Travel Tips

New Listing! Robison Point on North Long Lake in Merrifield, MN
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New Listing! Robison Point on North Long Lake in Merrifield, MN

  • Bedrooms – 3
  • Bathrooms – 2.0
  • Sleeps – 9
  • Pets considered
  • On North Long Lake – Ovig’s Point

Discover the Magic of Robison Point on North Long Lake

Nestled at the tip of Ovig’s Point in Merrifield Bay, Minnesota, Robison Point offers a serene escape on North Long Lake. Just 13 miles from the 371/210 intersection in Brainerd/Baxter, our cabin is the perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Spread across 0.67 acres with 540 feet of lakefront, it’s an ideal destination for your next vacation.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife surrounding our cabin. From songbirds and loons to eagles and red foxes, nature lovers will find endless delight in the array of creatures that call this place home. Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore, the natural beauty here is sure to enchant you.

Our cabin comfortably accommodates up to 9 guests with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The main floor features two bedrooms and a bathroom, while the upstairs provides an additional bedroom and bathroom. We offer a range of beds, including a queen, twin-over-queen bunk, twin-over-twin bunk, and a full-over-twin trundle, ensuring everyone has a cozy place to sleep. For families with young children, we provide all linens, towels, and even a Pack-N-Play. The cabin includes window AC units in two bedrooms and a large AC unit in the living room for your comfort.

The spacious main floor boasts an open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining area under a vaulted pine ceiling. Our fully equipped kitchen has modern appliances and all the cooking utensils you need. Enjoy meals at the large pine table or kitchen island, and relax on the leather L-shaped couch in the living room, which features a 40″ LCD TV, cable, and Blu-ray player. High-speed Wi-Fi keeps you connected during your stay.

Outside, unwind on the wood deck with a picnic table, umbrella, and gas grill. Gather around the fire pit with ample seating, including chaise lounge chairs, Adirondack chairs, and wood benches. With two docks—one for swimming and one for fishing—you can fully enjoy the lake. The swimming dock offers easy access to shallow waters, while the fishing dock, situated at a drop-off, provides excellent fishing opportunities.

For those who enjoy a morning walk or jog, our property is 1.2 miles down a quiet backroad. Cyclists can explore the nearby Paul Bunyan State Trail, just 4.2 miles away. Boaters will appreciate the convenience of the nearby boat launch in Merrifield, only 1.3 miles away by water.

Around Merrifield, there’s plenty to explore. The Paul Bunyan State Trail is perfect for biking or hiking, stretching to both Brainerd and Nisswa. History buffs will enjoy the Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum in Brainerd, while families can have fun at the Nisswa Turtle Races during the summer. Dining options include The Boulders for great steaks, Sherwood Forest for a rustic dining experience, and Billy’s at Breezy Point for good food and entertainment. Shopping in Nisswa offers a charming experience with its boutique shops.

For those seeking more adventure, the Brainerd International Raceway hosts exciting motorsports events, and the Brainerd Zip Line Tour near Mount Ski Gull offers a thrilling way to see the area from above. Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd is perfect for families, featuring a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.

We invite you to book direct with us to avoid VRBO and Airbnb fees. Send us an inquiry today, and let us help you plan your perfect North Long Lake vacation. Note that the cabin does not have a dishwasher or a washer/dryer for clothing. The nearest laundromat is 4.5 miles away in Merrifield. If you have specific interests or need more information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to make your stay unforgettable.

See all Minnesota cabin rentals.

See all USA cabin rentals.

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ItsCabinTime.com Regional Websites Encourages Guests to Book Direct for Better Prices, More Options, and Hassle-Free Vacations

With so many ways to book vacation rentals, it can be tough to know which is the best option. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Vrbo are often at the top of the list, but there are several reasons why guests should book direct with a local rental agency instead. Try ItsCabinTime.com now.

Booking Direct Provides Better Pricing

Direct booking websites provide the best pricing with exclusive deals, accurate, up-to-date pricing, and last-minute savings. When you reserve a vacation rental through an OTA, you’ll have to pay extra fees and charges that can reach as high as 20% of your total reservation cost. By booking directly on a property manager’s website, you can avoid these added costs and get access to the best properties and the best rates.

Save Money on Fees

OTAs make money by charging both the property owner and the guest a fee. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re booking a weekly stay. When you book direct, you won’t have to pay these fees, which can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation rental.

A Better Vacation Experience when Booking Directly

Local rental agencies have a better understanding of the local area and can provide guests with recommendations for restaurants, activities, and attractions. They can also help guests with anything that goes wrong during their stay, such as a broken appliance or a lost key. OTAs often have customer service representatives who are not familiar with the local area, so they may not be able to provide the same level of service.

Direct Contact with Management Team

When you book direct, you will have direct contact with the management team from the moment you start considering one of their vacation rentals. This means that you can get answers to your questions quickly and easily, and you can be sure that your reservation will be handled properly. OTAs often have a long wait time for customer service, and it can be difficult to get in touch with the right person.

More Rental Options

Property managers often only list a certain selection of their vacation rentals on OTAs. This is because OTAs charge high fees, and property managers want to save money. When you book direct, you will have access to the full inventory of vacation rentals, including the newest and most popular properties.

Consistent Guest Experience

Local rental agencies are committed to providing guests with a consistent and high-quality experience. They have a team of experienced staff who are dedicated to making sure that guests have a memorable vacation. OTAs often have a high turnover rate of staff, which can lead to inconsistent service.

Book Direct Day

Every year on the first Wednesday in February, property managers around the country celebrate Book Direct Day. This day is designed to educate guests on the benefits of booking directly with property management companies vs the OTAs. Often, property managers run Book Direct Day Specials to promote booking direct.

Looking for Affordable Vacation Rentals?

If you’re looking for the affordable vacation rentals, look no further than ItsCabinTime.com’s collection of regional websites. We have a unique variety of US vacation rentals to choose from, including cabins, cottages, lodges, condos, campers, and houses. We also offer a variety of amenities, such as pools, hot tubs, private docks, and game rooms. Our websites are ready to help you plan your next vacation. Book direct today and save!

What’s on the Horizon in 2022?
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What’s on the Horizon in 2022?

It’s Cabin Time® had a big year in 2021 — we’re talking “expanded into three new states and migrated all of our websites to secure servers” big.

Growth years like the one we’re coming off of are a lot of work, but they’re exciting too! Our team put in a lot of effort over the past 12 months to bring all of our legacy sites over to AWS and to launch three new state sites at the same time, in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

The result of these projects means a lot more regional, book-direct vacation rental options for travelers, and a lot more user-friendly dashboard capabilities for members. Some of the things we’re most excited to have under our belt in 2022 include: 

  • updated search functionality
  • resort capacity information at your fingertips
  • unlimited images in the photo gallery
  • a more detailed amenities list
  • better security for communications
  • links to owner websites for online booking

These improved web features will enrich the onsite experience for property owners and vacationers alike, on all of our regional listing websites.

We’re also excited to grow our brand presence in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado! A positive early response in all three states has resulted in an already diverse selection of vacation rentals. We look forward to getting to know these regions better as we partner with local business owners and grow our property selection state-by-state.

And we’re not stopping there!

It’s Cabin Time® already has big plans for 2022. With domains newly purchased in Georgia and North Carolina, we’re expanding our East Coast reach — think of it as starting to connect the dots between our already flourishing book-direct websites in New York and Tennessee.

If you’re a traveler who loves beach vacations, keep an eye on www.ItsCabinTime.com for a full-fledged website launch in Georgia and North Carolina, COMING SOON!

If you’re a vacation rental owner or manager based in these states, qualify for an early bird sign-up special at 50-percent off by submitting your contact information at www.RentCabinsInGeorgia.com or www.RentNorthCarolinaCabins.com/.

These are uncertain times, but that doesn’t mean we can’t spend the New Year fantasizing about the perfect vacation destination in 2022. Whether it’s a yoga retreat mountain yurt in Upstate New York or an authentic Swiss country cabin in Hill Country Texas, vacation rentals in the United States offer a unique opportunity to plan a relaxing, drive-to vacation and enjoy the scenery and some outdoor recreation with loved ones.

Choose from It’s Cabin Time’s 10 (and counting) regional vacation rental listing websites to find your ideal cabin, cottage, lodge or home in the U.S. — then BOOK DIRECT to save on traveler fees! Plan ahead for the best availability in 2022. Start your search at: 

www.RentWisconsinCabins.com | www.RentMichiganCabins.com

www.RentMinnesotaCabins.com | www.RentMontanaCabins.com

www.RentTennesseeCabins.com | www.RentTexasCabins.com

www.RentOklahomaCabins.com | www.RentColoradoCabins.com

www.RentKentuckyCabins.com | www.RentNewYorkCabins.com

You can also view all of our cabin rentals together in one place on our It’s Cabin Time® Map!

#itscabintime #bookdirect #wisconsincabins #michigancabins #tennesseecabins #minnesotacabins #newyorkcabins #montanacabins #kentuckycabins #texascabins #oklahomacabins #coloradocabins #georgiacabins #northcarolinacabins #NYE22

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Planning an Anniversary Trip in the Mountains

CoupleWondering what to do for your next anniversary? Plan a mountain trip! Nothing says romance quite like a mountain retreat in a cozy cabin. And while this spring might not be the best time to go on a trip, what with COVID-19, but it is the perfect time to plan one. 

Here are our tips to help you plan an amazing mountain getaway. 

Rent a cabin

CabinWhen you’re looking through all of the different types of accommodations available for your retreat, consider renting a cabin. Hunkering down in an authentic, private living space is one of the best ways to both feel at home and get the full mountain experience. 

You can find rentals to suit any type of vibe you’re looking for at It’s Cabin Time. Our properties offer a range of amenities from rustic to luxury. Plus, because we are a book-direct site, you will get personal attention to ensure that you have the best possible holiday.

Consider an off season visit

Adirondacks[Browse cabins near the Adirondack Mountains]

Factor your anniversary date into your location planning process so that you can avoid the crowds. For instance, if your anniversary falls in the four months between June and September, you may want to avoid the Rocky Mountains as it will be in the midst of peak travel season. 

Plan for downtime

Smokies[Browse cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains]

Sometimes less is more—especially on an anniversary trip where your main focus is on each other. When you need some rest, or if the weather is bad one day, be prepared to have some fun off the trails. Here are a few ideas.

If you want to enjoy the scenery even in your downtime, try doing a paint and sip; open up a bottle of wine to split while you and your partner paint the view from your cabin. Then later that night, cook a nice meal together either indoors or outside over a campfire.

Beartooth Mountains[Browse cabins near Yellowstone and Glacier National Park]

It’s always exciting to discover a new part of the world with the one you love. Happy vacationing, and happy anniversary! #ItsCabinTime

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How to Pack for Your Wisconsin Cabin or Vacation Rental

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but packing for one can be quite stressful. This is especially true when you’re not sure what to bring. Well, RentWisconsinCabins.com has you covered. Whether you’re packing to stay at a luxurious estate or a rustic cabin, here is what you need to know. 

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Kitchen

While some cabin rentals are equipped with many amenities, more old fashioned properties may lack conveniences like electricity or running water. Check the listing to find out how equipped the kitchen is, and contact the owner with any questions that the website description didn’t answer. You’ll want to know ahead of time what pots, pans, and utensils are available, especially if you plan to cook. 

Regardless of what’s available at the property, it’s always a good idea to come with your own cooler, a sharp knife, and your favorite spices. 

duckblind

Comfort

When you’re spending time in the wilderness, a few basic items can go a long way towards keeping you comfortable. The necessities include bug spray, sunscreen, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Other comforts you might enjoy having are good pillows, linens, a fan, and extra toilet paper (because you never know!).

Entertainment 

Of course, the whole point of a Wisconsin vacation is to have fun! Come prepared with kindling and plenty of folding chairs for sitting around the fire. Even if you think you’ll spend most of your time in nature, be sure to also bring some indoor activities for nighttime and rainy days. Some fun items to have include a bluetooth speaker, books, board games, and arts and crafts supplies. 

Wherever you’re headed, you’ll have a great time! Enjoy the (book direct savings)* too.

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*At RentWisconsinCabin.com you plan and book directly with rental owners or local property managers. WHY? Booking direct guarantees you get the lowest rental rate because you skip the service fees found on every online booking travel site. Why pay hundreds of dollars more for the same Wisconsin vacation rental?

Northern Wisconsin Cabin Rentals

Arbor Vitae | Balsam Lake | Barnes | Bayfield | Boulder Junction | Bruce | Brule | Butternut | Cable | Chetek | Conover | Crandon | Crivitz | Danbury | Drummond | Eagle River | Egg Harbor | Ellison Bay | Fairchild | Fifield | Fish Creek | Gills Rock | Glidden | Grand View | Harshaw | Hatfield | Hayward | Hazelhurst | Hiles | Holcombe | Hurley | Iron River | Lac du Flambeau | Lake Nebagamon | Lake Tomahawk | Lakewood | Land O’ Lakes | Laona | Lublin | Manawa | Manitowish Waters | Manitowoc | Mercer | Merrillan | Minocqua | Minong | Montreal | Neillsville | Ogema | Ojibwa | Park Falls | Pelican Lake | Phelps | Phillips | Pickerel | Pound | Presque Isle | Rhinelander | River Falls | Rice Lake | Sarona | Sayner | Seeley | Shawano | Sherman | Spooner | St. Croix Falls | St. Germain | Sturgeon Bay | Sugar Camp | Three Lakes | Tomahawk | Wabeno | Waupaca | Webster | Winchester | Winter | Woodruff |

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Southern Wisconsin Cabin Rentals

Algoma | Arkdale | Baraboo | Beaver Dam | Black River Falls | Coloma | Coon Valley | De Soto | Delavan | Elkhart Lake | Fennimore | Ferryville | Fountain City | Friendship | Green Lake | La Crosse | Lake Delton | Lake Geneva | Lodi | Lyndon Station | Markesan | Marquette | Mauston | Mazomanie | Monroe | Montello | Mt. Hope | Necedah | Nekoosa | New Glarus | New Lisbon | Oxford | Packwaukee | Plymouth | Prairie du Chien | Reedsburg | Rome | Saxeville | Sparta | Tomah Area | Trempealeau | Viroqua | Warrens | Wautoma | West Salem | Whitewater | Wild Rose | Wisconsin Dells | Wisconsin Rapids

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Visit our other state-specific websites:

RentMichiganCabins.com

RentMinnesotaCabins.com

RentNewYorkCabins.com

RentMontanaCabins.com

RentTennesseeCabins.com

RentKentuckyCabins.com

Thanks for supporting our growing number of vacation rental website that allow renters to easily connect AND BOOK DIRECTLY with owners and local property managers. Tell your family and friends about our unique websites!

~

JM Creative Group, LLC
Member RentWisconsinCabins.com
Basecamp Location: Middleton, Wisconsin

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Five Reasons US Travelers Book Vacation Rentals Direct

When booking vacation rentals in Wisconsin or anywhere in the US, they have two options. They can book directly with homeowners and local property management companies, or they can go through a third-party site like Airbnb, TripAdviser.com and Booking.com and pay more. While the latter is certainly a common route, experienced and savvy travelers are likely to avoid it.

Here are five reasons travelers ditch the big online travel agencies and book direct using the websites listed at ItsCabinTime.com. 

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  1. Best Price Guaranteed

Third-party booking sites add a high percentage of service fees to the reservation total. A service fee of 20 percent on a $1500 weekly stay is 300 bucks; money that is better spent on a nice meal and a local adventure like ziplining, or shopping in the town you’re staying in. Why pay more for the exact same vacation rental found on book direct websites like RentTennesseeCabins.com.

  1. No Surprises

When you book direct, there are no surprises—hidden fees or otherwise. (You can rest easy knowing your personal information will not be sucked up into the wide world of data mining and aggressive targeted marketing.)

  1. More Flexibility 

We’ve all experienced minor bumps in our travel plans that forced us to modify our trips. Unfortunately, most booking sites are not understanding. The real people interacting with you when you book direct at RentWisconsinCabins.com offer tailored pre- and post-stay communication to ensure you still have a great vacation and return next year.

CottageKeeper

  1. Exclusive Options

Did you know that many of the best vacation rentals are not listed on the major sites? Listing on a major site costs money that many homeowners do not want or need to spend. Don’t miss out on these Michigan cabin and cottage hidden gems! 

  1. Better Customer Service

Do you have any questions about the property or the area that aren’t already addressed on the website? When you book direct, you get personalized answers and genuine human interaction. No one can give you better trip advice than local experts. Interested in a remote vacation in Ely, MN? Connect with the rental owners at RentMinnesotaCabins.com. 

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Bottom line: For the best homes and the best experiences, #BookDirect.

Visit our newer websites too:

RentNewYorkCabins.com | RentMontanaCabins.com | RentKentuckyCabins.com

Thanks for supporting our growing family of state-specific, vacation rental websites where you can easily connect AND BOOK DIRECTLY with rental owners or local managers. Tell your family and friends you found a website without traveler fees!

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THE MANY FACES OF BOOK-DIRECT: WHAT ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES AREN’T TELLING YOU.

wordbookdirect

Middleton, Wis. – The “book-direct” slogan gets tossed around in the hotel and vacation rental industry a lot lately. Two words which seem clear enough have recently become less clear now that Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are moving to an online transaction model. Today, when OTAs refer to booking direct it does not mean directly with hotels or vacation rental owners/local managers. It means that travelers book “directly” through middleman websites. Wait… that means its no longer actually direct, right?

Travelers beware: many third party booking websites still waive the book direct flag, but only over their website properties. Booking though middleman booking websites is not actually booking direct. The OTA booking path has forked – unpredictable booking fees to the left and new traveler fees to the right – both roads resulting in extra fees for travelers.

Have you been watching the hotel giants spend millions to clarify the meaning and benefits of booking direct? Did they just wake up and ask themselves “How did we become barnacles on the hull of these giant OTA freighters?” Did they wait to long to detach themselves? Their urgent shift to a true book-direct model sends a clear message to the booming vacation rentals industry: You want to control your booking process, customers and rental inventory, not lose control.

Though my JM Creative Group is a start-up business which competes with hotels for traveler dollars, we are inspired by their commitment towards clarifying what “book direct” means, and we embrace the same philosophy for the vacation-rental industry.

The travel business is ever changing and as the industry realizes the priorities of its customers, hopefully “book direct” will actually mean “book direct” once again.

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