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Vacation Homes – The Hotel Alternative By Nigel G. Worrall You’ve finally saved up the money to take that dream family vacation – the one you hope you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. You’ve chosen a destination and researched all the activities in the area. You’ve asked the boss for the time off. Now all you need is a place to stay. This leads to the usual “accommodation dilemma” families face – unless you just won the lottery and have unlimited funds to spend on your trip. Do you crowd the entire clan into a single hotel or motel room for a week or two, giving up any personal space or privacy and the relaxation that comes with your hard-earned vacation time? Or do you essentially double your costs by putting the kids in a separate room so you can get some peace and quiet? That is, if the adjoining rooms you requested when you made your reservation are actually available. Believe it or not, there is a way to have your privacy and afford it too. Instead of a hotel or motel, book your stay at a vacation home. Vacation homes – private homes rented for vacation accommodation – are the hottest new travel trend in America. The homes are primarily located in upscale neighborhoods near popular tourist destinations, and range from clean and comfortable to decadent and luxurious. Even the simplest home is professionally cleaned and prepared to comfortably accommodate guests. It’s bound to have a private bedroom for parents, a separate sleeping area – and possibly more than one – for children or other guests, a full kitchen with dishes and cooking utensils, a deck or yard, at least one bathroom, a living room with a television, and more – far more than you’d ever find in a typical motel or hotel room. And all for about the same price. When it comes to extras, vacation homes offer the gamut – from game rooms to swimming pools, from spa tubs to plasma TV’s to high speed internet access. There’s something available for every budget and every taste and style – from families on a budget to discerning travelers who demand the very best. Compare that to a hotel room, where you get a bed (or two), a chest of drawers with a TV in it, maybe a small table and a couple of chairs, and a bathroom. If you want to eat, you have to go to a restaurant. If you don’t feel like going out, there’s a small selection of overpriced snacks and drinks in the mini-bar. If you’re hungry for something more elaborate, you’ll have to call room service – and that means a 20 minute wait (at least!), an extra charge just for bringing already expensive hotel food, and of course you’re limited to what’s on the menu. If you want to lay by the pool, you have to compete with all the other guests for a lounge and towels – and then share the water with a bunch of strangers. You may even have to pay to park your car. And if you want privacy and time away from your kids, you have to pay for another room! When you compare vacation homes with typical hotel and motel rooms, there really is no comparison. If you’re looking for a vacation that offers true privacy, comfort and relaxation for your entire family, don’t settle for another overpriced, overcrowded hotel. Book your stay at a vacation home – you may never want to leave. ©2008, 2009 For more information about vacation homes, click here or call 407 870 1600 *** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles. About Nigel
Worrall: __________________________ Vacation Homes – Your Best Vacation Deal By Nigel G. Worrall Imagine spending your next vacation in a spacious, private vacation home devoted solely to you and your family or friends. Imagine private bedrooms where you and your children can sleep separately -- undisturbed, in total comfort. Imagine a swimming pool just for you, where there are no worries about “scoring” a poolside lounge or chair before they’re all taken, not to mention the cleanliness of the pool (or the people in it). Imagine a living room separate from your bedroom, where you can watch DVD’s, listen to music or just play a board game and relax with the family. Imagine a refrigerator stocked with all your favorite food and drinks, available whenever you want it. You’d probably imagine a vacation experience like this would be incredibly expensive – like those luxury villas where the rich and famous stay. Incredibly, you’d be wrong. Vacation homes are the newest trend in travel, and they’re taking America by storm. Offering an alternative to traditional hotel rooms, vacation homes are located in upscale, safe residential neighborhoods near popular area attractions. They offer everything you’d expect from a well-outfitted, well-kept private home – starting with at least 3 bedrooms, private bathrooms, full kitchens with dishes and cookware, private laundry rooms with washers and dryers, dining areas and living rooms with televisions. Then there are the extras – like swimming pools, Jacuzzis, high-speed internet access, flat screen TV’s with entertainment systems, game rooms, pool tables, luxury linens…you name it. An equal experience at a hotel or resort would likely cost you thousands of dollars – if you could duplicate the list of amenities at all. But despite offering everything you could possibly want from your holiday accommodation, vacation homes are not accessible only to the jet set. In fact, a vacation home costs no more than a typical hotel room. That’s right. An entire home is available for the same price as a single room. But the value of a vacation home only starts with the level of accommodation you get. Let’s focus on the second biggest expense on any vacation – food. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at restaurants every single day can add up. If you get thirsty between meals, you can grab a soda from the mini-bar – for the cost of two six packs of the same soda at the grocery store! A vacation home, on the other hand, provides you with the ultimate luxury – your own kitchen. You can go to a local store and stock up on all the food and drink you love for the same price you pay at home. The kids can pour their usual bowl of cereal in the morning while Mom and Dad sleep in, instead of waking you up whining that they’re hungry. And if you don’t feel like cooking, you can order in and enjoy dinner at a real table in your dining room (instead of crowded into a corner in your hotel room) or just go out! The freedom to do what you want is yours. Essentially, that’s what vacation homes are all about – freedom. The freedom to do what you want, the freedom of space, the freedom to enjoy your vacation time like never before. So the next time you’re planning a holiday, look into staying in a vacation home. You may just have the trip of a lifetime. ©2008, 2009 For more information about vacation homes, click here or call 407 870 1600 *** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles.
About Nigel
Worrall: ______________________________________ Top 10 Money-Saving Secrets for an Orlando/Disney Vacation By Nigel G. Worrall With theme parks like Disney World and Universal in town and great beaches just an hour away, it’s no wonder Orlando, Florida is one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. But just because you want to go where everyone else does doesn’t mean you need to spend as much money as everyone else will be spending. Follow these secret tips, and you’re bound to save hundreds – even thousands – of dollars on your dream trip. 1. Start with a budget Plan in advance how much money you’ll need to spend on transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment – including those all-important theme park tickets. The total price may shock you, but better to experience sticker shock now than when you’re already there and it’s too late to rethink your plans. Knowing how much things cost in advance will not only prepare you for the worst, it will also show you where you should be looking for places to save money. 2. Book in advance. This is a no-brainer. Book your airline tickets a few weeks before departure, and you’re likely to pay through the nose. Book months in advance and you’ll take advantage of the best possible deals. 3. Travel during off periods. Most people like to travel when the kids are out of school for summer – and especially when they are off work for holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July. This is exactly when you should NOT be traveling, because that’s when everyone charges the highest rates. Florida is warm, so consider traveling earlier or later – or if you must take your trip in summer, avoid the holiday weekends! 4. Use bonus points, miles and discounts This is the time to check your balance on the credit card that gives you frequent flier miles, not to mention your frequent flier accounts. Try to plan your air travel early so you can avoid blackout dates. Check for rental car discounts as well. 5. Use coupons! When you arrive at the airport, there will be a display filled with different brochures filled with coupons and special offers. Take them and use them! You can find deals on everything from rental cars to meals to attractions. 6. Buy theme park tickets in advance Did you know you can save money buying theme park tickets online in advance rather than at the gate? In some cases, seven-day passes can be bought for less online than a single entry pass at the park entrance. So don’t just plan ahead, check out the website for every park you plan to visit buy ahead – and save some serious cash in the process. 7. Check out the Orlando visitor center Another great place to score theme park discounts is at the Orlando visitor’s center, located at 8723 International Drive. The Orlando CVB also offers the Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™, which offers significant discounts at 97 area establishments. The card is available at the website Orlandoinfo.com. Other websites like VisitOrlando.com offer discounts and deals that can lead to huge savings. 8. Buy your souvenirs out of the park! Passing by all the shops and displays at the various theme parks can be tough. But the rewards can be huge. Schedule a special visit to local outlet stores like Orlando Premium Outlets, where much of the merchandise you see at the theme parks is available at serious discounts. 9. Eat major meals outside the theme parks Theme park food can be expensive, unhealthy, and sometimes both! So grab a light lunch at the park if you must, but try to save money on breakfast and dinner. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity of the theme parks, including several all-you-can-eat buffets that will fill you up even after the longest day of riding rides and seeing shows. Or better yet, find an accommodation like a vacation home that provides a full kitchen. Then you can shop for the foods your family likes at regular grocery stores and use the money you’d spend on restaurants for more exciting activities. 10. Stay in a vacation home instead of a hotel Vacation homes are probably the best-kept secret when it comes to saving money on an Orlando vacation. Located in upscale, safe neighborhoods just minutes from all the major attractions, these homes offer full kitchens where you can cook your own meals, private swimming pools and living rooms for relaxation, and space to accommodate even a large family or group for the price of an ordinary hotel room. Vacation homes range from the clean and comfortable to the downright luxurious – meaning there’s something for every family and every budget! Follow these ten tips, and your trip to Orlando/Disney will be exciting, memorable AND affordable. For more information about vacation homes, click here or call 407 870 1600 ©2008, 2009 *** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles.
About Nigel
Worrall: ______________________________________ Eight
Easy
Tips
For
Taking
Your
Pet
On
Vacation By
Nigel G. Worrall The
family vacation. It’s
our long-awaited chance to relax with loved ones, spend time
together, escape everyday stresses and enjoy some good old fashioned
family bonding. But
more often than not, there’s one particular loved one who has to
stay behind while the rest of the clan takes off for some sun and
fun. That someone?
The family pet. As
much as we love our cats and dogs, many of us have never even
considered taking them on vacation – or if we have, we don’t
really know how to plan a trip that includes them.
Which is a shame, because taking your pet with you on
vacation can save you a lot of money in boarding costs, not to
mention the stress of worrying if your “best friend” is healthy
and happy while you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Today
more than ever, our pets really are part of our families.
Shouldn’t they be able to join us on our family vacations
too? In a word,
yes. These days, it’s
easier than ever to plan a vacation that includes the family pet.
The secret is knowing a few simple tips to make sure your
trip goes smoothly and everyone is happy. These
Eight Easy Tips will help you plan the ultimate pet-friendly family
vacation – so give them a try when you’re getting ready for your
next holiday. TIP #1
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! A
pet-friendly vacation is not the kind of trip where you just throw
Spot or Fluffy in the car and head off in the general direction of
your destination hoping to find a motel when you get tired.
Taking a trip with a pet takes some advance thought – even
if you’re a die-hard, spur-of-the-moment kind of traveler.
You’ll need to do a little research and maybe, yes, make a
reservation. But don’t
worry. The results will
be worth it! TIP #2
VISIT YOUR VET Is your
pet healthy enough to travel? Is
Mr. Whisker’s flea-prevention up to date?
Does Daisy get carsick, or have trouble sleeping in strange
locations? Before you
take your pet on vacation, take a drive to your veterinarian’s
office to discuss any concerns you might have and make sure your
best friend is in top shape before the trip. TIP #3 SAY
“I DO” TO I.D. Imagine
losing your dog or cat in a strange city.
It can happen, which is why before taking your pet on any
sort of trip, you need to make sure their I.D. tags are up to date.
Ensuring that you can be contacted immediately if your pet is
lost will make for a much more relaxing holiday for the entire
family. It might also
help to attach a temporary I.D. tag with contact information at your
vacation accommodation. TIP #4
PACK PROVISIONS If
you’ve ever taken a road trip with a baby or small child, you have
some idea of what hitting the road with a dog or cat will be like.
Traveling light is simply not an option when pets are
involved. For the car
ride itself, you’ll need plenty of water, as well as a dish to
serve it in. Depending
on the length of the drive, you may also need food – or at least
some treats to make the time go by faster.
Bring your dog’s leash, so you can break up the monotony of
the drive with a brisk walk – and don’t forget the pooper
scooper and bags to dispose of the waste! If your
pet sheds you may want to protect your upholstery with a blanket or
some towels. This is
also helpful to protect leather interior from kitty’s claws.
And if you use a pet carrier, don’t forget to pack it. Once you
arrive at your destination, you’ll want to make sure you have your
pet’s favorite toys, blankets, a bed if it uses one, your pet’s
regular food and a food dish, grooming utensils and any medication
your pet either takes regularly or might need. TIP #5
MAKE SURE THE SKIES ARE PET- FRIENDLY If
you’ll be traveling to your destination by plane, you’ll need to
contact the airline to research its pet policies.
How much will it cost to transport your pet?
Can your pet travel with you, or will he need to make the
trip in the cargo hold? Get
answers to your questions well in advance so you can plan
accordingly. TIP #6
RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION
Find out
where there are parks and beaches in your vacation area that welcome
pets – that way you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when
you get there instead of poring over maps or the internet.
If you’ll be spending the day away from your pet at an
amusement park, look into local pet sitters or dog walking services
to add to your pet’s comfort away form home. TIP #7
BE A GOOD BOY (OR GIRL) A pet is
only as good as its owner – so do your part and look after your
dog or cat, keep her out of harm’s way and away from things she
shouldn’t touch. Make
sure to clean up all messes and leave your accommodation ready for
the next family to enjoy. TIP #8 BOOK
PET-FRIENDLY LODGING This is
probably the most important tip of them all.
Because while it’s relatively easy to find accommodation
that welcomes pets, finding a place to stay that is truly “pet
friendly” is a different story. There’s
nothing pet-friendly about a cramped hotel or motel room that gives
your entire family no room to move.
Ditto accommodation located in the middle of a busy city or
town center, where there are cars everywhere and little quiet space
for you to take your best friend for a walk.
Your family AND your pet deserve accommodation with room to
spread out – especially if your pet likes to sleep outside – in
a peaceful location. One great
choice – that you’ll find in the middle of a choice vacation
spot - is to book a pet-friendly Florida Leisure Vacation Home,
where you can find accommodations with all the comforts of your own
home in the Orlando, Florida area.
From their layout and amenities to their great locations,
these homes are specially chosen to provide the very best in
pet-friendly accommodation – check them out at http://www.floridaleisure.com/flvh/pets.htm
. That’s
really all there is to it. With
a little planning – and the right accommodation choice – your
next family vacation can include the entire
family. Follow these
simple steps and you can ensure a fun and relaxing vacation with
your pet. Follow these eight tips, and your trip with your pets will be exciting, memorable AND affordable. For more information about vacation homes, click here or call 407 870 1600 ©2008, 2009 *** The articles on this website are made freely available to all members of the media and the press. The only condition is that credit be given to Nigel G. Worrall as author of the articles. About
Nigel Worrall: |
