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Why video is more than necessary in 2015

By 2017, video will account for 69% of all consumer internet traffic, according to Cisco. Videos are nothing new in this day and age and it seems like every day, another video is going viral. Online video users are expected to double to 1.5 billion in 2016, according to Jeff Hazylett.  This number will only increase due to more ways to record and easier ways to upload and share content.

Screen Capture of our Details page on a Vacation Rental Listing-2015

Screen Capture of our Details page on a Vacation Rental Listing-2015

That is why companies should be embracing this amazing way to create great content marketing. “We have been encouraging vacation rental owners to upload videos of their property or fun things to do in the area. Videos show vacationers how to live like a local,” Joe Mogensen, creator of state-specific vacation, rental websites said. His first state specific website was www.RentWisconsinCabins.com, a website highlighting vacation rentals all over the state. The addition of videos to property details page let’s renters “watch” what there is to do in the area, like snorkeling the lakefor example. Did you know that Cable has some of the coolest snowmobiling in the world? Videos help share with the user, what a simple description could never put into words. Other vacation rental websites such as RentMinnesotaCabins.com, RentNewYorkcabins.com and RentMichiganCabins.com have gained momentum with video capabilities. “New York has some popular wine trails that are great for those that stay a week in the Finger Lakes area.” Videos promote that vacation experience, which helps rental owners bookings.”

“We are brand ambassadors. We want to be a marketing partner first and a listing website second. It is important for vacationers to trust the property and managers.” Mogensen implies. Simply put, photos and descriptions just don’t work for everybody now. Users want more. Videos are easy to share with others and let’s face it, vacationers want to share their experiences and owners want to share what they can offer. Videos are also great social media material. Just recently Facebook surpassed YouTube in desktop traffic, which just solidifies our reasoning  for vacationers to connect with the owners and managers online via social media. Coupled with video, It is a win-win situation.

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A no fail trip to the #Catskills is more than just possible

Sullivan County is not just any ordinary county in New York. It is a diverse landscape with loads of activities for the family. This is a great destination for a vacation for those that want to reconnect with nature. Sullivan county is 75 miles away from New York City. Perfect for people that just need a quick getaway to the famous Catskill Mountains to renew the spirit or refresh the mind.

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Sullivan County has been a popular spot for a wide variety of recreational opportunities and home to the famous Woodstock festival.  Boating and Mountain climbing are very popular in this region. Callicoon Center is considered the Trout Capital of the World by Field and Stream magazine.  Wet your line for great Rainbow and Brown Trout in the Delaware River.

Not into fishing? Take a ride down the Delaware River in a canoe, tube, kayak and even zipline! Enjoy multiple bodies of water for great fishing and swimming. A great family vacation off the Delaware river can be had at this vacation rental: Country Barn House 

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Between the fantastic mountain vistas, sparkling water, diverse culture and rugged trails, there is plenty to explore without ever being bored in the Catskills. Jump on the trails for mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding.

Attractions are plentiful in this particular county. The original home of the Woodstock concert is the Bethel Woods Center of the Arts. Nowadays, it is home to huge name concerts, theater productions, and family fun with a museum shrine of the sixties. Who doesn’t love the 60s? Bethel Woods provides entertainment to all walks of life and different cultures. This is a must see in Sullivan County and is even worth the drive for a quick weekend away from the city.

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The Monticello Raceway is another great place for adult fun at the track. Watch the horses compete around the track or play a hand of blackjack at the casino.

Golfing in the Catskills is some of the finest and you have a large selection of courses to choose from. The scenery cannot be unmatched. We suggest the Lochmore for the experienced golfer or the Villa Roma Country club for great views with a course in always fantastic condition.

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Sullivan County is home to plenty of places to explore and appreciate art. To further explore the art galleries and the artists themselves, check out this art tour map for Sullivan County.

A family friendly activity to enjoy together is visiting the Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Center. Listen to an educational program or try goat milking, or learn how they use vegetable oil to fuel their vehicles. To view their rental listing and get more information, click here.

Enjoy a quick getaway or a week out of the city and enjoy America’s first frontier. Climb to the top or ski all the way down the mountains. Zip or paddle down river and through vistas. Catch a show or be part of the show. Whatever your passion is, you can find it here. So go out there and do what you really want to do. Let go.

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Got a week? Recreational Paradise is Higgins Lake

In the heart of the lower Peninsula of Michigan, there lies a lake community that is proud of what nature has given them. Surrounded by 3 major lakes this part of the “glove state” is a boating and fishing haven. Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Lake St. Helen give way to non-stop fun.

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Higgins Lake is a gorgeous lake with clear blue water and sandy bottom. This is perfect for all types of recreation such as skiing and waterboarding along with boating, Paddleboard, and kayaking. Enjoy the 20 miles of sandy beach for some fun in the sun. This is a well-stocked lake, a fishermen’s haven for all year long fun.

Enjoy the AuSable River, one of Michigan’s most scenic river, the AuSable is fantastic for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Paddle your way through nature conservancies and wildlife area.  Enjoy the plentiful and beautiful golf courses under the shining sun. Enjoy hiking the peaceful forests and take your camera along to enjoy a diverse wildlife population.

Enjoy the trails, nature, and wildlife around our diverse landscape to fully appreciate what nature has provided us. Roscommon is only 2 miles away from the major highway 127. Easy to access and easy to forget your troubles behind, let Roscommon show you a different way of life. To enjoy an affordable  vacation rental right on Higgins Lake, and nearby Houghton Lake, click this link.

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About 25 miles away is West Branch, one of the last stops on the Sunrise Side Wine and Hops tour. This town in the heart of Michigan has everything you need. You can shop till you drop at the Tanger Outlet Center or enjoy antique shopping.

The Rifle River Recreation Area is a large area that is great for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. You can also enjoy Mother Nature’s other gifts such as Clear Lake, a spring fed lake that is great for boating and fishing but don’t just limit your vacation to West Branch to the summer and winter. The Fall Color Tour I mesmerizing and video worthy. You can enjoy the scenery from one of the 5 golf courses in the area.

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Check out our PET FRIENDLY West Branch Vacation Rental for a vacation of a lifetime. Complete with a 6 person outdoor spa!

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The #LakeHouse at Willow Shores- Free Use of Canoes!

Amenity packed vacation rental right on the lake. These amenities include free use of 2 canoes, 2 kayaks, and even a paddle boat! It is loaded with other features such as Direct TV and Blue Ray. This cabin also stocks many other items that makes packing the vehicle light! This vacation rental is perfect for the whole family as it sleeps 6 comfortably at a great price starting at $150.00 nightly.

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Located right on the lake, the dock and small boat launch allows you to drop the boat in the water and cruise away into the sun.  We encourage dinner on the lakeside patio with the gas grill or charcoal grill, whichever you prefer to cook your catch of the day. Fishing on Beaver Dam Lake is great for Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.

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Beaver Dam is also quite active for those that are looking for things to do. Beaver Dam Raceway is a way to spend the afternoon/evening watching midget car racing, sprint racing and more. The Beaverland Must-Skis ski show is also a great, award winning show to watch and best of all, it’s free. To outside adventurists, opportunities are abound as hiking, golfing, ice fishing and biking are within the area. Enjoy the Annual Lake Days and Dodge County Fair-where nationally known acts come to stage!

2014 Lineup

2014 Lineup

Beaver Dam is conveniently located an hour away from Madison, 1 hour from Oshkosh and 1.5 hours away from Milwaukee for local events and shopping.

Here is what a reviewer had to say:

Our stay at the Lake House was extremely peaceful and serene. The house and property exceeded our expectations. We launched boats, fished and cooked out right on the property. The owners of the property were especially gracious and helpful. Overall everyone in our group tremendously enjoyed our stay and we are planning on returning next year. Happy Fisherman. Magnolia, IL

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Stunning 4 bedroom cabin is pet friendly and perfect for fishing

We can’t say enough about this new listing! This 3,000 square foot cabin is perfect for a group gathering or a large family This beautifully decorated cabin hosts 4 bedrooms, is pet friendly and is perfect for vacations all year round. The interior looks like it came straight out of a magazine, check it out for yourself!

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Located in Wautoma, Wisconsin, this area is home to the Mecan River, one of the finest in Central Wisconsin and we’re not kidding. This river is clear all the way to the bottom and is a Class 1 brown and rainbow trout fishing stream. This 31 mile river is one of the only natural producing trout streams in the state of Wisconsin. Intersecting this river and winding through the river is the Ice Age Trail, making this area a great recreational paradise for the hiker, canoer, fisherman, or hiker. In the winter, enjoy all the activities you can think of on Nordic Mountain. They literally have everything! Enjoy the traditional skiing and boarding but also try something new such as pond skimming, Nordic challenges, and more. New in 2009, they introduced their first ever wake park with cable wakeboarding. You have to try! Come in the fall for spectacular fall color tours!

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For those that are less inclined, there are great bird watching and wildlife viewing areas, berry and morel picking, and great conservation education opportunities. Enjoy the fire pit hangout right by the river for a fireside story or s’mores.

The cabin even has some of the most classic games in their mini arcade such as Mrs. Pacman, Pacman, and Galaga!! The whole family can enjoy the Wii system!

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For rental rates, availabilities and additional information, click here! You can even see a map or email the owner directly!

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A coastal #vacation rental worth every penny

Michigan’s U.P. coast is arguably one of the best coasts we have in America. Hands down. A unique experience of jagged cliffs, miles of dramatic drops and waterfalls makes this secretive coast a wonder waiting to be discovered. Cooler temperatures make exploring ideal in the summer.

With this being said, if you are anything like me, I don’t want to sleep on the ground. The comforts of a warm bed and a mosquito-free screened in porch make me warm and fuzzy inside. That is why this Grand Marais vacation rental is perfect. A short drive to the shore gives impeccable views and a survey of the land shows how magical Mother Nature truly can be. With access to a rowboat and lifejackets on practically an uninhabited area of Dutch Fred Lake, you can’t go wrong. Our advice? Bring a good book, hiking boots, groceries and a camera and be prepared to be overtaken with sheer beauty, relaxed and renewed. View this gallery and inquire on our website to speak directly with the owner!