Lifestyle

VRBO ANNOUNCES THE 2024 US VACATION RENTALS OF THE YEAR

Published

1 month ago

March 23, 2024

Daily News Staff

AUSTIN, Texas, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today Vrbo® unveiled its 2024 Vacation Rentals of the Year in the U.S., which feature the most remarkable private vacation rentals across the country as well as a bonus property in Mexico, a popular international destination for U.S. travelers.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9179054-vrbo-unveils-2024-us-vacation-rentals-of-the-year/

This year’s Vacation Rentals of the Year list recognizes some of the most gorgeous waterfront homes, stunning cabin escapes and modern city stays in destinations including Sedona, Arizona; Austin, Texas; Inlet Beach, Florida and Blue Ridge, Georgia. The properties also include trending outdoor amenities that are inspiring travelers’ booking habits in 2024. Across the board, the homes offer:

Six heated pools, three of which are infinity pools
Eight hot tubs
Three outdoor sport courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball
Five fire pits
Three saunas
Six game rooms with ping pong, foosball, billiards, air hockey and shuffleboard
Four indoor gyms, including one yoga studio
Unique amenities including a wine cave, a vineyard and an in-ground trampoline

“What stands out to me is the variety in this year’s Vacation Rentals of the Year — from cool places with game rooms for kids to wine caves for grown-ups, at nightly rates ranging from $550 to $3,000. This list exemplifies the caliber of private vacation rentals across Vrbo,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “What’s new and makes it even better is that when you book any of these properties, you earn OneKeyCash back that you can use on your next vacation. No other major player does that.”

Now in its third year, the Vacation Rentals of the Year highlight the most spectacular, private vacation rentals that represent a variety of popular vacation destinations and price points. The homes are selected from the more than 2 million properties worldwide on the Vrbo platform, based on criteria including having:

A 4.9 or higher star rating
Positive guest reviews
Standout amenities and spaces for spending time together with friends and family
Premier Host status

“Vrbo’s Premier Hosts go above and beyond to offer exceptional, reliable and relaxing guest experiences and are key to making a traveler’s vacation seamless,” said Tim Rosolio, VP of Partner Success, Vacation Rentals. “With the recent adjustment of our Premier Host criteria, we are ensuring that only the best partners receive the badging and are eligible for opportunities like Vacation Rentals of the Year. We have incredible partners on our platform, and with the Premier Host badging we’re sending a clear and compelling trust signal to travelers about where to find the best, and consistent experiences on Vrbo.”

Travelers that book on Vrbo can also save with One Key, the first loyalty program from a major online vacation rental platform. Guests can earn 2% in OneKeyCash on every eligible Vrbo booking — including any of the 2024 Vacation Rentals of the Year — that can be used toward future bookings on eligible Vrbo vacation rentals, or on Expedia and Hotels.com. For example, booking a one-week stay at any one of the Vacation Rentals of the Year could earn travelers a few hundred dollars in OneKeyCash, on average.

See the list of the 2024 Vacation Rentals of the Year, as well as images and videos of the properties, along with a video testimonial from one of our Premier Hosts at www.vrbo.com/2024vacationrentals. And for even more trip-planning inspiration, make sure to check out previous years’ Vacation Rentals of the Year lists from 2023 and 2022.

Notes to the editor:

Visual Assets: Property images and b-roll are available for download.

2024 U.S. Vacation Rentals of the Year Property Details:

Sedona, Arizona – “Palatial Paradise Estate” is a stunning estate featuring breathtaking views of the iconic red rocks. This idyllic home invites the outside in with unique features including telescoping doors that connect the living room to the resort-style patio, an infinity pool, waterfall feature and outdoor fireplace. With easy access to all the best attractions in Sedona and nearby Coconino National Forest trails, this escape is the ideal vacation rental for a family or group vacation.
Big Sky, Montana – A one-of-a-kind cabin retreat, the “Fire Lookout Towers” is an awe-inspiring home situated on 60 acres and perched atop a ridge overlooking the majestic Beehive Basin. The cabin is only 10 minutes from Big Sky Resort and offers the most relaxing, comfortable space to savor a homemade meal with loved ones in the gourmet kitchen and dining room or relax by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace after a long day of skiing and exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Inlet Beach, Florida – “Paradise Found” is a vacation rental that really lives up to its name. The beachside oasis nestled along 30A is a resort-like space thoughtfully designed to accommodate groups of all kinds and guests of all ages. The home has three distinct living areas for spending time together, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, and an open concept living room that merges the indoors and outdoors. Outside, enjoy a masterfully designed infinity pool with a large hot tub, a covered cabana, and premier entertaining spaces.
Austin, Texas – Located just minutes from bustling downtown Austin, discover “Toro Canyon,” a tranquil getaway that seamlessly blends modern luxury and comfortable elegance. The home is perfect for a relaxing retreat with friends, boasting beautifully landscaped grounds and outdoor amenities including a pool and hot tub, outdoor kitchen and dining space, fire pit, and even a sports court — all nestled within a canopy of trees with a natural creek running nearby.
Glen Ellen, California – “Villa Montebella” is an Italian-inspired villa located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. The home offers acres of privacy with spectacular views, including ones of the San Francisco Bay less than an hour away; sips of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from the onsite vineyard, or produce for meals from the farm. The villa boasts large gathering spaces including a library, theater room and oversized kitchen for group meals, a spa facility with steam and dry sauna rooms, and the standout amenity, which is the wine cave filled with art, a dining area and even a game room.
Sand Lake, Michigan – Situated on Baptist Lake, “Sandy Lakehouse” is a stunning lakeside home beyond compare. The property is decked out with every amenity imaginable, including a professional-grade gym, custom sports court for basketball and pickleball games, and a fully equipped game room. This is a perfect spot to host family and friends for a summer vacation or for a quick weekend escape, located only half an hour from Grand Rapids.
Epworth, Georgia – “Miracle Creek Retreat” is an expansive cabin nestled on a hillside in the Blue Ridge area, overlooking Fightingtown Creek below. The home combines modern design and comfort with stone and wood elements and includes spa-like bathrooms, a generously stocked gourmet kitchen with river views, and a game room with a wet bar. An outdoor living area also provides serene views of the forest and a cozy space for evenings spent under the stars.
Winchendon, Massachusetts – “Copley’s Lakefront Cottage” is a uniquely designed, Belgian-style farmhouse located on Lake Monomonac that straddles both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The modern home is wonderful for any season with its own private beach and dock for boating and swimming in the summer, and ice skating and fishing during the winter. Inside, the home is impeccably furnished with features including floor-to-ceiling views of the lake in the living areas, and a large sauna for a pampered spa day.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands – The oceanfront “Villa Cin Cin” is an exquisite luxury home right outside of Cruz Bay that offers unparalleled views of the nearby Virgin Islands National Park from an expansive veranda by the infinity pool and a rooftop deck. The estate was also custom-built to have identical primary en suite bedrooms so everyone in the group gets the best room, and comes with thoughtfully designed spaces for movie and game nights after a day in the sun.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – “Casa Acantilado” is an extraordinary cliffside villa in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas. This striking home offers an uninterrupted blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, including bedrooms with oceanside patio access, and comes with gorgeous views of the water from the pool, sauna and hot tub, which are great ways to start and end the day on a relaxing note.

About Vrbo

In 1995, Vrbo introduced a new way for people to travel together, pairing homeowners with families and friends looking for places to stay. We were grounded in one purpose: To give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together.

Since then, we’ve grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers, with unique properties around the world. Vrbo makes it easy and fun to book cabins, condos, beach houses and every kind of space in between.

Vrbo is part of Expedia Group and offers homeowners and property managers exposure to over 750 million visits to Expedia Group sites each month. To learn more, visit www.vrbo.com.

Follow Vrbo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Twitter.

SOURCE Vrbo

Lifestyle

How to Support Your Pet’s Health During Summer

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) As a pet parent, you know your pet’s needs are continually evolving. That’s true during different stages of growth and even as the seasons change.

Part of supporting your pet throughout the year is understanding the specific risks that come with changing weather and special seasonal events. Supporting pets this summer can be easier with these tips:

Summer Health Concerns
It may be an exciting time of year for humans with all the extra activities, seasonal celebrations and travel, but those summer pastimes can add up to a whole lot of stress for pets. In addition, environmental factors like allergens and heat can affect them more than you realize.

Allergies: Pets can be affected by many of the same allergens as humans, including grass, pollen and other vegetation that is more prevalent during warmer months. Watch for signs of trouble such as scratching, chewing, watery eyes and general discomfort. Veterinarians can offer advice on allergy support and supplements appropriate for your pet’s age, breed and size.
Fireworks: Summer tends to bring more loud noise and commotion in general, but this is especially true around the Fourth of July when explosions become the norm. If pets are fearful, it’s especially important to ensure they stay in well-secured areas since fireworks are a common cause of pets running away. If possible, find a safe spot within your house where outside noises are muffled. Provide some comfort items and check on them regularly. If they seem extremely distressed, vet-recommended anxiety treatments and supplements can help promote relaxation and soothe their nerves.
Travel: If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, summer trips can be especially problematic. One solution is to take your pet with you, but that’s not always practical or even possible. When pets with separation anxiety stay behind, it’s a good idea to leave them with someone they know, and even better if that person can stay in your home so pets are in familiar surroundings. If that’s not an option, introducing pets to their caretaker or doing a trial run at the kennel can help ease their nerves. In extreme cases, you may need to consult with a vet about supplements that can help soothe pets in your absence.
Dehydration: Just like humans, hotter temperatures make it easier to get dehydrated, which can lead to myriad health concerns. Ensure pets have access to fresh, clean and cool water at all times and be sure to alert your veterinarian if you notice any changes in their interest in drinking, as that can signal an issue. Also watch for signs of dehydration, such as weakness, less energy, changes in appetite and panting.

Managing Activity Levels
During the summer months, pets may be tempted to take it easy in the heat, or you may have the opposite problem: a pet that’s a little too active for the elements. Monitoring their activity level is important to ensure they don’t get overheated but also get adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep muscle tone strong. This may require getting creative about bringing playtime indoors or shifting your routine to accommodate walks early or late in the day when temperatures tend to be more forgiving.

Introducing Health Supplements
Monitoring pets’ health isn’t a one-size-fits-all effort. In fact, different breeds have distinct needs when it comes to exercise, behavioral training and even nutrition. Supplements, from multifunctional solutions to those targeting specific issues, can help complement regular food to ensure pets are getting all of the nutrients and preventative support they need to thrive. One comprehensive option is NaturVet’s Breed Specific Soft Chews supplement line, which is made up of five products that provide proactive support for distinct dog breed categories, including toy/small, bully, sport/working, doodle and giant.

The vet-formulated soft chew line was designed to offer a streamlined and personalized supplement approach for breeds with particular health needs. To support pets precisely as they are, each product offering is formulated for pure and mixed breed dogs alike, delivering tailored, wholesome ingredients to address joint, allergy, immune, heart, gut, anxiety and dental issues.

Find more advice for supporting your pet’s health this summer and beyond at naturvet.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman hugging dog)

SOURCE:
NaturVet

home gardening

Make an Impact This Earth Day: 5 steps to plant a tree

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) There are countless ways you can make your contributions felt this Earth Day. If you’d like to join millions of others in the fight for the environment, consider one of the most popular gifts given back to the world each year: planting a tree.

With hundreds of millions of trees planted since the first celebration in 1970, per earthday.org, you can be part of one of the largest civic events on the planet. Consider these tips to properly plant a tree in your own yard.

Choose the Right Tree and Location
Depending on where you live and your desired outcome, choosing the right tree and planting location are critical factors. Larger shade trees help cool homes in warmer climates, evergreens provide privacy and fruit trees offer a grocery store right in your backyard. Consider your available space along with conditions that will impact the tree itself, such as soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage and more.

Dig Safely
Before digging, remember that proper tree placement requires factoring in underground utility lines, overhead power lines and proximity to sidewalks, driveways and homes. Dial 811, the national call-before-you-dig number, to locate underground utilities and consider contacting an arborist or tree care professional to make sure you’ve weighed all the important factors.

Break Ground
Dig a hole that’s roughly 2-3 times wider than the root ball of your tree and equally as deep as the root ball. Be sure the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) is partially visible when planted. Remove any wrapping or cover from the root ball and trunk. Lift from the root ball, not the trunk, to place in the hole then straighten vertically and firmly backfill soil around the root ball to stabilize.

Add Mulch
Mulching helps maintain moisture and improve soil conditions while controlling weed growth. Place a 2-3-inch layer in a 3-foot radius around the base of the tree without touching the trunk itself.

Keep Soil Moist
Make sure your tree has enough water to grow strong by keeping the soil moist. Typically, this means watering just once per week, barring rain, but may require more frequency during especially hot weather.

Find more tips for giving back to Mother Earth at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Health

Take a Rest from Stress

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Daily News Staff

5 strategies to combat stressful triggers

(Family Features) Stress, the physical or mental response to external causes like overwhelming work assignments or difficult life moments, can add unnecessary pressure to your day to day. While everyone feels stress from time to time, when left untreated or unrecognized, it can begin to wreak havoc in the form of anxiety.

In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, consider these strategies to combat stress from the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Learn Your Triggers
Different events and situations cause stress for different people. Knowing what triggers your stress to kick in – mounds of office paperwork, important financial decisions or hectic mornings, for example – can help you plan and prepare for stress-inducing moments.

Exercise and Eat Right
Maintaining physical health can be beneficial for mental health, too. Find time to do exercises you enjoy like walking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Identifying activities that bring you joy can make it easier to fit 30-60-minute workouts into your schedule without adding even more stress. Complement your workout routine with nutritional meals that help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Practice Relaxation
Whether you find inner peace through journaling, breathing exercises, reading or some other form of slowing down, find what works for you and prioritize fitting it into your daily schedule. Relaxing activities help you slow down the pace of life, providing a chance to reset by doing something you enjoy.

Get Enough Sleep
A lack of quality sleep can add to stress. Creating a bedtime routine can increase your sleep habits and help you achieve the expert-recommended 7-9 hours per night. Put away electronics, which can interfere with your ability to calm your mind, and find an activity that puts you at ease like reading a book or listening to relaxing music. Ensure your bedroom is optimized for comfort by making it cool, dark and quiet.

Create a Network of Support
Everyone experiences stress. Reach out to family members and close friends you can lean on in stressful and frustrating moments. Share your feelings and encourage others to do the same, which can increase trust and help everyone in your circle cope in a positive way.

Find more ways to combat stress and care for your mental health at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com