Beach Vacations

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Cape Cod
June 22, 2016

Your next vacation rental should be in Cape Cod – here’s why:

Full of maritime charm and history, beautiful beaches, landmark lighthouses, and quaint towns, Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA has long been a firm favourite with American vacationers and now, thanks to ample vacation rental homes (which are beautiful cottages) available, it’s becoming popular with the rest of the world too. There are many things you should spend your summer vacation in Cape Cod doing, but here are just five…

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Beach Vacations  / Family Holidays  / Summer Travel

Cuban Restaurants In Florida: ExecStays Best OF
June 14, 2016

 *In our BEST OF series, we’ve rounded up the top local businesses, restaurants, activities, and things to see in some of our most popular destinations. We’ve started with Florida (see our picks for fitness options here). Next up: Our top spots for Cuban cuisine. 

Between all those visits to the beaches, malls, and night clubs, there’s no better place to relax and enjoy a great meal that one of the many Latin restaurants in Florida. No trip to South Florida would be complete without sampling the flavors that define this amazing Floridian culture. For this week’s Rent By Owner Best Of Awards, we’ve selected five must-visit Cuban Restaurants that surely will make your vacation in Florida memorably delicious.

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ExecStays Best Of: Fitness Studios In Florida
June 9, 2016

*In our BEST OF series, we’ve rounded up the top local businesses, restaurants, activities, and things to see in some of our most popular destinations. We’ve started with Florida (see our picks for Best Beach Destinations here). Next up: Our top spots to get your sweat on (and we don’t just mean in the Florida sun). 

If you let it, a vacation can really derail your workout routine. Although we don’t think you should be spending all your time at the gym instead of the beach, we do know how great it can feel to keep moving on your holidays – especially since there’s always some extra indulging going on! Instead of hitting the communal gym at your vacation rental, Rent by Owner has found some of the top spots to get your sweat on while on holidays in Florida. Whether you’re there for a week or for a long stay winter vacation, with these local spots you can  rest easy in the evenings while indulging in that extra glass of wine or s’mores on the beach…after all, you went to the gym!

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ExecStays Best Of: Top 5 Florida Beach Towns!
May 27, 2016

One of the top destinations people are dreaming about when they come onto our site looking for a vacation rental is Florida. The gorgeous beaches, year-round amazing weather, and endless activities to fill your days (not to mention Disney, for the little ones and little ones at heart!) make it a dream destination for families, honeymooners, snowbirds, and groups of friends. Because of this, we’re launching a series called “Best Of Florida” – awarding places our customers have told us time and time again are MUST-VISITS when you’re in ‘The Sunshine State’. From cafes to fitness centers to restaurants to ice cream shops – we’re going to be naming the best of the best.

Let’s start with the big picture. Planning a trip to Florida? Here are the best 5 beaches where you should spend the week  (or the month) on the beach with your toes in the sand and a cold one close by in Florida:

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Beach Vacations  / Best Of  / Family Holidays  / Summer Travel  / Uncategorized

South Carolina Beach Destinations for Families
May 12, 2016

South Carolina beaches are perfect for family getaways. One of the top destinations families visit there is Myrtle Beach. Not only is it a great relaxing place to take a beach vacation, you would also be surprised at the amount of activities available for the active members of your family. The light colored sands are compacted to bike on, and the water is a cool and comforting temperature during the summer months.

If you are looking for a great vacation home, there are many to choose from – which means lots of space and privacy for your family and friends. Many families travel near and far to have their annual summer family reunion in one of the hundreds of gorgeous oceanfront properties available. With an abundance of rental homes, clear water for a little snorkeling or scuba diving, this South Carolina beach is the ultimate vacation spot.

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Exploring Baja California: A Vacation For Everyone
April 27, 2016

Baja California is 27,071 square miles of gorgeous land. To the west is the Pacific Ocean, to the south is Baja California Sur and to the east is the Gulf of California, commonly called the Sea of Cortez. Baja is the perfect destination for a beach vacation.

Baja California: Fun For The Whole Family

The whole family will enjoy Baja’s beautiful cave paintings found throughout the region’s mountains. Equip everyone with a camera or camcorder to record these treasures so that they can last a lifetime. The kids will love Baja’s tasty fish tacos and Mexicali’s Chinese restaurants. Adults will enjoy Baja’s Tecate Brewery, found in the mountains on Highway 2 between Mexicali and Tijuana.

Baja Wine

While you are in Baja, you have to check out the local wineries. The land’s fertile soil, perfect climate and optimal altitude create excellent conditions for grape growth. The region produces some of the best wines in the world. Locals take advantage by enjoying wine during all sorts of events, family gatherings and every meal after breakfast – so hey – when in Baja, right?

Be sure to tour the Wine Route in Ensenada where you’ll find intimate wineries owned by families as well as larger wineries that export bottles across the world. The Route is dotted with camping sites, gourmet restaurants, museums, wine boutiques, ranches and art galleries. You could easily spend a couple days checking out this area of Baja. It is especially attractive to honeymooners and couples in search of a weekend escape.

The Ideal Beach Vacation in California

A large part of Baja’s appeal is its amazing beaches. The eastern side of Baja is favored by locals thanks to its peaceful waters and luscious sand. Vacationers particularly love the beaches on Cabo San Lucas. If you are looking to surf, head on over to the western side where you’ll catch some serious waves. There’s also enormous sand dunes, cacti, dormant volcanoes and mountains in the southern and central sections of Baja.

Water Activities

Baja’s waters are home to great whale species like the Orca, Bryde’s, Sperm, Blue and Fin. Many claim that Baja is host to more whales and dolphin species than any other area on the planet. So, bring a (waterproof!) camera when you head out on the water. You never know what you’ll see.

Guadalupe Island features the super cool great white shark cage that entertains swimmers, free divers, snorkelers and scuba divers. There’s also hammerhead schools above a seamount by La Paz. Charter boats are available and there’s several dive shops to equip scuba divers with air tanks, flippers, masks and more.

Don’t leave Baja without taking a camping style kayak tour of Loreto Marine National Park‘s wilderness islands. You can also catch a diverse group of fish in Cabo San Lucas like wahoo, dorado, roosterfish, marlin and sailfish.

Where to Stay

When looking for accommodation in Baja California, the best option is a vacation rental where you can kick back and feel at home while enjoying the beauty around you. Check out some great accommodation options here.

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Top 5 ideas for your next family vacation
June 21, 2015

Vacation ideas the whole family will love!

Having fun and creating happy memories is the plan for any family vacation. Choosing the right destination, finding ideas for lodging, and experiencing the sights and attractions are all a part of the trip. Interactive activities and beautiful surroundings set the tone for the perfect family vacation. In most cases, the perfect family vacation does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. For some families, the vacation needs to be all-inclusive, while other families simply enjoy city adventures. Whether the vacation is for the entire summer or simply a long weekend; there are many options around the world that can satisfy families of all types and sizes.

1. Oahu, Hawaii, United States

There are many sights and attractions to experience while visiting Oahu. The beaches offer surfing lessons and the swells at Waikiki are extraordinary. Oahu also offers horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch and The Honolulu Zoo provides a perfect family vacation idea. There are also opportunities for learning – you can take the kids to watch the dolphins at Sea Life Park or inside an actual submarine at Pearl Harbor.

2. New York City, New York, United States

New York is home to many cultural landmarks, zoos, and museums. Families can explore Times Square or ride a boat to the Statue of Liberty. The kids will enjoy a trip to FAO Schwarz or a ride on an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. There is even the opportunity to have a picnic in Central Park or eat at Carnegie Deli. New York has endless options to enjoy while on the the family vacation.

3. Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Paris is known as the City of Lights and this destination will brighten any vacation plans. This city is perfect for kids of all ages and Paris offers a wide range of sights and attractions. From the elegant Eiffel Tower to the impressive sights of Notre Dame; Paris has it all. The Parc Asterix is breathtaking and the Louvre offers wonders that are sure to dazzle any family.

4. Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is located on the Mexican Caribbean and offers beautiful, sandy beaches. There are also several child-friendly theme parks and the Mayan archaeological sites. Both children and adults can enjoy visiting the Discovery Jungle Park. This park offers an authentic rope bridge that is extremely thrilling. Playa del Carmen also allows visitors to explore the Xcaret’s aquarium and butterfly pavilion.

5. Rome, Lazio, Italy

Rome offers sights that are guaranteed to impress any family. The Italian capital provides a fascinating getaway. The city offers engaging indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. There is the bone-decorated Santa Maria della Concezione as well as the many delicious ice cream stops throughout the city. Rome is a vacation idea that has something for everyone. The Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon are a must see when visiting Rome.

The family vacation is a time to create fond memories and build bonds. These 5 vacation ideas are popular destinations that many families visit year after year.

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Tips for planning your next holiday
June 14, 2015

Here are our top tips to make planning your next vacation as smooth as the drink you’ll be sipping on the beach!

1. Choosing your accommodation

Whether this is your first trip or you are a seasoned traveler, most of us pack our bags and hit the road looking to make some lifelong memories and to enjoy some relaxation.

This is why so many people’s first instinct to book a hotel can be wrong. Sure, there are some nice hotels out there, but you have to remember that when you stay in a hotel, you’re one of hundreds of guests. In some cases, you’re one of thousands of guests. In other words, there’s no real privacy and you can expect to receive the same standard room and treatment as any other guest. In these situations, you’re just a number, one of many.

Renting a vacation home is appealing for a variety of reasons. You can choose the exact home that meets your needs. The size, the amenities, the location. The best part is, you don’t have to share your rental home with other guests! When you rent a property, the owner of that property is going to have everything prepared for you to make sure you had the best experience possible. In these situations, you are the only guests to please. Additionally, you don’t have to deal with waiting on lines or listening to other people’s kids screaming and yelling. That’s not a real getaway. That’s just a different kind of headache. A vacation rental offers a relaxing and private home away from home.

Here are some other great steps for ensuring your vacation goes smoothly from start to finish.

2. Weather

Take a look at the weather forecast before you go! As much as we would love it to always be sunny (or snowy if that’s what you’re hoping for!), chances are you might see some less than ideal weather while you’re away – and you want to be prepared for that. Bring clothes for all weather possibilities, and make sure you have (or the property owner has) indoor activities – books, games, DVDs, in case going outside isn’t an option.

4. Book Ahead

Book some tours, activities, and meals ahead of time. It can be nice to go with the flow a little bit on vacation, but having a couple things booked can make you feel a little more organized – especially when you first arrive. Check out some tour and activity options here for your next trip!

5. Pack!

Make sure you pack your car (or at least your bags!) the night before you leave. This accomplishes two goals at once. One, it saves you time in the morning, which allows you to get up, eat breakfast, and go. Two, by leaving earlier in the morning and saving that hour, you will be on the road earlier than most vehicles.

6. Communicate with the property owner

Another important step for saving time is to tell the property owner what you and your family like to do. For example, if you tell them that you like to go to the beach, then they might have beach chairs, an umbrella, and a cooler sitting by the front door when you arrive, making it as convenient for you as possible.

And enjoy!

Don’t have a vacation booked yet? Now’s the time! Click here to start browsing over 500,000 properties.

 

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The Top 10 Places to Surf in the USA
May 5, 2015

The best beaches in the USA to catch a wave

Surfing is one of those sports that people fall madly in love with – planning their next vacation based on where they can catch the best wave. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced surfer, this list of top 10 best beach destinations in the USA for surfing has something for everyone.

#10 New Buffalo Beach, Lake Michigan MI

Lake Michigan presents some surprising surf options for those living in the Midwest. New Buffalo beach in Michigan is a specialty surf venue that offers challenging fresh water waves that are best experienced during the winter. (So bring a wetsuit!)

#9 Narragansett Town Beach, RI

Narragansett Town Beach is great for beginners and well-known in New England as a top surf destination. Some local surfers advise waiting until evening to avoid the ever-present crowds.

#8 Virginia Beach, VA

This Mid-Atlantic beach is finally loosening up its regulations, and many beginners come there destined for surf camps. Its famous hurricanes usually draw more experienced surfers to the area.

#7 Montauk, Long Island NY

Surfers who want to hone their skills in peace head away from the Hamptons, rent a beach house in Long Island and surf along the sleepy shores of Montauk.

#6 Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills

The Outer Banks area has a collection of beaches like Cape Hatteras and Corolla that draw surfers from all over the East Coast. Professional surf tournaments take place there annually, and surfers of all skill levels find the right waves for miles.

#5 Trestles, San Clement CA

Trestles is a legendary surf spot that all surfing enthusiasts feel the need to visit at least once. This is no tourist area, and one will not find a cute beach house to rent near the shore. However, it is an isolated gem with five star waves.

#4 Surfrider Beach, Malibu, CA

The Surfrider Beach in Malibu has been a favored southern California surf spot since the 1960s. Surfrider has waves suitable for beginners at First Point and more challenging ones at Second Point.

#3 Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz CA

Santa Cruz is where surfing in the USA first became popular during the 1930s, and internationally recognized surf tournaments still take place there. After visiting the point breaks at Steamer Lane, one can stop in at the surf museum for a history lesson about the sport.

#2 Pipeline, Oahu HI

Hollywood has accurately portrayed Oahu’s North Shore as a great destination to surf. The Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore lives up to its reputation with lethal thirty foot waves set along a tropical background.

#1 Hanalei Beach, Kauai HI

Hanalei Beach is one of the best places to surf, and its stunning beauty also makes it one of the best beach destinations in the USA.

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These beach towns with beautiful scenery, relaxed ambiance and challenging swells are some of the best places to surf. Check out our amazing selection of vacation rentals at execstays to find the perfect place to rest your head after long days in the swell.

 

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Adventure  / Beach Vacations  / Summer Travel  / Travel Ideas  / Travel tips