San Diego Visitors Bureau – Happy Happens!

San Diego’s website, sandiego.org, is packed full with great information for visitors.

Order a FREE Vacation Planning Kit!

Click here to watch the TV Spot for the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, Happy Happens!

Information on:

• Oceanside Beaches
• Encinitas Beaches
• Leucadia Beaches
• North County Coastal Neighborhood Guide
• San Diego videos

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Vacation Homes – Questions to Ask Before Renting

Everyone needs a little guidance when planning a vacation, or trying to decide on out of town accommodations. Hopefully this will help a bit…especially if you are new to the vacation rental experience. Here are some things to consider and questions to ask yourself before you pay that deposit:

• Are the photographs accurate? Make sure that you are seeing is what you will actually get. Keep in mind that anything can be done to photographs these days, inaccurately portraying what a home may really look like. Ask if the photos are up-to-date and if not, ask what exactly has changed. Also ask if there are any additional photos that can be sent.

• Are there guest reviews? Are these in house or third party? Before renting a place, you should always read reviews of guests who have actually stayed in the property you are thinking about. If these reviews are from a third party reputation manager, such as www.flipkey.com, you can be 100% certain that the reviews are unbiased and true. In-house reviews (collected by the management company) areprobably true and accurate as well, but do not have that third-party verification.

• How close is the rental to the sand? Many companies tell you that their rentals are “on the sand” or “beach front” when in fact, they are across the street. Find out exactly where the rental is in reference to the sand.

• Does the rental provide WiFi? TV(s)? DVD Player? Stereo? Find out exactly what sort of entertainment amenities will be provided, so you don’t come expecting something and find that it is not there.

• Does the property management company offer rentals such as bicycles and surfboards? Are beach chairs and boogie boards provided.

• Are there outdoor showers? This is an especially important question for beach front homes…there is nothing worse than tracking in sand to your beautiful clean rental.

• What is the bedding configuration? How many does it sleep, exactly? Have a print out of the floorplan and make sure that it will work for you and your group. You do not want to arrive and realize that one couple has to sleep on the floor.

• What happens if there is a problem with the rental, or we are unsatisfied? Find out what the procedure is if there is a problem or maintenance issue with the rental…will the company switch you to something else? Refund you part of the rent? Do nothing?

• Are the rentals owned by the rental company or by individuals? Many times, if rentals are owned by the rental company, things are kept up-to-date and issues are resolved faster, as the company does not have to go through an owner to get approval for things. You are also dealing with the first party rather than the third.

• What is there to do walking / short driving distance from the rental? If what you want is an excluded home miles from anything, then you don’t have to worry, but if you want to get out and explore the surrounding areas, find out how accessible everything is.

• Is there a catering service or private chef offered? Most companies can recommend caterers and private chefs for your use.

• Is there a return customer discount? If you book once with a company, you’d hope they would welcome you back year after year with a great customer discount.

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Spring is Here and so are the Flower Fields! Carlsbad, CA

The flower fields in Carlsbad, California are a huge attraction every year during spring time in San Diego. It’s no wonder why….imagine 50 acres of nothing but rows of vivid, bold, beautiful, fresh, exquisite flowers. From afar, it looks as if a rainbow has landed and is laying flat on the earth. The Carlsbad flower fields is the only commercial Ranunclulus field in the world that is open the public (the Ranunclulus is a beautiful full, bright flower…see photo below).

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Pampering and Relaxing in North County, San Diego – Day Spas

Maybe you are on vacation and want to treat yourself even more, or perhaps you just need a day away from it all. Read on to discover unique destinations dedicated to pampering you.

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Dead Sea Scrolls – A MUST SEE

 

If you are looking for something to do, head down to San Diego’s Natural History Museum and see the Dead Seas Scrolls. This is something not to be missed!

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Happy Thanksgiving from Everyone at Beachfront Only!!

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day here in San Diego as far as weather goes. Check out some of these links on thanksgiving in San Diego…

Thanksgiving in San Diego from SanDiego.org

Thanksgiving Guide from SanDiego.com

 

Now, for those of you who are crazy enough to go out on “Black Friday”, otherwise known as the busiest shopping day of the year, here are some links to information about the best deals this year…

Put your running shoes on, set your alarm. It’s BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday Sales on City Search

Black Friday Survival Guide from InStyle

 

 

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Dog Friendly Beaches and Parks in San Diego

One big question visitors in San Diego have is “where am I allowed to bring my dog?” A trip for many is not the same without the pooch. Here at Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals, many of our oceanfront homes are pet friendly. So you found a place to stay, but now where can you take your dog while you are here? Here is a list of beaches, parks, and other attractions in San Diego that allow pets…

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San Diego Chargers will Play at Qualcomm on Sunday

Some good news for San Diego Charger fans…the Sunday game will remain as scheduled at Qualcomm Stadium. Here is the article from San Diego Union Tribune…

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2007 San Diego Fire Information

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families affected by the fires in Southern California.

If you are planning a trip to one of our vacation rentals within the next few days, you can check conditions and receive fire updates on the following pages:
SignOnSanDiego

Fireblog

10News

CBS8

Fox6

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