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	<title>Island &#8211; House of Verrett</title>
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	<link>https://verrett.house</link>
	<description>Welcome to Bespoke Beach Luxury</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:11:33 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Celebrate Your Birthday at Your Own Beach Villa in Ventura, California!</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/celebrate-your-birthday-with-the-beach-tent-dining/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=celebrate-your-birthday-with-the-beach-tent-dining</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/celebrate-your-birthday-with-the-beach-tent-dining/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Nov 2022 19:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Birthday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://themes.getmotopress.com/oceanica/?p=287</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1024" height="426" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6634480412.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6634480412.jpeg 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6634480412-300x125.jpeg 300w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6634480412-768x320.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p><strong>Ventura, California is a beautiful beach town, come stay with us at House of Verrett-Ventura Beach.</strong>

The sun shines bright over the beautiful Ventura beach as you walk along the boardwalk with your morning coffee. You can smell the salty ocean air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. The waves crash against the shore, and seagulls soar overhead. You take a deep breath and fill your lungs with fresh, clean air. This is paradise.

[caption id="attachment_2718" align="alignnone" width="917"]<img class=" wp-image-2718" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ventura_pier-300x200.jpg" alt="Ventura Pier Boardwalk" width="917" height="611" /> Ventura Pier Boardwalk[/caption]

And it's yours for the taking when you stay at <a href="https://verrett.house/accommodation/beachside-villa-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Verrett-Ventura Beach</a>. Our luxurious beach villa is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday. With its stunning ocean views, private pool, and spacious accommodations, House of Verrett-Ventura Beach is sure to make your birthday a memorable one.

So what are you waiting for? Come stay with us at House of Verrett-Ventura Beach and experience all that this beautiful beach town has to offer.

<strong>The Weather:</strong>

Perfect weather year-round Ventura, California is home to many beautiful beach villas that are perfect for celebrating a birthday. There are a variety of activities to do in Ventura, including swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the local shops and restaurants. The weather is always perfect for a beach day, and the views are stunning. If you're looking for a place to celebrate your birthday, look no further than a beach villa in Ventura, California.

<strong>The Beach: Quiet and relaxing</strong>

<strong>The Villa:</strong> Spacious and luxurious Looking to celebrate your birthday in a truly unique way? Why not rent a beach villa in Ventura, California for the occasion? With its beautiful coastline and sunny weather, Ventura is the perfect place to host a birthday party. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep guests of all ages entertained, from swimming and sunbathing to exploring the local shops and restaurants.

<strong><img class="alignnone wp-image-2572" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC08054-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="912" height="608" /></strong>

<strong>The Activities:</strong>

Surfing, sunbathing, fishing, exploring Ventura, California is a beautiful beach town that is perfect for a birthday celebration. There are many <a href="https://verrett.house/channel-islands-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beach, ocean &amp; water activities</a> to choose from that will make your birthday special. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or exploring Ventura’s charming downtown area. A beach villa in Ventura is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday and create lasting memories.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2491" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Shutterstock_1074204362-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="917" height="611" />

<strong>The Food:</strong>

Fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine Ventura, California is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday. With its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets, Ventura is the perfect place to relax and celebrate your special day. And what better way to celebrate your birthday by talking with our <a href="https://verrett.house/concierge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concierge planning</a> your most perfect beach adventure? With our undiscovered and uncrowded beach, your villa will be the perfect place to celebrate your birthday in style.

A birthday vacation with House of Verrett-Ventura Beach is sure to be unforgettable Make your birthday extra special this year by spending it at your very own beach villa in Ventura, California. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the smell of salt in the air.

Spend your day lounging on the beach, taking a dip in the ocean, or exploring all that Ventura has to offer. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ with your friends and family while watching the sun set over the water! If you can dream it, we can make it happen. Welcome to luxury, welcome to House of Verrett.[optin-monster slug="u0xbf9mari1skku5dvsb" followrules="true"]

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2095" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c422cf1d-36f5-421c-b8f8-ce39bab54046-300x300.webp" alt="" width="910" height="910" />]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>The Channel Islands, off the Coast of Ventura</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/channel-islands-ventura/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=channel-islands-ventura</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/channel-islands-ventura/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:02:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Birthday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nightlife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Packages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[things to do]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ventura]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://verrett.house/?p=2836</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="4096" height="2722" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="House of Verrett-Channel Islands" decoding="async" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino.png 4096w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-300x199.png 300w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-1024x681.png 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-768x510.png 768w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-1536x1021.png 1536w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-2048x1361.png 2048w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-1144x760.png 1144w" sizes="(max-width: 4096px) 100vw, 4096px" /></p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Welcome to House of Verrett Beachside Bespoke Vacations, the Luxury Way</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Channel Islands - a chain of beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The Channel Islands are a chain of beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California. With 12 different islands to choose from, there is sure to be one that fits your needs. whether you are looking for a place to lounge on the beach, or go hiking and camping, the Channel Islands have it all.  </span>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QDRNGvG8Gmc" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Here are 12 different things you can do while visiting the Channel Islands:</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">1. Visit Anacapa Island and see the amazing views from Inspiration Point.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">2. Go kayaking or whale watching off the coast of Santa Cruz Island.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">3. Take a day trip to Catalina Island and explore Avalon town.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">4. Visit San Miguel Island and see the historic Rancho del Mar Adobe.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">5. Hike up to Mt. Pleasant on Santa Rosa Island for stunning views of the island chain.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">6. Kayak out to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz island for a great picnic spot.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">7. Go scuba diving and see the amazing kelp forests on the coast of San Miguel Island.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">8. Spend a night camping out at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. <img class="alignnone size-medium" src="https://www.deeperblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AdobeStock_358898866-scaled.jpeg" width="2048" height="1356" /></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Catalina Island - known for its scenic views, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life</span>
<p class="ql-indent-1"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Catalina Island is a popular destination for its scenic views, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. There are plenty of things to do on the island, from hiking and biking to swimming and snorkeling. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Catalina Island has something for everyone. The island is home to some of the best beaches in California, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. Be sure to add these 12 must-do items to your itinerary when visiting Catalina Island.</span></p>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Section 2: Santa Cruz Island - features hiking trails, campgrounds, kayaking, and a variety of plant and animal species including the island fox and Channel Islands fox (a subspecies of the Gray Fox). </span>

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="960"]<img class="size-medium" src="https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/images/960-IMG_5511-copy_1.jpg" width="960" height="640" /> Kayaking the Caves on Santa Cruz Island[/caption]

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">San Clemente Island - Camping is permitted. Reservations required at National Parks Service campground at San Miguel Bay.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Santa Barbara Island - Camping is permitted in several campgrounds.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Section 3: Anacapa Island - popular for its diving, snorkeling, and fishing opportunities</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Anacapa Island, one of the Channel Islands of California, is a place of natural beauty and history. The island is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a rich cultural heritage. Here are 12 things to do on Anacapa Island:</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">1. Take a Hike: There are several hiking trails on Anacapa Island, each with its own unique scenery and wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">2. Visit the Lighthouse: The Anacapa Island Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. The lighthouse was built in 1932 and is still in operation today. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">3. Go Camping: Camping is allowed on certain parts of Anacapa Island.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Section 4: San Miguel Island - home to a large colony of seals and sea lions</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Section 5: Santa Rosa Island - offers kayaking, whale watching, and hiking</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The Channel Islands offer something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those just looking to relax in nature.</span>]]></description>
		
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Thought About a Yacht Tour-Just For You</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/yacht-tour/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=yacht-tour</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/yacht-tour/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2022 19:05:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Birthday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nightlife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://themes.getmotopress.com/oceanica/?p=51</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-scaled.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="house of verrett-beach" decoding="async" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_yacht-616299608-1144x763.jpeg 1144w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><b>The Beauty of the Sea</b></span>
<ul class="i8Z77e">
 	<li class="TrT0Xe"><em><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">“The waves of the sea help me get back to me.” – Jill Davis.</span></em></li>
 	<li class="TrT0Xe"><em><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.</span></em></li>
 	<li class="TrT0Xe"><em><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” -Kahlil Gibran.</span></em></li>
 	<li class="TrT0Xe"><em><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">“Eternity begins and ends with the ocean's tides.”</span></em></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Island life is calling your name. You can almost hear the waves crashing against the shore and feel the sand between your toes. You know what you need: a yacht tour of the Channel Islands Ventura.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">This isn't just any yacht tour, though. This is a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of landlocked life and sail away on an adventure. With us, you'll explore beautiful islands, see wildlife up close, and relax in luxury.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-2884" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shutterstock_Catalina-Casino-300x199.png" alt="" width="920" height="610" /></span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">It’s said that the journey begins one step a time</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">It also important to remember it starts in your mind</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Although it may seem like your progress is so slow</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">If you stay consistent – you will see yourself grow!</span>
<h4><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Your Journey Begins Here</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Discover the hidden gems of the channel islands on this one-of-a-kind yacht tour.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The channel islands are just off the coast of Ventura, but they feel like a world away. Come with us and explore this stunning archipelago.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Get $100 off your next yacht trip!</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">[optin-monster slug="u0xbf9mari1skku5dvsb" followrules="true"]</span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><img class=" wp-image-2710" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/men-gf14dd0acc_1280-300x200.jpg" alt="People Cheering with Wine Glasses" width="920" height="613" /></span>

&nbsp;]]></description>
		
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Secrets-How to Book Direct (and save money) on Your Next Family Vacation</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/the-secrets-of-booking-direct-for-your-next-family-vacation/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-secrets-of-booking-direct-for-your-next-family-vacation</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/the-secrets-of-booking-direct-for-your-next-family-vacation/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:24:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nightlife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Packages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[things to do]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ventura]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://verrett.house/?p=3088</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1333" height="2000" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money.jpeg 1333w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/girl-money-1144x1716.jpeg 1144w" sizes="(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px" /></p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>We are tickled that you are here!</strong>  </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strap in, this is going to be a Wild Ride (or double your money back)!</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With a lot of love, duct tape, grit and old gum, we erected us a spank brand new Direct Booking Site for (<em>wait for it</em>) <strong>you</strong>! This direct booking initiative at <a href="https://verrett.house/accommodation/beachside-villa-ventura/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Verrett Beach Villa-Ventura</a> is emerging as a new disruptive force and the new trend for hoteliers like us and poised to be the game changer in our <a href="https://verrett.house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">short term beach vacation rental</a> market &amp; travel industry.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This amazing adventure allows you, <em>our most important guest</em>, the freedom and control to book villas &amp; suites directly through our website, and at steeper discounts than the Online Travel Aggregators (OTA's-VRBO/Expedia, AirBNB, Booking.com, Agoda, and others) and is a mad departure from the, ". . . trust us, we are AirBNB" house of smoke and mirrors.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Well, isn't it safer to book on the </strong><strong>Online Travel Aggregators?</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Many people unknowingly turn to online booking sites like the above OTA's, Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, Kayak, and others; thinking that they will be safer. This is just not the case. You are playing russian roulette and are far more likely to have a bad experience sooner rather than later.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here are three reasons why you should avoid online booking sites:</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>1) You have no idea who you're dealing with. </strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When you book through an online booking site, you're dealing with a faceless corporation. You have no idea who is actually running the show. Ever tried to deal with customer service on a date change?</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>2) There's no customer service. </strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If something goes wrong with your booking, good luck getting anyone on the phone to help you fix it. Online booking sites are notorious for terrible customer service.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>3) You could be risking your personal information.</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You could be risking your personal information when you book a stay at AirBNB &amp; other platforms. The popularized vacation rental aggregators have been the target of several cyber attacks, and guests' credit card and personal information have been compromised.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For a deeper dive, visit this Sun article:  <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/9006907/airbnb-complain-accounts-hacked/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FROZEN OUT Airbnb users complain of accounts being ‘hacked’ saying they’ve been charged thousands and had bookings cancelled</a></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">it's important to check your credit card statements and watch for any suspicious activity. If you see anything out of the ordinary, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Booking.com by it's very nature, doesn't create profiles for it's buying guests. This leads to bad actors using stolen credit card information to grift unsuspecting hosts on the platform as, well as money, trust, &amp; time lost by the host as well as the unsuspecting credit card holder.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The OTA's work on volume, so they don't spend the time nor introspection to root out bad actors, nor work with law enforcement to investigate the attacks and identify those responsible. Protection of their reputations becomes more important than your family's safety. </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the meantime, guests are advised to exercise caution when booking a stay on these platforms.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For a deeper dive on these scams, please see Allie Conti's article on VICE: <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/43k7z3/nationwide-fake-host-scam-on-airbnb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb</a></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Good Boogly Woogly that was scary! OK, How Much Can I Save Booking Direct?</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We appreciate you reading this far, <em>The question that you really should be asking is, What am I losing?</em></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you look at your last stay with AirBNB, VRBO, Booking.com and others, you will find that you have been paying hidden 'service fees.'</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What is this service fee?</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When you book a vacation rental through an online platform (the OTA's), you are DEFINITELY not getting the best deal. These platforms charge service fees that can add up:</span>
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">AirBNB: <strong>14% to 30%</strong></span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">VRBO: <strong>8% to 15%</strong></span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Booking.com: <strong>15% to 40%</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To add insult to injury (<em>and this is the dirty little secre</em>t), when the OTA's squeeze hosts-hosts raise the per night room costs, increasing cleaning fees, adding/increasing pet fees &amp; deposits, adding linen &amp; resort fees (<em>are you getting the picture</em>) thus passing on the fees to you, our guests.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This means you unknowingly pay more per night by booking on the OTA platform. Also, we must agree to hold pricing and amenities parity, meaning we are barred not to offer early check-ins/late check-outs, side offers, services and incentives.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They may also limit your options when it comes to booking a specific property-the deeper the commission they (the OTAs) make from the host, and the steeper the discount the host is willing to offer, the better the ranking of the listing on the platform.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is a vicious spiral down the rabbit hole.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For an even deeper dive on the above, please see Amar Hussain's article: <a href="https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/vrbo-vs-airbnb-for-guests-and-hosts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vrbo vs. Airbnb for Guests &amp; Hosts [Comparing Fees, Listings, Cancellation Policies]</a></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, take home message-consider booking directly with the owners of your favorite AirBNB rentals and working with them to book directly.  Also, we would be tickled to have you contact us directly. This way you avoid service fees, hidden costs, and have more control over which property you choose, better pricing, and more amenities. </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Next time you're planning a vacation, remember to ask yourself: What am I really losing by booking through an online platform? </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The answer may surprise you.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Booking Directly: The Benefits are Twofold:</strong> </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">First, it cuts out the middleman, which saves you money. Second, it allows us to build a direct relationship with our guests, which can result in your vacation money going to your vacation-more memories and a better overall experience.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ALSO, and this is a BIG also, we offer many VIP, FREQUENT FLYER &amp; INSIDER promotions and what’s more, book direct and you’ll enjoy the best rates for our luxury vacation properties &amp; beach villas <em>GUARANTEED</em>!  </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please text 'LOYAL" to 888-505-LOYAL (888-505-5692) and see for yourself.</span>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 47%; position: relative;"><iframe class="giphy-embed" style="position: absolute;" src="https://giphy.com/embed/xUOwGeP1jGGUKIGoko" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/xUOwGeP1jGGUKIGoko">via GIPHY</a></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a win-win for both you the guests, and us as the hotelier!</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We think that this is a direct booking trend is going to be a game changer in this industry. </span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stay tuned to see how this unfolds!</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will get us popcorn,</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tevis</span>]]></description>
		
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