Monthly Archives: April 2011

April 29th, 2011

Life's A Beach (Pic of the Week)

Posted by: Dan Weisman|2 comments

Danielle on the Beach

It’s 72 and sunny here in Boston, and we’re starting to think about summer vacations. Can you Identify this beach where Flipkeyer/globetrotter Danielle is enjoying the weather?

(Hint: check facebook for clues!)

Categorized as: Photo Friday Read more →
April 28th, 2011

Why FlipKey?

Posted by: Taryn|0 comments

Photobucket

Often times at FlipKey when we speak with new owners, the first thing they’ll ask is Why FlipKey? Owners come to us through various channels, but all of them share the common curiosity about what we do, and why we think we do it the best. So I’m here to tell you!

First and foremost, renting your vacation property can be extremely lucrative – in fact, studies have shown that owners of vacation rental properties can gross $20,000-$30,000 or more each year. The minimal cost of listing with a company like FlipKey can help you earn huge returns. And that’s just the beginning of the benefits you’ll receive.

One of the biggest advantages of listing with FlipKey is our association with TripAdvisor. When FlipKey and TripAdvisor combine our resources, we create the world’s largest online travel community. FlipKey is one of the fastest growing travel websites around today, and TripAdvisor currently stands as the most popular travel website in the world. Together, we bring you 25 million unique visitors a month! That’s 25 million different sets of eyes visiting our websites each month. Think about how huge that impact is – we’re pretty proud of that statistic! We also boast an average of 75 inquiries per listing per year, and that number is only growing.

When you create a property listing on FlipKey, you are automatically listed on eight websites. These include FlipKey and TripAdvisor of course, and then some of TripAdvisor’s international websites listed below:

The variety of international websites where your property will be listed offer the most diverse international exposure available.

In addition to that impressive reach, we’re lucky to have a fantastic staff of motivated and enthusiastic individuals. Since we love what we do, it shows in everything we touch. Our Customer Care team is friendly, knowledgeable and accessible, and can offer a wide variety of tips and tricks to owners on how to maximize their listings and get the most out of their FlipKey account. We have dedicated account representatives who can walk you through each individual listing, and offer feedback on ways to make it a complete success.

As if our far reach and outstanding customer service weren’t enough, we also offer a 60-day free trial to all new owners. After the trial, you’ll find our pricing to be extremely competitive when stacked up against the competition. We offer monthly and yearly billing options, as well as impressive discounts for owners with multiple properties. And we’ll never charge you for the “extras” – you pay one low fee, and get everything we’ve got to give! Photos are unlimited, and paying customers can feature Specials on their properties for no extra charge.

The moral of the story is, Why Not Flipkey? We offer all of the best at a competitive price, and continue to get better and better every single day.

Taryn Collins is a FlipKey owner services specialist and vacation rental marketing expert. Her bi-weekly blog, Ask FlipKey, aims to answer the difficult questions that vacation rental owners and managers ask every day. Submit your questions in the comments!

Categorized as: Ask FlipKey, Flipkey News Read more →
April 27th, 2011

The Cape in a Clamshell – Wellfleet Oysters

Posted by: Karen Ellery Jones|2 comments

Wellfleet Oysters on the Half ShellRenowned for its quaint New England seaside charm, the icy Atlantic that rarely breaks 60 degrees, the spectacular sunsets at First Encounter Beach in Eastham and the rolling dunes of Provincetown, Cape Cod’s beauty and allure can also be found on a platter of Wellfleet Oysters.

Though I cringe every time I wade into the Atlantic, those bracing Cape Cod waters produce some of the freshest seafood in the Northeast, from palm-sized quahogs to chubby clams to those world famous oysters.

It’s the Wellfleet Oyster, the crassostrea virginica, that’s the Cape’s crown jewel, a bivalve gem whose salty liquor and creamy flavors make it one of the Cape’s most recognizable harvests. With their long bodies and hard shells, Wellfleet Oysters taste the best because they bed down in tidal flats from the time they are just tiny seeds until they mature. Fast moving tides, with their cold, salty cleansing waves, bring the growing seedlings unique nutrients, adding to their legendary clean taste.

Most Cape restaurants offer oysters on the half shell, deep-fried or baked. However, to appreciate their true exquisite flavor, try them raw with a classic mignonette, a vinegary, slightly sweet sauce that accentuates the oyster’s salinity. Don’t use a fork, but cradle the knobby shell in your hand and gently tip it back into your mouth. It’s Cape Cod in a shell.

Wellfleet Oysters are available throughout the Cape, from Sandwich to Provincetown, but I seem to enjoy them best when I’m actually in Wellfleet, a rural, but delightfully artsy village with its share of great seafood restaurants and markets.

Both the Pearl Restaurant and Mac’s Seafood are located in the harbor, a small but bustling pier where you can find and enjoy those Wellfleet Oysters while watching fishing and leisure boats head out to sea. Mac’s is strictly take-out, with a small eating area right on the beach, while Pearl offers a rooftop dining area with fantastic views of the harbor.

In the center of Wellfleet, there’s Mac’s Shack. Not your typical seafood shanty, Mac’s Shack has a larger, more upscale menu with a wonderful raw bar. They don’t take reservations – it’s first come, first served – and the wait can be long if you arrive during peak dinner hours.

If you prefer to knock back oysters in the comfort of your vacation rental, head over to the Catch of the Day, a small fish market and restaurant that has not only oysters, but plenty of native seafood. Opening oysters can be a bit tricky at first, so ask the folks behind the counter for a demonstration. Make sure to buy an oyster knife and wear a heavy glove.

Once you master the art of opening up a Wellfleet Oyster, you’ll be able to set up your own raw bar in your own home, wherever you travel.

Karen Ellery Jones is a Cape Cod travel writer. She has lived on the Cape for over 20 years with her husband, two teens and three cats. You can read more of her writing on Cape Cod for Couples.

Categorized as: Food & Drink Read more →
April 26th, 2011

Save on Gas: The Top 10 Walking Cities in The USA

Posted by: Joanna Eng|0 comments

New York Walk Light

One of the best ways to de-stress, get exercise, save money, and really enjoy your surroundings while on vacation is to simply ditch your car for the week. Here are some of the most pedestrian-friendly destinations in the U.S. – consider it our guide to skipping the gas stations in favor of a walking vacation!

1. New York, NY

Fast-walking pedestrians and jaywalkers rule this city, and most residents don’t even want to own cars – it’s not worth the hassle. When you visit Manhattan, you can join the crowds surging through Times Square, Wall Street, and other world-famous locales. Or, for more peaceful walks, try the Hudson River Greenway (which runs almost the entire length of Manhattan), Central Park (over 800 acres of carefully planned park land), or the High Line (an elevated train trestle that was recently converted into a public park).

2. Boston, MA

You might get lost trying to drive the curved and cobblestone streets of this historic city, but walking is a cinch. Pedestrians have easy access to the waterfront, shopping districts, green space, and residential neighborhoods. If you’re interested in our nation’s history, follow the Freedom Trail, a red line on the sidewalk that leads you to 17 historically significant spots. Nature lovers will appreciate the Emerald Necklace, a series of connected parks and waterways that provide ample opportunities for walking and feeding the ducks.

3. San Francisco, CA

Dense, scenic and culturally diverse, San Francisco earned the highest ranking in Walk Score’s 2008 list of the most pedestrian-friendly cities. It’s easy to find everything you need within walking distance, and there are always people out and about on the sidewalks. But the hills here are no joke, so be sure to get in shape before your trip, and wear comfortable, supportive sneakers; that way, you’ll be able to appreciate the stunning angles at sites like Coit Tower and Lombard Street. When your legs just can’t take it anymore, you can always hang onto a cable car and let it pull you up the steepest blocks.

4. Chicago, IL

The most populous city in the Midwest boasts an 18-mile scenic trail along the shore of Lake Michigan. A large stretch – seven whole miles – of that waterfront is covered by Lincoln Park, the second most visited city park in the U.S. (only New York’s Central Park can claim more annual visitors). Lincoln Park is home to museums, cultural events, a zoo, a conservatory and several beaches. Closer to downtown, you can stroll the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s famous shopping district; and wander to Grant Park to check out “the Bean,” a reflective sculpture that will give you a new perspective on the city.

5. Philadelphia, PA

Philly feels relatively small, friendly, and easy to get around on foot. You can wander residential neighborhoods to admire the quaint cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and patriotic décor, or join a walking tour to soak up some history. Another fun way to see the city is by following the colorful route of the Mural Mile, which offers a self-guided tour of some of Philly’s most creative and socially significant spots.

Categorized as: Budget Travel, Go Green!, Travel Tips Read more →
April 25th, 2011

Tour Talk: Big Tree Travels Across America

Posted by: Kaila McIntyre-Bader|0 comments

Volume 2 – Atlanta, GA

Meet Big Tree, a quintet out of Brooklyn, New York with high hopes and empty pockets.  Three dashing young men and two friendly ladies make up this indie pop band.  We are the luckiest people on the planet.  Our job is to drive from one amazing place to the next, play a show, make new friends, and explore new cities. While we’re on the road, FlipKey invited us to share our experiences living like locals everywhere we go.

We love Georgia. Peaches, college students, grits, and beaches, all in one state! Whenever we’re invited to play in this fair region, we jump at the chance. This time we had two shows  in a row in Atlanta, which meant plenty of time to hang out in this awesome city!

Meet the Band

We were particularly excited to perform at the Spring Festival at Emory University, where we would be sharing the stage with the band OneRepublic. We’d heard their single “Too Late to Apologize” all over the radio, and now here we were on a giant stage setting up next to all of their gear! We played our set as the sun went down, looking out at all of the college students and the beautiful campus, and feeling lucky as ever.

After the roadies loaded all of our things back into our tour van, a local friend suggested that we celebrate in Five Points – a charming and fun part of town full of shops, bars, and restaurants. We set out to check out The Porter, with its, “brilliant beer bar, grub, and suds in the heart of Little Five Points.”

Categorized as: Budget Travel Read more →
April 22nd, 2011

How Does Your Garden Grow? (Pic of the Week)

Posted by: Dan Weisman|1 comment

Kevin's Herb Garden

This week’s Pic of the Week submitted by @risekevin via Twitter. View the rest of the submissions here.

Next week’s theme will be announced Monday – Follow the action and get in the game by joining us on Facebook and Twitter!

Categorized as: Photo Friday Read more →
April 21st, 2011

Top 10 Road Trip Destinations From Seattle, WA

Posted by: jayferris|1 comment

When it comes to indulging in a last-minute getaway, one of my favorite things to do is hop a red-eye flight to Fiji for a week of fjord hopping and relaxing on white sand beaches. At least I assume that would be one of my favorite things to do, seeing as I’ve never actually done it. When it comes to a real last-minute getaway, nothing beats the great American road trip. Unlike a trip to Fiji, all it takes is hopping in your car and choosing a direction. At least that’s the theory… One thing I’ve learned in the past decade of road tripping is that it helps to have an awesome destination to look forward to. So whether you’re a permanent resident of the Emerald City, like myself, or only visiting for a short while, I think you’ll find that a visit to the following list of destinations Is worth the price of gas.

The Open Road

Day Trips

Fall City, WA (30mi, <1hr)

Fall City is situated within the scenic Snoqualmie Valley, an area just east of Seattle, criss-crossed with quiet back roads that carve paths through forests, mountains, and a network of streams feeding into the Snoqualmie River. Although the massive Snoqualmie Falls is arguably one of the biggest attractions for visitors, odds are you’ll find yourself sticking around to tour the wineries, hike the trails, and maybe even do some antique shopping.

Ashford, WA (80mi, <2hrs)

Hidden amongst towering fir and cedar trees at the foothills of Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford is a popular “base camp” location for those venturing deep into the Cascade Mountain Region of Central Washington. However, this enchanting area has plenty of natural wonders to offer the day tripper as well, including the nearby Alder and Mineral Lakes, over 300 miles of hiking trails, plus snowshoeing and sledding in the winter. Adjacent to Ashford you’ll find the small town of Elbe, where you can board the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, which is by far one of most relaxed ways to take in the secluded backcountry of Mt. Rainier National Park.

Leavenworth, WA (120 mi, 2hrs)

Leavenworth is unique in that the town offers visitors an authentic German experience, right in the heart of Washington State. Boasting a Bavarian village main street, replete with Tudor revival architecture, this mountain town plays hosts to monthly festivals, one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States, and an annual month-long Christmas extravaganza that has to be seen to be believed. While you would probably expect the hiking, biking, and skiing adventures waiting to be had here, what you might not expect from this Pacific Northwest landmark is the 300 days of sunshine they receive every year!

Categorized as: Budget Travel, Flipkey Top 10, Travel Local, Travel Tips, Trips, Weekend Getaways Read more →
April 20th, 2011

One Spare Week – Vacation Rentals for Charity

Posted by: Dan Weisman|0 comments

Geronimo!Is it possible to fill your booking calendar and contribute to your favorite charity at the same time? Have you ever asked yourself how you could take a vacation and make a difference in society?

These are the questions that Mike Last and Michael McFadden have started to answer with Geronimo.com, a website that asks vacation rental owners and property managers to contribute “one spare week” to charity. I caught up with Michael the other day and had the chance to discuss Geronimo, how the service works, and where it’s going.

FlipKey: Let’s start with the basics – what is Geronimo and how does it work?

Michael McFadden: Geronimo is a service that allows vacation rental owners and property managers to donate a portion of a rental income to the non-profit of their choice without dealing with the hassle of non-profit bureaucracy. Essentially, you list a property at a discounted rate (we recommend a 20% discount) for a set period of time on Geronimo.com. The owners can get half of the rental income, and the other half is for the net donation.

Categorized as: Advice for Owners and Managers, Community, VR 101 Read more →
April 19th, 2011

Tour Talk: Big Tree Travels Across America

Posted by: Kaila McIntyre-Bader|3 comments

Volume 1 – Austin, TX

Meet Big Tree, a quintet out of Brooklyn, New York with high hopes and empty pockets.  Three dashing young men and two friendly ladies make up this indie pop band.  We are the luckiest people on the planet.  Our job is to drive from one amazing place to the next, play a show, make new friends, and explore new cities. While we’re on the road, FlipKey invited us to share our experiences living like locals everywhere we go.

Leaving Cali

After two years of playing shows all over the U.S.A, Big Tree was invited to play a showcase at the prestigious and epic South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas. We packed our bags, loaded the tour van, filtered some grease (our van runs on waste vegetable oil to recycle used fuel and save money!), and set out from the San Francisco Bay Area.

The beginning of March had been pretty in Northern California, but it was full-fledged spring in Austin, Texas, the hub of upcoming music.  The flowers were blooming, beautiful women were wearing cut-offs and sandals, and the sun was out and smiling.  Every street echoed with the sounds of indie bands and guitar effect pedals, and the sidewalks were crowded with excited festival go-ers.

Categorized as: Budget Travel Read more →
April 15th, 2011

Infinity Breakfast (Pic of the Week)

Posted by: Dan Weisman|2 comments

Dubai Kitchen ViewThis week’s Pic of the Week submitted by Dubai Holiday Villas via Facebook.

Categorized as: Photo Friday Read more →