How a Vacation Home Rental Can Push Your Dollar Further

(ARA) – Despite today’s economic woes, people are still traveling; they are just doing so in a much more budget-minded manner. Scouring for deals and methods to cut costs while on vacation has never been more important. One budget-friendly trend has emerged as the solution for those who want to travel for less: vacation home rental.

Travelers may wonder how renting a vacation home will actually cost less in the end. First, vacation homes usually come equipped with all the necessities to cook meals. Just cutting one group meal a day out of a vacation budget can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the trip. By eliminating all of those little extra food outings and instead stocking up at local grocery stores, travelers could possibly cut trip costs in half.

“Eating out is certainly a big part of most vacations, but when people are cutting back, the ability to stay in and cook provides a more affordable alternative, and one to which many vacationers are drawn,” says Ryan Swaim of Dunes Realty, one of the largest vacation rental agencies in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area.

When calling to inquire about a vacation home, travelers should ask what supplies are provided in the kitchen and how far away the grocery store is from the home’s location. This will help determine whether dining at home will be a good option for that property.

In addition to saving money by not eating out, a vacation home is a larger space so more people can travel together and split the cost of the rental. And with multigenerational travel on the rise — grandma, aunt, mom, dad and kids all traveling together — it’s an easy way to be comfortable and share intimate travel memories together in a larger space.

Do the math. If renting a four-bedroom villa for a week costs $1,000, two families of four will pay only $500 each for accommodations; that same price sometimes only covers two to three nights in a hotel. In addition, many homes have amenities at no additional cost, meaning none of those pesky “resort fees” to use the pool or other extras. Financially, vacation rentals make a lot of sense.

“The ability to truly feel ‘at home’ while on vacation is a big draw, especially for families with children,” says Swaim. “Many of Myrtle Beach’s vacation rental properties offer private pools, deepwater dockage, hot tubs, large porches and easy access to the beach and ocean.”

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to look for vacation rentals because they are so plentiful along the 60-mile stretch of coastline. Choose from a condo with a full kitchen or a massive home on the beach. With thousands of rental options and agencies, travelers are sure to find one to fit specific needs and price ranges.

“The Myrtle Beach Area is blessed with a wide selection of vacation home accommodations most situated near or with in walking distance to the beach,” says Rick Elliott of Elliott Realty. “Value-added amenities and friendly service are what set us apart. That is why so many families return each year.”

Besides having a spectrum of vacation rentals to choose from, Myrtle Beach offers many attractions and activities that are free or very affordable, adding even greater value to your trip. Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach, window shopping in a historic community, or playing a quick game of miniature golf — Myrtle Beach is the miniature golf capital of the world — there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget. Plus, all attractions are within driving distance of each other, so getting to different places of interest is a breeze.

With vacation rentals, there is no need to feel guilty about taking the annual family vacation. Consider a rental property in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina to get the most for your dollar. For more information, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (697-8531.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Here are just a few of the vacation home rental agencies ready to assist travelers interested in a Myrtle Beach area vacation:

Dunes Realty
www.dunes.com
(888) 889-0312

Elliott Realty
www.elliottrealty.com
(888) 669-7853

Garden City Realty
www.GardenCityRealty.com/myr
(800) 395-5930

Seaside Rentals
www.Seasiderentalsonline.com
(866) 613-7983

Surfside Realty Company
www.Surfsiderealty.org
(800) 542-2503

Barefoot Paradise Vacations
www.barefootparadisevacations.com
(866) 737-8802

Tags: Myrtle Beach, vacation home rentals, vacation rentals

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(ARA) – Travel today seems to be the “birthright” of most Americans and although the economy has changed dramatically, people are still traveling.

This past year brought record numbers of foreign visitors to the United States. Australians and the Brits top the list of tourists but tour guides speaking French, Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Farsi were needed to speak their native tongue to foreign visitors.

Tour guides are usually the first person a tourist meets when they visit any country. It is not by chance that most countries train the brightest, most articulate people to be their “ambassadors of goodwill” to visiting tourists. Tour guides possess inherent traits such as compassion, empathy and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of all those they encounter. They embody the “Yes We Can” attitude that is turning our country around with their unshakable optimism.

The commanding General of the Allied Forces in World War II, who later became our nation’s 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, called for “increased visits by citizens of one country to another to give each the fullest opportunity to learn about the people of other nations.” Eisenhower believed that in the long run people would do more to promote peace and understanding than our governments. Eisenhower’s remark, “the passport to peace is travel,” resonates more today than ever before in our history.

“Travel is the greatest university in the world”, says Ted Bravos, cofounder of the International Travel Management Institute (ITMI), a state certified school for training tour guides since 1976. “It teaches us about cultures, stereotypes, prejudice and helps us realize that we are but one small part of a very diverse and connected world.”

Tour guiding can be both personally and financially rewarding. A certified tour guide earns approximately $200 per day plus gratuities and expenses.

Freelance tour guiding is a perfect fit for entrepreneurial individuals, small business owners, people in transition or people with a flexible lifestyle. Tour guiding blends well with other vocational interests or pursuits. Schedules can be custom tailored to coincide with summer vacations, weekends, child-care hours or even around another job.

If you enjoy showing visiting friends and family around your own city, your country or around the world, Bravos suggests you consider doing it professionally. ITMI has been conducting intensive 15-day training programming for people to become tour guides and tour directors for over three decades. Students learn about the tour industry through practical “hands-on” experience in the field and five days training aboard a touring motor coach, including a two-day overnight field trip where they actually perform the role of a tour guide and tour director. The Institute also provides free lifetime placement assistance.

You can view a free 90-minute on-line Tour Guide/Tour Directing video by visiting the ITMI Web site at www.itmisf.com, e-mail travel@itmisf.com or call (800) 442-4864 to learn more about tour guiding and tour directing.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: tour guides, tour guiding, travel careers

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There are quite a few different cruise lines out there that you can choose from, but there are reasons that make the Royal Caribbean cruise special. If you have ever been on a Royal Caribbean cruise before, you understand and have already seen all that they have to offer, but if not, here is some information that you will find very helpful and which is sure to convince you that this cruise is right for you.

What it Offers

One reason that makes the Royal Caribbean cruise special is because there are so many different activities made available that you can partake in. You will certainly never get bored when you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise because there will always be something for you to do.

Just make sure that you know who you are going to be bringing with you on the cruise before deciding on a cruise line and package deal, so that you know which types of activities you are going to need to have available.

A Royal Caribbean cruise special also because they have such a wonderfully trained staff. There are always people available working who can help you with anything that you need and whose primary goal is to ensure that you have the best cruise experience possible, each and every time.

Whether it is your first time riding with their cruise line or you go frequently, you will always get treated properly and are sure to have a fantastic time.

Another thing that makes a Royal Caribbean cruise special is that they are so affordable. It’s hard to believe, when you see all that they have to offer, but their prices are some of the lowest around.

All these reasons explain what makes a Royal Caribbean cruise special and reasons why you should definitely keep them as one of the top contenders when it comes to a cruise line of choice. You can contact them and talk more about their services firsthand, so that you can get more educated and be sure that you want to go with them when you take a cruise.

There are definitely many other cruise lines that you could choose to go with, but the Royal Caribbean is a name that you can rely in and trust on to give you the experience of a lifetime. They never disappoint and they are perfect whether you are going on a romantic cruise or taking the whole family.

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If you are looking to plan you cruise and want to stop at the best eastern Caribbean cruise spot there are many different locations to choose from. For me there are many different ones and choosing the best eastern Caribbean cruise location will come down to personal preference. While I can not tell you what the best eastern Caribbean cruise destination is, I can give you some advice on what to look for when finding your personal best eastern Caribbean cruise spot. Many of these same things will hold true for finding the best southern Caribbean cruise spot as well, so take note when planning your trip.

Must Haves For The Best Eastern Caribbean Cruise Spot

The first thing you need to have is beaches. Beaches are what truly make the Caribbean great, and miles of white pristine sand are the most iconic representation of this paradise. I would look for an island with extensive public beaches that are within walking distance of lodging. These should be easy enough to find and almost all of the destinations have access to this.

Part and parcel with the beaches is snorkeling and scuba diving. The coral reefs in the Caribbean are some of the fines in the entire world and if you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving then finding a location that has unique and fun dives is a must. Several of the islands give you the opportunity to dive on a real shipwreck, and if you can I highly suggest taking the chance to take advantage of this.

Next up is shopping. One of the best aspects sometimes overlooked on the Caribbean islands is the shopping. Many of the islands offer duty free shops where you can get 25-50% the price you would normally see in the US or Europe. Specialties of these shops include jewelry and gems, so if you are looked for a prized memento I suggest finding an island that has many shops where prices are competitive.

Last up is dining. There are some islands that have unique restaurants and even more unique cuisine. I would take some time to do research on the islands and their local cuisine and if you find some you like, be sure to plan a stop.

As you can see there are many things that go into planning the best eastern Caribbean cruise spot. My personal suggestion is your first to the Caribbean to schedule as many different stops as you can. This way you can see as many different things as you can and find what you truly enjoy to better plan your next trip to this paradise.

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There is really nothing more enjoyable than going out on a cruise with that special someone, or even taking a family cruise, but before you can do this you are going to want to make sure that you are choosing just the right cruise for your preferences and to suit the purpose.

Depending on who you are planning on taking the cruise with, you will want to ensure that there are appropriate activities and passengers onboard so that you can enjoy yourself as much as possible. Cruises that cater to adults differ greatly from family cruises for instance, so make sure that you know who you are going to be taking with you before choosing a cruise.

Using a Caribbean Cruise Review

Another step that you are going to want to take is reading a Caribbean cruise review such as a Royal Caribbean cruise review, which will give you past riders’ reviews on the cruise line and what they had to say about it.

You can find a Caribbean cruise review for any cruise line out there today, and this will be extremely helpful to you for a number of different reasons.

One of the best reasons you should read a Caribbean cruise review is because you will get to learn more about the different cruise lines and packages out there, what you have available to you and this will allow you to better decide on just the right cruise for you.

Also, you know that you can trust in these reviews because they are not given by the company and therefore not byist. They are given by past passengers who have been on the cruise line and who are giving you an honest, firsthand opinion on what they thought of the cruise and whether or not it would be the right one for you.

If you are interested in finding a Caribbean cruise review the Internet will be a great resource to you here. They will offer you all the information and reviews that you need, and this will play a key role in the process of you choosing a cruise line and package to perfectly suit your needs.

Get Ready

Once you have read reviews and know which cruise line and package you want to go with, you can now begin the fun part of actually getting ready for your cruise. Remember to take your time and the best idea is to make a list of all the things you need to bring on your trip, and then check them off as you go along.

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It used to be that cruising was done primarily by couples and a few singles, but today, the family has gotten hip to the fun of this vacation mode. The cruise industry has jumped onboard (so to speak!) the demand for family cruise vacations by offering many family friendly amenities to attract this whole new demographic. However, some companies have been quicker to develop family friendly ships than others. If you are looking for a Caribbean cruise ship that will satisfy everyone in your clan, read on for tips on finding the best family friendly Caribbean cruise ship for you.

Children’s Programs
A Caribbean cruise ship that is designed with families in mind will have an extensive children’s program for all ages that offers a wide variety of activities. This is one of the first criteria that families should look at when choosing a cruise vacation, since the number of children’s activities aboard a Caribbean cruise ship will offer pretty good insight into how much priority a particular cruise line will place on the youngest travelers. Ask if the complete program runs on all voyages, how they handle infants and toddlers on the ship, and if extended babysitting hours are offered. Check the website for more complete information about the programs available and the photos of the children’s areas to see if they look stimulating and safe for your kids.

Dining Options
Most parents with youngsters will not want to tow those little ones along to stuffy dining rooms with gourmet fare every evening, so find out if the Caribbean cruise ship offers alternative dining arrangements for families. These might include eating in the buffet restaurant on formal nights, or letting the kids eat with the youth directors for an evening so Mom and Dad can enjoy a posh, grownup meal for two. It is also a good idea to peruse the children’s menu and alternative dining options to ensure that there will be plenty of delectable fare fit for kids on the Caribbean cruise ship you choose.

Child-Friendly Activities
When the family wants to spend quality time together, does the Caribbean cruise ship offer activities and entertainment that the entire group can enjoy? Many ships today, like the Royal Caribbean cruise ships, have choices like rock walls, miniature golf and arcades that will appeal to all ages. There is also entertainment available on some Caribbean cruise ships that everyone can enjoy together. Another consideration will be the excursions that the Caribbean cruise ship offers at its ports of call. If there are plenty of beach days and aquarium visits available, you know that particular cruise line is thinking about the kids and the adults alike.

Cruising with kids can be a wonderful way to spend a vacation together, as long as you choose a Caribbean cruise ship that is geared toward family cruises. With these tips, you can rest assured that your Caribbean vacation will be one that the whole clan will love.

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Cruising has become big business today, which is why there are many Caribbean cruise lines to choose from. With such a large selection of companies offering this style of vacation, it can be hard to decide which company is the best one to work with. If you are struggling with making a choice in a Caribbean cruise line, we have some tips to help you make the right selection. While it may seem that all of these lines are equal on the surface, there are some specific differences to watch for that will help you design a cruise vacation best suited to your individual needs and preferences.

Choose by Itinerary
Most Caribbean cruise lines will offer a variety of itineraries into this region, including southern, western and eastern Caribbean voyages. These itineraries will all vary slightly based on the specific islands they will visit. If you have your heart set on seeing a certain area of the Caribbean, you may want to factor this preference into your choice of Caribbean cruise line. You can also look into the types of excursions that the cruise line offers to each individual port. Some will cater more to families and others will be better suited to young couples and singles. This may help you make a choice of a Caribbean cruise line as well.

Choose by Vacation Style
While those with young children may prefer the Royal Caribbean cruise line or another company that caters directly to families, others might prefer a more child-free type of trip. One thing is for sure; these two very different styles of vacation will hardly meet in the middle for a vacation that will please everyone, no matter how hard they may try. Cruises for kids will include excellent facilities and programs for the children onboard, and family-friendly excursions at the ports. Adult only cruises will offer peace and relaxation that you will simply not find on a Caribbean cruise line loaded up with kids. Choose your ship based on which type of vacation they primarily cater to.

Choose by Dining Preference
The original cruise ships usually had scheduled dining times that all guests had to abide by, and that is still true of many Caribbean cruise lines today. However, some cruise companies have gotten hip to the idea that not all passengers enjoy eating according to the ship’s schedule and now offer alternative dining options. If you don’t like the idea of being tied to a precise dining schedule, you may want to seek out a Caribbean cruise line that will provide some of these other options.

The final determining factor in choosing a Caribbean cruise line today is often word of mouth and personal recommendations from family and friends. You can also read reviews of the various cruise lines to find the one that best suits your needs and preference. The right Caribbean cruise line can make all the difference in an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.

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Are you interested in going on a cruise but not sure how to get started? Well if you want to go on a Royal Caribbean celebrity cruise there are a few questions that you are going to want to answer first.

You want to make sure that you are completely planned and ready to go before heading out on a Royal Caribbean celebrity cruise, so that you will have less to worry about and will also ensure that your Royal Caribbean celebrity cruise is as best as it possibly can be.

Find the Right Package

The first step, if you want to go on a Royal Caribbean celebrity cruise, is going to be for you to find the right package. Depending on what you want to do on your cruise and the people you are taking along with you, this will have a major impact on which Royal Caribbean cruise package will be most suitable for you.

Budget

If you want to go on a Royal Caribbean celebrity cruise you are also going to need to determine how much money you have available to spend. This is really important because the prices of cruises vary quite significantly and so you are going to need to make sure that you choose a package that is going to offer you everything that you are looking for and yet which you can afford.

When and Where

You are going to need to decide when and where you want to go on the cruise. There are some fantastic destinations around the world that you can visit, so it is really all a matter of you figuring out what your preferences are and what you want to do.

Keep in mind that cruises are usually a little cheaper in the spring and fall, as these are the least popular seasons and so if you are strapped for cash these are the times that you will want to plan your cruise for.

Going to the tropics is a bit easier because it is gorgeous there all year round and so no matter when you decide to go, the weather will still be fantastic.

As long as you keep all of this in mind and make sure that everything is planned properly, you are sure to have a fantastic time on your cruise and have an experience unlike any other. Cruises offer you a true vacation experience of a lifetime.

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What is there to do on a Caribbean cruise? The better question is what isn’t there to do on a Caribbean cruise? Whether you’re going by yourself on a singles cruise, you’re taking your significant other or you’re taking the entire clan, there’s something for everyone aboard these massive cruise ships. To maximize your fun, however, you should try to search for the best Caribbean cruise deal. This means getting your tickets for as cheap as you can while also getting the best perks for your money. There are cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deals offered all the time where you can take a relaxing trip to the Caribbean islands in style for much less than you’d normally spend. That means you’ll have more money for all the extras you may want to partake in or maybe you’ll be able to save some money for your next cheap Royal Caribbean cruise next year.

What Extras?

When you get a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deal, you’re not getting anything cheap; you’re just saving money. When you buy your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise ticket, you’ll get a beautiful cabin room, you’ll be able to eat at the buffets for free, you’ll be able to lounge by the pools, go see some entertainment shows and much more. There are some things aboard your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise that cost extra. These things include alcoholic beverages, food in some of the fancier restaurants, duty free shops and more. If you want to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to save as much money searching for a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise so that you have money left over to enjoy any extras you may want to take advantage of.

What About Excursions?

One of the best parts about taking a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise is when you stop at the ports of call. Depending on how long your cruise is, and where you’re going, you may have one, two or more ports of all. This is where the cruise ship docks and you’re able to get off to explore the island you’ve landed at. These ports of call often have excursions you can partake in. These excursions also cost extra but they’re a great way to get the most out of your cheap Royal Caribbean cruise and to explore the countryside. Some of the more popular excursions for cheap Royal Caribbean cruise lines include snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, horseback riding, tours of Mayan ruins and much, much more. The prices for these excursions vary but you should participate in at least one. That’s one more reason to find cheap Royal Caribbean cruise deals so that you can get the most out of your excursions, and of your cruise, as you travel to the Caribbean in style.

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When shopping for your next cruise vacation, you may be unsure of which cruise line will meet your needs and preferences best. While some cruise lines cater to a specific type of clientele, other companies try to broaden their base by offering a wide variety of activities and entertainment choices that will appeal to all ages. When you board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for example, you are guaranteed plenty of fun to keep your entire clan hopping, no matter how long your voyage will be. You can rest assured that the folks who take on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship job are 100% committed to the complete enjoyment of all passengers onboard. This means plenty of great vacation time whether you are a couple on your honeymoon, enjoying the fruits of retirement or venturing out with an entire family in tow.

Activities
What can you do on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship? The better question would be what can’t you do on one of these complete cities at sea. Do you love action and adventure? Check out one of the amazing pools onboard this ship, complete with multi-storied slides and plenty of room for paddling. Or climb a rock wall high above the open seas. Play a round of miniature golf or give yourself the ultimate pampering at the ship’s spa. Browse the shops on the ship’s promenade or linger over a cup of java at the café. There is plenty to do and see on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Entertainment
Evenings at sea are all about dining and entertainment, and a Royal Caribbean cruise ship won’t disappoint with shows all night for the adults and kids alike. Grownups can head over to one of the many entertainment venues to listen to live music, catch a show or try their luck at the casino. Kids can enjoy their own brand of entertainment in the kid’s areas that offer programs and activities designed just for them.

Dining
While cruise ship dining of the past used to be about stuffy dining rooms and adult only fare, today’s cruise ship will provide menus for young and old alike. The children’s menu on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship offers all of the pint-sized favorites that you can imagine, from chicken nuggets to hamburgers cooked just right. If your children are the more adventurous types, they are welcome to order from the adult menu to try delectable cuisine like seafood in a variety of dishes.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship truly has something for everyone, whether you are a couple looking for romance or a family looking for fun. From activities galore to the best in entertainment and dining, you can find the perfect cruise experience aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

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