Max Found Nature's Paradise Right on the Water

By Alice Kirk-Sanchez
Published: 04/16/26 Topics: Dog Friendly, Hood Canal, Interview, Staytions Vacation Rentals, Vacation Rentals Comments: 0

Max from Kalama, WA is in his mid thirties and works at a paper mill. He, his wife, dog, and some friends all headed over to Hood Canal last winter to celebrate his wife’s birthday at  Natures Paradise Vacation Rental, managed by Hood Canal Hideaways a member of the  Staytions Network of VIP lodging managers. We spoke to Max about his visit. 

VIP: When you visited Nature’s Paradise, did you come with anybody? 

Max: It was me and my wife and a couple of friends. And my dog.

VIP: What’s your dog’s name?

Max: Kilo! 

VIP: What prompted your trip? 

Max: It was primarily for my wife’s birthday, but we also went foraging for mushrooms. 

VIP: Did you find any? 

Max: We did! It was a lot of fun. We did a little tour and a class session. 

VIP: Was this your first visit to Hood Canal or have you been there before?

Max: I’ve been there before, but this was the first visit in the last twenty years. It’s been a long time. 

VIP: What’s your favorite part of the area. 

Max: Just being on the beach, the salt water itself was very nice. 

VIP: It wasn’t too cold in November?

Max: We had a nice clear weekend and it was super sunny. We got to watch the sunrise over the bay. 

VIP: What was your favorite part of Nature’s Paradise?

Max: It was very spacious, sauna was nice. Basically, we earmarked it to come back in the summer time with a larger family, since it was just the four of us but it seemed like a good vacation home. 

VIP: Yeah, it’s definitely in a beautiful area, especially in the summer when it’s nicer. 

Max: Yeah

VIP: What was your favorite part of your visit?

Max: Probably just being close to nature. It was very accessible for where we were going. 

VIP: Did you guys go into town at all?

Max: No, we didn’t spend any time in town. But it is something that we did mark for next time: actually seeing Brinnon. 

VIP: Did you leave the property feeling like you had a great vacation?

Max: Yeah, we did!

VIP: Do you think you’d stay in Nature’s Paradise again? 

Max: Most definitely, it’s just a beautiful little spot right on the water. It’s got enough room to house a big family. It’s just nice.

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Author: Alice Kirk-Sanchez – Contributor, Hood Canal Hideaways
Blog #: 1063 – 04/16/26

Evolution of the Boys' Ski Trip to Kahler Mountain Club

By Alice Kirk-Sanchez
Published: 03/25/26 Topics: Interview, Kahler Mountain Club, Leavenworth WA Comments: 0

John went to Kahler Mountain Club as a group of 3 different couples, to maintain a tradition that he has had for over 50 years, of visiting Leavenworth with his loved ones. He is an avid skier and loves visiting the beautiful town, near his home in Chelan. 

This vacation rental is managed by Goldener, a member of the Staytions Group of VIP lodging managers, and we spoke to John, from Chelan, for an interview. 

VIP: What stage of life are you in? 

John: I’m a retiree!

VIP: What did you do before you retired?

John: I was a consulting engineer

VIP: For your most recent trip, did you bring anyone with you?

John: We had three couples that were getting together.

VIP: What made you guys choose this location?

John: We’ve been going over for a get together and skiing in the Leavenworth area for about 50 years. 

VIP: Oh wow!

John: It started with me and some other single guys. It bounced all around Leavenworth. It was a bunch of guys, then it was guys with girlfriends, then guys with wives, then guys with wives and kids, and now the next generation come up with their kids. 

We’re right now down to three couples. We do it every year! Lot less skiing now and much more eating and drinking.

VIP: What would you say is your favorite part of the Leavenworth area. 

John: We’ve been losing snow, but it’s always been the cross-country skiing. Lots of spots for that at Kahler Glenn. It’s groomed almost right up to your room. Whenever you want to go to the trail, you just go out your door and pop over and get on the track. 

VIP: What was your favorite part of the unit you were staying at?

John: That we could have all three of us couples there, you know, and a nice common area, and again, access to the trails. 

VIP: Was your favorite part of your visit still skiing or something else?

John: Well, I’m 73. As we get older, we’re doing a lot less skiing and a lot more just enjoying each others’ company, and reading books, and sitting around!

VIP: Did you make it into the city at all? 

John: Yeah, we always make at least one trip into Leavenworth.

VIP: Any specific recommendations?

John: Gustav’s has been there forever. A big fire burned up a portion of the building including the dome top, but they’re still hanging in there and rebuilt. 

VIP: That’s really impressive!

John: We went up to 59er Diner, too!

VIP: That one also burned down and reopened. 

John: Yeah, they had a fire too! We went over there this year because they’re a lot closer to Kahler Glenn than driving all the way into town. 

VIP: It’s unfortunate they both had fires, but I’m glad they were able to rebuild so you can enjoy them both now. 

John: Yeah, they had enough of a following that both of them were able to survive a disaster like that. 

VIP: Did you leave the property feeling like you’d had a great vacation? 

John: Yeah, I think all of us did. 

VIP: Do you think you’d come back? 

John: Yeah, we have been coming to Kahler Mountain Club for at least a decade, pushing two decades. We bounced around a lot.

We had four couples for a long time, so we’d get two units in the main buildings. With three couples, a townhouse is just really nice.

But that trail is right there, that’s pretty hard to top! 

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Author: Alice Kirk-Sanchez – Contributor, Kahler Mountain Club Lodging
Blog #: 1060 – 03/25/26

Elopement Photographer's Birthday at Pintails Lodge

By Wendy Thomas
Published: 03/06/24 Topics: Dog Friendly, Family, Hood Canal, Interview Comments: 0

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Author: Wendy Thomas – Pintails Lodge, Pintails Lodge
Blog #: 0981 – 03/06/24

Sponsor: Pintails Lodge – Picture yourself sitting back with your eyes closed - the gentle sea breeze blowing through your hair. The faint call of the elegant pintail ducks waivers in and out of your earshot as the sweet and salty smell of the sun hitting the bay wafts across your face. Sit on the veranda overlooking the marina and enjoy the sailboats puttering out toward the crystal blue waters of the Puget Sound, almost weightless in the calm waters. The sunlight dances on the surface and shimmers like gold. – (Click here for Pintails Lodge)

Announcing Owner Direct Rentals at Oyhut Bay Resort

By Ron Lee
Published: 04/29/19 Topics: Comments: 0

By the Sea Vacation Rental company has opened an Owner-Direct website for all the Cottages and Condos at Oyhut Bay Resort, and managers announce a cost-saving rental program for property owners..

The new company offers first-class onsite housekeeping and other localized services combined with the global advertising, reservations, and services back by the Vortex Organization.

Prior to the recent sale of the resort, the property would have caused property owners to lose the expertise and longest experience that only By the Sea staff have Goldener and Vortex services can claim.

Staff from By the Sea, and its affiliate Goldener Inns, have provided services to the developers of Oyhut Bay for over six years, and spear headed the rental program, owner and guest services. They have hosted tens of thousands of happy guests there.

"This is a new way to bring back those visitors and introduce Oyhut Bay to all those visitors who have yet to experience what is becoming a go-to place on the Washington Coast," said Penny Taylor, head of reservations

The recent sale of the resort would have caused property owners and guests to lose the massive global advertising built up with By the Sea, so the company moved quick to start the Owner-Direct program," said Trina Flanagan, client manager for Oyhut Bay Vacation Rentals. "Now, owners can stay with us or switch to us to get maximum income with minimum effort.

Onsite services are managed by Jackie Martin, who has been the lodging manager for By the Sea for eight years and a member of the Ocean Shores community for over thirty years. The company has as stable of highly reliable cleaners and maintenance personnel who provide hospitality grade services.

"Jackie is well known in the community as providing fabulously clean homes, fast maintenance and 24-7 guest services" said, Penny Taylor, "no one is more reliable than Jackie."

As an incentive to property owners By the Sea is cutting rental commissions IN HALF to get underway. So this is how owners get maximum income with minimum fuss.

"We are a better management alternative for owners who want personal attention and results" said Trina Flanagan. "Owners can call me directly at 360-553-1818 for more information.

BY THE SEA VACATION RENTALS: Although it began business in 1964, the company is the most innovative and technologically advanced rental management company in the Ocean Shores and North Beaches area. It can be reached at BytheseasBythesea.com. PO Box 627 OceanShores, WA 98569. Phone: 360-746-0686.

OYHUT BAY VACATION RENALS: is operated by By the Sea in affiliation with Goldener Inns and the Vortex at OyhutBayVacatoinRentals.com Owners now have an alternative independent management company offering full service for a more competitive commissions. The business can be reached at OyhutBayVacationrentals.com phone 360-553-1818.

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Author: Ron Lee – Author, Goldener Inns & Resorts
Blog #: 0659 – 04/29/19

When Cheap is Ohhhhh So Good! (And warm!)

By Jerry German
Published: 10/01/17 Topics: Comments: 1

For years I listened to friends and family talk about their trips to Mexico or some other sunny Caribbean destination. My wife and I were busy raising eleven children (yeah, you read that right) so money and time were scarce.

From the earliest days of my childhood, I have never been a winter person. Yeah, winter is beautiful and there are some fun things to do, but I hate cold, love hot. And I love to swim. And I like beaches.

And I prefer my wife in a bathing suit over a snowmobile suit. For twenty years of our married life, we lived in North Dakota, which has two seasons: winter and the 4th of July.

So at some point, having accrued enough cash to actually take a vacation, I began to try and persuade my dearest to take a little vacation with me to Mexico, but she would not hear of it. Too dangerous. Too many bad headlines.

Statistically, you’re about a thousand times more likely to die the next time you get in your car and drive to the grocery store than you are to die on a vacation trip to Mexico, but there’s still those pesky headlines.

Finally, while she was away babysitting grandkids, I had some time to do a little research on the web. I found this great deal at a resort that was just reopening after being closed for repair following whatever hurricane had just struck.

I called my sweetheart and said, "I never took you on a honeymoon. We’ve been married for thirty-six years. I think it’s time. I’m not calling you to get permission, I’m calling you to let you know that I’m booking nine days at a resort on the Caribbean in Mexico."

There was silence for a moment, and then she said demurely, "Okay."

After one time in the water snorkeling, my better half was hooked, turning into a veritable Jacques Cousteau. I had a full-time job applying her sun screen. She fell in love with the sea, the climate, and the people of Mexico, as did I.

Three years later we bought a house in Mexico, in Joaquin Zetina Gasca, the "colonial" on the other side of the mangrove swamp from the beach town of Puerto Morelos.

In 2012, I retired and we began spending winters in Mexico. It was good. But I turned to her one day in November, 2015, and said, "Is this really what we signed up for? I mean, I want to be able to walk to the beach in a few minutes."

So we began a search, and now we find ourselves with suites to rent just a few minutes from the beach. It’s a long way from North Dakota! We have to pinch ourselves every once in a while to make sure it’s all real!

How’s that for a rambling story? And what about my headline: When Cheap is Ohhhhh So Good? Well, this all started with trying to find a vacation we could actually afford, and as flights go,

Cancun is often the thriftiest international Caribbean destination available. Puerto Morelos is only fifteen minutes south of the Cancun airport, and the prices for everything here--rooms, food, entertainment, transportation, merchandise--are incredibly competitive.

Resorts are nice if you like that sort of Disney World vibe, but if you really want to go to Mexico, come see us in Puerto Morelos. Like my dear wife, you will be hooked.

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Author: Jerry German, Caribe Suites
Blog #: 0558 – 10/01/17

Sponsor: Caribe Suites – Comfy crafty caribbean condos just off the beach at Puerto Morelos Mexico, South of Cancun, but with all the village peace and quiet. Book online today and we promise Mexican hospitality at its best. A member of Goldener Inns & Resorts. – CaribeSuites.com

Wonderful Puerto Morelos on the Yucatan

By Ron Lee
Published: 09/01/17 Topics: Inns, Mexico, Vacation Rentals Comments: 0

The city of Cancun gets all the international press about fun and sun on the Yucatan Peninsula. There you can find night and beach life worthy of any tropical destination in the world.

Just 30 kilometers south of Cancun, the sleepy village of Puerto Morelos is more to the liking of visitors who prefer to sink into a place, absorb its sights and sounds, and get to meet local who make the place the perfect prurient of Mexican hospitality.

The area was inhabited and dominated by Mayan civilization until most of the local sties were abandoned by the 15th century. Puerto Morelos modern history begin in 1898, when the Yucatan Company was founded to exploit and farm the agricultural and forest products from the surrounding jungles.

The port of Puerto Morelos was built to ship these products and a pier was built for fishermen. Today Pelicanos Restaurant stands in that very spot.

Maria Gomez, owner of El Mexicano gift shop said, "I could not imagine living in Cancun with all that traffic and noise,. Here visitors get to see a glimpse of a real Mexican beach town."

Although still a fishing village, the government declared the reef area and mangroves an ecological preserve with the intent to locals to keep development to a minimum. The Mangroves are extensive and the water is crystal clear.

The village flea market is small but with the original feeling of real artisans enjoying their original often. Often there is music or a snow played in the plaza and some local food to try.

At the beach, PoMo (Yes it is OK to call it that) has a defining landmark, a leaning lighthouse that makes the leaning Tower of Pisa look downright upright. After Hurricane Beulah tried to topple the beacon in 1967, residents built a new lighthouse but refused to take down the old one.

Abraham Gomez, manager of Caribe Suites Condos along with his wife Maria (Above), laughs when he talks about the lighthouse, "The government wanted to take down the lighthouse but the people insisted it stay. No one knew then it would become such a symbol."

As you walk the wide white sand beaches, watch the fishing boats come and go or take a dip in the bright blue waters of the Caribbean, you may want to remember the lighthouse as pointing a way to a different way of life. One of quiet, and beauty and calm that beckons back every one who visits Puerto Morelos.

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Author: Ron Lee, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0534 – 09/01/17

Sponsor: Caribe Suites – Nearby but far from Cancun Mexico, in the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Morelos sit family run, family fun condos just a block from the beach. Great rates. Great Stays. – CaribeSuites.com

Outdoors-For-All, the Heroes Among Us

By William May
Published: 06/09/14 Topics: Comments: 0

It was over 10 years ago that we first came in contact with the Ski-For-All Foundation.

In the Northwest United States, snow skiing is a rite of winter. Not everyone in the area participates, but the mountains beckon to most of us. In fact, many people are zealous about spending time in the great outdoors and especially in winter.

It is no wonder that some of the most fervent fans got together to share their joy with those least likely to get out.

OUTDOORS FOR ALL:

Using committed volunteers, generous donors and specialized equipment, Ski-For-All helps disabled children and adults to ski and snowboard.

Even the blind can be lead down the mountain at speeds that able bodied non-skiers find frightening, but that finds the sightless skier whooping and laughing at the top of their lungs.

By holding onto a short leash with a sighted skier, and sensing the tension between the two it makes your heart flutter so see how fearless they are.

Who could imagine that even quadriplegics can ski?

It is done by putting the client into a toboggan with four skiers hold tethers affixed to the four corners, the client can speed downhill at an astonishing rate, and everywhere others skiers stop and watch and often cheer.

It takes lots of preparation and time for just one run. But one run is seldom enough for the client. So the volunteers load the toboggan and the client back onto a chair lift to go back to the top. They repeat the journey for as long as the client wants or until the ski area closes (usually the later.)

VACATION HOMES

Knowing of this wonderful organization, we thought it grand to donate use of our vacation rental homes to Ski-For-All and were delighted when they could bring clients to the mountains for over-night trips.

After the first stay, however we received a disappointing phone call. It was the housekeeper who said, "something is wrong, no one slept in the beds."

Embarrassed, I called Ski-For-All and apologized saying "of course it would be absolutely fine for them to sleep in the homes we provided."

The director laughed out loud on the phone. "You don't understand," she said, "these kids spend much of their lives in bed. So sleeping in a sleeping bag, in a cabin on the floor was a thrilling time for them"

"Oh," I said, "I had no idea."

I would like to invite you to donate use of your vacation rental home to charitable groups too. It would be great if you wanted to call Ski-for-All, but in fact your generous donation will be appreciated by any not-for-profit group you can think of.

You'll receive nice thank you of course, but the warm glow of satisfaction will come the minute they book your place. You will be using the riches you possess to help those who need it most.

VACATION RENTAL ANGELS

To recognize the generosity of the wonderful vacation home owners who donate to worthy charities, the Vacation Rental Association (Vrai.org) has formed a "Vacation Rental Angels" program on which their properties can be advertised. Its all for free and our small way of saying thank you. (VacationRentalAngels.com)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - ---

Over time the Foundation has increased its programs to include hiking, biking kayaking, canoeing, yoga and even rock climbing. The newly christened "Outdoors-For-All" is the same great bunch of people now spreading its love of the outdoors to an ever wider circle of people who long to get out and enjoy the environment. (OutdoorsForAll.org)

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Author: William May, Plumbob Publishing
Blog #: 0377 – 06/09/14

What I do for a living

By William May
Published: 04/08/14 Topics: Comments: 1

On a Saturday, March 22, 2014, the small community of Oso, Washington State was covered 8 to 20 feet deep with dirt and debris after a massive hillside above the area cut lose and thundered down upon houses, cars and residents.

Reports were daunting for rescue personnel first on the scene. The viscous nature of the earth turned it to black oozing mud making it almost impassible on foot.

Highway 530 which ran along the river at the bottom of the hill was lost in the muck which actually flowed across the Stillaguamish River blocking its flow. The Corp of Engineers are working diligently to re-open the channel and prevent down river flooding.

Shortly after the catastrophe a number of people were rescued and sent to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Since, then the search has escalated to as many as 800 rescuers and volunteers.

As news of the slide began appearing, there were many news reports of un-authorized volunteers sneaking into the dangerous and muddy slide areas attempting to find and rescue survivors.

Due to the extreme danger in the area, at first authorities were intercepting these volunteers, threatening them with arrest and even, in a few cases, detaining determined volunteers.

Then in a Seattle Times Newspaper article on March 26, 2014 the authorities made a surprising about-face. After reconsidering the situation they decided to authorize many of those same unofficial volunteers when they learned how capable those unofficial volunteers were.

"Right off the bat they should have had every one of the loggers here in there," said Forrest Thompson 18 years of age who works for logging companies in town. "Climbing across logs and mud all day is what I do for a living."

Crisis situations crystalize the thinking of those involved. Survivors will never forget the experience and first-responders may suffer delayed stress. It is safe to say that no one who lives in the area will drive the road again without reliving where they were a the time.

Watching the rescuer’s work 24/7 and without pay and sometimes without acknowledgment should make us all wonder what we are capable of. And maybe, just like Forrest Thompson, it’s a good time to ask just exactly what it is we do for a living.

If you are not familiar with what a logger does in the woods, Thompson’s quote of "Climbing across logs and mud all day is what I do for a living" pretty much sums a very difficult job.

The areas they work in are not the nicely treed backyards or parks most of us think of. They are steep and dangerous mountain terrain that has often never been cut before. Danger is everywhere.

Can you imagine the physical and mental strength it takes to arise at 4 AM in the dark every morning, ride in a bus 2 hours, arrive at the work site where it is unbearably cold in winter and torturously hot in summer?

Could you trudge through mud all day jumping over logs sometime taller than yourself all while dragging heavy metal cables behind you? And after 8-10 hours of brutal work, you get to ride 2 hours home, collapse into bed only to get up the next morning at 4 AM to start again.

While silicone valley gets the press, and corporate workers get the perks it is loggers and hundreds of professions like them who actually make America work. It is refreshing to see even that small quote in the Seattle Times acknowledge that at least these people know exactly what it is they do for a living.

If you are a lawyer sitting at a desk are you an attorney, or do you help people right wrongs?

If you serve food in a restaurant are you a waiter or are you trying to make people happy?

If you work in a bank, are you counting money or protecting it for your customers?

To what extent would you go to perform you job? Could you call it - as young Thompson - "just what I do for a living?"

Luckily, most of us will never come face to face with situations as dire as those in Oso. But now is a good time to think ahead, decide what you would do in such situations and realize that in your own world, in your own job there is more you can do and people you can serve.

Thompson said that he has already marked several dead bodies and dug out at least one that authorities had extracted from the scene. He had also recovered family photo albums, jewelry and sentimental possessions from the debris.

A State Patrol spokesman acknowledged Tuesday that these area residents were well-equipped to aid in the effort because of their work in the local logging industry. Several used their dump trucks, tractors, trailers and other equipment to get through wreckage. "Frankly, their experience is highly valued."

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Author: William May, MayPartners Advertising
Blog #: 0361 – 04/08/14

Top Reasons to Do-It-Yourself Vacation Rental

By William May
Published: 03/15/14 Topics: Comments: 0

Ron and Cheryl are successful. He a physician. She a professor. They found their dream second home, spent money outfitting it perfectly, and looked forward to fun and profit.

Cut Out the Middle Man

Renting the house seemed like a good idea. It was only three hours from home and they found a book explaining how easy it would be. Find a reliable housekeeper, throw up a website, buy some ads, and renters will be pushing money at you! Ron and Cheryl decided to cut out the middle man to show everyone how smart they were.

#1 Websites are Easy

Cheryl used a do-it-yourself website company to build a website. It didn’t have maps, rates or online booking but it was cheap. Cheryl spent every night for a week getting it to work.

#2 Digital Photos Are Easy

Being a camera buff, Ron thought his photos looked good; until his grade school grandson asked, "Why are they so dark?" So he hired a professional photographer for hundreds more.

#3 Advertising is Easy

Cheryl placed ads on a big vacation rental listing website for just $329; but no one inquired. She bought others, spending hours every night posting new ads. After spending $1,500 in advertising she got her first inquiry - for a $500 booking.

#4 Guests Will Come Flocking In

In time, Cheryl started getting a few inquiries; but each wanted an hour of her time. She tired of recommending restaurants; and getting low-ball rental offers. People were rude. In the end, she figured she was earning $4 an hour.

#4 People Will Prefer My Place

Ron and Cheryl's house is gorgeous. Unfortunately three bigger houses in the neighborhood siphoned off their best leads. Ron cut his rates to compete. The competition cut theirs.

He pleaded "my place was better", but guests wanted it for half-price. He lost order after order.

#5 Friends Will Rent It

Ron posted flyers around the hospital and handed out cards at his club. Friends were happy to come but could not understand why good old Ron would charge them for staying.

#6 Housekeepers Are Everywhere

Cheryl figured she could find someone cheap to clean her place. But the first cleaners left the place dirty. She had to hire a cleaning company - at high prices. But whoops they don’t work weekends!

On the third reservation, the housekeepers didn’t show up at all. So Cheryl jumped in the car, drove three hours, and worked her fingers to the bone, only to have the guests scream because the place wasn’t ready on time.

The Guests demanded a big refund. It happened twice in the first six months.

Cheryl was embarrassed. She and Ron were losing money.

#7 Get a Cheap Handyman.

Everybody "knows somebody who knows somebody" who is a retired carpenter just dying to earn your $10 per hour, handle late night calls, and always shows up on time.

Ron found one who took the job but never answered his phone again. Ron realized this on a Saturday night and had to drive a six hour round trip to flip a fuse.

#8 Staff to handle problems.

Ron figured a well maintained home won’t have any problems. However it seemed that every other guest found a sink dripping or a lock sticking. The first year, Cheryl refunded $1,700 to guests when Ron couldn’t fix things fast.

#9 Guests will follow the rules

Ron was on site the day the first visitors arrived - but with two dogs. Ron demanded they leave.

The guests demanded their $2,000 back - in cash. He paid. It was too late to find replacement guests. Chalk it up to another loss for the "sure-thing" vacation rental.

#10 Nothing Will Go Wrong

The last guests drank and sang till the wee hours. Neighbors called demanding quiet. Ron apologized. The neighbor called the cops.

The next morning, the guests departed early and demanded a full refund because the neighbors harassed them.

Vacation Rental Math

For part-time amateurs, self-managing a Vacation Rental is a recipe for disaster. Ron thought the profit would be higher by doing the work themselves.

Cheryl would cut corners and cut out the middle man. What they forgot was there is no way to cut out the work.

Only a few mistakes caused their income to plummet. Adding their own time to the equation meant they were running in the red.

Cheryl began to hate the house. Ron began to hate guests. Being absentee landlords was creating a money pit. They were in over their heads.

Finding a Professional

A friend recommended a local vacation rental manager who agreed to provide a turn-key service for a reasonable commission.

He knew where to advertise and where not to. He pumped money into the marketing, answered the phone 24 hours a day, had reliable housekeepers, and was on call 24/7. Bookings rose, problems disappeared.

More Smiles

Ron and Cheryl are vocal advocates for owning a second home, but not of being hobby landlords.

They make more money, have no hassles, and enjoy the house when they use it. Best of all Ron and Cheryl are proud of their home and the customer service guests receive.

Now they can smile when thinking of their dream home.

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Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0359 – 03/15/14

Varooms.com Vacation Rental Cooperative Springs to Life

By William May
Published: 02/23/14 Topics: Comments: 0

After two years of work the world’s first Cooperative for By Owner Vacation Rentals has just launched online at Varooms.com - and - VaroomVacationRentals.com.

We hope you will like what we’ve done because its sole purpose is to help guests and rental owners find each other in ways that might not otherwise be able. This is a novel approach to helping Rent by Owners fills unoccupied dates by coordinating guest requests between managers, who have too many requests and owners who would like to fill them.

For Guests

Even with the thousands of advertising websites catering to vacation rental owners, guests often search in vain to find the perfect accommodations. On our guest website at VaroomVacationRentals.com we list each and every rental in the Varoom program.

There are cabins, condos, houses and villas to choose from. Booking online is easy, or guests can inquire, email or telephone for quick service. The website is easy to navigate and make online bookings.

For Property Owners

Booking through Varoom is cheaper, easier and more flexible than expensive paid listings. And this blog is here just to keep Guests, Owners, Managers and others up to date on everything we are doing to help grow the industry.

For owners, the system is collaborative in nature. Varoom works on a non-exclusive basis meaning owners are free to accept bookings from any other party with no fee to the Co-op. Owners only insure a commission to Varoom when they accept bookings and make money.

We’ll be the first to tell you that no single marketing will fill a property with a never ending list of prospective guests. But Varoom can fill in the gaps and match inquisitive guests with helpful owners.

Penny Taylor, Varoom Sales Manager said, "There is no up front fee, a long-term contract is not required and property owners can pick and choose when to accept bookings. This is completely flexible for owners."

Varoom attracts visitors with extensive advertising, newsletters, email campaigns and a robust easy to use website. Varoom does the upfront work of posting homes into its system and offers an easy to use interface for coordinating dates, rates and bookings.

But Varoom also cooperates with local managers who often have excess inquiries and insufficient inventory to satisfy every guest. Even owners listed with managers are allowed to submit to Varoom because it does not compete with managers, but cooperates with them.

Steve Fletcher is a long-time property owner, renowned business consultant and member of the Varoom Board of Advisors. "By sharing in a mutually profitable way, guests, owners and managers all benefit, This kind of collaboration has always been a hallmark to a successful business."

The Future

Please join us today. And check back regularly to see more developments. We’ll keep you posted on everything Vacation Rental. Feel free to send us your comments and suggestions.

Varoom was built and is operated by experience vacation rental professionals to meet the still unfulfilled opportunity of the Internet to divert traveler’s into comfortable, convenient cost effective vacation homes as an alternative to costly hotels.

To list your property just fill out the inquiry form or contact us:

Penny Taylor
PO Box 22987 Seattle, WA 98122
Voice: 866-674-6652
Fax: 888-628-0839
Email: Info@Varoom.biz
For Owners: Varoom.biz
For Guests: VaroomVacationRentals.com

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Author: William May, MayPartners Advertising
Blog #: 0352 – 02/23/14

How clean is clean enough?

By William May
Published: 03/15/13 Topics: Comments: 0

Lodging guests expect properties that are neat and clean to a very high standard. A level of clean far higher than most achieve in their own homes. Failing to maintain standards can result in discounts and refunds far exceeding the cost of cleaning.

Start Up Clean: Prior to a property being put up for rent, staff members visit each property to inspect it top to bottom. Almost all properties require some cleaning to be guest ready. Many require deep cleaning. Not all steps are needed in all cases, and some can be accomplished over several steps and over time. Each item on the Deep Cleaning list must be in good condition and ready for arrivals.

Out Cleans: After each stay, housekeepers soon triage the home to inspect for damage or theft, turn heat or cooling up or down, begin the cleaning work, and to turn off lights. The goal is to return the property to the condition it was prior to the last guests arrival, including linen washing, supply stocking. Work may be spread over several days.

Check Up: If a unit sits vacant for more than a few days, staff members visit each property prior to the arrival of guests to make sure all is well. They turn on a porch light, and adjust heating or cooling, and open certain blinds.

Freshen Clean: During the Check Up, staff members may find it necessary to freshen the property by dusting counters, wiping surfaces, sweeping and cleaning glass.

Deep Cleans: Fully deep cleaning a lodging property is a big job. Although Out Cleans maintain a home's condition, deep cleans review all conditions and undertake tasks that are needed periodically, usually twice a year, more or less depending on guest occupancy and guest use.

Standards: Quality hospitality housekeeping demands the kind of training, knowledge, diligence and care that Vortex members aspire to. A checklist is used to avoid missing essential work.

Checklist: Many steps are necessary to fully deep clean a lodging property. Not all are done during each deep cleaning session, but all must be attended to as necessary or budgeted.

• Open windows & doors to air out.
• Repeat items completed during out cleans.
• Scrub behind toilets, inside closets, under sinks.
• Super clean non-window glass surfaces such as showers.
• Wash and disinfect trash cans, and waste paper baskets.
• Open all cabinets, remove dishes and other contents.
• Wipe out and clean interior of cabinets.
• Open drawers, remove contents, dust/clean & return items.
• Do not touch owner things that appear personal or sensitive.
• Wash bed and throw pillows.
• Wash window sills and moldings.
• Disinfect remote control devices.
• Disinfect toys & games left out for gusts.
• Inspect and clean all flat floor surfaces as needed.
• Spot clean carpets and/or recommend carpet cleaning.
• Clean and vacuum blinds & drapes and hardware.
• Inspect and spot clean furniture, wood and upholstered.
• Clean underside of dining table & chairs.
• Open & clean ranges/ ovens, especially range drip trays.
• Clean toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers.
• Open, air out and clean refrigerator and freezer.
• Open, air out and scrub dishwashers.
• Clean hoses and all areas of clothes washer.
• Clean dryer inside out, empty hose and screens of lint.
• Inspect & spot clean mattresses, box springs top & bottom.
• Move all furniture & appliances to clean behind.
• Polish wood furniture.
• Dust, vacuum and clean lamp shades.
• Wash doors. dust ceiling fans.
• Disinfect curios and knick knacks.
• Dust behind pictures & mirrors.
• Clean the back insides of appliances.
• Open and clean inside all light fixtures.
• Test switches and replace light bulbs.
• Wash door knobs and grab surfaces.
• Wash light switch and outlet plates.
• Replace smoke detector batteries (daylight saving changes)
• Clean knobs, vents and surfaces of TV's and Computers.
• Vacuum fireplaces inside and out.
• inspect and recommend chimney sweep.
• Replace HVAC filters if necessary.
• Vacuum baseboard heaters.
• Degrease, clean refrigerator, oven & vent filters.
• Inspect and clean grout lines as possible.
• Wipe down all walls and ceiling.
• Touch up paint (if paint available.)
• Sweep all porches, wipe down rails & ceiling.
• Remove, clean, vacuum and replace window screens.
• Scrub barbecue grills, flame elements, legs and insides.
• Clean cove base and remove scuff marks.
• Clean moldings especially high fixtures.
• Remove all cobwebs.
• Inspect for evidence of rodents & pests.
• Clean door jams and thresholds.

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Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0344 – 03/15/13

Vacation Rental Housekeeper Spills the Beans

By William May
Published: 02/16/13 Topics: Comments: 0

The gigantic listing websites that seek to dominate vacation rental lodging have done a persuasive job of convincing home owners that they can effectively manage their cabins, condos and homes in distant locations.

Just buy enough ads, hire a cheap housekeeper, expect guests to behave and have no requests or problems while they stay. No one needs training, you can teach yourself. It’s a great hobby and you'll make lots of friends while living the easy life.

Professional Managers know this is nonsense of course, but some owners love spending 10-20 hours a week taking phone calls, answering emails and paying those giant websites an overly large portion of their income, all while working for just a few dollars per hour.

In return, the websites insist on posting reviews from guests without authentication or substantiation. They even refuse to remove bogus, slanderous or fraudulent reviews.

What do they get in return? Aside from too little money and too much work, what is life really like for Rent By Owners? What are the properties like for guests? And how do the properties fare?

And it is all made possible by hiring housekeepers who are often paid far too little or, dare I say it, are taken advantage of by owners. Here is an Interview with one long-time vacation rental housekeeper who wanted to remain anonymous.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jane Doe (obviously not her real name), a housekeeper who works for property managers as well as directly for rental by owners, has a surprising tale to tell.

VRA: So how long have you been doing housekeeping?

JANE: My mom had rentals and did housekeeping years ago. I started when I was a teenager.

VRA: What is life like for you?

JANE: Frankly, I work very hard, often on weekends, sometimes at night, and frequently alone. I feel kind of faceless as I clean up other people's messes.

VRA: Are they always a mess?

JANE: Actually no, not always. Some guests are very courteous, even doing the dishes, sometimes sweeping up, and not breaking things. But others are - well - pigs if I must say.

VRA: Which guests are the best?

JANE: Well those that leave tips of course. (She laughs). Although the idea that a housekeeper who spends 4-10 hours cleaning a house should get a tip seems odd to those folks who pay a waiter 20% for a few minutes of work.

VRA: What kind of properties do you like to clean best?

JANE: Well condos are smaller which can make them easier, but sometimes owners let guests cram far too many guests in, which can be a nightmare to clean up after. Houses pay better.

VRA: Do you have that problem with property managers?

JANE: Rarely because but most managers are pros who use strong leases, establish fair but firm rules, and keep a close watch on guests.

VRA: Are you saying owners don't do those things.

JANE: Apparently not, because guests of direct-owners are by far the worst. I can't figure out what they are thinking. Buy a half million dollar place and then give the keys to people you've never met. It's crazy.

VRA: But surely those owners can hire someone local to watch over the home?

JANE: Not hardly. I am happy to clean, but no one in their right minds will agree to be on call, deal with drunk guests, fix unmaintained properties, and get paid a measly $15, $20 or even $25 per hour. It's just not worth it.

VRA: Are you saying that property manager homes are easier to clean?

JANE: They are easier in every way, near as I can tell. Rental by owner homes get trashed very frequently. Property managers can get a bad guest as well, but it seems to be far less common. And when it does I just call in the extra work to the manager, who pays me and, I presume, charges the guests. Owners who self rent want to blame anyone but themselves when things go bad.

VRA: Why don't owners hire managers instead of taking that risk?

JANE: Beats me. They are trying to beat the system, but the guests eventually beat them. I have cleaned dozens and dozens and dozens of homes and I would never ever try to manage them. It’s a losing idea.

VRA: But they save money right?

JANE: No. Without a manager they are just asking to lose money.

VRA: But owners get more bookings by telling guests they are dealing directly with the owner, right?

JANE: Wrong again. The manager properties are busy all the time, and even get bookings in slow season. Owners don't. If I had to rely on owner rentals l would starve during the slow season.

VRA: What is your relationship with owners and managers?

JANE: Every manager I work with is respectful. Most owners are rude and treat me like their personal slave. As I tell you this I am wondering why I actually work for them (laughs.). And when a guest acts up or brings too many people, owners have the gall to ask me to go over and confront drunk people. I just won't do it. That is too dangerous.

VRA: Well the owner can always call the police if its bad right?

JANE: In our area, the police won't come out unless its an actual crime. Putting too many people in a home is not a crime.

VRA: In doing this interview it sounds like you are biting the hands that feeds you, by talking about owners?

JANE: The worst part of working for owners is they become presumptive, often asking me to do favors and tasks for free. Some say they clean after their own use, but it always requires additional touch up or full cleans and those owners expect me to do that for free.

VRA: Do you do that?

JANE: If I don't throw in free work they'll fire me, some even say that. Frankly, I need the job. These are well to do people. Very presumptuous.

VRA: Why are you willing to tell your story?

JANE: I just think owners need to know the truth about how difficult this business is before they jump in.

VRA: But it’s a good business isn’t it?

JANE: It is - if you know what you are doing and hire a pro to take care of everything. And, by the way, when I go on vacation I would never rent from an owner directly. Its just too risky.

VRA: Why not?

JANE: When I travel far from home, I want a manager just down the street not hundreds or thousands of miles away. What would a distant owner do if the oven or AC quits? Or the water is bad? Or the neighbors are noisy. I'll take a professional manager every time.

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Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0342 – 02/16/13

Vacation Rentals Enhance the Neighborhood

By William May
Published: 08/15/12 Topics: Comments: 0

Drive down most any neighborhood today and you may see a difference from a decade ago.

In that time, especially in recreational areas such as ski resorts, ocean and beach areas, lakes and mountains there is a new vibrancy. The change is even visible in many city and suburban destinations and all for a reason that some in the neighborhood feared.

Vacation Rentals have gone from being common only in resort areas such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, ski areas and beach communities to having become mainstream in just about every corner of the world, every country, every city and every neighborhood.

NEIGHBORHOODS SPRING TO LIFE:

They are especially welcome in neighborhoods where tourism supports the local economy and pays the bills. The hotel industry has continued to grow but, according to some experts, vacation rentals have grown at an inspiring 30% for the past decade. And why not?

Second Home owners are a well meaning lot. They buy their places intending to visit often, for extended periods, to bring family and gift to friends. It’s a great deal but many owners soon realize they have other things to do too. On average, a second home owner stays just 20 days per year in their dream home.

Prior to the Vacation Rental Boom, these homes sat quiet, empty and forlorn when the master and mistress of the home were not in residence. In controlled neighborhoods rules required lawns be mowed, and garbage be taken in. But in some areas, it is common to see 90% of the homes sitting dark and foreboding most of the year.

INTERNET SHARING:

The idea on the internet started slowly enough - why not share your home with paying guests, when not in residence. Of course, earning rents sounded like a good idea. But having guests causes the house to spring to life. Guests turn on the lights, use the pool, toast marshmallows around the fire, or in winter snuggle around the fireplace.

Most vacation home renters are families anxious to spend time with their children, adult siblings and maybe even grandpa and grandpa. Multi-general uses are common and this too benefits the home. It brings new people to the community, some of whom become intrigued to buy a home there for themselves.

The old saw that vacation rentals are for "parties" was never true and isn’t true today. Along with Internet growth, a stable of professional management companies has arisen who require credit cards, deposit systems, written contracts, strong rules and regulations. These pros are close at hand to serve the guests, maintain the property and answer to the neighbors.

REGULATIONS:

Smart communities have seen fit to set reasonable regulations for vacation rental homes such as limiting occupancy and vehicles, requiring quiet hours and an onsite manager. Smart owners embrace regulations to keep neighbors happy. And smart neighbors appreciate a community that is alive with children, smiles and families having fun.

Long-term rental tenants sometimes fail to maintain homes in good condition. Short-term vacation rental owners must keep homes up to snuff to attract guests, and with higher rental income they have the money to do so.

Communities that prohibit rentals outright are finding courts disagree with them because doing so eliminates a basic right - to rent property as the owner sees fit. Knowing vacation rentals have been shown to be good neighbors the move to regulated responsible rentals is the only method that addresses the needs of all concerned.

Vacation Rentals are a boom for local businesses, help home values rise and introduce a brand new traveler to the area - the traveler who today demands a vacation rental home for longer stays, when bringing family and when hoping to savor the destination for all it has to offer.

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE

In addition to Vacation Rentals the Internet’s new "Sharing Economy" stands to subtlety change many other aspects of how people live their lives.

Going to a grand hotel for grand service will never go away. Stopping for a quick night at a convenient motel makes long trips easier. And now Vacation Rentals allow property owners to share their homes with responsible guests. It lights up the neighborhood, keeps home in good condition and shows the communities hospitality.

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Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0234 – 08/15/12

Government Officials Driving Tourism Economy Away

By Ron Lee
Published: 04/16/12 Topics: Government Comments: 0

Businesses, Chambers and tourism groups in every destination throughout the United States are spending money to grow their tourism segment of their economies.

That is a wise move.

Tourism is a clean, responsible industry that brings in visitors anxious to shop, attend events, tour attractions, rent lodging, and pay the taxes that go with them.

Manufacturing, distribution and other market segments sometimes seem more attractive to civic leaders, but those businesses are hard to attract, require years of courting and subject towns to intense review and - for many - rejection. Plus, big industries can leave town far quicker than they arrive, dumping lots of people out of work. Like it or not, Vacation Rentals are here to stay.

All destinations will have some luck and attract some visitors with good advertising, promotions, public relations and business participation.

Trouble is, however, many will fall short of their potential. Sometimes what the area offers just doesn't compare well with other desirable destinations. But another big mistake is when local government officials fail to offer what consumers want. Today, that one big thing is tourists who ask for, and even demand, access to good, clean, upscale vacation rental homes.

For at least a decade, the vacation rental industry has been exploding. Even during the recession the number of visitors who demand to stay in a house or condo instead of a hotel room has continued to climb.

So it is surprising to find small communities, who beg for tourists, then kill the industry by disallowing vacation rentals, making it ridiculously expensive to get permitted, or making them impossibly difficult to get approved.

They implement overzealous regulations and requirements that they would never impose on long-term rentals or full-time residents. What is good for the goose is good for the gander - as the old saying goes. So, if leaders believe that vacation homes must have new standards for health and safety, then why do they not require them for everyone? Failure to do so is just old fashioned hypocrisy.

On a recent trip to a beautiful Washington State Destination, a review of city and county rental regulations revealed a lack of insight by elected officials.

A clerk at the county office said, "We don't have any rentals in many areas of the county and it's surprising because some of the areas are so beautiful." she then paused and added, "Or maybe that's because vacation rentals aren't allowed there." Duh.

The geography of the area is gorgeous. The land is pristine and beautiful, with cute villages, attractive shops and periodic festivals and events. Agriculture is big business with products esteemed worldwide.

There are a number of conventional well-kept motels and cottages. But there are also properties that have seen better days and detract from the scenery. Many appear abandoned. They are not shabby chic, they are just plain shabby.

New home developments have been stymied by the economy, although some recent additions bode well for demand. Peeking out among nicely kept homes, are houses and cottages that have seen better days. Many of those, as well as some of the nicer second homes, sit empty year round, even during the busy summer season.

The reason?

City and county officials have made short-term vacation type rentals illegal, or permits difficult to get. The up to $750 annual special use permit is one of the highest known in the country and requires begging neighbors for permission, and having the kind of inspections that would cause long-term rental home owners to go ballistic. With the inspections and other nonsense they require, costs can exceed many thousands of dollars.

And for what reason?

Like most areas, the reasons cited are that vacation rental homes "could" get used as party houses. Or that "Tourists drive cars through the neighborhoods and sometimes the trash isn't taken out to the street on time." complained one person at a county "scoping session."

No one wants trouble in their neighborhoods, but these possible issues never materialize. Some neighbors even say they "do not want people in the area that I don't know personally." Supposedly, "It destroys the character of the neighborhood", whatever that means.

There is no right in the Constitution that you must know and like your neighbors. But it is a foundation of American liberty that owners have a bundle or rights related to their real estate, including the right to right them out. So much for freedom.

In jurisdictions where rental permission is more easily obtained, but just as rigorously policed, and where owners must engage a competent local manager or management firm, problems do not happen.

The County even caved into neighbors in one desirable neighborhood who don't want "to have different neighbors each week," as the County clerk explained. Fear of problems is valid, but refusing entry to visitors feels a lot like simple xenophobia, the "fear of others."

A local real estate leader, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "You know the reasons for the lack of vacation rentals is regulations, don't you? Most people just won't spend the money to see if their neighbors will allow them to rent." How come the expensive applications fees are non-refundable, if the permit is denied? Looks like just another shake-down by officials.

Communities who enacted vacation rental prohibitions years ago, are seeing the light and revising laws to allow vacation rentals in all residential areas with proper permitting; and the requirement that properties be occupied within reasonable rules.

Doing otherwise scares away visitors. Consumers have decided they want to stay in vacation rentals and no amount of meddling in the free market by officials will dissuade them. Take away vacation rentals and they are sending visitors elsewhere, while local shops, restaurants and attractions lose out. It is not just home owners who lose.

The cities and counties where vacation rentals are allowed gain fee income; shops, events and attractions do more business; additional jobs are created; and tourism taxes flow.

Let's hope that officials in counties and communities, all over the country, wake up and stop killing the tourism business they so desperately need - by giving consumers what they want - many more vacation rentals.

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Author: Ron Lee – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0212 – 04/16/12

Sponsor: VRAI – As a fast growing industry we need your help and support. Join today to learn, share and promote your properties. – VRIA.org

Professor John Edwards: Insects & Music

By William May
Published: 04/01/12 Topics: Education, Wildlife Comments: 0

Did you know that insects live in very cold places? John Edwards knew.

In fact, Professor John S. Edwards was known around the world as one of the pioneers of insect developmental neurobiology. And I was fortunate to be able to call him a friend. He died this week and I find his passing more unfortunate than any public leader or celebrity.

Some years ago, a friend invited me to help out with an organization called Gallery Concerts; a group dedicated to having period music instruments perform chamber music in the small spaces there were designed for. The concerts are sheer delight.

At one of the first meetings I sat next to a gentle white haired man with a goatee who glowed with his enthusiasm for the music. Later I was to learn he glowed about just about everything. If the term "twinkle in his eye" was created for anyone it was John.

He was a leading scholar in the ecology of high-altitude insects, cold tolerance of Antarctic insects, the role of insects in ecosystem regeneration following volcanic eruptions, and the evolution of insect flight. A New Zealander, John earned his Ph.D. at Cambridge. At the University of Washington John taught entomology, human ecology, served as the Director of the Undergraduate Biology Program, Director of the UW Honors Program, and was appointed Emeritus Professor of Zoology in 2000.

Although a humble man, others noticed his exploits. He earned a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Senior Humboldt Research Award, and a Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award. He was a University Liberal Arts Professor, named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the Royal Entomological Society of London. He served as Program Director for Developmental Neuroscience at the National Science Foundation.

Art Davidson says, in his account of the first winter ascent of Denali (Minus 148°), "My first meeting with John reaffirmed the legend. I had traced the sounds of a concert through several corridors at the Institute to a short figure hopping about from leg to leg while vocalizing the entire woodwind section of an orchestra. "

Other than the fact he was a professor in biology, I knew none of this even after years of attending meetings and concerts with him.

I made a particular mistake once - by mentioning to John that my son had applied to attend the University of Washington. He prodded relentlessly and learned that Taylor was interested in Biology, specifically astrobiology. I could see John’s temperature rising. He wasn’t "Hoping from leg to leg" but almost.

He asked in that pleasant way that borders on professorial curiosity, that Taylor simply must telephone him for a tour of the department.

After reading about the Professor on line, it took Taylor several weeks to summon enough courage to call. But when he did - John needed no prompting to remember his name or why he was calling. A whirlwind tour took place a few days later where Taylor was introduced to everyone with such lavish praise that my 6’6" son stood even taller than usual when retelling the tale.

American Pika

Some years before John had patiently suffered through my telling of how our family had driven to all the way to Mt. Denali (Mt. McKinley) that summer and Taylor, then age 12, had found and photographed a rare Pika; which sent the visitor center biologists into a tizzy.

Who could know an important professor would remember such a small thing from years earlier; but during the UW tour John quizzed Taylor relentlessly about the Pika, where it was found, what time of day, what type of terrain.

Taylor was impressed at John’s curiosity. He was proud to be considered important but then somewhat astonished when John casually mentioned, "You may find it hard to believe but I was on the expedition that did the first winter ascent of Denali."

When Tay recited this story at home hours later I saw in his eyes the look of admiration that a young boy can have someone suddenly explodes his idea of what is possible in life. You can be a scientist, you can climb mountains, you can write eloquently, you can win awards, you can be a gracious considerate person, you can be an impressive senior citizen who still cares about what a 12 year old boy cares about. Astonishing.

Today when we learned that John has passed away, things stopped for a few hours for Taylor and I. We went about our work but cared about this man we spent little time with. We admired his work. We admired his attitude. We admired him.

Although I did not have the chance to see John much in the last few years, Taylor and I did think of him occasionally. When watching a science TV show, when the subject is insects, biology or science in general, when daring people climb tall mountains, when university life is depicted - the Pika story is retold and then someone inevitably says, "you might find it hard to believe. . . ". And we smile.

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Author: William May, WilliamMay.colm
Blog #: 0204 – 04/01/12

Twas the Night before Vacation Rental Christmas

By Jan Covey
Published: 12/31/11 Topics: Comments: 0

Jan Covey is a hard working and energetic property manager owner of a ski area vacation rental management company located on the slopes of Washington State's Mount Rainier National Park. She wrote this rhyme during the overwhelmingly busy Christmas Holidays.

Mount Rainier National Park

Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
Every creature was stirring
Especially the mouse

I in my Carrharts, Katie and Margie dressed all in black
As we get all geared up for
THE HOLIDAY ATTACK!!
With mountains of laundry
And dirty hot tubs galore,
And everywhere you looked
The messes were MORE..MORE..MORE!!

The schedule on the Website
Becomes our sacred Bible,
Or duty to clear ice off the steps
So we won't be held liable.

Here comes the Blue Sleigh
With all of the gear,
Full of smiling grandchildren all in good cheer!!
Armed with mops and buckets
And toilet paper and soap,
To get it all done is the CHRISTMAS HOPE !!

If we all just hang in there
One way or "tuther"
This busy season will pass
And we'll be on to another !!

Just keep trying to remember
The money we'll earn,
Every time we survive
Another "QUICK TURN" !!

And even though the team is usually joyful
With Margie the "MOTHER"
This is the season to try extra hard
TO BE KIND TO EACH OTHER !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO ALL !!.......AND TO ALL....."SLEEP TIGHT"

Jan Covey, Sunspot Vacation Rentals

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Author: Jan Covey – Property Manager, Crystal Cabins
Blog #: 0200 – 12/31/11

March, April & May best months to visit old & green land of Umbria

By Giuseppe Nuzzaci
Published: 02/02/11 Topics: Comments: 0

The Umbria region is located exactly in the middle of Italy . And it’s the most charming headquarters in which to stay and to discover all the central Italy regions: from the now commercial Tuscany to the most wild and real Umbria, Le Marche and Lazio.

From Florence to Perugia, From Siena to the medieval Gubbio, from Pisa to the Spiritual and lovely Assisi, from Rome to Crotona, from Spello to Ancona or to the see of the funny Emila Romagna region with the towns of Riccione and Rimini. The nature during the Spring time in Umbria is like a soft bomb of colors . The Sun starts to warm the old medieval and Etruscan cities and villages of the Umbria region !

If you will visit Umbria during these months you will find around the region just the real Umbria people and you can test the real Italian/Umbrian lifestyle . You will not find so many tourists around. It will be easy to visit fantastic museums and galleries such as the Umbria National Gallery, the Archeological museum or the lovely medieval botanic garden, that are all in the Etruscan and medieval city of Perugia .

The Charming Villa Nuba vacation rentals in Perugia, Umbria is proud to be selected as the best Charming place to stay from the Umbria Villa Owners Association. Due to the comments of their previous Guests, it’s now also First as the best Specialty lodging in Perugia on the famous travel site "Trip Advisor" !

Great last minute availability specials about The Charming Villa Nuba Apartments rental in Perugia, Umbria where you can find comforts, traditions, a lovely garden, modern facilities and all in the countryside and at the same time at only 15 minutes walking distance to medieval Perugia :

For a Family Vacation or For a Group of Friends:

Del Perugino charming apartment cottage rental of s.m. 80 with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen also with fire place and Jacuzzi and sleeps 4+2 :

• MARCH : a 7 nights stay just Euro 780,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 1390,00 !
• APRIL : a 7 nights stay just Euro 1150,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 2200,00 !
• MAY : a 7 nights stay just Euro 1200,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 2300,00 !

For a Romantic Vacation or for a Family Vacation for a Couple with a Small Child :

Del Bonfigli luxury charming apartment cottage rental of s.m. 50 with a junior suite bedroom, a romantic bathroom with angular Jacuzzi for 2 people, fully equipped kitchenette and sleeps 2+1:

• MARCH : a 7 nights stay just Euro 580,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 990,00 !
• APRIL : a 7 nights stay just Euro 900,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 1750,00 !
• MAY : a 7 nights stay just Euro 950,00 all inclusive ; 2 weeks stay at only Euro 1790,00 !

Finally at Villa Nuba they still have open the Early Bookings Special for reservations for the 2012 Seasons and with great specials with the very old 2010 rates !!!!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ? You can go immediately to visit the Villa Nuba official website www.PerugiaRentals.com where you can find more info, virtual tours, official video and contact information of the most charming vacation rental place to stay in Umbria !

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Author: Giuseppe Nuzzaci, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0173 – 02/02/11

Vacation Road Trips Start at the Dentist

By Gail Adair
Published: 04/01/10 Topics: Comments: 0

A Trip to the Dentist

I casually picked up a magazine while in the waiting room for my morning dental appointment. Coffee in one hand, I picked up "Seattle Metropolitan", Road Trips, a magazine with subject matter which sounded worthy of noting, and a great way to get my mind off of dental procedures in general.

Quickly I turned the thick, colorful pages, afraid my name would be called before I had a chance to pause on something appealing. An article that appeared short, to the point, and within the time frame before I was to be called into the chair, caught my eye. "Sequim in a Sports Car", was the title by Christopher Werners. Hmmm, I thought. I could picture myself already half there.

Dust Catcher Car

You see, I had the sports car. It’s a dazzling retro Ford Thunderbird blue 2-seater convertible. Normally, it is a dust catcher in our garage. I had always wanted to visit Sequim, Washington State to see what the "banana belt" was all about. The dentist’s office waiting room gave me my chance. I breezed through the article before the hygienist called my name. Then, while under a gentle dose of nitrous oxide, I told myself I had to make this trip a reality.

When we saw a hermit crab looking for a "larger house", amongst the snail shells, this further enveloped us into their small world stage. This was the only world they knew. We engaged fully into the activities within the simple life of a tide pool. The simplicity desired by many, in an ever complicated life, will bring us back to a Sequim vacation rental again and again.

From there, it was off in our sports car to the Hoh Rain Forest within the Olympic National Park. We might have visited on the only day it didn't rain. It was even a warm day. Our convertible top was let down and we drove through the forest able to look straight up into the moss covered branches which umbrellaed the road ahead of us. We were able to get up close and personal with 600 year old trees. What a road trip!

We completed the loop back to Seattle through the destination of Ocean Shores, convertible top down most of the way stopping only to take a long walk on the sandy ocean beaches. Hard to believe it was April and 72 degrees.

We will definitely be looking forward to our next Washington Road Trip, enabling us to visit unique vacation rentals in towns that welcome this tourist option. I don't think there is any better way to travel whether you’re reading about it in a dental office or making the trip an immediate reality.

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Gail Adair, is Vice President of The Vacation Rental Association (Vrai.org)Vrai.org in charge of Legal Affairs. She is also a vacation Rental Owner. VRA is a worldwide not-for-profit trade association comprised of Owners, managers, Suppliers and Website Publishers worldwide.

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Author: Gail Adair, Moses Lake Vacation Rentals
Blog #: 0155 – 04/01/10

Sunbanks Resort - Little known Secret Location

By Penny L. Taylor
Published: 03/31/10 Topics: Comments: 0

The weather warmed up so I took a drive over to Banks Lake a few days ago. Never heard of it? Well I would like to introduce you to a location you might never know about but really should visit one day. It is a really stupendous summer destination. Let me give you the details:

• Sunbanks Resort is smack dab in the middle of Washington state. An easy drive from Western Washington and anywhere in the Northwest.

• On a lake the size of Lake Washington. A Mecca for swimming, water skiing, personal watercraft, fishing and power boating.

• The terrain looks like the great Arizona desert destinations with sheer granite walls all around.

• Summers are toasty hot, but the big draw is that the lake water is amazingly warm. Far warmer than Lake Chelan or the Columbia River lakes.

The resort has big new villas, cabins and even some camping. And you can see them all at this website (SunbanksSunspots.com)SunbanksSunspots.com. >There are photos from every angle and good rates. Give Sunspots a call 8am and 8pm everyday of the year. 888-628-8989.

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Author: Penny L. Taylor, Istay Organization
Blog #: 0146 – 03/31/10

Become a Vacation Rental Angel

By William May
Published: 03/01/10 Topics: Comments: 0

Operating a vacation rental business can be fun and profitable but it is also an opportunity to do some good in the world. Now property owners and managers can do that by participating in a public program that offers unused vacation rental nights to charitable causes through the Vacation Rental Angels Website.

The program is administered by the Vacation Rental Association (Vrai.org) a not-for-profit trade association offering membership services to owners, managers, suppliers and website publishers.

"Every now and then we see a property or manager who is inaccurately portrayed in the media", says William May, President volunteer Executive Director of VRA, "And we thought it was high time that the public understands the millions of dollars that owners donate to good causes."

VRA offers inspections and verifications of properties to assure the traveling public of property quality. Members of VRA subscribe to a Code of Ethics and the vast majority of properties are well run, even luxurious. Guest complaints are almost non-existent for VRA members, who take their responsibilities seriously.

Participation in the Angel program is open to all VRA members and there is no cost or rigid rules for donations. Members who agree to offer at least one week per year free to charities may join the program and have their properties and their donations listed on the VacationRentalAngels.com website.

"Limiting how and when donations, or forcing owners to use the site for giving, would only serve to lessen donations," said May, "And that would defeat the entire idea. This program says give first and then get a little recognition later".

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Vrai.org operates the world's first Multiple-Listing-Service (MLS) for Vacation Rentals at www.VRMLA.org. VRA member can easily post their property to the VacationRentalAngels.com website along with subscribing to many other paid and free websites. Vacation Rental Owners and Managers, not already VRA members, can join the group and become Angels by visiting www.Vrai.org to join.

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Author: William May – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0138 – 03/01/10