Have you considered traveling during the off-season? This is your opportunity where you may get a better bargain and have fewer crowds to deal with. Although off-season dates may vary from various travel providers, a typical off-season runs around mid-August through mid-October (although some providers begin discounting as early as May).
Off-Season is the time when kids have started back to school and there are not as many families traveling. In addition, the Fall season is beginning to settle in the Midwest & Northern U.S., and the weather is starting to cool down (which rules out summer water activities there.)
Off-Season (Mid-August thru Mid October) is also prime hurricane season for the tropical areas. This is the time when you can generally get the best rates for accommodations such as hotels and vacation rental homes. The odds are still in your favor that a hurricane will not approach during your stay, but if you are concerned about the risk, you should consider purchasing trip insurance.
So remember when planning a future trip to compare year-round rates. You might find that off-season bookings may provide you with a significant amount of savings compared to standards rates.
If you are interested in looking at vacation home rental rates year-round, please check our website: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Break Time, Invest in Yourself!
Are you starting to feel burnout? Too much stress in your life with work and not enough time for the family? 24 hours a day is not enough, and you feel like you need a clone? Are you bored, and tired of doing the same thing day after day?
Then it’s time to take a break, and invest in yourself. You’re not doing yourself any favors if your don’t, and life is too short and will pass you by. Don’t have any regrets. I have never regretted taking a vacation, and I think most people probably feel the same way. Vacations have created wonderful memories for me.
I have found that when I plan that escape trip, the moment I step onto the plane, or into a car to travel "wherever", I can leave all the work and worries behind. I am able to clear my head of the clutter. When I arrive to my vacation destination, somehow a sense of relaxation takes over my body, and I’m in good spirits and in celebration mode. I love exploring new tourist attractions and I always get a new perspective when I am surrounded by a culture different than my own. Some of my best ideas have come from my vacation breaks.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sipping that tropical drink by the seaside, skiing in Aspen, fishing in Lake Tahoe, whatever-- just go somewhere where you think you are going to be happy, and that has the activities you are looking for. If you are traveling with a family (spouse, kids), try to find a place that will accommodate everyone’s interests, to alleviate any stress.
A good vacation break can rejuvenate the soul. Remember to invest in yourself. If you want to find a vacation home for that relaxing vacation, try searching for that special rental at
http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
Then it’s time to take a break, and invest in yourself. You’re not doing yourself any favors if your don’t, and life is too short and will pass you by. Don’t have any regrets. I have never regretted taking a vacation, and I think most people probably feel the same way. Vacations have created wonderful memories for me.
I have found that when I plan that escape trip, the moment I step onto the plane, or into a car to travel "wherever", I can leave all the work and worries behind. I am able to clear my head of the clutter. When I arrive to my vacation destination, somehow a sense of relaxation takes over my body, and I’m in good spirits and in celebration mode. I love exploring new tourist attractions and I always get a new perspective when I am surrounded by a culture different than my own. Some of my best ideas have come from my vacation breaks.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sipping that tropical drink by the seaside, skiing in Aspen, fishing in Lake Tahoe, whatever-- just go somewhere where you think you are going to be happy, and that has the activities you are looking for. If you are traveling with a family (spouse, kids), try to find a place that will accommodate everyone’s interests, to alleviate any stress.
A good vacation break can rejuvenate the soul. Remember to invest in yourself. If you want to find a vacation home for that relaxing vacation, try searching for that special rental at
http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, a Special Seaside Village
Discover a secret gem near Fort Lauderdale, Florida...
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS) is a place for those who can’t escape the "city", but still want to enjoy a beautiful beach. LBTS is a quaint upscale metropolitan seaside village, sandwiched between Ft. Lauderdale to the South, and Pompano Beach to the North. The two main roads of this town are A1A running north & south, and Commercial Blvd. east & west.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small area of only 1.5 half miles long, and has about 6,300 full-time residents, with approximately 11,350 total residents in the wintertime. The beautiful stretch of the Atlantic Beach off Road A1A is definitely the town’s asset.
There are many types of vacation rentals available here: apartments, condos, small hotels, and vacation homes. Many of the upscale condos offer great amenities such as security, valet parking, heated swimming pools, and private direct Atlantic beach access.
The nearest airport to LBTS is Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport. LBTS also has a local bus service available called the Pelican Hopper.
Sea Ranch Shopping Center is the closest shopping center, which has a Publix for groceries, a CVS pharmacy, a diner, a donut shop, and a Chinese restaurant. The nearby Sea Watch Restaurant offers direct ocean views and fabulous seafood. There are many other ethnic restaurants around the local area.
Plenty of recreational activities are available in the surrounding area, including swimming & water sports, or fishing at the local Anglins Fishing Pier at the end of Commercial Blvd. There are no shortage of shopping centers due to the proximity to Ft.Lauderdale which has Beach Place, Las Olas Riverfront, and Galleria malls, and Miami which has the large Dolphin Mall.
If you are interested in renting a vacation home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or in nearby areas, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or any other place worldwide, please see our vacation home rentals website: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS) is a place for those who can’t escape the "city", but still want to enjoy a beautiful beach. LBTS is a quaint upscale metropolitan seaside village, sandwiched between Ft. Lauderdale to the South, and Pompano Beach to the North. The two main roads of this town are A1A running north & south, and Commercial Blvd. east & west.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small area of only 1.5 half miles long, and has about 6,300 full-time residents, with approximately 11,350 total residents in the wintertime. The beautiful stretch of the Atlantic Beach off Road A1A is definitely the town’s asset.
There are many types of vacation rentals available here: apartments, condos, small hotels, and vacation homes. Many of the upscale condos offer great amenities such as security, valet parking, heated swimming pools, and private direct Atlantic beach access.
The nearest airport to LBTS is Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport. LBTS also has a local bus service available called the Pelican Hopper.
Sea Ranch Shopping Center is the closest shopping center, which has a Publix for groceries, a CVS pharmacy, a diner, a donut shop, and a Chinese restaurant. The nearby Sea Watch Restaurant offers direct ocean views and fabulous seafood. There are many other ethnic restaurants around the local area.
Plenty of recreational activities are available in the surrounding area, including swimming & water sports, or fishing at the local Anglins Fishing Pier at the end of Commercial Blvd. There are no shortage of shopping centers due to the proximity to Ft.Lauderdale which has Beach Place, Las Olas Riverfront, and Galleria malls, and Miami which has the large Dolphin Mall.
If you are interested in renting a vacation home in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or in nearby areas, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or any other place worldwide, please see our vacation home rentals website: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden
Beach Professional Checklist: What to Include with Your Beach Bag
I have always loved the beach, but it took me a while to catch on to what I needed to organize and bring with me each time in order to spend "quality" time at any beach I traveled to. Now after numerous experiences of forgetting particular items that would have helped me or my family enjoy the day at the beach a little more, I think I have the checklist down pat, and would like to share with you:
1. Bring your own folding Lawn or Beach Chairs (many beaches charge for the use of their chairs, or they may already be taken up by others), or a portable, folding beach mat will work nicely.
2. Beach towel(s)
3. Sun Tan Lotion
4. Mosquito Spray (if your in an area prone to these)
5. Sunglasses
6. Sun Cap or Visor
7. Bottled Water and/or Drinks
8. Snacks (particularly if kids are involved or bring food if you are preparing for a picnic)
9. Eyedrops (for getting stinging salt water in the eyes)
10. Kleenex (running noses)
11. Money for concession stands or beach entrance fees if applicable (Keep money & valuables
hidden or bring your water wallet–can use for your car keys too.)
12. Water Floats, Noodles, or Snorkel Equipment
13. Water Shoes (sometimes beaches have rocky areas uncomfortable on the feet)
14. Wear Your FlipFlops or Sandals to the Beach–plastic ones are easier to clean sand off.
15. T-shirt & shorts for afterwards (Sometimes a t-shirt is nice to wear in the water to help with sunburn.)
16. A good book to read or radio
17. If you have children, don’t forget sand toys, such as a pail & shovel or beachball.
18. Watch
19. Cell phone
20. Of course, bring your swimsuit, unless you plan on swimming nude!
Author, Tamara Camden, owner of the vacation home rentals website, http://www.rentals2remember.com
1. Bring your own folding Lawn or Beach Chairs (many beaches charge for the use of their chairs, or they may already be taken up by others), or a portable, folding beach mat will work nicely.
2. Beach towel(s)
3. Sun Tan Lotion
4. Mosquito Spray (if your in an area prone to these)
5. Sunglasses
6. Sun Cap or Visor
7. Bottled Water and/or Drinks
8. Snacks (particularly if kids are involved or bring food if you are preparing for a picnic)
9. Eyedrops (for getting stinging salt water in the eyes)
10. Kleenex (running noses)
11. Money for concession stands or beach entrance fees if applicable (Keep money & valuables
hidden or bring your water wallet–can use for your car keys too.)
12. Water Floats, Noodles, or Snorkel Equipment
13. Water Shoes (sometimes beaches have rocky areas uncomfortable on the feet)
14. Wear Your FlipFlops or Sandals to the Beach–plastic ones are easier to clean sand off.
15. T-shirt & shorts for afterwards (Sometimes a t-shirt is nice to wear in the water to help with sunburn.)
16. A good book to read or radio
17. If you have children, don’t forget sand toys, such as a pail & shovel or beachball.
18. Watch
19. Cell phone
20. Of course, bring your swimsuit, unless you plan on swimming nude!
Author, Tamara Camden, owner of the vacation home rentals website, http://www.rentals2remember.com
A Perfect Day in Paradise
My husband and I felt the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary was to get a bite to eat and spend a day at the beach.
Therefore, we drove out of Key West on US Highway 1 about 20 miles north to Mile Marker 25. We heard positive reviews about the Key West FishCutters restaurant in Summerland Key, and were dying to try their Lobster sandwich. Having never been there before, we were pleasantly impressed. The nautical-themed restaurant was clean and cheery. We each ordered the platter with the special BLT (Bacon, Lobster & Tomato Sandwich with fries). The food was excellent, and needlesstosay, we felt like stuffed whales when we got in our car and headed for the beach 12 miles north near Big Pine Key.
Bahia Honda State Park (Mile Marker 37) boasts the nicest beach area in the Florida Keys. This 524-acre park has about 2 ½ miles of sandy beaches. It has an impressive recreational facility for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. There is also a Sand & Sea Nature Center there for visitors to learn about the surrounding Keys wildlife.
After paying our nominal entrance fee at the park’s gate, we parked our car near one of the tourist beach areas. The ocean water was absolutely beautiful and crystal clear turquoise in color. We felt like we were in heaven, just relaxing and basking in the nice warm water, bouncing in the waves in our beach noodle chairs. The brown pelicans, seagulls and sandpipers that surrounded us seemed to enjoy themselves too. I highly recommend a day like this for anyone who wants some nice R & R, or to have a romantic day at the beach. Thumbs up to both Key West Fishcutters restaurant in Summerland Key, and Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida!
For information about vacation home rentals in the Florida Keys, or anywhere else worldwide, please search our database at http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden.
Therefore, we drove out of Key West on US Highway 1 about 20 miles north to Mile Marker 25. We heard positive reviews about the Key West FishCutters restaurant in Summerland Key, and were dying to try their Lobster sandwich. Having never been there before, we were pleasantly impressed. The nautical-themed restaurant was clean and cheery. We each ordered the platter with the special BLT (Bacon, Lobster & Tomato Sandwich with fries). The food was excellent, and needlesstosay, we felt like stuffed whales when we got in our car and headed for the beach 12 miles north near Big Pine Key.
Bahia Honda State Park (Mile Marker 37) boasts the nicest beach area in the Florida Keys. This 524-acre park has about 2 ½ miles of sandy beaches. It has an impressive recreational facility for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. There is also a Sand & Sea Nature Center there for visitors to learn about the surrounding Keys wildlife.
After paying our nominal entrance fee at the park’s gate, we parked our car near one of the tourist beach areas. The ocean water was absolutely beautiful and crystal clear turquoise in color. We felt like we were in heaven, just relaxing and basking in the nice warm water, bouncing in the waves in our beach noodle chairs. The brown pelicans, seagulls and sandpipers that surrounded us seemed to enjoy themselves too. I highly recommend a day like this for anyone who wants some nice R & R, or to have a romantic day at the beach. Thumbs up to both Key West Fishcutters restaurant in Summerland Key, and Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida!
For information about vacation home rentals in the Florida Keys, or anywhere else worldwide, please search our database at http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Author, Tamara Camden.
Key West "Funky Town"
Key West is a great escape for those who want to experience that island "ting", but with the modern American conveniences. Key West is known for international tourism, to include the snowbirds from the Northern US & Canada, Europeans, Asians, and even Northern Floridians who want to leave the hustle of city life behind.
Although Key West is in the United States, it is often referred to as the "Conch Republic", and the laid back attitude here makes you feel like you are in another country. Many Key Westers are known to be "quirky" and "friendly", which makes up the charm of the city. Many artisans make their home here, and you’ll see delightfully painted bicycles, cars, and other island crafts around you. Key West is a pet-friendly town, too, and you’ll see chickens freely roam the streets.
Key West is the Southernmost city in the United States, and actually is closer to Cuba (90 miles), than it is to the Florida mainland. Key West is an island approximately 4 x 2 miles wide and is the last of the 100-mile-long chain of islands that connect all of the Florida Keys by bridges. There is only one road to and from Key West, (Highway US-1). This road travels from Key West up all the Florida Keys to the mainland to the city of Homestead, Florida.
The population of Key West is around 26,000 people, but the city average’s about 18,000 visitors daily. Key West has lovely historic homes in Old Town, and lovely pastel colored homes throughout the New Town area. Because of the limited availability of land and year-round sunny weather, real estate prices in Key West are some of the highest in the country.
Tourism is the primary business interest here. Downtown, Duval Street is world famous. Many tourists will experience the "Duval Crawl" by visiting the numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and bars located on this street.
Key West has more to offer than just bars. Take a tour on the famous "Conch Train. This tour is a "MUST DO" if you want an overall view of the island, and to get tips on famous spots. The conductors are great at explaining the history of Key West.
Other attractions include the Ernest Hemingway House (where many live 6-toed cats reside), the Key West Aquarium, the Custom Art House, Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum, the Shipwreck Historeum, the Lighthouse, The Harry Truman Little White House, the Southernmost House, Pirate Soul Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Ghost Tours, Glass Bottom boat tours, and more. You can also book a boat or seaplane for a day-trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park which takes you to a natural beautiful island about 70 miles west of Key West.
Key West also has a few beautiful beaches to enjoy: Ft. Zachary Taylor Park, Smathers, Higgs, and South Beach. Each beach may offer it’s own particular services such as kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, and parasailing.
If you are interested in searching for a vacation home in Key West, or the Florida Keys, or any other place world-wide, please visit: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Tamara Camden, author and resident of Key West, is owner of the vacation homes rental website: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Although Key West is in the United States, it is often referred to as the "Conch Republic", and the laid back attitude here makes you feel like you are in another country. Many Key Westers are known to be "quirky" and "friendly", which makes up the charm of the city. Many artisans make their home here, and you’ll see delightfully painted bicycles, cars, and other island crafts around you. Key West is a pet-friendly town, too, and you’ll see chickens freely roam the streets.
Key West is the Southernmost city in the United States, and actually is closer to Cuba (90 miles), than it is to the Florida mainland. Key West is an island approximately 4 x 2 miles wide and is the last of the 100-mile-long chain of islands that connect all of the Florida Keys by bridges. There is only one road to and from Key West, (Highway US-1). This road travels from Key West up all the Florida Keys to the mainland to the city of Homestead, Florida.
The population of Key West is around 26,000 people, but the city average’s about 18,000 visitors daily. Key West has lovely historic homes in Old Town, and lovely pastel colored homes throughout the New Town area. Because of the limited availability of land and year-round sunny weather, real estate prices in Key West are some of the highest in the country.
Tourism is the primary business interest here. Downtown, Duval Street is world famous. Many tourists will experience the "Duval Crawl" by visiting the numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and bars located on this street.
Key West has more to offer than just bars. Take a tour on the famous "Conch Train. This tour is a "MUST DO" if you want an overall view of the island, and to get tips on famous spots. The conductors are great at explaining the history of Key West.
Other attractions include the Ernest Hemingway House (where many live 6-toed cats reside), the Key West Aquarium, the Custom Art House, Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum, the Shipwreck Historeum, the Lighthouse, The Harry Truman Little White House, the Southernmost House, Pirate Soul Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Ghost Tours, Glass Bottom boat tours, and more. You can also book a boat or seaplane for a day-trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park which takes you to a natural beautiful island about 70 miles west of Key West.
Key West also has a few beautiful beaches to enjoy: Ft. Zachary Taylor Park, Smathers, Higgs, and South Beach. Each beach may offer it’s own particular services such as kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, and parasailing.
If you are interested in searching for a vacation home in Key West, or the Florida Keys, or any other place world-wide, please visit: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
Tamara Camden, author and resident of Key West, is owner of the vacation homes rental website: http://www.rentals2remember.com/
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