Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people]]> 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental
Paul Orr

Planning a tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ?doing without?.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ?just somewhere to stay? since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don?t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you?ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you?ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD ? assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you?ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn?t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? ?A home away from home?

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can ?see? actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It?s one thing to read a great description ? and some of them are quite ?complimentary? (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you?ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you?ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won?t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day?s drive and after your flight even an hour?s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com. This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.

Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don?t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you?ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone?s schedule and call back ? and risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don?t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don?t expect anything different when you have a problem.

6. Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that?s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation ? or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here?s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren?t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There?s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody?s bored teenager who?s manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for ?fun? and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?

If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you?ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa’s available.
www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com
info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com

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When it gets cold outside, don't you just love the feeling you get when you snuggle up with s]]> Cozy Home Decorating Ideas for Winter
Liz Hekimian-Williams

When it gets cold outside, don’t you just love the feeling you get when you snuggle up with something warm and cozy?

What if you could create that same warm feeling when you’re inside at home, just by adding a few choice home decorating accessories? Well, you can!

Here are several cozy home decorating ideas to help you and your guests feel warmer at this time of year.

1. Move to Florida! Nah, just kidding.

2. Get out your favorite throw or fleece blanket, or buy a new one, and place it on your sofa for cuddling. During the daytime or when not in use, you can drape it on the back of your sofa to enjoy the pattern or picture on it and add a bit of “warmth” to your room.

3. Get that fireplace going that’s been inactive all year. And if you don’t have a fireplace, it’s a great time to get some candles glowing in your home.

4. Add the scent of cinnamon, vanilla or other “warm” aromas to please you while you’re indoors. Try a scented
candle or use a fragrant oil in an oil warmer. Or, cook up some treat that will please your tastebuds and fragrance
your home as well. You can bake some cinnamon rolls or enjoy some spiced hot cider, for instance.

5. Add pillows and fluffiness. There are many types of decorative pillows you can add to your living room, family
room, and to your beds. These are good accessories that add a cozy feel to your rooms and they also are just plain
fun to use- under your head, over your legs, hugged between your arms, they actually do help to keep you warm besides those throws you’ve gotten out.

6. Even if you don’t move to Florida, you can still transport yourself to a tropical climate and start anticipating spring by adding a flowering plant or some cut flowers to your kitchen or dining room table. Include some palm tree low wattage lamps by your reading nook or on your nightstand. Get a CD of some Jimmy Buffet island music and enjoy
relaxing to those tropical tunes.

So let the right textures, sights, scents and sounds hug you. And let your imagination take you to warmer places and no cares.

Copyright 2004 Liz Hekimian-Williams

Liz Hekimian-Williams is owner of Giftsprings, a popular online shopping site for gifts, home decor and personalized gifts. Did you like this article? Then request the Giftsprings ezine at http://www.giftsprings.com
You’ll get more articles like this, a new subscriber’s discount coupon and sales alerts. Giftsprings 5373 Ehrlich Rd Ste 203, 169 - Tampa, FL 33625.
Email: mailto:mailroom@giftsprings.com

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A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf of Mexico is an ideal choice of vacation f]]> Why Take a tropical Cruise ?
John Metcalfe

A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf of Mexico is an ideal choice of vacation for couples of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a short romantic break or if you’d like a longer voyage with more time to explore tropical islands and soak up the Caribbean sunshine, then a tropical cruise is for you.

A tropical cruise can be embarked upon from many ports around the U.S. In Florida, the ports of Canaveral, Miami and Fort Lauderdale all offer excellent choices of tropical cruises, with itineraries varying from two and three night cruises to the Bahamas, to 14-day cruises around the more exotic parts of the Caribbean.

Seaports in the States of Louisiana and Texas also cater for tropical cruises, with destinations often including port stops at Mexico and parts of Central America. A tropical cruise can also be commenced from more northern ports in the U.S. You need to be prepared to spend more time at sea and to take a longer vacation though should you choose to depart from somewhere like New York.

There are essentially four tropical cruise routes around the Caribbean - the Western Caribbean route, Eastern Caribbean route, Southern Caribbean route and an exotic Caribbean route that is a combination of ports stops taken from the other three routes.

In the Western Caribbean, a tropical cruise will take you as far east into the Caribbean as Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman in particular has many delights, including white sandy beaches and first-class watersports activities. It’s a true tropical paradise.

A tropical cruise to the Eastern Caribbean introduces you to the exquisite beaches of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Many cruise itineraries incorporate a stop on the island of St Maarten too, where you can bask on one of 37 white-sand beaches and be served with cocktails all day long!

tropical cruises around the Southern Caribbean are often of a longer duration, and take in many of the islands of the Lesser Antilles and Netherlands Antilles. The Grenadines and the island of Aruba, the latter having 365 beaches, are ‘must sees’ on a tropical cruise of the Southern Caribbean.

For short duration tropical cruises, the Bahamas are an excellent choice of destination. Departing from Florida, a tropical cruise to the Bahamas can be as short as just two nights. Stops at Nassau on the island of New Providence and Freeport on Grand Bahama offer a tropical paradise that is only some 75kms away from the U.S. mainland - perfect if you’re looking for a romantic weekend away!

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for tropical Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here:http://www.azcruises.com/tropicalcruise/

Copyright John Metcalfe - http://www.azcruises.com

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Xtremely tropical for artificial palm trees

Imagine choosing from several all inclusive va]]> All Inclusive Vacations and discount airfare can be your best choice for a pampered vacation.
Mike Yeager

Imagine choosing from several all inclusive vacations and discount airfare where everything is taken care of for you. Once you board the airplane you’ll be pampered and cared for as you start the most wonderful trip of your life. That’s because when you choose from one of many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare, you’ll find that to the staff and professionals who attend to your every need, you’re the most important person on that trip.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a honeymoon or the perfect family vacation, you’ll find that choosing from the many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare that are available will be just what you need to settle down and relax.

all inclusive vacations and discount airfare can take you anywhere in the World.

Whether you’re looking for white, sandy beaches in Hawaii or warm, tropical breezes as you travel Mexico, you’ll find that purchasing a package that includes your airfare, hotel and sightseeing, is the easy, affordable, and fun way to forget about everything and simply enjoy.

With so many all inclusive vacations and discount airfare to choose from, it’s important that when planning your vacation you take the time to consider where and when you want to travel. Winter time can be especially dreary if you live in a cold, wet climate. Why not get away from it all for a few weeks and soak up some sun, surf and sand with a vacation that includes it all.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html

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You work hard all year long, and look forward to your vacation. So why settle for ordinary, when you could do s]]> Vacations - Away From The Ordinary
Jay Bauder

You work hard all year long, and look forward to your vacation.
So why settle for ordinary, when you could do something
different this year and create memories that really will last a
lifetime?

Today there are so many more choices than just taking a regular
cruise or guided tour. If you’re willing to think outside the
box, and put a little effort into planning it, your vacation can
be extraordinary.

First of all, think about your interests or passions. Is there
something that you’ve always wanted to do like learn to paint,
try skydiving, or scuba diving?

What about some place that you’ve always wanted to visit like
Venice, Paris or Tahiti?

What do you love to do in your spare time…visit art galleries,
read or go to flea markets?

If you’ve always wanted to be a painter, why not choose Paris?
But instead of staying in a hotel, and making the rounds of the
usual tourist attractions, check into renting a flat or
participating in a housing exchange program. (You can find
several reliable companies on the Internet.) On the money you’ll
save on the hotel and restaurants, sign up for art classes at
one of the cultural centers near where you’ll be staying. And
instead of signing up for a guided tour, visit the tourist
attractions with your paints and easel. Live the life of an
artist in Paris for two weeks!

Interested in living dangerously? You can find several adventure
programs that are created around the extreme sports you’re most
interested in — such as skydiving, white water rafting or rock
climbing — and they are available almost everywhere in the
world — from Africa to Istanbul to the Arctic Circle.

Want to do more than lay around on a tropical beach and work on
your tan? What about visiting another country and helping to
build a home for a low-income family? Rebuilding a community
after a natural disaster? Or working with orphans in a
third-world country? Check with your local United Way or
faith-based organization. Many nonprofit organizations such as
Habitat for Humanity or the Red Cross organize special trips for
people who want to make a difference.

Or, if you’ve always wondered what Green Peace Volunteers do or
wanted to work on a scientific exhibition digging up fossils or
exploring the ocean, why not give them a call, to see if you
could spend your vacation as a working volunteer?

What about learning a foreign language? (Your local community
college probably offers “immersion” vacations as a member of a
language class. During your vacation, you stay as a guest in
someone’s home, and have the opportunity to live like a native.
You’ll become totally immersed in the country of your choice,
having the chance to speak the language with your hosts, learn
the best places to visit, and getting to eat home cooked meals.)

If you have an idea for the “perfect” vacation, or there’s
something you’ve always wanted to do, but don’t know where to
start to make it happen, call your local travel agent. I think
you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what she can help you arrange.

Whatever your interests, hobbies or passions, if you’ve got
unfinished items on your “things to do before I die” list — why
not figure out a way to start putting a checkmark in front of
some of them, by incorporating your dreams into your next
vacation?

About the author:

Jay is the web owner of http://www.Rental-Cars-In.com Rental Cars, a website
that provides information and resources on rental cars,
vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his
website at: http://www.hotels-in.net Discount Hotels

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Sweep Her Off Her Feet with a Last Minute Cruise

Finding the perfect gift for the wo]]> Sweep Her Off Her Feet with a Last Minute Cruise
Lori Wilkerson

Sweep Her Off Her Feet with a Last Minute Cruise

Finding the perfect gift for the woman you love can be difficult, especially when the occasion warrants something really special. May we suggest surprising her with something that?s sure to delight her, something that she?ll never guess? Book a last minute cruise and whisk her away for a weekend or a week of romance on the high seas! It?s the ultimate vacation for two, and one she?ll remember for a lifetime.

In fact, a last minute cruise is the height of romance ? a grand gesture that has everything that a great romance needs ? sunshine filled days, moonlit nights, fine dining, dancing, pampering, glamour and exotic locales. Doesn?t it sound like the perfect gift for her?

There?s nothing as romantic as a cruise for those special moments

A cruise vacation is a great way to tell her you?d marry her all over again with three or more days of luxury, relaxation and pampering. And with last minute deals, you?ll have plenty left over to buy her something special at one of the great shops at your destination, whether it?s the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific.

Thinking of proposing? Check into booking a last minute cruise, tell her to pack for a long weekend, and then sail into the sunset with her on a luxury liner. After a day of sunning on golden sandy beaches, snorkeling in pristine coastal waters and fabulous seafood, you can pop the question on the deck while a million stars reflect off cool waters.

Last minute booking means savings that you can use to set the scene perfectly. Chilled champagne, soft music, roses?whatever you want to make the evening special. Cruise ships are considered the height of luxury living for good reason ? they cater to the wishes of every passenger, so let the captain know when boarding that this is going to be a special trip ? he?ll be sure to see that everything is perfect for you!

Silver and golden anniversaries are also wonderful reasons to book a last minute cruise. If you?ve raised the children and have an empty nest, it?s even easier to get away for a sea voyage, and with the great discounts you can get by booking a last minute cruise, you can extend your trip to by several days for the same price. In fact, for the cost of what would normally be a three to four day cruise, you may be able to whisk your darling away for a week to ten days of ocean breezes, scrumptious food and wines and fabulous scenery!

Last minute cruise bargains surround you in luxury

There?s something so romantic about not worrying about your wallet when you?re romancing your fianc?e or wife, isn?t there? With so many things to do on a cruise, the two of you will certainly want to try lots of things, and having saved so much on the cruise itself, you can splurge on some great extras. Some of the wonderful vacation activities you can enjoy together on these ultimate vacations aboard ship are:

- Fine dining in world-class restaurants
- Las Vegas style shows
- Gambling in the ship?s casinos
- Dancing to live bands
- Moonlight strolls around the deck
- Luxurious day spa treatments

The romance of just the right destination

The cruise is a vacation in itself, but the romance starts all over again when your ship docks at your destination. Whether you choose the Caribbean, Mexico or the South Pacific, you will discover that discounts abound on shore as well. These popular vacation spots offer fabulous deals from local artisans and crafters for you to take home with you.

Seafood and tasty local fare are inexpensive, exotic indulgences for both of you to share. Spend the afternoon wrapped up together in a hammock swinging in a tropical breeze under palm trees and you?ll realize that a last minute cruise may be the greatest getaway you can give your loved one ? what?s more romantic than an unexpected, grand gesture wrapped in warm, salt breezes and golden sunsets and delivered in ultimate luxury?

Trying something you?ve never done before can be a powerful bonding experience, and any cruise vacation provides the ultimate choice of new activities to try. Snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, rock climbing and scuba are just a few activities that you could try as a couple that will become cherished memories.

How do I pull off a last minute cruise surprise?

Check out the destinations, rates and departures for several different cruises, and then get ready to move quickly. Booking last minute cruises can net you big vacation discounts, but the spaces available fill up quickly, so you should get in the mindset that you need to make a decision fairly quickly if you spot the perfect trip.

There are a few things you?ll want to take care of before you spring your romantic surprise on her so that she won?t have to spend the few weeks leading up to her departure worrying. Once you have a few dates picked out, put them on hold if possible and start making some phone calls:

- Contact her boss and explain that you would like to arrange a few of her vacation days if possible. Explain that it is a surprise and ask him or her to keep the secret.

- Talk to her best friend to find out if any appointments are necessary. Will she want a pedicure a few days before leaving? Set one up.

- Let her parents in on the secret as well, but swear them to secrecy, too.

- Arrange for any pet care needed, including boarding of dogs or cats if necessary.

- If you have children, make the arrangements for them to stay with their grandparents or friends and swear them to secrecy. This will be the toughest sell ? kids have trouble with big secrets, but try!

- Check her date book ? if she has made any appointments or plans that will need to be rearranged, call and explain that you are planning a surprise trip, and that she may be calling later to cancel at the last minute. This will soften the news when she does call later to cancel her appointments.

- Get ready for some romantic days and nights on your last minute cruise that you won?t soon forget!

About the Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about cruise packages. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, “Hot, Hot, Hot,” throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. More Cruise articles at can be found at Cruise Packages

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Cancun is a paradise holiday destination located amongst the beautiful Mayan ruins of Mexico.

Cancun i]]> Cancun Vacations
Kristy Annely

Cancun is a paradise holiday destination located amongst the beautiful Mayan ruins of Mexico.

Cancun is a paradise holiday destination located amongst the beautiful Mayan ruins of Mexico. This is definitely a great holiday destination for both the young, and the young at heart. Those who love all kinds of water sports, eating, nightlife and shopping should definitely head for Cancun.

Cancun Island is only 14 miles long and less than a mile wide. This is why you are always near a beach here. You can enjoy the beaches with water skiing, renting a jet ski or perhaps soaring into the skies under a parasail. Or you could join the windsurfers on Islam Majors, or go exploring with a kayak or a paddleboat. Besides all this, there are also local outfitters who provide snorkeling and scuba trips to the various coral reefs. If water sports are just not up your alley, a Cancun vacation also proves to be suited for exploring some of the Yucatan Peninsula?s spectacular ruins, including Talcum, the seaside-facing blue lagoon and the sacred city of Chichen-Itza. Xcaret is another amazing water park that is suited on the sunken ruins of a Mayan port city.

Those who aren?t fond of sports can visit the many handsome and substantial malls found amongst the Cancun hotels. You will find everything from local craft galleries to international fashion chains like Ralph Lauren and Benetton. Those who prefer traditional shopping should head to downtown Cancun, the mainland part of the resort area, where there is a mix of stores, shops and flea markets in Avenida Tulum. You can find local toys, foodstuffs and beautiful souvenirs here. And once the sun goes down, Cancun lights up. The numerous clubs and discos here seep Latin, jazz, rock and salsa. If you are looking for a quiet night, you could head for the lobby bars of hotels for flamenco and jazz. The romantic can go to the numerous dinner cruises available that offer music and dancing on the waves. So just contact your travel agent for your Cancun vacation and pack your bag with clothes fit for the tropics, to enjoy yourself to the limits at Cancun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cancun Hotels provides detailed information on Cancun, Cancun Hotels, Cancun Spring Break, Cancun Vacations and more. Cancun Hotels is affiliated with Cancun Hotel Maps.

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