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Vacation Rental Owners/Managers: Book Direct is alive and well.

2009 seems so long ago, but that’s when we launched our first state-specific, vacation rental website: RentWisconsinCabins.com, from a home office in Waunakee, WI. Now we have 6 Live websites with plans for 21 sites by the middle of 2017. We now have ‘legit’ office space in Middleton, WI.

It didn’t take long for rental owners & property managers around the country to tell us that there is a big demand for a listing website that embraces the “Book Direct” philosophy. We speak to vacation rental owners & managers often, and the conversations are similar; “large OTA’s are out of control! They control our inventory, rates and are now charging our renters an extra traveler fee.”  Our consistent growth has confirmed that large OTA’s are not the only advertising choice.

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RentWisconsinCabins.com: Nearly 700 rentals
RentMinnesotaCabins.com: Nearly 400 rentals
RentMichiganCabins.com: Over 200 rentals
Plus our newer states RentNewYorkCabins.com, RentMontanaCabins.com and RentTennesseeCabins.com: Over 200 rentals
…We are just getting warmed up!

Our renter traffic grows an average of 48% every year. Over the last year, our websites attracted over 1 million page views.

Why take on the time & expense to roll out unique websites for so many states? It’s never been done before! By 2012, our Wisconsin website proved that (even from a home office) we can compete long term with large OTA’s in Google Search by targeting regional organic long tail keywords & topics. Search for yourself – go to Google and type in popular terms like Wisconsin vacation rentals; wisconsin cabins; wisconsin cabin rentals, etc. Then try michigan vacation rentals; michigan cabin rentals; mn cabin rentals, etc. There we are!! From these first page results, how many “book direct” websites do you see?

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We also discovered the immediate need for “traveler fee” education. We recently added a question about traveler fees to our survey and were shocked to learn that nearly every respondent had no idea that booking websites charge a traveler fee. What we’ve know for years though is that renters prefer to book vacation rentals with the owners and local managers 25-1.

What do you think of booking vacation rentals directly with owners/managers?

Joe and Team
JM Creative Group
Middleton, WI

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Coming soon: RentKentuckyCabins.com

It won’t be long now! We are new to Kentucky, but not new to promoting vacation rentals in the United States. The JM Creative Group has been rolling out state-specific, vacation rental websites since 2009. Kentucky; you’re next! Finally, a website that simply connects travelers to Kentucky vacation rental owners and local managers …no booking fees – no traveler fees. Welcome back to BOOK DIRECT.

We’ve already launched in WI, MN, MI, NY, MT and TN. Did you know, travelers prefer to book directly with rental owners or managers instead of through third-party booking websites – 30:1.

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Welcome to Arbor Vitae!

Welcome to Arbor Vitae, also known as nature’s original water park! Close proximity to lakes, rivers and streams. Cabin Time here includes fishing, boatings, skiing, swimming, and more. When the snow falls, the Arbor Vitae area becomes a Winter Park…Snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, and outdoor skating rinks. Compare nearly 20 cabin rentals in the Arbor Vitae area…http://www.rentwisconsincabins.com/location.php?id=Arbor%20Vitae http://ow.ly/i/m3Px7 http://ow.ly/i/m3PAg http://ow.ly/i/m3PBf http://ow.ly/i/m3PCi http://ow.ly/i/m3PDq http://ow.ly/i/m3PEv http://ow.ly/i/m3PFE http://ow.ly/i/m3PGF http://ow.ly/i/m3PHW http://ow.ly/i/m3PIX

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Our Top 3 River Towns in Minnesota

While there are many lists regarding favorite towns in Minnesota, we had a hard time finding someone’s favorite towns along the Mississippi River. Why neglect this mighty river that has shaped the way America travelled, traded and toured? We have compiled 4 of our favorite towns along the Mississippi River so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Hastings:

In this charming small riverside town shaped by not only the Mississippi River but the Vermillion River and St. Croix River. This historical town has plenty of recreational opportunities. Take in the Vermillion Falls, Point Douglas Beach, St. Croix River and the Mississippi River. You can even take a beautiful dinner cruise along the St. Croix.  For those looking for more adventure, hiking and biking trails are everywhere along Hastings. Don’t forget to check out the Extreme Sandbox, a heavy equipment adventure unique in the Midwest! Be sure to check out Great River Wine Trail map as well because Alexis Bailly Vineyard, the first winery in Minnesota! For more information and places to stay in Hastings, please click here: Hastings Rentals

Otsego:

There is a reason why this community is growing at a rapid pace and it’s no secret. The way this town works together and plays together is evident. To enjoy this community like the locals, take in all the recreational activities. You can hike, bike or ski the Woodland Trails, canoe or fish the Elk River, go extreme at the ERX Motor Park and Car Race, or just simply relax on the beach at Lake Orono or enjoy the blissful sounds of the Thursday night riverfront concert series in the summer.

Brainerd:

Brainerd straddles the Mississippi River and is one of the largest cities in Minnesota. Its close proximity to the Twin Cities (only 2 hours away) is one great reason why you would vacation here but there are plenty more.  What makes this unique is the Pioneer Village, Wildlife Park, Dogsleds, Casinos, and loads of lake activities, adventure sports and trails. Not to mention, the spas, restaurants, and fine dining. To see vacation rentals in Brainerd, please click here: Brainerd Rentals

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#LakeoftheWoods Pet Friendly Cabin for 10

Ready for a great 4 season adventure in the walleye capital of the world? Welcome to Lake of the Woods!

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Some of the best walleye fishing Lake of the Woods is close to the cabin. Your rental fee includes lots of pro-tips like: Using jigs and jigging spoons tipped with a shiner minnow. Looking for a Northern Pike trophy over 40”? They like to stage at the mouths of creeks, small rivers and other typical spawning locations late April into March.
…At the end of the day, return to your private vacation home on the shores of Lake of the Woods.

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Plan ahead for a Hardwater Adventure at this Lake of the Woods Cabin. There are approximately 1,500 to 3,000 ice houses set up at any one time – but with a big lake like Lake of the Woods, there’s no overcrowding. Scenic drives are popular with our guests too: Rapid River Forest Road is one of the best back-roads to enjoy the fall colors.
The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen. Dinner table seats 6. Sleeping arrangement: 1 room has a Queen bed. Second upstairs loft room has 4 twins and a full size bed. An extra full size bed is available downstairs on request.

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Historic sites include the The Lake of the Woods County Museum – learn about geological formation of Lake of the Woods. The Baudette Depot is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Fort St. Charles at the NW Angle is accessible during winter months by snowmobile trail.

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Visit our other state-specific website too:
RentWisconsinCabins.com | RentMichiganCabins.com | RentNewYorkCabins.com | RentMontanaCabins.com and just last week RentTennesseeCabins.com

Thanks for supporting our growing number of state-specific, vacation rental website that allow renters to easily connect AND BOOK DIRECTLY with owners and local property managers. Avoid middleman booking websites and avoid paying traveler fees! Tell your family and friends about our great websites!

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#ElyLodging = access to more than 5,000 lakes, streams and rivers.

We welcome Ely Lodging to RentMinnesotaCabins.com. They have 23 MN vacation rentals in the Ely area. White Iron Chain of Lakes; Big Lake on the Echo Trail; Farm lake, Garden lake and many more on water and off water rentals.

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This is their Wolf Den on White Iron Lake. See all the details for this Ely cabin rental. How does a large deck and heated swimming pool overlooking White Iron Lake sound? The Wolf Den offers that wonderful Cabin Feeling and lots of home away from home extras.

Ely, MN lodging, resorts and outfitters for fishing and dog sledding are waiting for you. The vacation experience here is the last great pure experience. A Winter vacation in Ely means uncrowded and unspoiled pristine country where after dark you may witness the breathtaking northern lights.

Got a large group? You should consider renting additional Ely Lodging cabins in same bay. Families can have privacy, but you vacation together and have a carefree time swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing in the same bay.

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This is the incredible Ely Lodging: Ornhekker Fjorden! A spacious cabin with big views of 1,000 acre Eagle’s Nest Lake #3. This unique lakefront treasure has 180 degrees views from numerous windows! Inside, the cozy living room has an abundance of Northwood’s furnishings and antiques. See all 61 Ely lodging cabins on one page!

Lodging on Ely lakes puts your perfect position for fishing year around too. Did you know Ely is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Wilderness which ranks among the “Top 50” most scenic places in the world? Cross country skiers will leave the pace of every day life behind and just experience the pristine splendor of wilderness trails and the joy of relaxing in the comfort of a cabin at the end of the day. These cabins near the Boundary Waters are the logical choice!

NOW THIS IS A VACATION IN THE STICKS!
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Ely Lodging vacation rentals have unique location too! Many are near the Bear Head State Park, located mid-way between Tower and Ely. Nearby are popular Ely attractions like the International Wolf Center; North American Bear Center; The Dorothy Molter Museum; Soudan Underground Mine State Park (guided tour will take you 2,341 feet down and more than 100 years into our past).

Get ready to catch some fish on all area lakes and rivers: Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, bluegills, and crappies are very common and ideal for shore lunches. Fishing is Ely’s #1 attraction!

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Visit our other state-specific website too:
RentWisconsinCabins.com | RentMichiganCabins.com | RentNewYorkCabins.com | RentMontanaCabins.com and just last week RentTennesseeCabins.com

Thanks for supporting our growing number of state-specific, vacation rental website that allow renters to easily connect AND BOOK DIRECTLY with owners and local property managers. Avoid middleman booking websites and avoid paying traveler fees! Tell your family and friends about our great websites!

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Found your inner otter in Battle Lake

When you just need to unwind and cut loose, you must see these cabins in Otter Tail County. This is where you’ll find your inner otter! Otter Tail Country offers endless activity some amazing Battle Lake vacation cabins and cottages. You’ll be near distinctive golf courses, charming shops and antique stores – take children hiking at one of our state parks or horseback riding.

hansmann1Looking for a long term vacation rental from May through October? Spend the whole summer at our recently REMODELED Lakehouse! Hansmann Haven is a cabin on Round Lake and adjacent to Ottertail Lake. From the moment you drive up to this fabulous Lakehouse, you will feel totally at home – immediately relaxed without a care in the world! At the cabin and nearby,

biking and walking along our extensive trail system is a great way to see and experience some of the more distinctive parts of this area.

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Sleeping arrangements: The house & rooms are all uniquely “Lodge Themed”. The Master bedroom has 1 king bed. The loft has 2 double beds with stunning lake views. The loft has its own private bathroom & adjoining closet. The basement offers a private room with a pull out queen bed.

Otter Tail County is the perfect place for your golfing getaway. Any of these Battle Lake Minnesota Resort cabins will be a great base camp for a buddies golf outing! After a day on the course, you can enjoy an evening bonfire at your “19th hole” cabin!

Visit our other state-specific website too:
RentWisconsinCabins.com | RentMichiganCabins.com | RentNewYorkCabins.com | RentMontanaCabins.com and just last week RentTennesseeCabins.com

Thanks for supporting our growing number of state-specific, vacation rental website that allow renters to easily connect AND BOOK DIRECTLY with owners and local property managers. Avoid middleman booking websites and avoid paying traveler fees! Tell your family and friends about our great websites!

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