Orlando- Home to Your Perfect Vacation

Without a doubt, Florida is one of the most frequently visited vacation destinations in the world. And, not surprisingly, Orlando is ranked the #1 cities to visit in 2010. Orlando steadily attracts tourists who are looking for both value and substance in their vacation.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Orlando or your 10th, there is always something new and exciting to investigate. Orlando may be known as the “theme park capitol of the world,” but there are an endless number of activities available outside of the theme parks as well.

Rest assured, families, business executives, friends, couples, and retirees alike will find themselves inundated with the superfluity of Orlando area attractions awaiting them right around the bend.

Walt Disney World has long been the top attraction in Orlando, hosting a large variety of activities for both children and adults. Four theme parks, (EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s, and Animal Kingdom) two water parks, (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) and 22 different themed resorts will be sure to keep families visiting Orlando full of frenzied fun for days on end.

Then there is the infamous La Nouba Cirque du Soleil, perfect for the fan of anything boasting eccentricity. A circus of sorts, the Cirque du Soleil is a show with acrobatics, music, dancers, mimes, cyclists, and trapeze artists.

Still, for others, there are “Saturday Nights in Old Town,” featuring free rock concerts and classic car-cruising. And a day trip to Daytona Beach, the “World’s Most Famous Beach”, can be a perfect addition to your Orlando area vacation.

If you’re looking for more, and perhaps a less conventional means of fun, you can always check out “209 Things to Do in Orlando”.

One thing’s for certain, you’ll never see a dull moment when visiting Orlando.



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Ten Packing Tips for the Perfect Vacation

by: Teresa Bell Kindred

I learned an important lesson about packing the hard way. When our five children were young packing for them was a nightmare. There was never enough time (or energy) to get everything done. One year we arrived at our destination only to find that one son’s suitcase had been left at home. Another year we unpacked and only two of the four boys had underwear. With five children we were always on a budget and having to go buy new clothes and underwear was not part of the plan.

Here are some tips to help prevent packing problems and assure you that you are ready for your perfect vacation:

1. Think like a Boy Scout…be prepared. Start making lists and packing several days (even a week) before you are ready to leave. Then have someone else double check your lists.

2. Be sure and take medicines and prescriptions with you. I learned this the hard way too. One of our sons had severe asthma and one year the nebulizer (a machine that aids with breathing) got left at home.

3. Remember the weather can change. Take jackets and umbrellas just in case.

4. Roll clothes in a suitcase instead of folding. It saves space and prevents wrinkles.

5. If you are traveling by air label all suitcases carefully. You never know whether or not your luggage will end up at the same place you do.

6. If you are on a budget take sunscreen, sunglasses, lotion with you. It’s usually more expensive at resorts or hotels.

7. If you are taking lots of sporting equipment with you why not Fedex it ahead to your vacation destination? It’s just less stuff you have to worry with!

8. If you don’t have luggage with wheels, get some. If you have to beg, borrow or steal it (just kidding!) it’s worth the trouble.

9. If you are an avid reader (like me) consider getting a Kindle or something like it. It’s much easier than carting a sack of books around with you.

10. Before you leave home have everyone double check their own list. If one son forgets an I-pod or your daughter forgets her cell phone, it can make for a very long travel time!

Have fun and remember and remember, a little planning goes a long way towards creating a perfect vacation.





The Perfect Golf Getaway Is Waiting In Destin

Are you a major fan of golfing? Then you know that nothing compares to a good game of golf when the weather is perfect. While every enthusiast has his or her own particular “day out” for enjoying the sport, the common agreement is always the same: a good golf outing is dependent on the weather. And where else does great weather and award-winning golf blend better than in Destin, Florida.

A fresh breeze with sunshine and crisp air is ideal for golfing but can be hard to find this time of year. If you have been itching for the back nine then right now is the perfect time for a Florida golf vacation. With February coming to a close, the weather in Destin is prime for avid golfers to grab their clubs and head out for a perfect game. The temperature is in the mid-70s and there is little rain in the forecast making this is the ideal time of year for a golf weekend in Destin.

At iTrip we have a wide selection of Destin FL vacation rentals available to make your next golf getaway one for the record books. We have spacious Destin vacation home rentals to accommodate your entire foursome. Or book a luxurious Destin condo rental and your wife won’t mind becoming a golf widow for the weekend. Finding the ideal Destin FL vacation rental for your golf getaway is easy by using the property search tool on the homepage of our website. Just select what type of rental you would like and when you want to go and the Property search tool will show you what is available.

The golf season is short lived in Destin, beginning in April the Florida heat and humidity will make any golf game uncomfortable, so our team here at iTrip is ready to help you book your next Florida golf vacation. A game at your local course is always good, but a golf weekend in Destin and your own private vacation rental is always above par.





Win A Week In An Orlando Vacation Rental!

Thanks for visiting the Itrip blog you can qualify for the Free week vacation by clicking on this link to the Contest Page. When you arrive at the contest page be sure to click the link to enter and include in the subject line your favorite vacation destination. The free week stay will be in this wonderful Vacation Home just minuites from Disney.

We will select the winner to the contest on April 1st, limit one entry per person.

Win a week in this Orlando area vacation home





Last Minute Valentine’s Getaway for Couples

Do you want to celebrate your love with more than just dinner and flowers? It’s not too late to plan an entire weekend full of romance. At iTrip, our team is ready to make planning a romantic escape as easy as a few clicks of your mouse. We have hundreds of vacation rentals available in the most desirable vacation destinations around the world, each making for the perfect weekend spent with the special person in your life.

Get out of the snow and celebrate your love in Destin Florida. Take a walk on white sand beaches or get pampered with couple’s spa treatments and at the end of the day indulge in champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in your private vacation rental. Romantic getaways to the beach are the ultimate vision for smitten couples and Destin is sure to delight your hearts true love.

Is your relationship much more extroverted? Take advantage of our vacation rentals in Panama City Beach and enjoy the city’s nightlife and warmer weather. There really is no limit to what adventures a weekend getaway in Panama City Beach can hold. Whether you want to shine on the dance floor or enjoy a romantic dinner at a 5 star restaurant, Panama City Beach offers plenty of excitement for you and your sweetheart.

Interested in getting more information about the romantic vacation rentals we have available for Valentine’s Day? Use our property search tool on our homepage to find vacation rentals across the world and let iTrip help in making this the best Valentine’s Day weekend you and your loved one have ever had.

Vacation Rentals for a romantic weekend getaway





Make This Valentine’s Day Special

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Have you considered treating the special someone in your life to something other than chocolates and roses? One of the most romantic gestures you can give is the life-long memory of a couple’s vacation. So take an extended weekend and enjoy a romantic beach getaway. To make things even better, iTrip still has vacation rentals available for Valentine’s weekend, and at great prices.

Utilizing a vacation rental instead of a standard hotel room is always a treat and much more so when you are enjoying the trip with your loved one. Staying in a vacation rental offers a significantly higher convenience, relaxation, and privacy factor when compared to a hotel. Imagine the serenity in knowing that you and the special person in your life will not be bothered by the outside world. Instead, you can spend the weekend together doing the things you want to do and enjoying the comfort of a private vacation home rental.

There is something for everyone when it comes to vacation rentals. Whether you and your spouse prefer the nightlife of the city, spending time on the beach, or simply staying in and enjoying a peaceful getaway, rest assured that iTrip has a vacation rental waiting for you. All it takes is a few minutes to plan out your budget and what you want to do during your vacation. If a vacation rental sounds like the perfect plan for your Valentine’s Day getaway, then take the time to make the arrangements before time runs out.

Interested in finding the perfect vacation rental for Valentine’s Day? Use our property search tool on our homepage to discover vacation rentals available in the most romantic destinations. Make this Valentine’s Day special for you and your loved one, you will be glad you did.

Private vacation rentals allow for a romantic getaway





Vacation Rentals Star in a Super Bowl Commercial

Return on February 14, 2010 and register to win a
7 day 7 night stay in this Orlando vacation home!
Click on the below image to view details.

Win a Free Vacation Rental

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Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo are back in their original roles as the Griswold’s. This time the hilarity ensues as the Griswold couple receives terrible hotel service from a less than reputable travel provider. The key message throughout the campaign highlights the significant value that travelers get from vacation rentals.


Here at iTrip we strive to make your vacations as easy and as enjoyable as possible. So to help you avoid a hotel hell vacation, like the Griswold’s had, we have compiled a simple explanation of the values offered by vacation rentals.


What are Vacation Rentals?
“Vacation rental” is a term used in the vacation industry to describe the short-term lease of a fully furnished house or apartment to vacationers.


From vacation home rentals to luxury beachfront villas, vacation rentals have all the extras that you cannot find in a hotel – extra space, extra amenities, extra privacy all to increase your vacation experience. Vacation rentals give travelers the unique opportunity to appreciate the local culture while enjoying the comforts of home.


The Value of Vacation Rentals
Hotel rates are based on occupancy, whereas vacation rental rates are a flat fee. Vacation rentals can be more affordable than renting multiple hotel rooms, with prices starting at $95 a night for a three bedroom vacation condo rental which sleeps 6. Perhaps this is why vacation rentals are a popular choice when traveling with a large group.


Vacation rental prices also include amenities you would have to pay for in hotels such as, full kitchens, furnished living rooms and laundry service. Added extras can include private patios, gardens, pools and beach access. The length of your vacation is always flexible too. Vacation rental management companies often offer lower prices when you compare price per person per night. When it comes to cost, nothing compares to the value of a vacation rental.


Get More!
Hotels today don’t offer the personal comforts and luxuries that come standard with vacation rentals. Vacation rental property owners like to entice their renters with the offer of vacationing in a dream home so the kitchens come fully stocked with a plethora of appliances, bathrooms are large and luxurious, TV’s are big and theater systems loud, and the internet is fast. Try finding that at hotels!


The onsite amenities available also offer more than hotels ever could. With tennis and golf facilities on the property, game rooms to entertain the kids and pools and Jacuzzi’s to relax the adults vacation rentals offer more for everyone. Vacation rentals turn a dream home into your dream vacation.


The Best Customer Service
Who knows your vacation destination better than the locals? Each one of our vacation destinations has destination specific representatives to assist you in planning the best vacation of your life. With their local knowledge of the community they can offer advice on the best attractions and tips on avoiding the worst tourist traps.

Yes, hotels may have concierge services available, but they’re often sponsored by businesses. A concierge service will often direct visitors to high-priced tourist traps or chain restaurants you have back home instead of the area’s best hole-in-the-wall diner you would never find on your own. These practices are not what we consider good customer service.


When planning your next vacation visit our website first. We have everything you need to plan your perfect vacation getaway right at your fingertips. Read through our older blog posts to get more information on specific vacation destinations, or to receive the best travel tips and tricks. Once you have decided on the ideal destination for your next vacation, visit the homepage of our website and use our Property Search Tool to find the best deals on vacation rentals. With iTrip your perfect vacation is just a quick search away.





Seacrest Beach, Florida: Vacation Rental or Hotel?

Seacrest Beach, Florida is perfect for nature lovers seeking an unspoiled retreat in an un-crowded environment. So why spoil your vacation in an overcrowded hotel room?


Many people are discouraged from vacation rentals because it might seem easier and cheaper to just book a hotel room for a few nights. Unfortunately, this belief has become instilled in people’s minds over time. In actuality a vacation rental is just as easy to book and can be more economical than staying in a hotel. Enjoying a vacation in Seacrest Beach has never been more relaxing.


When comparing the cost of staying in a hotel with the cost of leasing a vacation rental, it is important to remember the external factors. Take a moment to sit down and evaluate your budget. Will you need multiple hotel rooms to accommodate all your family or guests? Will you need to pay for transportation or beach parking? Will you be eating every meal at restaurants? Those are just some of the extra expenses hotels don’t tell you about.


In terms of convenience, a vacation rental has all the extra amenities that you cannot find in a hotel. From private beach access, close proximity to local attractions, space to accommodate your entire family and full kitchens, vacation rentals have the luxuries that a hotel can never provide.


A trip to Seacrest Beach is a once in a lifetime event, why not make the most of it? All it takes is a visit to our website and you’re set to go.


Seacrest Beach Vacation Rentals





Groundhog Day 2010

This morning Punxsutawney Phil, the weather predicting groundhog, saw his shadow and told us that there will be 6 more weeks of winter.


Why wait out the arrival of spring in cold and ice when there are still plenty of hot deals available on beachside vacation rentals? Here at iTrip, we have done the hard work for you and compiled the best vacation rentals in some of the most luxurious destinations around the globe, and all at a great price. From Panama City Beach, FL to Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica we are your number one resource for planning the perfect tropical vacation.


Perhaps you know that you need a relaxing beach vacation, but have not decided on a specific location. No problem. Whether you are looking for informative articles on specific destinations, travel tips and tricks, or are ready to find the best vacation rental deals available, we have everything you need right at your fingertips. Check out our website or read through our older blog posts to lend a hand in selecting an ideal destination for your beach getaway.


Already know where you’re going? Find your perfect vacation rental by utilizing our “Property Search” tool located the front page of our website. Simply choose the location you are interested in traveling to and our system will give you the best vacation rental deals available in the area. You can even sort by arrival date and number of bedrooms. Book online to immediately secure your vacation rental or contact one of our destination specific representatives who will be glad to provide you with the latest vacation rental deals and assist you in booking your tropical getaway.


The first month of the New Year has already come to a close, but for most people, springtime seems a ways off. Why not enjoy a little sun and warmth while the prices are still hot? You may only have a weekend or a few days to get away, but those days will be the best of the whole year. Let our team at iTrip assist you in planning the perfect beach getaway that will put your mind and wallet at ease.


A great beach vacation at a great price is only a search away.


Groundhog Day 2010 - 6 More Weeks of Winter





Planning Your Ideal Vacation Getaway

Having an awesome vacation experience is neither difficult nor expensive to do if you have the right resource on your side. In fact, you can enjoy an amenity rich stay in a private vacation rental house and enjoy your destination’s local pleasures without breaking the bank. The secret is to make arrangements ahead of time and with iTrip, the leader in vacation rental management. At iTrip, we dedicate ourselves to making the process as smooth and cost effective as possible.

Budget savvy travelers know that now is the time to take advantage of the various travel deals available in exciting vacation destinations across the country. iTrip offers budget-friendly luxury vacation homes and condos in exclusive destinations including Destin, Panama City Beach, Orlando, South Walton Beach and Perdido Key in Florida, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach in Alabama and Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. So whether you want a romantic beach getaway, or some quality time away from home with family we have the perfect vacation rental for you.

Once you have an idea of the type of vacation getaway you would like visit our website and use the property search tool to view the best vacation rental properties available at the best price. Simply select your preferred travel date, number of guests, features and amenities desired, and you will be presented with all of our available vacation rental properties in your chosen destination.

When you have found the vacation rental that is just right for you visit our contact page to get in touch with one of our destination specific representatives who will provide you with tons of information regarding the latest vacation rental deals and local activity ideas. Because our representatives focus solely on individual destination, they know what is up and coming in the area during the dates you are traveling and will be glad to assist you with booking your ideal vacation.

Traveling should be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. Let our team at iTrip help make your next vacation getaway a perfect one.

Vacation Getaways from iTrip





iTrip Joins Hands with Kissimmee Guest Services

The fame of Orlando, Florida as a family destination needs no introduction. Famous for its theme parks and entertainment avenues, Orlando manages to draw in tourists and visitors from every corner of the world. Aptly referred by travelers as a larger-than-life playground, Orlando has a lot more to offer than what is typically expected from this Florida vacation destination. Tourists of all ages have something to look forward to in Orlando. Visitors find ample opportunities to indulge in exclusive shopping sprees, enrich their minds in visits to museums, partake in multiple types of sporting events, view outstanding performance art, and stopover in the outlaying towns and neighborhoods of Orlando.

Speaking of the theme parks… Along with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the hugely popular Sea World, Orlando throws in a couple of water parks, a high-tech video arcade, championship golf courses and a huge sports complex providing you with just about every type of entertainment imaginable. Visitors wanting to make the most of their vacation are now sincerely considering the idea of Orlando vacation rental homes. Vacation rentals not only make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable but also provide ample time to spend with your family and loved ones in one vacation rental unit rather than in multiple separate hotel rooms.

Taking the relationship with guests a step further is the vacation rental company iTrip. Besides providing guests with a gamut of luxury vacation rentals and ultra-modern accommodation options, iTrip realized that there was a lot more that could be done towards guest services in order to make their vacation rental company unique and truly holistic. In recent developments aimed towards providing guests with a more comfortable and relaxed Orlando vacation, iTrip went into a strategic partnership with Kissimmee Guest Services.

Kissimmee Guest Services is the most trusted name for Orlando attraction tickets in the local entertainment industry. As a result of this partnership guests staying in an iTrip Orlando vacation rental property will have the facility of Kissimmee Guest Services to provide them with the most trusted discounted Orlando attraction tickets. This will ensure that guests not only receive the best prices on their Orlando vacation but also get a chance to experience the impressive professional services offered by iTrip and Kissimmee Guest Services. Once you make reservations for your Orlando vacation rental with iTrip you will be provides with a promotional code that will enable you to receive special offers and discounts towards Orlando attraction tickets with a low price guarantee. A great Orlando vacation rental and top Orlando attraction tickets now go hand in hand with iTrip. Try us and you will feel the difference!

Kissimmee Guest Services LogoiTrip Logo

Sea World Orlando vacation rentals





Orlando, Florida – Your Perfect Theme Park Holiday Destination

Home to some of the top names in the list of most visited tourist attractions in the United States of America; Orlando, Florida has something for each of us within the expanse of this city to look forward to. With an impressive list of theme parks, including Sea World, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios ruling the roost. It would not be wrong to state that Orlando allows you to bring out the kid in you!

The City of Orlando has a little more than 2 million residents living within its boundaries. When studying the population here in Orlando, Florida, it can be safely deduced that most of it is constituted by tourists who simply fell in love with the place to the extent that they decided to start a new life here. Such is the charm and charisma of this Orlando vacation destination. The city provides a well-diversified mix of people, who at heart are unified by their love and appreciation towards Orlando. Orlando is visited by thousands of people in search of a great vacation or getaway and this vacation destination surely manages to succeed towards providing all with a vacation of a lifetime!

Since Orlando is a family destination therefore in all probability you would be travelling here with your family and friends. If this is the case then why not make the most of your trip and spend as much quality time that you can with your loved ones. Hotel rooms turn out to be space confined and you end up paying exorbitant rates to have your family and loved ones separated in different hotel rooms. A bad bargain we would say! So if you plan to book many hotel rooms on your next trip to Orlando, try renting one of our Orlando vacation homes instead! Our experience in this field allows us to say that vacation rental homes are surely cost effective. Not only will you end up saving money on your stay but at the same time get to spend more time together in one of our Orlando luxury vacation homes. With iTrip you get to stay in some of the most top Orlando rental homes in the area. The choice of Orlando home rentals, Orlando condo rentals and Orlando townhome rentals available with us allows each one you to comfortably accommodate your entire family! So be it an Orlando rental home with full accommodations, or a small private Orlando condo rental perfect for a cozy vacation, with iTrip and our Worry Free Guarantee you can be assured that your holidays will be etched in your minds for a long time to come!

Orlando Vacation Rentals






A Vacation Destination for A Chosen Few- South Walton

Imagine a vacation destination where time seems to loose its existence and the only thing which makes man realize his presence on Earth is the sound of the waves crashing on the shores. The calm and serene environment that this vacation spot can offer is not at all comparable to any other. The good news is that this place does exist and what makes its all the more wonderful is that it is closer to you than you would imagine it to be. Welcome to the Beaches of South Walton, Florida .

Popularly known as the SoWal Beaches, the Beaches of South Walton are located in the north-western region of Florida along the scenic highway 30-A. The quiet beach towns that line the Beaches of South Walton are very popular with tourists who seek peace and calmness in an alternate getaway far away from the maddening rush and the crowds that throng the present day typical beach destinations . The Beaches of South Walton are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation getaway. The area along scenic Highway 30-A which attracts tourists includes stunning beaches, crystal clear springs, lush green pine forests, and the beautiful and breath taking backwater bayous.

Art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home on this section of the Beaches of South Walton coastal shores. Apart from soaking in the beautiful Florida sun on the picturesque sandy beaches, the 30-A area offers a wealth of outdoor activities. You could go ahead and enjoy a multitude of water sport activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skis, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If nature trails are your kind of fun then a bike ride or a hike on the local trails present here will allow you to connect one-on-one with the beautiful natural beauty of this part of Florida. While here, one could even take in the experience of playing a round of championship golf. Its award-winning restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and charming accommodation options make it the perfect spot for your next vacation destination either alone or with your entire family.

The Beaches of South Walton vacation rentals provided by iTrip are high quality well cared for properties. What makes the South Walton vacation rentals by us special is our high standards of service and low competitive rates allow our guests to return to us year after year. Featuring a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, we offer sea facing luxury home rentals and exclusive luxury villas and condo rentals to select. With iTrip Vacation Rentals you can be assured to have the best address along the quiet Beaches of South Walton and scenic 30-A.

Beaches of South Walton





Introducing The Panama City Beach, Your Vacation, Your Way.

There are some beach destinations which provide guests with serene scenic beauty and then there are some which appeal to party hoppers and crowd seekers. But if you are one of those who seek a bigger bite then welcome aboard! Forming a third different category are those beach destinations which choose to deliver a bit more… a bit more of natural beauty coupled with a bit more of entertainment options. Welcome to fun unlimited. Welcome to Panama City Beach luxury vacation rentals.

Panama City Beach, Florida is favorite vacation destination throughout the year. The shores of Panama City Beach offer around 27-miles of uninterrupted, charming and beautiful starchy white beaches shimmering against the emerald blue of the water. Adding to the beauty of the place are the nature preserves, the unspoiled Shell Island and the several historical tales of pirate adventures which add a generous sparkle of the unknown element to this vacation destination. The natural beauty in and around the beach at the Panama City Beach is unparallel. But serene natural beauty is not all what the Panama City Beach, Florida is all about. It promises entertainment, unadulterated, on the rocks! Whatever your age or source of fun and entertainment Panama City Beach is bound to have something to suit your needs. It offers championship golf, great casual and fine dining, lifestyle shopping excursions, water sport options, amusement parks, electrifying nightlife and the good old-fashion entertainment under the sun.

We believe that a good and a comfortable place to stay form’s a very integral part of having a good relaxed vacation. Ideally your Panama City Beach rental should allow you to experience your vacation destination and to feel a part of it without bringing you too close to the crowd. The Panama City Beach vacation rentals offered by iTrip qualify to be your perfect home-away-from-home! Our vacation rentals are furnished one, two and three-bedroom units all along the shores of Panama City beach, which can serve as perfect vacation accommodations for couples as well as large families. All our Panama City Beach vacation rentals are ideally equipped with all the modern amenities that you could want from a home. With our worry free guarantee we take care of all of your Panama City Beach vacation rental requirements while you and your family have the perfect Panama City Beach, Florida vacation.





What’s Hot in 2010? Costa Rica!

In Sunday’s New York Times Travel Section, there was a prominent article on the top 31 places to go in 2010.  Filled with exotic and not-so-exotic locales, this article highlighted the newest, hottest vacation spots for this year.

Coming in at number 15 on the list is…Costa Rica!  From the article:

Costa Rica has been on any eco-minded traveler’s radar for years, but with a new birding route in the northeast region of the country, there’s a new reason to pay the country a visit. Opened in early 2009, the Costa Rican Bird Route (www.costaricanbirdroute.com) encompasses 13 far-flung nature reserves with phenomenal avian diversity — the sites are home to more than 500 bird species. Travelers can explore the route on their own with a map ($12.95 when ordered online) or hire a local guide to lead the way. The most popular leg of the route centers on the Sarapiquí-San Carlos region, one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered and prized great green macaw. The landscape along the route runs from wetlands and river explorations to high rain forest canopies and waterfalls; birders can visit renowned tropical biological research stations, stay in newly built eco-lodges and hike or canoe through local family-run reserves in search of rare raptors, herons and kingfishers. — Bonnie Tsui

Lucky for you, iTrip has expanded outside the United States and now has luxury rental properties in Costa Rica!  Start planning your trip today, and let iTrip do the hard work for you.  iTrip takes the guess work out of finding a quality vacation rental accommodation for you.  The last thing you want, especially when traveling to a foreign country, is to find out your vacation rental is not what you thought it would be.  When you use iTrip, you can trust all the properties that are listed.

What are you waiting for?  Don’t you want to experience the rainforests and exotic wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer?



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The Future is Bright in 2010 at iTrip!

ITRIP.NET CLOSES OUT 2009 WITH A STRONG PRESENCE IN 10 MARKETS

Plans for 10 New Markets in 2010

Despite the tough economic climate faced by many businesses in 2009, iTrip.net, a full-service, web-based vacation rental system has grown its presence both online and in the markets it currently holds, including Destin, Panama City, Orlando, South Walton Beach and Perdido Key in Florida, and Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.

The founders of iTrip.net, Steve Presley, Kathy and Todd Morrison, and Thomas Bissmeyer, who have over 20 years of combined experience in managing vacation properties, have created a unique rental management system, which they have coined “Vacation Rental Management 3.0.”

This property owner-centered system has revolutionized the traditional vacation rental marketplace by offering property owners and travelers alike the benefits of online booking, flexibility in rental periods and rates, hand-picked properties in order to ensure the highest quality standards, full-service maintenance of properties, reduced commissions and fees, exclusion of “rotation” practices, and the benefit from a large group with overage bookings.

The future is bright for iTrip, which has plans to expand to new markets in 2010, based on the changing needs and interests of both travelers and rental property owners.

For more information, testimonials, and resources for travelers and property owners about iTrip.net, please visit the company website, http://www.itrip.net, or contact Steve Presley at (615) 476-0902.



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New Flight Security Guidelines – What Do They Mean For You?

Following the attempted – and failed – Christmas Day terrorist attack on a U.S. bound flight, the TSA has released some new security directives as a reaction to the incident.  Of course, this means more strict regulations and procedures that you can expect to find the next time you fly, both internationally and domestically.  As many of you may have read about or seen on television, some of the new guidelines will affect the number of carry-on bags allowed, what may be contained in these carry-on items, and when and for how long you may be allowed to move about the cabin while in flight.  Instead of posting the entire document, I’m linking to it via Flying With Fish.  Here is the link if you have trouble opening the hyperlink:

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2009/12/27/tsa-security-directive-sd-1544-09-06-the-fallout-from-nw253/

Even in these uncertain times, one thing you can be sure of is that when you book your next vacation rental with iTrip, it comes with a 100% worry-free guarantee! iTrip only provides you with the most top-notch, high quality vacation rental properties available.  Just take a look at some of our testimonials to see what our satisfied renters are saying about our service.



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Holiday Travel Survival Tips

I came across this great article in the Orlando Sentinel about how to get through the sometimes stressful holiday travel time, and thought I’d pass it along.  Of course, make iTrip your first stop for first-class accommodations when you travel!

A Holiday Survival Guide: 5 Things You Absolutely Must Know

Chris Elliott, Orlando Sentinel

December 8, 2009

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/news/orl-travel-troubleshooter-2-120809,0,1730658,full.column

Ask Suzy Bennett how she’s approaching the 2009 holiday travel season, and she’ll tell you she isn’t.

“We’re staying home,” says Bennett, who works for a water treatment company in Linwood, Kan. “Or we’re driving.”

Why? Like many other travelers, Bennett is tired of the nonexistent customer service that seems to be the standard these days, and which only gets worse as the inevitable crush of passengers descends on every airport, bus station and train terminal between now and New Year’s Day.

“It’s just not worth the aggravation of flying, except when absolutely necessary,” she said. “My husband and I will drive the 600 miles to our family for the holiday and not be any more tired or annoyed than by flying. Plus, we won’t have to worry about luggage and gifts.”

That’s the bad news. The good news? Travelers are a lot more optimistic about how they’ll get where they’re going during the holidays. A survey conducted by the digital marketing firm Zeta Interactive found that the online buzz about holiday travel is trending 84 percent positive, as opposed to just 68 percent positive a year ago. Among the top terms used by bloggers in association with the 2009 holidays were words like “enjoy” (14 percent), “relax” (12 percent) and “rest” (11 percent).

Ah, almost makes you want to drive to Grandma’s this year.

Snap out of it!

The upcoming travel season will be different than past ones in several important ways. You need more than promises of warm fuzzies. You need a survival guide.

Here you go:

1. MOST OF US WILL ONLY TRAVEL IF WE HAVE TO.

That’s the assessment of Juline Mills, who teaches at the University of New Haven’s department of hospitality management. “The upcoming travel season will see people traveling primarily to visit friends and relatives, and not so much for leisure vacations,” she says.

That is a significant departure from previous holidays, in which Americans used Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s to get away. For those of us who do decide to go somewhere, Mills predicts more people will cruise, because it’s “the best deal in travel,” adding, “meals, lodging, and most activities are included.”

Survival strategy: If you don’t stay home, steer clear of a cruise vacation. You’ll avoid the crowds.

2. LAST-MINUTE IS IN.

The time between booking and departure is growing ever shorter, to the point where the “last-minute” vacation is becoming the norm.

The 2009 holiday travel season will see more 11th-hour getaways than ever, says Helen Fullem, president or The Crown Collection, a Paramus, N.J.-based marketing group for luxury hotels. “Every year in the past that I can remember — going 30 years back — the best hotels in the Caribbean were virtually sold out by the middle of the year,” she said.

“Travelers would pay any price in order to secure reservations for the entire family at some of the chicest and most expensive resorts and be grateful that they even secured the space, at whatever cost,” she added.

This year, those same travelers have more options than ever. And many of them aren’t deciding on a holiday destination until days before their departure. She’s seen customers booking their European vacations “two to three days in advance.”

Survival strategy: For the best flight and hotel options, book at least a week in advance, if not more.

3. TRY NOT TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT.

If you do, you might be unable to catch another plane until 2010. That’s particularly true if you’re flying over the Christmas holiday. Airlines have cut their schedules to the point where every last seat is spoken for — especially during the busy holiday season. Observers say we haven’t seen such tight capacity in many years, if ever.

“Fewer flights mean fewer ways for airlines to re-accommodate passengers, both those who volunteer to give up seats, as well as those who miss their flights,” says Seth Kaplan, a managing partner for Airline Weekly, a trade publication.

“Showing up on time is more important than ever, because the next flight to a destination will, on average, be further in the future than it would have been last year.”

Survival strategy: Call your airline to double-check your departure, and give yourself plenty of time to check in at the airport.

4. YOU’LL PROBABLY PAY A LUGGAGE FEE.

It’s safe to say more travelers than ever will pay extra to transport their luggage and presents during the 2009 holidays than at any other time. Airlines have discovered their money tree, and its name is baggage fees.

“I see this finally making an impact, not so much on the first checked bag but on the second bag,” says Susan Foster, author of “Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler.” She predicts air travelers will try to consolidate their bags to avoid additional fees, and more “bin rage” as passengers fight for increasingly scarce overhead space for their property.

Her advice? Weigh your bag pre-flight, get familiar with your airline’s luggage policies and ship any gifts ahead so that you don’t have to haggle with your carrier over fees.

Survival strategy: Bring only a carry-on bag.

5. IT’S A WI-FI WORLD UP THERE.

A recent survey concluded that 62 percent of leisure travelers would carry a smart phone this year, compared with just 19 percent a year ago. And nowhere will that change be more apparent than on a plane, according to Mike Benjamin, the chief executive of FlightView, a developer of phone applications for travelers.

Chances are better than ever that you’ll be able to access a hotspot on your plane during this holiday travel season, empowering you “with more information than ever,” he said. ” With no major changes in how air traffic works, coupled with unpredictable weather, travelers headed to the airport this holiday season will be armed with actionable flight information that they know how to access and use.”

Survival strategy: Pack your phone in your carry-on bag. You may need it.

While some things will be different this holiday season, others will remain unchanged. For example, there’s still a “peak season” when you may not find a room or flight, according to Scott Berman, a hotel analyst at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “For the two weeks between Christmas and New Year’s, I would not expect much discounting,” he told me. “Before and after those two weeks, there will be more value.”

Another thing that hasn’t changed: Even with a preponderance of bargains, you still have to shop carefully. “The key is to look at the best value versus the best rate,” said Matthew Upchurch, the chief executive of Virtuoso, a consortium of travel agents that specialize in luxury travel.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that a Virtuoso agent — actually, any travel agent — can help you determine if a deal’s really a deal.

I wanted to end this story on a positive note, to say something like, “We don’t have to all be like Bennett and stay home,” but who am I kidding? The 2009 holidays will be unlike any we’ve ever seen, and are likely to see again.

Pack these survival tips — or don’t pack at all.

Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine. You can read more travel tips on his blog, elliott.org or e-mail him at celliott@ngs.org





Destination Destin!

How does trading white snow for white sandy beaches sound?  The clean white sand is only the beginning of what’s so special about this band of Gulf of Mexico beachfront dubbed the Emerald Coast. The water is bright green, the dunes are lofty, the fish are plentiful, and the excitement doesn’t quit. For families, for lovers, for anyone, this is the superlative in Florida beach vacationing. Find the perfect beach house or condo on iTrip today. Then grab your fishing pole.

Destin, also dubbed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” has clear waters that hold enough different kinds of fish to inspire an extensive fleet of fishing charters, a bevy of tournaments, and a glorious selection of seafood restaurants. With the speediest deep-water access to the Gulf, Destin claims more billfish catches annually than any other Gulf port and up to four times more fish species than most other destinations.

In addition to fishing, tour and glass-bottom boats take you sightseeing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, spotting dolphins and more. You will find them lined up along the harbor in front of seafood restaurants heavy on character, light on the budget.

Henderson Beach State Park, James W. Lee Park, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island…these are just a few of the attractions you’ll find in the Destin area to entertain the entire family.  Here you can find plenty to do, including Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, golf courses, water skiing, plenty of shops and bars along the beach, and even an aquarium on the Boardwalk!  Fort Walton is also home to U.S. Air Force Armament, a sight you’ll surely want to see and the Emerald Coast Science Center for your curious little ones.





Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Now is the time of year when most folks start thinking about a winter getaway to someplace warm and relaxing.  The nights are cold, and snow will cover the ground before we know it.  Why wait until after the holidays?  Why not start a new holiday tradition with a trip before the new year?  Here are a few ideas from iTrip for a quick jaunt this December:

Holiday Shopping Spree

Why not do your holiday shopping while enjoying some warm weather?  It’s not too late to head to Orlando to shop for everyone on your list this year!  Orlando has plenty of first-class shopping available at its top-notch shopping centers and local retail merchants.  On iTrip, you can find a quality, worry-free rental property to meet all your needs.

De-Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for us all.  How about a quick getaway to Destin / Sandestin or Panama City Beach to relax before the whirlwind of parties, dinners, and family gatherings that the end of December brings?  iTrip offers unique and serene accommodations close enough for you to take advantage of sandy beaches, clear ocean waters, championships golf courses, and world-class spas.

Just read some of our testimonials to see what folks are saying about iTrip, and you’ll see how quick and easy it is to find the perfect rental for your Florida getaway this December!



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Its Time for a Vacation!

No matter what kind of vacation you are taking, you’ll find what you need on iTrip. Thinking of a relaxing beach vacation in Panama City or Destin? A condo overlooking the beach would be the perfect place to call home base. Or is Orlando more your scene – exciting amusement parks, five-star restaurants, and vibrant nightlife that you can walk to from your chic downtown pad? With iTrip, you’ll be able to tailor your search to whatever your needs might be and find a fantastic vacation rental. Why look anywhere else?

Let’s face it, vacations are amazing, but the planning can be a headache. Especially when it comes to finding great rental accommodations – that’s the last thing you want to worry about. On iTrip, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. That will give you more time to shop for new vacation clothes, right?



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Fine View iTrip Santa Rosa Beach Vacation Rental

Beach House Rental Santa Rosa Beach Have you stayed at Fine View Beach House Rental provided by iTrip? Please take a minute to rate and review iTrip’s Fine View Beach House Rental.

“Breathtaking sunset from the private deck of this beautiful beachfront home on Seacrest Beach. From the moment you enter this tastefully decorated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home you will be amazed at the stunning view from the four large sliding glass doors that display the pure white sand of Santa Rosa Beach along famous Highway 30-A.”

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Santa Rosa Beach, FL Rentals

iTrip.net is proud to offer vacation rentals in Santa Rosa Beach located in South Walton, Florida!  Our Santa Rosa Beach Rentals are located along one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World!



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1905 Ocean Villa Rental | iTrip.net

Ocean Villa Beach Front Ocean Front Condo Rental Panama City Beach FLHave you stayed at the Newly Decorated Gulf Front Condo located at 1905 Ocean Villa? We would like to ask you to take a few minutes to rate and review this vacation rental property for future visitors of  1905 Ocean Villa.

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214 Shores of Panama Condo Rental

214-Shores-of-PanamaHave you vacationed in Panama City Beach and had the opportunity to rent 214 Shores of Panama 1 Bedroom Condo Rental from iTrip.net? We would like you to take a few minutes to review this rental property, for future visitors of  214 Shores of Panama.

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