By Eileen Ogintz
SCOTTSDALE AZ — Resort or vacation rental? I’ve done both many times, most recently in Scottsdale. I know you’ve read horror stories about vacation rentals. We’ve experienced them. Resorts too! But this was a great experience.
We spent Labor Day weekend being pampered at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, including the Well & Being Spa, the largest in Scottsdale. Then we moved to a terrific Airbnb managed by the husband and wife team, Hayley and Eddie Kirk, whose company White Grape Homes manage some 15 vacation rentals as well as long-term rentals. Hayley Kirk is also a licensed real estate broker.
“The hardest part is being available to guests and owners at all times of the day and night,” said Hayley Kirk. She noted that property managers must work closely with cleaners, pool companies, landscapers, and pest control companies “to make sure all our properties are in tip top shape.”
She notes that virtual assistants can’t often answer a guest’s questions or call a service person if there is an issue. “We have young kids so it’s hard for us to have any down time.”
However, she added, their business is doing well and growing.
[We only had one issue to contact them on – one morning our wireless service was out, and we couldn’t use our computers and devices for a couple of hours. Andy tried troubleshooting by finding the router, rebooting, etc.. Nothing worked. But then a quick text through the Airbnb app produced the problem, the local cable provider was having an outage.]
I needed to have minor knee surgery in Scottdale, and we decided a vacation rental would be more conducive to resting for a couple of days after the procedure — and it was, though I was sorry I couldn’t take advantage of the hot tub and pool.
I got a new appreciation for what it takes to manage even one rental.
My husband was glad he could cook; I was glad I could eat—and spend the day with my leg up. Our little 12-pound rescue pooch was happy too, though she was also happy at the Fairmont. (She’s happy, it seems, to be anywhere as long as she’s with us and well fed).
I love that vacation rentals enable a family or a group of friends to spread out, to save money by preparing meals at home and relaxing rather than having to have every meal out with kids.
This is at the time when travelers, uncertain about the economy, are looking for ways to save on expenses and to seek new places.
According to a new survey from Airbnb, fall travel is being redefined by Gen Z travelers eager to make the most of shoulder season at emerging beach destinations on a budget, chasing peak autumn foliage and unwinding at newly discovered coastal spots.
According to the new survey, Gen Z traveler searches are up 26 percent for this fall, with young travelers seeking affordable and longer international escapes compared to millennials. This surge is likely fueled by more affordable travel during the shoulder season, making international travel more approachable for younger travelers. The recent Focaldata survey found that over 80 percent of Gen Z respondents say affordability plays a role in their fall travel decisions and 42 percent believe that traveling during fall is a great deal.
For example, there are numerous listings in Paris for under $100 a person that can be coupled with unique Airbnb experiences whether shopping and cooking with a chef, hunting for vintage treasures at the Saint-Ouen flea market or taking a class with a Parisian cabaret dancer.
Paris, Osaka, Japan, Dubai, Miami, and Porto, Portugal were top searches for this fall.
According to guest reviews, Vermont is the top-rated fall destination for fall foliage followed by New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Minnesota. 83 per cent of survey respondents say fall foliage is important when choosing a destination. US travelers booking eligible domestic stays can now reserve a listing with no upfront payment and pay before their trip with the new Reserve Now, Pay Later feature.
At the same time, sunseekers are opting for hidden gem coastal getaways including Ipojuca Brazil, Ericeira Portugal, and San Andres Columbia.
Those travelers who want to stay in the US are opting for small towns that offer a slower pace like Saugatuck, MI, Forks, WA, Big Bear Lake (CA) and Carmel-by-the-Sea (CA), Cannon Beach (OR). Orlando (FL) makes the top 10 list as does Gatlinburg (TN).
Families with school-aged kids can take advantage of affordable fall breaks; new empty nesters can get away more easily while those with young children can invite grandma and grandpa along (or friends with the same aged children) so the adults can get a break too.
Fall travelers also are seeking international destinations for seasonal celebrations like Osaka’s food festivals, Dia de los Muertos displaces in Mexico City of Ho Chi Minh City’s Mid-Autumn festival.
It’s key that wherever you are going to be a respectful guest, trying not to stain all of the towels and linens, for example, said Hayley Kirk.
If you are traveling with young children, make sure the rental property can be childproofed with outlet covers, for example. Are there fences around the pool? Any plants that might be dangerous to kids or pets?
If there are tweens or teens in the group, are there activities for them- besides a large screen TV—basketball hoop, pool table, board games, bikes?
If you are traveling with extended family or friends, decide ahead of time who will be responsible for what meals and clean up.
How will you divvy up the cost? What if there are those with allergies or food preferences (Vegans, Vegetarians) in the group? Will there be sufficient parking space? Is everyone on board with the layout of bedrooms and bathrooms?
Who gets the master suite? BIGGEST ISSUE PERHAPS?!
It will help if there is one person in the group designated to communicate with the property managers.
Remember, there will always be some hiccups but that’s all part of the experience.