Happy Vacationing

Vacation rentals are the newest and the hottest form of rental accommodation available today, their popularity and availability has grown exponentially over the last three years it is “now” the place to enjoy your holidays, honeymoons and romantic getaways. Many families are now choosing vacation rentals over other form of accommodations as they provide them with a homely environment, memorable moments and complete freedom while on their trip. I recently participate in a international travel seminar and I was amazed to see how the vacation rental industry as evolved in past 5 years. I learned a whole lot so I thought I would share the changes and what to expect in the vacation rentals Industry.

What are vacation rentals?

Vacation rentals are furnished accommodation which comes in different kinds such as luxurious condominium, cottage, apartment, tropical villas. They can range from 1-20 bedrooms and offer additional space such as a living room, dining room, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor areas including patios and balcony. They are available at pretty much any location from tropical beach fronts, in urban centres to romantic rural settings.

Why choose a vacation rental?

The main reasons vacationers choose vacation rentals are:

Easy Booking

·         Many vacation rental companies’ websites offer secure reservation systems, with immediate online availability and confirmation.

Peace of mind

·         More space – No need to cram the entire family into a single hotel room. It can be challenging to sleep, while other members of the family watch TV at night in a single hotel room.

·         It allows you to lounge around in your PJ’s all day

·         No housekeeping to boot you out daily at a certain time

More choices more places

·         vary in locations from beach fronts to city centres

Value for money

·         On a nightly basis they deliver exceptional value, especially if you travel with friends or as a group

·         The space you get relative to the price you pay is unbeatable

·         The Kitchen make a huge difference to the bottom line   - Eat in your own kitchen - It is highly beneficial from a financial point of view you save money by cooking your own meal instead of  expensive meals at restaurants, the tips, taxes and service charges all adds up.

·         When you stay in a hotel room you have to eat out 100 percent of the time

Home away from home

·         Your kids can play whenever and wherever

·         Offers unbeatable privacy  - You can request do not disturb for your entire stay

What are the limitations?

·         One limitation found in vacation rentals is the lack of 24 hours service staff but now this problem is address by many companies. Many offer the renters various services like hotels. These services involve front desk check-in, 24-hour maintenance, housekeeping, concierge service and more.

·         Before finalizing your stay know the terms as this could lead to misunderstanding and really unpleasant trips - things to look for: no pets, no smoking, no housekeeping, and no parking cleaning policies.

·         Security deposit issues - Rules about how you are refunded and what are considered as damages.

Now you are aware about Vacation Rentals – keep in mind such rentals when planning your vacation. Have a great stay.

Will you marry me?

Do you take this lady to be your lawfully wedded wife? Yes I Do!

and Madam.. Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?  Yes I Do! …..

I am getting married in the morning, ding dong the church bells are ringing ……If you really want me and you really need me, then come on out and get me……lyrics from a famous 1980's hit song was all that played in my head as I was getting ready to visit the Ottawa’s 2011 Bridal show.

Bridal shows are here again these must attend events for engaged couples, their friends and their families provide “to be brides” a perfect opportunity to meet wedding industry experts to get the resources and knowledge they need to plan their big day.

Recently a friend and I decide to check out the Wedding Palace Bridal Show in Ottawa. The show had a full house of attendees, a great number of which were brides and grooms to be. We had a fantastic time meeting and greeting fellow attendees at the 2011 show, I could feel the excitement in the air, and you could not help observing those girly smiles and joyous out pour of excitements from just about all the female attendees. Love was in the air, it was so cute to see partners holding hands while trying to walk in single files. My conclusion   was the show was an amazing success – how did I come to that conclusion?

The Ottawa bridal show saw more than 2000 attendees it was the perfect prelude to 2011 Valentine Weekend. The show was held exactly one month to the most important day on the Romantic calendar - Valentine’s Day - Yes guys take note Valentine Day is February 14^th.

This two day event was held at the Westin Hotel and featured more than 50 different exhibitors ranging from professional photographers to Caribbean destination wedding Vendors - This year features door prizes range from a chance to win diamond rings, jeweller gift certificates to all inclusive honeymoon packages.

Interestingly I asked myself the question prior to attending this event – “why would someone visit a bridal show?”

 Many people including I thought it was a obvious answer so curiousty get the most of me and off I went to answer this question that the world being trying to answer for decades (lol) ;  (– “why would someone visit a bridal show?”)– My findings were:

v  People attend to day dream

v  Some attend because the other half invites them – which leave a hanging question – I wonder what is up? Is he planning to ask? – Should I say yes now - what should I wear in case he did!

v  Others attend to meet wedding industry experts to get the resources and insight they need to plan their big day.

Why did exhibitors attend bridal shows?

v  Generate leads

v  Bring awareness to their brand and to their services

v  Advertise to those looking for the perfect dress  

v  Seek to inspired by displacing the latest styles

v  Show case their brand and services through professionally choreographed fashion shows

So next time a bridal show is in your city, check it out they are so much fun.

http://www.bbinternational.ca

http://www.bbitravel.blogspot.com/

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!

I like to take a minute to thank all our fans – including our Facebook, twitter, blog communities and LinkedIn supporters for your unwavering support for the past year.  I am honoured that you enjoyed the information we shared! And your feed back was irreplaceable as always, I invite you to ask questions and share any feedback you have as our business like everything else in the world grows on complaints, suggestions, pointers and compliments.

Most importantly, I hope you have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. I sincerely hope 2011 will be a glorious year, and that you will be rewarded with success for all your goals and objectives – whether it’s personal or business. We at BBI hope your 2011 endeavours will be filled with success, lots of relaxation and your creative mind will be expanded.

We also wish joyful spirit for you and yours, health body, lots of friendship and great blog posting from BBI :) 

Finally we all celebrate different things at different times and I hope whatever your beliefs are and how you celebrate will bring you great joy. I wish you much happiness, good health and success in 2011.

You didn't think I was going to end this blog posting without a sales pitch, did you? :)  Now that I got your attention. Just kidding looking forward to see some of you guys at our different locations this Valentine Weekend and during the staging of the Ottawa’s Winterlude festival also in February! Stay tuned for our next blog which is expected to be filled with information and …. Oops it’s a secret ….it is for you to find out!     Our thoughts for the New Year maybe you like to try it too “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day."

---Helen Steiner Rice

Happy Holidays,

From the crew at BBI

Our warmest regards
http://weddingisus.com

http://www.bbitravel.blogspot.com/