With the “big kids” heading back to school, now is a great time for families with infants and toddlers to book vacation homes at popular vacation destinations without worrying about crowds.

After Labor Day, at Walt Disney World in Orlando for example, ride lines are shorter, reservations for character breakfasts are easier to get, and shows can be more enjoyable for little ones without the distractions of school-aged children.

Historic museums and national monuments, such as those in Williamsburg, VA, can also be less intimidating for toddlers after summertime’s heated rush.

In Carolina resort towns, including Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island, preschoolers can more easily accompany parents and grandparents as they practice their swings on some of the world’s best golf courses and tennis courts.

The Fall is also an ideal time for toddlers to travel by tricycle or training wheels around coastal towns, on boardwalks, and through mountain ski villages at a pace that’s right for the whole family.

When you inquire about and book a vacation rental this Fall, be sure to ask property managers about their specials and other local activities that may be perfect for your preschooler.

Posted: August 25th, 2008 under Family Vacation, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
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As an East coast local living in San Francisco, I always find myself nostalgic for the long warm summer days and the cool ocean breezes. Since I virtually grew up on the beach, having the opportunity to spend a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with the family was a treat. I especially enjoyed the surf. There were some good deals on board rentals just down the street at the local surf shop.

Aside from the amazing stretch of spectacular beaches and warm waters (careful of those under toes, folks), there is a lot you can pack in to a week on the island. You can brush up on your history just down in Kitty Hawk at the Wright Brother’s National Memorial, the sight where the Wright Brothers designed and flew their first air crafts. You can even rent kites for the whole family and, if you’re there at the right time, join in the fun at the kite festival.

For those of you who can’t stop shopping, there are plenty of gift shops on the island to choose from, but if you want something unique, you can visit the historic light houses or even see wild horses on the beach.

All in all, The Outer Banks is a perfect family vacation choice for a summer vacation. But don’t pass up the opportunity to get great deals on the off season. There are plenty of great Outer Banks vacation rentals to choose from.

Happy Vacationing!

Posted: August 21st, 2008 under Family Vacation.
Comments: 1

Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D. is the professional ethicist known as The Ethics Guy®. This month, The Ethics Guy has been talking about vacations, specifically about “the ethics of taking a vacation.”

According to him, “Taking a vacation regularly is not only acceptable; it is our ethical obligation.”

In this recent article, he addresses the most common excuses employees make for not getting away, and concludes that working vacations aren’t vacations at all. To him, “Checking e-mail, taking work-related phone calls, and reading material related to one’s job are not the elements of a true vacation. A working vacation makes about as much sense as showing up for a corporate job in shorts and a tank top with a margarita in your hand.”

If you agree, we’ve got a vacation rental just right for you!

Posted: August 19th, 2008 under Travel, Vacation Rentals.
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After the Olympics in Beijing, baseball and softball will no longer be Olympic sports. But that’s OK for baseball, writes columnist Jim Souhan in today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Baseball already has high-level play featuring international superstars. It’s called the major leagues.”

Everyone knows Major League Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and that some stadiums are better than others to spend a day getting into the action.

According to fans, these are the top five parks to see a game:

1. Fenway Park (Boston)
2. Wrigley Field (Chicago)
3. Yankee Stadium (NY)
4. AT&T Park (San Francisco)
5. PNC Park (Pittsburgh)

With more than 30 Major League and 100 Minor League (Triple A, Double A, Single A) Baseball ballparks around the U.S., aren’t you likely to be near at least one during your travels? If so, check your schedule and theirs, stay a few days, sit back and enjoy a game!

Posted: August 14th, 2008 under Family Vacation, Travel.
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We were pleasantly surprised this week by an announcement that will have our family traveling to just outside of Yellowstone National Park this Labor Day weekend. I can’t wait because I’ve heard so much about Yellowstone, its animals and its natural beauty.

National Parks around the U.S. are ideal for hiking, walking and just viewing amazingly beautiful scenery with the whole family. While the U.S. National Park System includes many national parks, such as Yellowstone, it also includes a large number of monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails. In total, it comprises 391 areas covering more than 84 million acres in every state (except Delaware), the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Among the most popular destinations are: The Grand Canyon, The Statue of Liberty, Gettysburg, Alcatraz Island, Great Smoky Mountains, and where we are headed: Yellowstone National Park.

Like most National Parks, Yellowstone has an official Junior Ranger Program open to children ages 5 - 12. The goal of the program is to introduce children to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and their role in preserving them for the future. We’ll be sure to check it out along with the other “must sees” at the Park.

Now, about that lodging nearby…

Posted: August 12th, 2008 under Family Vacation, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
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Erik Hastings of The Travel Show with Erik Hastings is on a mission to get people traveling more often.

In his words, “The reality is; travel is GOOD for you. On so many levels, the healing power of travel outweighs the stresses of travel logistics.”

By his own admission, “Bringing my message to the forefront is difficult these days. Every day their is a new negative news story either directly or indirectly related to travel. The message is always the same. “We’re not saying NOT to travel…we’re just saying this is what you’ll be faced with if you do…”. Translation? DON’T BOTHER! Well I say HOGWASH! Okay, gas prices are high, airlines are struggling because gas prices are high, the housing market is shaky at best…heck, even the cost of milk is creeping up there. That being said, plan smart, but execute the plan to travel more in the next 12 months.”

Erik’s challenge to all of us: “I hope you will join me in my mission to get out there and explore. Inspire your friends and family members by retelling stories from your vacation experience. Do it for your family, do it for your relationship, do it to recharge your batteries, do it to see more of this great world, do it to better understand how to better perform at work, do it for your own gratification, just do it, get out there and travel!”

Erik, we at vacation rental search site PickPackGo applaud your mission!

Posted: August 6th, 2008 under Travel, Vacation Homes, Vacation Rentals.
Comments: 1

This summer, like many of you, our family has stood in long lines at airline counters waiting to check bags. We’ve seen the surprise on the faces of many parents as their luggage is weighed and deemed to be over the airline’s weight limit. We’ve seen that surprise turn to embarrassment and anger as families are required to pay a fee or start unpacking right there.

It’s now easier than you think to avoid this unpleasant and costly experience before you head off for your vacation home or Grandma’s house. Simply weigh your bags with a light-weight, digital scale. Enter this month’s PickPackGo Getaway Giveaway contest and…

Congratulations to Sarah of Phoenix, Arizona, the winner of our July Getaway Giveaway contest and an Apple iPod Shuffle.

Posted: August 4th, 2008 under Contest, Travel, Vacation Homes.
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