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San Diego’s North Shore, Oceanside is a classic California beach community with its warm sandy beaches, historic wooden pier and Cape Cod-style harbor village complete with unlimited water sports and recreation. Offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, visitors still experience the casual spirit that made Southern California’s beach culture legendary.

The Gateway to San Diego, Oceanside is also central to Southern California’s famous attractions including LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld, Disneyland, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

With its year round sunny climate, and average temperature of 70 degrees, Oceanside’s weather has been rated by USA Today as the second most ideal climate in the United States, and the fifth most ideal weather in the world.

Discover where to stay, what to do, where to dine, on the brand new website, visitoceanside.org.

Continue reading »]]> Vacation Rental Rates – Seasons and Trends, When to Book, Etc.

Vacation rental rates can vary drastically, depending on the time of year, some being 300% or even 400% more during a summer month than during an off season month, such as January. Seasons obviously vary depending on if you are visiting a beach town or a ski town…the following is a typical schedule for a beach town…say beautiful Southern California.

Peak Season:

If you really want that peak summer vacation when all of the kids are out of school, then it may be nearly impossible to avoid the peak season rates. Peak season falls somewhere between the end of June and mid to end of August. Because this is the prime vacation time for Americans, and many foreigners as well, be sure to book early. Most companies should take reservations up to a year in advance. Homes fill up fast during these summer months, and while there may be vacancies available closer to summer, you won’t have the luxury of options…whether you want the home with the large beach front patio or the one with the rooftop deck overlooking the ocean.

Holiday Season:

This season is defined by its name, holidays. Some companies may lump all holidays including Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., in the same rate category while others may separate them out. These rates are usually a little less than peak season rates, but still high. Again, book well ahead! Thanksgiving has become an increasingly popular holiday to spend in a vacation home, where family from all over can come and gather in one large home and have a kitchen to prepare a Thanksgiving feast in.

Mid Season:

If you book a rental during mid season, you can find some incredible deals. Homes do not fill up quite as fast as the peak and holiday seasons, so there may be more last minute discounts, and flexibility with whatever budget you are working with. Mid season dates are typically around spring break time (although some may have spring break as holiday rates), the weeks leading up to summer and the few weeks after summer. Depending on where you are renting, this could be the prime time for a vacation. In San Diego for example, our most gorgeous weather happens to be in September and October, when the sky’s are clear, the water is warm, and the Santa Ana winds come through every so often.

Low Season:

Lastly, there is low season…all of the dates that don’t fall into any other season. Excluding holidays, these months include November thru April. Many companies have outstanding deals during this off season time, and you can find great rates by booking last minute. Homes are rarely booked up 100% in advance, so you can take that risk and book a week or two before you plan on arriving.

There are benefits to booking early of course…peace of mind that you have your place secured, and that you choose the best place possible for your groups’ needs. However, you do lose out on any last minute specials the company may run closer to your stay dates. The advantage is you get prime pick, and to me, that is well worth it. If you are willing to take a risk and wait till last minute, it is almost certain you will receive some sort of discount. If there are no last minute specials running at the time, simply ask and most likely the property management company will honor some sort of discounted rate.

Return Customers: If you are a return customer to the same management company, ask for a return customer discount.

Continue reading »]]> Traveling to San Diego and trying to decide on accommodations? What is the difference between a vacation rental and a hotel room, and what is better? Well, it all depends on what you are looking for. Obviously, we are going to push for the vacation rental!

Here are some thoughts to help you make your decision….

Length of stay: if you are just passing through and need a night, stay in a hotel – (one night with us is not even an option). Although, if you are planning on staying for more than one day (2+ days), wouldn’t it be nice to be able to completely settle in to a “home away from home”? Vacation rentals are fully equipped with every amenity to give you anything and everything you would ever need to “live” while not at home. The purpose of a vacation home is just that, it is to act as your very own private vacation home, a getaway that you could eventually return to year after year (that is if you are pleased with the home you stay in).

Save $$$$$: It might not seem like it on the offset, but staying in a vacation rental can save you a lot of money. Because you are paying for a home, and not on a per room or per person basis, the accommodations can end up being a lot less than an equivalent four or five star hotel. Also, think of the money you save on the cost of eating out…staying in a hotel you are forced to eat out every meal. Stay in a vacation home, and you have a fully equipped kitchen at your finger tips…even if you eat dinners out, the amount saved on breakfast, snacks, lunch, drinks, etc. is can add up to a lot of money…money that can be used for, oh, say another few nights on vacation.

# of People in group: This is what vacation rentals are best for–large groups! Are you going on vacation with your entire extended family, or another family, or a group of friends? Rather then pay for several hotel rooms all separate from each other, rent a home, where everyone can still have their individual rooms, and bathrooms, yet at the same time, everyone is in the same location and can share the same common area. If you need even more space, rent two homes next to each other, or rent a unit which can be divided into two, so you have double the kitchens and double the living areas.

Unless you are going to Vegas or some world class resort, a hotel is typically not the “destination”, rather it is just an accommodation. Vacation rentals are a “destination” themselves. You really never have to leave if you prefer not to…the ocean is at your back door–literally, you have a fully equipped kitchen, and if you want to eat out, there are plenty of restaurants you can walk to. You can even opt for grocery delivery or a private chef. Hire a masseuse to come in, or perhaps a photographer to take family photos…the options are endless. If you do decide you want to see more of San Diego than its beaches (which you should), access to all attractions is convenient and easy.

Space Space Space – Vacation Rentals offer considerably more space than you will find in most hotel rooms. Now the whole family can breath and have space to themselves.

Flexibility – If you want to stay in and cook, great; if you feel like going out, great. If you want to be lazy and just soak in the views from your rooftop deck or balcony, perfect; if you want to get out and see attractions, go ahead. When staying at an oceanfront vacation rental, there is no pressure to get out of the hotel room and “do something”.

Comfort and Amenities – You will not find vacation rentals ‘sterile’ like many hotel rooms…each one is professionally decorated to give you that feeling of comfort and home. Also, the amenities that come standard give an extra personal convenience. As mentioned, every kitchen is fully equipped to prepare anything from a snack to a Thanksgiving feast. Every rental has its own laundry machines…saves on packing and saves on work to be done when you return from vacation! Most of our oceanfront rentals also have a private spa…not sharing with other hotel guests. Just you and your group.

Customer service – Find the same customer service you would at any hotel…whether you need extra toilet paper or you would like to arrange for a surprise flower delivery, we are always willing to help you in whatever ways we can to make your vacation the vacation of your dreams!

Vacation rentals offer a “relaxing” vacation, an idea that doesn’t seem to exist anymore. What happened to going on vacation to re-energize and relax? Most vacations I go on these days are great and amazing, but honestly, when I return home I feel like I need another vacation, to recuperate from the previous vacation! An oceanfront rental could not offer a more relaxing vacation experience. There is literally nothing you need to do once you get here, that is, if you don’t want to.