ACCOMMODATIONS, ‘WHERE TO STAY?’

TIME TO GO CONDO, ‘UPGRADE YOURSELF BY VACATIONING IN A CONDO’

By Clay Larroy

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

While the standard length of stay at a vacation rental is typically a week, many resorts can accommodate shorter stays - if your time is limited, be sure to ask about other options. Families or travelers who require accessible accommodations for physical or health conditions can find even more reasons to consider a vacation rental, as many rentals are equipped with necessary facilities. Just let your travel agent know, and you can create the perfect vacation.

Enjoy more flexibility of gathering together with family and friends in one area, with the ability to retreat to a separate room for some alone time. Grab the blender and whip-up frozen drinks with friends... toss the swimsuits to rinse and dry after a day at the beach... quickly heat the baby’s formula in your microwave - travel can be easier than you think.

Every group struggles with what to do when someone gets bored, so having options is key to a successful vacation. Choose a rental that gives everyone the option to do what he or she enjoys most: Dad and the guys can watch the game in the living room after a round of golf, cartoons entertain the young ones in a bedroom, the girls lounge by the pool, and grandpa enjoys an afternoon snooze on the patio... all before you regroup for an evening cook-out, right outside your door.

No matter how many in your party, your agent can find you the perfect one-bedroom resort condo that sleeps four in Orlando, or a six-bedroom villa that accommodates 12 in Tuscany - and lots of distinctive options in between.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, one of the most difficult decisions could be to agree on a specific destination. Luckily, rentals are available throughout the U.S. and around the world, so you may have more options than you think. One way to narrow them down is to compile a list of your top dream vacations. Choosing a destination and an itinerary that really works for your or your group’s personality is also important. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at this stage, but it can help to decide if you’d prefer a tropical beach, remote city, or a place known for adventure travel.

Also consider if you want warm or cool weather, a distant land or someplace closer to home, a vibrant location with people to meet, or seclusion, where it will just be you and your companions.

Once you decide on a destination, the location of the condo or rental is an important consideration. Your travel consultant will work with you to identify your preferences regarding proximity to beaches, shopping and entertainment.

Speak with your travel consultant about all of your vacation ideas, and together, you will find the perfect place to visit, enjoy, and remember for a lifetime - with the comfort and value you cannot always find at a typical hotel.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.”

– Roy M. Goodman

                             Travel  and create wonderful memories for your family!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

TIME TO GO CONDO, “UPGRADE YOURSELF BY VACATIONING IN A CONDO”

By Clay Larroy

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Anyone looking for unique vacation accommodations, and especially those who want the space and comforts of home, should consider a vacation rental - lodging that moves beyond a crowded hotel room and provides options that range from a studio apartment to a resort condo, to single-family homes, villas, and cottages.

Since vacation rental opportunities exist all over the world, a good travel consultant can help you narrow down a destination, book everyone’s travel, and make sure you have little else to do but pack and relax. Most importantly, travel consultants have resources that identify reliable rental companies, protecting your vacation investment dollars (also note that the companies offered by travel consultants will not require you to attend ‘time share’ or investment opportunity seminars as a result of your vacation rental).

From studio apartments and resort condos to single-family homes, villas and cottages, there are a wide range of vacation accommodations. Imagine a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, dining area, and other great amenities. Many properties offer a private or communal pool, hot tub, on-site fitness center and nearby shopping. Tennis anyone? Golf? Need to take the children out? You can be sure to find something for everyone, which makes a vacation rental a great choice for family get-togethers, especially knowing you can add additional guests without paying extra.

Many vacation rentals include:

- Spacious condos, villas and homes

- Amenities such as refrigerators for snacks/beverages

- In-unit laundry facilities, just in case!

- Swimming pools and hot tubs

- Children’s activities, bicycles, golf, and tennis

- Spa and exercise facilities, and more...

Typical hotel rooms can be confining and often don’t provide an opportunity for fellow travelers to retreat and relax in their own spaces. And without kitchen facilities, you have the additional cost of eating out three times a day. Even if you have an unlimited budget - you still have the option to indulge your inner chef by picking up groceries from a corner market to experiment with the local cuisine. Lastly, don’t forget the packing perks - with a washer and dryer, you can pack light and leave plenty of room for souvenirs.

While rentals are perfect for stays at the beach - know that you can have the same conveniences almost anywhere. Whether you want to explore the Italian vineyards of Tuscany, bike along the countryside in France, see amazing shows in Vegas, have an attractions adventure in Orlando, or relax and rejuvenate in Mexico, your travel consultant can help you find the perfect accommodations.

Be sure to also talk to your travel agent about your budget. You may be surprised to find that, for the cost of a long weekend at a hotel, you can often stay for a whole week at a vacation rental. Plus, with no extra charge for additional guests up to the maximum occupancy, you get a significant per person cost savings (not to mention reduced costs for food).

Regarding budget, be sure to find out what consumable products you will need to purchase, such as food, beverages, and soaps, which may or may not be included as part of the rental. On your way to the property after you arrive, make a brief stop at a local market to pick up necessities.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“ I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met.” – John Green.

Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create! !

       

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

RANCH STAYS “HOME ON THE RANGE”

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

While not necessarily rigorous, a ranch vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s physical conditioning. In considering whether a ranch vacation is for you, take stock of your willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in a saddle, walking, hiking and, in general, being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the ranch nursing sore muscles!

Travelers are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. Most ranches have a relatively small capacity, restricting the number of guests, and operate during limited season. Many sell out during particular weeks and may not be able to accommodate you and your companions, particularly if there are a number of others accompanying you. Booking well in advance also allows for the best possible airfares if you are flying to your ranch destination.

Spend time with your travel consultant working through brochures and other sales collateral. Make sure that the accommodations, programs, setting and food selection are all to your liking. In addition, look for indications that the ranch invites guests of an experience level comparable to your own. If you are a novice looking for an introduction to horses, cattle and outdoor life, the ranch you choose should welcome the beginner. Likewise, if you are an accomplished outdoor enthusiast, you want a ranch experience equal to your abilities.

Pack clothing that is suitable for outdoor activity. A typical day will have cool mornings and evenings with warm mid-days. Boots are typically a very good idea to protect your feet. Loose, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. Yes, a bandana is a good idea!

Most gear will be supplied by your ranch. However, check to see if binoculars are provided or if you should bring your own, especially if wildlife is abundant. Because of the beautiful natural settings of most ranches, make sure that your camera makes the cut! Your ranch operator and host will often provide a list of recommended clothing and gear to bring with you on your trip. Finally, not all ranches permit smoking, so be sure to check if you have a strong preference for smoking/non-smoking.

Is a ranch stay safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, ranch operators are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek to minimize the risk of having novice guests around farm animals and settings.

Here are a few tips that can help you ensure that you enjoy your ranch stay with the maximum value and minimum risk:

• Prepare for the trip by making sure that you can physically participate in the activities the ranch offers.
• Listen to your host! They are very much concerned for your safety and will offer you a great deal of advice about being round livestock and ranch equipment. If you are a novice, ask for assistance. Even if you are experienced, be willing to accept instruction and to learn new skills.
• Livestock - respect them, love them, never, ever, ever abuse them or lose your temper with them. Same goes for humans.
• As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.

In practically every state of the United States, province of Canada and in many South American countries, you will find ranches inviting guests. Your travel consultant can assist you with determining which location matches your preferences. In the western United States, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah have dozens of ranches offering vacation experiences while Virginia, Alabama and North Carolina in the east have many options. But the list hardly ends there! No matter where you desire to spend your vacation, it is highly likely there is a dude ranch close by. In Canada, British Columbia and Alberta offer a large number of ranches offering stays ranging from one week to months!

Your own preferences will dictate the location of the best possible ranch stay. Want wide open scenery and wildlife? Want to be at altitude with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop? Is fishing a part of your dream ranch vacation? Ranches in western North America have a peak season during the summer, typically June through August. Most offer fringe seasons when early spring might impose some colder weather or even a late snow storm on guests. In particularly warm settings, like Arizona, late fall and early spring are often better choices to avoid the heat of mid-summer. In the final analysis, however, the best time to go is when the ranch’s season matches the one in which you want to travel! Remember, too, that because of the limited season and guest capacity of many ranches, opportunities can sell out quickly. Book in advance!

The cost of a ranch stay varies widely. At the low end, where the ranches are authentically "rustic" the food is "grub" and the entertainment is largely supplied by the guests, the adult rates will be in the range of $150 a day and children $110. A more generously endowed set of amenities will average closer to $180 a day for adults and $125 for children. Truly deluxe guest ranches with many amenities, (one advertises "Gourmet meals in the main lodge and Ralph Lauren sheets on the beds") superior lodging and food selection will be in excess of $220 a day for adults and $150 for children. Carefully review what is included in your rates. Some ranches include tips, some do not. Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees for fishing or other activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant when making arrangements.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Beware the crazy traveler! Mind expansion can be contagious...” 
― Nicole Leigh West

Live Life and Travel Often!

ACCOMMODATIONS, “WHERE TO STAY?”

RANCH STAYS “HOME ON THE RANGE”

BY CLAY LARROY

When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Often you can use them on items other than travel, so check out your options and get to spending. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

A ranch stay is often the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether referred to as a "dude ranch", a "cattle ranch vacation" or a "ranch stay", (our preferred term), here is the opportunity to get back to nature and to interact with animals and physical activity in a very special way. There are ranch stays of every variety, from family vacations to singles, from those that focus on actual ranch work to those that are primarily about relaxation in a western setting. Whatever your preferences, there is a ranch vacation waiting on you.

• Ranch stays typically refer to vacations or retreats that involve the following elements:

1.   a period of time on a working farm or ranch, often in a western North American setting (although South American ranch stays are available);

2.   with an emphasis on working with cattle, horses and other livestock;

3.   in an environment hosted by experienced ranch personnel.

This TRO guide will explain the various considerations for considering and planning a ranch stay. Those travelers looking for an active, outdoor adventure will greatly appreciate the tremendous value that many ranch stays offer. The promise of a ranch stay is a memorable vacation, adventure and natural beauty. Ranch stays are all about the out-of-doors. Here the traveler has the opportunity to reconnect with an active aspect of life that is too often missing from the day-to-day work world. Families, couples and singles alike enjoy ranch stays, and find the experience not only brings them closer to nature, but also makes for a greater appreciation of team work and physical labor. The ranch stay does not have to be all about activity, however. There is typically plenty of time for relaxation, reflection, and good food.

A ranch stay is for you if:

• You enjoy active vacations;
• You want to work with animals, especially horses;
• You want to spend your vacation time out of doors;
• You enjoy rustic settings;
• You want to experience a very different type of vacation.

There are as many types of ranch stays as there are ranches. Indeed, every ranch operation offers a slightly different experience based on the character of the proprietor and the nature of the ranch. The most popular ranch stays include the opportunity to spend a lot of time on horseback with plenty of time at your own leisure. Some ranches will permit you to keep a single horse throughout your stay and ride when you like, others will provide a pool of horses from which to select daily. Most often, there is the option to work with either cattle or sheep, or both, from horseback. The central activities typically involve herding the livestock from one destination on the ranch to another, or simply ranging across the landscape either alone or in a group enjoying the scenery.

Family ranches invite aspiring cow pokes of all ages. Such ranches may offer special programs for children. Parents can participate with children in some activities, or engage in their own pursuits while their offspring encounter ranch life in a supervised setting. Other ranches are adult only, so be sure to check the allowed age limits for you and your family companions. Working ranches permit guests to be involved in other aspects of daily ranch work such as branding cattle, fixing fences or gathering crops. Alternatively, guests can observe the working ranch in progress, enjoying the view from a less engaged more reflective vantage point. Other ranches emphasize specialized activities, such as fishing, hiking, trail riding or wrangling.

There is typically the opportunity to learn new skills during a ranch stay. The staff will often teach guests how to work with cattle, how to rope and to practice "cutting", or maneuvering, cattle in and out of a herd.

But all is not work! Many ranches are located in the wide open spaces of rural Canada or the American west, providing breathtaking sightseeing, fishing, water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking and photography opportunities. Wildlife abounds, and good photographers are rewarded with many opportunities for prize pictures. Ranches provide down-time for guests for relaxation, reading or mingling and sharing experiences with other guests. Decide if a heavily structured environment is right for you, or if you would prefer a more relaxed, unstructured vacation. The point is that there is a right ranch stay for just about everyone!

Accommodations range from rustic bunk houses to deluxe cabins with hot tubs and lodges with complete bars. Your preferences in sleeping comfort and conditions will greatly influence your choice of one ranch stay over another. Many ranches offer camping on the range for some portion of the stay as a part of the experience. Sometimes there is organized evening entertainment, or the guests may be left to their own devices.

Food quality and quantity is another variable of the ranch stay. Most ranches offer food as a part of the package, but some meals are often taken off premises in a local town or nearby restaurant. Many ranches offer special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines. Request a sample menu during your research. Finally, ask your chosen ranch about the advisability of renting a vehicle for transportation from the airport, for running into town, or for drives around the ranch.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 “He who would travel happily must travel light” 
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!