This newsletter is emailed 6 times annually to 4,901 owners
of vacation rental homes who have registered for a free
universal availability calendar at: http://www.rentors.org

TO UNSUBSCRIBE: See Article #12, at bottom of newsletter.

1 -  Please Update Your Availability Calendar Today
2 -  Digital Photos = More Bookings
3 -  Maximizing Guest Enjoyment
4 -  Insure Your Trip's Success
5 -  Need A Translator?
6 -  Durability Pays
7 -  Deposits, Deposits, Deposits
8 -  Powder Room Protocol
9 -  Favorite Local Tips
10 - Rentors.org Sponsor Information
11 - Please Refer a Friend to Rentors.org
12 - How to Unsubscribe

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1 - Please Update Your Availability Calendar Today
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Your self-service universal availability calendar at
Rentors.org has no value if it is incorrect. Please follow
the link below to login to Rentors.org and update your
vacation rental calendar today.

  RENTORS login: http://www.rentors.org/login.cfm
 
If you've forgotten your Rentors.org PASSWORD, check the
bottom-left text in the yellow box at the login screen.

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2 - Digital Photos = More Bookings
==================================

Great photos on your vacation rental webpage will produce
extra bookings. Whenever you visit your own vacation rental,
carry your digital camera. Take every opportunity to add to
your archive of truly great photos of your getaway. Since
there's no cost for film, try to take 50-100 new photos on
each visit. Experiment! Look especially for sunny skies,
beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and ideal lighting
conditions for your inside shots.

And when you renew your webpage, compare your online photos
with the best you have in your offline archive. Renewal time
is usually the best time to upgrade your online photos.

-- Lisa Raub, A1Vacations
  
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3 - Maximizing Guest Enjoyment
==============================

Create or update the information that encourages vacationers
to return to your vacation area again and again. This list
would certainly include a roster of restaurants (good and
bad recommendations) to help your guests enjoy the local
cuisine. Also, include children and rainy day excursions
such as zoos, museums, shopping areas, or perhaps a local
theater group. A quick reference to where the area Chamber
of Commerce is located will help greatly. And don't forget
all of the "off the beaten trail" tidbits you've discovered
...a secret beach or hiking trail; a day trip to a local
attraction worth the drive, or those to avoid.

By providing a list of vacationer information, you'll
enhance your guests' enjoyment and increase repeat bookings.

--Dave Bollinger, CyberRentals
 
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4 - Insure Your Trip's Success
==============================

Experienced travelers know that any number of unexpected
mishaps can occur while on vacation -- ranging from minor
losses of personal belongings to serious medical
emergencies. Generally, you (the traveler) are responsible
for any additional costs incurred by these events, and in
some cases (i.e. medical evacuation, missed flights, etc.)
these costs can far exceed budgeted travel expenses.

Travel insurance is one way to protect yourself from these
financial losses. It can be purchased from travel insurance
companies, retail travel agencies, and tour companies. Costs
vary depending upon your age, and the amount and type of
coverage desired. Not all travel insurance companies are
created equal, thus it is very important to research options
carefully and read the fine print before purchasing a
policy.

Check to see that you are covered if you unexpectedly cancel
the trip, miss a flight/cruise ship, lose your baggage, or
if your tour company declares bankruptcy. It is also
possible that you do not need all of the coverage options a
plan offers. Check with your medical insurance and
homeowners/renters insurance regarding travel coverage,
noting their deductible compared to that of specific travel
insurance plans. In addition, consider the type of trip you
are planning. For example, you may want medical evacuation
coverage when traveling to remote destinations, but not when
visiting metropolitan areas.

Once you have determined the type and amount of coverage you
need, compare costs with www.insuremytrip.com. This site
offers side-by-side price comparisons of up to five
different travel companies simultaneously. Also, be sure to
check that the policy is underwritten by a company with a
strong rating before finalizing your purchase (rating
information is available at www.ambest.com).

Access America (www.accessamerica.com) and Travel Guard
(www.travelguard.com) are two strongly rated companies to
explore. You may want to point out these tips to your
renters. People look forward all year for a week at the
beach or on the slopes, so it is an investment in money and
vacation time.

--Pat VanVoorhis, Great Rentals, Inc.
 
======================
5 - Need a Translator?
======================

Every once in a while you might get an e-mail from a
potential renter written in a language that you don't
understand OR Perhaps you stumble across a particular web
site that's not in English... What to do?

Try the automatic translation services available at:

  http://world.altavista.com/tr

This site will let you enter text (a single word, a phrase,
or a complete paragraph - up to 150 words) in up to 8
different languages and will do it's best to translate it
for you into English. It can also convert from English to
the other languages supported.

OR It can translate a complete web page (just tell it the
web address to translate).

VERY COOL!!!

But remember... this is an automated service and it's not
going to be as good as a "real live" translator. How good is
it? You should be able to get the general idea of what
is trying to be conveyed, however, don't expect the
translation to be perfect...

FOR EXAMPLE: I asked it to convert the phrase "How do I get
to the bus station?" from English to Spanish...

The Spanish result returned was "Cómo consigo al término de
autobuses?"

Then, just for fun, I converted the Spanish back to English,
and here's what I got:

"How with himself at the end of buses?"

So I guess it's not perfect... but I still think it's VERY
COOL... Try it out...

-- David Clouse, Vacation Rentals by Owner
  
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6 - Durability Pays
===================

When you're furnishing your vacation rental, it's usually
cost effective to pay extra for durability and quality.

Stainless steel kitchen utensils and measuring cups won't
melt or rust in the dishwasher. Tough but attractive Corelle
dishes will outlast inexpensive stoneware. Hard vinyl
place mats require no washing, and last longer than fabric
alternatives. Tough furniture upholstery will withstand the
rigors of rentals far longer than low-cost alternatives.
Carpeting should be carefully selected for 'heavy use' and
pre-treated for stain resistance. A $60 blender will outlast
and outperform a $30 blender.

The higher cost of durability is usually recovered in labor
saved chasing down replacements, longer product life, and in
quality-related goodwill and return bookings of your rental
clients.

-- Brian Raub, A1Vacations
  
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7 - Deposits, Deposits, Deposits
================================

With the coming summer season, rental bookings are picking
up. Attention to deposits is paramount in running a smooth,
organized rental program. The reservation deposit sent by
the vacationer should be prompt and up to 50 % of the rental
rate. This deposit ensures the rental dates and goes a long
way in minimizing lost revenues or cancellations.

Hand in hand with the reservation deposit is the security or
damage deposit. While this smaller deposit will not
compensate serious damage, it will encourage guests to
respect your property and provide for little mishaps, such
as a stained rug. Optional deposits should be considered
depending on your circumstance. Pet and utility deposits are
probably two standard deposits for when they apply. By
defining and calling for prompt deposits, the homeowner
minimizes the risk of lost revenue and property damage.

--Dave Bollinger, CyberRentals
 
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8 - Powder Room Protocol
========================

The importance of bathroom convenience, cleanliness, and
safety cannot be overstated. Always supply each bathroom
with the basics, including: at least one spare roll of
toilet paper, facial tissue, hand and body soap (either
liquid or still in the wrapper) and two sets of towels and
wash cloths per guest. Never leave a previously used bar of
soap!

In areas where the electrical current is not 110 volts,
guests will appreciate the presence of a working hairdryer.
Each bathroom should have sparkling mirrors, countertops,
and a spotless shower curtain. A serious effort should be
made to remove any mildew from the shower, especially in
warm, humid climates.

For guest safety, provide excellent lighting, use GFI
electrical outlets, non-slip tub mats and floor rugs. Be
sure to include any special bathroom features in the
amenities section of your vacation rentals listing, such as
hand-held and outdoor showers, great water pressure and
Jacuzzi tubs.

--Pat VanVoorhis, Great Rentals, Inc.
 
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9 - Favorite Local Tips
=======================

Share your local knowledge with your guests in the form of a
list of your "Favorite Local Tips."  Give your guests the
benefit of what you know about the local area. This WON'T
COST YOU ANY MONEY, just a bit of your time, and it can make
your guest's visit much more enjoyable.

How about these ideas...

List your favorite restaurants, the reason they are special
to you and the best time to go (breakfast, lunch, dinner
and/or day of the week)

Tips on local attractions: Many attractions offer discounts
or specials if you know where to go or what to ask for...
but someone who is not a local will often have to pay full
price... help your guests get the best deal and they will
thank you!!!

Where's the best place to order pizza for delivery? -
Include the phone number!!! Where's the best grocery store,
fish/meat market, or bakery? What's your favorite ice cream
parlor? Where's the best movie theater or best place to rent
videos?

List some lesser known things to do that are inexpensive or
don't cost anything...

A special place to take a walk... A favorite hidden beach...
Your favorite place to watch the sunset... Favorite shops,
antique stores, or museums... Be creative...

How about places to avoid? Shows, restaurants or attractions
that are overpriced or inferior and should be avoided... Be
kind, and share your experiences...

Write a list of your "Favorite Local Tips."  Either mail (or
e-mail) a copy to the guest before they arrive OR laminate
the pages and include them in a binder which is available in
the property itself. Don't forget to update the list
periodically as information changes.

Pretend that your guests are friends who have never been to
your location before. What kind of information can you
share that will help them make their trip more enjoyable?
Treat your guests as friends and everyone wins.

To differentiate yourself from your competition, mention in
your advertising that your exclusive list of "Local Tips" is
available with each rental.

-- David Clouse, Vacation Rentals by Owner
  
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10 - Rentors.org Sponsor Information
====================================

Rentors.org is sponsored by these experienced vacation
rental advertising services. All will be pleased to help you
advertise your vacation rentals on the Internet.

Why not join all four sites to promote your vacation rental?
The Rentors.org availability calendar works on all of them,
and you'll have just ONE calendar to maintain!

A1Vacations
 Home: http://www.a1vacations.com/
 Join: http://www.a1vacations.com/advertise/

CyberRentals
 Home: http://www.cyberrentals.com
 Join: http://www.cyberrentals.com/signup.html

Great Rentals
 Home: http://www.greatrentals.com
 Join: http://www.greatrentals.com/Admin/Posting/Post.html
 
VRBO - Vacation Rentals by Owner
 Home: http://www.vrbo.com
 Join: http://www.vrbo.com/global/owner.htm

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11 - Please Refer a Friend to Rentors.org
=========================================

This "Tips for Vacation Rental Homeowners" newsletter was
emailed to 4,901 members of Rentors.org -- which offers FREE
online availability calendars for vacation rental property
homeowners and property managers. Please refer a friend to:

 http://www.rentors.org

=======================
12 - How to Unsubscribe
=======================

To be removed from this mailing list, please log in to your
Rentors.org account, then select "Delete this Account". Your
free calendar(s) will be deleted, and your email address
will be removed from this mailing list.
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form requires written permission.
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