Find Vacation Rentals: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:54 AM PST

California has more to offer than sun and beaches; so grab your snowboards and skis and head to mountains layered in snow. From Big Bear Lake to Mammoth, these California deals provide the convenience of comfort and location for you and the family to put some fresh tracks in the powder this winter.

10% off total stay!

Residing in Upper Moonridge by Big Bear Lake, this home offers exceptional on property sledding in addition to the nearby ski slopes. Warm up at the end of the day by star gazing from the hot tub and lounging in this award winning property.

$200 off President’s Day Weekend stay!

Snowshoe right out the door into a Winter Wonderland. This family friendly cabin is a short drive to the slopes and ideal for a President’s Day getaway. The hardwood floors and fireplaces complete the cozy cabin feel needed after a day in the snow.

$100 off per night!

This luxury condo is part of the Chamonix complex at Mammoth Lakes, moments away from the chair lifts. Rest by the fireplace or soak in one of the complex’s three outdoor jacuzzis to ease those aches and pains after a great day on the mountain.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Photo Friday: San Jacinto Mountains

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 01:32 PM PST

This traveler photo was taken from the Palm Springs highway of the San Jacinto Mountains. This mountain range has numerous accessible hikes that make for a perfect day trip during your next vacation. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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How Does FlipKey Prevent Vacation Rental Fraud and Scams?

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

At FlipKey, we're devoted to making it easy, safe and fun to find and book a vacation rental online. We work hard to make FlipKey the most trusted website to find a rental, and we want to share our expert advice so that when you book a rental on FlipKey – or anywhere else – you can make a safe and informed decision about where to rent.

How Does FlipKey Protect Me From Scammers?

Owner Verification
The most important protection we offer to prevent travelers from scams happens before a property appears on FlipKey. Owner background checks and extensive property authentication are just a part of our stringent and time-tested owner verification processes. This process prevents fraudulent listings from appearing on FlipKey.

A Community of Trust
FlipKey has more verified reviews from past guests than any other vacation rental site. Our patented review system ensures that reviews are left by people who have stayed in the property, and we don't allow property managers/owners to remove negative reviews about their property. Guests can now also upload photos of their stay along with their review.

Vacation Rental Protection Plan
On top of all our security measures, we also offer an affordable travel insurance policy specifically designed for vacation rental stays that protects travelers from unexpected issues like denial of entry, inadvertent double bookings, and foreclosure in addition to many traditional travel insurance benefits. See here for more details.

Where Do You Find Vacation Rental Fraud?

Vacation rental fraud schemes are similar to other online scams in which criminals take advantage of classifieds sites such as Craigslist to gather information from consumers. Instead of using a deal on cheap electronics or a used sofa as bait, vacation rental scammers advertise accommodations deals that are often too good to be true to lure unsuspecting customers.

There are Four Common Schemes to Look Out for

Take the Money and Run. The criminal advertises a rental property that exists but is owned/managed by someone else – typically, at a very attractive price. The unsuspecting traveler is instructed to put a large deposit down to reserve the property and, in the vast majority of cases, the payment method is a check or bank/wire transfer as opposed to a credit card. Once the payment has been made, the criminal disappears.
The Bait and Switch. A criminal will offer a great deal on an incredible looking property, but once the traveler has already paid, the original property becomes "unavailable" and the traveler is left with a cheaper, less desirable rental.
Price Jacking. Similar to the Bait and Switch, in this plot, the traveler is required to pay more than the agreed-upon price to retain their booking.
Phishing. Phishing in the context of vacation rentals happens when criminals are able to get unauthorized access to a manager/owner's email account. The criminal then forwards rental inquiries to another email account and begins communicating directly with travelers.

It's important to remember that while vacation rental fraud does happen, it is extremely rare.

What Can You Do to Stay in the Clear?

You can protect yourself from vacation rental scams by staying alert for suspicious behavior and searching for a property at a trusted website like FlipKey. Here are some ways to make sure you don't get caught up in a bad situation:

Be Aware of Suspicious Behavior, Including…

Bad grammar in emails from English-speaking countries. While a typo here and there can be forgiven, vacation rental owners are professionals, and you should never receive emails that are riddled with poor grammar.
Sending money to a third party. If you are asked to send money to a third party, especially in another country, then be very cautious and make sure you use a secure form of payment (see next point).
Using unsecure payment methods. Never wire funds via instant wire services such as Western Union or Moneygram. Instead, you should try to pay by credit card or PayPal as those methods offer more protection and are much less likely to be used by fraudsters. In Europe, bank transfers are quite common but are much less common in the United States.
Dates that don't match up. Make sure that the dates are consistent throughout your communications, and that the manager has reserved the dates you requested.
Uncertainty about the unit. Similarly, make sure that you and the property manager both reference the correct unit.

Do your Homework
We hope that you find the perfect vacation rental on FlipKey, where we've already verified the property and the manager/owner. If you look elsewhere, then do your own "background check." You can do searches for the property and owner on Google, look up the property address on Google Maps (tip: use street view and match it up with a photo of the exterior), and check online for reviews.

Communicate with the Owner
Finally, one of the best ways to make sure that you're getting exactly what you want from your vacation rental is to speak with the owner/manager over the phone. You can ask specific questions about the rental and feel free to ask for references – especially if you're suspicious. It's an immediate red flag if an owner/manager is unwilling to have a quick phone call with you prior to a reservation.

Where Else Can I Find Information about Vacation Rental Fraud?

In addition to this blog post, we have more helpful information in our Help Center. You can also find more information on vacation rental scams at VRWD.org, a site devoted to "helping vacationers avoid and stop fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices from vacation rental owners and businesses." For more general information about Internet crime, we recommend IC3.gov, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and Scamwarners.com.

Vacation rentals are an excellent, safe form of travel accommodation, and we want to help you find and enjoy them. If you have any questions about how to find and book the perfect rental, feel free to get in touch with us here at FlipKey.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Palm Springs Modernism Events Take The Forefront Now Through February

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

Ralph Haverkate specializes in modern and contemporary Real Estate throughout the Palm Springs resorts area. His extensive knowledge of architectural history and interior design assists clients in buying and selling within the exclusive niche of important modernist real estate properties. His Modernhomesblog.com is an up-to-date and informative source of news, events and modernism trends.

The seventh annual Modernism Week, February 16-26, brings thousands of Mid Century Modern enthusiasts to Palm Springs for 11 days of double-decker bus tours, lectures, films, exhibits and parties that celebrate the architecture and culture of the 1950-60s era. Several new highlights will be featured this year, including the first public tours of the renowned Sunnylands Estate which incorporates the historic Annenberg residence and grounds and the new Sunnylands Center and Gardens.

The 1966 Mid-Century Modern residence, designed by A. Quincy Jones with interiors by William Haines and Ted Graber, has been restored over the past two years. The 25,000 square foot home is located in the middle of landscaped grounds, including a private golf course designed by the legendary Dick Wilson. The late Lenore and Ambassador Walter Annenberg lived at Sunnylands approximately five months a year, during which they entertained United States Presidents, British and other royalty, international political figures, cultural and entertainment icons. The Modernism Week guided tours will provide the first peek into the 200-acre pink walled estate that has fascinated passersby for decades. The tour will also feature the newly constructed Sunnylands Center and Gardens, which will officially open to the public March 1.

Palm Springs Modernism Week kicks off with a chic soiree at the iconic John Lautner’s Elrod House perched high up on the Southridge hills overlooking Palm Springs, and just steps from Bob Hope’s famed dome-shaped hilltop manse. The Elrod House, made famous by the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, offers striking architecture with expansive interiors that incorporate an interior/exterior swimming pool in the living room. The home was built for interior designer Arthur Elrod, and a portion of the tour proceeds benefit the LA-based John Lautner Foundation. This is a rare opportunity to see this privately owned masterpiece home.

Also new this year will be a Modernism Prefab Showcase Village featuring cutting-edge prefab structures with the latest alternative energy ideas incorporated into the 21st Century lifestyle. Each room, designed by a different notable interior designer, maintains sophisticated design aesthetics with advanced technological innovations.

A number of cocktail receptions will be held during the week at intimate settings and at some of the area’s most notable boutique inns, a perfect way to wind down an exciting day of Modernism.

Modernism Week offers more than 75 events including the architecture bus tours, interior design homes tour, modernism film festival, architecture and design lecture series, a vintage fashion show and much more.

Palm Springs Modernism Week, the non-profit organization that produces this annual 11-day festival, was the only such event in the country when it launched in 2006. The event helped fuel a revival of appreciation for and preservation of modernism, a design aesthetic developed during in the 1950s and 60s typified by clean, simple lines and elegant informality. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit online at www.modernismweek.com.

Another way to experience the impact California had on America’s post-war lifestyle is to visit the current Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography, 1945-1982 in the Palm Springs Desert Museum’s Annenberg Wing. The museum, located at 101 Museum Way in downtown Palm Springs, is itself a modernism landmark designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1978. Beyond some of the glamour shots of Marilyn Monroe, Ann Miller, Rock Hudson, Liberace, and other stars, the exhibit explores more deeply how photography emerged as an important medium of fine art, according to Palm Springs Life Editor Steven Biller in his feature this month, Breaking the Surface. One pivotal moment came in 1982 when fine art photographer David Hockney’s composite Polaroid shots of a nude bather “challenged paintings as the dominant mode in all fine art,” said Daniell Cornell, the museum’s deputy director of art who curated the exhibition. Hockney’s composite of many Polaroids as one artwork, first exhibited at the L.A. Louvre gallery, will be one of 140 works in the show. For more on this and other Modernism events, check out www.modernhomesblog.com.

Today, desert modernism is a much sought-after architectural genre and Palm Springs is a virtual treasure trove of custom and tract home neighborhoods and important public buildings. At Team Haverkate, we specialize in Mid Century Modern homes and estates for sale. After absorbing the sights and lifestyle of Palm Springs Modernism Week, contact Team Haverkate for a personal tour of desert modern classics currently for sale in the Palm Springs area. Email Team@RHaverkate.com. or visit online at www.HaverkateRealEstate.com.

California freelance features writer Pamela Bieri is a frequent contributor to Modernhomesblog.com.

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: Warmth of the West Coast!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 07:34 AM PST

Escape the snow shovels and runny noses that come with cold January weather and head to the balmy Californian Desert “winter.” The Santa Rosa mountains and warm afternoons spent poolside will revive you in no time. Check out these Palm Springs deals to take full advantage of the west coast warmth.

5% off total stay!

This condominium is located at Indian Palms Country Club, featuring 27 holes of championship golfing with a discounted golf rate for each of the visitors. The pool and spa steps away, guarantees an escape from reality for some fun in the sun.

2 Free Lunches at Local Tennis Club!

This luxurious home lies only 15 minutes away from El Paseo in Palm Springs. With seamless indoor and outdoor living, the heated pool, glass walls, and view of the mountains will provide you the relaxation you've been dreaming of.

Military & Seniors: 10% off total stay!

This Spanish-style villa is part of the Oasis Resort in Palm Springs. With multiple pools, jacuzzis and tennis courts this villa offers luxury minutes from your room. Outside the resort, spend the day hiking or shopping to your heart’s content.

Palm Springs Vacation Pad!

Surrounded by the San Jancinto mountain range, this home's prime location downtown Palm Springs has its property lined with fruit and palm trees making it idyllic for a getaway. With a sparkling pool and spa, this deal has something for everyone!

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Photo Friday: KoKi Beach

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

This week’s Photo Friday was submitted by Kris Nelson of dailymauiphoto.com. Kris and his wife Cindy have been visiting Maui since 2006, and have been sharing their experiences online almost as long. After capturing so many photos from all across the island, Kris started the Daily Maui Photo website back in 2010 to provide Maui fans with their “daily dose of Aloha”.

About the Photo

This photo was taken from the red sand at Koki Beach in East Maui, just past Hana. The few times we’ve visited there, it hasn’t been that crowded, and I don’t think it’s that well known compared to other stops along the road to Hana. By staying the night in Hana – rather than driving there and back all in the same day – you have more time to explore these lesser known places along the East Maui coastline.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Local Favorite Maui Luaus

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:35 AM PST

Liza P. is the local Maui Mama talking story online – Maui, travel, family, social media, all da kine stuff. She blogs at www.amauiblog.com and at alohaluxurypropertiesblog.wordpress.com/ She is the social media director for Aloha Luxury properties.

Your visit to Maui is never complete until you attend one of the Luau's on Maui. Especially if this is your first time to visit the island. I know it may sound touristy, but in reality even us locals enjoy going to these luaus to enjoy the food and entertainment and time with family and friends.

What is a Luau? To put it simply, a luau is a Hawaiian party or feast. It is usually accompanied by entertainment, mostly music and dance. There are many choices of Luau on Maui to go to but I would like to highlight some of the best ones (in my opinion) to make it easier for you to decide.

The Old Lahaina Luau

This luau is known as Maui's "Most Authentic Luau." It is the favorite luau to recommend both by locals and tourists. It is located in Lahaina. They have their own Luau ground where you can experience a lot of Hawaiian activities prior to dinner and entertainment. Their hula and music are spectacular and award winning. They also have a premium open bar. Their shows always get fully booked early so if you are interested to attend this luau, make your reservations as early as possible. If you are visiting Maui from other states or country, I would even recommend calling them and making reservations prior to your arrival. Now, if you or any of your family want to see a fire dance, this luau is not for you because they don't have that here.

The Drums of the Pacific

This is a high energy show that will treat you with the variety of Polynesian culture rhythms. This takes place nightly at the Maui Hyatt Hotel in Lahaina. Here, you can also watch the unearthing of a streaming, roasted pig from the underground (the imu ceremony) before helping yourself to a sumptuous buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Yes, they have fire dancers here. They also have an open bar. Their entertainment is not only Hawaiian but has the touch of Tongan, Tahiatian and Samoan as well.

The Feast Of Lele

This is known here as the "Most Romantic Luau". The setting is spectacular where every table is intimate and offers a panoramic view of the West Maui sunset. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and this is the beach where the Royal Family of Maui would feast and entertain. The menu at The Feast of Lele luau differs from all other Maui luaus, as it is a four course gourmet dining experience. Dishes are served directly to your table, eliminating the need for long buffet lines. Each course represents a modern twist on traditional island cuisine as you are treated to four courses each representing a different island culture. You are started off with traditional polynesian banana, taro and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger salsa.

Kaanapali Sunset Luau at Black Rock

If ever you've seen in the TV shows or movies or heard from your friends about a cliff diving before a luau, this is the one. The Kaanapali Sunset Luau takes place right at the edge of Kaanapali's famous Black Rock Point. There is also a torch ceremony prior to the diving off the cliff. I like this part of the luau (the torch ceremony and cliff diving). A great Polynesian show happens as you eat your delicious food from the buffet. The Polynesian show has songs and dances from Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, News Zealand and Samoa. And yes, there is a Fire dance here.

Now you will notice that all the Luau's I previously mentioned are on the West Side of Maui. For the South side let me mention two:

The Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea

If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don’t want to drive an hour to attend a luau in Lahaina or Kaanapali, your best option is the Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea Resort. This luau is the best in the Wailea /South Maui area. It is held at an isolated, romantic oceanfront setting in Wailea near the beach. Mai Tais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled teriyaki steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies. The show reviews dancing from the islands of Polynesia, including the Samoan fireknife dance.

Polynesian Village Luau

Now this is the fun for the family Luau. A bit casual than most of the Luau I listed here. It is at South Kihei Road at the luau ground of the Old Maui Lu. In this luau you can participate in activities and demonstration of Polynesian daily-life activities: coconut bowling, spear throwing, lei making, ukulele mele, wood carving, basket weaving, coconut demonstrations, and other local cultural displays not found anywhere else in Maui! One of the main attractions of the luau is the famous Samona Chief "Fiafia". He calls himself the official ambassador of happiness on Maui. He is a funny guy and will keep you entertained. Our family attended its opening a few years back and we had a good time. The bar is not like the other Luau and it's BYOB.

There are other Maui Luaus not listed here. For more info on Luau on Maui you also also visit the Luau Page of Maui-Mapp. Remember, this is part of the Maui experience, so you'll want to attend at least once, maybe more

Where to Shop in Maui

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 10:27 AM PST

Today we’re featuring local knowledge by Maui pro, Tania G. Tania is a Maui girl who adores design and living well. Her blog, MauiShopGirl is about “everything I love and living large in my favorite spot of the world, Maui No Ka Oi.” Feel free to tweet for Maui dining and shopping tips.

We all know Maui has beautiful sunsets, gorgeous beaches and a relaxed vibe, but did you know Maui is a great place to shop too?

Paia Town

Paia is a beach town on the north shore just down the road from Hookipa, one of the most renowned windsurfing spots in the world. You'll find many of the best boutiques and local designers nestled in the quaint wooden buildings.

Nuage Bleu, Biasa Rose and Imrie are a must stop for contemporary clothing and accessories from Fighting Eel, Current Elliott, Velvet, Susana Monaco and Linea Pelle. Alice in Hulaland is my go to when I need a new pair of slippas (local speak for flip flops).

Le Tarte's flagship store is beautiful, the perfect backdrop for their swimsuits which have caught Sports Illustrated's eye for the past decade. Tamara Catz is the spot to find the perfect resort wear or dress for that sunset beach wedding.

Sophie Grace has opened a location on Baldwin Avenue complete with a jewelry bar for a custom design. Maui Hands represents hundreds of artisans, potters and artists on the island and is the ideal spot to buy a unique handmade gift.

Indigo carries fair trade textiles and hardware to bring an exotic touch to your home as well as clothing and jewelry. Its husband and wife proprietors have designed each piece.

Visit Mana Foods for organic produce, kale chips and groceries to stock your cooler for the road to Hana.

Front Street

The west side must-see is Front Street, a relaxing walk along the ocean and home to the best in surf brands like Hurley, Honolua Surf Co and Maui Built. Art galleries feature the work of amazing artists and photographers like Thomas Barbey.

Unique gift and specialty shops like the adorable bath and body shop, Lush, provide plenty of options to take home. Hawaii jeweler, Maui Divers, will tempt you with its fine jewelry pieces in the shape of dolphins, sea urchins and the honu (sea turtle).

Visit the many historical buildings and exhibits to get a sense of the rich history of Lahaina as a plantation town, a sailing port and the first capitol of Hawaii. Dining options often include an ocean view and a casual atmosphere.

Whalers Village

The mall where you can shop to your heart's desire, eat a great meal and take a dip in the ocean at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Located in the resort area of Kaanapali, Whalers Village has everything from global luxury to the elegant, sexy and eclectic ready to wear by Maui based Maggie Columbe.

Everyone's favorite makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care emporium, Sephora, has also recently opened a location in Whalers Village.

Tori Richards will dress you in elegant aloha attire and its sister store, Kahala, offers the perfect modern aloha shirt.

Cinnamon Girl offers locally designed floral sundresses for both mama and daughter and Sand People has shabby beach chic home accessories, contemporary separates and my personal favorite, wrap bracelets by Chan Luu.

Wailea Shopping Center

On the south side, The Shops at Wailea has a fantastic mix of high and low. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. will satisfy your taste of luxury. Tommy Bahamas will attire you in quality resort wear which will go perfectly with your Hawaiian jewelry from Na Hoku, Hawaii's oldest jewelry retailer.

The Enchantress Boutique will get you ready for a night of dancing with dresses by Sky and jewelry by Maui Dive Girl while Maui Water Wear will help you find the swimsuit you'll love. You'll find the perfect footwear at Sandal Tree for a night out or a day on the beach. Blue Ginger's batik pieces are perfect for island wear or a charming spring/summer look back home.

National brands like the Gap, Sunglass Hut, BCBG, Quicksilver and Chico's will help you fill in the gaps of your vacation wardrobe and Betsy Johnson will satisfy your girls just wanna have fun urges.

The Cos Bar offers the best in beauty in the most luxurious brands including Chanel, Le Prairie and Bliss.

You can finish your day of shopping with some of the best fine dining and cocktails on the island with plenty of outdoor seating available to watch the sunset. Follow up with ice cream by Lapperts.

Images: Row 1: Mana Foods, Maui Hands, Alice in Hulaland, Thomas Barbey; row 2: Front Street, Maui Built, Whalers' Village, Maggie Columbe; row 3: Cinnamon Girl, Cos Bar, Wailea Shopping Village, Maui Water Wear.

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: Maui Wowie!

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

Ready to say “goodbye” to the mainland and “aloha” to a relaxing tropical paradise? Then it’s time for a trip to Maui. From the beautiful beaches to Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, Maui is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation. Check out these great deals in Maui vacation rentals and you’ll be on your way to the Valley Isle faster than you can string a ukulele.