Guides

Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Mississippi, is one of the South’s most underrated destinations — a city that’s been welcoming summer visitors since 1699, nearly 120 years before Mississippi even became a state. Best known today for its beaches and casinos (earning it the

What comes to mind when you think of spring break? If you’re flashing back to your college days and envisioning masses of people on an overcrowded beach, you’re not alone. Nevertheless, in recent years, socially distant getaways have become the new norm. Not only are destinations like Miami or Cabo

California is truly a beautiful, geographically diverse state — from rolling hills and beach towns to vast desert terrains. When most people think of weekend getaways in Southern California, big cities like Los Angeles and San Diego tend to be the first places to come to mind. That’s a shame,

Masks, beads, and revelers — Mardi Gras is a wild time! For most people, carnival season is the best time of year to visit New Orleans. If you want to experience this annual NOLA tradition, you’ll need to navigate all the parades and parties. Below, we’ve broken down the key elements to consid

Cape May is a great seaside resort known for its grand Victorian houses. Your entire family — including four-legged members — is welcome with many pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants in the area. So feel free to park your car, walk or bike through the streets, and enjoy all of the many thing

A Tourist Favorite Without a doubt, Kapalua Bay Beach is one of the most popular spots in Hawaii. Each year, it attracts thousands of tourists looking to swim, sunbathe, snorkel and take part in some old-fashioned island fun. Whether you’re taking your honeymoon or planning a family adventure,

From mountain bike trails, thermal springs, and other outdoor activities in the area — there are so many things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas, that you definitely need to make a list of the attractions you don’t want to miss before you head for your Arkansas vacation. Take a look at these six

Big Bear, California, is a four-season destination renowned for its amazing natural beauty and rich history. Originally a hub for gold mining, Big Bear Lake played a role in California’s gold rush from 1860 through the early 20th century. Although Big Bear’s first hotel opened in 1888, it didn’t bec

Whether you’re a local or spending your summer in a Portland, Oregon vacation rental, it can be good to take a break from the urban atmosphere of the city. Luckily, Portland is surrounded by natural beauty and charming towns, giving you plenty of options for hiking, biking, wine tasting, wildl

New York City is one of the biggest and oldest cities in the country, and it attracts millions of visitors every year (on top of the millions who live there year-round). It’s filled with skyscrapers, attractions, museums, parks and so much more. Because of its size and the sheer number of inte

Named for its distinctive shape, Sugarloaf Mountain is the highest peak in the San Bernardino Mountains, with an elevation of 9,952 feet at the peak. The closest municipality nearby is Big Bear City, a cozy mountain town situated on a lake with the same name in the heart of Southern California. Big

Mount Rushmore is a national treasure — there’s just no arguing with that. And it’s no secret that the Statue of Liberty stands as an iconic symbol of the United States. But there are also a lot of other, lesser-known monuments scattered across the country that are highly worthwhile for

Mardi Gras in New Orleans — better known as “Carnival” to the locals — is one of those unique holidays geared to both adults and families. It’s also known as the “greatest free show on Earth,” because there are no admission fees to see parades and many other activities.

Mardi Gras, often unfairly depicted as an adults-only Bourbon Street party, can be a G-rated experience for families, too — as long as you plan for it. Why not bring kids to Mardi Gras? New Orleans is full of traditions, and it’s rich with history. If your family loves a parade, Mardi Gras is

What could be better than spending time in Jacksonville during the winter holidays? This warm and sunny destination won’t have snow, but that’s not a bad thing. Check out these suggestions for things to do near Jacksonville, FL, to celebrate the season. Dickens on Centre Inspired by &#

In late 2019, I met with the Outdoorsy team to discuss the potential of adding RVs to VacationRenter’s inventory. Fast-forward one year, thousands of bookings later, and with the demand for RVs skyrocketing — Francesca (my fiancée) and I set off on our first trip. In this post, I want to take you th

Pennsylvania is an ideal place for a weekend of relaxation, any time of year. Whether you want to take in some stunning fall foliage, hit the slopes, enjoy a summer hike, or get an up-close view of American history, this state has it all. From beautiful mountain views to major cities, this state is

As autumn colors approach a crescendo of natural beauty across the country, the time has never been better for that much-needed getaway in a self-contained, vacation-home-on-wheels. Today we are proud to announce that we are partnering with RVshare and will now offer a vastly expanded inventory of R

As RV trips rise up in the rankings as one of the best forms of travel in 2020, it goes without saying that we had to take a road trip this summer to experience it for ourselves. This summer, we sent some of the VacationRenter team members on their first RV adventure — from our home base in San Fran

When families in the American South have time for a getaway, many head to the city of Knoxville, located in east-central Tennessee. This bustling city is jammed packed with excitement around every corner. From a bustling live music scene, a deeply rooted culture, and fantastic restaurants, there is

Nature provides an incredible array of things to see in Colorado Springs, Colorado, situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic landscapes and picturesque views are sure to enlighten anyone who gazes upon them. There are also many historical places to visit in Colorado Springs, a city

For some travelers, a visit to any city isn’t complete without a few outdoor adventures. Hiking and climbing are a major draw for visitors when it comes to thinking of places to take a vacation. If you’re looking for outdoor places to visit in Cincinnati, you’ll have plenty of attr

There’s something many people don’t know about Charlotte: it’s the ultimate city for sports fans. No matter the sport there is sure to be something that will appeal to every kind and type of fan. The metro area is home to some of the top North Carolina sports attractions. Multiple

Chicago, Illinois, the third-largest city in the United States, has so many options to offer in terms of arts, culture, music, sports and so much more, that it can almost be overwhelming to decide what to do. Whether it’s walking through the streets of the city or taking a walk on the pristine

Families flock to the 141 miles of New Jersey coastline known as the Jersey Shore. The oceanfront resort and vacation area extend from Perth Amboy to Cape May Point, and in between those towns is an amazing array of activities and vacation attractions. A boardwalk stroll and a swim at the New Jersey

UN World Wildlife Day occurs on March 3, 2020, and the theme for this year is “Sustaining all Life on Earth.” In honor of this annual event, we’ve put together a list of some incredible wildlife found all across the United States to help illustrate the importance of this day. Ca

Richmond is the capital of Virginia and one of the nation’s oldest major cities. Richmond is an ideal city for family vacations. Historic destinations in Richmond preserve both American Revolution and Civil War sites. Outdoor adventures are numerous as Richmond lies on the James River near the Blue

There are many attractions to entertain both kids and adults in Galveston, Texas. History buffs of all ages can enjoy the cultural sites and Victorian architecture. The Strand National Historic Landmark District features retail stores and eclectic restaurants. Old Galveston Square, built in 1859, is

It’s no secret that there is pretty much a “national day” for anything you can think up. Who among us doesn’t appreciate the reminder that it’s National Donut Day or National Hug Your Plant Day? On February 25th, foodies and soup lovers across the nation have the opportunity to gather to celebrate a

Madison is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, and was named after President James Madison. There are so many different sights and attractions to wander through and take in while visiting Madison. A few of these places should definitely include the Chazen Museum of Art and M

The annual celebration of Mardi Gras happens in New Orleans, Louisiana, along with many other locations across the United States. In NOLA, it’s an understatement to say that there is bound to be a lot of partying occurring throughout the weeks leading up to and after the official “Fat Tuesday.” So w

If you’re reading this, chances are high that you’re going to be a wedding guest this year, you’re an honorary member of the bride and groom’s entourage, or excitingly enough — you’re starting the decade right by planning your very own special day with that special some

Louisville is situated on the Ohio River along the Indiana border. Kentucky’s largest city is home to the Kentucky Derby, a world-renowned horse race. The Kentucky Derby’s long history is explored at the Kentucky Derby Museum while baseball is celebrated at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.

Philadelphia is an absolute playground for history buffs. The cobblestone streets and brick rowhomes make for an exquisitely colonial feeling that is fairly unique, even within the Northeast. Visitors will be amazed as they find a piece of history around every corner of this historic city.  Top His

Visiting the nation’s capital is a unique experience filled with history, culture, imagination, and more. There are a multitude of places to explore in this fantastically diverse city. With so many museums, monuments, exhibits, and historical sites to visit, Washington, D.C. vacation planning

Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is known for its cowboy culture. Within it you’ll find a multitude of great neighborhoods, including the Paseo Arts District, Asian District, Boathouse District and Adventure District. And for romantic getaways in Oklahoma City, be sure to check out some