Archive for the ‘Travel Deals’ Category

Fall Vacation Ideas

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Just because the weather is cooling and the days are shorter doesn’t mean that you have to hunker down for the winter just yet. Fall vacations may seem challenging at first, but some of the best scenery and the lowest prices come around when the leaves are turning. Off-peak travel deals can be a steal, and crowds are less of a problem. Holidays also bring about all types of fun and festivals, with each local neighborhood offering its own spin on these seasonal celebrations.

Even if for a few days, a fall getaway can renew your spirits and let you cash in on one last hurrah before full-swing school begins and tourist attractions shut down for the winter.

Find the Fall Colors

Vineyards are a beautiful scene in the fall. As the leaves change, many vineyards hold fall events to capitalize on their beauty. Many vineyards hold wine tasting events during the fall, and tours are a popular offering during this time.

State parks are also a great place to visit at the end of the season. Nature does not end when the summer does, and fall is often the best time for hiking and fishing.

Romp around in Rural Areas

You can often find the best fall fun just a short drive away. Heading into the surrounding areas of San Diego, you can find amazing scenery, and quaint towns with their own Oktoberfests, hay rides, and pumpkin carving.

Apple picking is also a great fall pastime for the whole family. Many orchards offer apple picking along the roadside, and many areas celebrate with apple-picking festivities. Julian is famous for their pies, and this little area is an affordable, fun town to wander around in. A San Diego tradition, the popular Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest runs from September 15 to November 15 and celebrates the town’s pies and ciders. This town offers fun shops, live entertainment, and the best apple pies in the county.

With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin patches, pony rides, farmer’s markets, and corn mazes can be found by the handful.

Embrace a New Culture

Fall is a time when many cultures celebrate their heritage. In Downtown San Diego, the 17th annual Little Italy festival parade is not one to miss. This festival offers more than 150 vendors, three stages of entertainment, a stickball exhibition game, and more than 16 blocks of family-friendly fun. Italian cuisine abounds in this area of the city, and this time of the year is a great time to explore the local fare.

Are you a theater buff? Check out the San Diego 12th annual Asian film festival October 20-28th. This festival focuses on Asian-American cinema and allows patrons to meet filmmakers and actors to get the inside scoop on each film.

Spook Yourself

With Halloween in sight, there’s something spooky for everyone. October hosts Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular where kids can trick-or-treat among sea creatures, see kid-friendly shows, and participate in Halloween crafts. Kids can dress up and take part in this fun event every weekend in October.

For the adults, there is a laundry list of spooky fun in San Diego during the fall. Del Mar hosts The Scream Zone in the month of October every Saturday and Sunday from 7pm to midnight. Here you can jump on a haunted hayride, see the house of horror and experience “the chamber.” You can also visit The Haunted Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter or walk The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park.

Fall is a great time to squeeze in one last vacation. Local visitor centers and chambers of commerce can help you find the best deals of the season. Many local events are still going strong well into the cooler months, and there’s something for everyone—especially around Halloween. Prices are down, and seasonal colors abound. Rural towns begin to pick up as apple-picking season comes around and pumpkins patches ripen, and cultural events begin to unravel around town.

Avoiding Risk: Why you should use a professional property management company

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Whether you’re a rental property owner, or just looking for a great getaway for you and your family, you’ve probably seen the posts on Craigslist and thought about renting from a private owner, or renting out your property yourself.

For a tenant, choice of stay is an important part of the vacation experience and can ultimately affect whether the vacation is fun and worry-free, or full of stress and a waste of money.

For an owner, a rental home can be both a big investment and a big risk. The rewards of renting out your property can be overshadowed by the headaches of property damages, liability, cleaning, and scheduling.

Avoiding Risk as a Tenant

When planning your vacation, it’s important to make this time you’ve taken off to relax as stress and worry-free as possible. When making the choice between property management and a private owner, consider these questions to make an informed decision about whose hands you put your hard-earned time and money into.

  • Does the owner or manager have references?

Making sure that previous experiences are positive and validated can go a long way towards securing your safety and enjoyment.

  • Are you paying market rate?

Property managers use a market rate rental price and thoroughly research the area’s rates to ensure that they can reach the highest level of renters. Therefore, you know that the rate you are getting is standard and reasonable. Make sure you know what the rent is worth before you lay down your deposit.

  • Are you legally protected?

Paperwork is an important part of protecting your family from liability, safe standards, and rental returns if something should go wrong with the property. Make sure that what you’re signing protects you as well as the property owner, and is sufficiently detailed to safeguard you and your investment.

  • Will they help you get the most out of your vacation?

Property managers do their best to offer an enjoyable service to nurture repeat customers. They work with local contractors and vacation rentals to save you a good deal of money and time planning with free loaners for all your vacation needs. Baby strollers, bikes, and beach accessories available through a managed rental can make it a breeze to plan your vacation and get the right gear.

Avoiding Risk as a Rental Property Owner

If you’re considering renting out your property on your own, think through these questions to ensure you have the information and experience you need to get the most out of your property:

  • Do you have experience managing rental property yourself?

If this is your first time renting property, you may want to think about having an experienced hand at the wheel. Although your rental may run smoothly, knowing what to do if it doesn’t can save you time, money, and headaches.

  • Are you familiar with the landlord/tenant laws in your area?

Certain regulations are required of landlords, and legal action can be placed on those who are found in non-compliance.

  • Do you have contractors on hand that can give you a quick turnaround at a reasonable rate?

If your rental property springs a leak, having a plumber who can fix it quickly can save you a large amount of money and further damage to your property. Otherwise, you must be willing to drop everything to handle these issues yourself.

  • Do you know how much your rental property is worth?

Property managers know the fair market rent for the areas they cover. That ensures that your property is rented at a rate that will be inviting to tenants and produce high returns.

  • Do you know the process for handling a tenant that does not pay or that you must evict?

Having the proper paperwork and processes to handle these issues can keep your rental income from stalling and your property from damage.

  • Do you have the correct binding contracts for your tenants to sign?

It’s important to ensure that your property is handled in a professional matter, to make agreements secure against questionable happenstance or conflict.

Although it may sound tempting to take a lower rate from a private property owner, consider the peace-of-mind, professional paperwork, and extra perks that come with managed rental properties. Managing your property through a property management company can take the headache out of your investment and provide you with the best rates at the highest protection and assurance.

Take vacationing to a higher level and leave the details to the experts to give you safety in your investment and more time to enjoy the finer things in life.

San Diego’s Tourism Industry in 2010

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

San Diego is widely known as one of the country’s prime spots for tourism. Its bright and sunny year-round weather and beautiful, idyllic beaches make for one of the most pleasant vacation destinations during the summer months. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world go to San Diego to relax and take some time off from work and the stresses of everyday life. Even San Diego has suffered from the decline in U.S. tourism caused by the current economic recession. In the last couple of years, business owners and vacation rentals had to come up with new methods of attracting visitors who are not eager to spend a fortune. For this reason, a San Diego vacation is now not only one of the most enjoyable options, but also an extremely affordable one.

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One of the biggest strategies for many business owners in the tourism sector was to slash prices, and this did indeed give them an increased spike in the number of visitors. But in 2010, price slashing is no longer enough (and no longer viable for many businesses and property owners). Business owners in the tourism sector this year are relying, instead, largely on vacation package deals to attract vacationer’s attention. Unable to carry the loss of severely discounting their prices, vacation rental owners and business are sometimes offering treats like complimentary food and recreational activities for the children. These “added value packages” also include such things as spa treatments, complimentary museum or zoo visits, and extra-night stays.

Is This a Good Sign?

The fact that retailers, vacation home owners and vacation rental agencies that are part of San Diego’s tourism industry are cutting back on bargains and relying instead on other methods of attracting clientele is, in fact, a good sign. It means that San Diego businesses and individuals are comfortable taking risks and banking on the improved state of the country’s economy. This isn’t to say that discounting will end entirely. There will always be discount rates in the areas that cater to visiting tourists, but these discounts will not be as big as they were in the previous two years. A recovering economy means that people should be willing to spend more on vacations, and relying on attractions other than price cuts is a necessary step in weaning tourists from drastic bargain deals.

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Summer Packages and Attractions

Sea World theme park is one of San Diego’s biggest attractions, and one of the many San Diego enterprises that are relying on special package deals to boost sales this summer. Currently, Sea World is offering a special promotion in which visitors can purchase a child’s admission ticket for only $5 when they purchase a regularly priced adult ticket for $69. The $5 child’s ticket is donated to a wildlife conservation group. The theme park is also offering various vacation packages that give visitors access to other San Diego attractions such as the Hornblower Cruises, Old Town trolley tours, and tours of the Midway museum in the San Diego Bay.

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Aside from the attractions that packages and discount rates offered, San Diego is still banking on its many free attractions to keep visitors coming back. The beautiful year-round Mediterranean weather, the beaches and the surf, the historical landmarks and even some of San Diego’s internationally renowned museums are completely free to the public. As the tourism industry wavers shakily towards recovery, these things will continue to attract people to this southern California city.

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San Diego Boat Charters and Tours

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

San Diego is known for it’s laid back atmosphere and unforgettable ocean views. As a result, one particularly popular activity is taking a leisurely ride out into the big blue.  If you’re staying at a San Diego beach rental, a boat tour is the perfect family activity. A wide variety of boat tours from sunset cruises to sailing adventures are available to choose from – there’s even a tour bus that turns into a boat for the ultimate San Diego tour experience!

Hornblower Cruises

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner at sunset, a whale watching adventure, or a scenic champagne brunch, Hornblower cruises have am excursion for any taste. Hornblower Cruises combine the best of the  San Diego Bay for a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed. Other Hornblower cruises include Sightseeing Harbor Cruises, Sea Lion Adventures, and special cruises for holidays.

Right now for the summer season, Hornblower cruises are offering special San Diego Summer Coupons – $10 off a dinner cruise, $5 off Saturday Brunch Cruise, Cruise Free on Your Birthday and more! Visit www.hornblower.com for more information.

Shelter Island Sailing

For a unique experience, take a sailing charter to the Coronados Islands just 15 miles South of Point Loma.  Spend the afternoon sailing, kayaking, swimming or just relaxing near the boat. Enjoy a beautiful San Diego sunset and sunrise while taking in the San Diego skyline from the sea! Other types of excursions are also available, including sailing lessons. Visit www.shelterislandsailing.com for more information.

San Diego Seal Tour

The San Diego Seal Tour is bus and a boat in one  that tours you through popular city sights, then heads straight into the big bay to see the sea lions, pelicans and more – all without missing a beat! On the Seal Tour, every seat is a good one. The open air tour vehicle allows all guests to enjoy the tour with amazing views and a fun tour guide to keep you entertained as you cruise along. The 90 minute guided tour leaves from Seaport Village, so enjoy breakfast or lunch at this charming shopping area, then board the Seal Tour for the perfect way to round out your San Diego vacation. Visit www.sealtours.com for more information.

Looking for a San Diego vacation rental? Browse our listings at www.missionbeach.com and take advantage of our summer specials!

San Diego Family Vacations on a Budget

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Summer family vacations are a yearly tradition for many, but sometimes a vacation can be overwhelmingly expensive. Good news is, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great family vacation! There are many tips and tricks, from choosing close to home destinations to varying what activities you do, that will help you save money while still making memories and having fun. Here are a few useful tips that we’ve gathered to help you have a family vacation on a budget that is both fun and affordable.

Transportation:

  • Flying alternative routes, having a flexible schedule, or adding a stop-over can keep ticket prices down. For example, traveling during the off season is typically cheaper than on holidays.
  • Travel close to home – save money by taking a road trip instead of flying somewhere
  • If renting a car, ask about special discounts, or search online for a coupon before renting.
  • If you have  frequent flier miles piled up, or points from a credit card with rewards programs, a family vacation is the perfect time to use them.

Accommodations:

  • For bigger groups, opting for a San Diego vacation rental instead of a hotel can be much more affordable. You can even try splitting costs with another family, for a great group getaway.
  • The summer months always equal special deals for everything from flights to vacation rentals. At Penny Realty, we are currently offering a summer special of $300 off selected properties. Just use the promo code PENNY09 when booking.
  • Bring snack foods and/or cook your own meals instead of eating out for every meal
  • If eating out, choose places with kids menus

Activities:

  • When going out for activities, don’t forget to ask about kid prices or family discount
  • Alternate paying activities with free ones – parks, beach, tours, nature walks, etc.
  • Choose family friendly destinations that are close to many attractions. Mission Beach is a great example as it is close to the beach, grassy parks, Belmont Park/Boardwalk and Balboa Park, which features free museum days, and the botanical gardens.
  • Before you go, start a “vacation fund” by cutting out little things like trips to fast food places, gourmet coffee, or other splurges and putting that money towards your fund instead.

Find Everything You Wanted to Know about San Diego on the San Diego Wiki Page!

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Looking for more information on San Diego? DiscoverSD.com has officially launched the San Diego Wiki page. Whether you’ve been living in San Diego for years, or if you’re staying for a week at a San Diego vacation rental, you’ll find a wealth of useful information on everything from history to festivals to transporation. The best part is, since it is a Wiki page, registered users can also submit thier own content or edit what’s already there. Check out this ultimate resource for San Diego living at sandiegowiki.discoversd.com.

Tips on Booking San Diego Vacation Rentals for Summer

Friday, February 13th, 2009

It may be winter still, but now is the perfect time to start booking your San Diego vacation rental for the summer. Why? The early bed gets the worm. At Penny Realty, we have a wide selection of beautiful vacation rentals to choose from, but if there’s one you’ve had your eye on for a while, chances are someone else has their eye on it too. In fact, some people have already started booking!

Booking your San Diego vacation rental early gives you a much better chance of getting the property and location you want and it helps eliminate all the headaches of last minute rushing. For example, beachfront or beach access properties typically go much quicker.

Thinking about your summer vacation rental early is also a good idea because it gives you time to choose the property that best fits your needs. How many people will be staying? Do you want a pool or a bbq? Are you bringing a pet? Do you want to be close to the beach or downtown?

The Penny Realty website makes it easy to find the perfect San Diego vacation rental. You can browse through our listings for luxury vacation rentals, pet-friendly vacation rentals, group vacation rentals and more.  And if you have any specific questions about renting from Penny Realty, contact us and we’ll be glad to help! To start on your search now, visit our site at www.missionbeach.com.

Travel News: Valentines Day

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

For all you procrastinators out there, it might be a little late to book a flight and treat you significant other to beach get away. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for a perfect vacation for a Val’s-day gift! What could be a better Valentines Day gift than a vacation this summer off of a warm Pacific beach? If you plan wisely this Valentines Day you could take advantage of some great travel deals.

One deal, perfect for this season, is from FTD flowers. A person can earn 25 miles per $1.00 spent on flowers for your loved one from FTD.com. This is a great way to send your true feelings with FTD’s selection of beautiful, hand-crafted, hand-delivered red roses. They also offer spa sets, chocolates among other things. On their Web site, FTD offers same day delivery and satisfaction guaranteed (http://www.ftd.com/united25/?campaign_id=Caravan7175).

Check your credit card’s points program, if you receive points by using your card, then treat your loved one, friends, or yourself, to dinner on Valentine’s Day. Whether you dine out or have take-out for a cozy evening at home, remember you can earn a ton of points for travel by using these programs.

Some mileage programs like United Miles will also give you extra points for eating out at select dining locations. They will  give more points when you create an online profile and dine at your favorite spot (http://mpdining.rewardsnetwork.com/bonus.htm).

You might not have had enough time to plan a romantic destination on V-Day, but with some savvy choices and great about deals, you might be able to plan romantic summer vacation at a beautiful San Diego vacation rental.