Monthly Archives: August 2009

August 31st, 2009

Top 10 Family Vacation Destinations

Posted by: jess|10 comments

When traveling with the family in tow, staying at a hotel is never an easy option. With the kids along side you for your travels, be sure to consider not only our top 10 family friendly destinations, but also the option of staying in a vacation rental.

With a vacation rental you have all the amenities of a home at your fingertips. Almost all of the properties on our site offer a full kitchen, so you won’t have to rack up so many pricey restaurant bills. Unwind or spend an evening playing a game in your rental property’s family room, common space, or back-yard.

So, with no further ado, here is this year’s list of FlipKey’s top ten family vacation destinations:

Orlando, Florida

A trip to Orlando is, perhaps, the quintessential family vacation. Between Shamu performing flips at Sea World and Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World sparkling on the horizon, kids won’t know what to do first. These resorts aren’t just great for the little ones; Orlando also has some seriously delicious dining. After a full day at the amusement park, relax with some gourmet eats at Emeril’s Orlando, or Jimmy Buffet’s chain of restaurants, Cheeseburger in Paradise. Once you’ve had your fill of theme parks, head to the Kennedy Space Center for a taste of real life thrills. Take a tour of a real rocket ship and the infamous grounds of the Apollo 13 flight center. Time it right and you might even be able to watch a space ship launch into the skies.

Chicago_Bean

Chicago, Illinois

Despite its place as the Midwest’s most lively metropolis, Chicago has a lot to offer when it comes to traveling with the kids.  Start your day at Millenium Park and marvel over Anish Kappoor’s “Cloud gate”, better known to Chicagoans as “the bean”. Its beautifully distorted reflections of the clouds and Chicago skyline are sure to spark your child’s imagination.  To add further catalyst to that imagination spark, check out the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, with its world-class Impressionist collection and famous Chagall stained glass windows.

After soaking in some culture, be sure to hit Chicago’s family-friendly shops, many of which reside on Michigan Avenue (Chicago’s  ‘Magnificent Mile’).  Highlights include The American Girl Place and The Lego Store, home to life-size Lego sculptures and murals.  Other family friendly attractions include Navy Pier (home to an impressive 150 foot Ferris Wheel) and the world class Lincoln Park Zoo (one of the few zoos in the country to offer free admission for the whole family!).  For the budding sports fan, take in a Cub’s game at the ‘Friendly Confines’ of Wrigley Field; from the famous Ivy-covered outfield wall to the festive 7th Inning Stretch, you’ll understand why the bleachers are full no matter how the ‘Loveable Losers’ are doing in the standings.

San Diego, California

One of San Diego’s most popular attractions is the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.  Bring your kids to see the zoo’s famous panda collection. After the zoo, head to Balboa Park and enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens, free IMAX movies, summer concert series, and over 14 museums.  With so many museums to choose from, you are virtually guaranteed to find exhibits that cater to the diverse interests of every family member.

Museums range in subject matter from science and air and space, to automotive, sports, and art museums.  Also, be sure to visit one of Balboa Park’s most child-inspired attractions, the Puppet Theatre, which is designed to seat over 200 people.  Wow, talk about puppets hitting the big time!  After the puppet show, take the kids

Paradise Islands, Bahamas

The Bahamas are a great place to escape to with the whole family. Located in the Caribbean Ocean, the beaches here are exquisite. The Atlantis Resort is a great way to spend an afternoon. Your kids will love the 9 water slides, aquariums, and a shark tank (really). And for the parents they offer a top-notch spa, and a casino. The best part about it is they offer day passes for families that are not staying at the hotel, so you can enjoy the facilities by day and your vacation rental by night (without the hefty price tag of lodging at the hotel). Once you’ve had your fill here, get in touch with your aquatic side by swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Encounters. Prince George Wharf is a great place to go to check out the local cuisine and traditions. This market sells everything Bahamian from jewelry and clothes to baskets and food!

London

London, England

London, England is a great family destination, offering a glimpse of foreign culture without a language barrier. Taking in the sites from the second floor of a double-decker big red bus is an exhilarating way to check out the city. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground is a great place to let your kids blow off some steam. Your kids will love the life-size pirate ships and tee-pees (modeled after Peter Pan). Be sure to take sometime for yourself and unwind, head to Coffee and Crayons Café, a coffee shop that will entertain your kids with arts and crafts while you enjoy some time to breathe.

If you have a family of museum lovers, The Tate Museum is a modern art museum that will invoke the imagination of all. With familiar and unfamiliar works of art sprinkled throughout this gallery, your whole family will love the experience. The Globe Theatre, home to Shakespeare’s original plays, is a treat for children and adults alike. Here you can see some of the classics performed in the setting that Shakespeare envisioned. Check out Matinee shows for ticket savings, while introducing the kiddies to some culture.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With zip lines that whiz you through the forest canopy, Jeep safari tours, sport fishing, and SCUBA diving, Puerto Vallarta is a great spot for the adventure hungry family. If you’re looking for some more excitement, the public squares hold fiestas that are open to the public and offer a taste of Mexico. Be sure to take some time to unwind on the beautiful ribbons of beaches that stretch along the coast. Puerto Vallarta has great festivals in the springtime, April and May specifically. May is witness to the month long Cultural Festival, where locals celebrate the customs and traditions of the region. With games, livestock, exhibits and local food, to the entire fam will be impressed and invigorated.

Ocean City, Maryland

This appropriately named city is a beach haven for families. With what has been dubbed the ‘best boardwalk’ that stretches for miles (literally), every turn holds a new surprise. Your kids will love exploring the entertainment here. Street performers, arcades, carousels and food stalls colorfully paint the picture. Be sure to get a taste of the salt water taffy, Fisher’s Carmel Popcorn and the French fries from Thrashers. The nighttime offers hoards of entertainment, too. Live concerts at dusk followed by bonfires on the beach at night are a great way to end the day. Late September in Ocean City is home to the Kite Festival. With colorful kites majestically blowing in the balmy winds, it’s a great way to send off the summer.

Barcelona_Gaudi

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a quirky funky town that is brimming with things to entice and inspire. Antoni Gaudi, Spain’s most well-known Art Nouveau architect, strongly influenced Barcelona’s identity with his natural designs and bright abstract colors that are sprinkled throughout the city. His Park Guell is a beautiful place to take the kids, with amazing views of the city plus jungle gyms. One you’ve seen the sites in the city, consider a day trip to Montjuic. Take the Montjuic Gondola, which departs from Barcelonita and provides you with amazing views of the city that rests below. You’ll arrive at the top of Montjuic, a mountain that borders Barcelona. Besides the breathtaking views (again!) of the city, you can check out Castle Montjuic. It is now a military museum that houses several canons that your kids will love to climb on. Top the day off by watching the fountains on Montjuic put on a night show, with lights, colors and music.

Yellowstone_Geysers

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone Park is a great place for the family who’s looking for a nature retreat. Adventure out into the wilderness on horseback for some real fun. Or head downstream in white water rafts. Old Faithful is a natural wonder that is both beautiful and puzzling. Be sure to plan your visit so that you can witness this marvel. Cheyenne Frontier Days, a festival during July, is an exciting place for the kids. Take your kids to the festival and teach them about Native American life, amidst the rodeos, cook-offs and National Guard Air Show. Nighttime is just as exciting as the day. Share scary stories around a bonfire while smores melt in your mouth. Turn off all the lights for a view of the skies that is unrivaled. Stars twinkle while meteors flash across the sky.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Scoop up the kids and hop a plane to Myrtle Beach, SC where there is truly something for every member of the family.  Enjoy 60 miles of beaches, known as the “Grand Stand”. Once off the sand and in the ocean, there is no shortage of water sports to keep you busy.  Try snorkeling, surfing, fishing, parasailing, or even a sunset cruise. When you tire of salt water, head to one of the areas many water parks and glide down a giant water slide.

Once you’re back on dry land, be sure to play some mini golf, one of Myrtle Beach’s signature activities.  With over 40 mini golf courses and plenty of actual golf courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach will satisfy both the adult and youth golf players in the family.  On a rain day, hit Ripley’s Aquarium and gaze into the giant tanks to view Reefs and Sting Rays, or head to the Children’s Museum or Planetarium.

Categorized as: Family Read more →
August 25th, 2009

A-list Vacation Rental Soirées: Kate Hudson and A-Rod Edition

Posted by: jess|5 comments

Vacation rentals are a great housing option when planning a vacation, but have you ever considered renting a vacation home the next time you’re planning a birthday or wedding? Vacation rentals can be an ideal alternative to hotel reception venues and banquet halls. Whether you’re looking to plan your event near or far, there are vacation rentals available all over the world for rent, many of which can add a unique charm and special character to your evening.

Vacation_Rental_Party

For instance, in New York City, many residents look to vacation rentals outside of the city when planning their events. Not only does this approach save some green on high city rental rates, but it allows for an exciting event at a private location. In fact, a vacation rental or mansion can make for an incredibly luxurious and exclusive celebration experience. With this in mind, we’re taking a page from some of Hollywood’s finest and noting the trend that celebrities are shaking things up, looking for unique vacation rentals to hold their festivities.

To illustrate, Hollywood starlet and long time party girl, Kate Hudson, recently planned an A-list soiree for her New York Yankee boyfriend, A-Rod’s, birthday on July 25th at a vacation rental home she rented in Westchester County, NY. This exclusive destination was able to provide the right sized venue, privacy and luxurious atmosphere Hudson’s party planners were looking for. The home was the perfect size for the 100 guest roster, which saw the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Decorated with white flowers and candles flickering under the twilight, it was a perfect setting for a truly spectacular birthday bash.

So, for your next big soirée, party like a rockstar, celebrity, or major league ball player, and don’t forget to consider a vacation rental for your venue.

Categorized as: Travel Tips, Trips, Weekend Getaways Read more →
August 20th, 2009

Priciest FlipKey Vacation Rentals

Posted by: jess|0 comments

As a follow up from our earlier post, FlipKey’s Top 5 Inexpensive Vacation Rentals, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look at the most expensive properties on our site.  The following estates are  the ultimate playgrounds for the wealthy…

Campania

1) “Villa Aristrocratica” Lake Como, Italy: Imagine walking 200 year old rose and jasmine gardens scattered with sparkling fountains while the breeze blowing off Lake Como tickles your face. Well for $114,300 big ones it’s all yours, for a week that is. The interior is even more stunning, with hand painted frescoes by Italian masters and a long list of nobility who have walked the same marble staircases that you’ll tread.

FtLauderdale

2)      “Luxury Fort Lauderdale” Fort Lauderdale, Florida: This Florida gem, situated on the oh-so-hot inter-coastal will run you a pretty penny, about $90,000 a week.  With an in-house game room, movie theater, sauna and even a dock to keep your maritime digs, this place is a wonderland.

Virgin_Islands

3)      “Falcon’s Nest Villa” Peter Island, British Virgin Islands:  No fighting over the room with a view at this vacation rental.  Perched 350 feet off the water, this architectural gem offers views of the effervescent ocean from every angle.  At $80,500 a week you’ll certainly enjoy the indoor/outdoor bathrooms that accompany every bedroom in the villa.

Provence

4)      “Chateau de Provence” Carpentras, France: This opulent 18th century French chateau is yours for a mere $77,400 a week.  The 17 acre manor has private parks, formal gardens and a moat…just like you always imagined!

Jamaica

5) “Rio Chico” Ocho Rios, Jamaica: From private chefs who’ll cook to your taste to private sandy coves nestled in the lush green limbs of the Jamaican foliage, for around $61,500 a week(in the off season that is) you can stay in this private 14 acre estate where the waterfalls are sure to hush you to sleep at night.

Categorized as: Travel Tips, Trips, Weekend Getaways Read more →
August 17th, 2009

FlipKey’s Top 5 Inexpensive Vacation Rentals

Posted by: jess|2 comments

With the economy starting to make a slow recovery, the smartest travelers are taking advantage of what’s likely to be one of the last waves of recession-inspired travel deals and promotions. With our saving savvy travelers in mind, we’ve compiled a list of FlipKey’s top 5 bargain vacation rentals. We were pretty surprised with what we found, from the shores of North Carolina to Italian castles, a small budget can stretch around the world!

Best FlipKey Bargains:

Italy

1) “Akbuk Apartment,” Akbuk, Turkey: Experience an exotic culture without spending a fortune. This 6 person home will run you about $21 per night. Close to the shores of the Aegean Sea, this home will offer you sandy beaches to relax on and exciting adventures to encounter, with none of that buyer’s remorse.

2) “Hillcrest Holiday Apartment,” Jeffreys Bay, South Africa:This African gem is one of the least expensive deals out there, at $210 per week. Overlooking the warm waters of the Southern Ocean, this house offers one of the most unique experiences at a most affordable price.

3) “La Castellana,” Tuscany, Italy: Who says you can’t live like a king on a minimal budget? Not the people at La Castellana, who rent their 2 person apartment situated in the Castle of Orciatico for only $35 a night. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this 7th century apartment is sure to be a royal vacation.

4) “Egyptian Experience,” Sinai, Egypt: For the group looking to change things up a bit, this apartment located on the Red Sea is your answer. For $250 a week you can enjoy views of both the Sinai desert and the sea from your balcony. Walk the ancient sands and experience what is often considered the cradle of civilization to get a taste of adventure.

5) “Conched Out Apt,” Emerald Island, NC: For a mere $50 a night or $200a week, this quaint rental sleeps four comfortably and is located on one of the hottest destinations on the east coast: the Carolinian shore. Perfect for the cost conscious!

Categorized as: Budget Travel, Flipkey Top 10, Travel Tips Read more →
August 12th, 2009

The Ultimate Beach Rental Barbecue- FlipKey Style

Posted by: lauren|3 comments

One of the major advantages of renting a vacation property is the ability to cook during your stay.  Here at FlipKey, we recognize that there is nothing quite like eating out doors on a beautiful day at your vacation getaway.  Whether grilling on the porch, picnicking at the beach, or simply gathering together in the backyard for a meal, there is nothing quite like a summer vacation feast combined with warm summer air to put your mind and stomach at ease.   With summer feasts in mind, we would like to introduce a new series of regular blog posts highlighting the many possibilities to create superb vacation rental dining experiences.

BBQ

For our first post, we’d like to share with you three special recipes to help you achieve the ultimate beach rental barbecue, leaving your guests and yourself wowed and so full that your only option will be to sleep off the meal.  We proudly present the FlipKey summer barbeque Triptych:  Cobb Salad, Beef Ribs, and fruity Sangria.   Happy dining.  Happy travels.

Cobb Salad
Serves 8 appetizer sized portions

  • 3 hardboiled eggs (shells peeled) and chopped
  • 6 Slices of Bacon
  • 1 head of Romaine Lettuce
  • ½ bunch of watercress lettuce (hard stems removed)
  • 4 cups chopped grilled chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 2 avocados, peel and seeds removed, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives
  • ½ cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup red-wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2/3 cup olive oil

1. Cut the hard-cooked eggs into 1/2-inch dice. Set aside.

2. Fry bacon for about 10 minutes.  Stop frying when bacon is crisp. Move bacon onto paper towels to dab off excess fat. Once bacon cools, crumble it and set it aside in a separate bowl.

3. Rinse lettuce and spin dry.  Chop and break up lettuce into small, bite-size pieces. Toss Romaine and Watercress together in a large bowl.

4. In a large salad platter, lay out tossed lettuce as a bed, filling the bottom of the platter.  Neatly arrange grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, Roquefort cheese, eggs, and bacon in a pattern on top of the lettuce bed in rows.

5. In a separate bowl combine mustard, salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar,  and oil, stir until all ingredients have blended. Serve dressing separately or over the salad. Your choice.

Barbeque Ribs
Serves 8 portions

  • 4 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 jar of your favorite marinade

1. Remove excess fat and clean ribs.

2. Preheat grill for medium heat while mixing the following ingredients in a small bowl: 1 jar of marinade, ketchup, brown sugar, and orange juice.

3. Once grill has reached medium heat, Grill ribs for 1 hour.

4. After I hour of grilling, coat ribs on all sides with sauce.

5. Allow ribs to grill for another 15 to 25 minutes with sauce. Remove ribs from grill and Enjoy!

FlipKey’s Beach Rental Sangria
Serves 8 portions

  • 1 Large Orange (sliced)
  • 1 Large Orange (juiced)
  • 1 Lemon (sliced)
  • 1 peach (sliced)
  • 1 bottle of dry red wine (Merlot or Shiraz)
  • 1/3 cup of sugar
  • 2 cups club soda
  • 1/3 cup of brandy

1. Slice 1 of the oranges as well as the lemon.  Gently squeeze fruit slices over pitcher to extract juice from fruit. (Note: Be careful to keep fruit slices in tact.) Keep sliced fruit on the side to be added later.

2.Add sugar to the fruit juice in the pitcher.  Juice the second orange in a separate bowl.  Remove seeds from juice and discard remaining orange.  This orange is only meant to be used for juice.  Pour the juice of this orange into pitcher.  Stir together orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar, ensuring sugar completely dissolves.

3. Pour wine and brandy into pitcher.  Slice peach.  Add peach slices, orange slices, and lemon slices.  Stir.

4.Chill mixture for at least 2 and ½ hours, but preferably overnight.  Just before serving, pour in chilled club soda and stir.

Categorized as: Food & Drink, Just for Fun, Travel Tips Read more →
August 06th, 2009

Stand Out Amongst the Competition: Baby Proof Your Vacation Rental

Posted by: jess|7 comments

When planning a vacation with an infant or toddler, young families are often faced with limited lodging options due to the special needs of their little ones. Not being able to travel with all the necessities that babies require significantly restricts travel lodging options. By keeping a supply of baby proof materials on hand, you can help make the choice for traveling families.

This FlipKey Aruba Cottage Rental has the right idea. Check out this excerpt from their listing details “For younger guests: a wide selection of toys, baby crib, toddler bed, bed rails, bouncer, changing table, high chair, soft floor mat, playpen, car seats and beach-proof stroller” [are available]. With such a vast array of baby proof amenities, this property is a no brainer for a young family with infants and/ or toddlers.

Mischevious Child

Consider having the following on hand at your rental property so that any young couple could instantly feel safe letting their little one crawl around while they kick their feet up and enjoy their vacation.

1) Baby gates. Supply enough baby gates to block each set of stairs. This will not only protect any children from having a dangerous fall but will also put any visiting parents’ mind at ease.

2) Cabinet locks. Curious kids love to climb in cabinets and create potentially catastrophic messes. By providing temporary cabinet guards for bathrooms and the kitchen, you will keep the kids out of dangerous nooks.

3) Table Edge Guards. Keep a healthy supply of corner guards handy so parents can line sharp furniture edges in rooms where their kids will be. Cover pointed corners in the living room and kitchen area so that high traffic areas are less likely to see any accidents.

4) Outlet Caps. It’s amazing what toddlers can find to stuff into plugs. Protect not only a precious child but also the circuitry of your house by having a healthy supply of these outlet caps on hand.

5) Crib or bed railings. When traveling, most people cannot manage to bring a crib on top of all of their vacation supplies. Help ease your guest’s worries by providing a crib or bed railings. This will go far in the eyes of a visiting parent.

6) Changing Table. Your guests will appreciate this safe haven to lay their precious cargo down. Not only does it safe guard wiggly tots, but it also protects your furniture from abuse.

7) High Chair. A perk of staying in a vacation home is the ability to cook meals at home. By providing a high chair, you’re reinforcing the fact that vacation homes (especially yours!) are a huge comfort.

8 ) Knob Covers. Provide a handful of knob covers so that little ones won’t find their way into places they shouldn’t be, allowing your guests to rest at ease.

9) Twist Ties. Kiddies love to yank on anything hanging. By tying electrical cords into neat bundles and placing window cords out of reach, you’ll guarantee that toddlers stay safe

10) Child Toys. Ensure your guests have ultimate relaxation by providing a handful of child toys, books and movies. This will not only occupy the tiny tot but allow the adults time to unwind.

Categorized as: Advice for Owners and Managers, Family, VR 101 Read more →
August 03rd, 2009

10 Inexpensive Ways to Update Vacation Rental Decor

Posted by: jess|2 comments

Nothing enhances a guest experience quite like beautiful décor. When guests have more enjoyable stays, they leave better reviews.  To illustrate, check out this review of a beautiful Union Pier, MI Rental: “We loved the house, updated decor, and porch. Everything was very new, great condition,…”

With a 5 star rating, this owner is reaping the benefits of investing some time and money in making updates to her property.  So grab your paintbrush and a couple of pals and see what some simple inexpensive improvements will do for your property!

1. Add a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to the living room.  Not only does this create a lovely (scented!) ambiance but at only $15- $35, a bouquet adds a touch of personalization, letting your guests know that you appreciate their stay.  If it’s too difficult to personally deliver the flowers, try a local florist that delivers and ask them to leave the bouquet on the front steps.

Vacationhomeupdates

2. Throw rugs and Hallway Runners are a great way to add a splash of color and comfort to your home.  Try adding them to your hallways and kitchen for roughly $50 -$100 a rug. Guests will love having something soft under their feet in heavily trafficked areas.  Check out your local home store for the latest and greatest.

3. A shiny new shower curtain can work wonders in your bathroom.  By replacing your shower curtain every year, you’ll not only keep a clean house, but guests will be more likely to return. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $30 for this quick fix.

4. A new coat of paint on your walls or kitchen cabinets can give your home a serious face-lift. Try using colors that compliment the existing décor but don’t require constant cleaning, about $30 a gallon.

5. Add a slip-cover to your sofa.  If your sofa has seen better days, dress it up by adding a slip-cover.  This inexpensive addition (roughly $80 to $130) can change the feel of the whole room while giving your couch a fancy new look.

6. Buy a Hammock. Guests renting your property are looking to lounge and relax, and what better way than on a hammock.  This instant luxury is a simple pleasure that defines vacation for many.  Find a shady spot in the yard to tie to, or check out a self-sustaining hammock for sunnier spots, about $20-$200.

7. Crisp linens enable one of the most important aspects of any good vacation: sleep.  There is no bigger turn off than dingy, spotted sheets when renting a vacation property.  Go with bleach friendly white and you’ll be sure to always have sheets that are fresh and clean.  Sheet sets will cost about $40-$100 depending on the size of your mattress.

8. House plants and foliage add life to a property. Try adding a hint of foliage to your entrance and walkways.  A large pot filled with flowers or hanging baskets of ivy can add a charming touch to your second home. At around $20- $40 a potted plant, this is surefire way to freshen up any space.

9. Update your lighting fixtures. Guests expect warm illumination, not flickering, dated, or fly-infested old light fixtures.  Try replacing ancient fixtures with new lampshades that distribute light in a complimentary way. Ceiling fixtures- $20 and up, Lamps- $30 and up, lampshades- $10 and up.

10. Inexpensive artwork. This is a great way to add a touch of flair to your home for anywhere from $10 to $150 per piece.  Try hanging canvas prints, which look great without frames, or take old photographs and scatter them throughout the house for a touch of nostalgia.  Regardless of what you hang, your guests will appreciate the eye candy.

Categorized as: Advice for Owners and Managers, Flipkey Top 10 Read more →