CoastRentals Beach Vacation Blog

The family vacation is a time-honored tradition here in America, from the haphazard antics of the old family station wagon to those who brave the elements at first class resorts.  Getting away with the fam is a great way to bond, have some laughs, and see the world.  Some of my best memories are from family vacations we took when I was a kid.  Most parents revel in the opportunity to get away from the routines of home life to get to spend some quality time with their kids, and it’s a great learning opportunity for the tiny ones as well.

We’ve just launched a page dedicated to the Family Vacation here at CoastRentals (and also put up one on our sister site LakeRentals) just to pay tribute and to hopefully catch a few more people’s attention about rounding up the crew and heading to the beach.  As I have posted recently, now is a popular time to be planning the 2007 vacation schedule.  It is also a great time to find the perfect vacation rental property for you and your family because most property’s availability is sitting at 80% or more.

The right beach condo can be a memorable setting for junior’s first trip to the ocean, or it can be a chance to spend some good times with your teenagers before they go to college.  No matter the makeup of your family, and no matter how much your last trip turned out like a Griswold excursion, this time will be better.

P.S. It is 25 degrees here and I wish my family would take me to the beach right now.

I was watching Brick last night, an indie movie that won a lot of awards (the dude from Angels in the Outfield is in it - not that grizzly bear Glover either, the kid).  Although I didn’t have much time to enjoy it because of how complicated the dialogue is, there is some great scenery of palm trees and California to take in.  Being as it’s the dead of winter and our offices are in not-so-coastal region (Missouri), about 2 palm tree shots into the movie I was on the ole laptop finding out where the movie was filmed.

Surprise, surprise (Lance Harbor) - it was filmed in San Clemente, California.  San Clemente is dead in between SoCal big boys Los Angeles and San Diego, down on I-5 in the southernmost point of Orange County.   It is also the director of Brick’s hometown.  I met a guy from San Clemente in Vegas once and he was quite enamored with the place.  Point being, you might want to consider checking it out for your next beach vacation.

We’re working on building up our contingent of SoCal vacation rentals, and in all actuality, you can experience most of the SoCal region no matter where you’re plopping yourself down at night.  From San Diego to LA, there are only 120 miles of lovely coastline, so if you’re staying in Mission Beach you are but an hour’s drive from Laguna Beach.  Another 30 minutes and you’re kicking it with Mickey at Disney.

Come on, come all, to land of sun and In-N-Out Burger.

The big season is here, the mythical beast known as the month of January when vacation rental inquiries fly in faster than a Brett Hull one-timer.  Or perhaps you are more comfortable with a “speeding bullet” analogy?  Whatever you cup of rental tea, if you’re a property owner or a potential renter, now is the time to fill the 2007 calendar.  As a vacationer, you can likely have your pick of available dates for the properties that best fit your wants and needs.  If you know when you’d like to take your beach vacation this year, take the time know to sit down an browse through the listings.

As a property owner, be sure to check up on all of your listings to make sure you have the most recent rates and availability to accompany your many pictures and enticing descriptions.   Reel in those renters and make 2007 a banner year!  Of note for the big months of January and February are CoastRentals’ featured listing options which allow you to stand out more amongst the crowd.  We provide featured spots on our home page, each state and beach page, and also highlighted search results for your property.  All run on a month-by-month basis for a small fee.  You can learn more about Featuring Your Property on CoastRentals today.

Good luck in 2007 and let us know if you have any questions.

Looking ahead to the New Year, what will the most popular beach destinations be in 2007?  With global warming heating things up just a bit more each year, it’s safe to say that there will be a few more days in the sun for everyone to enjoy (although the coasts may start to be swept away into the ocean).  Scientific / political fiascos aside, one thing is always certain - no matter what year the calendar reads, there’s always going to be people vacationing at the beach.

Old Faithfuls

Some beach hotspots never cease to be popular.  Take Miami Beach down in south Florida.  Or perhaps Malibu out on the West Coast.  Hard to argue with those mainstays, but while those may be some of the more talked-about and hyped beaches in the United States, it doesn’t make them the only no-brainers.  Families have also long flocked to the sands of Destin, Hilton Head, and the Jersey shore.  In Destin, you’ll find a great stretch of high rise condos and quaint beach homes amongst a long list of seafood restaurants and malls.  Hilton Head is a golfer’s dream and the perfect spot to take a family for some fun in the sun.  And Jersey, well, what doesn’t it have?

Up-and-Comers

Some of the beach destinations that may or may not have reached your radar yet for 2007 include Galveston, Texas and St. Augustine Beach, Florida.  Galveston has started to draw a lot of tourists lately, complete with the surfing behind barges and beaches that are as close to Mexico as you can get.  St. Augustine, meanwhile, is an outdoor watersportsmen’s dream.  Sail, waterski, and parasail in one of Florida’s lesser known hotspots.

Of course, this list is very limited and there are literally hundreds of other beach destinations that will be hopping in 2007.  Take some time to look around and find the best place to visit for you and your crew - it’s going to be a great year.

Is to rent my property out for all of ‘07? That’d be a nice present. With January right around the corner, you probably will still be reeling from the joyous holidays when the inquiries start flooding your inbox. Are you prepared? Here’s a few things to check off before Jan. 1:

1. Check your rates - are they up-to-date for 2007?

2. Send test inquiries through all of your listings (on CoastRentals and anywhere else) to verify that they are coming through to your email.

3. Pictures = inquiries. Make sure you have the best, brightest, and most recent photos of your vacation property on your listing(s).

4. Check your due dates. Before the big season comes and you are swamped with inquiries, make sure you are all paid up on your listings across all sites so you don’t have to worry about one of them going down in the coming months.

5. Keep that availability calendar up-to-date. This applies to now and throughout the coming months. Chances are you have a Rentors.org calendar, and if you don’t, get one.

6. Buy a featured listing. This is for the hardcore people out there, but a featured spot on CoastRentals (or any other vacation rental website) can make a big difference in your exposure. We see 5-7x the pageviews for featured listings versus our standard listings.

7. Check over your property description and amenities. Get people excited about your property. Chances are, if you wrote something a year ago, you could re-write it this year and make it even better.

8. Link to your property listing or the area you are in from your personal site. The big vacation rental sites, like CoastRentals or those other big boys (and their VC money) have large online marketing efforts and a whole lot of weight in the search engines. Linking to them will only help increase the chance that your listing or your area gets more exposure through Google, Yahoo, and MSN. It’s a free way to help and it can only be beneficial.
So, give yourself 20 minutes and run through the checklist for each of your property listings and get ready for January. 2007’s going to be a great year!

Being as we have a relatively new (yet hopefully very helpful) beach vacation blog going here at CoastRentals, I wanted to pay homage to some of the best beach vacation blogs on the web. If you’re looking to get some good info from some people that know their stuff, check out these:

The Hawaii Vacation blog is definitely of interest to anyone who is planning a vacation to our nation’s 50th state. The owner is a Hawaii travel agent by occupation which gives him that important “insider” perspective on vacations in Hawaii. The blog entries are easy to access and fun to read – exactly what you’d expect from author Bruce, who’s contributed to the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Travel Weekly just to name a few. Useful past entries include “Understanding Hawaii airfares,” “Cruises made easy,” “Should Oahu be part of your plans?,” and “Packing for Hawaii.” Read the archives and check this blog often for updates, you never know when you might get a tip on a good package deal or cheap airfare!

If your next vacation to Florida involves Orlando, check out the Disney Blog – Orlando Visitor Vacation Information. Offering both pertinent, beneficial information related to Orlando travel and offbeat news stories concerning the area, the Disney Blog is certainly worth your time while arranging a trip to Florida. Some days, expect helpful items like “Expect prices increases at Theme Park turnstiles in January,” and other days, read a fun article like “Are Disney’s short films in again?” With up-to-date news regarding new rides and ticket prices, the Disney Blog proves its worth time and time again. Check it out today!

Started by a couple of Myrtle Beach locals, the Myrtle Beach Blog is a great resource. With important information like hurricane updates and heat wave information, you’re sure to get an accurate view of Myrtle Beach, as the authors know the area well. You’ll also be treated to some personal anecdotes which are informative and humorous, and just add that humanistic aspect to the blog.

The blog at Our-Vacation-Adventures is a great look into the lives of people whose “passion and hobby is traveling.” With this kind of gusto, it’s safe to assume that you can trust their take on the travel industry, especially after having so much experience with it. The authors are great at making updates concerning airfare prices, hotel openings, and general sightseeing tips in a variety of locations. Though the blog may be partial to the Caribbean and Las Vegas, keep an eye out for articles like “Popular Attractions in Niagara Falls,” “Diversity of Dining Choices in Toronto,” and “Affordable Tennessee Travel Plans.” The blog posts are fun and often very significant, such as State Department warnings to tourists and other potential problems. Head over to Our-Vacation-Adventures now!

“Devoted to travel and vacations to Hawaii,” the Hawaii Travel Blog is a unique and enlightening site which is great for those planning their next getaway. One of the first things visitors notice is a convenient “Categories” menu on the right side, which makes for easy access to information on the exact topic you seek. In the Hawaii Travel Blog, expect news about local festivals, activity ideas, ways to help plan your honeymoon, and potential deals on travel plans and airfare. This blog is updated very often, so you’ll have to keep checking back, but don’t forget to read those past posts located in the archives! The Hawaii Travel Blog – certainly a great resource.

If you know any other great beach vacation blogs out there please post them in the comments, I’d love to check them out. And, as always, you’ve come to the right place for listing or finding a beach rental home or condo.

Beach Vacation Rentals Blog

Every year, our friends over at the Travel Channel fork out a list of the “Best Beaches” of the year. Well, we have a list of ones they forgot, and our list isn’t influenced by anything but the love of good sun, good sand, and good fun. Check it out:

Black’s Beach, California: “The Adventurer’s Beach”
Located just north of La Jolla is Black’s Beach. This 2-mile long stretch of sand is set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful and rugged cliffs in all of California. Perched on these 300-foot cliffs is the only glider port in the area, from where hang gliders and paragliders can set sail. Although the surrounding terrain makes access to Black’s Beach a bit difficult, the journey is always described as “worth it.” One way to reach the beach is through the Torrey Pines State Reserve. This forest is one of only two places where the Torrey Pine tree grows and makes for a unique hiking experience before reaching the beach. Another popular Black’s Beach activity is surfing, which is mainly done at the south end. The strong rip current can make the experience a bit challenging, but guarantees excitement.

The isolation of Black’s Beach has led to it gaining the reputation as the number one clothing optional destination in the country. Although nudity is not actually legal at the southern end of the beach (it is legal at the northern end), it is not known for being enforced. Whether it’s leaping off a sky high cliff or sunbathing au natural, this 24-hour beach is the perfect destination for the adventurous visitor.

South Padre Island, Texas: “The Partier’s Beach”
The five mile strip of sand on South Padre Island lays the claim of hosting the largest spring break in the world. Over a few weeks in March and April, South Padre Island brings in over 100,000 spring break visitors. There are day trips to Mexico, booze cruises, and popular dance clubs, including party-favorite Chaos. Many clubs bring in world renowned DJs to keep the music spinning and often bring in celebrities as well. It won’t be unusual for partiers to meet one of the familiar faces from their favorite reality program, most notably MTV’s Real World.

Undoubtedly, the best action is on the beach where visitors spend the day playing in the sand and surf and enjoying the promotions offered by various companies. There’s guaranteed to be music, competitions, and an endless supply of free gifts. With everyone from Coca-Cola to the US Army hosting events and booths, travelers can count on picking up some great souvenirs and catching quite a bit of entertainment. Although South Padre is definitely at its wildest during the spring break season, it makes for a fun-in-the-sun beach destination all year round.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii – “The Picturesque Beach”
This chain of 7 beaches on Oahu is often collectively referred to as Waikiki Beach. The 2 miles of sand is lined with resorts followed by a majestic Hawaiian landscape, making it one of the most recognizable beaches in the world. There are countless activities to partake in on the beach. From swimming with sea turtles to surfing to canoeing, Waikiki beach has a little something for everyone. That being said, one of the most popular beach activities is either lounging or strolling along the waterfront simply taking in the breathtaking view. With the combination of the beautiful scenery, the amazing resorts, and the adventurers’ riding the waves, there is always something to look at as you relax on Waikiki Beach. Just make sure not to leave in the early afternoon, the sunsets are known for being nothing short of spectacular.

Jekyll Island, Georgia: “The Relaxing Beach”
This barrier island, which is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia, offers visitors 10 miles of pristine beaches to enjoy. The white sand beaches are a great place to go for a walk, collect shells, swim, and catch a glimpse of unique wildlife. There are many ways to explore the island, including guided tours on horseback, guided nature walks, cycling along the many bike paths, and more. Travelers can also explore the waters off the coasts on Dolphin tours and sailing day trips. If its hitting the links that is on your mind, you’ll be pleased to know that Jekyll Island is home to 4 golf courses (three 18-hole and one 9-hole), making it the largest public golf resort in the country. Those interested in marine life will be interested to know about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is opening in the spring of 2007. The center will be free of admission and feature an interactive museum and turtle rehabilitation facility.

Part of what makes Jekyll Island unique is its long and varied history. It began as a home to Native American settlements, spent time as a plantation, and, most famously, was home to the Jekyll Island Club. Beginning in the Gilded Age and lasting until the Great Depression, the Island was owned by the club which served as a retreat for the American elite. Many remnants of this time remain, including the national landmark Historic District. Travelers can take tram tours or explore the museum to learn more about this distinct area. Whether you’re spending time exploring the natural beauty of the island or learning about the history imprinted on it by the people who have spent time there, Jekyll Island promises to relax and inspire.

Common inquiry?  You bet.  One of the biggest obstacles of the vacation rental industry (and the websites that support it) has been bringing together real-time availability information.  While many property owners do well to keep their listing information up-to-date, just as many list on 5 or 6 different websites and have trouble keeping up with them all.  Rentors.org, which offers a “universal” availability calendar and which most vacation rental websites encourage their listers to use, was the first good attempt at solving this problem.  It also stands as the best solution to the problem at present, so we here at the Find Your Escape Network encourage you to register with Rentors.org and keep that calendar up-to-date.  From a marketing standpoint, it is our job to deliver you with large amounts of qualified inquiries and having an up-to-date calendar (as well as all the other aspects of your listings) helps cut down on the useless inquiries you receive.  And hopefully at some point in the near future, we can develop the software that will be the end-all answer to this ongoing problem.

Anywho - seen the new CoastRentals home page?  It’s off the chain.  This is the last in line of many updates we had to the look of the site and we will be proliferating the look throughout the other pages this week.  I am confident that the current look is one of the best in the industry and has an ease of use and sleekness that will benefit both our visitors and our listers.  We are hoping for a big push come the first of the year (and the big inquiry season) so please be patient as we finish up prettifying our baby beach site.  Enjoy!

In the meantime, anybody heading to the Kentucky Lake area (shameless plug)?  It’s never a bad time of year to hit up a Midwestern Lake for some R&R.  Try the Kentucky Lake Rentals listed here to find a cabin or home of your liking.

Whether you’re browsing online for shoes at Zappos, clothes at Nordstrom, or cars on eBay, one of the driving forces behind any successful online “sale” is the quantity and quality of pictures of the item. People have to be able to envision the product they are purchasing sitting right there with them if they are going to put enough faith into a website to make a purchase. The same is to be said for vacation rentals. Time and time again, whether we’re talking about CoastRentals or one of the sites we’ve developed for vacation properties in the past, the listings with the largest, most assorted photos have enjoyed the most success on our websites. Potential renters are searching through CoastRentals and hoping to find the right fit for their personal needs and wants, and some listing that just has the vital stats (beds, bath, cost) is no going to “sell” them on inquiring about your property.

Instead, those that view your property listing(s) must be taken on a visual tour of all that you have to offer. You may have noticed that on CoastRentals listings we make the pictures the focus. They are large, can easily be viewed without leaving the main property listing page, and are plentiful (you get up to 10 at no extra charge).

If you’ve got a view of the beach, post a nice sunset pic. Show the kitchen and the bedrooms, the TV’s and the dining room table. It’s your chance to show off for everyone, to sell them on your vacation home / condo. You’ve already made the decision to purchase a place and to rent it out, and combining the marketing power of CoastRentals.com and 10+ pictures of it will have you enjoying a sudden lack of vacancies very soon.

My parents are heading down to Pensacola next week for a nice Thanksgiving-time beach excursion and it got me to thinking about how one last chance to enjoy some sun and sand in November is a great way to prepare for the winter months. The Florida Panhandle is always a hot destination for Midwesterners, whether it’s Destin, Panama City, or nearby Gulf Shores, Alabama. Even if the weather isn’t as steamy as it is in June, you can still enjoy the feel of the sand between your toes and the sound of the ocean.

I’ve never been to Pensacola myself, but you can bet there is some good seafood in the area as well as some decent shopping to distract you if need be. So, if you’re dreading the pending cold and darkness of winter, try to squeeze on last beach trip in at a property on CoastRentals. Either that, or start looking ahead to the oh-so-awesome ski season - snow’s just like sand really, only a little colder. Try out Lake Tahoe.