This Wednesday, February 3, 2021, book-direct advocates in the vacation rental industry are taking the opportunity to celebrate the fourth annual #BookDirect Guest Education Day by sharing the many ways in which making the switch to a direct booking model has enriched both their customer relations and their bottom line. ItsCabinTime.com has been gathering feedback for years from cabin owners, local short-term rental property managers and vacationers alike — Here are their top 10 reasons to embrace direct booking in 2021:

1. Book at the lowest rate

When you book directly with the local owner or manager of a vacation rental, you are paying the person whose right it is to decide the rate. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) may have leeway to mark up those prices, but they NEVER charge you less than the owner’s rate.

2. Avoid fees and commissions

When you book directly with the local owner or manager, you cut out the go-between. This means no paying for the privilege to send messages or view an availability calendar, and no traveler’s fees tacked on at the end of the transaction for using the booking service.

3. Learn about special offers

Owners and managers who use a book-direct business model often have repeat customers that they keep in contact with to inform previous visitors about upcoming specials. Owners/managers can also share these specials on their website, social media or listing sites like www.itscabintime.com.

4. Choose from more options

Many owners and managers dislike the way OTAs (such as Vrbo, FlipKey, TripAdvisor, AirBnb, Booking.com or HomeAway) take control of their booking calendars and messaging. This means some of the most experienced hosts aren’t even available through large travel sites.

5. Communicate openly

When you book directly with the owner or manager of the home where you will be staying, you can enjoy complete transparency in regard to house rules, cleaning policies and rates. Many homeowners love to get to know those who will be staying at their rental cabins and homes!

6. Get personal attention

When you have the chance to communicate with someone who knows the home you are renting inside and out, it’s easier to accommodate specific needs. You’ll also have access to a real person who takes responsibility for your experience and sees it through from start to finish.

7. Benefit from local insight

Above and beyond chamber websites or tourist brochures, a local owner or manager who knows the area can help you plan a personalized vacation you’ll remember. They can also give information on favorite hunting and fishing spots — you won’t find that in the guidebook!

8. Find last-minute availability

Speaking directly with the person in charge of a vacation rental’s booking calendar means you’ll have access to the most up-to-date information on availability. This includes any last-minute cancellations that the rental owner/manager may be eager to fill — sometimes at a discount.

9. Minimize risk of fraud

Transparency between the vacation rental owner/manager and the vacationer minimizes the risk of accidentally booking a fraudulent property by allowing each party to perform standard security checks. See tips and tricks to protect your vacation rental reservation deposit here: http://www.rentwisconsincabins.com/payment-protection.php

10. Support small businesses

Many vacation rental homeowners, resort owners and small property managers are family-run businesses with a long history in the industry. Help protect their right to keep control of their business and keep doing the work they love by cutting out middle-man OTAs!

About Guest Education Day

Guest Education Day is a non-branded, annual event that began in February 2018. On this day, vacation rental owners and managers — as well as commission-free listing sites and other invested industry leaders — come together to support each other and promote the #BookDirect movement by educating future guests about the benefits of direct booking.

In 2020, participants using the hashtag #BookDirect shared more than 78,500 posts on Guest Education Day, and made more than 166 MILLION impressions on Instagram and Twitter alone (Source: vrmintel.com). In 2021, supporters are hoping to build on that engagement, bringing word about the benefits of book direct to even more potential vacation home renters.

Looking for a cabin to BOOK DIRECT?

You can see all of our listings brought together on one map at www.ItsCabinTime.com. Happy direct booking! #ItsCabinTime

Summer is coming to an end, but the fun doesn’t need to end with it. Autumn’s cooler temperatures and bright colors make it the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and finally plan that cabin getaway. 

Following are just some of the perks that fall travelers enjoy. 

Fall fun

Autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy nature’s simple pleasures. In many vacation spots, it’s easy to combine a relaxing cabin stay with trips to farmers’ markets, apple orchards and pumpkin patches, plus seasonal treats like hot apple cider and freshly baked pies. 

Lower rates

On top of autumn’s scenic incentives, travelers get the added perk of lower rental rates when they travel in the fall. If you’re looking for good values and package deals that will give you the best bang for buck, a fall vacation is for you. 

Flexible stays

Another perk of fall travel is more flexible stays. During the fall season, It’s Cabin Time’s weekly-only policy switches to a two or three night minimum. Whether you’re planning an extended trip or a weekend getaway, your dream destination is available.

A change of scenery

With both school and work being remote for many families, why not ditch your work from home routine and “work from cabin” instead? Most It’s Cabin Time vacation rentals have WiFi, so you can get a change of scenery and still keep up with your responsibilities. 

With most travelers taking beach vacations during the summer and mountain trips in the winter, it pays off to go against the grain. Whatever type of autumn getaway you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below:

Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a slew of outdoor activities best enjoyed in the sunshine. Fishing is one of our favorite summer pastimes because it’s accessible to people young and old, expert and novice, and those with disabilities.

The following is a list of places you can book an accessible guided fishing trip near one of ItsCabinTime.com vacation properties.

Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Project Healing Waters provides free, full-spectrum fly fishing programs and services to wounded, ill and injured veterans and military service members. The organization plans to host virtual meetings throughout summer 2020 to ensure vulnerable veterans have a continuum of care and supportive community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc. – Wisconsin, Minnesota

In partnership with Access Ability Wisconsin, Fishing Has No Boundaries proudly provides recreational fishing opportunities for all anglers with disabilities, as well as acting as a resource for information on adaptive fishing equipment and accessibility. As their website says, “A Fishing Has No Boundaries event is truly an unforgettable way to spend a weekend on or near the lakeshore with a new friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker, or a much anticipated comrade in the thrill of catching that “big one”—no matter the size.”

Western New York Adoptive Water Sports – New York

With pontoons and power boats that have flexible seating and a Hoyer lift especially for wheelchairs, Western New York Adaptive Water Sports caters to vacationers with disabilities and youth that would otherwise not have the chance to experience a guided fishing trip. 

Jeff Evans Fishing – Wisconsin

Jeff Evans is a U.S. Coast Guard Charter Captain and credentialed Wisconsin Fishing Guide on the Great Lakes, Hayward Area Lakes, Chequamegon Bay and the St. Louis River. His fishing trips are catered to the individual needs of his customers and are designed to provide an educational, interactive and fun experience while exploring the endless fishing opportunities available in Northern Wisconsin.

Contact the organizations above to schedule your accessible guided fishing trip this summer. No matter your level of ability, there are organizations and people out there who can help you have a great day of fishing. Have fun!

Thank you for supporting our growing number of regional vacation rental listing websites that allow renters to connect and book directly with owners and local property managers.

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below: Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky

April 28, 2020 – Middleton, WI – Knowing that social-distancing will be at the forefront of vacationers’ minds this summer, JM Creative Group LLC is offering free rental property listings on three of their book-direct websites: 1 year free at RentKentuckyCabins.com and RentMontanaCabins.com; 6 months free at RentTennesseeCabins.com. 

Now more than ever, vacationers will be looking for getaways that are outdoors, isolated and within driving distance from their homes. In exchange for a free 6- or 12-month listing, property owners set up their own listing details and photos in a provided template. ”We know many rental property owners and managers are scrambling this year to fill cancellations and vacancies caused by coronavirus,“  said Joe Mogensen, the company’s founder. “This is our chance to give something back to the rental property market while also helping vacation rental owners get through this difficult time.”

An added bonus is peace of mind for vacationers. By booking directly with vacation rental owners or local property managers, renters speak directly to the person in charge and not a call center. “Rather than discouraging the connection between owners and potential renters, our group of websites take a more friendly and relaxed approach to renting cabins, cottages, lodges, or homes by offering direct booking,” explains Mogensen. Vacationers can have all of their questions answered by the owners — who are often locals themselves. They can get a real sense of what to expect in the community when they arrive and be assured firsthand that they will be able to enjoy a clean, safe and worry-free retreat.

Joe started his free-to-use internet service in his home state of Wisconsin, where he and his family have experienced many enjoyable vacations in lakeside cabins. More than seven and a half million site views later, renter traffic is up 18% compared to the year before across all of his websites.After launching RentWisconsinCabins.com, Mogensen expanded his vision with similar sites in Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Montana, Tennessee and Kentucky. He has plans to create websites for several more states. 

JMCG has proven that bringing vacation rental owners together onto state-specific websites bolsters their property’s online exposure. The peaceful, timeless feeling of a comfortable cabin is captured in his trademarked theme line, “It’s cabin time®.”

For more information or a direct interview, give Joe a call at (608) 721-6238 or email him at jmogensen@jmcreativegroup.com.

With coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreading quickly across the globe, our day-to-day lives are changing significantly. Businesses are shut down, public events are cancelled and everyone is encouraged to social distance for the next few weeks, at least. So what does this mean for your travel plans in the coming months? Do you need to revise them, reschedule them or cancel them altogether? 

We’ve compiled information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other reputable sources to help answer your questions. 

Is it safe to travel within the US?

There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel. Using crowded travel settings like airports and train stations increases your chances of getting COVID-19. 

If you decide to travel in the next few months, consider driving to reach your destination and staying in an isolated vacation rental rather than a hotel or motel. 

If you have questions about the area you’re visiting, you should check your destination’s local health department website for more information.

If I cancel my flight, will I get my money back?

It depends. In normal circumstances, you would have to pay a cancellation fee or booking penalty if you did not purchase a more expensive, fully refundable ticket. 

But in light of COVID-19, many airlines including Delta, United and American are loosening their booking policies and suspending cancellation or rescheduling fees.

USA.com offers tips on how to get a refund on nonrefundable airline tickets.

What preventative measures should I take if I decide to travel?

If you do decide to travel, be sure to take steps to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 during your trip. The virus is spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching contaminated objects, so make sure to wash your hands often and carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you. 

You should also keep a six-foot buffer of space between you and strangers, and avoid touching your face if you can help it. Consider wearing gloves to help keep you mindful about what you’re touching. 

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel information, visit CDC COVID-19 Travel page.

Looking for a remote getaway?

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below:

Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky

Going on vacation with a big group of people has the potential to be either the best or worst trip ever. If planned right, a group trip means unforgettable adventures with your favorite people. If poorly planned, however, it can be more stress than it’s worth. 

Luckily, there are ways to ensure your group vacation is nothing but smooth sailing. Check out our tips below.

Set a Budget

This is essential — according to the American Psychological Association, money is the biggest source of stress for American adults. So, before you make any concrete plans or spend any money, get your group together and agree on a trip budget that works for everyone. Be sure to leave a little cushion in the budget for any financial surprises that might come up during the trip.

Thinking of splitting certain costs? Using apps like Venmo or Splitwise can make this process a lot easier. 

Appoint One or Two Group Leaders

Though all group members should have a say in planning, it helps to have one or two group leaders to organize the chaos and take initiative when need be. This isn’t to say that the other travelers can feel free to sit back and coast. One trick to keep everyone involved is to have different people in charge of different aspects of the group trip. For example, one person looks into transportation options, while another is in charge of accommodation research, or the area’s best restaurants, etc. With everyone involved in some aspect of the planning process, nothing will be accidentally overlooked. You should, of course, come together as a group to make final decisions after everyone’s done their respective research. 

Create an Online Logistics Document

Communication is the key to group planning. Having a central place where all trip members can access and contribute to the logistics makes communication simple and stress-free. Google Docs and Google Spreadsheets are excellent mediums for group planning, as everyone can view and edit them. Be sure to include the following items in the document:

• The agreed upon budget
• Hotel or house information
• Modes of transport
• Itineraries
• Grocery lists
• Phone numbers 

Now you know what goes into planning an amazing group trip, you’ll be able to enjoy that quality time together even more. Happy vacationing!

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below:

Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time going on a big adventure, we are all prone to making mistakes that can hamper an otherwise amazing trip. The good news is that these mistakes are easily avoidable with good planning and foresight. 

Here are three of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling, along with advice for how to avoid them. 

1. Overpacking

It’s understandable to want to be prepared for every possible scenario that might pop up on your trip, but you’ll feel so much lighter (literally and metaphorically) when you avoid the high baggage fees at the airport and don’t have to haul around excessively heavy luggage. Not to mention that you’re bound to do some shopping, so leave room for the goodies you’ll want to bring home with you.

Our advice: Pack basic tops and bottoms that you can mix and match to create different outfits, and remember that you can always do laundry on the road. 

2. Only visiting famous tourist areas 

It’s okay to visit popular tourist attractions, but don’t make this the center of your trip or you’ll miss out on some of the area’s true culture and must-sees. Many famous tourist areas are nothing more than money traps and time-sucks — do you really want to spend a whole day of your vacation waiting in a crowded line for a five-minute look at something that’s probably over-hyped anyway?

Our advice: Do as the locals do. A great way to experience an area as a local is by renting an actual home for your visit instead of staying in a hotel. You’ll be staying in a more residential area, and your host can share their favorite restaurants, attractions and events that are actually worthwhile. 

3. Not informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans

To protect you from identity theft, banks will flag any transactions you make in unfamiliar locations and then freeze your cards. This is a great precaution on their part…unless you’re traveling and need your money. Nothing ruins a fun time like having your card declined due to your own silly negligence.

Our advice: Every bank is different, but there’s likely a place on their website where you can log in and notify them of your travel plans. Remember, in addition to your destination and the length of your trip, be sure to also enter any states you’ll be traveling through on the way there.

And there you have it! These tips are so simple, but they’ll save you a lot of time and hassle. 

What are your go-to travel tricks for a better vacation?

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below:

Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky