I love my iPhone. If you are like me, you are always seeking practical mobile applications to help make your life easier.

This week, there’s a new travel app for the iPhone that might be appealing to you. It’s from AAA, and it uses GPS technology to instantly identify nearby businesses offering deals for AAA members. In this time of curbing personal expenses, the AAA Discounts application might help you save a few dollars here and there.

According to Fritz Faerber, Associated Press Writer, the app “covers 110,000 locations in North America.” He also writes: “Since its launching, the AAA Discounts app has been downloaded nearly 200,000 times, and it’s one of the top free downloads in the iPhone’s Lifestyle apps category. It also works with the iPod touch in Wi-Fi locations. Anyone can download it, though only members can take advantage of the discounts.”

Today, smart phones and mobile devices are clearly on the minds of everyone in the travel industry, including vacation rental home property managers, and new apps are much more advanced than they were in the early days of the Palm Pilot.

For those interested in learning more, EyeforTravel, a leading tradeshow for the travel industry, is featuring mobile this September. According to show organizers, “In 2009 more [travel] customers will be researching products and services via their mobile phone. In the 3 months leading up to Christmas 2008, in the midst of a global recession, new EyeforTravel research shows the average number of Americans who browsed the internet via their mobile phones grew by 61.5% from the same period in 2007. This growth is incredible. US adoption outstrips any other part of the world.”

For those of us who travel a lot and rely heavily on our mobile devices, these are exciting times. I can’t wait to see what additional apps follow.

If you have a favorite mobile app for travel, leave a comment and let us know what it is.

Posted by: Karen on Friday, June 5, 2009
Under Technology, Travel, Vacation Rentals, Web 2.0.
Comments: 1

New York Times’ City Room columnist Patrick McGeehan asked his readers this weekend, “For Vacation, Are you Staying or Going?” It’s an interesting question, given the state of the economy and his declaration that the recession made 2008 the “Year of the Staycation.”

Of the readers who commented, the overwhelming majority said they are indeed vacationing this summer. From trips to Walt Disney World to cruises to European destinations, this group sounds tired of staying at home and getaway prices seem to be affordable again.

If you feel like they do, but have procrastinated when it comes to making reservations, you are in luck. Your waiting may pay off. Airlines are running fare specials and there are still plenty of vacation homes to choose from across the country, whether you prefer an Orlando vacation home, a Lake Tahoe vacation rental, a Destin vacation condo or an Outer Banks vacation home.

Maybe this year finances will be such that you’ll opt to stay a week instead of two, or a long weekend, instead of an entire week. Whatever time you can manage to getaway will be highly likely to recharge and refresh you.

So take time now to take advantage of the best deals. Book today.

Posted by: Karen on Monday, May 18, 2009
Under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: 1

On Sunday, USA Today Weekend TravelSmart editor, Everett Potter, informed readers, “There has probably never been a better time to find a great deal on a rental condo.

“Owners are cutting prices, plus a condo can offer savings over a comparable hotel room. With most condos, you get a living room, multiple bedrooms and a kitchen, which allows you to save on the cost of eating out.”

He also suggested ways to find one, including checking online sites such as PickPackGo.com.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out our site, come and visit. We’re happy to help you find the perfect vacation home or condo!

Posted by: Karen on Monday, April 27, 2009
Under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: none

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been taking a not-so-scientific poll among my friends about what their families do on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends. I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that those with extended family nearby typically favor spending both holidays with the grandparents.

However, I am a little surprised by the difference in Mother’s Day and Father’s Day activities when it comes to those of us without family in the area. Many Moms without local family tell me they spend Mother’s Day weekend doing something special with their family, ensuring their kids are part of the day or weekend activities.

On the other hand, some explain that their husbands often spend Father’s Day (or all of Father’s Day weekend) enjoying something they like to do, such as golfing or fishing or just hanging out in the hammock.

So now I’m wondering if maybe the Dad’s have gotten it right after all, and that several of us girlfriends should be looking for the perfect girls’ getaway weekend vacation home, and booking it now for May 8 through the 10th.

Imagine the relaxation…the good food…the conversation…the bonding time with still plenty of Sunday (actually Mother’s Day) to spend back home with the family.

If you are already a group of Moms getting away for Mother’s Day weekend, drop me an email. I’d love to hear how your trip got started and about your upcoming plans.

Posted by: Karen on Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: none

Here’s something I haven’t seen very often…the hotel industry acknowledging the steady growth of vacation rentals. But it’s happening more and more, and this week, the Hotel Interactive website wrote a surprising piece about the surge in popularity of vacation home rentals.

While surprising coming from them, the article isn’t surprising to those of us in the vacation home rental industry. We have known about the value propositions for a long time:

1. More space, and more often than not, better accommodations
2. More affordable, especially for families and groups
3. Unique vacation experiences, and no upfront membership fees

According to a recent PhoCusWright study, approximately 10 percent of all U.S. adults and nearly 20 percent of all online travelers have booked a vacation rental.

With so many more vacationers looking into how to travel more economically, we expect the trend will only increase. So if you’re looking for a 2009 summer vacation rental, don’t delay.

Book a vacation rental today!

Posted by: Karen on Monday, April 13, 2009
Under Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: none

As I wrote in my last post, everyone is looking for a deal this year on vacation travel—from airfares to hotels to vacation rentals to cruises. But if some of the details sound too good to be true, they probably are, which is why I enjoyed reading About.com, Budget Travel editor Mark Kahler’s piece this week.

He provided some insight into the Top Ten Budget Travel Errors, calling them 10 common and avoidable mistakes that can cost you a lot of money on the road. “Avoid them,” he says, “and you will have more money to spend on the many enjoyable aspects of visiting new places.”

I found all of his suggestions to be great reminders that even though we are looking for deals, every inexperienced and experienced traveler should rethink the motivation behind choosing a certain path. I particularly liked his last tip, which was this:

“Whether or not to travel during tough economic times is very much an individual call. But if personal finances allow it, some of the best travel bargains you’ll ever find—especially on longer trips overseas—will come during difficult financial periods.”

So if you find yourself planning now for summer travel, a quick read might just save you a few bucks.

Happy travels!

Posted by: Karen on Friday, April 3, 2009
Under Family Vacation, Travel.
Comments: none

Like many Americans, everyone we are planning to vacation with this year is on the look out for good deals.

With Spring Break just a few weeks away and summer vacation right on its heels, Smarter Travel columnist Ed Perkins today offered four tips to travelers seeking lower airfares to a variety of destinations. In his column, “Four Ways to Catch a Falling Airfare,” he notes the time to pounce is now as purchase windows for the best airfare deals keep getting shorter.

The same is true for lodging in a variety of locations, including Outer Banks vacation rentals, Lake Tahoe vacation rentals, Orlando vacation homes, Destin rentals and more. Booking a vacation rental home early—which means now for summer trips—can translate into big savings, especially for larger gatherings of family and/or friends. Talk to property managers up-front and ask about their best deals.

During these difficult economic times, it may be more important than ever for our mental health to take a trip away from home, even if it’s just for a long weekend. Don’t let published prices be the only deciding factor in whether you can afford to go or not.

Search for and ask about deals and you may be surprised at what you learn.

Posted by: Karen on Thursday, March 26, 2009
Under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: none

In his blog this week, travel writer Christopher Elliott highlights ways in which vacationers who are “Spring Broke” can travel this year without paying.

Tip 1: Reset your expectations
If you think you’ll visit a theme park, luxury hotel or cruise ship and not pay a dime, you might be disappointed. As a result, a lot of travelers have changed their vacation expectations, says travel expert Pauline Frommer. “There seems to be a different mindset governing the entire enterprise,” she told me. “People seem to be more interested in the destination — its cultural aspects, its attractions, its history — than obsessing over their hotel rooms, the hottest clubs or meal choices.” Of course, culture is relatively inexpensive when compared with indulgences like a spa visit or a gourmet meal. Some of it is even free.

I would argue that in addition to resetting expectations, travelers need to fundamentally think differently about their vacation planning in order to save money.

If a luxury hotel is a requirement, travelers should instead consider a five-star vacation home. Without a doubt, it’s more affordable, and many property managers are now offering weekly specials (that translate into free nights) and discount tickets (that translate into free theme park admission or a lift ticket) during this economic downturn.

In addition, gourmet meals (although not free because you have to buy the ingredients) can be made into an extra fun evening in a vacation home, freeing travelers from the expense of a new outfit to dine in, the drive to a fancy restaurant, and the cost of a valet or parking meter for the evening.

And when it comes to destinations, vacation rentals are typically located near plenty of free places to take cultural, historic, coastline, lakeside and national park adventures, regardless of whether they are Outer Banks vacation homes, Lake Tahoe vacation homes, Orlando vacation homes or Destin vacation homes.

So while resetting expectations is important, so is not giving up everything about your ideal vacation. Vacation rentals are a good way to get what you want—and what you need—on your next vacation.

Book a vacation rental home today.

Posted by: Karen on Thursday, March 19, 2009
Under Family Vacation, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: none

A recent poll of more than 200 Moms in our Mother’s Club revealed that when it comes to their ideal vacation:

• 72% prefer somewhere hot and tropical (where I can lay on the beach and swim in the ocean),
• 0% prefer somewhere cold with snow (so I can ski or just play in the snow),
• 8% prefer somewhere I can commune with nature and sleep under the stars (or in a tent), and
• 20% prefer somewhere with five-star accommodations (room service, indoor pool, the works).

Now that the warm weather is finally coming back, taking an affordable Spring Break vacation that fulfills any of these desires is possible.

Renting a Destin vacation home or a Tampa vacation home is ideal if you’re interested in surf and sun. If nature is your thing, then a Great Smoky Mountains vacation rental may be just the relaxation you had in mind.

When it comes to five-star accommodations, it may not be room service or an indoor pool, but my guess is that a luxurious home with excellent, nearby take-out and a hot tub under the stars might do the trick. And, don’t forget, the vacation rental property manager who lives there can likely further assist you with any other amenities you might need.

With Spring Break just a few weeks away, it’s time to make an inquiry in your ideal vacation location!

Posted by: Karen on Thursday, March 12, 2009
Under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: 1

Major League Baseball (MLB) fans know there are two Spring Training hotspots in America—South Florida and Phoenix, Arizona. With pitchers and catchers reporting over Valentine’s Day and the others following shortly after, now is the time to book your tickets to warmer climates to see your favorite teams.

In Arizona, Spring Training games begin today and teams play until early April!

What’s great about attending Spring Training games is that the MLB players actually take the time to visit with fans. They sign autographs for the kids and seem to remember the fun surrounding the game, rather than the dollars they earn playing it.

For those heading to see Cactus League games in Arizona, PickPackGo partner and leading professional vacation rental firm in beautiful Scottsdale, Specialty Lodging recently reported that its rental homes “still have limited openings for February, March and April and not only are our properties convenient to all the baseball action, but they offer all the amenities vacationers could ask for and you will also be able to enjoy all of Arizona.”

According to Specialty Lodging President, Jim Kempski, “We strive to provide not only the finest vacation rentals at the best value in the areas we serve – but also to provide the best customer service. At Specialty Lodging, all of our guests are treated like an All-Star.”

This year, 14 MLB teams will be in Arizona for Spring Training. With exceptional vacation homes and fan-friendly Cactus League ballparks, there’s no time like the present to head for fun in the sun.

Posted by: Karen on Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Under Family Vacation, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: 3