Vacation Home Rentals Blog

Ocean City Maryland rentals are certainly hot Internet real estate properties–our search results showed that users pulled up the term a lot in recent months. But how many of you are actually booking vacation homes?

The building pictured–which houses a three-bedroom, three-bath new construction condo for $1,275-$1,775 a week, a discount of $500 a week–is one of many vacation condos in this family-friendly town by the seashore, also dubbed the O.C. VacationHomeRentals.com currently lists 33 homes for rent, as travelers’ demand for modest, low-key beach living hits its peak during this time of year.

Ocean City appeals to folks on many levels: its nearness to Rehoboth Beach, its lively three-mile boardwalk stocked with arcades, rides, musicians, restaurants (Don’t miss out on Fisher’s popcorn, Kohr’s Brothers silky frozen custard and the hunky crabs that are legendary in these parts.) and a concrete path ideal for rollerblading and biking. Skateboarders should leave their gear at home because boards are not allowed on the boardwalk, sorry.

Moms and dads, when the kids could use a break from the funnel cake, take them to the Fenwick Island lighthouse for that ever-important scrapbook photo or Assateague Island to catch a glimpse of the wild ponies. Yes, wild ponies running free.

And that piece of trivia makes it even cooler than the “real O.C.” So take that, Lauren Conrad.

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers, dirty looks.

So now what?

Myrtle Beach condo rentals bring the conveniences of high-rise living to families in dire need of an affordable summer vacation just in time for the end of the school year. The towering building above–christened Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier–is a modest $1,550 a week through Aug. 22. Appointed with a granite counter tops, a full kitchen, sophisticated furniture, a private balcony and sweeping views of the Atlantic, it’s that dream suite that you thought was out of your budget. These flats even have their own dining room tables! No need to eat leftovers in front of the TV.

When Megan and Bobby get sick of playing in the sand, there’s a ninth-floor sundeck fitted with one of those cool mushroom-like canopies that cascades water into the kiddie pool. And how’s this for more little people pleasers? A lazy river and game room to round out the fun.

To save dinero on feeding your family of four, drive to the grocery store near the resort to load up on groceries for the week. Would rather have someone else do the cooking for you, but don’t feel like traveling that far? Kick it at the on-site 3500 Oceanfront Grill or the more casual hangout called the Boardwalk Beach Cafe.

And for those hard-to-please teens and tweens, there’s Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum, the Family King Amusement Park and many more attractions nearby.

Save me a seat on the Ferris wheel.

Now this is a nice marketing move by the owner of this Manhattan vacation rental: Peppering the listing with the word “suite.”

Suite sounds so, well, sweet, doesn’t it? It conjures image of sweet views and your own private hideaway from the bustle below. Coupled with photos of sleek furniture, a gourmet-style galley kitchen, booze for cocktailing, plus amenities like an on-site gym, laundry room and a boutique-style lobby manned by a 24-hour concierge, this is a New York City vacation rental that’s bound to be scooped up.

Within walking distance to Time Square, Madison Square Garden, Empire State Building, Broadway, Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park, the vacation home appeals to tourists seeking to knock out the major tourist destinations during a long weekend or even a single professional who makes frequent trips to the city.

In your offtime, catch “In The Heights,” visit the Empire State Building Observatory, take a photo by the JumboTron, order grub from a food cart or street vendor.

What you obviously should not do: Complain about lodging. At $200-$250 a night, your immaculate apartment is a steal by New York standards. Trust me, I checked.

If a Malibu vacation home was on your list of must-visits or you own a property in this glitzy zip code, be forewarned: Renting and owning could hit you deeper in the pocket.

That’s because as of July 1, Malibu property owners will have to pay a 12 percent transient occupancy tax for vacationers who stay less than 30 days, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Will it affect those of us who “summer” in the playground of the papparrazzi?

90623 landlords: Here’s your chance to sound off. Will you be raising prices to offset the tax burden?

And luxury vacation home renters: to Malibu or not to Malibu this year?

My husband and I disagree on which Pinellas County beach is better: Clearwater or Pass-A-Grille in St. Petersburg Beach.

I favor the residential, old Florida feel of the latter, hold a tender spot in my heart for Hurricane’s rooftop deck (where many a frozen adult beverage was imbibed) and the fact that it was walking distance from my friend’s apartment. Oh, and just seeing that cotton candy pink palace at the foot of Gulf Boulevard–the Don CeSar–gets me all sentimental about my days as a carefree singleton.

My hubs argues that Clearwater Beach has better quality sand, and feel free to chime in on this, that it’s actually softer than the sand at Pass-A-Grille. He also prefers the atmosphere–more buzz, a little bit more touristy. When the kids are all tuckered out from burying dad in the sand, parents can walk along the promenade that is Beach Walk, a 2.5-mile stroll that winds past Pier 60, live music acts, parasailers and arts and crafts fairs.

And how’s this for bragging rights? Clearwater Beach earned TripAdvisor’s honor as one of the top 10 beaches in 2009 for Fort De Soto (No. 1) and Honeymoon Island State Park (No. 9).

OK, Damien, you won. Stop gloating and reserve our Clearwater Beach vacation rental already.

Oregon Coast rentals maybe aren’t the first spots you’d associate with summer vacation, but what if you live in places like Florida and Texas, where the humidity is so thick you could make soup?

Here’s a solution: Head to somewhere, dare I say it, mild. While your Tampa neighbors are complaining about 90-degree heat, you’ll be comfy in 70 degrees and chilly in the high 40s at night.

Call it the un-summer vacation–for tropical beach babies anyway.

The towns sitting along US Highway 101 link a string of oceanfront towns marked by seaside cliffs, dense woodlands and the calming blue Pacific. You may even spot a lighthouse or two or even a whale.

From luxury townhouses to craftsman cottages, the numerous lodging options allow guests to stay in vacation homes equipped for the largest of family reunions to a simple couple’s getaway. When you’re not walking along on the beach (Many of the houses have direct access to the coastline.), you can sample the local brews at Rogue Ales Public House, go antiquing for heirloom quilts and just enjoy the wildlife, like sea lions at play in the caves in Florence.

Trust me, there’s plenty to do.

And if there isn’t, so what. You’re supposed to be on vacation.

When you’ve walked a jillion miles from Cinderella Castle to Frontierland, the last thing you need is another jillion miles to walk on a sprawling resort. You’ve just pushed a stroller and stood in lines in 90-degree heat for eight hours straight. You’re sore, hungry and in dire need of a shower.

Suddenly those five-minute highs from spinning yourselves silly on the tea cups have turned you into a cranky, stinky you-know what.

In preparation for that literal crash–sugar and otherwise–you’ll want to find a nice place to stay. But not that standard, identity-free hotel room, but a real cozy, intimate retreat.

Disney Area vacation homes at Tropical Palms Resort will feel like home. The Kissimmee vacation rental above is a real-life dollhouse, perfectly sized for families with small children. Brimming with the charm of a Key West cottage, the house sports a loft, tiny kitchen, bathroom, TV and wireless access. For the tykes: a kiddie pool and game room.

And there’s something else miniature about the spot, too: the price.

Just $59 a night.

Yes way.

Residents call it the nation’s summer capital, and with good reason.

Rehoboth Beach, Del., swells to more than 25 times its normal population of around 1,500-plus during the season, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s the classic beach town with a booming boardwalk lined with seafooders, steakhouses, bars, a bandstand, carousels and other rides. It’s also buzzing with people-watching opps, too, thanks to regular farmer’s markets, art walks and a sandcastle contest come August.

From Rehoboth beach rentals to B&Bs, the mile-long boardwalk caters to all types of travelers. If you’re packing the minivan, head on down. It’s only a two-hour drive from Philly, D.C. and Baltimore. If you happen to be gay, you’re welcome, too. Embracing diversity is the rep of this laid-back beach destination, or so says TripAdvisor.

Who needs a sleepy Cape Cod rental by owner when you could be chilling here? Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be …