Slice of Heaven

6th Lit Times is an 11- and 12-year old view of Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area.  Enjoy another 6th grade article…

A Little Slice of Heaven in North Idaho

By:  Casidee

“Coeur d’Alene is a little slice of Heaven” once said Barbara Walters.  On Coeur d’Alene Lake visitors can choose from an array of water activities, fishing, boating, or walking on the world’s longest boardwalk that floats.

Coeur d’Alene Lake is 49.8 square miles when full with a water depth of 209 feet.  It sits 2128 feet above sea level.  The St. Joe River, St. Maries River, and the Coeur d’Alene River flow into the Coeur d’Alene Lake.   Coeur d’Alene Lake is a natural lake but its depth is controlled by the Post Falls Dam.  Once it flows through the dam, it runs into the Spokane River.

Anglers will find several different species of fish in the Coeur d’Alene Lake.  These include bass, trout, and catfish.

Coeur d’Alene bald eagles can be seen from November through the beginning of February.  By Christmas time it is not unusual to see more than 200 flying around.  The eagles eat Kokanee salmon.

Surrounding the marina at the Coeur d’Alene Resort visitors will find the world’s longest floating boardwalk.  It is 3300 feet long and 12 feet wide.

There are a variety of activities for any visitor.  In the summer there is the ironman race, parasailing, a ferry ride and tour around the lake, swimming in the crystal clear waters, kayaking, and miles of sand to walk on.  In the winter you can feed ducks and geese, walk around the boardwalk to see the holiday lights, and go on eagle watching cruises.

Coeur d’Alene Vacation Rental Management

Heirloom Paddle Sports

Are you looking for a Vacation Rental Management Company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho?

Managing a Vacation Rental in Idaho

Vacation rentals are a wonderful way to use an income property to maximize your revenue and keep your investment in 5 star condition. Vacation rentals have come a long way as an industry and they are now being offered as luxury vacation options with vacation rental management in CDAguests seeking high quality homes at rates that still surprises our property owners. Quality, amenities and luxury are the new values in vacation homes and do it yourself, low value options are just not competitive. 

Cash-flow and property care for vacation rentals

Higher revenues means more cash-flow to maintain the home, furnishings and features like hot tubs, fireplaces and pools that make a vacation rental so attractive to guests. Proper weekly cleaning, seasonal maintenance and hands on property management assures your investment property is kept in resort quality…

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Hayden Lake

An expert from Sixth Lit Times

Love of Idaho and Vacation Rental Authority are proud to present another story from the 6th grade literature class at Charter Academy.

The Amazing Life in Hayden Lake

By:  Sydney

   Where can you find fresh water fish and aquatic plants?  One place is in the waters of Hayden Lake, Idaho.  Many people find these things daily when they’re out fishing in this lake.

If you want to know what fish you’ll find when you’re out fishing on Hayden Lake, here are a few examples of people’s favorites.  You could catch a rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, cutthroat trout, or a bullhead catfish.  Other favorites that you can find in Hayden Lake include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, or yellow perch.  As you can see, you’ll most likely catch a fish that you will be proud of and find delicious.

Not only are there fish in this lake, but plants, too!  Some of the most commonly found plants are the Robbins’ pondweed, elodea, large-leaved pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil, and flat-stemmed pondweed.  Other, less commonly known plants include coontail, musk grass, northern water milfoil, slender naiad, nitella, and yellow pond lily.  More aquatic plants that live in Hayden Lake include leafy pondweed, variable leaf  ponweed, floating leaf pondweed, whitestem ponweed, clasped leaf pondweed, white water buttercup, and wild celery.

Next time you go out on Hayden Lake look for these fish and plants.  Though not everyone likes the taste of fish or these water plants we still need to look for the environment and our community.

Silverwood’s #7 Train |An exerpt from Sixth Lit Times

Silverwood’s #7 Train

By Isaac

   Silverwood theme park has been opened since June 20, 1988. But back when Silverwood had only one attraction, the steam engine number 7.

Before Silverwood started, it was an air ship museum. Gary Norton, the owner, was at a air ship auction were they were selling a locomotive #7. As a kid he had a fascination with Disney Land and the train reminded him of it and he knew he had to have it. Surprisingly he won it from Disney.

He got the train and basically built the tracks around the museum. After two years he had lost two million $. So he decided to build a main street just like Disney Land. He even put a carnival section in that area.

Today we can go on the train. Millions of people go to Silverwood each year. Sometimes they get to go on the very first attraction that started the park.

This is a picture of the #7 train at Silverwood.Silverwood Theme Park train

Falls Park | An exerpt from “Sixth Lit Times”

Love Of Idaho is happy to present another story by the 6th grade literature class of Charter Academy.

Falls Park

By Sandy

   Falls Park is an old park with many historical parts. It is located in Post Falls, ID and helped develop nearby by areas like Spokane Valley and Post Falls.

North Channel Dam is a historical dam and is still very useful. It gave electrical power to mines in Kellogg, Wallace, and Burke. It was sold to Washington Waterpower in 1901, and in 1902, they gave it the longest high-voltage transmission. Its first capacity was 11,240 kilowatts, but in 1980, it made an immense jump! It then was 18,000 kilowatts! It is a good example of early technology.

The old construction tower had a large part in building the North cannel Dam. It was an anchor for a cable system and on the tower above it; a trolley transported much needed materials like form lumber. It also dumped concrete and helped lift head gates. When the dam was completed, it was too hard to take away so it was left behind. It had a big part in the construction of the North Channel Dam.

Corbin Gates Ditch was a main element of Falls Park. It gave power for a nearby shingle-mill and the largest flour-mill. It controlled the water used for irrigation and is 34 miles long. Even though it’s just a ditch, it had a crucial part in developing the areas of Post Falls and waterfall at falls parkSpokane Valley.

The North Channel Dam, old construction tower, and Corbin Gates Ditch all played important parts in the foundation of areas surrounding Post Falls.

I got all of my information from the signs at Falls Park.

North Idaho Wildlife

An excerpt from Sixth Lit Times

Love Of Idaho is proud to present a series of stories written by the 6th grade class of Charter Academy. Watch for all our postings from “Sixth Lit Times”

Wildlife of Northern Idaho: The moose and the Grizzly Bear

By: Ben

   There are many are amazing animals that live in Northern Idaho.  Two of the most famous of all them are the noose and the grizzly bear.  These two North Idaho favorites have unique qualities.

The bull-moose has antlers that can grow up the six feet in

family vacation ideasdiameter.  They can live up to fifteen to twenty year old.  Moose are naturally extremely good swimmers.  They can swim continously for several miles.  Moose can hold their breath under water for thirty seconds or more.   A moose can measure roughly six and a half feet tall, measured at the shoulder.   Moose can run at 35 mph, and trot at 20 mph.  Also they can weigh up to 1800 pounds, being the largest wilder herbivore in Idaho.

Grizzly bears are the largest bears in North Idaho, as well as the largest predator.  The easiest and most obvious way to tell grizzly bears from other bears is not their size but the distinct hump on their back.  That hump is made of pure muscle connected to their frontal paws, giving them enormous strength for digging and clawing.  Also, unlike other bears they have long claws, up to four inches long.  A grizzly bear’s color can be blond, black, or brown.  Adults can grow up to three to four feet tall on all fours, but when standing on their back paws they can be six to seven feet tall.  A grizzly bear’s average weight is 300 to 600 pounds and some can weigh as much as 1000 ponds.  Grizzly bears can live up to 30 years.  They are very agile animals. Can climb trees, are good swimmers, and can run at 35 mph.  Originally the grizzlies were hunted to near extinction.  The United States added grizzly bears to the endangered species list, illegalizing hunting the grizzly bears.  But today in the Northwestern United States they are no longer endangered, but in some places, like Idaho, they are still illegal to hunt.

Like most traits, there are advantages and disadvantages.  For example, a moose uses its large antlers in a wide space to rut (fight) with other moose or to fight off predators.  A disadvantage to these antlers would be in confined spaces a moose’s large antlers could get it stuck.  An advantage a grizzle bear has is that it can fun very fast, up to 35 mph, but only for short bursts.  A disadvantage would be, if a grizzly does use that burst of speed for too long than they become extremely tired and fatigued.

Northern Idaho is fortunate to be home to such massive animals.  The moose live in the forests and the wetlands while the grizzlies live in the forest and in mountainous terrain.  And it’s because of Idaho’s low population that the grizzly bears and the moose have such a large habitat.  Both of these animals are amazing, and both of them are native to Northern Idaho.

Sources:  Natgeo.com, Be Bear Aware. Org pamphlet, and Idaho Fish and Game.com

North idaho wildlife photo
Idaho black bear

Looking for a North Idaho Adventure, Visit Vacation Rental Authority to find great FAMILY VACATION IDEAS.

Luxury Vacation Rentals in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Luxury Vacation Rentals in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Luxury vacation rentals can be hard to find and you may never know what to expect until you arrive. A smart choice is to use a professional management service to find and rent your luxury vacation rental.

We always suggest Coeur d’Alenes premier vacation rental management team at Vacation Rental Authority.

Coeur d’Alene Lake Beaches and Swimming

Coeur d’Alene Lake Water Sports

If you are visiting Coeur d’Alene for the first time or if you are a returning guest, you will love the sandy and not so sandy shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene.  The mile long sandy beach in downtown Coeur d’Alene offers the best in waterfront lounging and crisp clear waters. Ideal for families and children.

If you like to swim, you will love the rocky shoreline of Tubbs Hill with deep crystal clear water. Take a leap off the rocks to the cool clear depths below to find a pure swimmers paradise. These rocky shorelines are spotted with innumerable places to lay out on the rocks, picnic or find a perch to launch into the waters below. 

If you are renting a vacation home with a private dock, you can order a ski boat, 16 person pontoon or jet ski (maybe 2) delivered to your dock.  Visit one of many local rental shops along the main street of Coeur d’Alene to rent an SUP, kayak or canoe. Water sport tours are also offered on a daily and hourly basis. 

The following is an excerpt from an article written by Vacation Rental Authority, Coeur d’Alene’s high service vacation rental management company. 

 

Waterfront Homes in Coeur d’Alene and HaydenImage, idaho vacation rentals, vacation rental management

                                                                     are in very high demand for vacation rentals. 

 

We are in the process of booking vacation rentals for the 2014 summer season and beyond. We also have a very high demand for March, May and June. If you are considering renting your vacation home for weekly rent, please do not wait to call. Many of our guests book a year in advance and our largest homes are fully booked for the summer season and all the large weekend from January through June.

We guarantee results!

Please call or email for more information. We can send you a FREE INFORMATIONAL PACKET so you can decide for yourself if our service works for you. We can offer excellent references and clear details.

If you are considering using your property as a vacation rental, work with the professional team, Vacation Rental Authority. Locally owned and operated.

We offer;

  • Professional management
  • Full service concierge and guest services
  • Complete property care and maintenance
  • Staging and Cleaning
  • Year round property care
  • Listing on Multiple sites
  • Guest booking, marketing, online reservations, credit card processing, damage insurance and vacation packages
  • Bookkeeping

    Our goal is to make you money and maintain your valuable investment as a 5 star private resort.

    vacation rental management in CDA, cda vacation rentalsWe only get paid when we earn money for you. Please call now to find out more, just request your FREE informational packet. Please contact Vacation Rental Authority today. Vacation Rental Authority

 

 

 

Vacation Rental Authority is located at 100 E Neider Suite #1 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

1-800-679-3661

info@vacationrentalauthority.com

 

Increasing Occupancy for Your Vacation Rental

cda vacation rental management, vacation rentalsBoost your vacation rental occupancy with professional management

The vacation rental business has come a long way in the last 5 years. Although this industry started as a grass roots, mom and pop operation, it has advanced into a very profitable and high value option for property owners.

Operating a vacation rental for fun

If you want to run a vacation rental for fun and profit, you definitely can. You will find a market and customers who are searching for vacation rentals. You can generate income without a lot of effort and enjoy earning some extra income from your small business.

Operating a vacation rental for profit

If you are interested in optimizing the value of your income property and taking your inventment to the highest level, you should consider professional management. Take some time to interview a couple of managers and ask some hard questions. Making the most out of your vacation rental requires a lot of tools, a lot of expertise and experience caring for properties and marketing them to the world.

Vacation rental marketing is extremely important. If you are relying on a lot of free websites and local discount papers, you will completely miss your target. You will pick up a few customers but if you are not booking your vacation rentals full during the busy season and increasing occupancy during the off season, you are falling short of your potential.

Vacation Rental Services for Owners

Professional management must start with full service property care, vacation rental set up and add in marketing, online reservations, guest services and much more.  Property owners should expect a high level of service and look for tools that are far beyond a property management company.

Property management is great for property care and maintenance. It is even good for finding a renter once a year or so. But if you are going to be filling your vacation rental every 3-7 days, you have to have some great tools, or better yet, your vacation rental manager should.

Guests do not have to wait to book, they do not have to send checks or exchange old fashion faxes. Online reservations are the future and information should be provided at the click of a mouse. Many online website offer instant booking, instant responses and instant service. If you keep your guests waiting, they will book somewhere else.

Vacation Rental Services for guests

The limits are endless when it comes to providing services for your vacation rentals. Guests expect a lot and they are willing to pay a premium price for premium services. Expand your customer base by reaching out to everybody and offering a wide variety of services.

Discount lift tickets in the winter, vacation packages, tickets to local attractions are just the beginning of what guest are looking for. Guests ask for catering, wedding planers, boat rentals, high chairs and extra beds. Tours and bike rentals can make or break a deal so your manager better be well connected and extremely helpful.

It’s time to get serious about your vacation rental, if you are not booking for summer 6-12 months in advance you are not reaching your customers. Look for the best and you will find the best. Call Vacation Rental Authority today at 800-679-3661 and ask for a FREE informational packet. Vacation Rental Authority is Coeur d’Alene’s leader in vacation rental management.

Image, vacation rental management cda

Sandpoint Vacation Rentals

A Sandpoint Vacation Condo

There is a new vacation rental available this summer in Sandpoint, Idaho.  This is not your regular mom and pop turnover, this is a professionally established vacation condo.  Imag, Sandpoint vacation rentals, Sandpoint condo rentals

What does that mean to you.  It means 4 and 5 star lodging at competitive prices. It means quality, new linens and towels. New dishes and furnishing that are meant to accommodate traveler and vacationers. Free WiFi, garage parking and beds for 6 with maximum occupancy for 8.

This is a luxury condo presented to you at great prices. If you are planning a trip to Sandpoint, Idaho and if you are looking for a Sandpoint Vacation Rental, you need to see this condo. The leather furniture is perfect for guests with children and adults who enjoy quality. The hardwood floors have a warm feel and the beds are plush and comfortable after a day on the lake or mountains.

Shopping makes sense and shopping for Sandpoint’s best vacation rental just paid off. Take a look at this Sandpoint vacation Condo and decide for yourself.  

Where to Stay for CDA Ironman

Did you know…it’s not too late to come support your favorite Ironman athlete!

What’s the perfect way to turn the race into an amazing family vacation?  A vacation rental, of course!  Try a comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, convenient to town and very close to the course.

Keep costs reasonable by cooking meals in your own kitchen, kicking the usual hefty deposit to the curb. (No damage deposits!)  Book at standard Summer rental rates – not inflated Ironman-only prices.

This is the full N. Idaho experience, with a waterfront home on Lake Coeur d’Alene, private boat dock, fire pit, amazing deck views, BBQ, the works.  Plus, it’s right off the race course for the bike portion of CDA Ironman 2014.

CDA Ironman Vacation Rental
Click to get more info

Discount Silverwood Theme Park Tickets for 2014

Discount Silverwood Theme Park Tickets for the 2014 SeasonSilverwood Promo Code for 2014

 Are now available to vacation rental lovers

1.  Are you booking a vacation rental in Coeur d’Alene this year?

2.  Are you planning to visit Silverwood Theme Park?

3.  Would you like a Silverwood Theme Park Promo Code?

If you are looking to save some money on your trip to Coeur d’Alene and Silverwood Theme Park, consider booking your vacation rental with Vacation Rental Authority. You can now get some great discount tickets through VRA and all you have to do to qualify is book your vacation rental with them.

Guests of Vacation Rental Authority save up to $5 on 1 day adult tickets and more on multi-day. Seniors and Children ages 3-7 save up to $3 and children under 3 are FREE. Guest receive a Silverwood Theme Park Promo Code they can use to quickly and easily purchase all their tickets online and save a bundle. If you like, you can stop into the VRA centrally located office and pick up your tickets.

So, its as easy as;

    1. booking your lodging with Vacation Rental Authority.
    2. Promo code for silverwood theme park 2014Get your Silverwood Promo Code.
    3. Save money on
      Silverwood Theme Park Tickets.

Visit Vacation Rental Authority to shop for vacation rentals that sleep up to 21 people with 7 bedroom homes with hot tubs, fire places, master suites, spa tubs and full kitchens.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2014

This 6 bedroom waterfront home is located on the bike and run portions of Ironman Coeur d’Alene.rentals on the race course

You will not believe the value of this huge waterfront vacation rental located just off of the race course for Ironman Coeur d’Alene. This 6 bedroom home offers beds for 14 people and has a kitchen large enough to seat everyone. 

Enjoy spending your days swimming in the lake along your own private waterfront and dock and have immediate access to the Centennial trail where the run and bike portions of Ironman take rentals on the race courseplace. Your family and friends can walk a very short distance to watch their athletes compete in the race while avoiding traffic during the busy race day. 

Bennett Bay is just 3 miles from downtown along the trail or by car. Bike, run or walk to everything downtown Coeur d’Alene has to offer.  If you are traveling with a large group and want the best location for Ironman, please call Vacation Rental Authority at 800-679-3661 and ask for Robert. ironman rentals on the race course

How to Spend a Tasteful Day in Spokane

Admittedly, I’m an Idahoan at heart and am passionate about all Coeur d’Alene has to offer visitors.  Our neighboring city of Spokane, however, has a remarkable allure and worthy attraction all its own.  The afternoon spent there yesterday, on my first “culinary tour,” was definitely worth repeating!

foodie tour of Spokane, near Coeur d'AleneNot knowing what to expect, I figured a culinary tour would entail huge meals, over indulgence and leaving with the regret of an overly full stomach.  This couldn’t have been further from our experience with Savor Spokane, as the food stops were more like fun breaks, well-timed refreshment along our walking tour of the town.

A small group of us were lead on a sight seeing, story telling, history learning, river viewing, culinary tasting, friend making delight of an afternoon. The time passed quickly, as we walked a lovely path along the river, through town and from local restaurant to local restaurant.

Along the way we learned the significance of various art, buildings, people, events and geological structures.  Far from stuffy, it was a light-hearted, friendly environment, purposely crafted and energized at each step, by our knowledgeable guide Lesley.

Personally, I will join this tour many times more in the future, bringing local friends and sharing the experience with guests who visit from across the country.  Is there anything better?  Don’t know, I hear there’s also a wine tour….

How to BOOK your vacation rental

Increasing Occupancy Rates For Vacation Rentals

        vacation rental managers, vacation rental booking

Increasing booking rates for vacation rentals is a very hot topic. It is simply not an easy thing to do but it can be done with a lot of hard work and/or money.  It requires concentrated effort on the part of a very interested party, either the property owner or a manager. If you or your manager are less than 100% focused on your booking efforts, you will continue to struggle. 

Increasing occupancy not only requires a substantial expenditure of time, it also requires spending some money. Marketing is expensive but it works. Adwords, listing sites, print media, radio and many more options are available and although costs can add up quickly, marketing pays off if you can commit to long term marketing efforts.

There are a lot of free online tools for property owners and managers that can be helpful and a lot more ideas, suggestions and offers that can be tried. All these tools and methods take time and require a very hands on approach so you can monitor what is effective and what does not work.  Some online products and suggestions can lead you away from your goal so be careful, research and monitor your efforts.

Property managers can make a huge difference in your vacation rental occupancy rates. A good manager will have in depth marketing, consumer analysis, local professional associations and a GREAT online presence. If you are looking for a manager ask about marketing strategy. We recommend Vacation Rental Authority for your vacation rental management in Coeur d’Alene and north Idaho. They can be contacted at 800-679-3661 or info@vacationrentalauthority.com

Your manager should have a substantial marketing budget, remember they are marketing for many vacation rental homes. Your vacation rental property manager should have most if not all of the following;

  • FREE Marketing for your Vacation Rental Home
  • Multiple listing sites, at least 5cda vacation rentals, cda vacation management,
  • A successful online presence
  • Local networks and associations
  • Print Ads
  • National reach ads
  • Social media
  • Local search
  • Review managementvacation rentals management companies, vacation rental managers in Coeur d'alene

 

 

Your vacation rental management company should excel at marketing your vacation rental home and they should not charge you for marketing. Their job is to fill you vacation rental and they get paid when guests book. That is enough incentive.

National and international reach is also critical.  Your target market is international and you can easily reach that market with a properly organized vacation rental marketing plan. 

 

 

 

Valentines Day Specials

Valentines Day Weekend Getaway

Remember guys, it all about her on February 14th and if you are not planning ahead you could be left out in the cold.  

So what are you planning? A ski trip, shopping in beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene, dining at a nice restaurant, a couple nights of superb lodging or maybe a movie at home. How about all of these all rolled into one.

You can arrive to your private vacation home perfectly suited for 2 with a fireplace, flowers and luxury all around. experience water views from our luxurious waterfront homes or enjoy a downtown lifestyle just blocks from dining, shopping, cocktails and so much more. 

Call Vacation Rental Authority at 800-679-3661 to speak with Cheryl or Robert to plan your weekend getaway starting at just $250 a night and up. Waterfront locations for just $495/night. Each home offers unique ammenities like;

  • Hot tubs
  • Fire places
  • Lake views
  • Mountain views
  • WiFi
  • Satellite TV
  • beds for up to 15 people 
  • Fully outfitted gourmet kitchens
  • Luxury linens and towels
  • Spa tubs
  • Italian showers 

Vacation Rental Authority has a vacation rental home waiting for you. 

800-679-3661

info@vacationrentalauthority.com

Winter Ski Packages

Enter to win FREE lift tickets to any North Idaho ski resort from Vacation Rental Authority. If you are ready to hit the slopes then contact them for an instant quote and save a bundle of money on your winter vacation. Your family can relax in the beautiful vacation homes and enjoy all the luxury of a vacation rental, downtown shopping, dining and indoor swimming at Triple Play. You can have it all.

ski packages, ski vacations, idaho ski vacations, discount lift tickets

Ski and Lodging Special

FREE lift tickets and lodging in a 4 bedroom vacation home with full kitchen, fireplace and laundry for your ultimate luxury ski vacation. We also have homes with hot tubs.

  • $110/person with quad occupancy, add more friends and family for only $85 each. (up to 10)
  • Choose from Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and 49 Degrees North.
  • No blackout dates through April 1st, 2014.
  • FREE lift tickets for each night you stay.

Call Robert or Cheryl for an instant quote and our best selection of vacation rentals. 800-679-3661 or email info@vacationrentalauthority.com

Surviving Family Vacation Tip: Provide a Bonding Environment

What is a family vacation for, if not to strengthen family bonds?  This survival tip (number 2 in 7 part series) addresses the single most important aspect to achieving this objective: the vacation environment.

Surroundings are important, and the “go to” for many is a good ol’ fashioned hotel. Let’s consider the vacation environment provided by a nice one, with all of the great amenities such as complimentary wi-fi, tv, movies, clean comfortable beds, hot tub, continental breakfast, room service and the like.  Everyone can get rooms near each other, and it will be great, right?

In theory, a nice hotel will be fun and relaxing.  It’s a starting place and “home base” between vacation activities.  In reality, though, even the nicest of hotels become cramped quarters when everyone gathers in one room for games, pizza or to plan the next outing.  Suddenly everyone is very close, and there’s nowhere to breathe!

Two to four family members sharing a room and single bathroom is no big deal for a couple of days.  But four to seven days later it’s a different story…ready for some space to yourself yet?

At the end of a successful family vacation, everyone should be sad to go, missing the time together already.  If staying in a hotel produces the opposite effect of wanting to get back to your own space, the bonding mission hasn’t been as effective as it could be.

Sure, a hotel vacation works fine.  But don’t try to deny it…you will be ready for a break from your family after a week in a series of tiny hotel rooms together, and we both know it! Even very nice hotel rooms.

Isn’t there a better way??

My contention is that a family vacation rental is the ideal alternative.  Keep all the great amenities of a hotel, subtract the cramped quarters, add private common areas just for your family. Next, add a kitchen, dining room table and fenced yard for the kids.  

Anytime of year, a family vacation instantly gets a whole lot more survivable with the magic combination of common gathering rooms (living, dining, den), activity centers (kitchen, yard, hot tub, game room) and private space (bedrooms, bathrooms).

There is no better environment for bonding than one with common gathering spaces, while also allowing for the private space each person needs.  It is so much easier to get along, have fun and truly strengthen family bonds when you are not piled on top of each other the whole time!

Across the country and around the world, you will find quality vacation rental management companies to ensure your high end experience.  In Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas, it’s Vacation Rental Authority Inc.  Contact us to help you find the right place for your family at 800-679-3661 or info@vacationrentalauthority.com.

Idaho Fishing Guides

Idaho Fishing Guides

Fishing Guides in Coeur d’Alene

You can find fishing guides and book fishing trips, boat rentals and so much more with Vacation Rental Authority, Find fishing guides for Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and our local rivers.

Contact Robert or Cheryl at 800-679-3661 or email info@vacationrentalauthority.com

Surviving a Family Vacation Tip: How to Satisfy Everyone

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times….

This famous quote may as well be a teenager’s take on the “required” family vacation, or that of parents who really feel the pressure.  You want to ensure happy memories, experience togetherness and bonding.  You want to keep the kids entertained, yourself relaxed and the whole thing under budget.  Planning, packing, driving, flying… Oh wow.

My intention is not to ramp up the stress, but instead share some of my best tips to surviving a family vacation.  After all, with luck you’re taking one at least every year. So, whether your family is large or small, loud or quiet, city or country, wild, dignified, or an impossible combination of everything under the sun…you really can survive!

Here’s my first of seven helpful tips to surviving a family vacation.

Family Vacation Tip: How to Satisfy Everyone

In most of life, we know there is no sense in even attempting to satisfy everyone! It just ain’t gonna happen.  A family vacation, however, is not such a situation. Everyone can enjoy the trip, and it is actually critical that they do.  If even one person feels the trip is a waste, or if one person is having a miserable time…everyone else will too.

Your mission is to plan an enjoyable time for all. Now I’m not saying that satisfying everyone in the family is easy to do.  But some vacation environments are definitely more conducive to individual personalities than others.

For example, how would each member of your family fare over a weeks time, on the following family vacations:  1. Disneyland 2. Tropical Island 3. Idaho Adventure.

I would submit that 2 of these vacations are “one note”, conducive to some personalities while downright aggravating to others.  The 3rd vacation has something for everyone.

Think this is a stretch?  As a well traveled thirty-something, I really don’t think so.

The Disneyland vacation I have done, as well as Disney World.  As much as these are world class destinations, they personally drove me crazy with all the people, lines, noise, heat, expense, etc.  Is this a fantastic vacation? Yes.  Is it for everyone? No.

Still, there are those in every family dying to ride rides, see attractions, eat cotton candy and hang upside while they twirl, right?  Instead of sacrificing the rest of your family, though, I recommend substituting the northwest’s largest theme park. Imagine tons of family rides, thrilling roller coasters and exciting attractions for the theme park types, but with low prices, short lines and reasonable temperatures for those who are normally, shall we say, theme park adverse.

Sounds too good to be true? Silverwood Theme Park, just north of Coeur d’Alene, is substantial enough to spend several days, plus a full day at their incredible water park, Boulder Beach.  Even so, you have not put all eggs in a single basket by selecting Silverwood (like you would be with Disney).  On additional  days you can still have relaxing, exciting or cultural adventures, depending on your group’s diverse tastes.

So what about a tropical vacation?

Sure, the tropics are heaven for some personalities, with sun, water, sand, pina coladas and sunscreen.  Sounds good to me!  But, oh wait. What about family members who need more activity?  The ones who can’t sit still for an hour, much less a week…and you know they’re bound to drive you crazy asking “what are we doing next?” and proclaiming boredom.

Worry not! If relaxation, sun, sand, beautiful water views and a good strong drink are what you crave,  I have the solution.  Everyone can be satisfied, even happy, and you will survive your family vacation with ease!

Select an amazing lakefront vacation rental on Lake Coeur d’Alene or Lake Hayden, double check there’s a blender waiting, and you are set! Your high energy cohorts can jump off the boat dock day and night, water ski, jet ski, dig in the sand, climb trees, bicycle, stand-up paddle, kayak, fish and a million other things…which you can observe with sleepy eyes as you nap on your beach chair.

Ah, heaven.  Finally, the real vacation you deserve.

Stay tuned for my 2nd tip to surviving a family vacation, coming soon!

4 Family Vacation Disounts

4 Family Vacation Discounts to make your vacation funner and easier.

A lot of us are used to the “do it yourself” methods to try and save money.  We try to fix our cars, plan our weddings and book vacations all on our own. Doing these things ourselves has proven to be an effective way to save money and if you are good at it everything works perfectly. It’s a good way to get great deals and there are a lot of online tools to help you “do it yourself”. Family vacation planning is now at your fingertips. boating on lake cda, cda vactions

However, there is a better way to plan your family vacation.  Businesses are adapting to the high standards and high levels of service demanded by customers of today. They are also responding the the savvy “do it yourselfer”. Free services are now available to customers who are planning their own weddings and vacations. Not only can this help you find the perfect vacation deal, these high service businesses can save you a lot of money, time and frustration.

  • FREE Vacation Rental Shopping

Vacation Rental Authority (VRA) offers such a services and has many options for your vacation that are free or at discount rates.   VRA offers free booking services for vacation rentals as well as extensive shopping assistance for online shoppers. Just pick up the phone and call them at 800-679-3661 or email info@vacationrentalauthority.com. By providing your specific needs to Vacation Rental Authority they can send you information on several homes that fit your vacation rental needs.

  • Coeur d’Alene Vacation Packages

If you are looking for vacation packages just ask. Vacation Rental Authority works hand in hand with many local attractions and tour operators. Their efforts allow guests to package rafting trips, fishing guides, boat rentals, catering, event planning and so much more with your vacation rental. Not only that, but VRA can offer you a discounted rate on many of those activities you plan to do. With wholesale pricing, VRA can offer great prices on all those fun events and attractions. VRA can add a boat at the lowest rates available in the Coeur d’Alene area on new Jet Skis, Ski boats and Pontoon boats. Canoes and kayaks are also available. Just ask Vacation Rental Authority to package your vacation rental with tickets, catering or rentals that fit your specific needs and watch the savings add up.

  • Discount Silverwood Tickets

If you are planning on a visit to the Northwests largest theme park, Silverwood tickets are available at a discount for all guests of Vacation Rental Authority.  When you book vacation property management, property management, vacation rentals, coeur dalene vacation rentals. cda vacationsyour family vacation rental with Vacation Rental Authority you will receive $5 off each ticket. You can save a bundle.

  • FREE Maps and travel guides

If you are visiting Coeur d’Alene for the first time or planning a return trip or family vacation, it is always wise to speak with a local to find the best places to visit. Vacation Rental Authority offers free maps and a free Coeur d’Alene Travel Guide so you can see exactly where to dine, shop, hike, rent boats, go swimming or book a tour.

You may not even know some of the most popular event and attractions. Request a Vacation rentals cda, horseback riding, horseback riding cda,map and travel guide from VRA early in you planning stages and you will have plenty of time to pour over the information and see just how fun Coeur d’Alene can be.

It’s time that smart shoppers take advantage of these FREE vacation deals and use the services that businesses like Vacation Rental Authority are offering.  These services can make your vacation planning so much easier and save a lot of money. What a great way to do business and find everything you want in your next vacation. High service and no cost equals one heck of a deal and leaves the whole process in your hands. Perfect for the “do it yourselfer”.

Just click on the image below to request your FREE personal shopper. No credit card or commitment required.

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Keep it Simple: 3 Best Family Vacations

Planning the best family vacation ever, year after year, can be time consuming and daunting.  After all, family vacations require activities conducive to a variety of ages, interests and attention spans.  On top of that, there’s a budget to contend with.

Luckily, I’ve discovered the solution to the planning angst, producing the best family vacation year after year.  We’re talking family bonding, togetherness, memories to last a life time…the works! So don’t despair. Whether overwhelmed with endless vacation ideas, or drawing a complete blank, the following fool-proof list will help.

Armed with the workplace training concept KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid), I’ve parred the best family vacation choices down to the very reasonable number 3.  These 3 best family vacations can be mixed and matched, rotated or otherwise selected throughout the years, and you can absolutely not go wrong!

Best Family Vacation #1: Lake House with Boat

Best Family Vacation - Lake House with BoatRenting a lovely waterfront vacation rental has to be one of the very best family vacations ever.  From the youngest family member to the oldest, there is instant entertainment.  Play a few games, eat some good food, talk and enjoy the view.  In between, play in the water, swim, layout on rafts, and spend fun times boating!

Before renting a home, I recommend asking whether a rental boat can be delivered to your dock.  The management company or home owner should be able to provide pricing, along with a lake map or suggested site seeing.  No one will forget this incredible family vacation.

Best Family Vacation #2: Theme Park Experience

Best Family Vacations - theme park experienceIf you’ve ever thought Disneyland has “been done,” or is too expensive, you’re right!  Prices are sky high, lines are out of sight…my question to those of you who are considering such a stressful, expensive trip is just WHY?

The largest theme park in the northwest covers hundreds of acres, including incredible roller coasters, family rides, games, attractions, shops, and even a full sized water park.  I’m talking about Silverwood Theme Park, just north of Coeur d’Alene in Athol, Idaho.  It is a must-see, unforgettable experience for the whole family – toddlers to grandma.

As someone who has been to theme parks across the nation, including Busch Gardens, multiple Six Flags, Knotts, Magic Mountain, Disneyland AND Disney World, I can tell you from first hand knowledge that Silverwood will not disappoint! You can spend several days there and nobody will be bored.  In fact, Silverwood my favorite theme park ever due to the quality and size combined with the great price and short lines.  Love.

Best Family Vacation #3:  Nature Adventures

Best Family Vacation - Back to Nature on the Hiawatha TrailSpending the vast majority of the year in an office, in school, in our house, and just generally inside…the best family vacation #3 involves spending active time outdoors.  There is nowhere better to get back to nature with all ages than the northwest.  The air is fresh, crisp and inviting.  The views are breath-taking and memorable.  And the variety is ideal to satisfy every taste.  Discuss your desired activity level with your local vacation rental reservationist for trail suggestions and maps.

My recommendation is to stay in a centrally located vacation rental.  After a day of hiking Chilco Mountain, biking the Hiawatha, or strolling the scenic Centennial Trail, there is nothing in the world better than a home cooked meal and evening in.  Ask for grocery delivery, a catered meal or even a private chef 🙂

Enjoy your best family vacation ever!!

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Family Vacation “Home Base”

If you want the  Best Family Vacation…

family vacations, free family vacations

    You need a command post

Your family vacation is going to be fun, a whirlwind of small adventures packed into a week long event you have been planning for months, or has it been years.  You have event tickets, dining options, attractions to see, boats to rent and tours to attend.  This family vacation should be nothing short of amazing.

With all the fun you have planned, you still have to think about meals, laundry, shopping and transportation to and from everything. You have tried a boxy hotel room in the past, and you know how that ends up.  Everything and everyone on your family vacation, family vacation ideas, family vacationscrammed into a small room with 2 chairs and the whole wonderful crowd gathered on the bed. Along with the pizza, soda and napkins. 

It’s time for something better for your next vacation…a vacation rental home.  You need room to live a little even during the regular daily rituals. Better yet, make dinner a family vacation event, put your laundry in the hands of experts who can get it done for you, or use your own washing machine in your vacation home laundry facilities.  You can have your own garage parking or park your boat at your private dock.  Your “home base” can make your family vacation easy, fun and even make the daily tasks memorable.

Keep your bedrooms for what they are meant for and your family can gather in the large living rooms to watch TV or surf the free WiFi. Enjoy your own private outdoor living space and relax in a private hot tub. Fully stocked kitchens, formal dining rooms, breakfast bars and living spaces that don’t require you to try to fit a weeks worth of family fun into a small hotel room are all part of the package.

Vacation Rentals for Families

Book your next vacation with Vacation Rental Authority and you can make your family vacation the best one yet.  It’s really a simple solution to so many problems.  Your family can all have access to everything they need during the day without having to send someone down the hall for ice. You will also have luxury accommodations for those times when you need to be at “home base” or want to stay in. Make every minute of your family vacation special and rent a luxury vacation rental home for your next family vacation.

Each rental comes with unique offerings and amenities. Not only that but Vacation Rental Authority offers full concierge along with free emergency and maintenance services.  You can get a wonderful vacation home for your family so everyone has a bedroom and you can all share the rest of the home.  Share the chores, share the fun and everyone can be ready for the next adventure coming your way.

A quality, professional service like Vacation Rental Authority can make a family vacation easier, more enjoyable and more affordable. If you are sharing your vacation with brothers, sisters, mom or dad, you can each have a separate room and find a home that is much less than hotels would cost. Add in a couple friends and you can reduce the cost even more while keeping private space for yourself.

Discount Silverwood tickets are also available from Vacation Rentals Authority.  Boat rentals at the lowest prices in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho’s best BBQ for only $20/person delivered to your door and so much more. All these offers are available to guests of VRA and you can not only save money but have the time of your life.

If you would like more information about Vacation Rental Authority or a FREE Coeur d’Alene Travel Guide for your next family vacation, just click on the button below.

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Bald Eagle Tours

Coeur d’Alene Bald Eagle Tours

We drove to downtown Coeur d’Alene to get on a boat during a cold winter morning in Idaho.  We had a huge warm cabin that easily accommodate our party of 112 students and adults.  As we ate lunch, a tour guide gave us a wonderful demonstration using real stuffed eagles so we could identify the birds we were about to see.

These large tour boats hold a lot of people, usually a lot more than actually book a tour so you have a lot of room. The lower levels offer a full bar, snacks and seating inside a huge warm cabin. For the more adventurous you can go out on the front or rear deck or better yet climb to the upper deck to watch eagles from the equally large upper story.  No roof or windows up there so be prepared with warm clothing and fantastic views.

The boat slowly toured the lake as we watched eagles fish all around us. We even saw a couple of the majestic birds of prey catch fish and fly off to their nests.  You could easily see the eagles all along the tour and we also were able to see them in the trees along the shore. Apparently Bald Eagle’s love to sit in trees that are mostly devoid of pine needles and leaves so they can see the territory around them. It was really great to see so many Bald Eagles flying, fishing and even sitting near their nests.

We returned to the lower level to receive a second fun and informative talk from our fantastic guide.  We enjoyed complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and $3 cookies.  Love the cookies so make sure you bring 3 dollars. You can always enjoy the whole adventure from the warmth of the cabin and grab a hot drink and a snack.

These Bald Eagle tours never fail to impress our guests and friends of Vacation Rental Authority. A sure thing to impress your family and friends. Seeing so many Bald Eagle makes this a must see trip for everyone.

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Free Skiing in Idaho

OK maybe it’s not completely free but you can ski Schweitzer for only $10 on Dec 13.  Schweitzer offers the best skiing in the Northwest with 92 runs, open bowl skiing and virtually no lines at the lift.

Gather the family and friends and find a vacation rental in Sandpoint so you can ski 2 days or maybe 3 at half the price you would normally pay. Vacation Rental Authority has a new 3 bedroom vacation rental cabin just outside of town so you can sit by the fire and relax in the evening and ski all day.

Plan a family ski vacation today with Vacation Rental Authority and you can get free lift tickets on top of this great offer from Schweitzer.

 vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Despite Weather CDA Holiday Parade is Packed

Looking out my Post Falls window earlier this afternoon, I was excited to see our first snowfall of the year!

My 12-year old daughter is leading the Coeur d’Alene Holiday Parade tonight, though, along with the rest of the 2013 Figpickels Board of Directors.  I hoped it wouldn’t flop due to the weather.

Luckily, everyone in town turned out.  It was festive, fun, and didn’t even feel cold. We bought hot cocoa and cookies, people watched & just generally enjoyed the holiday kick-off.  It’s Christmas time!Leading the Coeur d'Alene Holiday ParadeCoeur d'Alene Holiday Parade

Family Vacation Planning

Family Vacations are coming

It’s time to start planning your family vacation and like always you are wise enough to start early. Right?  Getting an early start is important.  Most resort destination fill up early, up to a year in advance. Starting late does not mean you are out of luck but it does mean that many of the prime properties are at least partially booked, limiting your choice of arrival dates.

Searching for a destination for a family vacation is also very challenging.  What criteria are you most interested in, price, location, amenities, quality or all of the above.  Choosing a location is really up to you, but your decision may be limited by your exposure to advertising.  Don’t be afraid to search for beautiful destinations for a family vacation outside of the norm and they may even be closer to home. Not only can you find 5 star destinations close in but you can save days of vacation time by reducing your travel time.

Shop for local destinations, within 500 miles or within a single day of airline travel time. Look for high quality, cost effective locations with 5 star amenities.  Ask a local booking agent about attractions and activities, you may be surprised with what you find.

Once you have found a nearby destination with 5 star properties and attractions the whole family will love, check on prices.  Run the numbers for travel, lodging and tickets to the local activities.  Add in more for dining and equipment rentals so you are considering all the fun of a vacation.  Don’t forget to plan shopping trips and purchasing souvenirs.

Once your pricing is complete take a close look at your schedule and notice how much extra time you will have for your vacation.  Your travel time is reduced your costs are much, much lower and your 5 star vacation will be packed with fun, activities, dining and shopping, all within budget and over a longer time to enjoy your family.

Coeur d’Alene Idaho is a 5 star family vacation destination.  CDA offers unparalleled scenic beauty, dining options that rival large cities, stunning waterfront homes, great resort area, the northwest’s largest amusement park and prices that make a vacation so affordable you don’t have to choose just a few activities.

Local destinations do not disapoint.  By haveing more time to spend with family and more money available to pruchase extras you can make a family vacation a wonderful event for each member of your family.  To learn more about a family vacation in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho please click on the button below and request your personal shopper.

Vacation Rental Authority is here to help you find everything you need for your family vacation at no added cost to you. Let Robert or Cheryl help you find the 5 star fun you are looking for.

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Ski Resorts

Top 2 Ski Resorts

Do you need more!Image, ski resorts, ski vacations

The top 2 ski resorts in Northern Idaho can be found within a 1 hour drive of Coeur d’Alene. There are more great mountains within that same short drive but how many mountains can you really ski this winter?  If you need more than 2 mountains, visit Vacation Rental Authority and ask about “Get Your Quad On.” You can ski 4 great mountains in just 1 week. They even pay for your lift tickets. That’s right, FREE lift tickets with your vacation rental reservation. Image, ski vacations, ski resorts

Getting back to our top 2 ski resorts near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, let’s introduce Silver Mountain Ski Resort and Schweitzer Ski Resort.  These mountains offer distinctly different skiing options with some great accessibility features that make getting to the slopes very easy. They also offer some great skiing, lifts and onsite amenities that make the day fun for the whole family. Let’s take a look at these ski resorts in a little more detail.

Silver Mountain Ski Resort

This ski resort is accessible by the worlds longest gondola making your trip to the mountain easy. You just take the freeway to Kellogg, grab your gear and relax on the gondola while you are whisked up to the slopes.

There are plenty of lifts to carry skiers to the top so if there are any lines they are short. The terrain is varied and offers challenges for all levels.  The tubing hill is fun for children and food is available at the lodge.

  1. 73 trails
  2. 5 chair lifts / 1 High speed quad
  3. 1600 acres
  4. longest trail 2.5 miles
  5. 2,200 vertical feet
  6. Terrain park, Tubing Hill and magic carpet
  7. On mountain cafeteria style dining
  8. $52 adult lift tickets

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort

This ski resort offers a huge variety of dining and some shopping at the Alpine Village, enough to keep family and non skiers happy while you get your last run in, again and again.  Find cafeteria style dining or find a table at one of the many restaurants. The Village is entertaining and fun for the whole family even before you get to the actual skiing.

To get to the top of the mountain you can drive up the well maintained winding mountain road to several large parking areas at the top.  Don’t worry if the upper lot is closed, you can ski from the lower lot and ride the lift back to get your lift ticket. At least once. Another great option is to ride the bus up to the ski resort.  Buses run every 30 minutes from the lower lot to the top of the mountain. Cost? it’s only $2.

  1. 94 Trails and incredible open glade skiing
  2. 9 Chair lifts / 6 pack chair / 2 quads
  3. 2900 acres
  4. 92 trails
  5. 2400 vertical feet
  6. Terrain Park
  7. Several on mountain dining choices
  8. $71 adult lift tickets

Vacation Rental Authority offers discount lift ticket packages to 4 great ski resorts in Idaho.  VRA also has resort quality lodging in Coeur d’Alene so you can get to all the great ski locations in Northern Idaho. Ask for your free booking service to get exactly what you want from your winter vacation.

Top 5 Winter Vacation Ideas

Our Best Winter Vacation Ideas

Summer vacations are easy!  Pack a swimsuit and off you go to…well, pretty much anywhere.  It’s always been more challenging to come up with winter vacation ideas, though.

Well, it was challenging until I moved to Coeur d’Alene several years ago. Turns out this is the secret capitol of winter vacation ideas, so I’ve compiled my Top 5.  Hint: They all start here in CDA!

#5. Extreme Snow Vacation

Best for: Adventurers

The Idaho wild is here for you to explore during your winter vacation.  Pick 3 of the following for every 5 days of vacation; then add in some hot cocoa, a little warm fire and some loved-ones for the perfect winter vacation.

  • Snow Shoe (you’ll love this if you’re a hiker!)
  • Cross Country Ski
  • Sledding/Tubing
  • Ice Skating
  • Build a Snowman
  • Snowball Fight
  • Downhill Ski

#4. Eat Your Heart Out – A 2 State Tour

Best for: Girls’ Getaway or Couples 

One of the best winter vacation ideas ever is to secure a great vacation rental in Coeur d’Alene with your girlfriends (or family).  When you book through Vacation Rental Authority, use the concierge service to set up a gourmet cooking class right there in your “home.”  Turn on the fire, pop open some wine, learn to cook a yummy meal and then sit down and devour.

Another evening during your winter vacation, you’ll get picked up and taken on a delicious culinary tour of Spokane.  If you’ve never been on one, this is like a wine tasting tour but with food!  (And you can still have wine J)

Breakfasts can be just as exciting, visiting a local restaurant, or whipping up some customary huckleberry pancakes in your pjs.  Again your concierge at Vacation Rental Authority can supply the fixings on request.  SO good.

#3. Summertime in the Snow

Best for: Families

There’s a little secret I know of, which can turn your winter woes into summertime delight during a winter vacation.  Right nearby Coeur d’Alene is an indoor waterpark!  Bring your swimsuit, bring your trashy beach novel, and enjoy some relaxing time pool side.  Or, wave-pool side I should say.

Back to your vacation rental to enjoy frozen margaritas, summer flicks and a soak in the hot tub.  Aaahhhh.

#2. Get Your Quad On

Best for: Boys Week, or Anyone Up for a Challenge

Now I’ve never conquered this personally, but I’ve heard tale…If you stay in Coeur d’Alene, there are at least 4 ski hills within 90 minutes.  Those up for a real challenge ski a different hill each day, 4 days in a row.  Whoa.  If you think you can do it, I suggest documenting the evidence.  So far, it’s only legend, and you are sure to need proof!

#1. Visit the North Pole

Best for: Families

Okay, this is not really the North Pole, but we will not tell your kids.  Here in Coeur d’Alene, there’s a ferry boat that takes you on a lovely tour of Lake Coeur d’Alene, passing by Santa and the North Pole!  It’s magical, and something kids remember forever.

The Christmas light show, downtown shopping magic, festival of trees, Christmas parade, pageant and much more are going on in our magical town.  I never knew, but it is definitely the best winter vacation idea of them all!

Ho, Ho, Ho!!  If we can help you plan one of these winter vacation ideas, let me know!

winter vacation ideas, family vacation ideas

FREE Vacation Rental Services

 

 

 

Image

Sometimes it’s easy to make the right decision.  In the last post we talked about how a personal shopper can not only save you time and money but make your vacation funner and so much easier. 

Vacation Rentals earn their income when they book your reservation and provide your lodging. If your booking agent is not being helpful enough, you should shop around. Vacation Rental Authority offers free booking, listing and marketing for our vacation rentals and on top of that we offer an abundance of services for guests who are looking for FREE and paid services to make their vacation perfect. 

Don’t hesitate to click the button above. It’s FREE. 

1 Step to an Easy Vacation

Stress Free Vacations

How exciting is it to have a vacation to plan for. Your next adventure is just around the corner and you are thrilled to be planning all your activities, tours and culinary experiences in a new, fun destination. So what can you do to make all the planning just a little easier?  How can you be sure your plans are going to come off just right?  As head of the 1 person planning committee you have a lot of responsibility and several people trusting you to do a good job of planning the itinerary.  Vacations are always to short and you want to make the most of every second.

Your guide to flawless vacation planning.coeur d'alene vacation rentals

STEP #1   Ask for help.

It really is as simple as that. Ask for help, professional help and it does not have to cost you a single penny.  Many local businesses offer FREE services or packages to help guests find their services.  Seek out a helpful vacation rental manager and ask for those services you plan on shopping for yourself.  You will be surprised at the response you will receive from some small business owners.

Top 6 Questions to ask your vacation rental manager

  1. Ask for a “professional quality activity guide”.  Not a note jotted on the back of an envelope or a collection of flyers left over from other travelers.  Ask for a quality activity guide so you can review the latest tours, attractions, restaurants and rental providers. An excellent guide will be recently composed, contain contact information and description of the event, attraction or service. Great images are a must have and it should be easy to use.  Ask your vacation rental agent to email you their activity guide and if they don’t have one then shop around before you find out what else they do not have.
  2. Ask for a vacation package. You are very likely to purchase event tickets, ski passes, rent a boat, and dine out.  Ask your booking agent for a vacation package that includes at least one of these items. Be sure to ask if your agent marks up the price of your requested item, a good booking agent will not mark up these types of services. Vacation Rental Authority offers services like these for the same price you will pay if you purchase directly.  In some cases you will save money and make your vacation easier.boat rental coeur d'alene, coeur d'alene vacations
  3. Ask your booking agent for help finding things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Send a list of things you plan on doing while on vacation and ask your agent for advise on what to do and who offers the best services.  Be sure you booking agent lives locally and then trust their judgement. Who would know better than a professional tourism provider in their own home town?
  4. Ask for dining suggestions and even take out menus.  your LOCAL vacation rental agent will know where to dine and what you can expect. If you want good local food at reasonable prices, your local agent will know.  If you are looking for fine dining with exquisite service with a stunning view, your agent will know.
  5. Ask your booking agent to do your grocery shopping for you.  Yes, your agent should be doing this at a very low cost if not, shop around for a helpful agent.  Arriving at your vacation rental with all the condiments and groceries you will need for a couple meals is a great way to start out your relaxing or adventurous vacation. Have your coffee and bagels ready!  Again trust your local agent, they will know the best places to find quality local baked goods, fresh produce and meat.
  6. Request a gift certificate for yourself or family member that you can use on a return trip.  Returning guests are likely to receive a discount coupon if they are going to be coming back.  Ask before you book and let your agent know you would like a nice certificate to offer friends and family.  Be sure to ask before you book and you may be surprised at the results.

Our 6 ideas for stress free vacations just begins to touch on the options and services you can get for FREE. Lets consider the value to you in the following example

  1. Free Local Attraction Guide to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho           $ 0.00
  2. 5 day boat rental for 10% off                                     $ – 400.00
  3. Grocery shopping and delivery                                         $ 29.00
  4. Free restaurant advice and menus                                     $ 0.00
  5. Itinerary for tours, trips and events                                    $ 0.00
  6. $200 in Gift Certificates for family and friends                $ -200.00

Total Savings for asking for help                                                                            $ 371.00

You just saved $371.00 on your vacation by asking your super helpful booking agent to do exactly what an agent should do.  Your groceries are in the fridge when you arrive, your boat will be delivered at a discount, your family and friends are getting great gift certificates and you have a wonderful amount of insight about the local fun, dining and adventures available during your stay. Not only did you save money but you saved something more valuable, time.

Ask for an activities Guide  from Vacation Rental Authority.

208-660-3944

info@vacationrentalauthority.com

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

We are going to extend this great offer through December.

We are going to extend this great offer through December.

Get Your Quad On! Ski 4 mountains in 4 days with Vacation Rental Authority.

Click the photo to see details.

Thanksgiving Lodging Special

Lodging for the entire family and a group of friends

Forget the hotels and motels this Holiday Season.  Instead of your typical boxy hotel room you can find beautiful, large and luxurious vacation rental homes awaiting your arrival.  Not only do these homes have fully stocked kitchens and up to 6 bedrooms (not to mentions lots of baths) they also have amenities that may surprise you.

vacation rentals, holiday lodging

You can easily find a home that suits your needs at prices that match you lodging budget. Look for the best homes with Vacation Rental Authority and you will find;

  • Spa Tubs
  • Hot Tubs
  • Waterfront Views
  • Gourmet Kitchens
  • Formal Dining Rooms
  • Game Rooms
  • Gyms
  • Saunas
  • Fire Places
  • Luxury Linens and Towels
  • Much Much More

Visit vacationrentalauthority.com to book a vacation rental this Holiday Season.  VRA offers quick and easy online booking and payment as well as 24 hr service. Easy credit card payment or E- check and self check-in make booking with VRA simple and easy.  Call or email today to request your perfect home for the Holidays.

vacation rentals, holiday lodging, thanksgiving rentals

Get Your Quad On! Ski Coeur d’Alene

Ski Coeur d’Alene with Vacation Rental Authority

4 Mountains in 4 Days?  Can you rise to the challenge and put all 4 peaks in your trophy case in just 4 days.  Vacation Rental Authority will pay for your lift tickets if you can rise to the challenge.  Read on to find out how to get your free skiing from Vacation Rental Authority and then call Vacation Rental Authority to book your stay and get your tickets. 800-679-3661

idaho ski vacation, idaho ski condo, idaho ski lodge

Vacation Rental Authority has wonderful lodging available for ski trips unlike anything you have seen before. Ski 2,3 or 4 mountains in one long weekend or over the span of a week.   Stay in our luxurious ski lodges with private hot tubs, spas, and fire places and never be more than an hour to the slopes.

Ski Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Mt Spokane and 49 Degrees North all from your home base in Coeur d’Alene. Each mountain offers excellent skiing and combined you are getting a chance you cannot pass up.  Head to Coeur d’Alene this winter and get your Quad On!

If you are ready to take on a real challenge, then contact Vacation Rental Authority and book your 3 night stay at one of our private lodge homes.  Ski Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Mt Spokane and 49 Degrees North in just 4 days and VRA will pay for your lift tickets.

Call NOW 800-679-3661

Thanksgiving Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals for Thanksgiving

What a great idea.  I am so excited to spread the word about vacation rentals available for Thanksgiving weekend.  Renting a large home with room for the whole family is a wonderful way to enjoy a long weekend with loved ones who you just do not get to see often enough.  Image

Having a kitchen is a great feature and undeniably necessary for your Thanksgiving Feast.  Some of these kitchens rival gourmet restaurants in size and quality.  Although you may not need such a huge kitchen it would not hurt.  Even some of the smaller homes have very nice quality appliances, dishes and pots.  Come prepared with your groceries or call Vacation Rental Authority to do the shopping for you. 

The additional amenities are what takes a vacation rental over the top and makes them the best choice for Thanksgiving.  Hot tubs, soaking tubs, master suites, 5 or more bedrooms and plenty of bathrooms.  Having a fireplace is nice and having multiple rooms in which to watch TV (or not watch TV) are other great features.  Combine all this with living in a beautiful neighborhood home and your will feel “right at home” with the luxurious feel of resort living.

Shop for your vacation rentals early because they do book up quickly for the Holiday season.  Find a great rental and be ready to reserve your vacation home before its gone.  The off season does offer good prices but holidays are not the time to wait.  

Coeur d’Alene Property Management

Real Estate Managers

Finding the right company to handle your real estate investment can be a challenge.  Although there are a lot of choices, the variety of specialty companies can limit your perfect match.  Real estate is a great investment with the right partner so shop and find a company that suits you.  

Low cost companies compete for as much business as they can handle, and more.  Discount markets may not be what you are looking for.  If you want service and follow through for both you as an owner and for your guests and tenants than you may want to find a company that offers a niche market service.  

Vacation Rental Authority offer such a service.  High quality properties that owners wish to maintain and market for the highest rate of return need the high level of service that such a property demands.  It’s not easy to reach the top of the market flooded with homes, offices and vacation rentals but it can be done.  Hard work, experience and focus can bring your home to the pinnacle of success. 

It is not just by chance that Vacation Rental Authority has an inventory of stunning high end homes or that it lacks the mediocre or untended property.  Vacation Rental Authority can elevate any property to a quality an owner can be proud of. More importantly, a tenant can also be proud of their rental. Value for both owners and customers means something to investors and that translates into income.cda vacation rentals, cda property management,

Contact Vacation Rental Authority if you have a property you are considering tuning into an asset.  Don’t let a property languish when you can begin earning income right now.

 

Vacation Rental Authority

208-660-3944

info@vacationrentalauthority.com 

vacationrentalauthority.com

 

Coeur d’Alene Destination Weddings

Are you planning a wedding in Coeur d’Alene?

Coeur d’Alene has become a destination city.  Our resort town is well known and in high demand for those precious summer days.  What a pleasant thing to note, Coeur d’Alene is your destination wedding opportunity.Image  If you are looking for a location to have an incredible, unforgettable event, Coeur d’Alene is the place for you.

All four seasons offer the unparalleled beauty of stunning outdoor scenery unlike anything you can find elsewhere.  Planning your event in Coeur d’Alene has become easier as local small businesses reach out to brides to be.  Red Letter Event Planning and Vacation Rental Authority offer a combined service that can provide everything brides and yes, grooms need to tie the knot.

Many venues are available throughout the year but proper planning is critical to finding the best location at the best price.  Summer is going to require booking early, a year ahead of time is a good idea.  Fall, Spring and Winter weddings can be stunning and unique for those who want wonderful prices and something fun and different.

coeur d'alene weddings

 

Vacation Rental Authority offers extraordinary homes for your wedding.  Relax in luxury while your wedding party prepares for the big day.  Enjoy jetted tubs, spas, master suites and fireplaces.  Your caterer can use the gourmet kitchens and formal dining rooms to prepare for the event and rehearsal dinners.  Family and friends can gather for dinner or relax in the theater room to get away from it all.  Sleep in beds with fine quality linens and be rested and ready for your special day.

The outdoor venues are spotless and manicured to provide room for your guests.  A full range of services and rentals are available and managed so you do not have to worry about those details.  Just set your expectations and let VRA and Red Letter Events see that it gets done.

Vacation Rental Authority private rentals are excellent, professionally cleaned and staged.  Every service you may choose is available with worry free management from Robyn at Red Letter Event Planning.  Rest comfortable in luxury in preparation for your wedding with Vacation Rental Authority and Red Letter Event Planning.

The Hayden Lake Estate-6180

The Hayden Lake Estate-6182

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Vacation Rentals in Harrison Idaho

<strong>This home has 2 TV viewing rooms for your family Holiday. Let the guys watch TV on the wonderful 2nd floor with a dining room, living room, bathroom, and Satellite TV. This room is complete with minibar and kitchenette!</strong>

This water front home is peaceful and secluded on a private mountain road, yet steps away from the famous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes walking/biking trail. Whether you are looking for an ideal retreat location or an active lake getaway, you will find this lake home fits the bill exactly.
Newly built with upgrades throughout, each guest will enjoy large comfortable bedrooms, Italian showers and spacious living areas in which to gather. Each room has amazing mountain or water views and high ceilings can be found throughout the 4 stories.
Outside is a BBQ, fire pit, and access to trails in several directions. The rails to trails route, known as the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, is a short 1 minute walk or bike ride through the trees. From there you can stroll or bike along the lake, and even across the lake on a beautiful pedestrian bridge built atop an old railway bridge.

Within a scenic 10 minute drive to quaint, lovely town of Harrison. There you will find dining, shopping, cocktails and a marina. Contact Vacation Rental Authority for boat or wave runner reservations! The city of Coeur d’Alene is a beautiful drive, about 40 minutes north.

the lake.Image

Travel Insurance for Vacation Rentals

Trust your vacation to the experts.

The following information was provided to loveofidaho by one of our favorite vacation rental providers located in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Travel insurance is a great way to cover your investment and assure your family and friends that all will be as you planned.  Travel insurance is a low cost add-on that professional vacation planners and vacation rental companies can provide.  AND it is less than what you will pay in sales tax.  

Add the vacation insurance to your annual family vacation and rest assured that your investment is safe and sound.  Travel insurance will pay you back if you have to cancel due to unforeseen problems and uncontrollable difficulties.  It’s a plan that makes sense for a low cost. 

Contact us at vacationrentalauthority.com to see if we can provide you with the perfect vacation rental with the assurance of vacation insurance. 

Fall Color Tours and hiking in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Fall Color Hikes

Coeur d’Alene Fall Activities

What a simple and wonderful way to spend an early morning or a fine afternoon in Coeur d’Alene.  Fall Colors are on the way and the sights will simply amaze you.  Travel along on of the many local trails or hike through the tree lined streets of downtown Coeur d’Alene. 

The nearby trails are very quick and easy to get to, with many of them starting in town or within a couple of minutes drive.  The hiking is easy along the sun spotted trails and the views are nothing short of spectacular.  

Plan on bringing a camera for pictures you are sure to take and share with friends.  Better yet bring a friend and pack a lunch to share that view and a long conversation.  The trails are quieter this time of year with the summer traffic gone but be prepared to share the trail with other nature lovers out to see the fall colors.  

Another wonderful way to enjoy the sights and see the fall colors is to hire a private tour of Lake Coeur d’Alene and travel the beautiful Coeur d’Alene with your own personal captain and tour guide.

Contact us at vacationrentalauthority.compic, fall colors in coeur d'alene, hiking in coeur d'alene to find out more about your fall activities and what there is to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

 

 

Coeur d’Alene Housekeeping

Coeur d’Alene Housekeeping Authority

Excellent housekeeping is key to vacation rental management and we offer our exceptional housekeeping services to the entire Coeur d’Alene region.  To find out more visit our Coeur d’Alene Housekeeping Authority page. 
1-800-679-3661 or email at info@vacationrentalauthority.com

ACBS International Wood and Antique Boat Show

Coeur d’Alene Wood Boat Show 2014

Coeur d’Alene waterfront rentals

The annual Coeur d’Alene wood boat show has been restructured this year to make way for the upcoming ACBS International Antique and Wood Boat Show.  This event will take place on September 17 to the 23rd.  Saturday the 21st will be open to the public with all the boats on display at the marina. 

Visit vacationrentalauthority.com to find excellent lodging options for your stay or find a waterfront vacation rental for you and your antique boat.   What a great time to be on the water in Coeur d’Alene.  Image

Idaho Bike Trails

Hiawatha Trial 

Coeur d’Alene Bike Riding at it’s BestImage

The Hiawatha trail is a rails to trails success beyond description.  This mountain biking trail suitable for adults AND children of all ages is amazing and must be on your list of activities for this fall.

If you are unfamiliar with “rails to trails”, it is a process of removing old railways and reconstructing the roadway for use by bicyclists and hikers.  These gentle sloping trails are wonderful for families with children and adults of all ages to get out into the otherwise unreachable locations of North Idaho.  

Safe, fun and easy.  Yes these trails are so safe you don’t even begin to worry.  Have fun with this incredible opportunity and travel through miles of tunnels and thousands of feet of bridge trestles.  

The views are wonderful as you cross these railway trestles hundreds of feet above the forest.  Watch the river flow by as you roll along these well constructed trails.  The mountains surround you and traffic is nowhere to be seen.  

Stop for lunch along the trail at many of the wide spots and historic markers.  This is a fun way to spend time with your family and friends.  The trails are wide and easy for the beginning rider with gravel surfaces suitableImage for mountain biking.  

At the end of your trip you can hop aboard the shuttle that will take you back to the start of your adventure.  Ride back through the 2 mile tunnel to your vehicle and you will have a great story to tell and memories to share for years to come. 

Finally! Coeur d’Alene Corporate Housing

Affordable Corporate Rentals, Corporate Housing and Executive Retreat Locations

Professional Housing in Coeur d’Alene & Hayden

North Idaho is a growing area, regularly hosting professionals from nearly every industry.  Whether it’s a strategic planning location you need, executive retreat, board member, commuting medical specialist, or trainer from corporate, quality furnished corporate housing is now available.

Growing popularity as the region’s premier vacation rental management company, Vacation Rental Authority prides itself on high end, executive quality homes throughout Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and the surrounding area.

The best part? Corporate rental rates are now available when you register your company or organization in the corporate housing program.  Beautifully furnished homes with 3-5 bedrooms are available, right on the water or with stunning lake views from $350-$1,200/night.  Weekly rates can be even less, and your hosting skills will get 5 stars every time!

We’re talking full kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas…you don’t get this at any hotel or “resort.”  Concierge included, car service and catering available.

Check out a couple of Vacation Rental Authority’s many first class locations:

Coeur d’Alene Corporate Housing

Hayden Corporate Housing

 

Cooler Late Summer Weather is Coming

Cooler Late Summer Weather is Coming.

via Cooler Late Summer Weather is Coming.

Why Ski Schweitzer

The Real Reason to Ski Schweitzer

World Class Skiing

It’s not just the locals that love to ski Schweitzer Mountain in nearby Sandpoint, Idaho.  Just an hour from Coeur d’Alene, it’s a dream ski destination with pristine snow, unbelievable lake views, and ideal weather.

Don’t take my word for it!  Check out what some all-knowing journalists have had to say…

Schweitzer Mtn is a Top 25 Ski Resort

Schweitzer is Overlooked Ski Destination

Schweitzer is Secret & Snowy

Sandpoint, ID (home of Schweitzer Mtn) is a Dream Town

pic, picture, ski vacations, downhill skiing, snowskiing, ski vacations, cda ski vacations, coeur d'Alene ski vacations, north idaho ski vacations.

Enough said 🙂

2013 ACBS International Meeting and Boat Show

 2013 ACBS International Meeting and Boat Show

Coeur d’Alene Wood Boat Show

The international boat show is coming to Coeur d’Alene this September, bringing wood boat owners and members of ACBS from around the world.  This is a wonderful event for families to attend and an incredible opportunity for wood boat owners to get out their showpiece wood boats.

Come to Coeur d’Alene to experience the largest wood boat show in the country this September and experience the beauty of the boats and lake Coeur d’Alene.  

  • The world longest floating boardwalk
  • Sunny summer without the crowds
  • Pristine lake Coeur d’Alene
  • Waterfront Vacation Rentals
  • Private boat docks
  • Catering
  • Idaho’s Best BQQ
  • Cool Summer nights
  • Excellent dining

Contact Vacation Rental Authority to book a vacation home with a private dock for your arrival in Coeur d’Alene and the Wood Boat Show.ImageImage

 

2013 Wood Boat Show Schedule

Date/Time Information
Saturday, August 18
10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 19
10:00am – 3:00pm 

 

September Vacation Deals

Coeur d’Alene September Vacations

It cannot be said enough or with enough enthusiasm to fully express my thoughts about September in Coeur d’Alene.  Summer weather is still beautiful and warm mountain biking, biking trails, rails to trails, cda bike trails, coeur d'Alene bike trails. lake bike trailswith nights cooling just enough to think about using that fire-pit or fireplace.  The summer crowds have thinned out but the shops, dining, ice cream parlors and tour operators are still open and offering an almost endless variety of activities to keephunting, idaho big game hunting, hunting in idaho, idaho lodging for hunters your day filled with adventure.

Search for great vacation ideas at vacationrentalauthority.com using their activities page to guide you to fun activities you can find in the Coeur d’Alene area.  Ideas like;

  • Free Scarywood tickets
  • Free lift tickets for Silver Mountain and Schweitzer
  • 10% off all our vacation rentals this September
  • No Cleaning fees

These are just the beginning of what you can find on vacationrentalauthority.com this Late Summer season.

Find what to do in Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint Art Studio TourImage

The Sandpoint artist’s studio tour celebrated 10 years this last weekend. It was wonderful; I spent the day going from home to home/ studio to studio, meeting and watching artists work at their craft. Everyone was eager to share their skill and I learned much about different artistic methods. I plan to start an art class offered by one of the participants this fall. What a great way to spend the day, warm sunny weather, cool iced drinks and fabulous art.

Margaret H.

Sandpoint, Idaho