Travelers Blog - Vacation Rentals by Rentalo.com

If this is your first time traveling with pets you probably have some questions to answer and without doubt many arrangements to make. Traveling with pets can be as sour or sweet experience as you would like it to be. It all depends in how much research and preparation you put into it before traveling. Here are some of the most important issues to take into account when taking your pet with you on your vacation.

Pet Transportation
Pet transportation is perhaps one of the most important issues to consider when traveling with pets. Some airlines only allow dogs and cats, most of them require a special reservation and most of them have special requirements for international flights. The best thing to do is to check with your airline regarding their requirements, here are some of the major airline websites addressing pet traveling:

American Airlines:
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp

Continental:
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/default.aspx

Delta:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/index.jsp

Southwest:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals.html

Jet Blue:
http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj(2032)

Pet Passport
If you are traveling abroad, specifically to Europe you may want to check the “PETS” which stands for Pet Travel Scheme. An initiative that started in the U.K, the Pet Travel Scheme is a scheme that allows animals to travel easily between member countries without undergoing quarantine. Pets get a pet passport which is a document that officially records information related to a specific animal. More information can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_passport.

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals
When traveling with pets staying in a vacation rental can be a major advantage over a hotel room. Pet Friendly vacation rentals offer the space, privacy and comfort that hotels don´t. To Find Pet Friendly vacation rentals in Rentalo.com simply choose your travel destination and use the Smart Search Feature to filter out pet friendly vacation homes. Here is an example of Orlando Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals.

It is about time to start planning a winter vacation, and an adventurous ski strip. And what a better destination for such a getaway than a Breckenridge vacation rental? Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, this historic town delights its visitors with its numerous winter entertainment possibilities. Ski conditions here are excellent and there is a ski and ride school for those who are just starting to enjoy this exciting and challenging sport. The town has developed following the explosive growth of ski in Colorado; therefore you will not have a problem finding Breckenridge accommodations, ski equipment rentals or a good place to have dinner.

While you are not at the slope you can try visiting the resort and town. With an area of 7 miles long and 2 miles wide, this tiny place is full of alternatives. Besides its numerous charming boutique shops which are ideal to find a unique souvenir, you will also find a variety of art galleries filled with Rocky Mountain treasures; most of them located at Main Street. Other very common attractions in Breckenridge include the Mining Ruins, the Historic Father Dyer Church; the Kingdom of Breckenridge stables, Breckenridge Outfitters for fly fishing and the Breckenridge Golf Club among many others.

If you feel like relaxing, a visit to a Breckenridge Spa is a good idea. Spas here will allow you to live an intimate and personal experience with professional therapists that offer a unique approach to customized treatments. From steam therapies and aromatherapy to Swedish and Tibetan style massages, you will certainly love this experience and you will feel ready for any adventure. Many of these spas also offer classes like Yoga, Pilates, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qi Gong and some of them are located within astonishing landscapes and scenery that will help rejuvenate your spirit, body and mind.

As far as accommodations Breckenridge offers all kinds of alternatives for all types of travelers. From a luxurious resort with all the amenities and delightful Breckenridge bed and breakfasts that offer delicious home-like breakfasts to spacious and comfortable Breckenridge vacation homes and Breckenridge lodges, you will not have a problem finding an accommodation alternative that will fit your budget.

Some of the options offered at Rentalo.com include:

The Modern Log Cabin: Located in a secluded setting yet close to town and the ski slopes, this three bedroom, two bathroom Breckenridge accommodations sleeps up to eight people starting at $350 USD per night during winter season. More information can be found at: http://rentalo.com/13696/modernlogcabinsecluded.html.

The Breckenridge Ski and Racket Club: One of the most popular places to stay in Breckenridge, this beautiful vacation condo has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep up to eight people comfortably. It has panoramic views from the deck and it is centrally located just a walk away from the town. The rental is available for a rate of $99 USD per night. Pictures and a full description are available at: http://rentalo.com/873/breckenridgeski.html.

We are getting closer to the end of the vacation season and many haven’t taken a break yet. Yes, it is not the best time to go on vacation if we think of money matters; but how about choosing your next destination based on the vacation rental deal that you can get? Thinking about all of those who still wish they could go on a break without spending that much, I have compiled a short list of some of the best vacation rental deals that I have found in our website.

Enjoy!

Fort Myers Beach Vacation Condo 30% OFF

This Fort Myers Beach vacation condo, is a deluxe two bedroom, two bathtroom unit with a very large kitchen, a fully equipped dining area adjacent to the kitchen and queen size beds in the spacious bedrooms. The back deck overlooks the pool and the front deck has Gulf views. It sleeps up to six people comfortably for $94.50 USD per night. Special rate lasts until October 30, 2009.

California Indian Wells Country Club Home 30% OFF

This breathtaking Indian Wells home was featured in the Winter Issue 2005/2006 national publication “Luxury Homes & Communities.” The main Indian Wells house and attached casita (guest house) total approx 3,700 square feet of custom architecture and interior design, by two of the Desert’s finest, builder Lance Christensen and renowned interior designer Steve Charette. The home can sleep up to eight people comfortably and it is now available at a special rate of $250 USD per night. Offer lasts until September 30th.

Playa del Carmen Penthouse 36% OFF

Located only minutes from the best Caribbean beaches, this vacation condo has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a six persons Jacuzzi and on the rooftop of this Playa del Carmen vacation rental you will also find an outdoor kitchen with mini fridge, BBQ and gas-stove. It is beautifully furnished with 42” plasma TV, multiregional DVD, wireless internet connection, leather sofas and a king size bed in a spacious suite. The condo can accommodate up to 4 people for a discounted rate of $112USD. Offer lasts until November 15th.

Beachfront Kauai Vacation Rental          40% OFF

This beautiful beachfront Kauai vacation rental is located right on the ocean where you can relax on the sand right out of your door! Let the gentle sound of the waves melt your stress away and lull you to a peaceful, restful sleep. The condo can sleep up to three people comfortably. It has one bedroom and one bathroom and it is currently advertised at $114 USD per night. Offer is available until December 15th and requires a 3 night minimum stay.

Last Minute Kaanapali Vacation Rental Special 50% OFF

This newly remodeled, spacious cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with an enclosed lanai. It is nestled in a ten acre lush tropical complex with two pool areas. It is also near to both parking and swimming pool. (No parking fee or resort fees!) It is minutes walk to North Kaanapali Beach, great for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying memorable sunsets. The vacation rental can sleep up to six people at a discounted price of $110 USD per night. Offer lasts until August 31st , so hurry up!

People with disabilities have for long faced special challenges when it comes to traveling around the world. Nowadays, however, there are numerous organizations that work towards helping mitigate these challenges. The term “accessible tourism” refers, according to Wikipedia, to “the ongoing endeavor to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age.” Currently, the United States and Europe have the majority of existing companies dedicated to accessible tourism, however due to the growing need many companies have emerged in other countries.

If traveling to Europe, here are some useful websites:

Flying-with-disability.org:
Visitors of this website will find advice on how to negotiate airports and flights, organizations that provide special insurance coverage for travelers with disabilities, information on special wheelchair battery options and tips on how to plan your trip in advance.

Tourismforall.org.uk:
This UK charity organization provides information on hotels, flights, insurance, health needs and assistance in obtaining care overseas.

Accessibletourism.org:
This is the website of the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT). You will find several resources including access guides, articles and links regarding accessible tourism in Europe and worldwide.

If traveling to the United States, the following might be useful:

Disney World’s guidebook for guests with disabilities: disney.go.com/vacations/websites/disabilities
Access-able.com: Provides access information to mature and disabled travelers in the United States.
Disabilitytravel.com: Includes information on group tours, cruises, licensed travel companion and disability travel resources.

To find handicap accessible vacation rentals, log on to rentalo.com, type the name of your destination and on the Smart Search Special Features choose Handicap Accessibility.

One of the most diverse and dynamic places in Europe, Amsterdam is the way to go if you want excitement. The capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam is home to impressive architecture, lovely canals and great shopping alternatives. Regardless if you want some culture or if you are thinking of serious partying, you will find something for every taste in this eclectic city. It is the biggest city and cultural centre of Netherlands although not the seat of government. Due to its tourist-friendly nature the city can be visited any time of the year, but during winter days are short and the weather may be too cold to walk around comfortably. The official language is Dutch, however you will not have a problem finding English-speaking people.

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Getting around in Amsterdam is very easy. The downtown area is not that big and you can get to most places by foot or bike. The bike culture in Amsterdam is highly developed and you will find separate bike-lanes on most major streets. Also, cyclists have the right of way and there are numerous maps for cycling which include routes, repairs, rentals and public transport. Be careful and get a good lock for your bike as Amsterdam is known to have the highest bicycle theft rates in the world. Also, if you consider buying a bike then beware of prices that seem to low as they might be from stolen bikes.

Things to do in Amsterdam

The range of things to do in Amsterdam is very varied and suits almost every taste in the planet. If traveling with a loved one a good option is to rent a boat in Amsterdam. You will be astonished by the beautiful architecture and charming canals. These cruises can be found for as low as twelve Euros per person. If you are a shopping addict, the main shopping streets in Amsterdam run in a line from near Central Station to the Leidseplein: Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg, Leidestraat. These up market shopping streets put an emphasis is on clothes although there are other shops as well. If you are looking for more boutique type of shopping then head to the side streets of the main canals; you will find interesting souvenirs in these little shops.

Also famous in Amsterdam are its street markets. Although originally they only sold food, nowadays these markets also sell clothes, households, flowers and many other items. Some of the most popular street markets in Amsterdam include the “Albert Cuyp”, the largest in Amsterdam and also the best known in Netherlands, the “Ten Cate Market,” the 3rd largest of the city and the Waterlooplein.

Visit Rentalo.com for Amsterdam Vacation Rentals.

Yes, traveling to big cities and getting to know the most famous attractions is always fun, but sometimes we are looking for another kind of vacation. That vacation in which we can smell the odor of flowers, walk around and see nice people in a calm atmosphere, hear the sound of birds first thing in the morning and simply rest and forget that there is a real world out there full of busy streets, traffic and stressed people walking all over. This kind of vacation can be achieved when visiting small towns. And although many of us may think that this means a boring vacation, America offers numerous towns that although small, have a great variety of entertainment alternatives.

One great example of such towns is Manitou Springs in Colorado. This charming town is perfect to forget about everything. Its residents come from all type of backgrounds from scientists and businesspeople to new-age hippies; making it an interesting place to meet people. If you love art you can visit the WeUsOur Artists Market which has unusual art on display and if you are feeling like enjoying a great coffee then the Mate Factor Café might be a great option. If you want some African, Caribbean or Southeast Asian food, head to the famous Adam’s Mountain Café.

Yellow Springs, Ohio is other of my favorite options. A beacon for artists and creative thinkers, this town is full of charming cafes, shops, and art galleries. Head to Xenia Avenue and you will find La Llama Place, a store stocked with crafts from South America and Common Scents store which sells more than 250 varieties of herbs and spices from across the world. If you are looking for a place to eat fresh food your best bet is to head to The Winds Café and Bakery, which serves dishes using ingredients mostly from local farms and if you are curious about Buddhism, the Yellow Springs Dharma Center might be an interesting place to visit.

Livingston, Montana is where a lot of young people come to live the “good life.” Low rents are and the access to incredible nature are both an attractive for those who decide to visit or reside in the town. Numerous artists, musicians, filmmakers and writers call this place home. If visiting with friends you can spend a great night at The Owl Lounge with life music while if feeling like having an incredible dinner then the 2nd Street Bistro offers French dishes using Montana ingredients.

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!

When traveling to a foreign country and specially one with a foreign language, travelers are exposed to all kinds of possible scams. Being aware of them and staying alert is the best way to avoid getting ripped off. Scams are usually classified in into three different categories: overcharging, deceiving and simply outright theft.  Whenever possible, do your homework and research your future destination. Try to know in advance how much things like a taxi ride cost, and which things may be subject to scam. Nowadays it is very easy to get this information as there are numerous travel blogs and online communities that can help you with this task.
If you are not able to get this information, then common sense is a good option. Inform your travel companion of your itinerary, try to avoid answering simple questions to strangers and don’t carry big amounts of cash and valuable things with you. Remember you are not required to be polite, instead be a little suspicious of extremely helpful people; it might save you from being robbed.

Too Friendly to Be True?

Friendly locals are one of the most common scam strategies. Based on the idea that you will rely on the scammer’s “local knowledge,” these people will give you advice that is actually deceptive. An example of this scam strategy can be those people that offer to get you a good deal but “under the table” on something that you were not really asking for a discount. Instead of giving you a good deal they sell you a fake item. Usually most of them simply get you to pay more on the item of what you should really pay, so if people are being too helpful, it might just be too friendly to be true.

Too Much for a Good

This scam strategy is very similar to the previous one. With this strategy scammers base on the tourist’s ignorance of local prices and get you to pay over the market rate for goods. A good example for this scam is taxi rides. In many countries taxi rides can be “negotiated” between the taxi driver and the passenger. Just because you look foreign or because they hear you speak another language, taxi drivers may try to overcharge a ride just to see if you pay whatever they say. This is one of those situations in which being well informed about local prices becomes very handy.

Too Pretty to Be True?

In this scam, scammers trap you in a bad situation and force you to pay money to get out of it. Nightlife tours offered by attractive women are an example of such situation. Good looking and well dressed girls approach gentlemen with the excuse of having some drinks. Those who accept may end up at a deserted joint with a bill that runs into thousands and with  no way out other than paying the bill. So, if you want to go for some drinks with a pretty girl beware, because she might just be too pretty to be true!

If traveling has always been a stressful situation for you; it is about time to stop stressing! Thinking in our valued travelers we have decided to partner with Travel Guard, one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance and assistance to offer our visitors two specially designed insurance plans that will help mitigate travel concerns of booking any vacation travel; the Vacation Rental Protection Plan and the Accidental Rental Damage Insurance.

The idea of these plans is to cover all kinds of unexpected events that cause problems for vacationers that use Rentalo.com. Such things like emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, travel cancellations or delays caused by unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (including hurricanes) and high security deposit fees should no longer be a concern.

The Vacation Rental Protection Plan protects all pre-paid and non-refundable travel expenses (airfare, lodging — even if not booked via Rentalo–, cruise, car rental, tours, etc) in case your travel plans don’t go as expected. You must pay for this plan at least 24 hours prior to trip departure. Visit http://rentalo.com/docs/insurance.html to learn more about this Travel Insurance Plan.

The Accidental Rental Damage Insurance Plan has been especially designed to allow property owners and/or managers to make this coverage available to travelers in lieu of requiring a security deposit. Costs vary from $45USD to $69USD which can be significantly lower than many security deposits required by owners. For more information about this Travel Insurance Plan visit: http://rentalo.com/docs/insurance.html.

Arthur Frommer, the famous travel writer and publisher, founder of the Frommer’s series of travel guides has promoted Rentalo.com and Wor’s Summer vacation rental contest in his blog and Travel Show. Readers of the Arthur Frommer Online Community can see information about the giveaway in Frommer’s blog.

The contest, which has already awarded two lucky WOR listeners with a one-week stay in a beautiful vacation home in The Hamptons and Cape Cod, will end this coming Thursday June 11th with the last giveaway of a five bedroom Martha’s Vineyard ocean view home in the John Gambling Show. The winner will enjoy the vacation rental during the week of August 30th through September 6th.

Those who still want to participate in the drawing can do so by completing the form at: http://www.wor710.com/pages/4397472.php. There is little time to do so, so hurry up!