July 2009
Jul 31, 2009
They say everything’s bigger in Texas…so, how about the deals? Well, we were wondering the same thing.
There’s only one way to find out.
The Lonestar State’s got a lot more than cowboys, tumbleweeds, and thick southern accents. It’s got America’s #1 water park (Schiltterbahn), the Austin City Limits music fest, the San Antonio River Walk, Natural Bridge Caverns, Big Bend National Park, the Guadalupe River, Spring Break-worthy beaches, and… wait for it… great vacation rental deals.
Here are our favorite Texas vacation deals.
Austin
Galveston
New Braunfels
- Free tickets for the whole family to Schiltterbahn when you book this 3-bedroom, pet-friendly home on the river - cool (literally and figuratively)!
North Padre Island
Port Aransas
Rock Port
South Padre Island
San Antonio
- 6-bedroom home for up to $1,250 a week - not advertised as a “deal,” but worth a mention
Not enough Texas vacation deals for you, partner? Click here to explore more of Texas.
Jul 30, 2009
If you’re tired of going to the same diners over and over again, cooking the same dishes over and over again, or microwaving the same TV dinners over and over again (god forbid), then it may be time to up the culinary ante. We’ve rounded up deals in our favorite foodie vacation spots, so you can save on lodging and splurge on eating.
Top Foodie Vacation Deals!
Las Vegas
In case you didn’t get the memo, Vegas is all about indulgence. What better way to live it up than to fill your belly up with fine food? Celebrity chefs line the Strip, tourists make bee-lines for cheap all-you-can-eats, and lucky gamblers line their tummies with $200 gourmet meals.
New Orleans
How have the locals weathered Katrina? Well, apparently with comfort food. The Big Easy has more restaurants than ever before, and it’s not just the Cajun cuisine that’s memorable.
New York City
It’s only natural that the center of the world features world-famous food. From pizza to pasta to prime rib, there’s not a single entrée in the Big Apple that’s not worth savoring. Eating’s one of the few things New Yorkers actually slow down to do!
Cali Wine Country
Even if you don’t require a glass of wine with dinner, Napa Valley is a wonderland for foodies. And these rental deals just sweeten its appeal.
Miami
It’s like the real, non-metaphorical melting pot of America. Sure, the Cuban food’s fabulous, but so is just about everything else – dig in!
Los Angeles
LA restaurants have a lot to live up to because they’ve got so many famous critics. But hey, the more inspired the dish, the more likely it’ll get a mention in the tabloids (along with whoever’s eating it, like Lindsey Lohan or another impossibly thin celeb). Just be careful when you chow down here; you don’t want your favorite actor, singer, or reality TV star to see you talking with your mouth full of grub, no matter how gloroious that grub is. Wait, scratch that - you shouldn't care about what a reality TV star thinks. (We'll talk about that later.)
Hungry yet?
Jul 29, 2009
Know all the lyrics to “American Idiot” (by Green Day)? Parenting a Taylor Swift-crazed pre-teen? Want to dance down memory lane with Depeche Mode?
We’ve searched the web for the top band tours of August and September 2009, picked out our favorite venues, and then paired up each concert (or set of concerts) with an awesome vacation rental deal. Even if you can’t make it to one of the top 10 music festivals in the world, you can still rock one of these deals. We’ll leave it up to you to score cheap concert tickets.
In order of appearance:
Venue: Fenway Park
Tour Dates: 8/5 & 8/6
Deal: $160 a night (cancellation special)
Digs: Chic 1-bedroom condo near Boston Harbor
- Dave Mathews Band in West Palm Beach
Venue: Cruzan Ampitheatre
Tour Dates: 8/14 & 8/15
Deal: $664 for the whole week (less than $100 a night)
Digs: 2-bedroom duplex near the beach, with access to pool
Venue: Mandalay Bay Events Center
Tour Dates: 8/21
Deal: $250 a night
Digs: 5-bedroom pet-friendly home with pool and hot tub
Venue: US Air
Tour Dates: 8/23
Deal: $650 for the whole week (“summer recession discount”)
Digs: 3-bedroom home with access to a hot tub
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Tour Dates: 8/27
Deal: $180 a night
Digs: 3-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village
Venue: Soldier Field
Tour Dates: 9/12 & 9/13
Deal: Free night’s stay (worth $99) when you book a week
Digs: Downtown studio
Jul 28, 2009
For today's blog, we're going to change things up a bit.
Here's why: On any given day, there are way more than a few deals on Vacation Rentals.com. We strive to highlight our favorite bargains, but it's impossible to communicate all the savings to you. In actuality, there are thousands - yep, thousands - of vacation rental deals listed on the site right now, and that number's always getting bigger.
Besides reading this blog and browsing the site, how can you find the best special offers, discounts, and freebies? Through email, that's how!
By creating your Traveler Profile on Vacation Rentals.com, you can subscribe to a weekly email, which will feature last minute deals, deals in your preferred destination(s), and/or deals on rentals that fit your interest (like pet-friendly, or on the golf course). You barely have to lift a finger to get yourself in the money-saving loop.
Best of all, you can handpick your deals. Tailor your email to your specific needs - only interested in last minute deals, or only looking for beachfront rentals? No problem. We'll only send you relevant deals, nothing more or less.
To get started, just click here.
Vacation Rentals.com tries to make it easy for you to save money when booking a rental. And our weekly deals email is one of the first steps we're taking to keep you up-to-date.
Jul 27, 2009
There’s a lot to love about a West Palm Beach vacation rental,
It’s big and affordable, and guarantees a vacation sentimental.
So head on down to the WPB,
Because the National Poetry Slam is a must see!
We may not be rhyming pros, but we do know West Palm Beach deals! Every summer, teams of smooth-talking poets from around the world compete in the National Poetry Slam finals – this year’s event is scheduled for August 4th to 8th in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida.
To be a part of the unique experience that is National Poetry Slam 2009, book one of these one-of-a-kind West Palm Beach deals:
- 30% off August rates
Stay in a 2-bedroom duplex with access to a pool for just $664 a week (that averages out to less than $100 a night). Only a 7-minute drive to the beach.
- 20% off monthly rate
This pet-friendly, 2 bedroom condo is ultra-cheap (like less than $50 a night) if you stay for a whole month! Rates are still reasonable if you can’t commit to such a long vacation. Access to a pool and hot tub, too.
- Free night’s stay (worth $85)
This adorable, 1 bedroom cottage has a private pool and hot tub. Stay a week, and get one night for free! Just 5 minutes from the beach.
- $450 a week and a free $50 welcome gift
This 1 bedroom condo has access to a pool and tennis courts!
Jul 24, 2009
We’ve got some seriously spectacular deals in the Disney area that we’re pleased to share with you today. In case you need some motivation to swing by Mickey Mouse on your next vacation, remember that the kids go back to school relatively soon. And when that happens, head to Disney World and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper tickets to the park. Need more motivation? How about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, held September 25th to November 8th, or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (happening on select dates in September and October, and November 1st)?
Here’s our generous selection of cheap Disney vacation rentals:
Remember there are smaller, and still cheap Disney vacation rentals available if you’re not traveling in a big group.
Jul 23, 2009
Whether you’re planning a massive family reunion or a company retreat, you’ll need plenty of breathing space. (If you don’t have room to roam, you’ll need lots of patience instead.)
Ditch the teeny-tiny hotel room and upgrade to a 5 or 6-bedroom estate! That’s right – we’ve got big last minute deals on big rentals. For the same price as a not-all-that-special hotel room, you can stay in a giant, luxurious home. And don't forget, if you split the cost with a group, you’re really saving.
Hurry and book - these last minute rental deals expire today! If none of these float your boat, check out all of our vacation rental deals by clicking here.
Where: Watercolor, Florida
The Details: 5 bedrooms and bathrooms, sleeps 12
The Deal: $275 a night (that’s $225 off)
The Fine Print: Must stay for at least a week between 8/22 and 9/9
Where: Mena, Arkansas
The Details: 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sleeps 10
The Deal: Get a free night’s stay (worth $200)
The Fine Print: Must book 4 nights to get 5th free, from 11/1 to 11/30
Where: Disney Area, Florida
The Details: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10 – plus, this home has a pool and hot tub, and is pet-friendly
The Deal: $750 a week ($155 off)
The Fine Print: Must stay between 8/29 and 9/17
Where: Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Details: 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 12
The Deal: $1,100 a week (50% off)
The Fine Print: Must stay between 8/23 and 9/30
Where: Venice, Florida
The Details: 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, sleeps 16 – plus, it’s got a pool and is pet-friendly
The Deal: $1,200 a week (20% off)
The Fine Print: Must stay between 8/15 and 11/21
Jul 22, 2009
Asheville, North Carolina’s one of those “sort of” best-kept secrets – while it doesn’t get as much limelight as similar destinations (like Tahoe and Aspen), plenty of smart people return here year after year. If you haven’t discovered the beauty of this Blue Ridge Mountain town yet, our Asheville travel deals are just the thing to pique your curiosity. Also, through August 1st, the famed Biltmore Estate will host a series of evening concerts. Bruce Hornsby and Rick Springfield are just a few of the performers who are slotted to take the stage over the next few weeks.
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is just one of the many beloved attractions. Downtown is lively all year long, and each season brings out a unique set of outdoor adventurers, from skiers in the winter to whitewater rafters in the summer.
However, if you just want to shop and look at pretty foliage, that’s fine, too! More power to you. Indeed, the scenery’s great for relaxing.
Here are our top last minute Asheville travel deals – (note that all these properties are pet-friendly!)
- $80 a night for this 3 bedroom home with a hot tub
- Free night’s stay (worth $107) at this 3 bedroom home, which is quite baby and kid friendly
- You can walk to downtown from this 3 bedroom home, which is offering up a free night's stay (valued at $150)
Jul 21, 2009
Looking for last minute deals? Cancun, Mexico’s got a few, in addition to its year-round selection of affordable homes and condos. If you’ve got a comfy, hassle-free beach escape in mind, and don’t want to feel like a fish out of American water, check out the following last minute deals to Cancun, Mexico.
- $250 a night (or 55% off) this 3-bedroom condo with access to hot tub and pool; also has a fully-equipped kitchen
- Free night's stay (worth $121) at this 2-bedroom villa on the beach - ultra-spacious rooms!
- Only $445 a week (about $63 a night), plus free souvenirs - shirt, hat and keychain, at this 1-bedroom condo with ocean view and access to a pool
Ever the crowd pleaser, Cancun always guarantees a good time and on Vacation Rentals.com, a good deal, too.
Jul 20, 2009
There’s nothing stereotypical about Sedona, AZ’s Main Street on National Day of the Cowboy. This Saturday, July 25th, the city will celebrate its horseback riding, gun slinging past. A western-themed parade, featuring real livestock, will kick things off with a bang on Jordan Road, followed by $5 mechanical bull rides, a costume contest, street food, and much more. We’ve wrangled up a few Sedona lodging deals for your trip down Cowboy lane.
Top Sedona Lodging Deals for National Day of the Cowboy:
- 20% discount on this charming 2-bedroom house with access to a hot tub (roughly $42 a night)
- Only about $71 a night for a stay in this 1-bedroom condo with an outdoor patio and access to a pool
- This comfy 3-bedroom home with a pool and hot tub is going for less than $200 a night
- Take $350 off the weekly rental rate of this 3-bedroom house with great red rock views, pool, hot tub and quick access to hiking trails!
Jul 17, 2009
If you’ve been thinking about traveling overseas, these cheap Europe vacation deals just may push you over the edge. From a stereotypical summertime tour of the continent, to a whirlwind fall or winter getaway with the fam, we've got a handful of Europe vacation deals that you can combine to craft the perfect vacation abroad.
- Prague
€89 a night for this 1-bedroom home with a fully-equipped kitchen
Jul 15, 2009
Kailua-Kona’s the old hangout spot of Hawaii’s royalty. So, it’s only natural that every year, scores of beach lovers head here for some old-fashioned R&R. From seaside to high-rise, cheap Kailua Kona rentals come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. We’ve sorted through the 100 or so properties listed in this area on Vacation Rentals.com, and found some pretty spectacular deals. We can’t remember the last time Hawaii was so affordable, so better strike now while the deals are smoking hot!
Plus, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival kicks off in November, and the Ironman World Championship gets underway before that (in October). 2009’s a great time to stay in one of our cheap Kailua Kona rentals:
Jul 14, 2009
Summertime, and the eating is easy! Loosen up your belt, because New York City Restaurant Week 2009 is here. From now until July 31st, the Big Apple will feature some pretty big appetites. Top restaurants are offering up $25 three-course lunches and $35 three-course dinners. Is your mouth watering yet?
Participants in New York City Restaurant Week 2009 include 2 West, Tribeca Grill, 21 Club, Apiary, Sushi Samba, and hundreds of other dining establishments. If you’re planning to be in the city but you haven’t made reservations yet, better book your table now!
Fine print: Saturdays aren’t included, and only some restaurants have Sunday savings.
Don’t just save on fine dining, though. We’ve got several cheap NYC rentals perfect for a food coma.
Jul 14, 2009
Need an excuse to go on vacation this month? We've scoured the site for some juicy July deals. Whether you're into racing hermit crabs or literature, we've got a great July festival to go with each July last minute deal.
1. The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
When: July 11
What: Which speedy hermit crab will go home with the coveted Order of the Mercy Craw trophy, or win everyone over in the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant? Move over NASCAR and Miss America – we think Virginia’s got the ride idea.
Why it’ll fit in your budget: It’s totally free for you (we mean your hermit crab) to participate, plus we’ve got a last minute Virginia Beach vacation deal. Check it out:
- Get away with the whole family to this beautiful 7 bedroom estate. Book within the next few days and enjoy free linen service (worth $200).
2. Mighty Mud Mania
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
When: July 17
What: Kids, ages 7 to 17, gather at Chaparral Park to get their faces painted…with mud. On July 17th, it’s okay for your kid to play in the dirt! Talk about a great photo op (feel free to use it as blackmail later on).
Why it’ll fit in your budget: All you need is one can of food to enjoy this muddy obstacle course/playground. The cost of staying in Arizona won’t break the bank, either. Take a look at these sweet Scottsdale deals:
- For just $100 a night, you and your family can live it up in this luxurious 3 bedroom condo with access to a pool and hot tub.
- Stay in this 3 bedroom condo and lounge around in the heated pool for only $120 a night.
- A mere $450 a week for this chic 2 bedroom condo! Heated pool, spa, and exercise room on site.
3. Wienerschnitzel Weiner Nationals
Where: Los Alamitos, California
When: July 18
What: We’re not sure what’s more entertaining. Hermit crabs racing on the beach, or this – apparently, weiner dogs from all over the country prepare for the Weiner Nationals throughout the year. Or at least their doting owners do. Definitely a dog show that’s worth seeing in person, don’t you think? If you’ve got a fast dachshund of your own, there’s still time to enter him or her into the race.
Why it’ll fit in your budget: Admission’s only $3 (for adults) and proceeds go to the Seal Beach Animal Car Center! We’ve also got a handful of affordable rentals in the area:
4. Hemingway Days Festival
Where: Key West, Florida
When: July 21 to 26
What: Hey bookies and literary snobs – this one’s for you! If you don’t pay attention, though, you’ll think a bunch of Santa Claus clones have taken over. Look a little closer (or, perhaps listen a little closer) and you’ll realize those white-bearded men are actually Ernest Hemmingway lookalikes. Yes, really. In addition to the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, you can pay tribute to the famed author who once called Key West home by attending book readings, the marlin fishing tournament, and a variety of other educational but fun events.
Why it’ll fit in your budget: The festival’s totally free. As well, here’s a nice selection of budget-friendly Key West vacation rentals:
Jul 06, 2009
For the most peaceful getaway possible, make sure you’ve got plenty of peace of mind – don't leave your favorite four-legged family member behind. Today, we’re featuring some fabulous pet-friendly rentals in pet-friendly destinations. Upgrade that dog house to a comfy and roomy estate!
Austin
Why it's pet-friendly: Play fetch at Zilker Park, go for a swim in Barton Springs, and share a snack at the Spiderhouse Café.
- For about $114 a night (in August and September), you and your canine can live it up in this 2 bedroom/3 bath home.
Seattle
Why it's pet-friendly: Leashed dogs can ride the bus and the ferry here, making it easy for you and your pet to explore the city.
- At this 1 bedroom/1 bath condo, you’ll not only have access to an indoor hot tub and pool, but you won’t have to worry about cleaning or parking fees.
Boston
Why it's pet-friendly: See the many sights of Boston right beside your beloved pooch! You and your dog can take the subway around town.
Vancouver
Why it's pet-friendly: This Canadian town is more than just dog friendly, it’s dog crazy! Well, at least it seems that way, considering the ferries and the public transport system allow more than just humans on board.
Jul 01, 2009
What do saving money and being a total geek have in common? You can do both in San Diego. Comic-Con International takes over the San Diego Convention Center July 23rd through the 26th, and we’ve got four affordable San Diego vacation rentals that make attending it all the more appealing (try eBay or Craigslist if you haven’t scored passes yet). Super heroes, super deals – what more could a nerd want?
Even if you didn’t go to the theaters to see The Watchman fourteen times, these cheap San Diego vacation deals are enough to motivate some last-minute trip planning. After all, there’s Mission Beach for the sun worshipers, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld for the kids, and plenty of other awesome attractions for just about everyone (like the USS Midway Museum). So, let’s get down to it, shall we?
- Stay in this 3 bedroom/2 bath, pet-friendly home for a week and get one night free! Wireless internet is also “on the house.” Valid dates include today all the way up to 9/30.
- This 2 bedroom/2 bath beachfront condo with access to a pool and hot tub is only $282 a night when you book dates between 7/11 and 8/29.
- If your favorite sight to see is the big blue ocean, why not book a weeklong stay on a luxury yacht? Yeah, really! For about $242 a night, you could be living the good life in this 2 bedroom/2 bath houseboat. Book dates between 6/24 and 12/20 and you’ll not only get this great San Diego deal, but a free bottle of wine.
- $400 a night may seem slightly intimidating, but if you split that with a group of friends or family members, it’s nothing – especially for a stay in this immaculate 3 bedroom/3.5 home with all the upgrades. You really gotta see it to believe it! You’ll have to be a little spontaneous for this one, however, as only stays between today and 7/15 qualify for the deal. After that, the rate goes up to $550. (Still pretty reasonable... considering.)
