Common Mistakes When Booking a Vacation Rental

By Kent J Thompson

Vacation rentals such as condos and villas are increasingly popular choices of holiday accommodation around the world, for many reasons including having an increased level of privacy and saving money compared to premium hotels. However, finding the right accommodation is not so easy, especially as there is an every growing range of choice to select your villa or condo from.

One of the first common mistakes that people make when investing in a vacation rental is trying to go as cheap as possible when booking their villa or their condo. This is understandable, as one of the main motivations for people choosing this type of accommodation is the appeal of the great savings that can be made when compared to staying at a hotel.

However, cheap does not always mean the best, and this is especially true seeing that there are now a growing number of agencies and vacation rental companies offering their services, some which will not be as professional as others. Therefore, it is important to look at the services provided, the cleanliness and the location of the accommodation instead of just an attractive price tag.

Instead, make a list of the qualities and services that you need in your condo or villa, and after finding several which fit your essential criteria, then have a look to see which one of your selected options is most appealing to you price-wise.

The next common error that people make when booking vacation accommodation is not taking advantage of seasonal and promotional deals offered by agencies and companies advertising their villas and condos. Certain times of the year will be harder to book for these companies, so it is not uncommon to find that there will be special deals to entice customers.

If you cannot find details of these offers on the website of the company or in their brochures, then it is advised to contact a member of the customer service or sales team to enquire, as this can result in discounts or advice on the best time of the year to book in regards to incentives offered by the agency.

The next mistake that many people make when booking is not thoroughly checking the terms of service when making their reservation. This includes whether other charges will be added to the total price, what equipment and other comforts are provided as part of the accommodation package and the responsibilities when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the property.

As many people are keen to make their booking as rapidly as possible to secure the ideal villa or condo, this is an easy mistake to make. However, this can result in costly charges or inconvenience and disappointment when the holidaymakers arrive abroad and find their accommodation is not quite what they expected.

For this reason, before you book through any website or accommodation agency, make sure that you are fully aware of what is included or not in your deal, and also make sure that you come to an agreement on the total price of your rental. This will make sure that you avoid any unpleasant surprises or major disappointments.

Lastly, a final error that is commonly made is being swayed by attractive photos of villas and condos online, without verifying whether or not these photos are recent or that the company or landlord maintains these to an excellent standard.

Many people who book a vacation rental are looking for a standard of luxury that will make sure that they enjoy an exceptional vacation, and therefore are willing spend a significant amount of money. To ensure that you get value for money, do not just rely on airbrushed website photos, instead asking for more recent images so that you know exactly what you will be getting.

Manuel Antonio Rental Properties is a Costa Rican vacation rental agency in Manuel Antonio, specializing in luxury rental homes, villas and condos with ocean views. Find out more at: http://www.ManuelAntonioRentalProperties.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kent_J_Thompson/1981797

The Magic and Mystery of Halong Bay

By K. Hancock

Halong, in northeast Vietnam, is one of the most scenically beautifully places on earth. It is no wonder that it has won so many accolades from significant organisations all over the planet.

UNESCO inscribed it onto their list of World Heritage Sites and it was chosen as one of the "Seven Wonders of Nature". CNN and Tatler also singled it out as one of the most important and beautiful holiday destinations. Something of Vietnam's secret until quite recently, it has been growing in popularity over the last decade. As Southeast Asia has opened up, more people are choosing a two or three center holiday, and Vietnam has been the big winner.

As the bay has grown in popularity, so has the preponderance of tour boat companies, operating within the area. In peak season nowadays, some 8000 people per day will be cruising round this six hundred square mile paradise, enjoying luxury surroundings and fine dining, whilst taking in the most breathtaking views imaginable. The luxury on board these vessels is outstanding. Beautifully decorated cabins, with en-suite facilities and private balconies, welcome cruise boat passengers to their floating hotels, every night.

 

The bay is an amazing example of nature's finest work. Two thousand limestone islands, known as karsts, pepper the entire bay, creating different vistas at every turn. Sitting on the top deck of a luxury cruise boat, after eating a superb dinner, sipping cocktails as the sun goes down, has to be one of life's finest experiences.

Some of the limestone islands are little more than inhabitable lumps of rock jutting skywards. Others, however, are complete islands with their own ecosystems and local populations.The rock formations throw up amazing geological wonders. The Sung Sot Cave for example is a much visited example. Translated as 'The Surprise Cave', it is to be found on Bo Hon Island. It is accessed by climbing high up on the hillside. This affords those passengers adventurous enough, with superb views around the bay, before they descend into the magic and mystery of the cave.

Enormous stalagmites and stalactites are found here, including one superb example of a column. There is a garden and a pond at the very heart of the cave. Here monkeys and birds come daily, in search of food.

As night falls on the bay, an air of complete mystery falls over it. Boats drop anchor and bob gently in the water as guests, enjoy drinks and get ready to retire for the evening. Many sit on deck, beneath a blanket of stars, enjoying the tranquility. It really is a magical experience in a truly magical place. After retiring they can drift of to sleep, as the boats sways gently in the waters of the bay. Sunrise brings yet another view and yet more beauty. As the daylight pushes the darkness aside, mists roll in and shroud the karsts in a mysterious grey covering.

This is a fabulous holiday destination at most times of the year. Each season has its merits, and avoiding the typhoon that come between July and August, is your only weather concern.

About the author: Keith Hancock is a singer / songwriter and writer who lives in Saigon, Vietnam. He has travelled all over the world, but in recent years has remained in Southeast Asia. It is a region he loves and of which he loves to write. Whilst writing on a variety of subjects, his experiences within Indochina are very much in demand from travel companies. 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._Hancock

travel tips



CT Airlink's Newark Airport Limo Service is the best, Cheapest and affordable way to go from Newark Airport to Connecticut, Westchester, White Plains and Hartford. CT Airlink use Sedans, SUVs, Luxury Vans, Mini Coaches to transport the peoples for Limo Service CT to Newark Airport in New Jersey. Allow us to assist you getting with total ease and comfort with our Newark Airport Car Service for the entire duration of you Stay in Stamford, Greenwich, Danbury, Southbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk & Westport CT.

Wonders in the Land of Oz

By M Witt

A holiday itinerary to Down Under (that's Australia, mate) that takes in the major cities will mean advanced planning on your part, especially if you are seeking budget rates at hotels.

Be it in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth or Darwin, smart budget travellers will first check out travel and tourism websites for the right information, make their bookings before flying off to the Land of Oz.

There are a number of such holiday websites on the Internet for you to consider and make price comparisons and other information you may need before your trip.

Cheaperthanhotels.com.au is one such website that have the information if you're looking for cheap accomodation in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Darwin. They offer advance discount contract rates, so you save money and secure your hotel reservations. So how about an Australian adventure that will remain as fond memories?

The Australian continent offers a remarkable landscape. If you are travelling to see some of the great Australian tourist locations you will not be disappointed.

Queensland

The Gold Coast

The Great Barrier Reef is one location you will not want to miss. When you think of lazy holidays on sunny beaches, Queensland's regions such as the Gold Coast - a holiday spot of wonderful contrasts - and Whitsundays come to mind. Surfers' Paradise is a favourite for many who are looking for an enjoyable time on its famous beach. In these places you will find the perfect clime and seaside towns that give you the experience of relaxed Australian culture at its best.

Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland offers a rich, diverse experience for vacation trippers. From pristine beaches to lush rainforest wonderlands, you can consider it an ultimate holiday destination. The state capital Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia.

New South Wales

Sydney's Opera House


NSW is Australia’s most diverse state. The state capital, Sydney, is the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and it boasts the world famous Opera House which is a sight to behold. It is one of five World Heritage sites. The vibrancy of Sydney with its spectacular beauty will stretch your imagination. From shopping to dining and other activities catering to all your desires will leave you breathless in Sydney.

Like the other Australian states, NSW can boast its own sparkling beaches stretching from north to south, a vast, colourful outback, Australia’s highest mountain offering every type of snow sport, and meandering waterways.

Victoria

Yarra River, Melbourne

In size Victoria is a small state but it has some of the best sightseeing and most fascinating places in the country. There are surprises everywhere. Melbourne, the state capital, is a great place for those who love food and wine - a paradise for the connoisseur. It is an exciting, multi-cultural city with a rich heritage and culture. There are great sporting, fashion and cultural events. Be the adventurous type and discover the eclectic boutiques in the city.

Discover the beauty and diversity of Victoria's regions - From towering rainforests, ski resorts and endless golden bays, to craggy ocean cliffs, rolling green hills and red sandy deserts. Victoria was the main attraction for thousands of gold prospectors in the mid-19th century because of its goldfields, and today the gold mining towns are modern cities.

South Australia

Shades of autumn - Adelaide Hills


The state is wine country. South Australia carries on the tradition of more 160 years of winemaking that began in 1841 when the first vintage was recorded in the Adelaide Hills.

From Shiraz in the Barossa, Riesling in the Clare Valley to the big reds of the Coonawarra, it's a great sparkling journey across some of the most famous wine regions in the world. Adelaide itself is a vibrant southern city with great cultural events going on and shopping buffs will not be short of places to go.

Kangaroo Island

One of the best places to be is Kangaroo Island which is just a "stone's throw away" from the coast of South Australia. The island is seven times the size of Singapore. This unique place is a microcosm of different landscapes and environments, with desert dunes, stunning beaches, forests, and farmlands.

Kangaroo Island was voted top tourism and environment island in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine for its natural attractions and sensitivity to the environment.

Western Australia

For the authentic Australian experience visit Perth, Australia's western gateway and the capital of Western Australia. It's a great place to start your holiday. Perth City has an easygoing lifestyle. Experience the beauty of Swan River and the inner-city parks and get that easy, peaceful feeling like having a cold beer on a sunny afternoon at an open-air pub.

In WA, as in all the other states, fantastic beaches abound and amazing marine adventures are just waiting for you. For entertainment and other activities, there's plenty of nightlife, bustling markets, inner-city parks and outdoor dining.

Western Australia's history is tied to the ocean. It is a land of great contrasts. The state boasts a rugged and beautiful Outback - from the vast open Nullarbor plains to the colourful marine wonderland of Ningaloo Reef. It's the best of both worlds.

Swan River with Perth's skyline in the background


Tasmania

Tasmania is a green island of wild, mountainous and beautiful landscapes, separated from mainland Australia by the 240 kilometres (150 miles) stretch of Bass Strait. Hobart, its capital, enjoys a busy arts scene, thanks to its creative arts community. The city folks are friendly displaying a relaxed lifestyle. Settled in 1804, the town grew rapidly as the clearing house for British and Irish convicts. Its place on the Derwent River became the perfect protected deepwater harbour, and now every December and January it welcomes weary and exultant contenders from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Hobart, Tasmania 

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is a land that is full of surprises - from the lush rainforests of Kakadu and Katherine to the arid red plains of the Red Centre in Alice Springs and the great rock, Uluru (Ayers Rock). Darwin, the state capital, enjoys influences that are as much Asian as they are western with dozens of nationalities sharing an easy-going lifestyle.

The Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Northern Territory

The state is one of the most sparsely populated regions, spanning more than 1.4 million square kilometres from the centre to the northerly coast of the Australian continent. It's a place where ancient woodlands meet sandy beaches and escarpments tower above lush billabongs. If you are a photography buff, you will not want to miss some great shots while watching the sunsets and the storms that are something of a local pastime.

Cool time at the Lichfield National Park, Northern Territory

Hong Kong - 10 Wonderful Places To Visit

Hong Kong is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia. This country is known for its wonderful shopping experience as well as the modern way of living. If you are going to visit Hong Kong, prepare yourself for a wonderful blending of Western and Eastern cultures.

1.) Repulse Bay

So far, this is Hong Kong’s most famous beach. Here, you will get to see the Chinese Pavilion that is home to statues of the traditional Chinese gods. This is also a wonderful place if you want to have a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in Hong Kong sights and sounds.

2.) Stanley Village 

This is a very popular seaside village, and many tourists flock here yearly. You can find here a very trendy shopping center as well as the infamous Stanley Market where you can find lots of bargain items. This is also a good place for you to buy your souvenirs.

3.) Ride the Peak Tram 

This is the best way if you want to reach the area called the Peak. Once you are in the Peak Tram, prepare yourself for the dizzying sights below and enjoy the seven-minute ride to the top. If you are afraid of heights though, this ride is not for you.

4.) Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak view

This is where your Peak Tram ride ends. Once you reach Victoria Peak, be enthralled at the wonderful sight of the city below, especially if you visit Victoria Peak at night when Hong Kong city lights are brightly shining. You can also find excellent restaurants here, and what better way to enjoy dinner than having a beautiful sight at the same time?

5.) Party in SoHo

If you want the best of the modern world, then come to SoHo. In this place, you will surely enjoy the many international restaurants and bars that are located here as well as the shops. Be prepared for the night of your life here.

6.) Ride the Ngong Ping 360 

Like the Peak Tram, this is not for those who are afraid of heights, but to those who are not, then be prepared for this beautiful cable car ride towards the Giant Buddha. During this ride, you will get fabulous 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s rugged terrain and the sea. The wonderful sight of the fertile valley below is truly something.

7.) Visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha 

                

Your ride on the Ngong Ping will take you to these two tourist attractions. Here, you will get the chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy its unique structure. Plus, you will also be fascinated by the seated Giant Buddha.

8.) Take a Walk on the Wisdom Path 

Credit: dawvon 

This is surely something that a tourist must do when in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. This is also called the Heart Sutra. Here, you will see wooden pillars where the prayers are written, and what is interesting about it is that the pillars are arranged in the infinity symbol. 

9.) Tai O Fishing Village 

  

 Credit: yeowatzup 

For a firsthand experience of Hong Kong culture, visit the fishing village of Tai O. You will surely become fascinated with the houses that are built on stilts along the creek. The families who live here are said to be direct descendants of the first settlers of Hong Kong and are called the Hanka People.


10.) Enjoy Causeway Bay

Credit: bchow 

If SoHo is not enough for you, then you must definitely visit Causeway Bay. Here, you will definitely enjoy its malls as well as little shops and boutiques. If you want more bargain items, then definitely go to Causeway Bay’s street markets.

About The Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/hongkong  to view or share Hong Kong travel videos.