Travel Ideas

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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Infographic: What 1 Day in 6 of the World’s Most Popular Cities Costs
June 6, 2016

Planning a vacation, and want to know what your money will get you? We’ve rounded up some of the most popular destinations in the world and figured out what it will cost you to stay for a night and day (and have a little fun while you’re at it)!

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Adventure  / Travel Ideas  / Travel tips

The 5 Wine Trips You Need to Take in 2016
May 31, 2016

Where you should go on a wine tour

Trying to decide where to go for that much needed girls trip? Or maybe a destination for your honeymoon or anniversary? As summer creeps up on us, days get longer and the sun gets hotter, wine tours become a great choice for a mini weekend vacation or a long-awaited holiday. These destinations offer a delightful mix of beautiful scenery and amazing wine. With a huge variety of locations, types of tours (Self-guided? Bus? Bike? Walking? You choose!), sizes of vineyards and types of wines – you’re sure to find something that will fit your budget and wet your whistle.

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Exploring Beautiful British Columbia
May 18, 2016

For a province with so much rugged, natural beauty to marvel after, British Columbia also offers modern tourism right in the middle of it all. The capital city of Victoria is the political heart of British Columbia and is also the home to some of the best museums in Western Canada. With so many different modes of transportation, tourist can be carted around by double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages and even water taxis or ferry service which transports passengers to remote islands and inlets. The ferries operate along the magnificent coastline, serving almost 50 ports of call. Driving routes are scenic with good signage, making road trips enjoyable and easy. Of course, rail is also available with the White Pass and Yukon Route running between Alaska and the Yukon by way of British Columbia.

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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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5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Vacation Rental:
April 29, 2016

There are a number of decisions that need to be made when planning your next vacation: Where should we go? How should we get there? What activities should we book? What restaurants should we try?

One of the most important things you’ll decide is where you’re going to stay. A bad accommodation option can mean a bad night’s sleep, not a lot of relaxation, spending way more money on eating out than planned, or not being close to ANYTHING you want to see.

We’ve already outlined the reasons for choosing a Vacation Rental as opposed to a Hotel here. Now the next question is how do you pick from the millions of Vacation Rentals on the market right now?

We’ve come up with some key factors you need to considering before booking your home away from home:

1. Vacation Rental Location

Location, location, location. This one is pretty clear. You need to check that the Vacation Rental you’re booking is in the most ideal area for the kind of vacation you’re looking for. Looking forward to a relaxing beach vacation? Make sure the home is within walking distance of the water. Want to immerse yourself in culture? Find a place that’s surrounded by museums. Want to eat and drink your way around a city? Make sure you’re in an area with lots of great restaurants and bars.

If you’re on a budget, find a place a little further out – just make sure there’s public transit close by (or that you have a car!).

New to the city? The property owners are your go-to contacts for getting that kind of information before making a booking. Ask them what’s near by, how close they are to certain attractions, and how accessible other areas of the city are by public transit. Make sure you have all the info you need before you book!

2. Amenities of rental property

Everyone has their own set of ‘must-haves’ when it comes to booking accommodation. For some it’s a hot tub, others need a king size bed, and others will need pet-friendly accommodation for their furry friend. Also keep your budget in mind. Trying to save a bit? Make sure your rental has a kitchen so you can prepare most meals at home.

On execstays you can filter your search results for specific amenities so you only see places that have what you need. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Send an inquiry to the property owner to ask about your specific needs before you book!

3. Space

It’s important to think about what you’re going to be using the home for while you’re there. Planning on being out all day sightseeing, just using your place to sleep and shower? You can probably save some money and rent something smaller. Going to stay at your Vacation Rental during the day, have people stay over, or just want to be a little more comfortable? Make sure you have enough space for everyone staying with you.

4. Style of Vacation Property

One of the beauties of staying in a Vacation Rental is the huge variety of homes there are available for rent. Looking for something luxurious and trendy? Get a penthouse condo somewhere. Want a cozy winter escape? Rent a cabin in the woods, complete with a fireplace. Looking for a relaxing sunny getaway? Find a dreamy beach house! You can find a small, basic rental if you’re on a budget or a top-of-the-line mansion if you’re looking to splurge. So find something that suits your exact style or mood – the possibilities are endless.

5. Communication with the Vacation Rental Owner

One of the reservations some people have with booking a Vacation Rental is the fear of the unknown – it can be difficult to know for sure exactly what the property will be like before you view it. That’s why communication with the property owner or manager before and after booking is so important. Before booking, make sure the property owner is open and clear and is able to answer any questions you may have. Many property owners will be more than willing to chat on the phone with you to quell any worries and answer anything you’d like to know – take advantage of that! If a property owner or manager is unwilling to chat on the phone or seems short and unable to make time to answer your questions, then opt to find another property that suits all your needs.

Wherever you end up choosing, treat your vacation rental like home – because for the length of your holiday, it is!

Planning your next vacation now? Click here to find your dream Vacation Rental!

 

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Family Holidays  / Travel Ideas  / Travel tips  / Uncategorized

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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