city’s landmarks since 1969. Kids will enjoy the park’s main five shows and the many exhibits featuring all dins of marine life. Don’t miss SplashMagic, a nighttime laser show, or the Tropical Gardens where you can see flamingos, iguanas and much more. There is also a Swim-with-Dolphins program for those interested.

Shopping: If your definition of vacation is never complete without shopping, then staying at a Panama City Beach vacation home will not disappoint you. The city offers everything from Antique shops to find a unique souvenir, numerous galleries for those interested in art pieces, a great variety of apparel and swimsuit shops to find your new and exciting swimsuit, or specialty shops. If you want the regular shopping experience then you can head to one of the city’s shopping centers which include the Panama City Mall, the Pier Park, Shoppes at Edgewater and Silver Sand Factory Stores.

1. Know where to search.
There are literally thousands of places you can look for Orlando vacation rentals, but not all portals are created equal.  Look for a portal that allows you to filter through the hundreds of properties advertised and also allows you to quickly compare your offers.  Because Orlando is such a popular destination and most portals have hundreds of listings, how do you know that a listing on page 10 isn’t the right one for you?  We thought about that in Rentalo.  We allow travelers to fill out 1 form, and our system matches your needs with the criteria of properties that fit them.  That way, you get answers back from owners who have properties that will be reasonably close to what you are looking for.  You get to compare and make a better and more informed decision.

2. Plan ahead.
Orlando Florida is one of the hottest destinations worldwide all year round.  The key to getting the best Orlando vacation rental is in planning your vacation ahead of time and taking advantage of Special Offers.  Rentalo displays properties offering Special Offers via our traveler newsletters.  Sign up for the savings.

3. Be open to search nearby destinations.
Most travelers have heard of Orlando, but did you know that you can also find Davenport or Kissimmee vacation rentals, sometimes at a lower price?  You may have to drive 5 more minutes, but the savings may make up for it.

4. Discounted Theme park tickets.
With such a competitive market and with so many vacation rental owners waiting for your business, they know they need to stand out. Many property owners offer perks like discounted Theme park tickets.  This alone may save you hundreds of dollars instantly, so ASK!

5. Get a contract in writing.
Ok, so you found the perfect place and you are ready to book it… not so fast.  We strongly recommend that you ask the property owner for a contract in writing before you send any payments, even if it’s just an email and not a formal invoice.  Most property owners are regular folk just like you, but you still want to have a paper trail of your communication in the unlikely event that something comes up further down the road.  The more detailed the better.

6. Avoid fraud.
Most property owners and managers are friendly and professional people.  Once in a while (as with anything in life) you find people that try to use portals to scam you.  This is less frequent on sites like Rentalo.com which have a very strong Anti-Fraud system built in, so potential scammers can’t even advertise.  If you get an email asking you for all the money upfront via cash, wire transfer, Western Union or Money Gram, we strongly recommend you do not continue with the transaction unless you are certain they are a real property owner (example, your friend already stayed in the property).

7. Pay with a credit card or Paypal.
The most recommended form of payment to make sure you are covered is via credit card or Paypal.  If you pay this way you can rest assured that you are covered in the event something goes wrong.  Also, paying this way allows you to sign up for the Rentalo Worry Free Lodging Guarantee.

8. Buy travel insurance.
Again, most travelers don’t even think about this, but what if everything is fine with the rental, but you have problems with your trip?  What if a family problem comes up? Some properties cannot give you the money back because of their policies.  For just a few dollars you can have total peace of mind and insure your trip.

9. Get booking details.
Find out details about your lodging far in advance your arrival.  Get a map with specific driving directions.  Make sure to get details about entrance to the property and proper procedures for the stay, nearby restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, etc.  Keep in mind that many property owners may not leave near the property, so make sure you have a contact number for a local person in case you need assistance.

10. HAVE FUN!!!
Don’t forget the most important thing, make sure you have lots of fun and let us know about it!