Get Social:
Get The Newsletter...
-
Thursday, May 24th, 2012
You'll Need Sunscreen When Visiting Tel Aviv »Today we are featuring Melissa Davis on behalf of Cruise...
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
The Best Things To Do in Tel Aviv »Today we are featuring David Wise. Originally from...
Friday, May 18th, 2012
Seven Reasons to Keep the Waitakere Ranges a Secret »Today we are featuring Michelle Teillon, an avid traveler...
Thursday, May 17th, 2012
How to Avoid Bringing Bedbugs Home from Your Family Vacation »Today we are featuring Karen Barnes, writer...
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
5 Fun Family Friendly Adventures in Moab »Today we are featuring, Randall Pinkston, the founder and...
Thursday, May 10th, 2012
Vacation on Location: 5 Famous Film Locations »by Reannon Muth While it’s usually the human stars of a...
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Cape Cod Weekend Getaway: Martha's Vineyard »by Jenn & Hannah Just a short ferry ride from Wood's...
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Martha's Vineyard and New England Clam Chowder »by: Emily Monaco Perhaps it's the swimsuit issues of...
Friday, May 4th, 2012
Photo Friday: Guess this Location! »This photo is taken of Gay Head lighthouse in Aquinnah...
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
5 Ways to Get the Best Deals on Airport Parking »by Sharon Hurley Hall If you're planning a holiday...
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Rivesaltes and the Fête de l’Abricot »French people are sometimes viewed by foreigners as being...
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
Can $10 Fares Spur a Flying Frenzy to Your Vacation Area? »Marketing vacation rental properties is more complicated...
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
The Perfect Post-Holiday Walk »After several hours of prepping and over an hour of eating...
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Massachusetts Summer Getaways: Cape Cod & the Islands »Based out of Boston, FlipKey may have an affinity for...
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Off the Beaten Path: Regal Redwoods »For our monthly “Off the Beaten Path” series, we...
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
A Five Step Plan for New Zealand Travel »Visiting New Zealand can be intimidating because of the...
Thursday, August 25th, 2011
Top 8 Things to Consider When Booking a Vacation Rental »Vacation Rentals are a great alternative to hotels and...
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
How to Host a Wine Tasting »by Barrie Cleveland California Winery Advisor So,...
Friday, August 19th, 2011
Uncovering Umbria »by Letizia Mattiacci Umbria is a small Italian region...
From the Archives
Topics
- Adventure Travel (18)
- Advice for Owners and Managers (66)
- Ask FlipKey (18)
- Budget Travel (23)
- Community (82)
- Deals (40)
- Events To Travel For (23)
- Family (24)
- Flipkey News (66)
- Flipkey Top 10 (24)
- Food & Drink (48)
- Go Green! (21)
- Industry News (60)
- Interviews (9)
- Just for Fun (20)
- Photo Friday (19)
- Travel Local (32)
- Travel Tips (84)
- Trips (46)
- Uncategorized (1)
- VR 101 (19)
- Weekend Getaways (26)
Popular Destinations
- Big Bear Cabin Rentals
- Cape Cod Beach Rentals
- Disney Vacation Rentals
- Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
- Hilton Head Rentals
- Kauai Condo Rentals
- Lake Tahoe Rentals
- Maui Condo Rentals
- Mexico Vacation Rentals
- Myrtle Beach Rentals
- Outer Banks Rentals
- San Diego Beach Rentals
- South Padre Island Rentals
- Tybee Island Rentals
- Whistler Ski Condo Rentals
Blogroll
Weekend Getaways
May 09th, 2012
Cape Cod Weekend Getaway: Martha’s Vineyard
by Jenn & Hannah
Just a short ferry ride from Wood’s Hole, on Cape Cod, is the summer paradise of Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re staying on the Cape for a while, why not take your bicycles and backpacks, board the ferry for the Vineyard and get away from it all for a weekend? While summertime is perfect the shoulder seasons of spring and fall provide a solitude that is often lacking on Cape.
Cycle vs. Drive
You can take your car on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, but a bicycle might be better. You’ll save a bundle on the ferry as the fare for a regular car, round trip, is $85.00 but a bike is only $8.00. Parking can be a serious challenge on the island, especially in the busy summer months, and the backroads beyond the villages are perfect by bicycle. There are some designated bike paths, but the secondary roads are paved and comfortable for cyclists. Drivers on the Vineyard are used to bicycles in traffic and you’ll find them courteous and willing to share the road. Bicycles are easy to rent on the island, just look near the ferry docks in either village. You can pick up a bike map at the Chamber of Commerce in Vineyard Haven, on Beach Road.
**Note: If you take your own bike on the ferry, DO NOT trust the bike stands on the boat, if the boat pitches and your bike falls over you can bend that front wheel beyond repair. Trust us, we know. If that DOES happen, there are bike mechanics just off the ferry who seem all too familiar with this repair.
Where to Stay
Weekend rentals are easy to find, with over 1600 available through Flipkey alone. Summer is the peak season for vacationers on the Vineyard, so you can expect to pay more June-September and should plan to make reservations as far in advance as possible. The village of Oak Bluff is especially quaint, and will have easy access to plenty of shops and fun restaurants to suit any taste. But if you prefer quiet, look for a beach house, perhaps on Chappaquiddick, a secluded island that was recently separated from Martha’s Vineyard during a storm in 2007. Don’t miss the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge if you want quiet communion with nature.
Don’t Miss Out!
No weekend on the Vineyard would be complete without a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluff, one of the oldest carousels in the country; dating back to 1870. At just $2.00 a ticket it’s a cheap trip back in time for the young or the young at heart.
If you’re a movie buff then you will want to pay your respects at John Belushi’s grave site. His body was moved in 1983 to keep fans from desecrating the site. The memorial stone is still there.
The Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluff are darling and an interesting architectural attraction on the island. If you’re on a bike, you’ll get the best view as traffic won’t push you on past too quickly! There are more than 300 cottages painted in rainbow hues.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, in Edgartown, is worth an afternoon if you have it. Chock-full of history and cultural information about the island, it will help you develop an appreciation for the hardy souls who’ve called the island home for centuries.
Hungry? It might be cliche, but have lunch at the Black Dog Tavern, in Vineyard Haven, anyway. Just don’t buy a sweatshirt, or you’re marked as a tourist for sure! (Oh go ahead, buy the shirt!) Their food is legendary and you’ll find locals and off-islanders alike in the dining room. Be sure to ask to sit by a window, the view of the harbor is lovely.
Of course there are beaches, lighthouses and the clay cliffs to see too, the more time you have to explore, the more places you’ll discover that you love!
A dynamic mother-daughter duo of travel writers, Jenn & Hannah are in their fourth year of an open ended world tour. Their partners in crime are Dad & 3 brothers and together they are http://www.edventureproject.com
Haunted Halloween Vacations
As the autumn months approach, we are reminded of an array of fall traditions. The leaves turning colors and collecting on the ground, wearing warmer and cozier clothes, carving pumpkins into intricate displays, and of course, Halloween. These cooler months not only offer a change of pace for your everyday life, they also offer a change of pace for your vacations. Instead of heading to the beach, going camping, or hitting the national parks as per typical family vacay, a different time of year offers up entirely new ways to enjoy yourself. Why not start by embracing the eeriest time of year?
Whether or not you’re a believer in all that is macabre, a haunted Halloween vacation is a spooky and alternative way to spend the holiday or at least get geared up for mask-donning children knocking on your door. Take a leap into the fall spirit by going on one of these thrill-producing trips this October.
Research your favorite scary movies
Are any of your beloved scary hits based on a true story? Where did they take place? Oftentimes former movie locations will offer tours of the grounds, including any inside info to the place’s past or its ghosts’ histories. One of the most celebrated horror stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is still recognized every year in its namesake’s town. Visitors can take tours of both the church from the story, and the cemetery in which many historical figures are buried. Or they can go on the town’s haunted hayride, a frightening trek that is sure to make Washington Irving himself cringe.
Amusement parks are more than rides
Although a strong summer staple, amusement parks are no stranger when it comes to celebrating Halloween. In fact, many of them make it a yearly event, bringing in costumed employees, themed concessions, and elaborate haunted houses. Disney‘s parks have a kid-friendly Halloween celebration every year called Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. But for those looking for more of a
thrill, there are plenty of vexing options as well. Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun opens its doors to a Halloween-loving crowd every fall. Six Flags holds an annual Fright Fest each year, Seaworld holds a Halloween Spooktacular, and Universal Studios hosts Halloween Horror Nights, starting in late September. These destinations offer up holiday fun that will thrill even without the rides!
Town histories remembered
While some events may be remembered as a cruel or misunderstood part of American history, many have taken advantage of their haunted histories, creating parades and annual get togethers. After all, Halloween is the perfect time of year to celebrate the unknown. For example, each October in Salem, MA, Citizens and travelers gather to partake in a town festival including witch trial reenactments, tours of the Haunted Witch Village and Frankenstein’s laboratory, and psychic readings. New York City hosts the world’s largest All Hallow’s Eve celebration with their annual parade in the village. Philadelphia opens up its penitentiary for the fall where guests can encounter former prisoners first-hand. And Tombstone, AZ Provides spooky activities to its guests year-round. Home to famous shootouts, the town is home to several haunted historical buildings. You can even learn about the spirits who haunt them in the town’s museum.
Can’t get enough of your Halloween vacation? Visit your local museum or historical society to learn about hauntings that may be nearer than you think.
This fall, consider taking a haunted Halloween trip to get you in the ghouling spirit. Give the bewitching season the attention it deserves with this Halloween treat.

Top 10 Road Trip Destinations From Seattle, WA
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.

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!
Gear Up: A Ski/Bike/Golf Triathalon in Sunriver
There are few spots in the world where an outdoor enthusiast can ski down a snowy glen, bike through forested singletrack, and play nine holes on a prime golf course, all in one day. Sunriver, Oregon is one of those spots.

With the high desert stretching off to the east and the Cascade mountain peaks rising to the west, the Oregon landscape offers a plethora of adventure opportunities throughout the year. During the early spring months Mother Nature tends to go a little bi-polar - sixty and sunny one day, twenty and blowing snow the next – but those crazy weather swings allow winter sports to overlap with summer sports, setting the perfect stage for a Sunriver Spring Triathlon. Here’s how to plan your day, manage your gear, and make the most of your experience:
Stage 1: Ski
You’ll need an early start to accomplish the Sunriver Spring Triathlon. Pack up your ski gear and head out from your Sunriver vacation rental up to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, just twenty minutes up the Cascade Lakes Highway. The mountain features glacial fields that keep the chairlifts spinning until late May. Catch the first chair as it opens at nine o’clock and ride spring corn snow all morning. By the time the sunshine softens the snow into afternoon slush, no worries, because you are off to your next event!
Stage 2: Bike
It’s back to your cabin to grab a sandwich and swap skis and boots for bikes and sneakers. Over thirty miles of trails start right out of Sunriver, ranging from easy cruiser trails along the Deschutes River, to down-n-dirty technical singletrack mountain biking that winds through rolling Ponderosa forests and lava fields. It’s a very good idea to check in at the local bike shop to find rentals, and pick up a trail map. Don’t forget to ask the staff for recommendations on trails that fit your group’s skill level. Bring water, a warm extra layer, and of course a few snacks!
Stage 3: Golf
Got energy left after conquering the trails? Cruise back to your home base for a quick shower and change of clothing, and then wrap up the triathlon day with nine holes of golf. Central Oregon’s golf courses are just shaping up for the season right now and many offer early-season deals, especially in the late afternoon and twilight hours. For great golf value right down the road, check out Quail Run in Sunriver; serious golfers may want to make the twenty-minute drive to Tetherow, a semi-private golf destination designed by David McKay Kidd.
Putt out at the ninth hole, and mission accomplished! Your Sunriver Spring Triathlon is complete. Time to relax back at your home in Sunriver , swap stories from the day, and enjoy a good night’s sleep. You’ve earned it!
Suzanne Johnson lives, writes and plays in the Cascade mountains of Oregon with her family of adventure-prone boys. More of her writing can be found a SuzanneMyhreJohnson.com.
Pet-Friendly Car Rentals and Summer Vacations (Travel Tuesday)
It feels like spring has finally arrived. Here in Boston we have definitely started to get our April showers, which bring with them high expectations for May flowers. Travelers with children in school may have a spring break coming up, but for most of us it’s time to start thinking about summer travel. Whether you’re planning a couple weekend getaways or one long summer vacation, now is a good time to start looking for deals and availability on FlipKey – it’s a great way to stay dry and optimistic on rainy April days!
Summer vacation rental bookings are heating up. According to a New York Times article, bookings in some popular vacation spots are “up twenty percent compared to last year.” If you want to have your choice of vacation rentals, then don’t hesitate to begin planning your summer getaway!
Do you travel with your best friend? The four-legged one, that is. If so, you might be interested in a useful new tool from pethotelsofamerica.com that helps you search for pet-friendly rental cars.
Today, the Key West City Commission will officially oppose a pair of Florida state senate bills that would “essentially remove the ability for municipal governments to regulate short-term vacation rentals,” reports KeysNet.com. The city commission wishes to retain the ability to control short term rentals through licenses and taxes.
Tell us about your summer travel plans! Will you be traveling with pets? Visiting Key West? Where do you dream of visiting when it’s raining at home?
Top 10 Road-Trip Destinations from Washington, DC

Steeped in history and filled with impressive attractions that have inspired awe in millions of visitors, Washington, DC is one of America’s most visited major cities. Yet, as someone from the MD/DC area, I had visited every historic site and every museum that you could think of by age 12. Road tripping became my solution to escaping the “same-olds” of the tri-state area. Here is a list of the top 10 road trip destinations that I have taken in the area. Some of these destinations make excellent day trips for visitors to the Capital, while others make great weekend destinations for locals looking to escape the city.
1. Annapolis, MD (40 mi, <1 hr)
Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is only a short drive away and has a beautiful old town aesthetic. You can enjoy historic sites such as the Maryland State House or get into the thriving community theatre scene by catching a show performed by the Colonial Players. At night, check out the Annapolis Harbor and have dinner on the waterfront by candlelight!
2. Baltimore, MD (47 mi, 1hr)
An architectural masterpiece, Baltimore is filled with everything from 18th century structures to I.M. Pei’s modern masterpieces. My favorite area is the Harbor: home to the incredible Baltimore Aquarium and tons of fun places to grab a meal or a drink by the water. When it’s warm out, you should definitely go for a paddleboat ride for a sea-level experience!
3. Richmond, VA (100 mi, 2 hrs)
Discover history and adventure in nearby Richmond, VA. Here, more than 400 years of American history live on through magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets, and world-class museums. Brave the gorgeous yet intense James River: the only urban setting with Class IV rapids. Rafting is just one of many outdoor activities close by. For more urban adventurers, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is constantly expanding its world-class offerings, and more than 900 restaurants make Richmond a foodie paradise.
4. Shenandoah Valley, VA (112 mi, 2.5 hrs)
Blanketed in shades of amber, gold, and green in the fall, Shenandoah is a mandatory road-trip destination for anyone looking for a slice of nature in the tri-state area. The Valley has many areas that are open for camping, as well as plenty of cabins for rent. Plan a visit to one of the pristine limestone caverns for sights that will truly take your breath away. The most famous underground adventures are the Luray Caverns, which also boast a mind-boggling hedge maze right outside the caves!
5. Bethany Beach & Rehoboth Beach, DE (134 mi, 3hrs)
South Bethany Beach is one of the best-kept secrets along the east coast. The friendly inhabitants of this tucked-away city will be happy to show you its picturesque boardwalk, miles of crystal clear waters along the beaches, great shopping and more. Most of the trendy boutiques and restaurants serving up fresh local seafood can be found along South Garfield Parkway, but there’s plenty to do across town as well.
A word to the wise: If you want to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation free of hordes of local teenagers, then steer clear of these destinations, as well as Ocean City, during the first half of June. When school lets out for the summer, High school students from the surrounding areas overrun the typically peaceful spot during “beach week.”
6. Ocean City, MD (153 mi, 3hrs)
Ocean City is a fun, family-oriented beach destination with an incredible boardwalk, fun nightlife, delicious seafood and more mini-golf courses than you can shake a putter at! My family frequented this beach for years, and I still have not managed to try every mini-golf course (not from lack of trying!). Ocean City can be a good choice for frugal travelers who don’t need to spend extra to stay in more posh communities like Bethany.
7. Philadelphia, PA (142 mi, 3 hrs)
Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia offers much more than just cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside. What makes Philadelphia so memorable are the unique blend of experiences that you have to discover in person. By day, explore four centuries of history and architecture, beautiful neighborhoods, and remarkable museum collections. After the sun sets, the city heats up with acclaimed performing arts, amazing dining and vibrant nightlife. And don’t forget: it’s worth the trip just for the city’s signature cheese steak!
8. Atlantic City, NJ (197 mi, 3.5hrs)
From New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse to deep-sea fishing, and everything in between, you can always find excitement in Atlantic City. Relax at one of the Atlantic City casino spas, go all in on the excitement of 24/7 gaming, experience the thrill of a full house, feel the sand between your toes or visit one of the many attractions in this historic resort town. Atlantic City also offers an extensive boardwalk, pristine golf courses, and a variety of water sports to enjoy on your road tripping adventure.
9. Pittsburgh, PA (255 mi, 5hrs)
Previously known as a blue-collar city responsible for half of the steel production in the states, Pittsburgh has truly transformed itself into a unique and exciting travel destination. Whether its catching a game of one of the city’s three professional teams or checking out the top notch museums and fine arts centers funded by the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, the city truly exhibits a unique flavor. Pittsburgh has many public green spaces, parks and riverside trails maintained throughout the city’s hilly landscape. From many of these areas, walkers, joggers and bikers are treated to spectacular views of a skyline that’s scene sleek, towering glass and steel architecture is a dramatic departure from the days when the grey cloud of industry loomed over the ‘Burgh.
10. Raleigh, NC (256 mi, 4.5 hrs)
When you’re looking for the excitement and attractions of a great city, combined with the affordability, approachability and appeal of a classic town with authentic southern hospitality, look no further than Raleigh. Best known for its world-class museums, best-of-Broadway shows, Capital area historic sites, professional sporting events and shopping mecca status (nine major retail areas!), Raleigh truly offers a variety of entertainment all in one park-like, scenic setting.
Georgia On My Mind: 5 Reasons Why I Loved My 1st Vacation Rental!

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending spring break at my girlfriend’s family vacation rental in Darien, GA. I landed in Hilton Head International Airport late Tuesday night and we headed straight to Darien, a small coastal town with a booming commercial fishing industry. This was my first stay in a vacation rental, and after having such an amazing time, I may never look at commercial accommodations the same way again. Here are a few reasons why I fell in love with not only this home, but with vacation rentals in general.

1. The Beautiful Vintage Aesthetic of the Property
The vacation rental was perfectly tucked away at the bottom of a gravel road that is covered by a canopy of orange trees. The front porch faces the ocean and has four old white rocking chairs, making it an ideal place to relax and watch the sun set. The house is surrounded by pink azalea bushes and the back of the property has a dock leading down to Brighton Creek. At night, you can see the lighthouse glimmering in the distance on Sapelo Island.

2. A TON of Room and Privacy
The house sleeps upwards of 10 people and you are in the creek bed of coastal Georgia. How much more privacy can you get? Not to mention there was plenty of space around the house for my girlfriend’s dog Annie to chase after the nearest squirrel.
Family Spring Break (Travel Tuesday)
If your winter involved early mornings brushing snow off the car, running on a treadmill in the gym, finding the quickest route from the subway to the office, and lots of time in the house, then you know that a staycation is not an option this spring. You want to get out and go someplace different and you’re not alone: this week a TripAdvisor survey revealed that 83% of American respondents plan to travel with family this year. Good thing spring break is right around the corner!

The TripAdvisor survey also revealed this list of the Traveler’s Choice Family Award-winning U.S. destinations to discover:
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Lake George, New York
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Branson, Missouri
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Port Aransas, Texas
- Daytona Beach, Florida
- Destin, Florida
To view more complete results of the survey, click here.
Frequent Flyers may not have spent the winter cooped up at home, but the world of waiting in airport terminals, packing in carry-ons, and earning miles/awards/perks has its own challenges. For those jet-setters looking to register their opinions, voting is now open for the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation’s Frequent Traveler Awards. You can vote online here through March 31.
Carolina Beach in Wilmington, North Carolina is announcing a spring lineup of April events for spring break vacationers. Carolina beach is the perfect spot for a getaway from Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.
Finally, if you’ve been looking for your spring break accommodations or adding reviews on FlipKey, then you may have noticed the addition of Facebook ‘like’ buttons on property pages. Click on these buttons to show that you are a fan of a great rental. Also, don’t forget to ‘like’ FlipKey’s Facebook page to get news and updates on great vacation rentals and travel ideas.
Presidents Day – Head for the Hills!
When I was growing up, Presidents Day was part of ski week. My parents would pack three kids and two dogs into an overstuffed Ford Explorer and head up to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. If we took two cars, then my folks would argue over who had to drive with my sister because she would sing along to every song on the radio (even when she didn’t know the words).
My Presidents Day vacations have gotten shorter as I’ve gotten older, but I’ve held onto the tradition of piling into a full car and heading for the hills. Looking over FlipKey guest reviews, it appears I’m not alone: the most-reviewed Presidents Day weekends are not grand overseas tours, but road trips to local hideaways. Here are some last minute ideas from locals who know where to go to get away…
If you live in the Northwest… Head for the North Cascades
Becky L, from Bothell, WA took the whole family to Cle Elum last year and had a great time:
The cabin was exactly what we were looking for ! …..witht he exception of no snow (which we know you have no control over
It was great for the kids, dog & adults. It was well stocked, very clean & well stocked with basics. We instantly felt right at home!
Cle Elum is only an hour and a half from Seattle, right in the middle of the Snoqualmie National Forest.
If you live in California… Head for the Sierras
Hebro M, from Castro, CA can’t stay away from Sierra village:
The one reason why we keep on coming back to this place is because of the private sledding area. There is simply nothing that could come close to it, since it is long, smooth, safe, free, and not very crowded. The house is nice as well. Pretty spacious, kids friendly, and has everything we need.
Sierra village is about 2 hours from Sacramento, 3 hours from San Fransisco, and 6 hours from Los Angeles.
If you live in the Mid Atlantic… Head to Snowshoe, WV
J Stephens, from OH, went to Snowshoe last Presidents day and had a blast:
Our group stayed at Loggers Run 1 over Presidents day weekend. The condo is very comfortable and nicely furnished. It is situated close to the high speed Soaring Eagle lift… It was a wonderful trip with great snow and skiing.
Snowshoe is 4-5 hours from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, 4 hours from Pittsburgh, and about 6 hours from Cincinnati.
President’s Day weekend is just around the corner – February 19-21. It’s the perfect weekend for a winter retreat, and there’s still time to make last minute travel plans! From the Berkshires in Western MA to Taos, NM, there’s a local hideaway waiting for you to find it.
Where are you headed next weekend?
Love and London – A Royal Pairing (Travel Tuesday)
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but this year’s biggest celebration of love may very well be April 29. For those of you who haven’t made your travel plans yet, that’s the date of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. According to Huffington Post, London’s hotel rooms are all but booked solid and apartment rentals are going fast. As of writing this post, FlipKey still has over 200 London vacation rentals available the week of the wedding, so royalty buffs still have the chance to bask in the atmosphere of the big event. Beyond the wedding itself, the city expects to play host to street parties and other unofficial celebrations – love will literally be in the air.
In other vacation rental news, the booking season is warming up. It’s time to start thinking about spring and summer vacations. Here are some items to help you prepare:
- Vacationers in Myrtle Beach will have an even easier time navigating the Grand Strand with a new Android smartphone app.
- We found 100 reasons to buy luxury linens. If you’re looking for an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your rental, high-quality bedding is a great place to start.
- Second-home-owners who don’t already rent their vacation home get a quick-start guide to consider from International Business Times.
- Knoxville News recommends vacation rentals as the perfect accommodation option for travelers headed to Paris.
I’m not going to make it to Paris this weekend, but I have been thinking that a trip to Quebec for winter carnival would make a pretty awesome Valentine’s Day retreat. I could practice my French and possibly even catch a glimpse of royalty!

