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Are you looking for a good deal on a vacation rental? If so, you can and should turn to Craigslist.org. This online classified website may have just what you were looking for, but what tips should you keep in mind when doing your search?

Finding Vacation Rentals on Craigslist – Tip #1

Expand your search. Hotels, motels, vacation resorts, and vacation rentals are all more expensive the closer you get to a popular vacation destination or attraction. If you want to save money, it is best to look a few minutes or hours away. Try it on Craigslist. By opting to rent a car or drive your own an extra 35 minutes, you may save anywhere from to 0 a night! If you want to search multiple areas on Craigslist near your vacation destination to find the cheapest rentals, you can download a Craigslist search program. These search programs allow you to search multiple locations and categories at once; saving you time.

Finding Vacation Rentals on Craigslist – Tip #2

Don’t rent a vacation rental you found listed on Craigslist without first seeing pictures.

In fact, you want to see lots of pictures. Many travelers make the mistake of assuming all vacation rentals are beautiful and in tip-top shape, but they aren’t all. Honestly, someone can have an old trailer placed by a lake and call it a vacation rental. Your staying options while on vacation are very important; they can literally make or break your trip. Save yourself time, money, and a hassle and ask to see lots of pictures first. If a Craigslist vacation rental property owner only has one or two pictures posted, ask them to email you more.

Finding Vacation Rentals on Craigslist – Tip #3

Watch out for vacation rental scams.

Everyday, it is seems as if frauds have sunken to a new low. Did you know that scammers use vacation rentals and unsuspecting tourists to make a living? They do. When hiding behind a computer, it is easy to claim you are a vacation rental owner while not being one. In fact, most scammers who use this method are living in another country. A few simple steps can help prevent you from falling victim to a Craigslist vacation rental scam. What should you do? As previously stated, ask to see lots of pictures, ask about the physical address of the vacation rental, view the property on an interactive map with satellite views, and check your credit card statement to ensure you aren’t charged until after your trip starts. It is common for you to be charged a security or holding deposit upfront, but (like traditional hotels) your card should not be charged until you actually stay.  Read more...

One of the first vacation rental tips is to pick a place that’s convenient. This is in terms of location so that it is close to the nearest town so that you can go to the local grocery store and shops in case you need to buy some supplies for the rented place or if you have run out of supplies. Also, if you’re planning to take a flight, make sure that the rented place is accessible to the airport. However if you’re planning to drive, make sure that you get directions before going.

One of the other vacation rental tips is to find a place that is economical. Usually, vacation rentals don’t cost as much as hotels. However, you need to do your research and decide on a place that appeals to you and one that isn’t too expensive and within your budget. When deciding on the cost, it is important that you allocate a certain amount of money for food, water and other essentials that you will need on your trip.

When writing about vacation rental tips, another consideration to be made is whether the place is suitable.

This depends on the number of people going and where they want to go. The vacation rental that you pick must be able to accommodate everyone and is one that is agreed on by all. Since everyone wants to enjoy the vacation, it is important to keep everyone happy by listening to their suggestions and taking into account what they want.

Lastly, remember to enjoy the vacation rental as it would be a place which is homier and more comfortable for some. Also, you don’t have to worry about checking in and checking out times. You can do your own thing and not follow any schedules. It is much like a home away from home.

Find More Tips For Vacation Articles

If you are planning for a backpacking adventure, it is highly recommended that you get familiar with basic backpacking guidelines and survival skills. Such information and knowledge can prove to be highly beneficial for backpackers as it helps them in enjoying their trip absolutely. Additionally, these skills provide a certain sense of safety and security to the backpackers.

Backpackers or even individuals on solo travel tours will surely benefit themselves by being knowledgeable about various such tips and skills before venturing into the wild, trekking the mountains, surfing the sea or loosing themselves in the vastness of the barren desert.

Destination Selection

The first step it to decide the destination where you would like to have your holidays. Our globe is a big place and choosing a destination can be a tiresome job. However, there are some pointers and features that may assist you in making the choice. Geography, the amount of time you can afford and the weather are few basic factors that may play a part in your decision. One should keep in mind that summers in UK do not mean summers throughout the world. Choose a location which has an agreeable weather and one which will be the most convenient to you. However, backpacking in off-seasons can get you cheap deals.

Research

After deciding your choice of destination it is recommended to conduct some research on the particular location before actually booking your airline tickets. It must be noted that several parts of the world experience instability at some point or other and it certainly isnt desirable for you to find yourself in the midst of some political turmoil. Carefully check online resources for latest and correct information.

Furthermore, it wont hurt you if you find out something about the accepted customs of the country that you intent to visit. Women would not like to find themselves offending local sensibilities by wearing something inappropriate.

Finding about cheap flights and train timetables will assist you if you plan to travel around the country.

Backpacking Skills

Backpacking may seem something that is simple and fun but serious backpackers know that it is quite a lot more than that. It is a serious sport that requires a lot of skills and knowledge.

Here is a list of some basic backpacking tips and skills that you should know venturing on to your trip:  Read more...

If you don’t have to travel with your pets, then don’t. The stress of long distance travel is harder on animals – especially if they are not used to it – than their owners.

But if you really have to or you can’t bear the idea of leaving them behind when going on a trip, careful measures should be carried out to mitigate the stressful effects of traveling on your pets.

Make sure that your pet will have a place to stay upon reaching your destination. Don’t assume that just because you are welcome, your pet will be too. Inquire from the hotel or resort if they allow pets to stay with you.

If they do, in which part of the hotel premises are the pets allowed? And if you are bringing along a dog, you need to make sure that it is allowed at the grounds for its daily walks. If you are bringing along a cat, make sure that you will be given a secure rooms where it can’t find an escape route.

When flying, you want to make prior arrangements as to the process of transporting a pet.

Allowing pets in the cabin with their owners is still rarely offered, if at all, by airlines. So, you need to make sure that your pets will be well taken care of during the period that you are separated from each other.

If you are expecting jet lag, more likely than not, your pet will suffer from the same condition too. The tips on avoiding jet lag do not just apply to humans; do the same for your pets to prevent them from getting sick.

For long distance land travel, doing so in a bus is not recommended. You’ll be better positioned to care for your pet if you bring along a car. If you are traveling on a warm or hot weather, you need to keep your pets cool as much as possible.

They don’t adapt well to heat like we do, they don’t sweat and their fur intensifies the heat even more.

Your car’s air-conditioning may not be sufficient. If your pet is panting or wheezing, you may need to place them on a block of ice covered with a piece of cloth. Check on them every once in a while to ensure that they are cool and not cold. A steady supply of drinking water is also good to help regulate their body temperature.  Read more...

Located on Brazil’s Atlantic southern coast, Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant place that remains an abiding favorite amongst travelers and backpackers. From the famous Rio Carnival to the spectacular beaches and the breathtaking landscapes, Rio is a time-honored destination for backpackers looking to let their hair down and have a bit of fun.

Things to Do in Rio

The incoming visitor is simply spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Rio. There are some things, however, that you definitely should not miss out when planning your trip here. These include:

1. Days spent lazing around on the city’s sun kissed beaches. The Copacabana and the Urca, for example, are famous beaches that have become an attraction in their own right for backpackers locals alike. Spending time here is simply a must while staying in Rio.

2. The Rio Carnival.

If you happen to be in town during the week of the Rio Carnival, you’re in for a treat. One of the most famous carnivals of the world, Rio’s become awash with a riot of colors during the festival, and you will find people dancing, singing and drinking into the wee hours of the morning. Simply not to be missed.

3. Paragliding. With high hills and great winds throughout the year, Rio has emerged as one of the ideal places for paragliding and hang gliding. If you are an adventurous traveler, this is an experience not to be missed.

4. A helicopter tour. Ok, so it might be a bit on the expensive side, but, with its spectacular landscapes and bustling urbanity, a bird’s eye view of the city Rio is a memorable sight.

Stay safe in Rio:

While Rio as dangerous as some make out, the backpacker nonetheless needs to keep their wits about them in order to ensure they do not fall prey to criminals who consider tourists to be soft targets for mugging or robbing.

The most important tip here is probably to avoid downtown Rio after dark, especially if you are alone or accompanied by just one or two friends.

As ever when traveling, carrying as little cash as possible and not wearing expensive jewelry are advisable while exploring Rio.

While traveling around Rio, sticking to the subway when possible is a good maxim, as it proves significantly safer than the buses, where pickpockets tend to ply their dubious trade.  Read more...