2009-06-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

Calling all beach lovers. The news is out. Dr. Beach's #1 best beach for 2009 is Hanalei
Bay, Kauai, Hawaii.

And what's not to love about this número uno 2009 best beach pick? Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s
most famous beach, known for its long sweeping, nearly two miles of beach with glassy waves
sheltered by the surrounding beautiful mountains. It is beautiful beyond description.

In the summer, the scene is tranquil. The bay is like glass, offering excellent moorage for
sailboats, stand up paddle boarding and swimming. It's kick back and lazy days.
But watch out when winter rolls around. The surf become large and is a favorite surf
location. There's a lot of "hang 10" and excitement - a stark contrast to the lazy days of
summer.

The island of Kauai itself is the tropical centerpiece of Hawaii, full of flowers, fresh
fruit, and carpeted in lush greenery. Over 60 feature films were shot here. The Anahola
Mountains were the backdrop for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Manawaiopuna Falls was shot in
Jurassic Park. The Wailua River was used in Blue Hawaii. The list goes on.

There are many ways to find your launching pad on Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. One is to
follow the herd – rent a hotel room. Just a quick look on expedia found few prices, but the
Castle at Princeville had a special with rooms starting at $168 a night. The Wyndham Bali
Hai Villas had rooms starting at $212. That’s a minimum of $1176 for a week.

But wait! Add up the cost of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants. Cha-ching!! Add
another $150 plus a day per person. And, who wants to hang around a cramped hotel room?
Let’s not even talk about privacy issues, noise in the halls, and loud televisions in the
adjoining rooms. Who wants to call that a vacation?

There is a better way. Take a look at vacation rentals by owners. A quick perusal of
privately owned vacation rentals finds a house with five bedrooms and 4 baths that sleeps
ten people for $4500 per week during high season and $3500 per week during regular season.
There’s free WiFi, a washer and dryer, full kitchen and is one short block from the beach.

Split between 10 of your best friends or family members that breaks down to $350 to $450
per week per person; $700 to $900 per week per couple. That’s way less than the price of a
cramped, stuffy hotel room.

And, there’s that full kitchen that makes high price meals at restaurants optional rather
than mandatory. You can’t put a price on the relaxation that comes with being in a private
home rather than feeling like a rat in a little cage.

Looking for things to do around Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii beyond sitting on the beach?
Here are a few suggestions:

Top Five Things To Do on Your First Trip to Kauai:
1. Enjoy the humbling scenery from various points along the Napali Coast.
2. Go to the Spouting Horn and watch the ocean spray up to 50 feet in the air.
3. Visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and bring a camera to capture the views.
4. See the view from Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
5. Get serenaded by Hawaiian musicians under the Fern Grotto.

See some Hawaii vacation rentals by owners at:
http://www.vacation-rentals-byowner.com/Hawaii-vacation-rentals.html

Clearwater Beach Rental vs. Hotel in Florida

2009-06-08T20:19:00.002-04:00

Economy got you down? You need a vacation. Your family is begging for a vacation, yet the bad economic news keeps you from looking for travel deals.

There is a way to beat the gloom and doom. Buddy up. That’s right – buddy up. Vacation rentals by owners offer unbeatable vacation deals if split between a few friends.

And, what’s not to like (if you go with compatible families)? The kids play together and stay out of your hair; the guys can do guy things together; and the gals can enjoy the beach.

Just a look at Clearwater Beach vacation rentals makes my point. But first, let’s look at Clearwater Beach hotels. A quick look on expedia found the lowest per night Clearwater Beach hotel rates around: $119 for the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa; $147 at the Dolphin Beach Resort and Beachcomer Resort and Hotel; $180 at Best Western; and $206 at the Bilmar Beach Resort and Holiday Inn.

Not bad prices for Clearwater Beach vacation deals during high season, but try sticking a family in a cramped hotel room. And, add the freight for eating out all the time, and the boarding for Fido. That adds up to a pretty penny for a well deserved Clearwater Beach vacation that is out of budget for many today.

Now on to Clearwater Beach vacation rentals. Just a quick look at the granddaddy of vacation rentals website, VRBO, found these vacation deals in Clearwater Beach.

A three bedroom, two bath house with a pool, private beach, boat, bicycles, and fishing poles that allowed pets. Rates weren’t posted for high season but ranged from $595 to $1095 a week. You do the math on the per night rate when you put a couple of families in there.

It appeared that this Clearwater Beach vacation rental was not directly on the beach, but was waterfront. For those rates, a small walk or drive makes this a great Clearwater Beach vacation deal.

On Clearwater Beach are many vacation rental condos. One listed was a three bedroom, two bath penthouse condo located on the top, tenth floor of the popular Sand Castle II Condominiums. The master bedroom and living room share an extra-large balcony directly overlooking the beach with breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for enjoying the Clearwater Beach brilliant sunsets.

The quiet, wide beach offers sparkling, white sand loaded with undiscovered seashells and relaxing cabanas. The heated swimming pool and whirlpool/spa stays warm all year long. There are two barbecue gas grills with tables for pool-side fun.

The master bedroom has brand-new, tropical island-style furniture with luxurious king-size bed, en suite bathroom, ceiling fan, TV, and opens to beachfront balcony.

The second bedroom has two pillow top queen-size beds with TV/DVD/VCR with panoramic views of intracoastal waterway. The third bedroom has new furniture with two twin-size beds, TV/DVD/VCR with Nintendo hookups also overlooking the intracoastal waterway.

There is a gorgeous leather, queen-size, sleeper sofa, over-size rattan chairs, and ceiling fan in living room that opens to the beachfront balcony.

In addition, there is internet all for $1995 a week during high season, and $975 a week during low season.

Another 3/2 beachfront Clearwater Beach vacation rental condo is handicap accessible with an elevator. It has a deluxe entertainment centers with large TVs, DVD's CD players and stereos and a selection of family videos. It is stocked with board games and puzzles to entertain the kids when they are too tired for the beach and pool. Rates range from $1875-$2475 a week depending on season.

The piece de resistance is a five bedroom, three bath clean, spacious, well maintained house that sleeps 11-14. This beautiful beach house located on the north end of the Island of Clearwater Beach is only 34 steps to the sand! It has beautiful tropical landscaping, professionally decorated and furnished with all the comforts of home. Also included is a hot tub and internet. In addition, there is a community swimming pool and lighted tennis courts minutes away. You would be able to walk to all the beach activities, restaurants and shops or take the Jolly Trolley that runs every 30 minutes up Mandalay Avenue. Rates run from $2200 to $3100.

Clearwater Beach was recently rated in the TOP "5" best beaches in the state of Florida by Cable TV's Travel Channel.

In addition, Clearwater Beach stretches for over five uninterrupted miles which includes Caledesi Island which was named the #1 beach in America in 2008 by Dr. Beach!

Click here for more Clearwater beach information including restaurants, parks, shopping, fishing. http://www.vacation-rentals-byowner.com/PPF/Parameters/30_25/city_page_content.asp

Favorite Vacation Rentals

Clearwater Beach Rental vs. Hotel in Florida