If you find that your vacation rental‘s calendar has upcoming vacancies, you could be missing out on some serious revenue. With the holidays fast approaching, many travelers have their plans set in stone and are eagerly awaiting a lovely holiday break.   Meanwhile, some travelers purposely wait until the last minute so they can snag the best deals around, and that could mean your rental property!  We’ve compiled a list of some tried and true best practices to get your home booked at the last minute!

Use that Headline:  When perusing a list of properties, travelers who are looking to snag a last minute deal have one thing on their minds: great value.  By including a few words regarding your open availability for the holidays, or the fact that you’re running a special Holiday Deal, these travelers are more likely to book your property!

Reduce Your Rates:  Since it is last minute you shouldn’t expect to charge peak season rates, even if it is the holiday season.  Offer 15-20% less than your typical rate or offer a free night if travelers stay for 3 nights.  Be creative and be fair!

Include a Freebie:  To further entice potential guests into staying at your home for their last minute getaway, offer to include a gift certificate to a local restaurant, free with their stay!  This is especially attractive to the chef of the household, as it will alleviate the stress of cooking for one evening.

Enticing Photos:  Your thumbnail photo is the perfect opportunity for you to grab attention to the fact that your home will make a charming setting for a family’s holiday getaway.  Change the photo to a picture of your dining room table-set for a family.  Or try inserting a smaller graphic in the bottom of your thumbnail picture that calls attention to your discounted rate.  At the bottom of your photo, insert a graphic that reads “20% Off for the Holidays.”  Happy Bookings!

Reviews on FlipKey are critical to a property’s booking success.  While the vast majority of reviews provide positive feedback, every once in a while we will come across a review that really goes above and beyond the call of duty.  The following review poetically describes a lovely day at a Tuscan villa…how enchanting!

Phuket, Thailand- Even if we are entering their busy tourist season (January to June), prices in this Thai Island are ideal all year long.  With the Thai Baht equaling about 0.02 U.S. dollars, you can’t afford not to go here. Phuket offers visitors miles upon miles of squeaky white sand, hunter green interiors and quaint bamboo huts that will make you wish you never had to leave.

Istanbul, Turkey- Istanbul, the sultry capitol of the long gone Constantinople, is a whirlwind of a city.  Over 19 million proud, pleasant Turks reside in Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, making the city one that brims with ancient mosques, hip museums and some of the best food you’ve ever tasted.  But all this doesn’t come at a price, the Turkish Lira is at about 0.6 U.S. dollars, a solid exchange rate for a fascinating metropolis like Istanbul.

Washington D.C.- While most travelers prefer to visit the capitol during its balmy summer months, a visit to D.C. in the winter is a refreshing break from the large crowds and sweaty lines.  A Mecca for museum junkies, military men and families alike make this city a perfect holiday getaway.  With the free museum entry to all the museums as well as off-season prices your wallet will thank you

Burlington, VT- This bohemian paradise is a ski lover’s winter wonderland.  From December to March, while most cities are deep in hibernation, Burlington comes to life, with rocking bars, sprawling parks and some seriously crisp mountain air.  Close proximity to Jay Peak, Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe Mountains make it an ideal home base for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.  Plus the small town prices won’t hurt your holiday budget.

Belize- Nestled into the foot hills of Mexico on the Caribbean shores; Belize offers the island lifestyle without the high prices.  With hoards of Mayan ruins, silver sandy beaches and the unreal “Great Blue Hole,” a sink hole surrounded by screaming colors of the tropical reefs, Belize is a truly divine destination.

Tybee Island, GA- The off-season presents opportunities to stroll the serene beaches and towering light houses without bumping into hoards of other people.  Believe it or not, beaching it is still possible during the winter months. It won’t be scorching hot as in the summer months but with temperatures in the mid 70s throughout the winter, you’ll walk away with a full wallet and clear mind.

Egypt- One of the oldest centers of civilization, Egypt is a frenzied country anchored in tradition and dripping with ancient pyramids and crumbling ruins.  With the Nile running through it, giving the arid landscape a touch of vitality, this country offers some of the most remarkable sights.  With vacation rentals for as little as $40 a day and an equally enticing exchange rate, Egypt is a highly desirable destination this season.

Winter Park, Colorado- With 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Winter Park has some of the best skiing in the Rockies.  But part of this gem’s appeal is that it flies under the radar, in close range of Vail and Aspen it is easily overshadowed by the glitzier ski resorts.  Just outside of Denver allows for easy flights and while its still peak season at Winter Park, the prices aren’t super outrageous.

Montreal, Canada- Although you may be thinking that Canada in the winter is a massive ice cube, there are some serious perks to visiting this majestic city in the dead of winter.  Not only is Quebec’s old city a vibrant piece of ancient Europe that has been grafted onto the surface of north America, but these French Canadians know how to do winter right: with a formidable ice skating rink smack dab in the middle of the city, vin chaud (hot wine) to chase away those chills and some poutine (French fries, cheese and gravy!) to fill that tummy of yours.  Plus the Canadian dollar has been about on par with the U.S. dollar these days so you don’t have to worry about a terrorizing exchange rate.

St. Louis, Missouri- Head to the Gateway state for a true slice of Americana.  St Louis offers a whole range of free activities for the inexpensive vacations from free entrance to the St. Louis Zoo, St Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Musem and the St. Louis Science Center.  There’s also a surprising amount of breweries here where one can get a taste of that good old Budweiser or the lesser known Schlafly Beer.  Regardless of what you choose to do here chance are, it’ll be free!

For the second year in a row FlipKey has been recognized as a leading force in the vacation rental website arena. In 2008 we were recognized as the Best Vacation Rental Website by Travel + Leisure magazine, a major milestone in our first year.

This year we were honored with the title of ‘Best Website to Get the Skinny on a Vacation Rental’ in Travel + Leisure’s annual ranking of Top Travel Websites. This title can be attributed to lots of hard work from our team at FlipKey as well as our ever growing database of over 100,000 verified guest reviews by the people who have ‘been there, done that.’ Our collection of traveler testaments are indeed proving to be an incredibly valuable and essential tool for other travelers as they plan their future trips both near and far.

Traveling is one of the best ways to experience new traditions, to get lost in another culture and encounter new things.  But experiencing a new culture doesn’t mean you have to hop a plane and fly across the ocean. Many times our neighbors in nearby states have their own quirks and distinct cultures that make a visit well worth the trip.  Traveling to festivals provides the perfect opportunity to not only kick back and have fun, but to also experience, first hand, the spirit of a different community, right here in your own country.

Here are some winter festivals to help heat up the upcoming long, chilly, winter months ahead:

Festival Name: New Year’s Eve in Times Square

Where: New York City

When: December 31^st, 3 p.m.

While New Year’s Eve is  celebrated throughout the world, New York City hosts one of the largest parties to ring in the new calendar loud and proud. Roughly one million visitors gather for New Years Eve in Times Square every year, where they listen to live music, watch the ball drop at midnight and give kisses to loved ones while a ton (literally) of confetti flutters about.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square began in 1904 when the New York Times moved to Times Square and wanted to celebrate the completion of the Times Tower.  With fireworks blazing and excitement buzzing, the first New Year’s Eve was a wild success.  In 1907 the fireworks were banned, thus the birth of the brightly lit ball that drops from 1 Times Square at 11:59 every December 31^st. Recently the ball was replaced with a Waterford Crystal ball that is twice the size and creates 16 different colors, turning the building into a colorful, glowing kaleidoscope.

With stations like MTV and ABC airing the festivities, people from around the world tune into to celebrate the ball drop.  Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve show has been a staple in this American celebration.  Since 1972 he has hosted live coverage of the party in Times Square, with various musicians helping him rock in the New Year.  In recent years Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Fergie and Lenny Kravitz have been featured on Clark’s show, performing their music and giving commentary.  Even past presidents turn out to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square, with Bill and Hilary Clinton hitting the button to drop the ball at the 2009 celebration. The festivities are so elaborate that it’s hard not to get excited about the things to come and say goodbye to things past.

What: Sundance Film Festival

Where: Park City, Utah

When: January 21-31

The Sundance Film Festival has become one of the most prestigious film events in the world.  With major celebrities attending the festival ranging from Spike Lee to Uma Thurman and Paris Hilton to Russel Simmons, it’s possible you’ll rub shoulders with the best and the brightest of Hollywood.

In fact, it is the largest independent cinema festival in the U.S., allowing smaller yet talented filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work. The Sundance Film Festival was born in 1978 when Robert Redford, a Utah resident, decided to shed a national light on the importance of independent American films while allowing filmmakers to compete. The festival has been a wild success ever since with many films and directors ricocheting into mass appeal due to the festival.  Movies such as Garden State, Motorcycle Diaries, sex, lies, and videtape, Donnie Darko, and Clerks have all gained cult following while directors such as Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson and Jim Jarmusch have gone on to direct major box office hits.

Tickets to this season’s Sundance Film Festival are hot, but starting today you can have a chance to score one of the remaining tickets by heading here where you can purchase a festival pass or individual movie tickets.  No doubt the after parties will be hopping too, but you’ll have to cozy up to Uma to get the invite.

There is no denying that the world is flattening. No matter where you are, people from different parts of the earth are interacting more than ever. When people from different countries intermingle, so do their cultures, and even their languages. Whether it is for one’s career or personal life, it is almost disadvantageous to stay within one’s culture and not be exposed to those who are different. One of the best ways to get out there and immerse yourself in “difference” is to take language courses when you’re abroad.

There are hundreds of language centers around the world that offer a wide variety of programs. These programs present many ways to learn a new language while having fun. You can take a French course in Paris while taking a wine class, sign up for an English course in London while visiting London’s world-class museums, or take a Spanish course in Barcelona while learning the history of Gaudi and Dali. These are just a few examples of types of courses available. There are classes that focus on business, that prepare students for exams such as the CAE, TOEFL, or IELTS. In addition, classes which prepare students for higher education are also popular. With so many options in so many countries, it is unfathomable to think that a student cannot find a program that fits his or her needs. Not only are the classes a chance to be taught, but choosing the right accommodation is very helpful in supplementing the learning experience.

As an American student studying in abroad without any previous experience in Spanish, I traveled to Barcelona to take Spanish and International Business classes. I took an intensive Spanish class, and lived in an apartment in the middle of the city. For me to get by it was necessary to communicate in Spanish. Living in an apartment in the middle of the city was a superb way to force myself to use the language. This rapidly increased my Spanish speaking skills and a couple months into the program, I felt confident getting around the city. Many of these language centers offer similar accommodations and others that engross the students into the culture of choice. Staying with a family in a homestay is an excellent way for students to comprehend the idiosyncrasies of the daily life of a certain country. Going to class and following the curriculum is only half the experience, but submerging yourself into the everyday lives of those around enhances the experience greatly.

With so many options around the world, finding the right language program and accommodation can be overwhelming. At LanguageInternational.com, over 150 schools are consolidated in one user friendly site that allows users to easily compare program prices. And at FlipKey.com, you can easily find accommodations and also read their reviews. When it comes to learning a new language abroad, it is no exaggeration to say the world is at your fingertips.

This month’s Off the Beaten Path home is a rarity for sure.  Nicknamed “The White House,” this architectural gem perfectly captures the open spirit of Costa Rica.  I spoke with one of the owners, Ken, a Los Angeles native who has a passion for exquisite architecture and the sunny shores of Santa Teresa…

Who designed the house?

“Michael Poirier, his work has been featured in magazines and journals internationally, including Architectural Record, GA Houses, The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times.”

Where did you get the inspiration to build such an exotic home?

“I have always loved modern architecture.  In L.A., I live in a mid-century modern home I called The Strawberry House, which is also a design-centered home.  My partner has always loved my L.A. home as well and so it was obvious that it would be the only way we would build.

Although it is exotic and unique for the area, it was also designed specifically to work for that particular environment in regards to air flow, rain management etc.”

What are some highlights of the property?

It’s steps away from the beach –that’s the biggest highlight. J Other highlights include the overall modern design, the floor to ceiling glass, the infinity pool, the wood ceiling in the master bedroom, the volleyball court, the kitchen that faces the ocean so you can watch the waves as you cook, and the fantastic local art.  In general, we are also trying to make it as sustainable as possible.  My girlfriend owns a small non-profit called Green Wave, through which we have implemented some environmental policies and she is working with our on-site manager on the development of many more.  Also through Green Wave, we are supporting other Costa Rican non-profit groups and schools.

What is your favorite aspect of the home?

I like how the whole house opens to the ocean; it makes me feel I within an arm’s reach away from the waves at all times (and we practically are).

What attracted you to Costa Rica? And why Santa Teresa?

I was attracted to Costa Rica because of the long standing stable government and country with no army as well as the emphasis on education. We fell in love with Santa Teresa for the beaches, the surfing and especially our niche in Playa Hermosa- the overall undeveloped aspect of the area which makes it quiet and private.

What are your favorite things to do in the area?

Surfing! I also love cooking so I like to go to Honey’s organic market on Saturday’s, Product C for fish and the new Natura Mia for healthy food. There are amazing restaurants in the area one of the closest, Tres, has the most amazing coffee and they serve great raw food.  I also like visiting the art gallery, ‘Inspiracion’ and as well as the RainSong Animal Sanctuary.

What is the best season to visit?

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica: wet and dry.  Dry season is the most popular running from about November to the beginning of May. I actually like going down in the rainy season though.  There are less people, its greener and I think the rain storms that only sweep through are fantastic.

With winter knocking on our doors travelers are starting to plan their escapes from hibernation, whether it be to the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii or the snowy slopes of Aspen.  We compiled a list of the top ten vacation rental destinations of September so you can start planning your great escape…

1. Gulf Coast of Florida: It’s no wonder why Florida’s Gulf Coast is a consistently popular place to vacation.  Famed for its iridescent beaches and a whole host of activities ranging from surfing and sun bathing to hiking and shopping, this is a fabulous spot for any group.

2. Outer Banks, North Carolina: These charming barrier islands draw a strong interest, and for good reason too.  With hoards of light houses, sleepy towns and feral ponies running wild, the Outer Banks make for an ideal family vacation.  Cape Hatteras is ideal for the adventurer, with its Diamond Shoals- the site of many demised ships. The snorkeling and scuba diving here are limitless.

3. Florida Keys: This chain of islands, which at the southern most tip reaches a mere 90 miles from Cuba, has an enticing laid back culture.  Key West is one of the most attractive islands here, with Duval Street maintaining the heartbeat in this eclectic island.  With Ernest Hemingway’s seven-toed cats running around the island, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the allure of the island.

4. Disney- Orlando, Florida: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto…where else but Disney?  Considered one of “the most magical places on earth”, Disney is a must for any child, regardless of age.  With numerous theme parks in the area as well as some of the best dining in Orlando, a trip to this central Floridian city is sure to please everyone in the family.

5. Paris, France:  Paris, the magnanimous capitol of France, serves as a cultural and financial leader in Europe while remaining one of the most visited cities in the world.  With a vast array of activities to tempt unsuspecting visitors, like strolling the Seine River, taking in the awe inspiring stained glass of Notre-Dame, or feasting on the delicacies that each quaint café has to offer, Paris certainly lives up to its reputation.

6. Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast, stretching for over 350 miles, is a delightful treat for any sun-seeking family.  With the entire coast remaining public domain, there is endless opportunity for hiking, fishing, swimming, even just relaxing on the beach while seals frolic in the Pacific.

7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Gatlinburg serves as a doorway to some of Tennessee’s most spectacular natural sights.  With the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge lapping at the outer skirts, Gatlinburg offers plenty of activities for the adventurous family including the tram that floats above the majestic Smoky Mountains.

8. Kauai, Hawaii: With its lush, diverse tropical beauty and its brilliant ability to withstand any major resorts, Kauai remains as one of the most sought after Hawaiian Islands to visit.  With the dense jade green rainforest in the interior and the crystal blue ocean lapping at the sandy white shores, Kauai’s immaculate natural beauty is worth the trip.

9. Maui, Hawaii:  Maui, the sister island to Kauai, has its own unique vibe that attracts its own breed of Hawaiian travelers.  With three volcanoes, some of which are still active, Maui beckons to be explored.  Take an early morning hike up the Kaleakala volcano for an unrivaled glimpse of what has often been called the most beautiful sunrise in the world.  Or spend the day sipping Mai Tais on the black sand beaches of Hana.

10. Aspen, Colorado:  With winter fast approaching and many ski resorts opening their chair lifts already, it’s no surprise that Aspen comes in at our number 10 vacation destination.  This city, which at its heart is a quaint ski town, has experienced a transformation over the past decade.  The contrasting dualities of the town make it one of the most exciting places to visit, plus the excess of fresh powder makes Aspen/Snowmass one of the best places to ski in the world.

This guest post was penned by the mommy traveler aficionado, Carrie Simmons, visit her website at www.TravelWithKids.tv

Traveling to the grocery store with kids can seem overwhelming to many parents, so they can’t imagine traveling internationally.  But it is an experience that brings families closer together and gives them memories to last a lifetime.  The key to making it a great trip is lots of forethought and careful planning.   As producer of the television series Travel With Kids, I have had plenty of opportunities to create excellent family vacations to exotic locales.  So, I have put together a list to help you avoid the pitfalls of family vacations gone wrong.

1.  Where to go? Decide where to go as a family.  You may have ideas on your dream vacation, but giving the kids some input, even if it’s just deciding between two places you’d be happy to visit, makes them feel invested in the trip.  Take into consideration what the kids are interested in or what they are learning about in school.  If you have an animal lover, a snorkel adventure or a trip that involves hiking and animal spotting may be in order.  If your child is learning about the ancient civilizations, a trip to Mexico’s Mayan pyramids helps history come alive.  Don’t rule some place out just because other people say, “I would never bring my kids there.”  Everybody is different.  We (and our kids) have enjoyed many destinations that were typically “adult vacations”…like Paris and Peru.

2. Go Now! They are never too young to travel and you will be amazed at what they retain! Our kids still talk about places we visited years ago.  If you keep putting off going some place, it may be a pitiful remnant of what is once was.  A wise man once said, “There’s no time like the present.” In family travel this is truer than ever, as the kids get older and have more on their plates, you’ll find it harder and harder to get away. Plus, younger kids still have the active imaginations to make castles and pyramids come to life affording parents a fresh perspective and enthusiasm.

3. A Family that Learns Together. Don’t be frightened by the unknown.  There’s no greater gift you can give your child than letting them see you learn.  Showing them by example the steps it takes to learn about a new culture or language, try something new, maybe fail a little, but continue to persevere and find a passion for it, is one of the best lessons you can give your child.

And speaking of lessons, think about taking your trip during the school year.  Going outside of summer often means it’s slow season, which means lower rates and more local flavor.  If your child will be missing school, ask the teachers about getting class work to take on the road and sending in roving reports.  With digital technology and the Internet, it’s like the whole class gets to go along for the journey.  Plus, many teachers will give your child credit for their extra work.

4.  Trip Before the Trip. Once you’ve decided where to go research the destination together by watching films on the destination or ones just filmed there.  Nothing beats watching Jack Sparrow teeter along the ruins of Port Royal to get your kids excited for a trip to Jamaica.  Or watch a travel documentary on the place or read a book about it together.  Combining all this into a family night is a great way to get everyone excited. Our Travel With Kids DVDs always include movie and book recommendations as well as recipes and crafts related to the destination to make a great family night!

5. Where to stay? First let me say…it’s as true in hotels as it is in real estate…location, location, location.  You don’t want to stay in a place where you have to hop a half-hour bus every time you want to go to the beach or into town.  So, think about how you will be spending the bulk of your vacation time and choose a location that will flow with that.  Staying in the “old quarter” of town or in real neighborhoods (versus at a large chain resort) provides a more authentic journey into a country, which is one reason I like to check out vacation rentals.

Vacation rentals can make vacation a home away from home.  There’s plenty of room for the whole family to spread out.  There’s a kitchen for either snacks or full-blown meals making traveling with a picky eater a breeze. Vacation rentals are also often in resident neighborhoods making it easy to befriend locals and get the insider scoop on the destination.

6.  Pack it up! Packing is the next big worry for any traveling parent.  My first advice…don’t stress.  Remember, they have kids in foreign countries too.  So, if you forget some essential, chances are you can buy it on the road.  Of course there are certain exceptions to this rule like prescriptions, video tapes and DVDs… But as for the necessities, we’ve found diapers and baby food in even the most remote markets.  And toys, well if worse comes to worst take a hint from the locals….we never knew how great a handful of stones could be until we watched a group of kids playing with them out the window in Asia.  Next, remember to pack light.  You can always do laundry along the way.  So pack half of what you think you’ll need.  Third, involve your kids in packing. By letting them choose what goes in the bag and what stays home, I eliminate the “This bag is too heavy!” or “I can’t believe you didn’t bring that!” comments.

7. Foreign Languages. There are some special things to take into consideration when visiting a foreign country.  Remember, not everyone speaks English.  Although we’ve seldom had a problem finding someone who speaks English, it’s amazing how far learning a few words in the local language will get you.  When we were in France filming Travel With Kids Paris, the whole family learned basic greetings and pleasantries in French before we left and had a much different experience than friends of ours who tried to get by on English only.

8.  Money, Money, Money.  Keeping track of your money while you are traveling is very important.  You don’t want to get half way through the trip and realize you’ve already spent your budget.  Decide before you go how much money you’d like to spend then convert it (in your head not at the bank) into local currency.  This will enable you to think in local currency before you arrive at a destination.  But don’t withdrawl all that cash just yet, carrying all your spending money is just asking for trouble.  We bring a few hundred dollars in cash dispersed to several places (two wallets, tucked inside passport carrier, in side pocket of carry-on, some in suitcase). The rest of your spending cash can be easily withdrawn from ATMs along the way but be sure to check with your bank about fees and accessiblity.

My other bit of advice…to keep your sanity and teach the kids a bit of math…give the kids a spending budget.  Decide on an amount before you leave and give it to them at the start of the trip in local currency (this is especially fun for them if the currency trades in our favor…a 1000 bill in a foreign currency may only be worth $10 here, but it gets them really excited!)  They then have to budget their money, negotiate purchases and convert to dollars to figure out if it’s a good deal. What a math lesson!

Now you’ve got the tools to plan the trip of a lifetime with your family.  Decide on a destination and peruse the vacation rentals on this site.  For a little extra guidance check out our travel documentaries. But whatever you do don’t wait.  Before you know it, life will become more hectic, the kids more scheduled and you’ll think, why didn’t I go then?

So the leaves are falling, scarves are wrapped tight and the kids are planning their Halloween costumes, but before you dive right into the joys of fall, take a moment and get your vacation home ready for the off-season. We’ve put together a check list for second home owners to ensure your home will hibernate safely during the winter months.

Security:
• Alert the post office that you will be gone so that your mail can be forwarded.
• Hire someone to check on the home every few days or every week to make sure there are no incidents.
• Make sure your alarm system is working properly.
• Hire a snow plow service to shovel after snow falls as snowy sidewalks are a giveaway that no one is home to burglars.
• Make sure you have a few exterior and interior lights on timers so it looks like someone is home at night.

Keeping Your Home safe in the Cold:
• Clean out gutters and install leaf blockers over gutters- this will help keep water away from your home.
• Prune any overhanging limbs that could cause damage during a storm.
• Remove screens and put up storm windows.
• Close swimming pool and store lawn furniture as well as the grill.
• Keep your thermostat at a cool 55 F, cool enough to not waste heat but warm enough so that pipes will not freeze and burst (!!)
• Prep your pipes by putting antifreeze down drains and toilets, wrapping pipes and leave water dripping ever so slightly out of a few faucets (make sure the drains are open!) to keep water flowing and prevent frozen pipes.
• Caulk holes around windows and weather strip around frames to make sure that no drafts get through.

One thing to consider before you go through the measures of winterizing is to try and find a long-term renter for the off-months, however long that may be. This way, you can still make some easy money on your second home while someone else can have the pleasure of enjoying it! If this is not a possibility, it’s never too early to start finding guests for the next season, so start advertising and putting the word out there about your vacation home.
But whatever you decide to do, make sure that your home is ready for the chill!