Vacation Rental Cannibals

Why is the vacation rental industry a bunch of cannibals? I got into an argument with a vacation rental manager the other day who felt that vacation home owners should not be managing their own properties. She thought that they should leave it to the pros and that they were hurting the image of the industry.  She didn't want them taking her "share of the pie" or "treading on her turf." 

 

My question: Why are we fighting amongst ourselves?

 

With the wave of litigation and policy changes against short term vacation rentals throughout world (HI, SF, FL, FR, ES) now is the time to be working together, not tearing each other apart. Last time I checked we were in this together.  As the vacation rental industry continues to mature the established players in the market have taken note and are fighting back with vengeance.  It's the hotels, b&b's and communities that want to eliminate our industry, and that is who we need to be fighting.

 

If we can come to terms with the fact that we are in this together we can start making progress, banding together, and creating a unified voice. Maybe what we need is an organization that brings everyone in the vacation rental industry together. With an organization to stand with we can be unified in our message, have the numbers to support petitions, sway votes, and educate each other on the best management practices that will prevent the restrictive laws in the first place.  (Anyone working on this?)

 

So to my fellow property managers and vacation home owners alike, lets stop with the fighting and start working to prevent our industry from becoming outlawed. 

 

If you have insight on the topic or know of places on the web where those in the industry are working together to reverse this trend please leave a comment.

 

If you are a home owner and are looking for a DIY management tool check out Trekadoo Vacation Rental Software. It’s a management tool designed for individual home owners to easily manage their properties. (I was explaining our product to the afore mentioned property manager which is what started the whole argument :). 

What can $250k Buy In Real Estate Around The World

Got $250K burning a hole in your pocket? These sweet properties are up for grabs.

Read more: MATADOR NETWORK http://pulsene.ws/jwf0

Need a way to manage you new vacation home? Try out Trekadoo Vacation Rental Software

Bicycle City: The Town Without Cars

It may sound Utopian, but after more than 20 years of planning, Bicycle City could be on its way to becoming reality.

I don't know if I'm entirely sold but I would be willing to try living in a bicycle city.

Take the time to read the full article here: http://bit.ly/9pTaMY

The Father Spirit Documentary

via feedproxy.google.com

Jonathan spots an opportunity to thank his father for years of love and commitment. Instead of pouring all their money into nursing home fees, he decides to take his dad, who happens to be suffering from Huntington’s Disease, on a thrilling trip that promises to enliven his final days, weeks, and years. This endearing documentary teaser is well-shot and displays Jonathan’s complete dedication to his father, whom he takes on a motorcycle ride through the Himalayas.

Can Renters Find Your Vacation Home Online?

How many people never see your vacation rental because they simple cant find it?  In a recent blog post Seth Godin puts emphases on the importance of being found on the web...

 

Do a search on great jazz singer "Emily Barlow" in Amazon and you'll find... nothing. That's because her first name is spelled Emilie and Amazon gives up.

Do a search on Lord of the Flies and you'll find tons of matches, but none of the top ones are for the book--they're all for expensive annotated or educator's editions. Broken search = no sale.

<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/10/the-sales-you-dont-make.html/" target="Seth Godin Blog</a>

Do whatever it takes to get your property found on the web. Do Google searches, search the listing sites (as if you were a vacationer looking for a property in your area). And see what comes up. Does your property come up in a search? how far down the list is is? Are people spelling the town or city correctly?

If your property is not coming up then find out why and fix it. Do whatever it takes, build a blog, property website, tweet, and build some fans on facebook. 

At Trekadoo vacation rental software we strive to help you. Our website will help you see where your renters are coming from, how they found you, and where you should be spending time and money driving traffic to your property. 

Southern Most Point Of The United States

Today I headed south on Rt. 11. Through Kailua, past Captain Cook. We turned south on the South Point Rd. and drove the 12 miles to the end of land–”the southernmost point in the USA”. We watched and talked to the local fishermen, walked the cliffs and climbed the rocks out as far as we could go. Stunning, gorgeous. The one lane narrow rutted road, the rock walls across pastures, the cliffs, crashing waves and gray skies all bring England to mind–reminded me alot of Cornwall and Land’s End–not QUITE as dramatic–a bit calmer/more soothing–I think it is the effect of the balmy air on the land and sea. And the minute you are out of the car, any image of England is gone! You are quickly reminded that you are in Hawaii! No cold, biting wind cutting through your clothes!

After a quick stop at the yummy Punalu’u Bake Shop we were on to the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. As we were walking from the parking area toward the beach, a nice family was finishing their time at the beach. Mom had stopped the two kids at the edge of the sand, dumping sand out of sneakers and white socks. Mom and Dad also had well protected feet, safely encased in comfy sneakers and socks. As I was approaching, the 7-8 year old girl said, “Mom, I have an idea! When we get back to the hotel, instead of swimming in the swimming pool, lets swim in the REAL ocean!”

I could feel Mom cringing–not sure how she handled that one, but I’m hoping that before this young girl is a Mom she has rebelled enough to have not only walked barefoot in the sand (black or white!), and felt the sand between her toes and the waves lapping at her ankles–I hope she HAS actually gone swimming in the REAL ocean!

What is “vacation” to you? What memories are you creating for your children? What experiences are you providing for them and what do you want them to learn and experience while in your care?

You will find me at the end of the land, with the waves crashing all around, feeling the spray in my face and sharing it all with my children!

What makes this all posible? That fact that I can run my business anywhere in the world. I love going to a vacation rental and sharing Hawaii with my family while my business continues to run. Using vacation rental software has allowed me to automate my business and spend time with my family, yes, with our feet in the sand.

image courtesy of Rod on flickr