Vacation rentals will now be easier

By Pirjo Raits
Sooke News Mirror
Sep 13 2006

Stringent regulations in the draft zoning bylaw regarding vacation rental units for those wanting to use their homes as tourist accommodations were deleted at council Sept. 11. The rules would have meant that homeowners would have had to be approved by a Tourism BC approved management company, be licensed under the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; the management company would have to have an office in Sooke or the Capital Regional District Electoral Area; and manager must be available at all times; contact numbers must be available, and telephones must nbe available for incoming calls.

Coun. Rick Kasper made a motion to strike these onerous requirements out of the bylaw. He said these were business practices which did not belong in a zoning bylaw.

Coun. Sheila Beech encouraged council to recommend the regulations, but in the end council voted to eliminate those requirements.

The conditions under 5.31 Vacation Accommodation Use now says only: "A small suite may be used as a vacation accommodation unit."

Battle wages toward war regarding vacation rentals

By JUDI BOWERS

Private home rentals are a hot topic. People on both sides of the issue speak their minds. Lawsuits have been filed, ordinances submitted on their way to the ballot box, and city and county officials are swamped with information to wade through enroute to decisions.

Private home rentals are houses rented for periods of less than 30 days. In the city of Big Bear Lake, all private home rental units must be registered with the city and undergo inspections. Private home rentals are regulated by an existing city ordinance.

San Bernardino County is considering a similar ordinance. The proposal spent several months at the county Planning Commission level before being kicked upstairs so to speak to the county Board of Supervisors. Crafted using the city of Big Bear Lake's existing ordinance, the county version would regulate short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of Big Bear Valley. However, the county ordinance applies only to the mountain communities within the county.

The ordinance appeared on the supervisors' Aug. 15 agenda for consideration. The proposed ordinance survived and was placed on the Aug. 22 board of supervisor's calendar for approval. The ordinance will be put in place for 12 to 24 months then reviewed to see how it's working.

CITPRO representatives spoke to the Big Bear Lake City Council Aug. 14 on the impact a proposed ballot initiative would have on the city and the economy. Nick Lanza told of how property values would go down when houses flood the market being sold because owners can no longer rent them for vacation use. Tyler Wood added to Lanza's comments saying many people purchase vacation homes in the Valley on a 1031 tax exchange, which allows owners to use the houses for personal vacations and rent them to others to defray the cost.

The proposed ordinance would effectively put the short term rental owners out of business, Wood said. He called the proposed ordinance a “formula for disaster.”

J.J. McClelland and her husband recently purchased Big Bear Mountain Resort Rentals. She told the council of the risk she and her husband took investing in a business, but said they felt confident in the community and the stability of a 13-year-old business. But the proposed ordinance threatens McClelland's future as well as the financial stability of the many businesses like carpet cleaning that support the private home rental industry, she said. “Without us who will make this community what it is?” McClelland asked the council regarding short term rentals. “It's not just the loss of revenue, but the quality of people we have up here.”

Earlier this year Jim and Barbara McLean of Apples Bed and Breakfast filed a federal law suit against the city regarding private home rentals. Judge Stephen G. Larson dismissed the suit July 17. McLean said he and his attorney are working on an appeal. In the meantime he and his supporters are pursing their plan to place their proposed initiative before the voters.

McLean presented the ballot initiative to the city May 30. He said the city delayed long enough that the matter couldn't be placed on the November ballot. Now the city will be forced into a special election, McLean said, which he claims could cost the city as much as $250,000. “Screw 'em,” McLean said regarding the city.

McLean says he receives a barrage of phone calls from folks upset about the problems caused by renters in private homes. While these people support McLean and his ballot initiative and are willing to help collect signatures, they won't come forward publicly for fear of retribution, McLean said. The only ones going on record as supporting the initiative are Bob Pool and Brandon Schlarmann, both local lodge owners.

Regardless, McLean said he's not giving up on his search for equality within the lodging industry. He said that's all the ballot initiative asks for and that it won't put anyone out of business. Instead it will regulate an existing business.

Battle wages toward war regarding vacation rentals

By JUDI BOWERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 10:08 AM PDT

Private home rentals are a hot topic. People on both sides of the issue speak their minds. Lawsuits have been filed, ordinances submitted on their way to the ballot box, and city and county officials are swamped with information to wade through enroute to decisions.

Private home rentals are houses rented for periods of less than 30 days. In the city of Big Bear Lake, all private home rental units must be registered with the city and undergo inspections. Private home rentals are regulated by an existing city ordinance.

San Bernardino County is considering a similar ordinance. The proposal spent several months at the county Planning Commission level before being kicked upstairs so to speak to the county Board of Supervisors. Crafted using the city of Big Bear Lake's existing ordinance, the county version would regulate short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of Big Bear Valley. However, the county ordinance applies only to the mountain communities within the county.

The ordinance appeared on the supervisors' Aug. 15 agenda for consideration. The proposed ordinance survived and was placed on the Aug. 22 board of supervisor's calendar for approval. The ordinance will be put in place for 12 to 24 months then reviewed to see how it's working.

CITPRO representatives spoke to the Big Bear Lake City Council Aug. 14 on the impact a proposed ballot initiative would have on the city and the economy. Nick Lanza told of how property values would go down when houses flood the market being sold because owners can no longer rent them for vacation use. Tyler Wood added to Lanza's comments saying many people purchase vacation homes in the Valley on a 1031 tax exchange, which allows owners to use the houses for personal vacations and rent them to others to defray the cost.

The proposed ordinance would effectively put the short term rental owners out of business, Wood said. He called the proposed ordinance a “formula for disaster.”

J.J. McClelland and her husband recently purchased Big Bear Mountain Resort Rentals. She told the council of the risk she and her husband took investing in a business, but said they felt confident in the community and the stability of a 13-year-old business. But the proposed ordinance threatens McClelland's future as well as the financial stability of the many businesses like carpet cleaning that support the private home rental industry, she said. “Without us who will make this community what it is?” McClelland asked the council regarding short term rentals. “It's not just the loss of revenue, but the quality of people we have up here.”

Earlier this year Jim and Barbara McLean of Apples Bed and Breakfast filed a federal law suit against the city regarding private home rentals. Judge Stephen G. Larson dismissed the suit July 17. McLean said he and his attorney are working on an appeal. In the meantime he and his supporters are pursing their plan to place their proposed initiative before the voters.

McLean presented the ballot initiative to the city May 30. He said the city delayed long enough that the matter couldn't be placed on the November ballot. Now the city will be forced into a special election, McLean said, which he claims could cost the city as much as $250,000. “Screw 'em,” McLean said regarding the city.

McLean says he receives a barrage of phone calls from folks upset about the problems caused by renters in private homes. While these people support McLean and his ballot initiative and are willing to help collect signatures, they won't come forward publicly for fear of retribution, McLean said. The only ones going on record as supporting the initiative are Bob Pool and Brandon Schlarmann, both local lodge owners.

Regardless, McLean said he's not giving up on his search for equality within the lodging industry. He said that's all the ballot initiative asks for and that it won't put anyone out of business. Instead it will regulate an existing business.

Vacation rentals leave room for deals

Oversupply, discount travelers create vacancies in some tourist areas
The Wall Street Journal

In summer-rental spots around the country, a number of houses sit vacant and owners might be ready to make a deal.

Many agencies say they are offering discounts for the last two months of the season. For example, Hilton Head Rentals & Golf has cut 15 percent to 20 percent off its remaining one-to-two-bedroom listings.

One factor: oversupply. Nationwide, rental inventory is up 12 percent this year, mostly due to new second-home construction, says Michael Sarka, executive director of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, of Santa Cruz, Calif. The Travel Industry Association of America, of Washington, D.C., expects leisure travel to increase by less than 1 percent this year.

Early bookings were strong in a few popular areas, but agencies say more travelers have waited to plan their trips, a dynamic some link to a rise in Internet sources that allow last-minute reservations.

Gary Strohm, president of the Irvine, Calif.-based Beachhouse.com, an online classified site for vacation rentals, said based on the activity of his Web site and property owners who advertise with him, he is finding that most people are waiting to the last minute to book in hopes of deals and other specials.

Of course, renters might have to be flexible on dates and amenities. The homes that haven’t been rented are often older and have fewer features like pools.

Meanwhile, procrastinators are out of luck in some spots.

Several Isle of Palms rental agencies report they are totally, or nearly, booked for the rest of this summer and are already taking reservations for 2007.

“We’re seeing record occupancy, even better than last summer,” said Alex Gregory, director of sales and marketing for Wild Dunes Resort.

On Folly Beach, near Charleston, vacation home prices have not been reduced.

Bobby Baker of Folly Island Realty said his company did not have an abnormal amount of vacancies and was not offering discounts.

And Bob Hodgins of Buffalo, N.Y., who rents out his Folly Beach house for the summer, said, “I could have rented six houses this summer if I’d had them.”

Staff Writers Delawese Fulton, Noelle Phillips and Ben Werner contributed.

THE GARDEN ISLAND

By Lester Chang
Posted: Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 10:30:58 pm HST

The Kaua‘i County Planning Commission will begin looking at modifying the county’s comprehensive zoning ordinance to regulate homes that are used as vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfast operations — two types of businesses some critics say have ruined residential neighborhoods and have reduced rental housing opportunities.

The planning commission has scheduled a public hearing at the Lihu‘e Civic Center on Tuesday after the regular meeting to consider amendments to the county’s comprehensive zoning ordinance proposed by county leaders to regulate the vacation rental and bed and breakfast industry on Kaua‘i.

The commission and the Kaua‘i County Planning Department have been asked to review the proposal and to make recommendations to the council.

The council has taken up the matter due to public concerns about the impacts these commercial uses have had on neighborhoods across Kaua‘i.

Critics say visitors who stay at vacation rentals and bed-and breakfast operations create a transitory nature to neighborhoods.

Kaua‘i County Councilmembers JoAnn Yukimura and Jay Furfaro have worked aggressively to fashion legislation to regulate the industries. Visitors stay at these types of visitor accommodations because they are cheaper than staying at hotels.

Related to proposed changes for the bed and breakfast operations:

• Operators can use no more than two bedrooms for their businesses;

• Operators must provide at least one meal to guests;

• Operators must provide one off street parking stall for each guest bedroom;

• In advertising their businesses, operators can use only one sign on their property and it must not be more than three square feet;

• Bed and breakfast operations will not be allowed on properties that have an ohana unit, or an additional dwelling unit;

Related to rules for vacation rentals:

• Operators can use only one promotional signage on their properties that is no more than three square feet;

• Operators can use direct lighting on the signs;

• The signs shall show a permit number for the operation of the vacation rental;

The CZO changes also propose that people who operate vacation rentals prior to the legislation obtain a “non-conforming use certificate” from the county. People operating the bed and breakfast facilities will be subject to review by the county.

Similar conditions also would be imposed on the owners of vacation rentals in the proposed legislation.

Second Home, Vacation Rental or Investment?

By Walt Harvey, 5/10/2006 11:33:51 PM

Hawaii is an attractive location for buying a second home and how you classify that property has significant tax ramifications. Disclaimer: I’m a real estate broker and not allowed to give tax advice so consult with your tax professional regarding your specific circumstances. With that said, here are some guidelines.

A second home is a property other than your primary residence and of course it’s an investment. Any property owned as an investment may fall within the definition of a vacation home. The term vacation home is generic and applies to a property that an individual or family member uses personally to any extent. If there is personal use, tax write-offs may be limited.

14-Day Rule: Vacation homes may be considered residences if used for personal purposes more than 14 days or 10 percent of the number of days during the year for which the home is rented at a fair rental price, whichever is greater. Time spent working on and improving the property is not considered in the 14 day usage.

If a vacation home is rented for 14 days or less during the year and there is any personal use, you can keep the rental income and not report it (Code Sec. 280A(g), however, you can claim no expenses beyond the mortgage interest and property tax.

If rented for more than 14 days, then all rental income must be reported along with deductions for the rent-related expenses like advertising, broker’s fees, utilities, maintenance, upkeep, mortgage interest, property taxes and insurance. Depreciation may be deducted against the rental income however all deductions may not exceed the rental income.

Always consult a tax professional. When considering real estate, consult a real estate professional.

Vacation Rentals

Whether it's a family vacation, romantic trip for two, a much needed girls getaway, or a trip with the guys, there are great places to visit this spring and summer.

The best-kept travel secret is to stay in a vacation rental and save BIG. You can stay with more friends, have a lot more space to relax in and the accommodations will be equipped with a kitchen for snacks and beverage savings. Vacation rentals are comparable or even less than traditional hotels - can be super easy on the budget on a per-person basis.

Overall Destination Tip: Spring break is over, summer is not yet here which means no more crowds. A perfect time to plan a vacation-- take advantage of the great rates, great availability and guaranteed warm weather in Florida!! Hotels.com is offering up to 30-percent off on Florida properties.

Family Vacation - Orlando - Regal Palms from $99
* Only resort of its kind conveniently located near all major attractions, shopping, dining, golf, tennis and a host of entertainment venues in Central Florida
* 4-bedroom townhouse from $99 a night, 5-bedroom private pool home from $149 a night - can accommodate up to 11 guests!
* Town homes equipped with living/dining area, spacious bedrooms with private baths, balcony or patio area, kitchen
* Resort offers children's playground, large tropical swimming pavilion and complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World

Romantic Trip For Two - Key Largo - Ocean Pointe Suites from $157
* Romance at the island oasis
* 1-bedroom suite with ocean view from $157 a night
* Property offers 160 spacious one and two bedroom condos with full kitchens, whirlpool tubs in the master baths and private balconies - sleeping up to 6 people
* Olympic size swimming pool, private beach, boardwalk/fishing pier and marina

Girls Getaway - Sanibel - Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa from $400
* Perfect for spa vacation with the girls
* 2-bedroom condo from $400 a night
* Nestled on private 85-acre peninsula on Florida's gulf coast, the Resort's entire resort facilities underwent a restoration complete in 2005. All interiors were updated with a casually-elegant, tropical ambiance inspired by the breathtaking waterfront views of Sanibel and Captiva islands
* 40,000 square-foot world-class spa (60 beauty/body treatments), tennis, fitness center, bayside beach and marina offers a variety of daily cruises and water-sports& a private 100 foot yacht features nightly sunset dinner cruises

Guy's Trip - Myrtle Beach - Bay Watch from $159
* Perfect for a golfing trip with the guys
* 2-bedroom ocean front from $159 a night - beautiful views of the Atlantic
* On-site amenities galore! Oceanfront restaurant, sports bar & beach, plus a fitness room, gift shop, business center and more& everything on site!!
* Located near great restaurants, theatres and shopping for night time activities

Vacation Rental Tips:
# Book early, shop and book online for best availability
# Other popular beach places are booking up and rates are rising in some of the more popular beach destinations like Hawaii. So, look to Florida for great rates, availability, warm weather and beaches. Perfect alternative!!!
# Consider an alternative style of lodging (vacation rental) to the traditional hotel to room-condos to private homes, vacation rentals to bed & breakfasts - there are options available for everyone and now this type of specialty lodging is easier than ever to find it-used to take days sorting through real estate agencies and relying on friends and family for leads
# Most Vacation Rentals are equipped with convenient kitchen facilities which will allow you to save money on food and beverages

Measure regulating transient rentals moves toward reality

By VALERIE MONSON, Staff Writer

WAILUKU – A bill regulating transient vacation rentals took a big step toward becoming long-term reality Monday when the County Council’s Planning Committee voted to send a draft of the measure to the planning commissions for review over the next few months when lawmakers are tied up in budget hearings.

"I think it’s wonderful," David Dantes, president of the Maui Vacation Rental Association, said after the meeting. "The thing I’m elated about is now that they’ve done this, there’s a good chance we won’t have to wait and straddle an election year. We should be able to get a good, enforceable law adopted by the end of this term and put the issue to rest."

Acknowledging the wishes of the members, Chairwoman Charmaine Tavares said she would send not only a draft of a bill introduced by Council Member Bob Carroll, but another one introduced by Council Member Jo Anne Johnson and other supporting materials so the planning commissions of Maui, Molokai and Lanai would have a good idea of what had been discussed. As usual, the Hana Advisory Committee also will be included in the review process.

Carroll’s bill, crafted with input from Dantes’ organization, essentially would broaden legislation that governs bed-and-breakfasts to allow two separate structures per lot for short-term rentals. Bed-and-breakfast rules say the proprietor must live in the same dwelling that houses the vacation units, but the new bill includes free-standing structures.

It appears that the two structures would be permitted in addition to a main house. The bill also would green light resident managers instead of the owner to maintain the business.

The introduction to the bill said that the two individual structures and resident managers would be allowed "in limited instances."

The idea to get comments from the planning commissions during the time frame when the council has no option but to deliberate the budget sounded like a perfect scenario. In an ideal world, the comments from all commissions would be awaiting lawmakers when budget wraps up by the end of May, making for an easy transition to get back into the thick of things. However, county government is anything but an ideal world. The Planning Department’s Joe Alueta reminded council members that the Maui panel usually was booked two or three months in advance, so it could be a while before the reviews take place.

For nearly 90 minutes, lawmakers debated whether they should send the draft now, in their last committee meeting before budget, or hold off until a more refined version was available, probably not until June, at the earliest. Even by routing the draft to the commissions, the committee will have to send a final bill back to the commissions for another review.

Carroll urged his colleagues to take immediate action, especially so the differing thoughts of residents of the different islands could be considered.

"I don’t think we have an ordinance that’s a one size fits all," he said.

He found quick support from Council Member Mike Molina.

"We have a problem here and we can’t wait," said Molina. "The longer we wait, the more we spin our wheels. . . . The level of concern continues to rise on this issue."

Council Member Joe Pontanilla asked that the commissions also be forwarded information gathered by a task force appointed a few years ago to discuss transient vacation rentals. Tavares noted that the task force was disbanded before it completed its work, but said she would find out what had been prepared. In addition, commissions will get a report from the Kula Community Association; anticipated comments from community associations in Makawao, Paia and Haiku; and other pertinent information.

Although it appeared that vacation rentals would be allowed on agricultural land, Johnson did not seem to be willing to support that.

The bill also would simplify application procedures and expand eligibility for bed-and-breakfast home permits while strengthening the prohibition against illegal transient vacation rentals.

Short-term vacation rental ban put on hold in Encinitas

By Angela Lau
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

February 10, 2006

ENCINITAS – A controversial proposal to ban short-term vacation rentals has been shelved because of objections from the state Coastal Commission's staff, but it is not dead and the battle over it continues to simmer.

Yesterday, City Manager Kerry Miller said he intends to revive the ban in a form that is more acceptable to the Coastal Commission and reapply for approval, which is necessary to enact new laws on vacation rentals in coastal cities.

Vacation homes are considered an alternative accommodation for people who want to go to the beaches, and commission's mission is to protect public access to the coast.

“We have not given up on the ban,” Miller said. “That is still the direction of the City Council.”

Mayor Christy Guerin said the council will discuss the issue but has not decided on a date.

The City Council voted for the ban in May after hearing complaints about excessive noise, traffic and trash from vacationers.

The issue was scheduled for commission consideration yesterday at its meeting in Chula Vista, but city officials withdrew their application before the commission met.

Miller said the city was worried that the commission would not approve the ban because commission planners opposed it. Those planners had said it would deprive beach-going vacationers of accommodations because Encinitas does not have enough hotels and motels around its beaches, a claim that the city has disputed.

Miller said the city dropped its application so as not to shut the door on future applications for a ban.

In the meantime, to deal with noise complaints, the city may consider requiring vacation-rental homeowners to obtain permits and be subjected to noise, traffic and trash-control regulations, which do not need Coastal Commission approval, Miller said.

Currently, homeowners do not need permits to rent out their units.

Homeowners who violate permit conditions could face revocation, Miller said.

Yesterday, supporters and opponents reiterated their stands on vacation rentals and vowed to renew the battle when another ban is proposed.

“We are opposed to short-term rentals,” said Franz Birkner, a member of Encinitas Citizens for Residential Stability, a group of coastal homeowners who supported the proposed ban.

“They all should be shut down,” Birkner said.

Dietmar Rothe, an activist who is opposed to the ban, said it would not solve the noise and traffic problems.

“The ones that are really the problem are grandfathered in,” he said.

Forever Houseboats Offers Families a

Houseboating Brings Families Back Together Without
the Hassle and Headaches of Other Forms of Vacationing
Forever Houseboats Offers Families a Unique Vacation Filled with Rest, Relaxation and Recreation
Scottsdale, AZ – January 2006 – Forever Resorts invites families across the country to experience an entirely different vacation this year. Houseboating, an old vacation idea, popular with many families in the 60’s, has now been revised into a great getaway to reconnect with family and enjoy a relaxing, stress free vacation. Now there’s one vacation that will please children, looking for fun-filled days, and their parents who seek a restful getaway. Houseboating brings families together in a unique, bonding experience.

Forever Resorts (www.ForeverHouseboats.com), the respected leader in houseboat vacation rentals, has modernized the houseboat of today to include many comforts you’d expect to find in a vacation home; TV, stereo, gas grill, full kitchen, queen bedrooms, bathrooms, linens, towels and central air conditioning and heat. Plus, one feature not usually found in vacation homes – a waterslide off the upper deck!

The experience of houseboating goes beyond just the boat. It has become a tradition with many, which weaves the commonplace vacation into vivid memories. From exploring the serenity of the lake to the excitement of playing captain of your own boat, a houseboat vacation provides an outdoor adventure that allows you to reconnect, relax and spend quality time with each other.

When Forever Resorts asked recent vacationers their favorite part about houseboating, the company received many answers. But one commonality rang true; families revealed houseboating is truly a magical experience and they plan on returning to have that vacation experience again and again.

Houseboat rentals can be found in many waterways of the United States. Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada and Don Pedro Lake in California are two popular destinations for houseboating.

About Forever Resorts
The Forever Resorts family of companies has been based in Arizona since its inception in 1981 and owns and operates properties in national parks, recreation areas and national forests, and choice destinations of North America, Hungary and South Africa. The firm is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in lodging, marinas and related services, food service and retail operations and is a respected industry leader in houseboat manufacturing and luxury houseboat vacation rentals. “Soaring to be the Best” each Forever Resorts’ location is ISO 14001 certified and is committed to protecting human health and the environment, and many properties have received other awards and third-party certification for its environmental practices. For more information visit the company website at www.ForeverResorts.com.

Vacation rentals scrutinized

By Earl Bolender
Updated: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 1:07 PM PST

In response to complaints and inquiries regarding vacation rentals in the community, the Dunsmuir Planning Commission is in the process of developing policy that will regulate the operation of these rentals.

The planning commission held a public hearing at its November meeting to discuss amending the zoning code to regulate the operation of vacation rentals within the city limits.

The issue of vacation homes was brought to the attention of the Dunsmuir City Council in August by city administrator Pat Hall. She reported that staff received inquiries and concerns regarding the allowance of vacation rentals in residential areas.

“The city has received several complaints from residents on Grover Street in regard to a residence that is being turned into a vacation rental,” Hall said.

She reported that the owner had not obtained a building license for the work, which Hall said now has three apartment units downstairs with a home upstairs. Hall said it has also resulted in parking problems since parking on Grover Street is limited to the north side of the street. She said the “vacation rental” has a single driveway that can accommodate two vehicles with no other off-street parking being available for the property.

“This has brought staff's attention to the problem of homes being purchased and used for vacation rentals in our residential areas,” Hall said. “Various problems are being created including parking. Although we have ordinances regulating hotels (overnight rentals) and zoning regulations stating what parking requirements must be met, staff is requesting clarification from the council as to regulating and cross-referencing these requirements in the municipal code book.”

At its August 19th meeting, the council directed staff to take the issue of vacation rental zoning rules and regulations to the planning commission for review and recommendation.

At the November planning commission meeting, city contract planner Keith McKinley reported that the problem with vacation rentals is they were not in existence when the Dunsmuir zoning code was written.

While commissioner Denise Fairhurst said she was concerned about parking issues associated with vacation rentals, she said she didn't feel the city should discourage them. McKinley suggested an administrative conditional use permit be incorporated with a checklist to regulate vacation rentals.

“There needs to be a process to ensure the health and safety of users of the lodging and residents who may be impacted by the location and operation of a commercial use in otherwise residential neighborhoods,” McKinley said.

While he said there needs to be a way to regulate their operation, McKinley noted that vacation rentals do provide a community benefit. This includes “expanding the number and type of lodging facilities available and assist landowners of vacation home rentals by providing revenue which may be used for maintenance upgrades and differed costs.”

“In essence, they are a vital component to a tourist economy,” he stated.

While Hall agreed, she said not all vacation rental owners register with the city, which has resulted in some problems.

“There have been complaints from neighbors about parking,” she said. “Vacation rentals must come into compliance with safety issues.”

McKinley stated that it might be within the best interest of the city to develop clear and reasonable policy regarding vacation rentals.

“Vacation rentals and their operation can be regulated by requiring owners or operators to obtain a vacation rental use permit to operate within all residential districts,” McKinley stated in a memorandum to the planning commission. “The use permit can be a discretionary permit issued by the commission or it may be a permit issued either by discretion or administratively, but based on a set of pre-determined performance criteria or conditions.”

He stated that staff has researched regulations used by various jurisdictions, including Siskiyou and Douglas counties, two beach communities and a jurisdiction in Florida. McKinley stated that all of them require permits to operate a vacation rental.

“The purposes of the regulations consistently revolved around fundamentally allowing the use, while ensuring the welfare of the community by providing rules to protect the surrounding neighborhood and to provide enforcement processes and to ensure health and safety issues are addressed, both for the consumer and the community,” he stated. “All of the stated purposes of the ordinances are consistent with each other, namely to protect the neighbors from a commercial use in a residential area.”

McKinley said specific issues involved in these ordinances revolve around parking, overcrowding, noise, disturbing the neighbors and an enforcement process.

“In Dunsmuir there is no difference, nor does Dunsmuir have any unique quality that would distinguish our concerns from those of other jurisdictions,” he stated. “Recent increase (in) citizen complaints at certain sites have fueled an interest in providing guidelines for vacation rental operations.

“In addition, a careful review of the current zoning code has revealed the possibility that while the use of property as a vacation rental has been allowed without review, the zoning code, as written, may not allow them in residential zones at all,” he stated. “The point is, by allowing them (to be) unregulated, we may have been acting in ways that are inconsistent with what the law currently allows.”

McKinley made the recommendation that the zoning code be reviewed to provide clear regulations, consistency and enforcement. He said staff did not expect to pass a new ordinance at this time, but rather to begin serious discussions about the proliferation or potential proliferation of vacation rentals and the potential impact on affordable housing for moderate and below moderate income residents. He said the idea of the discussion is “hopefully to strike a balance between the positive aspects of this lodging option and the potentially degrading aspects of the public health and welfare of the community as a whole.”

The recommendation was approved by the planning commission by a 6-0-1 vote. Commissioner Rita Hilsenbeck abstained, stating she was owner of a vacation rental, Cedar Lodge Motel.

The vacation rentals review and public hearing is scheduled to be continued at the planning commission's January 9th meeting. It had been scheduled for discussion on December 13th. However, lack of a quorum postponed the meeting to January.

Lodging tax to include vacation rental homes

Bend.com news sources
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 7:58 PM
SALEM — Oregon's lodging tax will change January 1. Homeowners who rent out their vacation homes need to know how the new law will affect them, the Oregon Department of Revenue announced.
The 2005 Legislature passed a law that changes the state lodging tax. Before this new law, the lodging tax applied only to hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, RV park spaces, resorts, inns, cabins, condominiums, duplexes, and some short-term rental apartments. Beginning January 1, the law will include vacation rental houses, tent spaces and yurts in private and public campgrounds, and any other unit, or portion of a unit, used for short-term vacation, business, or recreational purposes.

If you own a vacation home that you rent out, you must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue. Registration forms are available online at www.oregon.gov/DOR/BUS. You also must collect the lodging tax from your customers when they pay you the vacation rental fee. You must pay the tax quarterly to the Oregon Department of Revenue. The tax is 1 percent of gross lodging sales.

There are several exemptions to this tax, including dwelling units that provide lodging for less than 30 days in a calendar year. For example: A hunting lodge that is open only for a season that is less than 30 days. Also, nonprofit youth or church camps, nonprofit conference centers, certain qualifying nonprofit facilities, and lodgers who spend at least 30 consecutive days at the same facility also are exempt.

"A portion of this lodging tax goes back to the area it was collected from," said Doneva Miletta, state lodging tax program coordinator. "The statewide lodging tax is different from city and county lodging taxes because those fund a variety of local programs. This tax promotes tourism throughout Oregon."

Instant Software develops ISILink for vacation rental home managers

The Florida-based technology firm provides reservation management systems for the vacation rental industry.

According to the company, vacation rental management companies can now connect with travel global distribution channels via ISILink. An official release states: ISILink acts as a database linking property information and rental availability to various sales distribution channels. With ISILink, the door is open for small vacation rental operators to reach travel agents and travel agencies efficiently and effectively.

''The entire line of Instant Software Group's products, including First Resort Software, Entech and Property Plus, will now have a method to reach the GDS. ISILink can also provide vacation rental properties easy access to other key distribution systems such as web based agencies and portals,'' states the company.

"Smaller vacation rental property companies have always been at a decided disadvantage when it came to the travel distribution channels not only because of their size, but the type of accommodations offered made it difficult to provide the critical mass needed to pave the way for access to the GDS system," said Dave Hopcroft, founder and President of Instant Software. "ISILink gives us critical mass and gives our partners the flexibility to compete anywhere they want."

"Vacation home managers want to use multiple distribution channels at the same time and ISILink makes this easy and most importantly, allows independent owners to reach a wider audience through distribution channels," said Hopcroft.

A cabin in the Smokies with scoobie and scout

Friday, November 11, 2005

My husband and I want to rent a private cabin in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina for a week next spring, and would love to take our two dogs. Can you recommend how to go about this?

-- G.B., Union

The mountainsides of western North Carolina are full of cabins, and enough of them are pet-friendly that you should be able to find a suitable one for you and your furry companions without much trouble. But plan on checking with individual properties about dog policies; few of the many guidebooks to pet-friendly lodging offer much help with cabins.

Among cabin properties that do accept pets, some are easy-going, all-hounds-welcome places; others want a deposit, often of $10 to $25; others simply want to be advised in advance so they know what to expect. For properties with Web sites, you sometimes can find their pet policies on the site, but it is best to confirm the policy in a phone call or by e-mail before booking.

Rustic-cabin operators tend to be most accepting of pets; fancy cabins with Jacuzzis and Oriental rugs will have more restrictive pets policies.

A good source for finding North Carolina cabins is the state's official tourism site, www.visitnc.com. From the home page, click on Where to Stay, which takes you to a search page. Type "cabin" in the search field, then below that click on Accommodation, then select Vacation Rentals in the "for" column. (When I tried it, the "for" column didn't fill with choices; if that happens, go back to the "look in" column and click on "attractions," then click again on "accommodation.") On the far right, deselect all but the Mountains region. When you click search, you'll get scores of possibilities. They can be narrowed further by sorting by city.

A company called Western North Carolina Lodging in Fletcher, N.C., offers a free booking service, with some cabins among the properties it represents in more than a dozen areas. Its site is at www.mtnlodgingreservations.com.

Another good site for locating cabins is Virtual Blue Ridge, www.virtualblueridge.com, where the Trip Planner section lets you select specific stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia and view cabin rentals.

The Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Mountains, by Sara Pacher and Constance Richards (Insiders' Guide, 7th edition, 2004), is packed with details about the region. A book for planning outdoor activities is the Adventure Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains, by Blair Howard (Hunter Travel, 2nd edition, 2001). It notes that in all three Smoky Mountain states it is illegal to leave pets in your vehicle.

A Virginia site for searching for cabin lodging is at www.virginia.org. Click on Accommodations, then Cottages & Cabins on the drop-down menu. You'll also be able to sort by regions such as the Blue Ridge Highlands.

My 18-year-old daughter and I will be visiting family in Fife, Scotland, next year. I have heard there is a tour boat that sails out of Dundee for the Norwegian fjords. Do you have any information about such a tour?

-- C.L, Manville

There are indeed fjord tours departing from Dundee, Scotland, although the timing may not fit a summer travel schedule. Six-day cruises to the Norwegian fjords during the apple blossom season are scheduled to depart from Dundee on April 26 and May 1, 2006, aboard the MV Funchal. The ship leaves Dundee at 5 p.m., spends the next day at sea, arriving the following day at Flam at 7 a.m. and at Gudvangen at 3:30 p.m. The fourth day there is a port call in Bergen, and on the fifth day in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. The ship returns to Dundee at 8 a.m. on the sixth day.

The price from Dundee starts at about $875 per person, based on double occupancy. Other tours of the fjords aboard the Funchal depart from Newcastle and Hull, south along the English coast.

You can find out more about the cruises through www.holidays.scotsman.com; search for "Dundee" to locate the tours.

The Funchal is a 222-cabin, 524-passenger ship that, according to Berlitz Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships, "was built as a dual-purpose mail and passenger ship, but was rebuilt as a one-class cruise ship in 1972-73 and has since undergone regular refurbishments. Its interior has lots of fine woodwork and heavy-duty fittings." The ships guide says the "Funchal is best suited to couples and single travelers seeking a first cruise aboard a small ship of vintage character and charm, with few facilities, but at a low price."

Rental count comes in low

A survey of vacation rentals commissioned by the Realtors Association of Maui raises as many questions as it answers, but it does underline the need for better county controls.

The survey reported only 816 properties with a total of 1,095 rooms – about a third of the highest earlier estimates. Judging from the listing supplied by the Kauaian Institute, which was commissioned by the Maui Realtors Association to conduct the count, major portions of Central Maui and Upcountry were ignored.

Of course, illegal vacation rentals operating on word-of-mouth advertising went uncounted. The actual inventory of vacation rentals – individual homes, “ohana” units and bed and breakfast operations – will be impossible to determine until county government knows exactly who is operating what and where.

The Maui VacationRental Association has been pushing the county to streamline the permit process, which now often takes years and a discouraging amount of expense to navigate. The association argues an easier process would result in fewer illegal operations. County action is long overdue, although nothing it does will completely eliminate illegal operations since they are likely to be taxed at the highest rate now reserved for hotels and resorts.

President David Dantes of the MVRA says the survey should allay fears vacation rentals are sapping the inventory of needed, residential long-term rentals. He pointed out that if all the vacation rentals were turned into long-term rental properties if would add “about 1 percent to the availability of affordable housing.”

Vacation rentals are increasingly popular with repeat visitors looking for a more “local” experience. Well-managed operations generally do not create neighborhood problems, but their very existence is one more factor in running up the cost of real estate on Maui even when they may allow residents to accommodate sky-high mortgage payments.

Interview with Frank Camacho, Staff VP Marketing - U.S. Rent A Car, The Hertz Corporation

How do you assess the progress made by your company recently? - (9/28/2005)

We have made good progress in both the leisure and commercial markets. In addition we have expanded our premium product line, the Hertz Prestige Collection in response to continuing growth in demand.

What new trends have you witnessed in the US?

Travelers continue to move to the web to book and over half of all RAC reservations are now made that way. We are below that because of our commercial business, as they have been slower to adopt the web. In addition, luxury travel is expanding and customers are increasingly interested in add-ons like NeverLost GPS and Sirius Satellite radio.

What do you think is driving these changes?

With regard to the web, the growth of broadband, increasing comfort shopping on the web and general maturing of the market. With regard to luxury travel and assorted add-ons, just a general search for a better experience and the feeling that a vacation is important in today's world.

How do you think consumer preferences are changing towards car rental services?

Consumers are starting to see RAC (rent a car) as a part of the vacation experience. They see things that can enhance the total vacation like Prestige vehicles, GPS, and satellite radio and they want them.

How do you think your company differs in its offerings?

Hertz was the first to introduce GPS and still has the only proprietary in-car installed system. We are one of two that offer satellite radio. And Hertz is still the only company that lets its customers reserve a specific make and model of vehicle in a broad variety of categories.

How do you think you have made your operations user friendly?

We have long had #1 Club Gold service allowing customers to bypass lines and go directly to their cars. In the past few years we have enhanced the services available in the basic #1 Club program (not Gold) as well. These now include a separate expedited line for check-in, e-mailed special offers for customers who request them, and access to copies of bills on our website.

What new trends have you witnessed as far as usage of online medium is concerned for customer service in terms of saving his/her time and offering convenience?

Not much new this year, but in the past few years, an increasing desire to use the Web to shop and book travel 24 hours a day, at home or at work. We have two peaks on our Website: lunch time (from work) and in the late evening (from home.) So clearly these customers are comfortable shopping and booking on the web.

How do you think online as a distribution medium has evolved as far as car rental service in concerned?

In the beginning we had simple supplier sites that allowed a reservation to be made, some information to be obtained, and pictures of cars to be displayed. Over time that has expanded to allow complete account management, copies of bills, changes to personal profiles and preferences, maps and weather information for the destination, and statements of past rentals and points earned for renting.

The third party sites have also improved, from offering simple reservation capability to enhanced shopping and search capability, and even the ability to reserve more types of vehicles than before.

What do you think are the challenges going forward?

As the market continues to mature, they tend to demand more information, better response time and simpler interfaces. Some of these (simple and more for example) are counter to each other and require better technology. The growing use of PDA's and cell phones that are more like browsers means that the concept of design for a Website will have to be broadened also.

Vacation rentals concern residents

08/11/2005

By Todd Thatcher , Staff Writer

Residents of Hershey's Cedar Avenue, along with Derry Township officials, are concerned that local owners renting out their houses to visitors may be a growing trend - and it's one they want to nip in the bud.
Diane Leonard, who lives on Cedar Avenue, is worried that if such renting is allowed, the trend will only grow, and ultimately change the character of the village of Hershey.
"I speak for most of the neighborhood in that we're concerned this is going to be an up-and-coming trend, and the neighborhoods we're used to where you know your neighbors and look out for each other might change," she said.
The properties in questions are located at 310 Cocoa Ave. and 164 Cedar Ave.
After purchasing the 310 Cocoa property last spring, new owners - and realtors - Chris and Joy Daniels - quickly began renovations, turning it into a 2,500-square-foot vacation home that, according its listing at www.vacationhomerentals.com, offers four bedrooms, a backyard deck, a fireplace, and a game room.
The owners argue that they are not violating any zoning regulations by renting their property.
"We believe we are using the property in accordance with the applicable zoning regulations," the Daniels said in a statement. "We will be promptly seeking clarification and confirmation of the use from the Derry Township Zoning Hearing Board."
According to a listing at www.heartofhershey.com, the 126 Cedar house includes three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a kitchen, dining room, and living room, and rents for $175 a night during the "on" season and $140 a night during the off-season.
"We purchased it last fall - September or October," Francine Walker, the owner of the Cedar Avenue property, said. "We actually had our first renters in over Thanksgiving."
According to Walker, the home has been rented by everyone from tourists to people with family in town - as well as visiting members of her own family.
"It's been sporadic, especially during the fall or winter - [then it's mostly] local townspeople who had relatives to visit over the holiday," she explained. "At least half of it has been local people. Our friends and family use it too, so to make it a bit cost-effective, we rent it too."
Walker said she has never heard any complaints from neighbors about the rental activity - quite the contrary, in fact.
"An immediate neighbor said he has been very happy with it actually - much more so than the previous owner," she said. "We live in town ourselves, so we meant in no way for this to be bothersome to people."
But following complaints from neighbors of the 310 Cocoa Ave. property, Jeff Keiser, the township's director of community development, stepped in, making the rental issue a priority for his department.
"We heard the allegations here in the department for a number of weeks," Keiser said. "We were periodically looking at the property, and about two weeks ago, we were able to find people that were staying at each of the dwellings and talk to them. They both indicated they were there for about week."
Keiser then looked into the township's related zoning ordinances to find out what provisions about length or type of rental - if any - were being violated.
"The use of that or any other property is governed by the zoning ordinances," he said. "We don't come out and say, 'You can't do that.' The way most zoning ordinances are written is to spell out what you're allowed to do, not what you're not.
"It was my determination that that use was not permitted in a village residential district, which these properties are both in. I sent a cease-and-desist order to the owners of both properties. "
Walker said that she was told the opposite by a township zoning officers when she first looked at the 126 Cedar house.
"Prior to purchasing the property, we spoke to a zoning officer who said there's nothing in the regulations that say we can't do what we're doing," she said. "What I was told was 'That's an interesting question, but there's nothing that says how long a property can be rented.'"
Both property owners have appealed Keiser's order to the [Derry Township] Zoning Hearing Board.
"What will happen now is that will be discussed at the zoning hearing board's meeting on Sept. 21," he explained. "The board has 45 days then to render a decision. The board could uphold my position or overrule it."
According to Keiser, his cease-and-desist order will be staid until the hearing board has made a decision, meaning the owners will be able to rent their property's at least until that time.
In the meantime, residents of Cedar Avenue are working to make sure their opposition continues to be heard by township officials.
"We spoke early on with some of the township staff, and later in the process we've spoken with some of the township supervisors about it," Leonard said. "There's a petition that's going to be circulated and that's going to be presented at the September supervisors meeting, and I know there's lots of signatures on that."

How Much Are Villa Owners Prepared to Pay For Online Advertising?

With a growing number of people investing in property abroad with the ‘buy to let’ vision, TipTopVillas.com allows holiday home owners to advertise for free.

Liverpool, North West England (PRWEB) August 3, 2005 -- TipTopVillas has announced an extension of its free advertising offer, allowing holiday home owners around the world to advertise free of charge until 2006.

When browsing through vacation rental websites, holiday home owners are faced with a number of questions: How many visitors does the site get; how many enquiries can I expect from this site; what percentage of enquiries will be translated into bookings? These types of questions make it very difficult for villa owners to part with their advertising budget.

When creating TipTopVillas.com, founder Andy Heaps posed these questions. “TipTopVillas has been allowing villa owners to advertise free of charge for nearly 12 months now and we have recently extended this offer until 2006. We have cut out the uncertainty of whether advertising your villa online will be cost effective. Free is always cost effective and I am yet to find another vacation rentals site that can compete in terms of property detail along with the extensive period of free advertising.”

In less than 12 months TipTopVillas has accumulated a solid base of properties and has seen many satisfied customers.

TipTopVillas allows holidaymakers to arrange bookings directly with the owner of their chosen villa, cutting out the costs of the travel agent. As the service offered is free, TipTopVillas can offer a vast and diverse range of properties and locations, translating into a greater choice of accommodation for the holidaymaker.

Now almost a year old, TipTopVillas is beginning to establish itself as an authority amongst vacation rental websites. With the forecasted growth of the large international client database, TipTopVillas will continue to offer high quality, good value villa rentals direct from the owner.

Vacation rental units join loyalty game

Posted on Mon, Jul. 18, 2005

CONSUMER TRAVEL

TONY MECIA

Fly enough on an airline and get a free ticket. Charge enough on a credit card and get points redeemable for magazines and other gifts. Eat frequently at the same restaurant and get a free meal.

Rewarding repeat customers with freebies -- a concept known as "loyalty programs" -- is a marketing strategy now moving into unlikely terrain: vacation rentals.

Crafting a successful reward program for beach and mountain rentals has been a hot topic at recent industry gatherings, says Michael Sarka, executive director of the Vacation Rental Managers Association in Santa Cruz, Calif.

"When we have education sessions, those are the types of topics people want to find out more about," he said.

For vacation rental companies, the approach has the appeal of saving precious advertising money. Targeting and retaining proven customers, the thinking goes, is far cheaper than taking out ads in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet.

For people who rent vacation houses, of course, it means the increased potential for free gifts and discounts.

Starting this summer, vacationers who returned to Outer Beaches Realty on North Carolina's Outer Banks received a free beach tote bag. The company offers other benefits to members of its "Outer Beaches Beach Club," such as discounts at stores, free use of a swimming pool and early notice of rental specials.

In future years, repeat guest will get beach towels, beach chairs and coolers, says Scott Leggat, Outer Beaches' vice president of marketing and administration.

He says no vacationer will make a decision to stay at one of the company's rentals because they receive a bag. But the program is designed to cultivate and reward relationships between the company and its best guests.

"When you're advertising, you're basically casting a pretty broad net, hoping to find a few that are interested in coming to Hatteras Island," Leggat said. "Everyone who is a member of the Beach Club has made that decision once. They're a much more qualified lead."

Loyalty programs started in the airline industry in the early 1980s. It then spread into other fields such as hotels and credit cards, and more recently into retail.

The strategy is becoming more essential for other industries such as vacation rentals, because so much information is now available to consumers through the Internet, says Gail Sneed, director of professional services with Maritz Loyalty Marketing in St. Louis, which designs loyalty programs.

"There are so many more choices," she said. "It's a matter of what's going to grab that attention?"

The most successful programs are ones that are straightforward and do not take too long to earn rewards, she said.

In Calabash, just over the N.C. line from North Myrtle Beach, Bill Bernier has learned to value his repeat customers. At the Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort that he manages, 86 percent of vacationers last year had stayed there before.

He's started giving repeat customers special deals, such as having them pay last year's rates or offering a free room to the leader of a group of 12 or more golfers.

"We try to work the loyalty thing," he says.

Bring that food aboard!

Last week's column on changes to air travel in recent years brought a few letters, and a few questions.

One reader wanted to know if airlines frown on passengers who take food aboard, since airlines have started selling meals and snacks of their own. The answer is no -- take whatever you like.

In addition, a flight attendant from Matthews wanted to address a few other misperceptions some passengers have: Airlines stopped handing out playing cards about 10 years ago, and if there are empty seats in first class, you cannot simply move up there.

Vacation rental units join loyalty game

Posted on Mon, Jul. 18, 2005

CONSUMER TRAVEL

TONY MECIA

Fly enough on an airline and get a free ticket. Charge enough on a credit card and get points redeemable for magazines and other gifts. Eat frequently at the same restaurant and get a free meal.

Rewarding repeat customers with freebies -- a concept known as "loyalty programs" -- is a marketing strategy now moving into unlikely terrain: vacation rentals.

Crafting a successful reward program for beach and mountain rentals has been a hot topic at recent industry gatherings, says Michael Sarka, executive director of the Vacation Rental Managers Association in Santa Cruz, Calif.

"When we have education sessions, those are the types of topics people want to find out more about," he said.

For vacation rental companies, the approach has the appeal of saving precious advertising money. Targeting and retaining proven customers, the thinking goes, is far cheaper than taking out ads in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet.

For people who rent vacation houses, of course, it means the increased potential for free gifts and discounts.

Starting this summer, vacationers who returned to Outer Beaches Realty on North Carolina's Outer Banks received a free beach tote bag. The company offers other benefits to members of its "Outer Beaches Beach Club," such as discounts at stores, free use of a swimming pool and early notice of rental specials.

In future years, repeat guest will get beach towels, beach chairs and coolers, says Scott Leggat, Outer Beaches' vice president of marketing and administration.

He says no vacationer will make a decision to stay at one of the company's rentals because they receive a bag. But the program is designed to cultivate and reward relationships between the company and its best guests.

"When you're advertising, you're basically casting a pretty broad net, hoping to find a few that are interested in coming to Hatteras Island," Leggat said. "Everyone who is a member of the Beach Club has made that decision once. They're a much more qualified lead."

Loyalty programs started in the airline industry in the early 1980s. It then spread into other fields such as hotels and credit cards, and more recently into retail.

The strategy is becoming more essential for other industries such as vacation rentals, because so much information is now available to consumers through the Internet, says Gail Sneed, director of professional services with Maritz Loyalty Marketing in St. Louis, which designs loyalty programs.

"There are so many more choices," she said. "It's a matter of what's going to grab that attention?"

The most successful programs are ones that are straightforward and do not take too long to earn rewards, she said.

In Calabash, just over the N.C. line from North Myrtle Beach, Bill Bernier has learned to value his repeat customers. At the Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort that he manages, 86 percent of vacationers last year had stayed there before.

He's started giving repeat customers special deals, such as having them pay last year's rates or offering a free room to the leader of a group of 12 or more golfers.

"We try to work the loyalty thing," he says.

Bring that food aboard!

Last week's column on changes to air travel in recent years brought a few letters, and a few questions.

One reader wanted to know if airlines frown on passengers who take food aboard, since airlines have started selling meals and snacks of their own. The answer is no -- take whatever you like.

In addition, a flight attendant from Matthews wanted to address a few other misperceptions some passengers have: Airlines stopped handing out playing cards about 10 years ago, and if there are empty seats in first class, you cannot simply move up there.

Vacation rental units join loyalty game

Posted on Mon, Jul. 18, 2005

CONSUMER TRAVEL

TONY MECIA

Fly enough on an airline and get a free ticket. Charge enough on a credit card and get points redeemable for magazines and other gifts. Eat frequently at the same restaurant and get a free meal.

Rewarding repeat customers with freebies -- a concept known as "loyalty programs" -- is a marketing strategy now moving into unlikely terrain: vacation rentals.

Crafting a successful reward program for beach and mountain rentals has been a hot topic at recent industry gatherings, says Michael Sarka, executive director of the Vacation Rental Managers Association in Santa Cruz, Calif.

"When we have education sessions, those are the types of topics people want to find out more about," he said.

For vacation rental companies, the approach has the appeal of saving precious advertising money. Targeting and retaining proven customers, the thinking goes, is far cheaper than taking out ads in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet.

For people who rent vacation houses, of course, it means the increased potential for free gifts and discounts.

Starting this summer, vacationers who returned to Outer Beaches Realty on North Carolina's Outer Banks received a free beach tote bag. The company offers other benefits to members of its "Outer Beaches Beach Club," such as discounts at stores, free use of a swimming pool and early notice of rental specials.

In future years, repeat guest will get beach towels, beach chairs and coolers, says Scott Leggat, Outer Beaches' vice president of marketing and administration.

He says no vacationer will make a decision to stay at one of the company's rentals because they receive a bag. But the program is designed to cultivate and reward relationships between the company and its best guests.

"When you're advertising, you're basically casting a pretty broad net, hoping to find a few that are interested in coming to Hatteras Island," Leggat said. "Everyone who is a member of the Beach Club has made that decision once. They're a much more qualified lead."

Loyalty programs started in the airline industry in the early 1980s. It then spread into other fields such as hotels and credit cards, and more recently into retail.

The strategy is becoming more essential for other industries such as vacation rentals, because so much information is now available to consumers through the Internet, says Gail Sneed, director of professional services with Maritz Loyalty Marketing in St. Louis, which designs loyalty programs.

"There are so many more choices," she said. "It's a matter of what's going to grab that attention?"

The most successful programs are ones that are straightforward and do not take too long to earn rewards, she said.

In Calabash, just over the N.C. line from North Myrtle Beach, Bill Bernier has learned to value his repeat customers. At the Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort that he manages, 86 percent of vacationers last year had stayed there before.

He's started giving repeat customers special deals, such as having them pay last year's rates or offering a free room to the leader of a group of 12 or more golfers.

"We try to work the loyalty thing," he says.

Bring that food aboard!

Last week's column on changes to air travel in recent years brought a few letters, and a few questions.

One reader wanted to know if airlines frown on passengers who take food aboard, since airlines have started selling meals and snacks of their own. The answer is no -- take whatever you like.

In addition, a flight attendant from Matthews wanted to address a few other misperceptions some passengers have: Airlines stopped handing out playing cards about 10 years ago, and if there are empty seats in first class, you cannot simply move up there.

How to make family vacations more memorable, affordable

Children can learn about sensible spending even while they are pursuing a good time
By SUSAN WARREN
The Wall Street Journal

Family vacations might have been considered a luxury once upon a time. In today’s overscheduled world, they are increasingly seen as essential.

The trouble is, traveling as a family cranks up the costs, as well as the fun.

“We find that even parents in the premium category still are concerned about their spending getting out of whack,” said Nancy Nelson-Duac, executive editor of FamilyTravelFiles.com, a Web site based in St. Augustine, Fla., that offers advice for parents traveling with children.

To give your children a memorable holiday, it isn’t necessary to spend like it’s play money — or to act like a Scrooge. With a little planning, there are lots of ways to economize.

At the same time, your children can learn about sensible spending even in pursuit of a good time. To give them perspective on expenses, tell older children how much parts of the trip cost, or assign a youngster to keep a daily tally of hotel, meal and souvenir bills.

The biggest thing to remember: What children value most about family vacations is the time spent together.

“It’s not the tchotchkes that make your holiday, it’s the memories,” Nelson-Duac said. “Coughing up more money doesn’t necessarily make it a wonderful holiday.”

What follows is a guide that can help make your future family vacations both memorable and more affordable.

WHERE TO GO

Where does it say that you must spend big to have big fun?

“You don’t want to go on vacation and regret it every time you go out to eat,” said Dorothy Jordon, publisher of FamilyTravelTimes.com, a New York Internet travel resource for families.

For inexpensive domestic travel, one of the most overlooked destinations is state parks. Some can rival private resorts in the activities they offer: Canoeing, swimming, hiking, museums and historical re-enactments are common. Nor do you have to own an RV or sleep in a tent.

Check with a state’s tourism or natural resources department for information and reservations. Most states have detailed Web sites where you can research your trip, view pictures and make reservations.

Unfortunately, the weaker dollar has made foreign travel generally more expensive. But there are still good deals to be had.

A dollar goes further in Latin America or Canada than it does in Western Europe. French-speaking Quebec feels like a vacation in France with a much better exchange rate, and getting there is less expensive, as well. Argentina and Peru, too, are exotic destinations that cost less than many foreign hot spots.

Asia is another relatively cheap alternative to Europe, though the airfare can cost more. Several travel experts recommend South Korea, Thailand and Singapore as family-friendly.

If your heart is set on Europe, keep in mind that Western Europe is one of the most expensive vacation choices now, due in part to the relative strength of the euro. Parts of Eastern Europe, however, like Hungary and the Czech Republic, have not adopted the euro and still offer good value.

Some parts of the euro zone recognize the higher cost for Americans these days and offer discounts and special deals. Switzerland has a complimentary Swiss Family Card that allows children up to 16 to ride the train free with their parents. And a Flexi Pass for two adults traveling together can be purchased for about $300 for four days of second-class travel — cheaper than the usual $180-per-adult rate. Both offers are exclusively for foreign visitors.

Staying off the beaten path is another way to keep your costs down in Western Europe. Try to identify lesser-known locations around which a good number of activities, historical sites and attractions are clustered.

HOW TO GET THERE

The high gasoline prices likely this summer might have parents asking, “Are we there yet?” But if you plan ahead, you might not have to pay as much at the pump as some. Gasoline is often cheaper in the city than out on the highway, so fill up before leaving town. Try to avoid gas-eating rush hours in the big cities.

If you need to rent a car, hiring it for a week can be cheaper than for three or four days. Get your rental away from the airport, where prices run higher. And make sure the deal includes unlimited mileage.

If you’re headed abroad, airline tickets cost more the later you buy them, so book as early as possible. Fares also can depend on departure time and day, so being flexible pays. Compare airports, too. Ticket prices can vary considerably between airports less than 100 miles apart, and you might save money by driving a bit farther or taking commuter flights between airports.

So-called consolidators, such as those found at European Travel Network (www.etn.nl/discount), buy seats in bulk and sell them at a discount. Consolidators often can provide a cheaper fare for international travel than even the best deals from the better-known online travel specialists.

WHERE TO STAY

Conventional hotels are beginning to compete with suite-style hotels for family business. More are offering specials such as renting a second room for the children at half-price.

Boutique hotels or family-operated inns in smaller towns are generally cheaper than large chains in the big city, so consider staying outside town and commuting into the city for sightseeing.

If staying in one place is an option, the best deals for families, especially of five or more, are private rentals. Weekly rates for apartments or cottages can be dramatically cheaper than taking two hotel rooms.

Thousands of cottages and apartments all over the world are available for rent through private booking agencies, individual owners and government agencies like Britain’s National Trust, which offers 320 properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Most agents have Web sites with pictures and rates, and also can mail out catalogs of their properties.

HOW TO EAT

Restaurants are one of the biggest sources for impulse spending on the road. Hungry travelers often duck into the nearest establishment and end up paying more than they expected. Picky eaters — or children who are too excited to eat — can waste an expensive meal.

Renting a kitchen-equipped apartment or cottage is probably the best money-saver, though that might be less of a vacation for the head chef in the family.

If restaurants are a must, those outside city centers generally are less expensive. When in the city, ethnic restaurants can be a great place for good, cheap meals. And look for the local hangouts, which are often less expensive.

You can limit restaurant bills by doing what your own mom used to tell you: Start each day with a good breakfast. Many hotels — and, of course, bed and breakfasts — include breakfast in the room rate.

Families traveling with younger children — which means an earlier bedtime — also can save by splurging on a big lunch, followed by a light dinner. Pack snacks to curb appetites between meals. Picnics can be more fun for children and cheaper for parents.

WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO BRING BACK

A common way for families to blow a vacation budget is by forgetting to factor in the cost of doing stuff and buying stuff.

Before leaving on vacation, contact local tourism bureaus and ask for free maps, guidebooks and discount coupon books. If you’re a member of a travel club like AAA, take advantage of the travel discounts and services that come with membership. Many larger cities sell a city pass, a book of tickets to local attractions such as museums, aquariums and sightseeing tours. Such deals provide a big savings compared with buying single tickets.

Ask locals what you can do and see free of charge. Entry fees for parks and museums and historic sites can add up quickly, while many natural attractions don’t cost anything, or require a modest fee for the entire day.

Travel experts recommend giving children their own allowance for souvenirs and letting them decide what to spend it on. Jordon found that her children suddenly got much more conservative about their spending when they had to manage their own money. “It cuts down on the ‘buy-me’ syndrome,” she said.

PACKAGE DEALS

The surest way to stick to a budget, many travel experts say, is to go with the package solution. All-inclusive deals, whether for a resort or an entire trip, not only make life easier, but they also remove much of the opportunity for impulse spending.

“The best thing about the all-inclusive package is there is no guesswork,” said Cindy Grant, owner of the Expert Family Travel agency in Dallas. “It’s more expensive in the beginning, but in the end you’ll be spending less.”

Lots of companies specialize in package tours for families. Packages and charters can be booked through travel agents, or through links that can be found on a variety of Web sites, including FamilyTravelFiles.com or FamilyTravelNetwork.com.

Will and Joan Weber, founders of Journeys International Inc. in Ann Arbor, Mich., have tested many of their company’s tours with their own children.

Airlines and destinations like Disney World also can offer good deals on family packages through their own Web sites.

Shop around. Some packages include children’s meals and activities for no additional charge, so long as the children stay in the parents’ hotel room.

Cruises can be another all-inclusive venue. Room, meals, entertainment — most everything on the ship comes with the price, with a few exceptions, like alcohol. Fall is the best time to get good deals on cruises, including discounts for the third or fourth person staying in a cabin.

If your family prefers more freedom, consider forming your own group tour with another family or two to share costs for things like rental houses and tour guides. Sharing costs with another family might mean you can afford a nicer rental in a better location.

Samantha McClure of Small World Travel in Austin, Texas, believes tour guides specializing in children are one of the best vacation investments. “My kids didn’t want to leave the Louvre after five hours with my favorite guide in Paris,” McClure said. The guide was “worth her weight in gold.”