Ever dreamt of spending the week in an RV either traveling the countryside or at an amazing campground but don’t want the responsibility or expense of owning a camper/rv?

RV Share makes this happen for travelers who want the perfect RV/camper vacation!

Last weekend a few of us agents went camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort and campground.   We arrived to having this gorgeous RV set up for us.  With two full bathrooms and 4 bed options, it was plenty of space for a large family or friends traveling together.  With RV Share you choose the exact RV that would fit your family and trip.  Ours was perfect with outdoor tv for late night entertainment, kitchen for our dinner cook out, two indoor tv’s, camp chairs, sheets, towels and blankets.  

RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners, with more than 100,000 vehicles available.

RVshare’s diverse inventory ranges from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes and can accommodate any outdoor adventure, whether it’s a weekend of camping or a cross-country tour of national parks.

The campground has so much to offer including two pools, kayaks, bikes, outdoor movies, s’mores with Chip and Dale, horseback riding, playgrounds, dog park, restaurants and so much more!  Plus, comfort stations that include showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities.

The campground is so large that we do suggest renting a golf cart which can be done right at the campground.

We loved this experience so much that we are already planning our next adventure in an RV on the road this time!

So you are ready to travel again, but feeling like maybe you want a little more distance between you and the rest of the tourists for safety and sanity’s sake? Our world looks a little different right now, and your safety and the safety of your family and friends can be a factor in deciding if and when you will start to consider that next great travel adventure. Why not consider all the possibilities and benefits a vacation home rental can provide.

Just a few of the benefits include:

1. More space to spread out. Have you ever stayed in a Paris hotel room? Most are smaller than the closet in my bedroom.
2. Common rooms for socializing without the need to congregate in hotel lobbies and lounges. And no one to eavesdrop on your conversation.  
3. It can be a money saving option for those with a tighter budget. I have three kids. Most countries require us to book 2 and even 3 hotel rooms. That can be a huge budget buster and sneaking one or two kids into the hotel when no one is looking is frowned upon (and possibly illegal).
4. The sky can also be the limit when considering all the rental types we have at our disposal for you: You want an Emily in Paris apartment, complete with an attractive chef neighbor and a cozy bistro on the first floor? Minus the neighbor, we can find this.  If you want a chateau in the French countryside, or a beach bungalow in Jamaica with a private pool overlooking the white sands and blue waters, we can find this.  Homes can also include maid service, a dedicated chef, and even a driver. Of course, if your goal is to truly isolate yourselves for safety’s sake, you don’t have to use these services. 
5. If a deeper immersion into the culture of the country is something you like to experience when traveling, a home located closer to the locals and further from the usual tourist route can provide this.  We really love to travel off the beaten path and try to spend some time pretending we are local. Maybe we love it more than they love having us, but I’m sure we give them a few stories to tell their friends…that one time  that crazy American family decided to swim at the local pool in Iceland…
6. A self contained vacation home can be just that: self contained.

We chose to rent a cozy two bedroom two bath apartment during our recent family trip to Reykjavik, Iceland. While cost certainly was a factor in this decision, I prefer to stay just a bit outside of the action and get friendly with the locals. It helps when you know at least a few phrases in their language, just in case, but we always seem to do ok.  Our home away from home was situated in a suburban area, 10 minutes drive from the city center, and walking distance to an elementary school, a bakery, a corner grocery and a large community center. The center was equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs and even water slides. Swimming is a very popular recreational pastime year round in Iceland, so these community centers are located throughout Reykjavik and its suburbs. Just FYI: my oldest says she scarred for life because we spent an evening in the community pools. For anyone that’s not been to Iceland, everyone must shower naked, in a large open room before being permitted to swim in the public pool. And there is a shower guard. She actually yelled “more soap” at us.  

This home provided us with ample space to spread out, a balcony overlooking the city and the opportunity to experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of our living room. We had a fully equipped kitchen that really came in handy; a large pizza cost the equivalent of 50.00 US dollars. I may have cried when I received that bill. We were able to walk to the bakery for fresh bread and pastries, walk to the bus stop to meet a few of our guided tours, and use the community center for leisure activities…even though it did scar one kid, the others had a great time.

The View from our balcony in Reykjavik, Iceland

Our cozy living/dining/kitchen. The entire home, including the floor to ceiling blinds was controlled by IPad. And all floors were heated. Bonus!

Entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon: expensive

The memory of Watching the sunrise with my family while relaxing in the Blue Lagoon: priceless

A few things to keep in mind when considering a vacation home rental:

1. Sometimes the home is not in the heart of the action, especially when budget is a factor. So map it and decide what is most important to you and your companions.
2. A car may be necessary, depending on the location, so factor this in as well. 
3. This is a home and probably doesn’t have a maintenance person on call 24 hours a day (although you never know). Sometimes, just like in our own homes, things break…be understanding.
4. Communicate your needs and expectations about bedding and kitchen equipment..one person’s idea of a fully equipped kitchen or luxurious bed linens may not be yours.
5. Determine what your expectations are for what some consider necessary and others consider a luxury, such as heating and air conditioning. I learned this the hard way on a trip to Germany during the hottest July on record. We stayed at a local B & B with NO air conditioning or even a fan. It is now the first thing I ask when discussing travel accommodations. 
6. Think about what is important to you and your companions when on vacation: is maid service the key to your happiness? Would a private pool or hot tub be a  factor when deciding if this vacation met all your expectations? Are you used to a private butler who answers to the ring of a bell?

When you are ready to plan your next vacation, and think you may be more comfortable renting a home versus staying in a hotel, a Travel Agent professional can help guide you through the process and will find the home that is the right fit for you.  We only use vetted, proven Home Vacation rental companies when booking our clients. Your satisfaction is always our first priority. 

A few examples of the Vacation home rentals available.

Montego Bay Villa, 4 bedroom, beachfront with a dedicated service staff.

2 bedroom Paris Apartment within walking distance of The Sorbonne or Notre Dame Cathedral

I have a big secret… I am a major over packer!

I think there’s two big contributing factors here. One starts with the way I shop. I shop and buy pieces. I think there’s two type of shoppers in the world and my mother-in-law is the other. I envy that she walks into a store and finds the piece she likes but doesn’t buy it unless she finds a complete outfit. Including accessories. When she gets home she even hangs the whole outfit on a hanger with accessories. I on the other hand find a piece that I like whether it’s a top or a dress or a bottom and purchase it and think oh I have something at home to wear with it.  Then when I go to pack I have tons of pieces I love but not set full outfits.

The second factor is I research and compile packing lists for clients.  Family trips, international, honeymoon, destination weddings all need different things.  Packing lists can get very very detailed but are supposed to be suggestions or reminders. Not everyone needs everything on those lists.  I, however, see it as a challenge and I pack it.  So I’m challenging myself to be a better packer.  In a month, as a family, we are heading to Beaches Turks and Caicos and I want to pack practically and in as few bags as possible.  Stay tuned to see how I do!

Does your travel agent even travel?

Move Athletics, my physical therapist, has a tag line of “Does your physical therapist even lift?”.  While at their office yesterday I over heard another patient ask what that meant.  I never thought about it too much but listened in as Doc Roger answered and explained how could he possibly treat athletes properly if he wasn’t an athlete himself.  I quickly chimed in it’s like a travel agent who doesn’t travel.  How could I properly advise you without experiencing it myself?

A lot of pride I bring to my job is our level of customer service.  We market ourselves as “concierge style” but what does that mean.  To me, concierge style, means going above and beyond.  Answering your phone.  Responding quickly.  Setting realistic expectations and exceeding them.  Taking you step by step to plan the perfect trip.  Then being available during travel for assistance.

But now I’m adding to that.  How could I properly advise you on your travel during Covid if I hadn’t traveled?  How could I tell you what an amazing job Disney was doing with Social Distancing if I hadn’t seen it?  How could I tell you that driving in Italy is difficult? Or that the beach in Costa Rica is public?

So next time you book with someone consider…. does your travel agent even travel?

Even though we’re still stuck at home for a while, here are some adventures you and your family can have from the comfort of your quarantine couch! Click on the pictures to start your journey:

1. The Louvre: Start outside the internationally famous art museum and move your way through the 10 different sections as if you were part of a guided university tour.

2. A Walking Safari in Ruaha Animal Park, Africa: Experience the sights and sounds of the savanna through Asilia African tours!

3. Buckingham Palace, UK: Hop across the pond for a look into the life of luxury that comes with hundreds of years of British royalty!

4. Giant Pandas Live at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.– watch as giant pandas, Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, move around their enclosure and spend their days at the National Zoo.

With the world at a standstill with COVID-19, fear and stress have become an everyday part of life for us. But, today let’s take a second to look to the future and plan for all those amazing adventure yet to come! In this post we will be highlighting some of the hidden travel gems domestically in the United States–let’s go!

1. Pismo Beach, California

For our adventure seeking travelers, there are plenty in Pismo Beach– golfing, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, amazing kayak tours and surfing are all available to fill any eco-tourist desire. Pismo Pier proves visitors a great place for family photos, sightseeing and even fishing! Surrounding the pier are clean beaches with coves and tide pools that line the coast for miles–you can even take a surf lesson, off shore fishing trip or a kayaking tour of the coast. Best of all, visitors staying in Pismo Beach will be in great location to visit some of the best food and wine available on the infamous Wine Coast.

2. Rainbow Springs, Florida

Crystal clear waters, manatee sightings and tranquil Florida nature is what you’ll get on a trip to Rainbow Springs. This quiet oasis is deep in the heart of the Sunshine State, half way between Gainesville and Orlando, making it the perfect add on trip to any Disney, Universal or Florida coastal trip you may have in mind! The water temperature stays a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round–perfect to cool off in that blistering summer heat!

3. Fredericksburg, Texas

Where else in the heart of America can you find high class wineries, nationally acclaimed authentic German Oktoberfest and 5-star hunting and fishing that is only found in the rich land of the Texas Hill Country! There is something for everyone in this middle of nowhere paradise deep in the heart of Texas–Wine tasting or museum hopping by day, Texas country dance hall or star gazing by moonlight. This destination is perfect for couples and families alike.

4. Chincoteague Island, Virgina

Best known for its breed of wild ponies, Chincoteague Island is getaway to a wildlife reserve. These animals draw numerous visitors every year to watch as guides move these amazing horses from the reserve to the main lands in order to auction off new foals in hopes to raise money for the reserves care and keep herd numbers under control. It is not uncommon for the casual beach visitor to encounter a nuzzle while tanning on the shoreline. The town is lined with beautiful Victorian B&Bs, filled with history for the traveler with a nose for the past.

5. Blue Lakes, Colorado

Popular among the Colorado hiking community, Blue Lake boasts sightseeing like you’ve never seen before. Located on a glacier basin in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, you’ll find three turquoise colored lakes and meadows painted with vibrant wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Locals deem this one of the most underrated locations in all of the USA for any outdoor loving traveler.