Author: City Traveler

The benefits to renting your property are numerous. It can be a great source of income. You can build equity in your home without paying for it. You can take care of the mortgage payment on a home you aren’t ready to sell, so that you can move into a home that better meets your needs.

The downside is that when you are renting your property, you are required to keep up with maintenance and repairs for a home you do not live in. Sometimes tenants are hard to deal with and take advantage of you if they think they can. In these cases, hiring a property management company to take care of renting your property is a good idea. Finding the right real estate management company for managing your property is essential. Make sure you ask the following questions before hiring a solution:

1. How many other properties (or units) does your company manage?
   
   This question should be followed by inquiring how many employees do they have to meet the needs of the renters? There are more than 109 million families who rent the home they live in in the United States, while there are 708,923 employees in the property management industry. Some rental properties are managed by the owner, but a majority are managed by a very lean amount of property managers.
   
   
   Studies suggest that the ideal ratio for rental units to property managers is 30 to 40 units per manager. If the manager you’re considering already has a greater property load than that, they may not be able to be as responsive as you would want to maintain happy tenants. If you want your tenants to have a high level of attention, (for example, perhaps you need help managing your resort property) you’ll want a much lower manager to unit ratio.
2. How often do you conduct routine inspections of the homes you manage?
   Not every property manager feels that it is within the scope of their duties to conduct inspections unless there is a move-in or move-out. However, many times, critical repairs could go unnoticed or unreported by the tenant until they become a crisis. The roof was missing shingles that could have easily been replaced, but now there is massive water damage to the structure because it wasn’t caught in time. A small amount of mold in the bathroom could have been treated, but because it was missed, the entire shower will have to be replaced. The horror stories go on and on.
   
   
   The bottom line is, if you find a property manager who conducts property inspections every six months (or a reasonable time frame) to catch necessary repairs, this is a good indication that you should hire them.
3. What tenant management system do you use to manage the paperwork of your property?
   You want to know that the management company your considering has a management tool for keeping record of payments, repairs, tenant issues, and added costs. Second of all, make sure that you are given a sample report and that you find adequately captures your expectations. If the company doesn’t use a tenant management system or doesn’t allow you to see reports from it, you may want move alone.

For families traveling with children, or for those with special dietary needs, renting a hotel for the duration of a vacation may lack one thing: a working kitchen. Many restaurants can accommodate people with allergies, but some vacationers like to rent vacation condos that come with a stove, a refrigerator, and the flexibility that comes with being able to make food — at least sometimes — without having to go out to a restaurant.

Many vacationing families and individuals choose to rent vacation condos because they are looking for vacation accommodations that feature amenities that would not typically be available at hotels. Kitchens are commonly requested, and many vacation condos provide outdoor activities for people who choose to rent from them.

Some weekly condo rentals feature bicycle rentals, picnic tables geared towards couples and families, and even fishing and bird watching at some locations. Some vacationers prefer warm locations, while others like to participate in winter sports and activities while on vacation.

Naturally, the amenities that vacation condos offer will vary depending upon location; people who are checking into rentals are advised to contact each location for exact details. Some vacation condos are also able to offer discounted admission to local attractions. Weekly vacation rentals are often available, but some locations fill up quite rapidly and vacationers are advised to book early.

Some people are reluctant to take time off from work to travel, but most people report that they return to their jobs with a renewed sense of purpose after some time spent on vacation. Vacations can be very educational for children: historical buildings and museums are a frequent destination for families spending time on vacation with children.

Many people who rent vacation condos report that they take a vacation in the same spot every year. They say that they form lasting friendships with the people they vacation with, and are more likely to try new activities in places that they have visited several times. For comfort and adventure, many people choose a vacation rental in a variety of exciting locations.

Do you know what the biggest American past-time is? While some would turn to football or baseball as the prime U.S. favorite, others would say camping is the way to go — it’s estimated that over 40 million people went camping in 2010, for a whopping total of 515 million outings all across the country! Whether it’s cooking under the open stars or fishing with your family, camping has something to offer for everyone. Small wonder it’s often the go-to solution for a fun and affordable weekend with friends!.

Camping In Tents

The most popular form of camping, by far, is by tent. A recent survey saw 86% of people responding with preferences for tent camping. Another 33% said they also used cabins when going on a camping vacation, with yet smaller percentages of people saying they like either drive-up campsites or staying in their own backyard. While camping comes in many forms, camping in tents wins out as the classic way to enjoy the great outdoors. RV campers tend to have the longest outings, often spending five or more nights in a row at their designated camp site, while tent campers tend to stay one or two nights.

Favorite Camping Activities

Now what do people like to do when camping? There’s fishing, hunting, cooking and, of course, hiking. Hiking is the most popular activity by a landslide, with 92% of people in a recent survey saying they preferred it as their favorite outdoor experience. If you camp near a lake or a river, swimming or fishing by boat is also a fun and relaxing way to pass the time. Last, but not least, family camping is a major preference, with many citing it is a wonderful way to bond while staying active and fit. Whether you’re a nature lover or someone looking to get into shape, camping is an all-around fun activity that brings everybody together. What’s your favorite way to stay overnight in nature’s backyard?

What do you look for when you travel? Some of the most common factors taken into consideration are affordable hotels, while others are primarily interested in the destination. If you are thinking of using a charter jet, then you’re no stranger to figuring out the best services while going easy on your finances. Below I’ll detail the difference between your everyday aircraft and the air charter, the benefits of renting and how to get the most bang for your buck when you travel.

Difference Between Aircraft And Air Charter

While an aircraft is open to the public through tickets sorted into different classes, an air charter is personally rented. Aircraft charter services include either one-way or round trips, food, seating and more. Don’t confuse an air charter with a business jet, though — business jets are often specifically geared for certain trips, such as delivering high-quality products or public officials. Private charter jets are a prime option for those seeking comfort, quality and control when traveling.

Benefits Of Buying v.s. Renting

Depending on what you need, there are benefits to buying a plane ticket as well as renting an aircraft. If you just need to get from point A to point B, buying a ticket is not only cheaper, but a more straightforward way to travel. If you are hosting a business meeting while traveling, however, then renting will be your forte. An air charter is a useful and diverse choice for those that need privacy and are popular with large companies that are constantly on the move. So, how much do charter jet services cost?

Costs And Figures

How much does it cost to charter your own aircraft? Well, it all depends on where you’re going, what kind of aircraft you buy and how many people you might be with. There are midsize jets and heavy jets, each designed to transport specific amounts of people. A midsize jet could run around $4,000, while a heavy jet could be $6,000. Empty leg charter flights are one-way trips that are less costly, but also give you less control over the jet charter service provided. Whether you’re a business owner or going on a lengthy journey, consider charter jet services next time you travel — you might find you’ll never go back to conventional trips again!

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With the holiday season upon us, you might be thinking about taking a vacation. One of the most important arrangements to make while planning your trip is where you’re going to stay. Loving (or hating) your accommodations sets the tone for how much you’ll enjoy your entire trip. Here are a few tips for making sure you love the place you stay while traveling:

1. Consider the Type of Lodging That Would Make Your Trip Perfect
   Decide the goal of your trip, and then choose the accommodations that best fits that goal. Do you want the quaint, cozy experience of a bed and breakfast? Are you planning to have an adventure that cabins can offer? Do you want the relaxing, luxurious trip that you find at resorts? If you you want a wide range of standard accommodations, you might want to search for hotels in your destination.
2. Compare Rates
   Many booking services for hotels lock in rates that are less expensive than booking the room through the hotel. Make sure to compare rates at several sites before booking your room. Also, you might want to call hotels directly and ask what their rates are for your particular dates. The rate that the third party booking site negotiated might be unrelated to the rates that the front desk can offer.
3. Search for Promotions
   Enter the hotel name and “promotions” or “promo codes” in a search engine; sometimes you’ll find an additional discount. If you’re staying at a privately owned accommodation like a cabin or bed and breakfast, call the owner and ask if they can offer lower rates. If the lodging has a high availability during the time you’ll be staying, they might be willing to make concessions to secure your business.
4. Scope Out the Area
   Often times, there are a lot of hotels in the area around the airport, but this isn’t necessarily convenient to the things you want to see and do. You can put the hotel’s address in Google maps to get an idea of its proximity to things you want to visit.
5. Check the Hotel’s Refund Policy
   How will your lodging accommodate any changes that might arise to your travel plans after you book it? Many times, the hotel can make changes or even refund your stay if you book it directly; if you use a third party booking site (even booking through the hotel’s website directly is often handled by a third party), you might have trouble being refunded if you need to cancel. Just call the hotel and ask what their policy is if canceled before committing.
6. Ask About Additional Fees
   The great deal you’re getting might not be worth it if you have to pay an additional $15 for WiFi and $20 a day for parking. Ask about these fees before you commit to your reservation.
7. Pay With a Credit Card
   Not only are you eligible for reward perks such as cash back if you use a credit card, some credit card issuers offer guarantees, insurance and fraud protection that you don’t get if you use a debit card or cash to pay for your stay.

Are you planning a great vacation over the holidays? What type of accommodations are you staying at? Please leave us a comment with the details!

Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Camping is one of the oldest and healthiest pasttimes in the U.S. and by far one of the most popular choices for family vacations. The year 2011 saw well over 500 million days of camping altogether! There are a multitude of outdoor activities for your average American to partake in, whether it’s hoofing it along mountain trails, taking a dip in a nearby river or just sitting around the campfire burning marshmallows to good music. Each state even has their own distinct flavor, whether you’re doing New York camping or heading to the campgrounds in Michigan. Let’s look at camping in the States and why so many people are drawn to this pasttime year after year.

It’s estimated that nearly 70% of campers who use tents have one to two-night outings, with RV campers having the longest outings at five or more nights in a row. The most popular form of camping, regardless, would have to be by tent due to its ‘rugged’ feel (provided you don’t mind mosquito bites!). A recent survey found 86% of its respondents preferring to camp by tent, with another survey showing 33% going by cabin and 26% at a drive-in camp. While camping is often associated with summer, autumn camping holds a lot of appeal for those who don’t want the extreme temperatures in July or August but are eager to get in some outdoor fun before the snow hits. And who says you can’t toast a slice of pumpkin pie over an open flame?

And just what do people like to do when they camp? Hiking is by far the most popular activity, with a whopping 92% of people saying hiking was their primary activity. It’s small wonder campers prefer to go the old-fashioned route, as hiking is a good way of getting exercise while appreciating nature and getting a little vitamin D. New York camping is well-known for its public campgrounds, with 70% of frequent visitors preferring the balance between nature and convenience of a nearby city. Whether you’re bringing friends along for a long overdue get-together or camping with kids during a summer outing, camp culture truly is the underlying fabric of the great American outdoors.

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One of the best parts of going camping is sitting around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, sharing spooky stories, and watching the embers dance and flicker. That being said, camp fires can be dangerous, and should be treated as such.

Here are just a few tips to help you be safe when building a fire.

Always Use a Firepit. – Most family campgrounds have fire pits pre-built, but it’s not uncommon to find campsites that don’t have one, in which case you’ll have to build one. Pick a spot on the site that’s downwind, and at least 15 feet from your tent. Clear a 10-foot diameter around, and get rid of anything that can catch fire — even overhanging branches. Then, dig a pit about one-foot deep, and circle it with rocks. Then, you’re good to go.

Keep the Fire Going Carefully. – Once you’ve got your fire started, you’re going to need to keep it going. Just be careful as you do. Add larger pieces of wood to keep it burning steadily, but keep it at a manageable size. Never leave it unattended, either, and always supervise children and pets when they’re near the fire.

Keep a Bucket of Water Nearby. – You should always have a large bucket of water nearby, just in case. When you use it to extinguish the fire, you need to drown all the embers — not just the ones that are glowing. You need to keep pouring water until the hissing fully stops. Once it does, stir the ashes with a shovel, and scrape away any remaining embers on the sticks and logs. If you don’t have enough water on hand, you can use dirt, but you can’t bury the fire, as it’ll cause roots to catch fire, which will get to the surface and start a forest fire.

Remember: always use a fire pit, be careful when maintaining a fire, and always keep a bucket of water nearby. Some campgrounds might not have a fire pit, you may have to dig one out. The name of the game, after all, is preparedness.
If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

Compared to many European and Asian countries, the United States is a very young nation, not even 300 years old. Of course, that makes our nation’s rise to power as the greatest country in the world all the more remarkable. But unfortunately, most American cities lack the long, storied history of world cities like London, Paris, or Prague. And besides a few East Coast American cities like Boston, Charleston, and Philadelphia, you’d be hard-pressed to find much American architecture or landmarks that go back more than 100 or 200 years.

Of course, there is one major exception — Santa Fe, New Mexico. So what makes the capital of the Land of Enchantment so unique?

1. Santa Fe Predates American History Itself

Santa Fe is one of North America’s oldest cities, dating all the way back to 1598. It’s also America’s oldest capital city.

2. Spanish Roots

In Spanish, “Santa Fe” translates to “Holy Faith.”

3. Santa Fe is Known For Its Summer Vacation Rentals

The capital of New Mexico has earned a reputation as a destination for tourists looking for summer vacation rentals. Although the city has a number of hotels like any other large metro area in the U.S., it’s also known for Santa Fe luxury vacation rentals as well. Santa Fe vacation homes include luxury condos, rustic cabins, and stylish summer cottages.

For families who don’t want to live out of a suitcase while away from home, vacation rental homes include amenities like full kitchens, bathrooms, and washer and dryer sets. Santa Fe vacation rental properties have also pioneered the service of providing free long distance calling for guests.

4. Entertainment and Nightlife

What kind of entertainment destinations are available in Santa Fe?

• More than 225 high quality local restaurants
• 10 golf courses within an hour’s drive
• About 250 art galleries, 13 museums, and a world-class opera house

5. 300 Days of Summer

Perhaps the reason so many Americans seek out Santa Fe vacation rentals is because with 300 days of sunshine every year, the summer season lasts a little longer in the Land of Enchantment.

You may have noticed it while on the highway: limousines and expensive corporate cars seeming to drive aimlessly through traffic. Who are the people behind those windows? Are they sipping chilled champagne and eating caviar? Is it Donald Trump or maybe a movie star?

In reality, many of the guests in these cars are just regular people like you and I. Limousine service as well as corporate car service is a common thing in many large cities, and is continuing to grow as air travel has become more commonplace. For many, renting a car and doing all of the driving is tiresome, while the cost of a taxi cab, along with the sights and smells that go with it, is too great a burden.

Let’s say you are going skiing in Colorado. You land at the airport and are greeted by a row of taxis and a tiny airport shuttle. Airport shuttle services will only take you to a few nearby hotels or the rental car facilities at the airport, while a Denver ski shuttle can arrive to drive you to Vale, or Aspen, or any of the ski towns in the area. You won’t be leaving the lodge, and a taxi cab is just as expensive, so why not ride in comfort? Many lodges offer airport limo services standard in their package, so utilizing these ski shuttle benefits just makes sense.

Approximately 2.1 million marriages occur in the United States every year. Of those nuptials, many couples will wish to leave the wedding in the traditional limo. This not only allows for a more beautiful exit from a church or reception area, but also takes the onus off of the bride and groom to be able to drive after one of the most important events of life.

Business accounts for more than 405 million individuals travel plans per year in the United States. With nearly 1.3 million conferences and large meetings per year, managers, technicians, and other professionals must look for ways to get back and forth to the airport quickly and easily. A corporate limo service answers these needs by allowing up to 20 people to travel in style in the larger limousines.

And of course we can’t forget about the younger generation! About 47% of all U.S. citizens went to their prom, with the number steadily rising as more and more children are encouraged to participate. Look how many groups get their money together to pay for a limo so they have more enjoyment in this once in a lifetime event. Not to mention, most limousine services require a three hour rental. Just long enough to stop in to watch the king and queen coronation, have a glass of punch, a slow dance, and get ready to hit the after parties!

So, whether you are looking for a ski shuttle in Denver, a wedding or prom driver, or are looking to show up for your business meeting in style, choosing a corporate limo or shuttle service will often make your day that much more fantastic, as well as explain the copious amount of Hummer limousines racing through the streets.

Business travel is big business.  In the United States, 33% of airline passengers were on a business trip.  Nearly 405 million long-distance business trips are taken each year and there are, of average 1,298,000 business trips or meetings.  Businesses in the U.S. spend about $225 billion on travel expenses related to sending employees on business related travel.  Meeting face to face can be key for a lot of companies as it is estimated that 55% of human communication is body language interpretation.

Reasons to Look to Northern New Jersey for Conferences and Conventions

Northern New Jersey doesn’t always pop to mind when companies are looking for places to host their annual conferences or conventions but they should.

• It is serviced by five airports.  The options to get to the area include Newark airport, Morristown airport, Teterboro airport, LaGaurdia and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport.  Finding airport transportation to and from any of these is pretty easy to find.
• It is close to, but not in, New York City.   This means a few things, the conference centers and hotels will be cheaper and possibly have better accommodations.  Compared to what you find in Manhattan, for instance, any hotel room in New Jersey will seem like a suite.  It also means your employees and others attendees can enjoy the city with all the entertainment and dining it offers.  With the money saved, your company can spring for a corporate limo service to bring your people into the city for a night on the town.  If you’re sending a bunch of people there are always corporate shuttle services.
• New Jersey has great dining and attractions, too.  It is a very diverse state, often called “America in Miniature.” There are many options for getting around including renting a limo service for business.

Reasons to Fly intro Newark Liberty Airport

It is cheaper than flying in and out of JFK or LaGuardia.

• There are more direct flights in and out.  If your attendees are coming a long way, cutting down on travel time is always a bonus.
• It’s convenient to get to. There are many airport transportation options with this airport.  There’s the Newark limo but there is also public transportation into New York City.  It is easier to get from Newark to Manhattan than to get from JFK into the city.
• Private aviation services available.  If any attendees are using their own aircraft or a charter, they can do that at Newark.

Getting conference attendees to and from the airport can be a hassle.  Some airports are so far away from the conference center, you’d think it was in a different time zone.  New Jersey has a lot of options for conferences and airport transportation.

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