Can You Truly Get Away on a Getaway?

(Washington Post –July 3, 2007) Often when you plan to take time off for a vacation you seem to run into more trouble than the vacation is worth. You rush to try and complete all of the needed tasks before you leave and when you return you will have hundreds of emails and phone calls to return. This could be the reason a survey conducted by Expedia.com reveals that 35% of Americans don’t take all of the time off they are entitled to.

Experts say there are ways to deal with this stress and still enjoy your much needed vacation. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your time off.

• Take your time. Don’t look at time off from work as shirking your duties. You have earned the time and it is your due. After taking a vacation you will come back to work recharged and ready to jump right in.
• Go away. Don’t stay at home for your vacation. You need to get away from all of your familiar surroundings. You don’t have to take a long trip but you do need to get away for at least a low-key trip. How about a vacation home within 100 miles?
• Plan. Start out the beginning of the new year thinking about what you will do on your vacation. This will give you a better chance of taking the vacation you dreamed of.
• Don’t over plan. Don’t plan a vacation that is carefully scripted. Make a list of some general things you would like to do while you are off. You can search the Internet to find what options are available to you but leave the choices open until you arrive at your destination.
• Mix it up. While on vacation you need discovery time and recovery time. Enjoy something new while you are on vacation. Also take time to relax and recover from all of the stress that has built up throughout the year.
• Avoid the last day rush. Don’t wait until the last day you are at work to get everything done. Let your co-workers know ahead of time what they will need to do in your absence. Also allow some time to explain to a colleague how to accomplish the tasks you need them to do. Recognize that you can’t complete everything before you leave.
• Avoid the first day back frenzy. Tell your co-workers you are not going to return until Monday afternoon. This will allow you some time to check your calendar and return calls without interruption. A general rule of thumb is to allow one hour for every day you were off.
• Manage your mail. Tell your vacation partners that you plan to check messages once a day while you are away. Try to arrange an hour or so alone each day for this task. Spend the rest of the time enjoying your vacation with your friends and family.
• Communicate to those who email you. Let the people who send emails to you know that you are on vacation and will check all messages at a certain time. Also let them know if it is urgent you will contact them sooner.
• Wean yourself. Leaving your computer at home may not be possible but you need to train yourself to start checking for messages less frequently. You should also get into the habit of delegating tasks to other people before you leave. When possible, cross train others to do your job.
• Build in a bonus. Plan a treat for yourself sometime during the first week you return. This gives you something to look forward to and helps to boost your spirits when you first return. Take time for a game of golf or a massage. This will help you retain your vacation mood.

• Travel Hazards: The Dangers Contracting Diseases During Your Vacation  Monday, July 30, 2007
  A lot of us never really consider the idea of getting sick during our vacation. Indeed, who wants to be sick when we are paying hundreds of dollars on our vacation trip? However, the sad truth is that it is very easy for us to catch something when we are on a vacation.
  
  
• Looking for that perfect vacation home to buy in Spain? Just wait a little.  Thursday, July 26, 2007
  For the last decade The Spanish market had been enjoying a spectacular boom of vacation homes. But recent mixed signals from the market shows that the boom might be coming to its end. Spanish and international press is very much interested in what will happen next. sale of holiday homes on the Costa del Sol have fallen by 50%. The reason behind this fall is high prices, rising interest rate and increasing competition in vacation homes development from other destinations like Morocco, Mexico and Bulgaria.
  
  
• Europe goes to vacation homes, America goes to work  Tuesday, July 24, 2007
  According to a report published by the European Trade Union Institute this summer the Europeans will easy get their share of the vacation but their American colleagues will find it difficult to enjoy summer while going to work.
  
  
• Nevada Vacation Property Management is under fire.  Monday, July 23, 2007
  authorities are still not able to decide whether to consider criminal charges against Truckee-based Vacation Property Management, this time for allegedly not returning security deposits for vacation rentals.
  
  
• Airlines are building more powerful websites to attract travelers and increase bookings  Sunday, July 22, 2007
  Planning your perfect getaway to the vacation rental this summer? Try to book your flight directly on airline websites, many offer vacation packages, car rentals and other insensitive to make your vacation trip easy.
  
  
• Texas Coastal Market of Real Estate and Vacation Rentals is still in good shape  Friday, July 20, 2007
  Latest data comparing the Texas Coastal Real Estate Markets with those in Florida and California. A list of advantages and disadvantages of both renting and buying are included along with vacation home rental information and buy vs rental tools. The overall market has slowed down, but not nearly to the degree of the rest of the country. Texas even has areas on the highly coveted coast where oceanfront vacation home has strong rental demand and relatively low prices - where average rental rate and mortgage payments are about the same.
  
  
• A math formula for happiness combines vacation and work  Thursday, July 19, 2007
  Professional experts are highly recommending that math is the direction we can balance our demanding work time, recreational time and find happiness. One of the recommendations is to get out as often as possible. For a walk in the park or just a small simple vacation away from the everyday stress of life. Renting a vacation home is a great solution too. There are many options for family vacations with children including kid friendly vacation rentals.
  
  
• American Airlines redesigned Web site, hoping to improve on-line reservations  Tuesday, July 17, 2007
  Fort Worth-based American (NYSE: AMR) said Tuesday that it has redesigned its Web site, aavacations.com, to allow customers to see not only airfare, hotel and car rates, but also to add activities like theme park tickets or scuba diving to their packages and to see how the additions affect prices.
  
  
• New Zealand as a vacation destination  Monday, July 16, 2007
  New Zealand’s beautiful outdoors and high mountain peeks are a new comfort and beauty to people who stay at the luxury retreats. The setting of these luxurious private homes is quite relaxing and most amusing. You can choose from high quality accommodations and unique activities such as hot mud pools, visiting vineyards, fishing, and scenic driving that go beyond what most tourists’ experience. New Zealand also has a wide selection of holiday homes, vacation homes, and holiday rental homes, set in unique and stunning locations.
  
  
• Travel news in brief  Saturday, July 14, 2007
  News For Travel And Vacation Industry from Telegraph, UK. British Airways has told passengers with connecting flights through Heathrow that they will need to allow at least 15 minutes longer to change planes because of a worsening baggage crisis...Bangkok is to build more cycle paths as part of a campaign to promote environmentally friendly vehicles.
  
  
• Great Beach Summer Destinations for your Family Vacations  Friday, July 13, 2007
  If you are planning a family vacation that offers something to please the entire family you might want to consider some of these beach destinations where your family can relax and enjoy your time...Summer is half way over. Rent you vacation rental now to catch some sun!
  
  
• Summer Vacation At the Beach: How The Rising Cost of Travel Changed the Vacation Trends This Year  Thursday, July 12, 2007
  According to studies, the rising cost of fuel in the country may have influenced the choices of people when it comes to taking summer vacation. Due to the higher cost of travel, many Americans now opt to stay closer to home when taking their summer vacation...Vacation rentals are an inexpensive way for your family vacation. If you book vacation home directly from owner you can save big. Many vacation rentals a children friendly vacation homes where you will have everything you need to have perfect getaway.
  
  
• American Vacation Habits Revealed in Survey  Wednesday, July 11, 2007
  This survey looks at the trends in work and the impact that work has on the American vacation habits. The survey provides data that raises questions about society’s workplace trends and their influence on vacation behavior. survey actually shows a trend toward balance between the work place and the American’s needs to take a vacation for relaxation and rejuvenation. Listed here are some of the findings of the survey. Check it out before you go to your vacation home.
  
  
• Travel firms target rich baby boomers  Wednesday, July 11, 2007
  Many major travel agencies are opening special offices and offering unique services ahead of the summer travel season, expecting a boost in demand for holidays from retiring baby boomers, who have extra cash to spend. While an increasing number of people book air tickets and hotels via the Internet, the companies aim to attract customers with special differences and carefully arranged plans. The firms are currently readying high-priced summer and autumn tours with an eye on the baby-boomer generation.
  
  
• Bremerton Woman Charged With Defrauding Vacation Home Renters  Tuesday, July 10, 2007
  An owner has been charged by county prosecutors with first degree theft on Tuesday. The woman allegedly pulled a scam on several people who tried renting a vacation home which belonged to her. put her vacation rental house on the Internet as being a four bedroom waterfront luxury vacation home which was valued in excess of a million dollars. Pictures were provided which portrayed a luxury home.
  
  
• Bangkok Bank Seeks Bigger Presence in the Phuket Vacation Rentals And Holiday Homes Market  Monday, July 09, 2007
  Bangkok Bank has plans to increase the focus on holiday homes in Phuket. This is a 20 billion baht per year market of vacation homes with expectations of a 20% to 30% growth each year over the next three or four years. A BBL executive stated that around 250 condominiums, holiday homes, and vacation villa projects are currently in progress in Phuket and the market size of around 85 billion baht. Vacation homes or villas make up about 80% of this market and are sold for under a 30 year lease. The rest are condominiums which will sell on a free hold basis.
  
  
• Be Adaptable When Vacationing In Storm’s Path  Monday, July 09, 2007
  Many people are planning tropical vacations this year even though there are predictions of a busy hurricane season. Many places such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico are warm weather spots and will offer some good deals during this off-season. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a vacation to a hurricane area. If you are renting a vacation home by owner, check the owner about travel insurance. Many vacation rentals now are offering this service.
  
  
• Vacation Rentals For Honeymoon Destinations.  Saturday, July 07, 2007
  Planning a wedding can prove to be a very stressful event. There are numerous decisions which have to be made when searching for this perfect honeymoon destination. The earlier you make this choice, the better for you. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and the honeymoon is the start of your lives together. Take vacation rentals in your consideration - many vacation homes are perfect for honeymoon.
  
  
• Go On Vacation Without Worrying About Your Plants  Saturday, July 07, 2007
  Chances are you will be planning a summer vacation this year. How can you keep your plants alive while you are gone? The biggest enemies are the heat and loss of moisture. Even though it has been a rainy spring, the summer drought can set in at any time. By doing a little planning you can come back from your vacation home to find your plants are alive and well.
  
  
• GPS Rentals Will Help You On Your Next Vacations  Friday, July 06, 2007
  Usually when you plan a get-away vacation you are ready to leave all of the electronic gadgets behind because these keep you connected to the workplace. There are places, however, where you would have a tendency to get lost, such as when visiting the Grand Canyon. There is one electronic gadget which might help to prevent this.
  
  
• Making Your Vacation Hurricane Proof  Thursday, July 05, 2007
  Even though forecasters are predicting a busy hurricane season, many people still want to take a tropical vacation. The one advantage is the fact that a tropical vacation usually costs less this time of year. Tropical destinations such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico are considered to be warm weather destinations and this time of the year is their off-season. Because of this there are many vacation deals to be found. Here are some things to keep in mind to make your vacation hurricane-proof.
  
  
• Tourists In Romania Find Bulgaria’s Black Sea As A Summer Vacation Destination  Thursday, July 05, 2007
  Data from the National Statistical Institute shows that almost five million tourists visited Bulgaria in 2006 and that number is expected to increase by 1.5 million in the summer of 2007. Two billion euro was gained in Bulgaria for tourism only in 2007. If you want to visit Bulgaria, you should consider a vacation home for rent by owner. You can rent a beautiful vacation villa in Golden Sunrise for...
  
  
• Can You Truly Get Away on a Getaway?  Wednesday, July 04, 2007
  Often when you plan to take time off for a vacation you seem to run into more trouble than the vacation is worth. You rush to try and complete all of the needed tasks before you leave and when you return you will have hundreds of emails and phone calls to return. This could be the reason a survey conducted by Expedia.com reveals that 35% of Americans don’t take all of the time off they are entitled to.
  
  
• Fourth of July Travel in America Comes With Heightened Security  Tuesday, July 03, 2007
  It is estimated that 41 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from their homes. This sets a new record for Independence Day travel in America. American citizens are being advised to just be aware of their surroundings... If you are going to vacation home overseas, make sure you collect information on local authorities and police.
  
  
• How to avoid stress on family vacation  Monday, July 02, 2007
  This is the week that summer vacation officially begins as schools all across the country close for the summer. Most of vacation homes are already booked and waiting for first families to come. When family is going on vacation, how to make it easier when travel with kids? Try to look for vacation rental that are children friendly. Many vacation rental owners are happy to have families with children.