Vacation Rental Travels - Come escape with us!

September - October 2015

Spellbound By Sitges Lost in a train station on her first solo trip abroad...

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A Quintessential Bodega Bay Getaway

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Sea views and fun await you here

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Sugar Sand Beaches Without the Crowds

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Alabama’s Gulf Coast in September

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The “Grand View” from Dorchester

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A Room With A View

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Myrtle Beach - a great escape

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Southern Hospitality Washed Ashore

Contents SPELLBOUND BY SITGES Lost in a train station on her first trip abroad...

MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Southern Hospitality Washed Ashore

OWNER’S CORNER Marketing & Tips for VR Owners

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MY TRAVELING CIRCUS WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES Be Well When You Travel

Stories of Family Travel

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Beth Carson shares from the heart about this issue, what’s happening in her life, and current events in the travel industry.

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Find out more about the wonderful people who brought you the stories in this issue. Come and get to know our writers a little better.

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Have you been to this world class city? Take a guess before you turn the page.

FROM THE EDITOR

WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?

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FOOD & FUN - BOSTON STYLE

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Myrtle Beach is a Great Escape hidden away where the Atlantic Ocean crash upon the sandy shores of South Carolina.

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she became entranced by Sitges, Spain.

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A ROOM WITH A VIEW Staying at vacation rentals with history is a special treat, especially in a historical city like Boston. The Grand View is a terrific name for this Dorchester home. Come let me show you...

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discover your next vacation rental location right here.

OWNER’S CORNER

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Focused on marketing and educational opportunities for VR owners, find out what’s covered in this issue.

MY TRAVELING CIRCUS

It had rained for three straight days in the Black Hills of South Dakota

A QUINTESSENTIAL BODEGA BAY GETAWAY A favorite for many Northern Californians, the drive to Bodega Bay is amazing. At some point along the way, the road curves and you’re suddenly moving along a precipice of rocky Pacific Ocean shore...

At the heart of Alabama’s 32 miles of white sand, Gulf Shores delivers play at the beach, family friendly activities off the beach, world class festivals and dining that delivers fun with the food.

VRMARKETPLACE Vacation rental specials and places to visit just for our readers. You may

SPELLBOUND BY SITGES

Lost in a train station on her first trip abroad...Come discover how

A chilly bar, some shopping and walking make this issue’s Food & Fun just that. Enjoy your escape and don’t forget your coat!

SUGAR SAND BEACHES WITHOUT THE CROWDS

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WASHED ASHORE

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and there was no end in sight. My husband and I were with our three kids under ten.

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With more and more of us choosing health and wellness at home, these timely travel tips will help you continue these good choices on your vacation.

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Beth dives into some of your questions and shares some of her experience and insights with you. Don’t miss it.

WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

ASK OUR EXPERT

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Ask Our Expert Ask Beth Carson Your VR Travel Questions

Insider Tips and Tricks to get the most from your Vacation Rental stay

Welcome!

Vacation Rental Travels - where travel inspiration is born! We are a free, digital magazine that highlights the unique experience of vacationing in stylish and comfortable vacation rentals.

Explore hidden garden cottages, sumptuous penthouses, and quirky homes that make traveling a rich and rewarding experience.

You can have any kind of experience in a vacation rental... whether you are on a budget or want lavish pampering. It’s all available to you.

Where in the World?

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Can you guess before you look?

A home with some history and a Grand View

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PACIFIC GROVE’S MERMAID HOUSE

Vacation Rental Travels magazine covers the best, most unique, quirky, beautiful, amenities-laden homes for rent to vacationers.

Just Steps from the Coastal Trail’s cool breezes and iconic views

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Beth Carson

COPY EDITORS

Marilyn Caro, Eileen Caswell

31 We want to thank all of our partners for placing their property, location, event, and products with our magazine. Each issue has a limited amount of space for our partners to let you know about what they have to offer and how to get in touch with them.

It helps us out greatly when you click on their advertisments to visit their sites and make reservations, visit their location, attend the events they put on, and buy their products. It also signals to our partners that you are interested in what they offer.

Please help keep Vacation Rental Travels free by frequenting our partners, letting others know about our magazine, and sharing us on your Facebook timeline.

This issue is sponsored by Get Your WOW On. Take a sneak peek at my free 4 part video series on TravelPsychology. We’ll take a fun look at what gets noticed in a crowded marketplace and what’s involved in getting selected. It can be a bit like online dating!

Just like with online dating, you’ve got to WOW them.

After 17 years in the travel industry and 45 countries stamped in my passport, I know a thing or two about what catches the eye and trust of a traveler.

I’m here to help. It’s all stepping stones on the same pathway of getting more inquiries, more reservations, and more guest stays. I have some exciting tools, training and concepts that will WOW your guests. It’s the start of something BIG.

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Art Remnet

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

Digital Subscriptions & Online viewing with more than 15,000 readers per issue.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Digital Subscriptions: Free Subscribe at VacationRentalTravels.com Vacation Rental Travels is published four times a year by Wabash Publishing, LLC

© Wabash Publishing, LLC

Any reproduction or duplication without prior written consent of Wabash Publishing, LLC is strictly prohibited.

The information in Vacation Rental Travels has been carefully compiled from authors and sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Always investigate locations and availability before traveling.

FTC Notice Advertisers have paid a fee or provided other promotional considerations. Additionally, you should assume that the publisher has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the providers of any goods or services mentioned in this publication and may be compensated when you purchase.

You should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.

We’ll have fun, diving into topics you’re familiar with, as well as some that may be new to you. As my friend and fellow marketer calls it, “Shocking Broca.” I take this concept and put my own twist on it, Delighting Broca. And, how you can use this to your advantage.

This link will take you to the sign up page for the free (and fun!) video series.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

The opinions expressed here are the author’s or advertisers’ alone. The properties featured or mentioned in this publication are not owned or operated by Wabash Publishing, LLC and may or may not be available for rental in the future. Please contact the current owner prior to making travel arrangements.

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 5

Editor

The

From the Desk of Beth Carson Putting the Ahh Back in Travel I travel a lot. On business. There’s a lot of “ugh” to it. After being out of town more days than I was home from October to June, I had a staying home streak of 52 nights. No suitcases in a constant state of disarray, no waking up and wondering where I was, no airports.

Bliss.

In June, I declared a two part goal. One, stay home for more than a few days. Two, travel for fun again.

I live in a vacation destination. Asheville, NC is a treat most times of the year. But, after being home for a stretch, I decided to follow up on the second part of my goal.

When I did break my travel fast, it was to travel to the beach and see family in Pensacola, Florida. My 19 year old daughter and I spent time in a 2 bedroom condo in sleepy but beautiful Perdido Key, Florida, just across the bridge from busier Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Email me: Beth@VacationRentalTravels.com Gulf Shores, AL; Myrtle Beach, SC; a colorful mystery destination; Dorchester, MA; and Bodega Bay, CA. Go pour yourself a drink, I’m drinking lemonade right now, find a comfy chair, and come away with us.

Happy Travels,

Beth Carson Publisher and Editor Vacation Rental Travels PS: Check out my welcome video by clicking the image below.

While I was editing this issue, I found a restaurant just 2 miles away that one of our writers had recommended in his article on Gulf Shores, Alabama. Eating at The Gulf, a quirky restaurant, was a highlight of the trip, right on the water, open air, fairy lights and couches and picnic tables. As dusk fell, the boat traffic traveling in between Florida and Alabama morphed into streaking lights just off-shore.

In this issue, you’ll be traveling (for fun!) with us to Sitges, Spain;

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VacationRentalTravels.com

WHO’S ON THE INSIDE? Each issue we have terrific content created by travel writers from around the world. Without their time and effort, we would not be able to share the wonderful places, glorious vacation homes, and the fun and cool events and activities with you in each issue. We want to not only thank them, but invite you as our valued readers to support them by visiting their websites, subscribing to their publications, and liking them on Facebook or any other social media that you value. It’s how we help each other grow.

Camille Miller has been writing since 2011 on a variety of topics. She especially loves introducing people to their next memorable vacation spot, and has a knack for picking out the unique homes and luxurious locations you want to return to again and again. She often writes about her travels with her husband and three crazy kids, who are chiefly responsible for keeping things lively, and who never disappoint.

Theresa St. John is a travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her images can be found on various stock sites and they sell as fine art. She works closely with restaurants on food styling images and is published in many local magazines and on-line magazines. She works with Chambers of Commerce writing tourism articles when visiting their areas. Theresa has two wonderful sons and is “Nonnie” to a number of rescue animals. Read more about Theresa’s adventures on her blog Gus Gutoskey lives with his wife in Fort Wayne, IN. After nearly 40 years of work in Information Technology for two Fortune 100 corporations, he now spends his time traveling to play golf and then writing about his travel experiences. He has traveled the country for over 25 years playing golf and has played over 900 courses in 48 states. When not on the road, he is the school shuttle for his two grandchildren. You can follow his travels at his blog, LogoBallTraveler.com. Have a question about golf travel in the United States? Contact gus@ LogoBallTraveler.com.

Kayla Jones is currently completing her Master’s degree in Creative Writing in North Wales. Kayla is the Deputy Content Editor for Seren Newspaper and an International Ambassador for Bangor University. With a passion for budget traveling for the 20-somethings, she is currently the editor for an online Wales Travel Guide promoting North Wales with tour company Celticos. When she’s not exploring the UK, she’s visiting home in North Carolina enjoying the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stephanie Wolden is a freelance travel writer/photographer and solo travel advocate. Planning trips around the globe for family and friends is a favorite pastime, while finding hidden gems in the world’s most desirable locations is what fuels her wanderlust. In 2004 she sold her belongings, packed what remained (including her cat Savvy) and headed off to Florence, Italy. The next two years were spent traversing Europe and the surrounding countries of the Mediterranean. Next year she plans to travel around the world soaking in the many cultures of Asia, Africa and South America. She currently lives in Napa, CA, where wine, food, friends and gorgeous scenery keep her inspired.

Ty Wilson is a freelance writer, copywriter and consultant who provides to small business owners: articles, press releases, website/blog content, newsletter copy, and more. More importantly, she also watches her 16-year-old princess, Tyra, grow before her eyes. Click here and check out her e-book, “What to blog about…” for free.

Dede Sindelar lives her life driven by creativity and adventure as a freelance copywriter. She blends that with her background in wellness and her insatiable appetite traveling to exotic destinations. Her family jokes saying they never have to take out their cameras because she’s forever capturing the moment with her photographs.

When she isn’t busy writing or taking photos, Dede is throwing frisbees for her dog, spending time with her husband and planning their next journey. Please visit Sindelar Wellness Travel to catch up with Dede.

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Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 7

Where in the World?

In each issue we challenge you to guess where in the world the photos were taken. Sometimes it will be easy and other times not so easy. In every case, though, we bet that you will learn something about the place being featured.

Remember NO PEEKING until you make your guess.

Oh, you want a clue or two?

What’s green and blue and red all over?

Well, that little riddle probably isn’t enough to guess this very special destination, so here are some more clues.

Think of an island in Italy where transportation takes place on canals.

Cobblestone alleys lead you through colorful shops and houses where you can shop for hand-crafted masks, hand-blown glass and artisan lace. Or, you can sit in a piazza and enjoy a glass of vino or some gelato. Thinking Venice?

Uh uh. But you’re not far off!

So, Where in the World are we?

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Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 9

Burano, Island of Whimsy I

f Venice is a watercolor, then Burano is a box of crayons.

Situated four miles across the Northern Venetian Lagoon from Venice is the captivating little island of Burano, arguably one of the most colorful locales in the world. During my stay in Venice I knew I had to hop over the lagoon and see this island I had heard about that is notable for its lace and for its colorful architecture.

It was the morning before my last day in Venice. Bright and early I headed to the waterfront and found a kiosk where I would buy my ticket for the vaporetto (water bus) that motors to Burano. How dismayed I was to find that there was a strike in progress and all vaporetti transports to Murano and Burano were canceled until further notice. Confused tourists began to leave and no one around me spoke English. What little I could make out from the people selling tickets prompted my intuition to tell me to stick around for a while and see what happens. Shortly, the strike came to a sudden halt (apparently this happens fairly often). I happily boarded the vaporetto along with a crowd of people and stood for the 45-minute crossing over the lagoon to Burano. As we pulled away from Venice, I admired how the aged watercolor hues on houses seemed to melt into the sea.

Article & Photos by Dedra Montoya

Mesmerizing.

A quick forty-five minutes later I was in Burano. Stepping off the boat, I felt like I had just stepped into a fairytale.

Strolling along Via Galuppi, the island’s main street, I wandered into a few of the lace shops where ladies of a certain age craft and sell their beautiful wares: scarves, tablecloths, ladies’ dainties.

Burano is famous for its artisan lace that has been hand-tatted there since the 16th century. Shops also offer the coveted Murano glass and Venetian masks that you can buy in Venice. But I ventured on, seeking something else.

Where Venice is an enchanting but intricate spaghetti maze of narrow alleys and congested streets and crowded campos, Burano is simple, coastal, more open. The pace is slower and gentler on the cobblestoned walkways of Burano; there are not the hurried locals zigzagging their way through throngs of harried tourists as in Venice. Like Venice there are no cars on Burano. The only things on wheels are well-worn bicycles.

Unlike Venice, you can walk around the whole sun-washed island and not get lost. Pretty little arched woodand-brook footbridges cross the quiet narrow canals. You feel a sense of simplicity of life and that all the locals must surely know one another. Stay on the island through the late afternoon and you will see fishermen bringing in their catch, their boats sidling up in front of houses like cars parked out on a street…only here, the streets are made of water.

Burano is just as colorful as Venice, but the colors of Burano houses are more saturated and jewel-toned. The vibrant colors are what I had come to see and what my camera hungered for.

The legend goes that fishermen used to paint their houses bright colors so that they could recognize them when

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they were far out to sea. Another reason—far less romantic—is that people want to distinguish their house from their neighbors since most of them are essentially the same shape and connected like a rainbow. Mission accomplished. No two are alike.

However, locals are required to get permission from the government to paint their houses in acceptable colors.

The result is an island that is a striking and whimsical work of art. Playful crayon-box hues splashed on aged plaster mask imperfections. Vibrant striped awnings and window shutters in greens and blues surround swirly wrought-iron window boxes filled with flowers stubbornly holding onto their petals even in late October.

Fresh laundry drapes on balconies and hangs on clotheslines stretched across terra cotta roofs. Multi-colored umbrellas dangle, mushroom-like, from windowsills to dry from the recent rain. There is even a leaning tower on the tiny island that stands guard over the gemstone houses. The 15th -century bell tower of San Martino Church located in the Piazza Galuppi-the main plaza where there are lots of restaurants and shops.

To experience Burano is to truly experience a fairytale setting. The magic of it captured my imagination as I wandered, wide-eyed, about this color-drenched little island. If you travel to Venice, you mustn’t miss a quick but unforgettable jaunt to Burano. Or, maybe not so quick.

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Myrtle Beach:

Southern Hospitality Washed Ashore Article & Photos by Ty Wilson

T

he waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into beach sand, as it extends an invitation for you to join her. It welcomes beachgoers to A Place at the Beach V--Beachside Building A, better known as the Kastners’ Beach House on Shore Drive in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The heart of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is where beach getaways meet burgeoning city life. Consisting of over 60 miles of the Atlantic, the Grand Strand serves as the East Coast’s biggest retreats, especially during the spring and fall months while the North and midAtlantic regions experience hints of winter. Myrtle Beach’s winter season consists of high temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees and overnight lows between 35 and 40 degrees, while blizzards threaten substantial sections of the East.

The phrase “great escape” must have been birthed from a Myrtle Beach visitor.

Honey, I’m home.

As Myrtle Beach, with its subtropical charm, rests in the heart of the Grand Strand, the Kastner’s house rests in that heart. That love overflows throughout the town, its locals and the condo. Myrtle bore gifts upon my arrival: a picturesque view of the Atlantic outside the balcony and master bedroom window. The sounds of waves fighting for land (that’s how close the condo is!) and a nearly-life-sized anchor near the balcony window, to steer the mood of the week. Everyone is welcomed here, regardless of financial or social status. The condo is a one-size-fits-all oasis.

It all ties into South Carolina’s commitment to southern hospitality, where friends and strangers are equally made to feel right at home.

The condo reminded me of the simple beachside living I’d dreamt of. It never occurred to me that staying feet from the ocean would ever be possible for the not-so-rich-and-famous.

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An oceanfront dwelling where one doesn’t have to skimp on prime vacationing. Yes, please.

City life: Not too much, not too little And Myrtle’s commitment to beach town life is refreshing, too. Myrtle Beach is a sleepy-yet-chic city on off-season weekdays -- with its high-end shopping and dining for those who are venturing out. I settled in a comfortable routine rather quickly and watched Shore Drive in awe as the weekend gave way to more tourists.

Any weekend in October is not your typical beach weekend outside of Florida. The weather here decided to make a chilling change, but it wasn’t enough to keep beachgoers from sinking their toes into the glistening sand. Besides, it was almost time for Halloween and downtown, is where the action is. I’d waited too late to score cat ears to wear with my black long-sleeved top and black skinny jeans (you know, so I could be Catwoman for the night). So I decided to spend the Friday evening at Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood café and arrived just in time for happy hour; two cocktails and a half-dozen broiled oysters for under $20.00? Score!

Myrtle’s downtown has dining, shopping, golfing – over 100 courses area wide-- and nightlife experiences. Restaurant Row, Tanger Outlet Mall, Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach give their metropolitan counterparts a run for their money.

Know before you go: about the rental Mark and Sheila Kastner offer their guests home-sweet-home amenities with families in mind. There are inflatable beach toys for the kids, a Keurig Coffee Maker and George Foreman Grill for the adults and prompt housekeeping service to complete a weeklong stay.

When and where to pick up the keys? The

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Kastners will provide an access code via the mail. No need to worry about arriving too early or too late. Take your time.

The two-bedroom and two-full-bath property sleeps six; although already an affordable way to enjoy paradise, save more money by bringing your linens into the condo. In fact, contact the Kastners before your trip; the couple has thought of everything, from extra blankets to boogie boards. And, take note of the “Notes from Him/Her”, where the Kastners share their picks for dining out, shopping and entertainment. Great tips!

Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest, Again, the condo is far enough away from the city but if you’re looking for fun for the whole family, consider other dates in May. To take in the beach life at a fraction of what you’d normally pay at a resort, find the Kastner’s Beach House just click below...

Visit the Kastner’s Beach House and relax in the Southern Hospitality Click here to discover more.

The kitchen is well-equipped for the family chef-- all you’ll need is a quick trip to Kroger’s, about a mile away off Lake Arrowhead Road.

Know before you go: when to travel Peak season? As if there is ever a wrong time to visit Myrtle? Visit between June and August if you love to people-watch under the beaming sun but expect driving along the Grand Strand to be slow going. Other times during the year are less crowded, and there’s plenty to do outdoors and further inland.

There are two major festivals for motorcycle enthusiasts each May: Harley Bike Week and

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 13

Spellbound By Sitges

Article by Kayla Jones Photos By Paola Gheis

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Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 15

I

was lost in a train station alone in Spain…

Flying from Liverpool to Barcelona, I got out of the airport and onto a crowded train that I was hoping would take me to my connecting platform.

On my first solo trip abroad, I was nervous about traveling alone, navigating the language barrier and getting to my destination in Sitges, Spain.

As I got off the first train, I tried to hide my nervousness as I came up to a woman waiting on the platform and showed her my train timetable in Spanish.

I pointed to the sign, and back to my paper and said, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to disturb you, but if you speak English, does this train go to Sitges?”

The woman smiled at me warmly and replied, “Yes, I am going to Sitges, you can sit with me.”

The entire train journey from Barcelona to Sitges, I was glad I had approached a stranger. We talked about everything from the best food in Barcelona, the typical weather in Spain, and what beaches to avoid if I wanted a quiet afternoon by the sea.

Out of all we talked about during our 30 minute train ride, Sitges seemed to come up the most. How she had grown up running around on the sandy beaches and how thankful she was that she lived her life around the sea town rather than in bustling Barcelona.

As the train travelled on, I looked out my window and witnessed many of these sites; small mountains crashing into the sea, and vast farmland beside the roads as cars and bikes wound through the mountains.

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As we neared the station, I thanked her for her help and was proud I had made it to Sitges from the airport.

I stepped out of the train station to meet Paola Gheis who owned the apartment I was staying at, Casita Sitges, in the heart of the city.

As we walked through the narrow streets, the buildings’ styles ranged from as far back as the 10th century, to Art Nouveau during the 1800’s, to modern architecture.

Filled with cafes, art studios, fresh food markets and boutiques, I couldn’t wait to start exploring the next morning.

The apartment’s bright colors, quirky decor and comfortable furniture made me want to grab one of the books Casita Sitges had to read and curl up on the sofa as the sun sank.

My favorite part of the apartment was, of course, the terrace. Paola made sure to make me feel as though Casita Sitges were my home during my stay in Spain. I couldn’t believe for the next few days, I had an apartment where I could lay out on sun beds, have a meal on the dining table and take a relaxing shower on this sea view terrace.

Relaxing at Casita Sitges

I was surprised that I could just open up the doors to the terraces to let the sun in at Casita Sitges, without any fear of bugs or the elements finding their way into the apartment.

Casita Sitges, situated on a lovely narrow street, is not far from the beach. As I stepped through the front door, a large plate of fresh strawberries and a bottle of wine with my name on it awaited, courtesy of Paola.

The sun shining through every part of the apartment was such a change from the rainy and windy climate I had been used to since living in Wales. I was worried I might never want to leave.

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Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 17

Paola had thought of everything when it came to Casita Sitges.

Whether it was beach towels for laying out, bikes to ride around the city, or Bluetooth speakers to play music throughout the apartment, I wanted for nothing.

I was glad to grab a bite to eat after traveling for many hours so I could try some famous Spanish food and get to know Paola a little better.

She took me to a restaurant right across the street called El Cable, where I tried a delicious dish called Papas Bravas. Made with fried potatoes, aioli, red pepper, and paprika, my taste buds were exploding with happiness!

Coming back to Casita Sitges, I noticed how decorative many of the surrounding buildings were in the area. Paola explained to me how a good number of the homes in the area would compete every year in the Best Balcony Annual Competition in Sitges.

The winner of last year’s contest is right across the road from Casita Sitges, and was such a refreshing view to look out upon as I came and went from Casita Sitges.

As the sun sank in Sitges, I was thankful for a warm shower in the mosaic tiled bathroom and settle into the apartment’s large double bed.

Exploring a Town full of Festivals Looking around Sitges with Paola and on my own, I loved the fact that it felt like such a small town with so much to offer.

Though the population is around 30,000, with the area having 17 beaches, most of the streets are blocked off from cars. So, you can roam the streets and pop in and out of stores without the busyness of traffic.

The historical sites built around the sea are unique and picturesque. Lying on the beach, I loved looking at the skyline and seeing The Church of St. Bartolmeu and Saint Tecla. Built in the 1700’s, it is one of the main staples of Sitges and has a grand staircase leading up to its doors.

Other sites, such as the Palau Marciel, are interesting to walk about because there are so many ornate details around the mansion. In the 1800’s, many wealthy home owners commissioned architects and artists to build detailed gothic homes for them in Sitges. This architecture is why places like Palau Marciel, built by American collector Charles Deeling, are so impressive to visit.

The Passeig de la Ribera is a great stroll along the edge of the beach. The boulevard features sculptures of renowned artists that were influenced by the town, famous restaurants, lawns for people to picnic on and chiringuitos (temporary beach bars) to enjoy a drink.

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What is so fun about Sitges, are the many festivals it has going on during the year. From vintage cars to poetry, zombie, flower and dance events, Sitges knows how to throw a good festival. The Carnival Parade Festival is one of the most popular with huge floats, dancers with elaborate costumes, colorful decorations and lively music.

Sitges even has a prestigious Film Festival every year in October, where many of Hollywood’s famous come to celebrate horror and fantasy films and new movies debut and compete for awards. Paola told me that one year she was able to get her face painted with makeup effects that made her look like she was in a horror film!

Even when a festival isn’t going on you can feel the diversity and joviality of the people, both local and visitors, through the music, artwork and food. The temptation to forget about the stresses back home was easy to give in to and I found myself delighted in my surroundings.

Trying Out Tapas During my stay in Sitges, many of the restaurants were participating in an event called Tapa a Tapa, a 10 day event where each of the restaurants create a signature tapas and have its customers vote on which is the best.

I was given a brochure showing all of the tapas available throughout the town, each only 2.50 Euros with a drink. Menu items included Iberian hamburgers, roasted peppers, stuffed squid, an apple and caramel cheesecake and even an American barbecue dish.

Exploring this “Gastronomic Route,” as the event described it, was like a scavenger hunt to find which restaurants went with which dish, and which ones I wanted to try out. In confession, however, I kept coming back to the tasty Patatas Bravas!

As my time in Sitges was VacationRentalTravels.com

coming to an end, I grabbed a margarita pizza and sat out on the terrace of Casita Sitges admiring the view. The distant sounds of life outside, the cool air and Paola’s sweet strawberries were a perfect end to my first solo trip in Sitges.

As I left, I was sad that my few days of paradise were over.

However, for my last night in Spain, Paola invited me to her home in Barcelona, so I was eager for an adventure in the city. It was great to see how accessible Barcelona was as a day trip from Sitges, only about a 45 minute train ride to the city.

Exploring Barcelona by Bike When I met up with Paola at the train station in Barcelona, she brought her motorbike to take me back to her home. Zipping through the city streets, I loved looking around at the buildings and people as we weaved through cars.

How many tourists get to say they’ve seen Barcelona from the back of a moped?

With only a day in Barcelona, I wanted to get a general feel of the city. Known for its unique architecture, modern art and rich history, Barcelona is one of the top ten visited cities in the world, and for good reason.

I first popped into the Picasso Museum and Barcelona’s European Museum of Art. It was awe-inspiring to view so many pieces of artwork I had seen growing up in art class right in front of my eyes.

The city, known for influential artists like Salvador Dali and Joan Miró, is meant to foster modern talent today. That talent is evident in the character of the streets, buildings and galleries.

After two big scoops of tasty gelato, I opted to take a three hour bike ride around the city. I wanted to feel the fresh air, get a little bit of exercise, and see as much city landscape as I could. My tour went all over the city, where I heard about the ancient history of Catalonia, the controversial practice of bullfighting and Barcelona during the Olympics.

The bike lanes in Barcelona are right in the middle of the traffic lanes, which, at first, was nerve-wracking to navigate. After a while it was an exhilarating feeling to be bustling through the city, seeing all the sites and traveling by bike.

In the same steps as Christopher Columbus We rode up to a square in the middle of the city that had large steps leading to the entrance of a museum.

As the tour guide explained the area, I was in awe when I learned about the steps leading up to the museum. These were the same steps that Christopher Columbus climbed when he returned from America in 1492 to his patrons, Isabelle and Ferdinand, King and Queen of Spain.

The Plaça del Rei, built in the 14th century, was occupied by The Kings of Aragon who reigned during the medieval period.

Today, the museum is used as the Museum d’Història de la Ciutat, a museum dedicated to the history of the city.

Seeing Barcelona’s Famous Architecture The La Sagrada Familia was more impressive than any photo I had seen before coming to Barcelona. The Basilica, which was built by Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudí, towers above the city with its colossal size and many towers.

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Construction began in 1883 and continues today, in the hope of its becoming the largest religious structure in the world by the proposed finish date in 2028. With a gothic influence, the Basilica has many spires, circular windows, quirky figurines and themes of Christ’s life in its many façades.

The tour also went to La Catedral, which is another impressive religious structure, a significant feat of mankind. Built in the 1300’s, the church still holds services, a Christmas fair and is home to 13 white geese that live around the fountain in the Cloister.

Other highlights of the tour were Barcelona’s famous Port Vell, the city’s own Arc del Triomf, and the old city council of Catalonia during Medieval times.

A Dinner with the Host I was spoiled after my bike ride, as Paola had dinner waiting for me in her home when I returned. Her flat, which had huge French doors in the dining room, was open, inviting and everything you’d imagine from an apartment in Barcelona.

Paola told me of how she hoped she could provide this service to any of her guests in Casita Sitges; they could opt to have a day out in Barcelona and a dinner with their host in the city.

I smiled knowing that anyone who opted to stay at her apartment would not only be getting a place to stay in Sitges, but would also meet a friendly host. A host who would provide them with an experience that was much more than just a bed to sleep on at night.

The best part of my trip was seeing how much Paola cared about Casita Sitges and how she genuinely wants her visitors to have an amazing experience in Spain. I was sad to head back to rainy Wales, but I felt lucky that I had met Paola, who proved hospitality is alive and well, wherever your travels take you.

My train trip back to the airport the next morning could have been a somber one, but an accordion player and a trumpeter were playing oldies and tango music for the passengers. As I stepped off the train with the musicians, I hummed along to them playing “Hit the Road Jack” as I looked to find where my connection was back to Liverpool.

I found myself once again lost in a train station in Spain…and I couldn’t have been happier.

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Visit Spain and enjoy the charming seafront village that is Old Town Sitges Click here to discover more.

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Seamist: A Quintessential Bodega Bay Getaway

Story & Photos By Stephanie Wolden

S

oft velvet hills dotted with ancient oak trees, slouching barns, free range cows, sheep, horses and the occasional overhead bird of prey... the drive to Bodega Bay is a favorite for most Northern Californians.

At some point along the way, the road curves and you’re suddenly moving along a precipice of rocky Pacific Ocean shore. As much as you can’t wait to get there, part of you doesn’t want the drive to end.

With just a few hotels along this span of coastline, the best way to spend a getaway is in a vacation rental house. Most of these properties are situated on the east side of HWY 1. Half a mile north there’s a short row of cliffdwelling homes, where you’ll find Seamist – the newly renovated one bedroom + loft cottage.

Welcome to Seamist!

Opening the door for the first time slightly stuns the senses. A shallow entry opens to a kitchen/living room/breakfast nook combo set against a 20 foot wide wall of windows. Beyond that lies an expanse of Pacific Ocean; blue and white wash over a rock-strewn shoreline. Briny ocean air fills your mouth and nose and frizzes your hair while swimming seals bark their greetings.

Outside there’s a bistro set on a wooden deck overlooking Goat Rock, and to the right is a private staircase winding down to the beach below. Low tide offers a great opportunity to search for starfish, urchins, octopus and all things that linger in the shallow pools. Bring some (local) firewood down with you so you can warm your bones next to a fire built right on the sand while you watch the sunset. And don’t forget the (local) wine!

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WOW - The Recently Remodeled Interior Back inside there’s a flame effect fireplace to heat the room with a flat screen TV above the mantle. In the kitchen you’ll find everything you need to make a nice meal, as well as some spices, condiments and coffee.

The Cape Cod inspired queen-size bedroom is complete with extra pillows, blankets and a door to the side deck. If you have kids or friends along, there’s a narrow loft with two twin beds above the living room by way of a submarine style spiral staircase.

Things to Do In town, there are plenty of rustic eateries offering local fare.

Especially delicious is the locally caught Dungeness crab (seasonal November 1st to June 30th). For a truly local experience, head down to Spud Point Crab Company on West Shore Road near the fishing pier.

A few doors down from that is Fisherman’s Cove where you can enjoy a hot cup of homemade chowder and BBQ oysters while shopping for your crabbing gear. Their knowledgeable staff will

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help you get outfitted with everything required to catch your crab feast. The pier is public to boot, so you don’t even need a fishing license (above)

Getting There Property owners Doug and Gay are a delightful, married construction, design team who have seen to every detail at Seamist, as well as Surfscape – the larger two bedroom cottage next door. Multi-family gatherings can rent both houses. Bodega Bay is approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco and 110 miles west of Sacramento.

You’ll want to check the availability of these two terrific properties for your next (or first) stay in Bodega Bay You really need to experince this wonderful area Click here for details

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A Room With A View Story & Photos By Theresa St. John

A Vacation Rental with History They were spot-on when they named this rental “Grand View” I love staying at a vacation rental that has some history behind it. When I can find out a little bit about the owners themselves, it makes my visit all the better. That’s what happened when I stayed in Dorchester, Mass, just outside of Boston, at one of Swank Properties vacation rentals.

Started in 2002 as Swank Apartments. Lance Swank had just finished his first major undertaking in the restoration business. He believed in bringing a building’s wonderful historical details back to life, while combining more up-to-date, traditional materials, in each restoration project.

both short and long term rentals, either in unique brownstones or modern condominiums, can be found all around Boston.

When we drove up to Grand View, in Dorchester, Mass, I was instantly excited. I’d actually had a choice of rentals to stay in, but chose this particular one, because of its description on the website. Located near the top of Jones Hill, in the Savin Hill Neighborhood of Dorchester, our view over the city was promised to be spectacular. We weren’t disappointed.

The home itself reminded me of visits to see my grandparents when I was a kid. The property’s outside architecture was impressive. Light blue in color, it was trimmed with tan and red. We were dazzled with the main feature; a rounded turret-like section Each of Swank’s undertakings transformed a house into a home, off to one side. It was stunning, with rows of scalloped edging with upscale furniture and amenities that made a stay thoroughly that drew our eyes to it. I’m not sure if you can be smitten with a enjoyable. structure, but we were instantly delighted.

In 2010, Swank Apartments became Swank Properties. Lance and business partner, Brett Mattingly, began to expand. Now,

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The windows were numerous and large. We could tell that the sun would afford a great deal of warm, natural light.

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Attached to the backside was a sturdy wooden staircase that wound its way up to the roof. Abandoning our suitcases, we scampered to the top. We could see for miles. With the colorful foliage still on the trees all around us, it was a stunning view. We could see the city and parts of Boston’s outer harbor.

Fabulous.

Inside, old, polished woodwork led us through arched doorways, through the welcoming foyer and into rooms that showcased expansive floor plans. Each living area had big, overstuffed chairs and couches. We sat there in the morning, drinking coffee while we planned our day. Then, relaxed there at night, drinking wine and talking about the highlights of our stay in the city.

One room even had the elegant pocket doors of yesteryear, ones that you pulled out from the wall to separate areas of a room for privacy, just like the ones my great grandmother had in her home in Hanson, Massachusetts. I smiled with the memory of her.

With a choice of bedrooms on both the first and second floor, I wanted to be like Goldilocks, trying out each of the four queen beds. They were all that inviting. There was also a side room with twin beds for children that might be with a family traveling to the city. There are also two bathrooms. Perfect! We wouldn’t have to fight over sharing time in one.

The large kitchen afforded us plenty of space to cook at the stove and visit over drinks at the end of our day. I was delighted with the amenities. Seeing the old, restored butler’s pantry made me appreciate the hard work it must have taken to keep

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the historic features front and center, while working on the property.

The glass chandelier in the dining room caught the afternoon sunshine and sent prisms of color everywhere. Even though we did not eat in that room, it was easy to appreciate the beauty of the heavy wood table and chairs.

Tucked away in the laundry room are washer and dryer for the convenience of guests.

We stayed here for four perfect days. The property could easily be a long term rental for a business traveler or a family that wants all the comforts of home that you simply can’t find in a hotel.

The property was spotless, well-taken care of, with vases of flowers thoughtfully scattered throughout. Because it was only a short walk to the T Station and had off-street parking, I can’t wait to stay here again.

No doubt about it, Swank Properties has this restoration business down pat.

Want to experience the “home” feel in your next stay in the greater Boston area? Check out the available Swank Properties by clicking here

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Food and Fun Article & Photos By Theresa St. John A chilly drink in Boston’s unique, Frosty Ice Bar It sure is a fun place to go with friends if you want to try something new while visiting the city. Enjoy a frosty drink inside one of Boston’s most unique bars. Located in Faneuil Hall, it’s made completely of ice.

That’s right, ice. It’s freezing cold inside at 21 degrees.

Besides that, the room is a wonderful neon blue, with interesting sculptures and the bartenders are friendly.

You’re provided with a heavy, insulated cape that will help keep you warm, as well as gloves for handling your drink. Choose your poison, a concoction made with premium spirits, served in a short glass made of ice. After finishing your cocktail, mine was called “Don’t Poke the Bear,” just throw your ice glass away.

At $12 to get in and $11 a drink, I’m glad we went.

Nighttime of shopping and walking in the city Boston is such a trendy city, with a skyline that highlights gorgeous architecture during both daylight and nighttime hours. We loved walking through the crowded streets, window shopping and admiring the historic buildings, tucked in between more contemporary visions of this state’s capitol.

Whether you want to make your way to Rowe’s Wharf, the financial district or other historic places, you won’t regret visiting this wonderful metropolis.

Take the transit into the city It is super easy to get to the city from historic Savin Hill Station. We parked our car at the vacation rental, where it sat the entire four days. Savin Hill’s station has been rated #1 by many travelers and I would have to agree. I loved the fact it was only a short 10-minute walk away from where we were staying.

Fall in Boston is a treat, with perfect weather. We felt like kids, kicking our way through the colorful leaves that had covered the sidewalks. The T station was clean and the trains were always on time.

Great places to eat in the city With well over 1,000 restaurants in and around the city, how do you pick one? No idea, but we found a few favorites! Every morning we ate right up the street from the rental. McKenna’s Café was right next to the T station, couldn’t get more perfect than that. It was a super busy place. It seemed like all of the locals were there and we stood out like a sore thumb. Everyone wanted to know where we were from. I thought

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in Boston Proper

it was cool, friendly neighborhoods are like that. The food was great and kept us full till early afternoon, when we ate in the city.

The Black Rose was a favorite lunch stop with an extensive menu to choose from typical Irish fare. We met up with friends and enjoyed the meal and décor while we sat over a great ale and caught up with each other.

For dinner we chose The North End’s La Famiglia Spagnuolo Restaurant. Its delicious Italian fare, with a walk under the warm nighttime skies afterward, was delightful.

Take a walk in the park Fresh air and a walk in the park is a great way to spend some downtime. Boston has a lot of beautiful places from which to choose. The parks are neat and clean, with comfy benches to sit on.

You can people-watch and enjoy some quiet time, in what might be an otherwise busy day for you.

Other things to do in the city You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s cobblestone streets. Or, take some time to wander into any one of the historic churches in the area. And, oh my goodness, who doesn’t love an old historic graveyard? We spent hours walking around the Granary Burying Ground, founded in 1660, rich with stories of Boston’s timeline.

Theatre, see a musical show at The Orpheum Theatre, or take one of several guided tours through the history of our American Revolution.

No matter what you decide to do in Boston, you’ll want to come back to see more. One visit to the city just won’t do - neither will one stay at a Premier Swank Property. You’ll want a repeat performance of both. Promise.

You can also lose yourself for a few hours inside Boston’s Imax

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Alabama’s Gulf Coast in September

Sugar Sand Beaches without the Crowds

Story & Photos By Gus Gutoskey A Stress Free Retreat Alabama’s Gulf Coast has become my family’s September retreat. The second vacation of the year allows us to leave the stress and bustle of life back home as we step into an environment that includes little traffic, empty beaches, warm gulf waters, and restaurants with no wait on a typical evening. This stay is always quite a contrast to our annual Spring Break visit that includes children, grandchildren and friends in an accommodation never quite large enough, bumper to bumper traffic, beaches overflowing with activity, gulf waters still carrying winter’s chill, and long restaurant lines.

Accommodations: Huge Selection, Great Value, Perfect Season For this week at the beach with our adult daughter, we looked for an accommodation that was smoke-free, had two bedrooms and two baths, a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, direct views of the Gulf of Mexico, and no “nickel and diming” for parking, wireless communication, and the like. With over 900 vacation rentals on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, we found exactly what we needed at Silver Beach Condominiums, compliments of owners Barbara and David Christenberry.

We walked into a well-decorated unit on the sixth floor, painted in vibrant colors with ceramic tile throughout and accented with nautical-themed artwork. The kitchen was a study in contrast with clean white cabinets and appliances against fiesta red walls. Shiny and glass-like beige granite countertops gave the room a rich, clean Facebook.com/VacationRentalTravels

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look. The mirrored wall in the living room made the entire unit appear much larger. Fiesta red accents were prominent throughout the unit.

Privacy was assured as each of the two bedrooms had its own bathroom. Soothing lagoon green and yellow pear bedroom walls invited rest. Both the living room and master bedroom opened to a balcony that featured a unique tempered glass railing that afforded a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico.

All the comforts of home were present – well-appointed kitchen, music and video equipment, ceiling fans and large storage areas.

Photo by: David Christenberry

While every season has its advantages, September on Alabama’s beaches has nearly perfect temperatures, the crowds of the high season are nowhere to be found, and rental rates are 50% below peak Spring Break and summer rates. We had a full week of sunshine with high temperatures in the mid-80’s.

One Goal and One Decision a Day While there is something for everyone on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, we were there to relax and had only one goal for the week (do nothing) and one decision to make each day (where will we eat dinner).

Each day began with a five mile walk on the beach toward the rising sun, camera in one hand and coffee with Irish Cream in the other. Breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners were prepared in the condo. What an advantage over a stay in one of the area’s hotels!

We spent at least a part of every day soaking in the sun on the beach, listening to Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, The Drifters and the like from Pandora through my daughter’s smart phone to a wireless speaker, drinking adult beverages, and enjoying a dip in the 85 degree gulf waters.

The ladies worked on their tans and I attempted to turn a “golfer’s tan” into a “beach-comber’s tan.” We really did accomplish our goal of leaving the stress of life at home.

Photo by: David Christenberry

Historic Fort Morgan is one of three forts that made history during the Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. A visit to this fort and museum is a good way to rest sunburned skin and learn about life on and around Mobile Bay during the later years of the Civil War. Admiral David G. Farragut, the U.S. naval commander in the Gulf during the war, is credited with the famous battle cry, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.” Farragut’s actions during the “Battle of the Bay” proved decisive in capturing

“Damn the Torpedoes – Full Speed Ahead!”

Although we only had one goal for the week (do nothing), we did spend one morning at Fort Morgan.

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the forts at the entrance to Mobile Bay and closing the bay to the Confederates. Michael Bailey, Fort Morgan’s Historic Site Director, told me while there is no proof the Admiral uttered these words, he did exactly what the words imply and his actions turned the tide in the battle and was a key in keeping the Union intact.

Where Will We Eat Dinner?

With over 100 restaurant choices, this decision is never easy. Interestingly, our “one daily decision” resulted in meals at six area restaurants and three meals prepared on the condo’s charcoal grill.

After a hard day lounging on the beach, we had a birthday party at the condo on Sunday evening with barbeque chicken prepared on the grill and a French silk birthday pie.

We checked out the Flora-Bama Lounge early Wednesday evening. The Flora-Bama is rated one of the Top Ten Beach Bars in the world. It’s a true American Roadhouse.

In its fifty-first year, it contains a series of rooms, added willy-nilly over the years resulting in serious character.

Also an Oyster Bar, we were there for the adult beverages and live music from one of the three stages. We listened to the Smokin’ Elvises, led by two-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Rhonda Hart.

For dinner, our choice was The Live Bait. The best meal of the evening was the Shrimp Skewer dinner. The Shrimp Wraps, seasoned shrimp filled spring rolls, with a sweet and spicy Asian sauce was another standout.

Thursday was our final meal prepared on the condo grill.

My daughter was certain she could duplicate the skewers from The Live Bait. She overachieved! Fresh jumbo gulf shrimp from a local market were coated with olive oil and seasoned with a Cajun rub, black pepper and garlic salt, skewered with red potatoes, peppers and onions and grilled to perfection. We ate on our own deck, under the stars sipping a red wine blend as the mellow tones of

We ate a late lunch at The Hangout on Monday afternoon.

The Hangout is the site of the annual Hangout Music Festival, now shown on MTV and VH1. The Grilled MahiMahi and Mahi-Mahi fish tacos were superb. Later that evening, we ate hamburgers from our own grill.

LuLu’s was the Tuesday dinner choice. Located right under the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge in Gulf Shores, LuLu’s is owned by LuLu Buffett, sister of singer Jimmy Buffett (she calls herself the “crazy sista”). It’s a family fun place with live music (both inside and out), a “mountain of ropes” course for the kids, a beach, a marina, and a gift shop. The ladies raved about the Smoked Tuna Dip.

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tables with umbrellas, and picnic tables sitting on sand or closely mown grass and surrounded by palm trees.

Food is ordered and paid for at a walk-up “container” and delivered to the table by servers. The bar is also a walk-up “container.” The setting is comfortable and fun.

Live music is offered. The Crawfish Salad Sandwich with cucumbers, red onions, and peppers on a brioche bun was a big hit as was The Gulf Angus Burger with fresh cut fries. We were pleasantly surprised; we will surely return to The Gulf.

Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme competed with the gulf’s waves.

Friday’s choice was The Gulf. The Gulf is an inviting, attractive al fresco restaurant right on Perdido Pass. It is made out of blue shipping containers, the kind you see stacked on the flat cars of trains or being hauled by a semi. Seating consists of overstuffed couches, wooden

Success!

We did it! We made it through an entire week having fun doing nothing. We achieved the goal of pushing the stress and bustle of life far from our minds while averaging less than a decision a day.

Stay in this Gulf of Mexico newly remodeled condo for a week or two - you won’t regret it.

Click here to get in contact with Dave & Barbara today!

Something for Everyone

By Gus Gutoskey

A thirty-two mile beach of white sand doesn’t require much explanation.

But in addition to this treasure, the area has something for everyone year-round.

Gulf State Park - Alabama’s Gulf State Park, directly in the middle of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, showcases the largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico at 1540 feet in length.

The park has 3-1/2 miles of public beaches and a zip line where you

can take a 90-feet high, one mile journey over the park’s varied terrain including freshwater lakes, alligator ponds, and white dunes. Along with a state golf course, the park offers nearly eight miles of backcountry hiking/biking trails.

Deep Sea Fishing - Alabama’s Gulf Coast has a huge charter fishing fleet with dozens of marinas. Red snapper, redfish, speckled trout, flounder and amberjack are in great supply. Catch

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a fish? Throw it on your own grill or take it to one of the Gulf Coast’s “Cook-your-catch” restaurants.

Golf - With the average high temperature ranging from 60 degrees in January to 90 degrees in August, golf is played year round at championship courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, and Jerry Pate. Reasonable vacation rentals allow for low-cost buddy trips when you can enjoy the

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area’s 18 courses by day and an endless array of restaurants by night.

Historic Fort Morgan - Fort Morgan, a National Historic Landmark, is at the westernmost end the Alabama Gulf Coast right on Mobile Bay. Construction on the fort began in 1819 and it was completed in 1834.

This large brick, star-shaped fort saw service in the Civil War, Spanish- Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. People compete by tossing a slippery mullet from a ten foot circle in Alabama across the state line into Florida. You read that right. Even if you miss this event, the Flora-Bama is not to be missed. It is likely the most unique establishment you’ll encounter. Live music is provided 365 days a year from its three stages.

American War, and the First and Second World Wars. Open for selfguided tours, an on-site museum details the fort’s history.

Family Fun - Families can also enjoy Waterville USA, a water park less than a half mile from the beach and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which is right next door. Gocarts, bumper boats, and miniature golf are nearby at The Track.

Parasailing and many dolphin cruises are offered as the Gulf is teeming with the playful creatures.

Music and Festivals on the Beach From April to October, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a hotbed of top musical acts, festivals, and pure beachcentered fun.

five years include Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Stevie Wonder, among hundreds of other acts. Viacom holds a multi-year broadcast deal and the event can be seen on MTV and VH1.

Shindig on the Sand – This three day family friendly and affordable event The Hangout Music Festival - Midis also hosted by the Flora-Bama.

May is the time for The Hangout Held in mid-June, this is a three day Music Festival. This three day festival celebration of Gulf Coast musicians consisting of more than 70 acts on five different stages. Taylor Hicks was the headline star in 2013.

The National Shrimp Festival During the second full weekend in October, the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores draws more than 250,000 people and 300 vendors. Shrimp is prepared more ways than even Bubba Blue, Forrest Gump’s Armymate, knew. Again, the beautiful has become so popular, sale of tickets Gulf of Mexico is the festival’s is capped at 40,000. Held right in backdrop with many national music the heart of Gulf Shores outside acts providing the entertainment.

The Hangout restaurant, the festival features top talent. Notable acts Concert Series at The that have performed during the first Amphitheater at the Wharf – The

The Interstate Mullet Toss – This event is held the last full weekend of April at the Flora-Bama Lounge.

The Flora-Bama is rated one of the Top Ten Beach Bars in the world.

Tens of thousands of people stream to this event, billed as the Gulf Facebook.com/VacationRentalTravels

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Wharf features many top bill musicians and acts in its outdoor venue during spring and summer. Taylor Swift, Kenney Chesney, and John Mayer have been feature acts.

way through lakes, massive bunkers and lowlands. Cordgrass accented lakes come into play on nearly every hole.

Cypress Bend, rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, is a good warm-up for Cotton Creek.

An “Under the Radar” Golf Destination Golf is played year-round on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Golfers have many courses to choose from in the area, many rated four stars or better by Golf Digest.

With a plethora of vacation rental options and a location served by Interstates 10 and 65, golfers can spend a week playing fabulous courses while taking in the rich Gulf Coast night-life without breaking the budget. Here are the “must play” courses, all less than 30 minutes from the heart of Gulf Shores.

Kiva Dunes Golf Club – Designed by former U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes is a stunning links course right on the Gulf of Mexico that meanders through sand dunes, lakes and wildlife areas. The course was rated the second best public golf course in Alabama by Golf Magazine in September, 2014.

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club – Peninsula is a 27hole Earl Stone design rated 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest.

The course sits within the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve and winds through cypress, live oak trees and natural vegetation. There are over 30 lakes on the 820 acre plot.

Be sure to grab a complimentary chilled apple on the first tee.

Lost Key Golf Club – Another Golf Digest 4-1/2 star rated course, Lost Key is the first golf course in Florida to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. Located eleven miles from Orange Beach in Perdido Key, FL, Lost Key was redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 2006. Five sets of tees make the course playable for golfers of all skill levels.

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms – Cotton Creek is one of two courses at Craft Farms. The first Arnold Palmer signature design along the Gulf Coast, Cotton Creek is a traditional, tree-lined course with rolling fairways, large undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers.

Playing 7000 yards from the tips, Cotton Creek provides many risk/reward opportunities for the golfer. Cotton Creek is yet another course with a 4-1/2 star Golf Digest rating.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms – Cypress Bend, another Arnold Palmer design, provides a golfing experience much different than its sister Cotton Creek course. Playing out of the Cotton Creek clubhouse, Cypress Bend winds its 36 - Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015

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VRMarketPlace Reefs Edge Bonaire

Reefs Edge Bonaire is an Ocean front condo with Amazing views! Feel the sun warm your skin while gazing off into the sunset on one of our three balconies. Floor to ceiling glass doors/windows provide a spectacular view of the ocean! The minute you walk in and see the view immediately you feel the stress leave your body. Time to Relax....

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Fun Coconut Hideaway Coconut Hideaway Beachhouse sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico with your private beach just off our front deck. Our charming Caribbean-inspired beach house is decorated with antiques and oriental carpets and features hardwood floors and soaring high ceilings.

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North Shore Beauty We have a vintage, family beach house in Hawaii, on the North Shore of O’ahu. It is beach front, and has been in our family 80 years. We have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a separate kitchen with a pass-through view through the house of the lawn, coconut trees and ocean.

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Orlando Vacation Villas Welcome to your vacation home just minutes south of Orlando... Two fully air-conditioned villas are situated across from each other on a quiet nothrough court. They can be rented individually or together. Designed in a contemporary style, both villas have all of the features you need, and more.

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Vacation Rental Experiences - Just for Our Readers Include your property in the VRMarketPlace, go to http://vacationrentaltravels.com/add-your-property/

Starfish Blue, Suncoast Fiji Nothing says relaxation like a hanging bed. Enjoy the view as you gently sway with a stellar view of paradise. Starfish Blue is on Fiji’s vivid Suncoast- lush greenery and tropical water. Honeymooners love the master suite with 2 person jetted tub, and families love the three bedrooms and bathrooms and private pool.

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Luxurious Asheville Lofts

Enjoy the comforts of home in the heart of downtown Asheville. Experience the charm of our recently renovated historic building just steps from the vibrant cosmopolitan center of Asheville. Surround yourself with the warmth of abundance of natural light and handsome decor. All modern amenities and off street parking.

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Escape To Branson Two retreat homes, a short stroll from Table Rock Lake, have a peaceful views of the Ozarks and are not just a place to stay, but a place to play. “Decked out” with exceptional amenities, like sleek black pool tables, a solid wood poker table or a foosball table, TV/ DVD in each bedroom, and more.

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Kawailoa Beach Paradise Ready for lounging in the sun or floating in the sea?

Surf awaits at MJ’s & Gators, as well as snorkeling & fishing. Protected swimming perfect for the family.

Whale watch in the winter & spot turtles year round.

Enjoy TV, internet, games & 2 covered lanais when it’s time to escape the sun. Unbelievable North Shore Hawaii sunsets and stargazing!

Click for details and availability Facebook.com/VacationRentalTravels

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 39

For the Love of Travel

Changing Lenses

By Beth Carson

I

have a Canon DSLR camera that I love. I lean towards thinking telephoto lenses are the best, probably from the time I spent in South Africa in game parks. A lion off in the distance grew larger when I zoomed in.

ones who had escaped colder climes and been there for a few decades.

Who doesn’t love that?

Sharing their secret places with me. A hole in the wall that I would have normally given a miss became a favorite.

Recently, at a conference, a vacation rental owner pointed out that the actual glass part of the lens was small, meaning that it was compromising the amount of light in as well as quality. Hmm. Since I’m doing much more indoor shooting now, I bought a wide angle lens, based on his comment.

The difference in range is amazing. I can take a photo of a vacation rental bedroom and get a LOT more of the room in.

The quality and light is excellent. I take amazingly detailed photos of things near to me.

Recently, I spent a total of a month and a half in Mexico, over 3 trips, furnishing and decorating a client’s 2 brand new condos.

Here I began to change the lenses I look through to enjoy one of my favorite travel destinations in a new way.

Up and down from Tulum to the stores in Playa del Carmen I traveled, the clear Caribbean Sea tantalizingly close, but just out of reach as I worked.

Instead of focusing on the tourism hot spots, I focused on getting to know the locals, both the ones born there and the

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I started greeting familiar people. Soon, they started stopping to sit down and eat with me, sharing their stories with me.

The carpenters that I worked with started joking with me - one of them specialized in charades (our only common language) and his laughter was infectious. The more he hammed it up the more he laughed –and the more I laughed.

Ron, at Tequilaville, became a friend.

Originally from Canada, his love of his adopted homeland is evident in his wide smile. He has a hug or a handshake for everyone.

One evening, he shocked me by telling

I started greeting familiar people.

Soon, they started stopping to sit down and eat with me, sharing their stories with me.

me he was leaving to go home early. His girlfriend was needy, he said by way of explanation. He continued.

“She needs a lot of hugs.” And, he’s happy to give them to her. A nice man, living life full of simple pleasures.

Yes, the sea was a few miles away. But, the close up lens I was looking through was, quite possibly, even better. And, the three times I made it to the beach (I had to eat, didn’t I?) it was another “hole in the wall” that only the locals knew about.

One such place is KSM, located down a dirt road. With a wholly inadequate brown and green sign to let you know you’re on the correct dirt road off the whizzing main highway, it’s easy to miss, even if you’re looking hard for it.

This totally delightful hodgepodge is part beach bar, complete with swings with one of the best views in the Caribbean, part restaurant (after certain hours they only serve cold food, ceviche and salads) and part kite surfing school. I was introduced to owner Koko on my first visit, a handsome, young Mexican who works hard but is always happy to strap someone onto a kite, push a kayak out in the water, or help the staff out.

So, after a long day spent searching for beautiful objects for the condos, or if it was my misfortune, yet another stop at Home Depot, I would stop at Koko’s.

Or Tequilaville. And my soul would be restored, sometimes, the only fair-haired person in sight.

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 41

Owner’s Corner By: Beth Carson Hey Vaction Rental Owners, I got so much great feedback from you asking more about creating the WOW factor for your property, I’m creating a free 4 part video series that will show you how to use Travel Psychology to get more inquiries, book more reservations and WOW your guests...

Check out the video below and then head over to sign up so you’ll receive the invite to the video series.

HomeAway Summit Update There’s only a few more HomeAway Summits. I’m scheduled to be in LA on September 19th and would love to meet you there. Just find my booth. There’s also a rumor that my VRT partner Art Remnet will be there with me. A rare chance to meet the tech behind my business.

If you’re an owner, do try to make it to one. If you’re not sure, here’s a video from vacation rental photography expert- Tyann Marcink. And while you’re there, pick up her latest book: Create Killer Vacation Rental Photos.

See you in Los Angeles on September 19th!

PS- I’m the one in the red dress at about the one minute mark.

42 - Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015

VacationRentalTravels.com

My Traveling Circus

by Camille Miller

Making the Best of the Worst I

t had rained for three days straight, and the roads were beginning to flood. My husband and I and our three young children were trapped by an extended spring downpour in the most beautiful valley in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

It was romantic at first, with all of us crowded on the floor in front of the fireplace, playing Monopoly and munching on warm homemade cookies. I think if it had just been my husband and me, we’d have been happy to stay inside forever. But young children can only stand so much Monopoly. And we eventually ran out of cookies.

we returned to the cabin with big plans for creativity and meaningful interaction. There was no cell service and no internet in the valley, but I had read that a technology break can be good. And what is technology but the brain child of imagination anyway? We had plenty of that, and high hopes (or at least a morbid curiosity) to see if we could enjoy our vacation in spite of the weather.

I’ll admit, I was expecting it to get old fast. I was expecting whiny kids, and a damp car ride

The next morning, we dared the muddy drive up and out of the valley and made our way to nearby Hill City. We were astonished to see how much water was running through town. My kids were highly amused by a pair of ducks floating across what had last week been a soccer field. The river was so swollen that whole sections of road in town had been submerged and blocked off.

Everyone dove into their pile of books with gusto, and the kids begged me to read fairy tales to them late into the night. The girls created complex story lines for their stuffed animals to rehearse and perform. Memories piled up, one after another. And when they truly needed some fresh air, they found that hide-and-seek is just as fun among the rocks of South Dakota in the rain, as it is in stuffy broom cupboards at home.

My husband and I talked. Really talked. And discovered, again, that we really do like each other. We drummed up ideas, solved problems, and learned things about each other that we probably would have missed if we’d given up and taken the stressful drive back home again.

The whole thing felt very much like a family renaissance, and when it was time to go home again, that same energy spilled into our everyday routines and gave them new life.

We were determined to make the best of it, but everything seemed to be closed. The trails were too muddy for hiking or horseback riding. The historic train ride through the hills had closed. We tried to visit Mount Rushmore and were told that the iconic faces couldn’t be seen through the dense cloud cover. It seemed we were doomed to spend our vacation fighting cabin fever.

I mention all this because I find it astonishing. I’m astonished to discover that our family relationships are hardy enough that we can tolerate close-quarters like that for so long. I’m astonished at the depth of resources in both spirit and mind that each individual carries with them, just waiting to be used. I’m astonished most of all that many of this summer’s sweetest memories came from what was basically, a disastrous trip.

For one brief conversation we considered returning home. But, after checking the weather, we found the rain was just as bad in our own corner of the world, and getting there would be more hazardous than staying put. So we stopped at a store and bought rainy-day supplies.

back home again within 24 hours. As I said, my husband and I were perfectly happy to cuddle up with a long book and read until the rain stopped, but I couldn’t expect such behavior from three kids under ten.

Loading the car with books, crayons, scissors, construction paper, glue, and some groceries,

However, as time passed, I was surprised at their good humor and inventiveness. My son

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took half a day to construct an enormous apple tree, and challenged everyone to write something thoughtful on an apple to glue to the tree. (That apple tree is now hanging on the wall in his room.) My husband demonstrated his latest fitness obsession – pull-ups - and then lifted all three kids to do pull-ups from the beams overhead. The pictures are priceless.

And with this new perspective, I’m looking at other “disasters” in my life, and wondering if they too hold a secret key to greater understanding, keener feeling, deeper relationships, and treasured memories. I even hope, just a bit, for a storm to ruin our next vacation.

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 43

Wellness Travel Experiences

by Dede Sindelar

Culunary Tourism The coming trend

W

hen you travel, do unique food and drink experiences lure you to your destination?

Today you’ll learn new ways to tantalize your taste buds by shopping and eating in a new locale.

Enhance your well-being when you travel with Culinary Tourism trends and sample indigenous foods at farmer’s markets, eating tours, and cooking classes led by local chefs and culinary festivals.

Farmer’s Markets Farmer’s Markets showcase local farmer’s fruits, veggies, meats and sometimes prepared foods and beverages. In some cultures, you can find animals for sale at these indoor or outdoor booths. Of course, if you are staying at a vacation rental they may frown upon you taking home a chicken or a goat.

As a consumer, you can benefit by tasting and cooking with fresher foods, healthier foods that are pasture raised meats, free-range eggs, and poultry. Connect with the community and really get a feel for the different cultures.

If you are questioning where to find locally grown food in your area with the best farmers markets, well, there’s an app for that.

Farmstand App makes it easy to eat local by allowing you to pinpoint over 8,700 farmer’s markets throughout the world. So no matter where your destination, fresh foods are at your fingertips.

WELLNESS TRAVEL IS…more important now than ever because of the added stress that we encounter in our workplace, home, relationships and finances.

Wellness intersects with everything from lodging… to food and beverage… to shopping… activities…and excursions.

ARE YOU… generally healthy and motivated to travel to recharge your batteries, take a break from work, improve your health, reduce stress, or to be more productive when you return home? Do you want to take personal responsibility for your health? Do you want fun, adventure and to experience something new?

If so, then you’re like the majority of wellness travelers that go on vacation for authentic experiences and meaningful transformations. You like to engage in wellness activities as part of a trip.

WHAT ARE WELLNESS TRAVEL ACTIVITIES?

The USDA The United States Department of Agriculture provides directories of community-supported agriculture where shoppers can find a mapped location with the types of products offered, the hours they are open and how you can pay for your food. http://www.usdalocalfooddirectories. com.

Eating Tours Eating tours can guide you on a culinary adventure through some of the off-beaten path eateries. If you want the best legendary cheese steaks, turtle sundaes, or the best bay crab cakes, there’s a tour for it. Puerto Vallarta offers Taco Adventures with a cold Cerveza in hand.

44 - Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015

Spa and Beauty Mind-Body Spiritual & Connection Personal Growth Eco & Adventure Fitness Healthy Eating These seven base activities ensure physical health, empower intellectual health, encourage the emotional health, extend the community health, enhance the environmental health, and evolve the spiritual health of travelers. According to “Institute for Healthy Destination Accreditation”, this is the PIECES MODEL that meeting professionals, business travelers and general consumers regard as valuable pieces when seeking wellness destinations.

As Founder of Sindelar Wellness Travel and a wellness traveler myself, I have an interest in personal wellbeing and participating in wellness activities. It’s not a luxury anymore, but a necessity to reduce stress and enhance the quality of life.

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Rome has tours around the oldest shopping district at all the best food delis and restaurants in the area. Your guides introduce you to local vendors while learning about the Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.

Tucson, Arizona offers a Prickly Pear Festival where you learn about making prickly pear wine and multiple restaurants offer prickly-pear dishes to sample as you walk around the festival grounds.

Cooking Classes Cooking Classes are available to mini chefs all the way up to adults of any age. Children can enhance discovery and creativity with food by learning the basics to simple recipes.

If your desire is to unleash your inner chef, then learning how to create pasta in Rome or dig for oysters in the Carolinas might just be the anecdote to bring out your creativity.

Cooking classes in Barcelona even offer an opportunity to follow and tour local chefs through the local markets selecting the appropriate indigenous ingredients for those savory meals.

Culinary Festivals Choose a guided culinary festival or escape on your own to discover a region’s local foodies.

Whether you are looking for Asian-inspired hot dogs, cheesemaking demos, or Alaska salmon barbeques, somewhere in the world it’s available at a festival.

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Imagine tasting foods and cocktails available during the Tucson Salsa & Tequila Challenge.

You’ll find local salsa connoisseurs trying their hand at who can create the most authentic salsa with the freshest ingredients. Learn about the benefits of Tequila and how true Mexican Tequila comes from the Weber Blue Agave plant from the Tequila region in the state of Jalisco.

How to get the Best Experience?

My best advice is to research your destination before you arrive to see what types of activities tantalize your taste buds. Are you somebody who likes to discover new cultures on your own or do you enjoy someone guiding you to experience these new activities? Either option is available to you with Culinary Tourism.

When you open your mouth and mind to the world of Culinary Tourism you’ll discover new

taste sensations, new cultures and possibly make some life-long friends along the way.

And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture those exquisite dishes for your scrapbook and social media (so you can taunt your friends).

Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015 - 45

ASK OUR EXPERT V

acation Rental Travels receives travel and VR managemtn questions each week. VR expert and our editor Beth Carson provides the answers to help you get the most from your Vacation Rental Travels.

Reader: How do I save money on my vacation?

Beth: Last year, I took my daughter and a friend to Panama City Beach, Florida. We could have stayed in a cramped hotel room and fought traffic for every meal.

Instead, we chose a vacation rental.

We stopped about an hour before we arrived and stocked up on breakfast, lunch, and snack food. We used the luggage cart provided by the condo and loaded everything in one trip. We enjoyed separate bedrooms and bathrooms.

BETH CARSON

Author, Speaker & VR Expert VR Fusion

Each morning, we got up as we were ready, not disturbing anyone else with separate bedrooms, and headed out to the reserved chairs (included with the vacation rental) after eating breakfast. After a few hours by the pool or on the beach, we came in for lunch and refilled our water bottles.

By around 5 o’clock, we were beached out and ready for some nightlife.

Sometimes, for dinner, we’d share some appetizers, other nights we’d get an entrée and bring half back for lunch the next day.

When we got back to the condo, we’d hang out in the living room, laughing and talking about the day with the air con off and the balcony door wide open. If there were fireworks, or one night, when people sent lanterns flying into the night sky, we took the short flight down the elevator to be in the middle of the action.

We saved not only hundreds on meals, but at least 2 or 3 hours a day not searching out restaurants, waiting for a table, waiting for our meal, waiting for our bill, and driving back. We enjoyed the beach all day every day. You can’t put a price on that.

Not only did we live better with separate rooms and bathrooms at the condo, we saved money.

Still not sure?

Click on this infographic from HomeAway.

Have a travel question?

Just email Beth directly at beth@VacationRentalTravels.com and who knows, your question could appear in the next issue!

46 - Vacation Rental Travels | September / October 2015

Click for the full graphic VacationRentalTravels.com