Maui Hotels Average $296 per night...OUCH!

Hawaii is fantastic.  If you like tropical climates, mountains, beaches, biking, etc, etc, and have the money to do so, you should totally go.  That said...it isn't cheap.  Just getting there requires about $1000 in airfare (before taxes and fees of course) and now staying in a hotel will cost you, on average, 13% more.
A new study from Smith Travel Research and Hospitality Advisors reports that a hotel in Hawaii now costs more per night than a room in New York or even Miami.   A typical hotel room on Maui now averages $296 per night and the Big Island isn't much better at $223.
You might ask why rates are so much higher, and pretty much it is simple supply and demand.  People around the globe weren't traveling as much during the recession which has created a bubble that the hotel industry is all too happy to accommodate.  
Hotels can change rates almost instantly to reflect changes in demand since they have such standardized features.  Vacation Rentals are generally not run this way.  Vacation Rentals are owned by a private individual (or company) and they set their rates at the beginning of the year or season.  Savvy vacationers can often take advantage of this when hotel rates seem to be rising daily.  Vacation Rentals also have more options which families especially can take advantage of.  My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon and it was great.  We did think about renting a hotel, but ended up rented a little studio apartment right on the water for $120 a night and it was perfect.  So perfect in fact we have considered going back.  This time the trip would be slightly more involved and require more space as we have two kids and we would also be bringing a babysitter (grandma).  Now we need at least two hotel rooms which would be about $600 per night and more than likely won't even have an ocean view.  Or for the same $600 I can get this property:  http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/191305.htm

If you are heading to Hawaii, or even staying a little closer to home, make sure you check out some vacation rentals in the area prior to heading to holidayinn.com, you might be pleasantly surprised at the house you can get for a similar rate and have a great new experience.  

The ultimate "getaway"

The Dead Sea?
Too many people
Mount Rainier?
Too much snow
Mt. Everest?
Not High Enough

photo courtesy www.snowbrains.com

For the extreme traveler who has seen it all (and doesn't have too many pesky attachments to family or friends) there may be a new and "out of this world" destination...Mars.  A company called Mars One (http://applicants.mars-one.com/) has recently started taking applications to be among the first to settle Mars.      At this writing there are over 400 people who have filled out an application -- now to me that seems a little crazy as it involved over 8 years of training, oh, and you (more than likely) don't even get to come back -- among other hardships...but I also think it is kinda amazing to see the pioneering spirit of so many people around the world.  This particular company also has a unique way of financing the mission that is sure to be a hit -- they are bringing reality TV in to play -- yes ladies and gentlemen, this is all going to be televised and it will be up to you to determine who the final four are (lets just hope they don't kill each other on the 7 month flight -- I already know I am not up for the task as even a 7 hour flight is liable to make me contemplate homicide :-)
Thinking Mars might be a little out of your league too?  Here are a few vacation destinations that are still extreme and sure to please:
Biking in Moab, Utah:
http://www.perfectplaces.com/United_States/Utah/Moab-Vacation-Rentals.htm
Skiing/Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe:
http://www.perfectplaces.com/United_States/California/l_Lake_Tahoe-Vacation-Rentals.htm
Climbing in California's High Sierra's
http://www.perfectplaces.com/United_States/California/l_High_Sierras-Vacation-Rentals.htm
Boating in Lake Havasu, Arizona
http://www.perfectplaces.com/United_States/Arizona/l_Western/Lake_Havasu_City-Vacation-Rentals.htm
Jungle Adventures  :-)
http://www.perfectplaces.com/United_States/New_York/l_New_York_City-Vacation-Rentals.htm

Happy Travels Friends!

Vacation in Luxury in Greece or the Caribbean

By Matt Smolsky

Mani House, Greece

Look at that view -- it's the harbor in Gytheion, Peloponnese, Greece, and it captures the warmth, luxury and exclusivity of one of our newest arrivals. Gytheion was a seaport of the famed city-state Sparta. Of course, you'll see plenty of ancient ruins and enjoy delicious Greek food, wine and wonderful hospitality. The Mani House vacation rental, pictured below, can accommodate up to 8 guests in an incredibly high standard of luxury, but for less than you might think (click photos to see rates and availability).

Mani House isn't just beautiful -- it's comfortable as well. This private villa, set apart on a hillside and offering stunning views, features a private pool and is built in the ancient style. The stone blends with a clean, modern interior that's relaxing. Once you arrive, you'll be tempted to settle in, but since there's so much to see in this region of Greece, you'd be advised to save your downtime for the evening, while you enjoy a glass of wine and the view.

The kitchen comes equipped with all the modern conveniences -- you'll lack nothing and feel like you're at home, except for the stunning Greek architecture that surrounds you, of course. The patio is just off the kitchen and offers a barbeque grill and bread oven, so you can create your very own flavors of Greece.

There are four bedrooms, two with en suite baths, and each with direct access to the pool. An office upstairs, with an en suite bath, means you can stay as long as you like and conduct your business from your private Greek villa.

To maximize your comfort level, Mani House employs a caretaker who looks after the property, living in a self-contained apartment in the basement level, removed from the main living areas. He tends to the pool in the morning when you're not using it and will hardly be noticed. He's a professional who knows the importance of being discreet, yet is available at a moment’s notice should you need assistance. How many times have you wished you had someone at home like that?

Crystal Sands Villa, Turks Caicos

If you're going to escape to the Caribbean, escape in style to the Crystal Sands Villa in Turks and Caicos. They're offering last minute specials all the way through April 2014. Click on of the photos at left or below for details. You'll be glad you booked a stay in this luxurious villa. It's a two-level villa, with 2,100 square feet per floor. The floors can be rented separately or together. There are four master suites, each with a direct view of the beach. You'll enjoy a 50-foot long balcony and a private swimming pool. Crystal Sands was recently named as a Fodor's Choice in the 1st Edition of the Turks and Caicos Guide.

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Happy Birthday, Florida!

Ponce De Leon probably would have enjoyed
relaxing by this pool after his long sea voyage.

By Matt Smolsky

Sometime around April 2nd or 3rd, 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon set foot in Florida. Some say it was at St. Augustine. Others say it was further south. Nobody knows for sure, but St. Augustine is the oldest continuous European settlement on the continent, established in 1565. This was before Jamestown or Plymouth Rock.

Regardless of where Ponce De Leon landed, being the first place where explorers set foot on the North American continent is something to be proud of. It's also a great reason to travel to Florida for some sunshine and relaxation.

Explore the De Soto Trail near Bradenton, visit Port St. Joe, the first capital, and along the way check out sites documenting Florida's underground railroad. And if history's not your thing, then just relax on a beach. Close your eyes, soak up the sun, and imagine a ship full of Spanish explorers anchored off shore.

After all, when we think of Florida, we don't normally think of a long historical tradition (Native American settlement dates back 12,000 years). That's one of the reasons you'll find lots of fun celebrations throughout the state. The Florida Department of State is planning 200 events statewide to commemorate the historic date. It's a great celebration of culture, history, heritage--everything that goes into making Florida the diverse and exciting state it is today.

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Perfect Places New Arrivals -- Great Vacation Rentals Around the World

Perfect Places added great new properties in March in hot vacation destinations around the world. Let's take a look at some of them, and what the areas they're in have to offer.

Nova Scotia

This lovely cottage is another great addition to our properties in Nova Scotia, a Canadian province with a lot to offer. You'll find cliffs, meadows and incredible views, wonderful roads perfect for a day in the car, exploring wineries, lighthouses, and historical stops. Take in the Halifax Waterfront, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Alexander Keith's Brewery, living history museums, clam digging and more. You can see more Nova Scotia cottage rentals at Perfect Places.

France

Marseillan, France, is a tranquil community in the South of France along the Mediterranean. It doesn't have the glamour of the Riviera, but the port of Marseillan (which is a protected heritage site) retains the charm that originally drew writers and artists to this serenely isolated fishing village. While the population has grown since those days, Marseillan remains a wonderful escape.

Disney

Here's something that can be hard to find--a pet friendly vacation rental near Disney in Kissimmee, Florida. You already know why you want to travel to Disney World. Now you have a place that'll take your dog too. Plus, it has a private pool for relaxation after a long day at the theme parks.

There are more to see. Check out our Facebook page for March new arrivals, and be sure to Like us so you can get updates. 

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3 Ways to Get More Online Reviews Faster

Set the table with great customer service
and glowing online reviews will be easier to get.

By Matt Smolsky

Online reviews will make or break you. If you don't have any reviews on your properties, you will lose bookings to a similar property with reviews. The thing is, you'll never know about those lost bookings. Folks will just go elsewhere.

You should be working to get online reviews on every one of your properties, all the time. Even if you have a dozen favorable reviews on a property, if those reviews are 2 years old, they lose importance to both the customer and the search engines.

What's more, you should constantly be monitoring your online reviews and responding to each and every one. If it's a glowing review, say "Thank you" to the reviewer. That's one easy way you can give your business personality and warmth. If it's a good review with a complaint or two, respond and let everyone know you've fixed the problem. And if it's a review that unfairly cuts you off at the knees, go ahead and defend yourself. If you think it's a competitor trying to make you look bad, go ahead and say so in your response. Just be sure to give plenty of supporting evidence as to why the review is way out of line.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that a handful of 3 and 4 star reviews with a few complaints that you've addressed and responded to are better than no reviews at all. So here are some tips on how to get more online reviews for your vacation rentals, faster.

3 online reviews for this property. 5 and 4 stars. Read
how the manager responds to each review. Well done.

1. Aggressive Customer Service. When we say "aggressive," we mean customer service that blows the customer away with how fantastic it is. Treat every guest like an honored guest. Go the extra mile versus what your competition is doing. If your customers can walk away feeling like they've been treated like Kings and Queens, and their children like Princes and Princesses, then you've done Job 1 when it comes to getting a great review (this is, of course, assuming your properties are impeccably maintained, which they need to be if you want 5 star reviews).

2. Customer Service that Thinks, "Get the Review." Have systems in place to get reviews. Every interaction should be aimed at building towards the customer leaving a glowing online review. When guests check in, ask them to let you know about any problems they discover. Then, when you fix the dripping faucet, ask them how they would rate your service. When they show up at your front desk looking for beach equipment, pointedly ask them if they're satisfied. The idea is to build up a "yes's" during the course of their stay, much as a sales person builds yes's during the course of a sale.

3. Ask for the Online Review--a Couple of Times. When guests check out, ask them how their stay was. If it's glowing, hand them a card with web addresses where they can leave online reviews. If you have their email address, send a follow up email with the same links. If you don't have their email address, get it. If they prefer Facebook, ask them to leave a comment on your wall saying what a great time they had. Send them online surveys about their stay, and give them a chance to leave reviews at the end of the survey.

Don't be shy, but don't be too pushy either. In all likelihood, you're not asking enough, so amping it up a bit probably won't hurt anything. Be creative -- but don't resort to buying reviews. The search engines and review services are getting very good at sniffing out fake or purchased reviews.

You can be fairly honest with people as you try to build and maintain current reviews for your properties. Most people understand how important they are--they likely use them to decide on a variety of purchases. So if you simply say, "Did you enjoy your stay? Yes?  Great, could you perhaps write a short online review for us--we're trying to build reviews for the property you stayed in," you stand a great chance of succeeding.

Of course, getting great online reviews depends entirely on providing a great property at a fair price that's supported with excellent customer service. If you do all three, then getting more online reviews should be easy.

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50 New Vacation Rentals in Reunion, Florida

We're excited to announce the addition of 50 new Reunion, Florida, vacation rentals from Reunion Vacation Homes, just a short drive down the road from Disney World and Orlando's Universal Studios. These deluxe homes and villas are located in the Reunion Resort.

With Disney World just six miles away, you can easily spend the day at the Magic Kingdom, then head back to the luxurious privacy of your Reunion Resort condo or home. It's privately owned and is in a world all its own. You'll find championship-level golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, the Reunion Resort Water Park (yes, it has a lazy river for you and the kids), a tempting spa, tennis courts, bike paths and bike rentals, and plenty of room to spread out and make yourself at home. There are also many restaurants, including Eleven, where you can watch the Disney fireworks from the top floor as you enjoy a delicious meal. The owners of Reunion Vacation Homes built their home in Reunion in 2006--they know the area well, and believe that it's the best place from which to explore and enjoy the Orlando region.

In addition to being a hop and skip from Disney World and Universal Studios, you'll also be near Capone's Dinner and Show, Congo River Golf and the Disney Wilderness Preserve--all great attractions located in Kissimmee.

Anytime of the year is a great time to visit Reunion.  You can enjoy all the amenities of a first class resort without spending more than you'd like. There are a variety of vacation rental options on PerfectPlaces. Check them out now, and start planning your Orlando-area vacation today!

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