Casita-Casa-Hacienda Vacation Rental - Know the Differences When Selecting Your Santa Fe Getaway

Friday, February 1, 2008

When deciding on your Santa Fe vacation accommodations, it's helpful to understand these terms. You will find that they are good cues as to price, location, and home size. Once you know the length of your vacation, the number of people in your group, your budget, and your vacation goals, using these terms in Google searches can speed you to your ideal accommodations for a perfect vacation.

A "casita" is the smallest of the three and is typically a cozy one bedroom, one bath structure with kitchenette. Often, a casita is a located on the same property as the casita owner's home, and sometimes is a converted garage. Casitas can be an excellent choice for a couple for a few day stay and wishing to be located around the downtown Plaza area or famous Canyon Road art district in the historic East Side. Real estate prices in Santa Fe make it prohibitive to offer a larger home near the downtown for vacation rentals; rates would have be too high for such homes too be financially viable for the owner. To find a casita, try a Google search on santa fe casita rentals.

A "casa" is larger, usually a condo, and usually two bedroom with sleeping accommodations for four, sometimes six. Generally, casa may be located in proximity to the downtown area and famous Canyon Road art district, but rental rates may reflect those prime locations. You are more likely to find reasonably priced casas a quarter mile removed from those locations. To find a casa rental, try a Google search on santa fe casa rentals.

A "hacienda" is the largest of the three, almost always a detached single family private home with three or more bedrooms and at least 2.5 baths. Don't expect to find a reasonably priced hacienda within a few blocks of the Plaza or Canyon Road ... although you may find exceptions in the low-season. However, if a mile walk is OK with you, and if you need more space for a week stay, then taking the time to find a hacienda can be indeed well worth the effort. To find a hacienda, try a Google search on santa fe hacienda rentals.

Any one of the three can make for an enchanting vacation in the "City Different" Santa Fe; select the one that best fits your needs!

Enjoying The Extra Perks In Rental Limousine Deals

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Limousines offer a unique way to celebrate the perfect occasion. Getting one definitely should help add dazzle to a wedding, birthday, corporate party or event, a bachelor party, prom, or a night on the town with friends and associates.

Consumers are generally advised to check out the limousine company first if it is licensed by the local and state regulatory agencies. In doing so, consumers could take their safety into full consideration. A legitimate limo rental agency should have insurance liability coverage if in case accidents occur.

Basic Limo Rental Service Inclusions

Most of the limousine services today include such services such as provision of the unit, driver and beverages. You need to make sure that the limousine company will provide you with a professional-looking and licensed driver.

It would also be appropriate if the driver has a uniform, and knows the ins and outs of the place you are heading to. The driver should know the directions and routes, to make sure that you would arrive on your destination in time. If the special occasion is your wedding, you surely do not want to be late for that one.

Check Out The Limo Rental Provider First

In ensuring that your limousine is the right one for you, it would be good to make an ocular inspection of the rental firms offices, and check out their vehicles and find out if the limousine's appearance is appropriate for you or not. It would also be better to ask the limousine firm if they offer other extra amenities and perks, like for instance if they could include flowers, balloons, welcome drinks and other stuff.

In planning for a special occasion, clients need to consider many aspects, and in getting the most complete service, it is imperative that you plan ahead of time. Book a rental service a few months, or weeks before the occasion.

In doing so, you could further make inquiries or clarifications on the types of services they offer. For example, do they offer concierge service, or specialize in corporate travel? Do they have extra personnel to help you in airport transfers?, Do they offer extra perks for weddings and wedding anniversaries?, and do they have provisions for a Frequent Traveler or Frequent User Plan?

Other Perks Or Benefits A Limo Rental May Possibly Offer

Weddings are very important personal and family occasions. To make your wedding day more memorable, ask if the rental company offers a comprehensive wedding package, along with the complimentary services they could possibly give.

Some rental providers include the installation of a "Just Married Sign", laying-out the red Carpet leading up to the limousine, as well as providing a complimentary bar with sodas, ice and other drinks. For birthdays, they may offer installing a "Happy Birthday" sign, complete with balloons and birthday cake.

In closing, be sure to check out the vehicle you plan to rent, since some firms utilize older limo models. You surely do not want to be surprised on your rental day, when a 1993 limo type shows up, and disappoints you. A lot of limousine rental agencies have pictures of their vehicles posted on their websites. Most rental firms are required by Federal laws to carry commercial livery insurance and proper permits.

Air Conditioner Rentals

People needing air conditioners for temporary purposes can approach Air Conditioner Rental companies. Rental companies provide air conditioners on rent for short term or long term periods and charge rent on a monthly basis.

Temporary businesses, business meetings, wedding receptions, and high school and college functions are events that can preferably take air conditioners on rent. Even homes that do not wish to spend huge sums on purchasing air conditioners can rent them for the summer months. Shops and establishments that are not willing to spend their money on outright purchases can reduce their infrastructure investments by renting air conditioners.

Several companies offer air conditioners on rent at attractive discounted prices, especially during the sultry summer months. However, it is sometimes necessary to book for an air conditioner in advance, because the demand shoots up during the summer. Businesses may require a large number of air conditioner units, which also must be booked in advance.

When a party approaches a rental company for cooling requirements, the rental company may send one of their experts to inspect the area of the room and other factors. Once this is done, they will suggest the tonnage and type of air conditioner that may be suited to the room. This kind of service is usually free and provided by the rental company. Then estimates are drawn and there may be negotiations on the rent. A formal contract is signed and the air conditioner is installed at the venue of the renting party.

Air Conditioner Rental companies deal in all kinds of air conditioners, such as window, split, central, portable, industrial, and more. Generally, the type of air conditioner is decided based on the venue requiring cooling. Prices vary according to the kind of air conditioner installed. Central air conditioning is the priciest and window is the cheapest.

Some companies charge a deposit before giving the air conditioner on hire. Any damage to the air conditioner during its usage is compensated for from the deposit money. If there are no deductions, then the entire deposit is refunded on return of the air conditioner.

The rent on an air conditioner unit depends on the length of time it is rented for and its make. It may be a few hundred dollars per month.

Specialized Party Rentals - Start a Bear Stuffing Business

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

You’ve seen them in the mall, the lines of kids and parents waiting to make their own bears or dogs or rabbits. Stuffing your own plush has become all the rage in the last few years.

But, have you every thought of starting your own stuffing business? One that you could take to fairs, festivals and even home parties?

The profit potential is enormous. Your complete cost for the stuffed skins is $2.50-$5.00 and most skins sell for $15.00-$20.00 each. And of course there’s all that profit you can make from the clothes and outfits that go with the skins.

You can get started for less than $5000.00. And this is for a portable machine and a huge assortment of skins and costumes. Insurance is inexpensive for this type of equipment…which is really nice when you consider how much insurance is for other party rental equipment.

So, where can you use your unit? The possibilities are tremendous…fairs & festivals, church events, schools, colleges, birthday parties, corporate picnics….the list goes on and on. And the nice thing is that the Bear Stuffing Process is so much fun that every time you set up your equipment you’re going to have people asking how they can get you to come to their event.

Every school and organization is looking for a good fundraising program. Offer to set up your stuffing machine for a huge school event or carnival. Donate a percentage of each sale back to the organization. You’ll be making money, advertising…and doing a good service for a local organization.

You basically get paid to advertise!

You can also contract with party rental companies in your area to subcontract your Stuffing Machine for their parties. Generally you’ll give them a 15% commission from the rental. A good Party Rental company might book your equipment once or twice a month.

The only additional equipment you’ll need is a vehicle that can hold the equipment. Since units range from small ones that will fit in the trunk of a car, to large ones that require a van for transportation, the vehicle should not be a problem.

Other than brochures and some basic display grids to showcase your skins and costumes, there are very little start up costs.

So…if you’re thinking party rentals but don’t want to go the route of purchasing all kinds of equipment…specialize! And start a Stuffing Business. You won’t regret it.

Growing Your Party Rental Business

Marketing a party rental business can seem difficult at times. Most companies try the yellow pages first. But my marketing program is a bit different. Over 75% of my marketing is done with a newsletter.

I am always amazed when people tell me they don't think a newsletter will work well for them. Why not? You are an expert on entertainment....don't you think people could use your help?

Setting up a newsletter is fairly easy. You'll need a newsletter service with an autoresponder. I use Intellicontact for mine. It's very easy to set up a form for sign ups on your website.. Sometimes it helps to offer an incentive. A free party drawing is a great way to get people to sign up for your newsletter. Just make sure that if you do this, follow through and actually give away a party. That's just one more story for your newsletter.

I actually do two different sets of writings. When people sign up for my pricelist they get a series of preplanned emails that tell all about our business. I write these one time. You can write a year's worth of short letters if you want. They go out at a preplanned time to the customer. Then, you have your actual newsletter. I usually do my rental news about once a month although you might choose to do one more frequently. Decide what your goal is when a customer subscribes to your letter. Is it a quick sale? A possible customer who will tell others about you? A great rental? Probably your goal will be all of the above. And you can achieve the goal easily if you do the right type of letter.

Keep your letter informative. Offer information beneficial to the customer. You might offer theme party ideas, decorating ideas or tips on specialized parties. BUT, in addition to tips, you want to drive the customer to your website or get them thinking about doing business with you. AND you want some quick sales from your newsletter.

Here's a format that might work: Write a generic letter listing some entertainment ideas for different types of events. Change events for each newsletter so there's always something to look forward to. Include games, recipes or anything else your readers might enjoy. Include some links to affiliate products you sell...books on planning parties, decorating websites, kids games. And finally, focus a couple of paragraphs on specific items that you offer that might be beneficial to your customers.

Every time you talk to a prospective client, make sure you ask permission to add their email to your newsletter list. I add about 20 a week to mine...and you'd better believe it's a great way to promote your business!

Picking the Right Rental Car Company

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Are you looking to hire a car for your next vacation or business trip? Remember to rent from a well-known outlet that offers a wide selection of models ranging from fuel-efficient compacts, up to roomy (but gas-guzzling) Sport Utility Vehicles. Check for comfort options like air conditioning, power steering and automatic transmission. Some rental agencies offer services such as roadside assistance and locksmith calling as part of their rental packages, and these features can make or break your vacation.

It’s important to ask a lot of questions and find out as much as you can before making reservations to rent a car from any agency. Booking your rental long in advance will ensure that you get a discount of some sort for your rental. This will also help you to have the widest selection of models, especially during peak holiday rental times. Most rental vehicles come with at least AM/FM radios and many also have CD players. Some even sport MP3 player input jacks so you can play your favorite downloaded songs on your trip. Another thing to remember is if you’re not familiar with manual gearing, don’t try and learn 'stick shift' on the road. You’ll only end up with more stress than you bargained for and you may end up in an accident.

Think long and hard about the time you may be spending in the vehicle and how much space you will need for yourself, your passengers and your luggage. You can then make your choice based on comfort and not just price. If you end up jammed into a vehicle that is smaller than you planned on, it could really spoil your holiday. Even though it may cost less to rent a smaller vehicle, it won’t be worth it if there’s little or no comfort for you and your passengers. For example, compact cars may save you fuel, but if you’re six feet tall, they would kill your knees, especially if you're driving a long way. If you don’t like the model that you reserved, talk to the rental agency staff. They will try to get you into a car that’s more suitable for you. However, there may be an extra fee to pay if you choose to upgrade to a larger vehicle.

If you book your rental vehicle directly online, you may qualify for special offers. Also, just like when you buy anything else, you should shop around for the best bargains that car rental agencies have to offer. Remember, availability of these promotional rates may be limited, so the sooner you call, the more likely your chances are of getting them. Your travel agent can help you look for deals online, and save you from calling number after number.

Florida Beach Rental

There is nothing quite like taking a beach vacation. This is true no matter which beach you are going to, but if you really want to enjoy some warm water and great scenery then taking a Florida beach vacation is probably one of your best opportunities. When you are on vacation you will no doubt look into a Florida beach rental in order to be close to the ocean where you are staying. There are several options for you to choose from that are sure to please almost anyone who is taking a vacation.

One of the most popular Florida Beach rental locations is the west coast of Florida. Because of the sugary white sand and the beautiful Gulf waters this has become a prime vacation spot for anyone wanting to get away to a tropical paradise. You can choose from staying in anything from a local condo to one of the beach side high-rise buildings that dot the landscape. It all depends on what you want to do on vacation and how much room you need to spread out.

Another idea for a Florida beach rental is to do a house swap with somebody else. There are often people that are looking to get away but do not want to spend a lot of money on their accommodations. If they live in the Florida area and they want to come to your area to visit, they may consider doing a house swap with you in order to save money. There are plenty of places on the Internet to find this kind of Florida Beach rental through a house swap system.

It doesn't matter what part of Florida you want to visit, finding a Florida beach rental will get you close to the ocean. This is a great way to go because the Florida beaches are just so beautiful. So find the vacation rental that suits your needs, relax and enjoy your Florida vacation.