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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Vacation Rentals Accepting Various Payment Methods

vacation rentalsSince you will be dealing with many different types of people, it is helpful to offer different ways of handling vacation rental payments. Finances can be scary to some rental home owners, but once everything is set up and put into place, you are ready for the fun part: sitting back and accepting the money!

Keep in mind that by the time a renter has decided to book your location, they have probably spent hours, if not days, researching different lodging options. Even though they are sure your home is the best, they may still be a bit hesitant about sending their hard earned money to a stranger. That’s why it is important to have very clear payment and money related policies are so important. They will limit the worry and frustration felt by your guests, and quite possibly, by you.

Be sure you inquirers have been sent all the important information concerning your vacation rentals. All documents need to be printed, signed, and returned, either before you accept any money or along with the initial deposit. You should highly suggest to your guests that they print a copy of the all rules and policies for themselves.

Once your potential renters have agreed to your terms by submitting the required paperwork, you may cover the methods of payment that are available to them. Accepting multiple forms of payment will make it easier on your guests, depending on how they like to pay for things. Below are the most common ways to receive payments for your booking.

  • Credit Cards – Simply the safest and easiest way to accept and make payments in the world today. If you choose to only accept one payment method (which, in my opinion, would be crazy!), choose to accept credit cards. It will definitely hurt your business if you refuse their use. With credit cards, everything can be handled online, and you get the funds immediately. No more waiting for checks to reach your mailbox, or to clear the bank!
  • Personal Check – This is the most convenient method for your guests, but it can present a risk for you. Make sure that once you receive the check, you cash it immediately. Wait for it to clear before moving further with the transaction.
  • PayPal – This is similar to accepting credit cards, only holiday homesit is taken one step further. Your guests can also link their PayPal account to their checking account, which enables them to pay for things online money straight from their bank accounts. As the receiver, you can also link your accounts so the money can be deposited into your checking account once you receive it.
  • Money Orders and Cashier’s check – These are not very convenient for anyone. For the guests, these can only be obtained at certain locations (banks, post offices, etc.), which adds time and money into the equation of sending off their payment. Scammers use these forms of payment often to get money out of unknowing victims.

August 9th, 2008 Posted by admin | Vacation Rentals | 2 comments

Milan – Not Just A City of Fashion

Most people think of the city of Milan as one of the hot spots for the fashion industry in the world. But, Milan is actually known for more than just fashion. The city actually has some of the best sports franchises and teams in the world and they have the stadiums, fields, and wins to prove it.

Milan hosts some of the most popular sporting events throughout the years, such as the FIFA World Cup and

the UEFA European Football Championship. Football is the most popular sport in Italy and Milan, and the city is home to two world-famous football teams: A.C. Milan and Internazionale. Milan is actually the only city in Europe whose football teams have won both the European Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Both of their football teams play at the Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro Stadium).

Of course, football isn’t the only sport that Milan is famous for. The Monza Formula One circuit is located near Milan and race fans come from all over the world to watch races. Milan also has a great basketball team, Olimpia Milano, which is the most important Italian basketball team in the nation and one of the top 5 teams in all of Europe.

Like baseball? So so the people of Milan, and their team, CUS Milano Baseball, is the oldest baseball club in Milan and have won eight straight Italian Scudettis. Also, their rugby team, the Amatori Rugby Milano, have won 18 National Championships and is the most famous rugby team in Italy. Hockey lovers have their own teams here as well, and different hockey teams from Milan have won over 30 National Championships between them all.

Some of the most noted stadiums in Italy are also in Milan and include: San Siro, Brianteo, Arena Civica, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Datch Forum, MazdaPalace, Velodromo Vigorelli, PalaLido, Agora, and Nuovo Giuriati. There are hundreds of other stadiums and palaces that are located throughout the city and different events are held at each one during the different sports seasons.

Sports fans who vacation in Milan will find many wonderful hotels and inns throughout the city that cater to them. But, these all fill up fast during main events in Milan. So, it is sometimes best to find vacation rentals that will offer you more than the hotels and inns in the city and still give you the privacy of your own home. These rentals also fill up fast, so make sure that you take the time to book yours well in advance so you can stay in comfort and catch your favorite event while you are here.

June 1st, 2008 Posted by admin | Europe | no comments

Dublin – City of Music

When it comes to European cities that are on the lip of the music industry, Dublin is surely at the top

of the list. With many awesome concerts, events, and bands hailing from this great city, it is no wonder that hundreds of thousands of visitors come here every year. There is also a wonderful night life in Dublin and is reputedly one of the most youthful cities in all of Europe. There are estimates that 50% of the people in Dublin are younger than 25, and it was also voted as the friendliest city in Europe in 2007. So, you will find a wonderful mix of youth and hospitality here on your stay.

Ireland is famous for pubs and drinking, and Dublin is no different. The area around St. Stephen’s Green, such as Harcourt Street, Camden Street, and Wexford Street, are noted for having some of the most popular night clubs and bars in the city. Of course, one of the most notorious areas in Dublin for night life is the Temple Bar which is just south of the Liffey Rive. This area is a hot spot for visitors, and there are almost always hen or stag parties from Britain here. The area around here actually was developed as Dublin’s cultural center, and still holds this spirit tightly. There are several gay pubs and clubs here in this area as well, including The Dragon, The George, and The Front Lounge.

But what would the night life be in Dublin without some live music? Live music is always heard throughout the streets here, as it is played in venues and on the streets around the city. Also, Dublin is famous for some of the world class rock bands that have come from it’s depths such as: U2, Horslips, Thin Lizzy, and Boomtown Rats. There are so many different live venues here that you can catch some of the up and coming rock bands before they become world famous rock stars.

Want to stay in the middle of the music scene in Dublin? There are plenty of hotels and inns that you can find along your way. But, if you plan to stay longer than a night or two, vacation rentals are the way to go. Not only are they cheaper, but you will find that the amenities and the privacy are well worth it. You can find some great vacation rentals right along some of the most popular clubs and night clubs in Dublin that will put you within walking distance of the best bars around.

May 29th, 2008 Posted by admin | Europe | no comments