Websites offers free listings for vacation rental property owners amid uncertain 2020 summer rental season

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.

Travel and the Coronavirus: Your Questions Answered

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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

How to Plan a Trip With a Big Group

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

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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

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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

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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

3 Common Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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.

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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. 

  1. 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?

Tourist Areas

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. 

  1. 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.

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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

Wisconsin Dells Cabins

There are two mega SUMMER traditions in Wisconsin:

1. A trip to the Wisconsin Dells Water Parks.

2. A long weekend (or an entire week) at a Wisconsin cabin.

We made it easy to compare 118 cabins in the Wisconsin Dells area. Enter some criteria in our search tool, or use the interactive Google Map to find a Wisconsin Dells vacation rental that fits your families needs.

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Skip those noisy hotels – Wisconsin Dells cabins, vacation rentals and lodges offer a quiet retreat after a tiring day in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Most of these Wis Dells rental homes and cabins are less than 45 minutes from Great Wolf; Kalahari; Wilderness; Mt. Olympus; Chula Vista; Atlantis; Tanger Outlet; Ho Chunk; Dells Ducks; Polynesian; Christmas Mountain; Noah’s Ark. Tourists already know that Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” and now finding area Wisconsin Dells cabins and lodging is easy. This page alone showcases over 100 unique Wisconsin Dells cabin rentals.

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Castle Rock Lake is a central Wisconsin recreation lake that vacationers visit. As you can see, there are many lakefront cabins and off water rentals to explore, and plenty of water sport rentals are available too: Pontoons, wave runners, kayaks, and paddle boats. Many rental properties include paddle boats, and some cabin owners offer Wisconsin Dells water park discounts with your stay. Nearby towns like Friendship, Briggsville and Lake Delton have cabins for rent too. Wisconsin Dells cabins provide lots of privacy and are a short drive to downtown Wisconsin Dells.

We have one of the largest online selection of Wisconsin Dells cabins and rentals. And because you found them on RentWisconsinCabins.com, you are guaranteed the best rental rate because you connect, plan, and book directly with Wisconsin Dells vacation rental owners or property managers – skip those third-party booking website commissions and traveler fees. Beside, the rental owners are your best tour guides, and when it comes to experiencing what the Wisconsin Dells has to offer, you need a local expert.

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Top 6 Wisconsin Events in 2018 …and the cabins nearby

Wisconsin rental cabins offer vacationers a great basecamp when it comes to local events. After a day of participating in one of these local events, your group will love the sunsets & privacy only found in a cabin, cottage, lodge or home. From the two of you to your extended family, we have romantic WI cabins and plenty of large group vacation rentals.

For this blog, we gathered a nice selection of WI vacation rentals closest to each event. Because we have hundreds, we could not list them all. But you’ll find town links too.

Wisconsin Event #6: WINTER WINE & CHERRY FEST
Door County! Feb. 3, 2018 10 am to 4 pm

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From the cabin to a complimentary wine and farm market food tasting event. Talk about unique — you can also go on horse-drawn sleigh rides, listen to live music, taste warm apple cider and mulled wines. Here’s our favorite part: The Cherry Pit Spit Competition starts at 1:30 pm. DRESS WARM FOR THIS ONE. Plan a winter escape to Door County.

Nearest cabin rentals to the Winter Wine and Cherry Fest:
HermitageStudio CottageWoldt’s Farmette and Cottage • A short drive from these Egg Harbor vacation rentals


Wisconsin Event #5: BARABOO FAIR on the SQUARE
May 12, 2018 9 am to 4 pm and Oct. 13 9 am to 4 pm

MUSIC
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This much fun, this close to your Baraboo vacation rental? YES! Bouncy houses and pony rides, huge Farmers Market, arts and crafts show (150 artists and crafters from all over the Midwest) — a full day of family entertainment in Baraboo/Wisconsin Dells.

Nearest cabin rentals to the Baraboo Fair on the Square:
Devils Lake LodgePrairie RetreatTall Pines Villa • A short drive from these Wisconsin Dells cabins


Wisconsin Event #4: FISHING HAS NO BOUNDARIES
Hayward! May 18 and 19, 2018

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Love to fish? Looking for a great volunteer opportunity in Wisconsin? These two worlds collide in Hayward on the shores of the Chippewa Flowage! This two day event hosts anywhere from 100-120 anglers with various disabilities. Hayward’s event the “Grand-daddy” event of all the FHMB Chapters. We’ve been a supporter since 2009!

Nearest cabin rentals to the Fishing Has No Boundaries Event:
Deerfoot Lodge Cabin 7Chippewa View LodgeTall Pines LodgeMaking Memories at the Lake • A short drive from these Hayward cabin rentals


Wisconsin Event #3: IRON RIVER SUMMERFEST
June 8 to 10, 2018

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Start your training now for the Spider Lake 10K, 5K, 2 Mile Walk/Run! Plus rummage sales, a benefit dance

Nearest cabin rentals to the Iron River Summerfest Event:
Half Moon Lake LodgeSpok’n 4Tri Lake Timbers ResortAll Iron River cabins


Wisconsin Event #2: 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Wisconsin Dells

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Arrive at dusk and be ready to ohh and ahh as over 1,300 fireworks will brighten the sky over Downtown Dells.

Nearest cabin rentals to the big fireworks show in downtown Wisconsin Dells:
Field HouseDell View Lake LodgeBird House CottageRed Cabin 2 • Plus all of these Wisconsin Dells Vacation Rentals


Wisconsin Event #1: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OFF-ROAD RACES
Crandon, WI  Aug. 31, 2018 to Sep. 2, 2018

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Gear up for some premier off-road racing Up North! Yes, the local economy still boasts many logging companies that work in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, but the racing on the most revered dirt track in the world is going to blow you away! It’s a party as more than 50,000 fans gather to cheer for their favorite drivers.

Nearest cabin rentals to the World Championship Off-road races:
Hemlock Harbor HavenRound Lake ChaletRound Lake Cabin RentalBuena Vista Lodge • A short drive from these Rhinelander cabins for rent


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The best large group Wisconsin vacation rentals for the Holidays.

Rental cabins are a great way to experience the holidays. You can meet your extended family halfway, and it relieves the stress of playing the host so everyone can enjoy their time off. And, as fun as it is to sleep all the kids side-by-side on the living room floor — or in a tent out back, or in the bathtub — RentWisconsinCabins.com has a roomier solution. These large, multi-bedroom vacation homes are open year-round and have enough beds for the whole family.

5 top year-round Wisconsin vacation rentals that sleep 20 or more:

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1. Adelines House of Cool Green Lake

If you are searching for a lake house that’s timeless & refreshing – you’ve found the place! Adeline’s is a perfect weekend getaway – just 3 hours north of Chicago. We would love you host you! This luxurious Estate is located in Green Lake County on Lake Puckaway. Adeline’s House has over 300 feet of channel frontage, and is a stained glass treasure trove! Adeline’s owner/architect is an avid stained glass collector. His love for light is mimicked throughout the house with beautiful pieces from all over the world

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2. Sand County: Prairie Retreat

Come stay with us at this beautiful well appointed home in a country setting that allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Baraboo Bluffs from the covered front porch, or just sit back and gaze out and watch as nature passes you by. Perfect for all seasons, this home is not far from the Wisconsin Dells, yet in your own little world. Prairie Retreat features 7 full bedrooms, 2-sided gas fireplace and 65″ plasma tv. Plus there is additional sleeping for 4 in the lower level. Spacious great room featuring a 72″ plasma tv and gas fireplace.

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3. Cranberry Castle

It’s time to discover all that Cranberry Castle and northern Wisconsin has to offer! Our 8500 sq. ft. log & stone cabin is one of the finest in the Northwoods. Vaulted ceilings and towering lakeside windows provide beautiful views. Relax in the outdoor spa with seating for six. We thought of everything …a theater room; sunroom with heated floor; stone fireplace; master bedroom with wall mounted HDTV’s, double shower, oversized closet and jetted tub. The race is on to the lakeside hammock!

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4. Log Gables: Log Home

This beautifully crafted vacation log home is one of a kind! Situated on nearly 5 acres — watch children playing at a sand box, on the play set, or watch the nearby woods come to life with wildlife. If you have a large family-this is your destination. 2 washers, 2 dryers. A great Dells location: Skiing at Christmas Mountain 3 mi away; Tanger Outlets 1.1 mi away. Get ready for a top-quality experience with a special personal touch.

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5. Legendary Barker Lake Lodge

For Groups, Reunions & Weddings. Total lodge maximum 30!! 6000 sq/ft Log Lakeside Lodge on Golf Course includes a Commercial Style kitchen for your exclusive use. Dinning room sits up to 50 with the TV Lounge for additional 20 guests. Legendary Fireplace Great Room. Two Outside decks provide wonderful park like setting views.

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