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	<title>Packages &#8211; House of Verrett</title>
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		<title>Ventura Beach is the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/thanksgiving-ventura/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=thanksgiving-ventura</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/thanksgiving-ventura/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="2560" height="1709" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-scaled.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/thanksgiving-1144x763.jpeg 1144w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p><h2><strong>Ventura Beach is the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving</strong></h2>
<a href="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51e2c2_0a7e20ccdaec40c79484e2bda0185c31f000.jpg/v1/fill/w_1309,h_780,al_c,q_85,usm_0.33_1.00_0.00,enc_auto/51e2c2_0a7e20ccdaec40c79484e2bda0185c31f000.jpg" target="_blank" rel="https://www.snownglow.com/ noopener"><img class="alignnone" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/51e2c2_0a7e20ccdaec40c79484e2bda0185c31f000.jpg/v1/fill/w_1309,h_780,al_c,q_85,usm_0.33_1.00_0.00,enc_auto/51e2c2_0a7e20ccdaec40c79484e2bda0185c31f000.jpg" alt="" width="1309" height="780" /></a>

&nbsp;

Looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving that isn't your home? Why not try Ventura Beach this year? With its sandy shores and warm weather, it's the perfect place to escape the cold and enjoy some time with family. Best of all, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from shopping and dining to exploring the local attractions. So if you're looking for a change of scenery this holiday season, be sure to add Ventura Beach to your list.

<strong> </strong>

[caption id="attachment_2708" align="alignright" width="494"]<img class=" wp-image-2708" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/borkum-g0f84a1da2_1920-300x200.jpg" alt="Sunset on Ventura Beach" width="494" height="329" /> Sunset on Ventura Beach[/caption]

<strong>The weather is perfect.</strong>

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and celebrating all that we are thankful for. What better way to celebrate than at one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

Ventura Beach offers everything you need for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. From stunning sunsets, to delicious food, to plenty of activities for the kids, Ventura Beach has it all. So pack up your beach chairs and blankets and head on up for the best Thanksgiving ever.

The weather is always beautiful and the beach is never too crowded. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Ventura beach is also a great place to go for a walk or bike ride, and there are always plenty of activities to keep you busy.

<strong>Ditch the Turkey Ventura Is Foodie Heaven.</strong>

Ventura Beach is an amazing place for foodies.

There are so many great restaurants to choose from.

<strong><em>The Beach House</em></strong> is a local favorite with its delicious breakfast and lunch menu.

It's also not too expensive, and the staff is very friendly. The Beach House is located at 904 S. Coast Highway in Ventura.

<strong><em>The Burger Shack</em></strong>

Another great place for breakfast and lunch is The Burger Shack. This restaurant has a great variety of burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers that are all delicious. The service is always great, and the restaurant has a cool vibe to it. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xymkykke0mQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<strong>La Super Rica Taqueria</strong>

This place is a classic. The food is always delicious and the service is great. La Super Rica Taqueria has a few locations, but their original location can be found at 3499 E. Main Street in Ventura.

&nbsp;

<strong>Ventura Beach is the most amazing place to spend Thanksgiving with Family.</strong>

There are so many great restaurants, bars, and shops that you can spend the whole day with family. Afterwards, you can stroll down to the beach and watch the sunset or just play in the sand. Folks from Denver and Chicago will appreciate this immensely. The beach is open all year round, so during this time of year you can also enjoy some great surfing and boogie boarding if you dare.

<img class=" wp-image-2890 alignright" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Camarillo-Outlet-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />

Afterwards, if you still have energy you can head over to the Ventura Theater for some live music, comedy or a movie.

Or just stay in with us in <a href="https://verrett.house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">your beach villa</a>, and binge watch the 75-Inch Fire TV as, you prepare for Black Friday at Camarillo Premium Outlets.

&nbsp;]]></description>
		
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		<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>
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		<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>Buy a Gift Card for Your Stay, Get a Discount on your Beach Villa</title>
		<link>https://verrett.house/buy-a-gift-card/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=buy-a-gift-card</link>
					<comments>https://verrett.house/buy-a-gift-card/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tevis Verrett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1920" height="1200" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min.jpg 1920w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min-300x188.jpg 300w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min-768x480.jpg 768w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_630881036-min-1144x715.jpg 1144w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><strong>Looking to book a beach villa for your next vacation?</strong> <strong>Why not buy a gift card and get a discount on the rental?</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Vacationing in Ventura is even more fun when you stay in one of our <a href="https://verrett.house/">beach villas available</a>. And what's even better is that you can get a discount on your rental by purchasing a gift card.<img class=" wp-image-1108 alignright" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_564598399-min-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="327" /></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">So why not take advantage of this great deal and give yourself the gift of a beautiful beach villa? You'll be glad you did.</span>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;
<h4><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Your Journey Begins Here</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Ventura Beach is an undiscovered paradise. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, it's no wonder this hidden gem is quickly becoming a popular vacation destination.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Located just a short drive from Los Angeles, Ventura Beach is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Ventura Beach has something for everyone.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><img class=" wp-image-2092 alignleft" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6634480412-300x125.jpeg" alt="" width="492" height="205" />There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay, from exploring the local shops and restaurants to soaking up the sun on the beach. And if you're looking for a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the beach villas that overlook the water - they make for the perfect place to relax and unwind.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">So what are you waiting for?</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><strong>A Gift of Memories &amp; Gift Ideas to Remember your Beach Vacation</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">A Gift of Memories &amp; Gift Ideas to Remember your Beach Vacation</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">What better way to remember your amazing beach vacation than by giving your friends and family a gift that captures the memories? Here are some great gift ideas to help keep the memories alive long after you've left the sand and sun.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">For the beach lover in your life, how about a gift card to their favorite beach villa? They can use it to escape the cold winters or plan their next summer getaway. Or, if you're looking for something more unique, how </span>

<strong style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><img class="alignright wp-image-2597" src="https://verrett.house/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Shutterstock_354910052Dreamy-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="497" height="331" /></strong>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">about a custom-made surfboard with their name or initials on it? For the ultimate in relaxation, give them a day at a spa where they can enjoy all the pampering they deserve.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">If you're looking for ideas for yourself, why not consider a photo album filled with pictures from your trip?</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><strong>Visit our Concierge at House of Verrett-Ventura Beach</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Looking for the perfect beach vacation rental? Look no further than  <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 relax and enjoy all that Ventura Beach has to offer. Our<a href="https://verrett.house/concierge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> concierge</a> is here to help you plan the perfect vacation, whether it's booking restaurant reservations or ordering gift cards for your loved ones back home. <a href="https://verrett.house/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> today and let us help you plan the perfect getaway!</span>]]></description>
		
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		<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>
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		<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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