“Americans love to travel, and to stay home because of environmental concerns is simply not a solution,” says Mike Smalley, vice president of operations for Cruise America. “All long-distance travel methods create emissions, but RV rental offers a viable means for families to vacation – affordably, comfortably and without excess waste.”

To illustrate the real environmental benefits of a motor home vacation, consider the appliances in your home that consumes energy on an average day:

• Heating/Air Conditioning

• Stovetop cooking

• Microwave cooking

• Lights

Also include the things that require water:

• Dishwasher

• Sinks

• Showers and Toilets

All of these items are available for use in a motor home, but by their very design they require less energy or water to operate than what you will find in your home. As such, just by traveling in a motor home, your family leaves a far smaller ecological footprint than you would if you just stayed home.

They also move more passengers and cargo than your average car. It is far more environmentally sound to have a group of friends travel together in an RV to a tail gate party or camping then it is to have them each drive their own cars and meet up separately.

“When customers use our discount mileage special to plan RV camping trips for cooler climates, they also save on energy bills by turning off the air conditioning at home,” Smalley says. “Besides saving money on utilities, reducing energy consumption also helps families become more environmentally friendly.”

Or consider this: According to an article in the May 7 edition of The Nation, the effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released by jets during air travel are around 270 percent higher than those of average emissions caused by driving the same distance, making air travel, “one of the most destructive things we can do,” writes George Monbiot, the article’s author.

“When compared with flying,” says Smalley, “RV vacations are actually an energy-saving option, producing fewer carbon emissions on most trips and often leading vacationers to travel shorter distances.”

RV rentals are available in compact, standard and large sizes, sleeping from four to seven people and offering a kitchen, bathroom and living area. For vacationers who’d rather drive their own vehicle, Cruise America also offers camping trailers for rent with no mileage charges, as well as motor home sales at locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Most favored vacationing spots in Canada are the British Columbia, Victoria, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Islands. The majestic coastal mountains of British Columbia house some of the North America’s largest ski resorts, Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain. These towering mountains heighten to about a mile from the valley and are strewn with skiing trails for all levels. They have about 200 trails covering more than 7,000 acres of treacherous mountain terrain.

These skiing trails are often rated high when compared to popular, expensive and always over booked resorts like Colorado, Vail and Aspen. This is due to the magnificent ski slopes and a host of pedestrian-only villages that have multiple shops, restaurants and a variety of nightlife. The best part of the Whistler Resort is its social and community atmosphere. Added to this the value of US dollar in Canada contributes to the attraction of skiers from across the globe.

Glacier National Park is another of the major tourist and vacationing attraction. Known for its breath-taking views of waterfalls, lakes and high mountains and covering about a million acres, this “Crown of the Continent” is very sparsely populated compared to the Yellowstone or Yosemite national parks in the USA. This house of the grizzly is all the more attractive because of the wildlife which is another major attraction for vacationers is Canada. The wildlife spotting in Canada can be exhilarating when one spots a wolf, mountain lion or a Rocky Mountain sheep.

Planning your vacation in Canada can be very easy and low budget considering a host of vacation rentals and private accommodation available across the most sought after tourist destinations.

Many vacation rentals offer a choice of vacation homes, condos, villas, and cabins to meet various needs and tastes of the vacationers. Many of these vacation rentals are also well staffed. Out for offering are pet friendly rentals, vacation rentals on the beach or close to the water, child friendly vacation rentals, vacation homes on a golf course or close to one, ski vacation rentals on the mountain or located close to the chairlift.

Cottages are a preferred mode of vacation rentals in Canada. Many people dive to cottages for the hammock-swaying snoozes, exceptional natural air quality and outdoor pursuits. The distance from millions in a crowded city is to soothe ones nerves in natural surroundings of most of Canada’s known tourist attractions have made them the favorite of vacationers.
Renting a vacation home or cottage is easy, pay the rent for as many weeks as you need. You can rent direct form the owner or through various rental agents strewn all over the place. Choices are easy to make using the book or a brochure available with most agents. The only disadvantage compared to a hotel is that you may end up doing most of the housework, if the vacation home or the private accommodation is not staffed.
The cost of renting or leasing a vacation home or private accommodation is very nominal compared to the cost of hotels. Many owners have turned towards part time renting their properties due to rising cost of real estate and cost of living.
The private accommodation and vacation home renting can bring down your costs of vacationing in the skiing paradise down drastically, allowing you to budget more for your shopping or adventure needs, or even to extend your holiday a little more.

For starters, it may be quite surprising for many to know that Mexico was ranked #1 in International Living’s Global Retirement Index for the years 2007-2008. This is very significant as this instantly tells you that, Mexico is better than retiring in U.S. or Canada. So, if you are American and Canadian, what it means that, just south of your border is a retirement heaven which is sp close to you and very well connected through road and air.

Coupled with lower cost of living, affordable health care facilities and a laidback lifestyle, Mexico is the most sensible choice for any retiree.

Mexico has seen tremendous real estate and infrastructure development in last few years, which means that a high number of world class Mexico Beachfront Homes and land are available at very affordable prices. Vacation rental condos with all modern amenities are also available at very economical prices.

Since, this is a “Buyer’s Market” due to world wide recession, property prices in Mexico have dropped quite significantly for now. What this drop represents is a tremendous buying opportunity at historical low levels for investors who plan for long term. Everybody understands that economical conditions are cyclical and the U.S. economy is getting stronger which will boost the realty sector again. Anybody purchasing Mexico real estate at this time will be getting a good bargain and potentially big profits in future.

Living in Mexico offers other advantages also. The cost of living in Mexico is quite low which means that your dollar last longer and you can afford a luxurious lifestyle even if you moderate income or savings. Mexico is relatively safer and friendlier. Even though, U.S. media would like everyone to believe that Mexico is dangerous, the fact is such problem areas are very limited and do not effect much of this beautiful country. A person living in Mexico feels much secure here. Most of the new developments are in private gated communities with full security which makes life in Mexico even safer and peaceful than USA!

All these benefits plus the sheer beauty of this vibrant nation, makes Mexico the place to live a great life.

Author: Donna Nocero

The term “nursing home” also carries some negative connotations certainly and as a generic catchall term it is simply not fitting as a description of the many retirement living options available. In Canada today, senior care is increasingly adaptable and flexible, with a spectrum of options from complete independence to thorough care.

Some options you can find in retirement home living today include the following:

Active Adult Communities allow you to live in community with other people your own age with access to often-luxurious amenities such as a golf course, swimming pool, etc. These communities are usually age exclusive and the age of exclusion may be as low as 50 years. That doesn’t mean your grandkids can’t visit! They just can’t live with you.

Independent Living also allows you to live in an exclusive community but in this, you might also participate in communal meals and other activities. You may be protected by security and you may even want to hire your own home health care if needed.

Congregate Living may mix together people requiring various degrees of care, including (for example) independent seniors along with those who require help with house cleaning or other regular daily activities.

Long-term care homes offer residents care as required. Many people still think of these as “nursing homes.” These may be well-staffed with nurses and other medical staff and there may be many residents who require consistent care.

It’s important to note that the retirement home industry is responding to senior’s changing needs. The vast majority of retirement homes in Canada seek to treat residents with the very highest levels of respect, befitting those who have contributed so much to society in their lives. As the baby boomer generation puts their aging parents into retirement homes, they are demanding increased options and more respectful care. In fact, they are effecting changes that they will one day benefit from when they, too, decide to move into a retirement home.

These Shuswap Lake Homes are impressive. Soaring spaces and wonderful modern accents combine perfectly with the classic floorplans and quality construction. Expansive views will draw your eye from nearly every room in the house. Set up for entertaining, these Shuswap Lake Homes will make your days at the lake the best they can be. Whether as a full time residence, or the ultimate vacation property, you’ll love spending time on the expansive decks, soaking up the sun…and the moon light.

2 large bedrooms and 3 baths and an impressive 1280 square feet of tastefully decorated quality. Plenty of parking for family and friends and an adjacent 4000 square foot amenity building with a swimming pool, steam room, and hot tub. You’ll find supurb elegance and simple charm.

This great investment property will only become more desireable. Very few places in Canada offer the beauty, and the location that These Shuswap Lake Homes are known for. Only a 463 Km drive from Vancouver. Development in the area is bringing in more businesses and more jobs. Opportunities for commercial expansion are another aspect of the investment potential of the area. This is your opportunity to make it yours.

Romantic evenings and moon lit boat rides becken you. The forest, teeming with wildlife, calls to you. This truly is paradise. It’s a great time to make your dream come true.

In case you didn’t know, International Living ranked Mexico as the world’s top retirement haven in 2007. There are many reasons why so many U.S. citizens, as well as people from other countries and continents choose to retire in Mexico. The lower cost of living, combined with high quality healthcare and other services, is very attractive to people who want to retire to Mexico, a beautiful country with warm climate and breathtaking landscapes. Its proximity to the United States makes it very easy to travel back, whenever you feel like visiting relatives or friends. The dream of owning a beachfront house is a lot easier to turn into reality in Mexico. As far as real estate is concerned, Mexico is by far a more affordable location than many other countries of the world. English is widely spoken in this country, and many aspects of American culture and civilization have already been adopted by the Mexicans. These are just some of the reasons why Mexico is the ideal retirement destination.

As far as investments are concerned, many foreigners have already opted for the purchase of Mexico real estate, either land or property, and the phenomenon is on the rise. As has been said before, the millions of tourists that visit Mexico every year provide a steady cash flow. Furthermore, Mexico real estate is considerably less expensive than comparable buildings or land in the United States or Canada. Therefore, investors have already taken advantage of the amazing business opportunities that Mexico real estate provides. The sudden interest that foreign investors have shown in Mexico real estate has led to a steady rise in the price of properties in this country. However, with maintenance costs, utilities and taxes that are significantly lower than in other countries, Mexico real estate can still offer good monetary value.

There are many advantages to retiring to Mexico, just as there are numerous reasons why a real estate investment in Mexico can turn out to be a very profitable business. However, you should not overlook the fact that the country’s laws and regulations are somewhat different from those of your native country. Therefore, should you be interested in investing in Mexico real estate, either for retirement or for a vacation home, it is best that you retain professionals to assist you with all the aspects of the transaction.  Legal assistance is a must when you want to retire in Mexico or invest in Mexico real estate.

Another advantage to the advertising that is offered on this site is in relation to the different ways in which you can advertise. Several free services can be used as part of the listing process about your rental. Part of the free advertising includes five pictures that you can put next to your rental or home listing. You will also be offered a page that includes keywords within a customized article. These will be posted in relation to the property that you are advertising, allowing for more traffic flow to come to your particular listing.

When you go to this site to post your listing, you can also list a few other things in order to attract the right person to your vacation rental or holiday home. Pricing details for the area always helps to attract the right person. You can also provide a calendar stating when the property will be available. Arrange Your Vacation also provides a link to your own home page, allowing visitors to see other rentals you have available, as well as allowing them to know more about you as a person.

ArrangeYourVacation.com has organized and divided the listings of properties in several different ways. By doing this, it allows the customer to find exactly the type of rental for which they are looking. It will also allow you to find the desired type of person for your property. Destination areas, places that have special features, family and pet friendly properties, and new listings are all divided into certain sections. If you have a preference towards who you want to allow in your vacation rental or holiday home, then you can categorize it on this site as well. By placing your ad in a certain category, you will know that you are bringing the preferred renters to your property.

Arrange Your Vacation is only offering free advertising for your vacation rental and holiday homes for a limited time. By advertising here, you will be able to find great renters to stay on your property as well as allow more traffic flow to your personal site in order to see what offerings you have for your different properties. Now is the time to take advantage of the free advertising that this site have available for vacation rentals and holiday homes.

There are so many activities that you can enjoy if you purchase Sicamous real estate that is just outside your beautiful vacation home. There is fishing for all those avid fishermen that are just steps away. Also, for any of the golfers that will be interested in a day on the green, there are two local golf courses right there in Sicamous. Perhaps you want to spend a day on the lake on your boat or take a hike on some of the beautiful trails that have many exquisite waterfalls. Regardless of what recreational activity you are in pursuit of, one thing is for sure, you will be able to find it when you decide to invest in a Sicamous real estate vacation home.

Sicamous real estate offers luxurious homes that not only can you get the comfort of home away from home, but you will also get extras. How nice it would be to have a Sicamous real estate property where you can go home to and relax after a day of fun filled activities. You might just decide to stay in for the day in your vacation home and just enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. There are many townhouses that can be purchased there and they are beautiful and luxurious villas. When you purchase Sicamous real estate property you will know that it is your vacation home to do with as you please and can look forward to years and years of enjoyment, with your family or maybe a romantic getaway for you and your significant loved one.

One of the Vacation Homes Montreal that deserves mention is the ‘Downtown Montreal” which is not far from gay village. This 3 bed roomed accommodation with a sunroom and 2 bathrooms is extremely well located close to Sherbrooke Street. It is close to the major festival venues like the’ international jazz festival’, ‘international fireworks competition’ or even the formula one car racing. The convention center is only a walk away. It is a 2000sq ft double storeyed apartment consisting of large terraces and bedrooms. The master bedroom offers a breathtaking view of the fireworks festival.

The various amenities available are air-conditioning, dryer and washer; cable connection etc. parking of course is available in the next block. A fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave and necessary utensils make your stay all the more comfortable. The telephone and the wifi help you to keep in touch with the outside world. A stay here will enable you to participate in outdoor activities like biking, tennis, cross country skiing theatre, cinema museum and so on.

“The Montreal House is a fusion of modern facilities and old world elegance. If you are looking for a romantic getaway The Montreal House is the place for you. This vacation home of Montreal accredited with 4 stars by the ‘Ministry of tourism of Quebec’ houses 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and is suitable for 6 persons. It charges 350 Canadian dollars per night. Strategically situated at the heart of the town you are not far away from ‘Place des arts’,’Mc gill University’, and even some of the well known cafés, shops and restaurants of the city. There are large bathrooms with Jacuzzi, well-equipped kitchen, piano, wifi, computer, central cooling system etc. It is an ideal ‘home away from home’.

Aubus Les Bons Matins Townhouse, a well-known Montreal vacation homes, is air-conditioned and can house about eight people. This century old brownstone house is situated near Bell center in a quiet locality. The bedrooms are all located on the second floor and 3 of them are furnished with queen-sized beds. The fourth of course has a bunk bed. A well equipped kitchen and an adjacent dining area can entertain upto 8 people.  This 2250 sq ft property costs 399 CAD daily.

Au Bord De Eau Chalet Lakefront at225CAD offers opportunities for activities like cycling, golf hiking, cross country skiing

The Post Card Vacation Home is priced at148Cadper day and can accommodate about 5 persons. This 1100 sq ft property consists of landscaped gardens in Japanese style. It is well furnished and pets friendly.

The Hebergement Touristique Le pole Des Rapides at 150 CAD, apt for 4 people is just a few minutes from the St Lawrence River and 10 mins from the airport. It is a dream destination for nature lovers, skiers and hikers.

The above-mentioned Montreal vacation homes are ideal for vacationers and even people on business trips.

•One room with a bed and a bathroom

This is particularly difficult setup for families with small children. When the kids go to sleep, mom and dad’s have no option but to go to sleep for fear of waking the kids. They are limited, as the whole family is sharing one room.

However, with a timeshare, you typically get full living accommodations like a condominium unit. A typical timeshare offers:

• A central living room (usually with a sleeper sofa)

• One, two, or three bedrooms

• Dining area

• A kitchen area with stove, oven, microwave as well as pots, Pans, utensils and dishes

• One, two, and sometimes three full bathrooms

• Washer and Dryer

• Balcony or Terrace sometimes both

• TV, VCR & Stereo system

With a timeshare, mom and dad can put the kids to bed in one bedroom and continue to enjoy themselves in the spacious living areas or retreat to the comfort of a master bedroom.

However, with timeshare come the monthly expenses and maintenance fees that are usually associated with many timeshare agreements. You are locked into that place and if you want to venture to other locations, you had better book early in order to guarantee that week.

Vacation rentals by owners offer you the best of both worlds. You get the amenities that timeshares provide without the monthly expenses or yearly maintenance fees. Some even do better as most vacation rentals provide DVD players, Cable TV, local phone service and internet access.

Most rental owners use their vacation homes one or two weeks out of the year and if they want to go somewhere else, they do vacation a rental swap with other owners. Owners are a great source of information for your next vacation rental stay as there are vacation rental homes all over the world.

Vacation rental homes are fast becoming the best way to go especially with the increase price of Hotels and timeshare fees that have to be paid each month. Most families looking to get away are looking to vacation rental homes as their vacation home. Vacation homes provide them with all the comforts of home and the cost savings that timeshare owners have to pay.

A great source for information on vacation rental homes is “vacation rentals by owners website ( www.VRBO.com ). They have the most comprehensive list of vacation home rentals in the world. They cover the United States, Hawaii, Caribbean, Africa, Central America, Mexico, Canada, South America, Asia, South Pacific, Europe just to mention a few.

So when planning your future vacation stays keep vacation rentals at the top of your list, for all the comforts of home for you and your family. If you are ever looking for rentals in Puerto Rico visit Villas de Costa Mar’s website for information on all the amenities this little island paradise has to offer. http://www.villasdecostamar.com/

Another great resource for vacation rental owners is RENtalbot.com, This is a vacation rental directory site. RentalBot offer vacation rental property owners an unparalleled array of Property Management features including detailed availability calendar, renter contact lists, payment tracking, reminders, and much more. Visit their site for complete information… http://www.rentalbot.com/