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July 7, 2011

Cruises On The High Seas

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 5:24 pm

Are you planning a really special holiday? Say to celebrate a extraordinary event like retirement or an anniversary? If you are, then you really must add a cruise to your shortlist of vacations to research more.

A cruise is a very extraordinary type of vacation, because you get to visit several locations and even several different countries during the length of your holiday.

It is a very relaxing type of vacation because you have nothing to do except enjoy yourself between ports. You do not even have to pack and unpack between destinations because your hotel takes you to your port of call not a bus or a car. Normally, the cruise liner has already docked when you wake up for breakfast.

After breakfast, you can opt to go ashore or not, as you like. Normally, the ship will have a few tours you can pick from or you can go it alone. You are told what time to be back on board, say 19:00 hours and while you go down to dinner, the liner will weigh anchor and head for the next port of call.

This routine will be repeated every day, but at another port, although you do get a ‘day at sea’ on some cruises. This is not a bad thing as it allows you to spend all day relaxing and enjoying the motion of the ocean. Most cruise ships have lots to do during these days at sea.

Nearly all liners will have a cinema and special interest classes or lessons, some of which are led by guest celebrities. For example, you might be interested in learning about wine. Well, there is usually a wine appreciation class on board or you might want to learn some of the history of the next port of call, especially if it has connections to an ancient civilization.

Food figures large on cruises. On my last cruise, we had: breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, high tea, dinner and a midnight feast. Breakfast, luncheon and dinner were equivalent to five course meals, but actually you could just consume as much as you wanted. In between the meals, there was room (or cabin) service.

Food was included in the cost of our cruise, but you had to pay for alcoholic drinks, although they are free too on all inclusive cruises. Luckily, cruise liners also have gyms, swimming pools and deck sports to help you endeavor to keep the pounds off. I was unsuccessful at that and I gained two pounds for each week of the voyage, which I am told is around average.

After dinner, there is normally a cabaret, a piano bar and a night club going on somewhere and if you can remain awake, you can usually get to all three events to find out which one suits you the best that evening. For me it was cabaret, night club and last drink in the piano bar before returning to my cabin.

The bunk was always turned down with a sheaf of papers on my pillow explaining about the next port and the excursions available, which could be booked any time of the day or night over the cabin phone. I would go again tomorrow.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with cruises to St Croix. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

December 9, 2010

Luxury Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive ; Introducing Infiniti’s G25

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , — Whitley Brandt @ 12:25 pm

Infiniti has succeeded in making luxury vehicles affordable with the G25; the G37’s little sister is packed with luxury amenities at a price that’s manageable. The G25 competes in the entry level luxury segment along with the popular three series from BMW and the Lexus IS 250. It is priced approximately $4k cheaper than the G37 and in return also offers less horsepower. Customers have the choice of selecting from three separate trims; the base model, Journey trim level and the deluxe G25x model which features all-wheel drive.

The G25 has less power than the G37 but as long as you don’t plan on going on the race track power should be more than enough for every day driving. The engine that propels this vehicle is a six cylinder 2.5 with 218 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 187 lb feet of torque. The G25 comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission and there is no option to get a manual one. This vehicle is targeted mainly towards consumers who may not need as much horsepower or the same level of high performance the G37 may provide.

Infiniti has packed the G25 with lots of features to make your drive as comfortable as possible such as power adjustable front seats, keyless start, alloy seventeen inch wheels, plush seats crafted in rich luxurious leather and an automatic climate control system. 7.2 seconds is all it takes for the car to zoom from 0-60. Opt for the Journey trim at an additional cost and you receive a rear view camera, compatibility with USB devices, a climate control system, heated mirrors and seats which can be heated (just perfect for those cold winter days!)

Safety has been thoroughly addressed with the inclusion of an advanced air bag system, front seat active head restraints and an anti-lock braking system. The seat belts feature pre-tensioners which tighten up during impact. A reinforced passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones are in place to provide additional protection during an accident. A tire pressure monitoring system is also in place which lets you know when your tire pressure needs to be adjusted or replaced. Infiniti’s “Snug Kids” system is also in place which is a guide to help you select and install a child’s seat.

The G25 is geared towards female consumers since apparently consumer research indicated that female drivers were spooked by the power of the G37. I am not aware of any women who are afraid of fast and powerful cars, we actually love driving them and price isn’t an issue either. I think the G25 is a car which would be a good match for someone of either gender who just graduated school and is working at his or her first real job or for someone who is not interested in a great deal of speed. Personally, I would choose the G37 as I like the thrill of extra power. What the G25 brings to the table is a touch of luxury and performance at a manageable price. If you’re in the market for a luxury car with an automatic transmission then the G25 would be a suitable choice. The base cost for the G25 is around $32k.

Written by Jacqueline Star: If you are ready to browse the latest Infiniti lineup check out Prairieville Infiniti dealer, or visit Used Cars Houston

November 16, 2010

Luxury Cars Require Premium Fuel

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Whitley Brandt @ 10:46 pm

So you have finally purchased that luxury or exotic automobile that you have been dreaming of all of your life and now you might be pondering whether premium gas is really required. Premium generally costs twenty cents per gallon and surely it would be acceptable if you filled up with regular once in a while, right?

For most luxury cars, the answer is that no, regular is not ok. Chances are that your automobile will require premium. What determines the type of gas you will need is the compression rate of your engine. Generally, autos with a higher level of horsepower (and a higher level of performance) require higher octane level while more sedate, slower, family type cars don’t. What it boils down to is if you want speed and performance, you’re going to have to pay a bit extra at the pump.

There are four different octane grades available. Premium gas generally has an octane rating of 91 or 92 (depending which U.S state you are in) while standard fuel has one of 87 and mid-grade comes in at around 89. The main issue with utilizing standard gas in a vehicle that requires premium is that it could potentially damage your vehicle’s engine. There is a major difference in the manufacturer recommending high octane fuel instead of absolutely requiring it. If it’s merely recommended, then using regular gas will not hurt your engine; it will only lessen performance in terms of less than half a second when it comes to acceleration.

A few of the more recently manufactured luxury autos including the MKZ from Lincoln and the STS by Cadillac utilize regular unleaded fuel. Some drivers may think that using costlier gas will clean out their engine more efficiently or make it run better but the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t. If your car does require the expensive type of gas and if you fail to follow the recommended guidelines, you might hear noise disturbances called “pinging” or “knocking”. This noise is the result of the fuel and air combusting on an irregular basis and this could lead to damage over a long period of time. Upgrading to the correct grade of fuel will usually get rid of the noise and if it doesn’t, chances are that your vehicle needs some type of repair and it would be a good idea to visit a mechanic. It is very important to follow the manufactures guidelines for your particular auto.

If you want your luxury auto to last for a long time, you will need to fill her up with the correct grade of fuel. The difference in cost between premium and gas boils is around 20 cents a gallon, or a few hundred dollars a year depending on how often you drive. It is a well known reality that luxury cars usually cost more money to maintain and service versus regular cars. The bottom line is that if you can afford an expensive vehicle, you should be able to afford to fill her with the fuel she needs. So regardless of whether you drive a Mercedes, Infiniti or Jaguar, remember to follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer in order to keep it in good running condition.

Written by Jacqueline Star: If you are interested in gorgeous Infiniti cars, visit Used Cars Houston, or if you are in the Bay Area visit Bay Area Volvo

November 6, 2010

The Biggest Players In The Luxury Auto Segment

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Whitley Brandt @ 6:13 pm

Nothing compares to the feeling of euphoria you get when you’re driving a vehicle deemed one of the top luxury cars in the world. Some people like to say that “Money Can’t Buy Happiness” but I beg to differ! It’s hard not to feel a sense of satisfaction when cruising down the highway in a car with a cockpit opulent enough for the Queen of England while you savor the sound of the powerful roar of an eight cylinder or better yet a 12 cylinder engine. Here is a list of the top luxury car brands in the automotive market.

Mercedes Benz- Most people immediately associate the name Mercedes as a prestige brand. It has been voted to be the highest quality and most prestigious brand by consumers in numerous studies. The German company has infused new energy into its lineup with a new look for its 2011 E Class trim, which is now a lot bolder and sportier. The classic double headlights gone and replaced with sleeker angular set. It is interesting to not that even though the brand is considered to be luxurious in the States, many older C-class models are driven as taxi cabs in Europe. This proves how durable the Benz engine are since some of the taxi’s have approached miles in the six figure range! Many of today’s young Hollywood starlets choose to drive a Mercedes Benz; Britney Spears has been often seen tearing up the streets in Hollywood in her white Mercedes SL65 while Lindsay Lohan has been involved in an infamous car crash in her black SL65. This is proof that the brand appeals to the young and old alike. The brand is a classic; no matter whether you’re wearing designer skinny jeans or a cocktail dress, you will always look like a million dollars stepping out of a Mercedes.

BMW- The Bavarian automakers slogan is “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and they are right on the money with that one. The difference between BMW and Benz is that the first is engineered to be performance oriented while the second is aimed towards luxurious comfort. BMW’s are equipped with a super powerful engine and a stiff suspension; it’s meant to be driven hard. The brand is more appealing to younger shoppers while Mercedes has more appeal to their parents. The best selling line for the German brand is the 3-series line, which offers superior performance, handling and power at a competitive price in the entry-level market. The 335 model comes with an engine that puts out an immense 300 HP and 300 lb feet of torque. My favorite has to be the top of the line 7 Series, which epitomizes power, class and style; the 2010 model boasts a eight cylinder engine with 400 HP.

Aston Martin – To me, this brand epitomizes, class, sophistication and European style. I can easily imagine a handsome James Bond emerging out of a powerful black V12 Vantage in some exotic foreign location. Winners in the Aston Martin line include the Vantage V12 (which comes with an incredible twelve cylinders of power!) and the new V8 Vantage N420 roadster which is a fast and exquisite convertible with beautiful curves, smooth fluid lines and a total of 420 horsepower.

Infiniti – Infiniti’s parent company is Japanese auto company Nissan’s luxury division. The brand is a newcomer when compared with the more established German players but it’s already a solid player in the luxury segment thanks to its gorgeous and high performance cars. The manufacturer is noted for its high performance IPL line which is a more reasonably priced alternative to Benz’s AMG line and the M3 series from BMW. The advantage of an Infiniti vehicle is that its service and repair costs tend to be typically much cheaper than its German competitors, which can be extremely pricey. Overall, Infiniti is a lot more competitively priced when compared with BMW and Benz. A favorite for me is the powerful and sleek M56 which boasts a powerful eight cylinder engine and 420 HP, with the AWD model starting at around the sixty thousand dollar range.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Infiniti G37 Bay Area, Luxury Cars Las Vegas

July 1, 2010

Saint Croix – The Largest Of The US Virgin Islands

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 3:13 pm

Saint Croix is the biggest of the US Virgin Islands although the capital city, Charlotte Amelie, is located on St Thomas. Saint Croix itself has two towns Frederiksted (pop. 830) and Christiansted (pop. 3,000). The name of the island comes from the earlier Spanish name given by Christopher Columbus in 1493 – Santa Cruz or ‘Holy Cross’. As Santa Cruz, Saint Croix gets a lot of mention in swashbuckling stories of pirates and buccaneers sailing on the Spanish Main.

The populace before the Europeans got there was Arawak and Carib and they had probably been there since about 5000 BC. After 1493 the population of the Caribbean got involved in a 100 years war with the Spanish and the type of people living on the island altered forever.

Saint Croix has been owned and therefore predominantly inhabited by the Spanish, The British, the French, the Dutch, the Maltese and the Danish all of whom had slaves and plantations

The slaves were manumitted in 1848, but many chose to stay on Saint Croix. Descendants of slaves still live on the island. The total populace of the island is now roughly 60,000.

English is the official language and is the most commonly spoken, although there is also some Spanish, French Creole and Virgin islands Creole, also known as Crucian, which is spoken by most inhabitants in informal situations.

This Hispanic section of the Crucian population is mostly of Puerto Rican lineage. The US bought Vieques from Puerto Rico during the Second World War and evicted its inhabitants. Many moved to St Croix because of its similarity to Vieques. These people have fitted in well, but also kept a few of their old ways. They usually speak a mixture of Spanish and Crucian English in a unique form of Spanglish.

Continental Americans make up about 13% of the population and mostly live on the eastern side of St Croix. Arab Palestinians are also a sizeable minority owning most of the petrol stations and supermarkets on St Croix. Other recent immigrants have moved from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Philippines.

There has been some hostility between immigrants and those calling themselves ‘real Crucians’, but it has largely disappeared due to intermarriage. There have been attempts to classify a ‘real Crucian’.

The matter seems to have been sorted out when in 2009, the recommended U.S. Virgin Islands Constitution voted by the Fifth Constitutional Convention established three definitions of U.S. Virgin Islanders: “Ancestral Native Virgin Islander”, who have ancestral ties (and their descendants); “Native Virgin Islander”, who were born on the island (and their descendants); and “Virgin Islander”, who are any United States citizen who has lived in the region for five years.

Christianity, in the guise of Protestantism is the main religion, although the Hispanic community is Roman Catholic. There are also small groups of Jews and followers of Rastafari, Islam.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

June 7, 2010

Taking Your Dog To St Croix

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 10:16 am

Whether you prefer clear mountain air or the ozone-rich, salty air of the sea, you can find places to take your dog for a walk that are idyllic, even when you are on holiday. If you are a nature lover and a dog lover, you could choose a vacation destination with nature and your dog in mind.

City-bound hotel holidays or long, driving holidays are not very pleasurable for your dog. If a dog is going to be at home all day, he would rather be in his own home all day. Likewise, with driving. He might plead to go the mall with you in the car, but doing a coast to coast run in a scorching fortnight in June, is not really what he is all about.

Therefore, if you are planning a vacation that you think your pet would not really enjoy, why not do him and yourself a favour and leave him behind? Leave him with a dog-loving family member or friend or board him in a kennels that you have researched well yourself.

There are literally hundreds of boarding kennels in operation in every state and often there are thousands. Most of them are good, some are outstanding and the owners of some could do with a stiff talking to. I put my dog in one once that I had not checked out well enough and went away for two weeks. When I got back four hours early, they were not ready me and my dog was dirty and forlorn.

I felt awfully guilty and my dog would not ’speak’ to me for a week. Really! No eye contact, no tail wagging, would not always come when called, no happy running about, just a hang dog expression for seven days. She must have felt that I let her down badly, which of course I had, by not researching the kennels.

A tremendous place to take your dog is St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands are literally part of the United States of America and you can go there without a passport, with your US dollars and with your dog.

Not every hotel allows animals just as in mainland USA, but there are plenty that do. There are also package holidays that will take you and your dog from the airport to the island hotel and back again all for one price.

Of the four main islands in the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix is most likely the best option for going to with a pet dog, because it is less heavily populated than the other islands and is by far the largest.

The hotel or resort will probably not provide feeding dishes, bedding and toys but they will surely have a store where you can buy such things. It is perhaps not worth bringing your own either unless you have a large suitcase and a decent weight allowance. Food for your dog will also be extensively available on the island, of course.

St Croix has a variety of sorts of terrain and lots of activities to take full advantage of them. There are beautiful tropical beaches perfect for swimming or playing in the shallows; there are the undulating plains of the old plantations, which are perfect for long walks and there are hills, mountains and rain forest to explore with your dog too.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

categories: virgin islands,dog,vacation,holiday,recreation,caribbean,USA,travel,happiness,luxury,sea,outdoor,other,uncategorized

June 5, 2010

Finding Adults Only All Inclusive Resorts

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 2:09 pm

There are a few possibilities when talking about going to an adults only all-inclusive resort. Most all-inclusive resorts were designed for families with young children, however there are an increasing amount of adult only all-inclusive resorts.

However, there are also adult only and family nude all-inclusive resorts, especially in Europe and Australia. If you are searching for a nude adult only all-inclusive resort for your vacation, you will probably have to go abroad to destinations like Greece, Italy, the old Yugoslavia area or Australia.

Most people in the USA, the UK and northern Europe would find sharing a nudist beach with children awkward in these ultra-PC days, but nudist beaches for adults only can be excellent fun. It is best not to be inhibited, however some people find it helps to visit a nudist beach alone while others feel more comfortable in the company of adult friends. Couples often find adult only nudist beaches exotic, erotic and romantic.

Finding adults only all-inclusive resorts is not difficult with the power of a search engine and the Internet at hand. However, if you want to try nudist adults only all inclusive resorts in the USA, it could be tricky. This is because nudity is a contentious topic in the USA.

If, however ‘by adult only’, you only mean to imply over twenty-one year olds only, then you will have a lot more success. There are hundreds of non-nudist adults only all-inclusive resorts, hotels and cruises around the United States, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and everywhere else in the Caribbean.

Adult only all-inclusive cruises are very widespread. Cruising is not really suited to children. There is not enough room and they can get into severe trouble or even drop overboard unobserved until it is too late. Adult only all-inclusive resorts are excellent, if you like living in a chalet or cabin.

In between these two limits of fine living on the all-inclusive vacations front are the all-inclusive hotels. Plenty of hotels, but far fewer resorts, do put age restrictions on who can reside there. The Club style holidays are good examples; ‘Club 18-30′ is well-known, but not all of its venues are all-inclusive.

If you are still thinking about nude adult only all-inclusive resorts, you might find it simpler to unearth a selection of topless beaches. These are two a penny in Europe and elsewhere, but in the united States and the some of the Caribbean, you may be able to join a private beach that allows this style of costume.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

categories: all inclusive,rental,vacation,holiday,recreation,caribbean,USA,travel,happiness,luxury,sea,outdoor,other,uncategorized

May 14, 2010

Top Notch Cruises

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 10:41 am

If you enjoy travelling and seeing new places, I advocate a cruise. I have cruised the Mediterranean and the Baltic and my next cruise will be a Caribbean cruise. I am genuinely looking forward to it. If you have never been on a cruise, start saving up now, because it is opulence like you have never imagined before.

Never having been on a Caribbean cruise before, I do not know how much the various Caribbean islands differ from one another, so I do not know how varied that cruise would be. However, I have cruised the Med and the Baltic and woken up to a different country every day and in both of those seas and every country is very different from its neighbours.

On our Baltic cruise we departed from Southampton and cruised to Gothenburg in Sweden. From there we went to Helsinki and Leningrad (in those days). On the way back, we called into Copenhagen and the Tivoli Gardens. None of those countries was in any way similar to another or even Britain.

Similarly, my Mediterranean cruise left from Minorca in north eastern Spain going east to Sardinia and then north along the southern coast of Europe. Italy, France and Spain. The second week of the cruise left Minorca again and went to Sicily and then south along the northern coast of Africa including Malta.

The luxury on a cruise is practically indescribable to someone who has never been on a cruise. There is no standard higher than five stars, but the cruises I have been on offered superior levels of luxury than any five star hotels I have stayed in anywhere in the world.

Food and shore trips play a major part of cruising. The food is top notch with no mistake. Breakfast on a cruise liner is better than most Americans and most Europeans have for dinner. Whatever you want from prawns to steak, from exotic fruit to porridge. Lunch and dinner are even more sumptuous.

Shore excursions are well organized too. They include a ferry from the cruise liner to the shore and then a coach trip by a local firm to the location, which could be an historical site or a shopping mall. Most cruisers go on these trips, but some would rather stay on board and take advantage of the lower number of passengers and the free food.

I went on every shore excursion and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The excursions are usually pricey though, but you are part of a trapped audience, so what can you expect?

I thoroughly recommend a cruise holiday to any and every one. You should go at least once in your life, but do not leave it until late in your life because you will want to go again.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with St Croix Hotels. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

categories: honeymoon,wedding,marriage,vacation,holiday,recreation,caribbean,USA,travel,happiness,luxury,sea,outdoor,other

May 11, 2010

The Advantages Of An All-Inclusive Vacation

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 4:18 pm

If you are arranging to go on vacation this year, how are you thinking of going about it? There are several options to explore, if you begin planning early enough. There are the self-planned, ‘I will find a hotel when I get there’ style; there are cruises and there are package vacations.

The self planned is for those without children and is more adventurous. Cruises are great, if you like being on the water more than being on land and there are the package holidays, some of which are all-inclusive package vacations.

If you choose a vacation package, you have the option of looking for an all-inclusive resort or an all-inclusive hotel. There is not much to pick between them, if you are going alone or with your spouse, but if you are taking children, the all-inclusive resort is the one for you.

This is because all-inclusive hotel rooms can be on the small side and if you have a small child or even children with you, your room will soon become overcrowded and suites are more highly priced. An all-inclusive resort, on the other hand, will normally offer accommodation in the form of cabins or chalets, which are designed with young families in mind.

You do not want to be staying on the 12th floor of a large hotel with toddlers, because either they have to stay in the room until you want to go out, in which case they might get grumpy or they might learn how to get out and wander off in the hotel. A chalet, however, will inevitably be on the ground floor, frequently be in groups, so that you can help keep an eye on each other’s kids and may even have a small garden with a fence.

Whether you go to an all-inclusive hotel or an all-inclusive resort really depends on whether you have or can put up with children. If you have children then a resort is for you, if you do not like children’s racket, then you would be better suited to an all-inclusive vacation in a hotel.

Once you have selected your type of all-inclusive package vacation, the rest is plain sailing. Actually what is all-included in these style hotels and resorts can differ quite widely, so you should make sure you know well in advance. Price is a good indication. If one resort at the same destination is much cheaper than the others, look into it more carefully before booking.

Often the disparity will only be in degree. For example, an all-inclusive hotel or resort may offer the free use of diving equipment, but when you read on it might restrict that to non-mechanical diving equipment, so you only get a mask, snorkel and flippers. Others may only have ten sets of equipment – first come first served.

However, having said that, most all-inclusive package vacations are incredible deals. They include your transport to and from your home town to the destination, which depends on you and where the resort is of course. For St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands transportation could be by cruise or flight – you must settle on that at the outset. Having to travel 500 miles to Orlando by bus or train with three young children might not be much fun.

When you arrive there, they almost always include all your meals and snacks and all soft drinks, tea and coffee, beer and non-branded spirits. An all-inclusive will also include all fees to on-site entertainment. That means the, pool, the club house, pool, snooker, table tennis, the gym etc, and access to any private beach attached to the hotel. It will also include night time shows usually.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

categories: all inclusive,rental,vacation,holiday,recreation,caribbean,USA,travel,happiness,luxury,sea,outdoor,other,uncategorized

April 19, 2010

Vacation Property For Rent

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Owen Jones @ 1:50 pm

If you are thinking of buying a vacation rental property, there are two things that you can ultimately do with it. Some owners of vacation rental property intend to live in it most of the year round themselves and others intend to rent it out for most of the year. There is no doubt that vacation rental property can present an excellent income stream.

However, there is a vast difference between vacation property rental and residential property rental. This has to do with the fact that holiday makers are not necessarily looking for the same amenities in a vacation rental property as they are in a home.

One thing that does influence the desirability of both vacation rental property and residential property is location. However, a good residential property for a young family may need to be close to schools and other services and for older people being near a school is more like a hassle.

Similarly with vacation rental property, you have to know your target market. You have to discover the answer to the question: why do people come to this location? And then buy a vacation rental property that matches the highest volume profile.

In this way, you will never be short of tenants and you will be sure of high rents too. For example, some people might go to the Caribbean island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands for the diving opportunities it presents while others may want to explore the tropical rain forests. However, younger travelers might not want to go far from the only largish town on the island, Christiansted, so that they can take part in any nightlife happening.

One thing that everyone requires is security. The person who hires your vacation rental property will want to feel safe. That is secure from falling masonry and rickety stairs and secure from burglars. That means that your property should be well lit both internally and externally and have well-made doors and locks. Windows should be lockable too.

It is a good idea to present a kitchen like the one a family would normally expect at home. So, an American kitchen with American style appliances for American families, if they are the people you are trying to attract. Again, you will have to study the typical visitors to where you want to buy a vacation rental property. A younger family may eat in at night, an older one may never eat in at all. The kitchen should be well-equipped, furnishings should be comfortable and recreational gear should be on offer too.

A lot of people like to take their dogs with them, so you might want to consider making the vacation rental property pleasant for pet owners. If the furniture is robust, massive oak or something like that, dogs will not be able to damage it easily. Plastered walls without wall covering and tiled floors are also favourable for having animals in the house. This is a definitely growing niche market for vacation rental properties

And last but not least, remember that people like to be able to keep in touch when they are away from their loved ones, so Internet access is a growing necessity too. People can VOIP, so a phone is not so imperative these days. If you bear these points in mind, you can have a profitable vacation rental property where you can vacation free too.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with St Croix Virgin Islands. If you are interested in St Croix Vacation Rentals in the US Virgin Islands, please click through to our site.

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