Spring cleaning is done … is it time now to spruce up your home with some cool new items? Or upgrade your wardrobe for the summer? A weekend getaway to “the city” for some shopping might be just what you need. And to get even more decorating ideas for your home, why not stay at a vacation home instead of a boring hotel room?

Some of the best city shopping getaways and experiences can be had at our favorite cities like:

San Diego, California – California’s second largest city, San Diego is the ideal place for a weekend shopping getaway. Enjoy the warm sunshine while you hit up the local shops at one of the many outdoor shopping centers or stay cool as you browse through exclusive stores at the mall. Downtown, wander the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter for the latest fashions in national and regional boutiques or check out the Mission Valley and Fashion Valley shopping malls for all of life’s necessities. In central San Diego, immerse yourself in the culture at the Bazaar del Mundo Shops and Old Town or check out Otay Ranch Town Center in the South.

Vancouver, BC – Enjoy a multicultural experience at the shopping malls of Vancouver. There are also excellent marketplaces and street shopping. Well-known department stores and favorite chain stores are abundant but also lots of local boutiques and great food fairs at the malls. Some of the bigger malls are Aberdeen Centre with an Asian flair; Pacific Centre downtown, Waterfront Centre Shops, and the Royal Centre Mall. West Vancouver offers the Village at Park Royal and Oakridge Centre near Queen Elizabeth Park.

Tokyo, Japan – From trendy fashion and branded goods to cutting-edge electronics, Tokyo has a shop for practically anything you could ever want. Its various sightseeing districts double as shopping districts. Many of them have their own charming character and specialties. Shinjuku is one of Toyko’s largest shopping and entrainment districts, centered around one of the busiest train stations in the world. For the center of youth fashion, check out Shibuya or Harajuku which has two parallel shopping streets: one that caters to a younger, teenage crowd and another that offers upscale boutiques, cafes and several leading designer brand shops. Odaiba is a popular shopping mall built on a man-made island.

New York City, NY – When it comes to shopping here, your choices are limitless. New York hosts some of the largest and most exclusive department stores in the world including Bloomindale’s and Macy’s NYC. At this top contender for the best city with style and sophistication, check out Madison Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, East Village and 57th Street for shops that have it all.

Houston, Texas – With 54 shopping centers, Houston is #1 on America’s 25 Best Cities for Shopping List from Forbes.  The Galleria mall is the biggest at 2.5 million square feet of retail pleasure. There are so many different types of stores, boutiques and specialty retail shops, it is fair to say that Houston is the style capital of the South. Other shopping areas to visit are Katy Mills, Willowbrook Mall in the Northwest, Market Street with open-air shopping in the Woodlands, and River Oaks Shopping Center.

Phoenix, Arizona – A surprising shopper’s paradise awaits in Phoenix and Scottsdale. From malls to boutiques, antiques to factory discount outlets, there is something for every type of shopper. Check out Biltmore Fashion Park, an open-air, lush garden of shopping experiences in the historic Biltmore District. Old Town Scottsdale offers shopping, dining, and the Scottsdale Artwalk every Thursday evening. Scottsdale Fashion Square, CityCenter of CityNorth, Borgata of Scottsdale, and Melrose on 7th are other top shopping areas to visit.

What’s your favorite city for a shopping getaway and why?

“Palm trees, ocean breeze, salty air, sun kissed hair. That endless summer, take me there.” ~ Unknown

Done with snow, slush and sleet? Ready for sun, sand and sea? Here are our 2013 Top Sun Destination picks:

Majestic Ulua Beach is especially great for snorkeling, scuba training and standup paddle boarding. Stay at Property #204620 in Wailea for nearby access.

Maui, Hawaii – Maui, which was named for the demigod who stood on the rim of Haleakala Volcano and snared the sun, has been a favorite of many “mainlanders” for their sun vacation. Maui offers visitors palm-shaded beaches, lush rain forests and quaint towns to explore, all in a sunny, warm climate.  Owner Direct has created a list of top things to do in Maui when visiting.

Imagine yourself here! The infinity pool is waiting for you… at this fabulous oceanfront condo in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Property #202835

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta is an authentic tropical beauty: This charming coastal city is a place where visitors can experience the beauty and traditions of Mexico while enjoying the comforts of a vacation rental. Whether you wish to visit the open markets, enjoy water sports, fish or go on a variety of excursions, you will find many things to love about Puerto Vallarta.

Enjoy this Mickey Pool in the Disney World Area, Kissimmee, FL at Property #115580

Disney World, Florida – Who can resist the reliable sunshine, the exciting theme parks and the joy of spending time with friends and family enjoying it all?  More than 90 attractions await in the Orlando are, including Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Kennedy Space Center, Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove.

Wake up in this luxury condo in tropical Costa Rica Property #202094

Costa Rica – Relatively undiscovered until recently, Costa Rica is rapidly growing in popularity and offers a wide range of holiday experiences. It is an area of variable terrain, from rain forests to volcanoes, rivers to pristine beaches. Eco tourism is quickly becoming more prominent and the climate in Costa Rica is tropical year round. Hard to beat!

Relax and unwind in a gorgeous newly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath luxury casita in Scottsdale, AZ. Property #205176.

Scottsdale, Arizona – A fantastic choice for both single and family vacations, offering over 330 days of sunshine each year, this city offers visitors a chance to relax or take part in many desert adventures that await in the area.

What are you waiting for? Search for a sunny vacation home on Owner Direct today!

The time to think about Spring Break is coming up! The kids are growing up quickly… it’s time to plan a trip. Traveling creates wonderful memories for years to come, is educational and most of all, fun! Here’s our list of top 10 Spring Break family destinations.

Orlando, Florida #204736

#1 Orlando, Florida – Is this a surprise? With so much to do in the Central Florida area, including Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Universal Studios,  Daytona International Speedway, the Kennedy Space Center, Cypress Gardens, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Gatorland, Orlando offers fun for the whole family.  Are Disney World ticket prices really getting more expensive over the years? We’ve done a cost comparison of Disney World ticket prices vs. gas prices over the years.

Perdido Key, FL #103071

#2 Other Florida Locations – Known as the Sunshine State, Florida has many world-renowned beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Florida became a popular winter tourism destination for sun-seekers from colder climates over a century ago and has gained even greater popularity since.

Whistler, BC #203444

#3 Whistler, BC - Famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler has been a favorite ski and snowboarding destination for decades. Whistler is consistently ranked as the number one mountain resort in North America: With two spectacular mountains, world-class skiing and boarding, four championship golf courses and a wide array of shops, restaurants, vacation rentals, chalet rentals and accommodations there is plenty to keep a visitor busy, all year long. Add to that the spas, hiking and biking trails, and you might not want to leave.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina #204478

#4 Myrtle Beach, SC – With a subtropical climate and white sand beaches, Myrtle Beach has always been a hot Spring Break destination for the college age. Spend your days at the beach enjoying the entertainment or at a beach house overlooking the Atlantic.

Kailua Kona, Hawaii #202679

#5 Kailua-Kona, HI – Located just 15 minutes south of Kona International Airport, historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a lively seaside town in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. It is a charming oasis of green amidst a volcanic and relatively barren landscape. A perfect vacation spot! The main oceanfront road, Ali’i Drive, offers a variety of the village delights; there are various shops and malls as well as some of the finest pacific island restaurants.

Even as SpringBreak approaches, there are always very affordable last minute vacation deals if you have some flexibility.

“Luxury”  – The state of great comfort and extravagant living.

It’s time for a little luxury, you deserve it. With the right group of friends and family in a luxury vacation home rental, the memories can last a lifetime. Here’s some select ones that look fabulous.

10,000 sq ft Acapulco Mansion ID# 79242

Acapulco, Mexico 4 bedroom villa. The villa is a Spanish Colonial architectural work of art. This spectacular mansion was home for nearly twenty years to the world renowned singer and romantic icon Julio Iglesias until 2005. It is the only privately-owned villa located atop a mountain on the grounds of the world famous Villa Vera Hotel Spa and Racquet Club. Guests of the villa will enjoy all the amenities of Villa Vera including the hotel pool, bar, restaurant, room service, gym, spa, tennis courts, racquet ball courts and concierge service.

While the Villa affords total privacy, it is situated in the heart of Acapulco, so that you are never more than a stone’s throw from all that this incredible city has to offer. Many fine restaurants, clubs, and shopping are within easy walking distance.

Pigeon Forge Cabin Rental Specializing in Large Group Rentals ID# 203652

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee cabin rental specializing in large group rentals. Bring all of your guests to our lodge for your Wedding, Family Reunion, and Church Retreats. Located just minutes from local dining and attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Wears Valley; all of your guests will praise you for putting this years function together. This is the largest Pigeon Forge cabin in east Tennessee. With over 11,000 sq feet of indoor space which makes this the perfect family reunion vacation rental facility. A Smoky Mountain cabin that has 9 bedrooms, 21 seat movie theater, arcade, complimentary high speed internet and a private setting. These amenities made this lodge the most original and luxurious log cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Located just minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee, we have all the amenities you would find in any 5 star luxury resorts around the world.

Chateau Médiéval in the South of France ID#72267

In the heart of France’s Minervois region, nestling at the foot of the Black Mountain, lies the village of Agel. Its Château is one of a line of fortified castles where the vassals of the Count of Toulouse resisted the Albigensian crusade in the 13th century. This superb medieval castle dates from the 12th century onwards, and consists of the main building, four towers and a dovecote. Its extensive terraced gardens covering 2 hectares (5 acres) offer extensive views over the Cesse valley and the Pech mountain: the ideal setting for a quiet walk or a relaxing dip in the swimming pool.

Luxurious Mountain Home with Unforgettable Views in Ruidoso Downs, NM ID#200950

The beauty and uniqueness of this new million dollar plus mountain log home in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico and the view it offers can not be captured in photos. Located on top of a mountain ridge 14 miles from downtown Ruidoso, this beautiful home sits in the middle of 1000 acres populated with mule deer, elk, turkey, jackrabbits, and even an occasional mountain lion. The view from the 800 sq ft deck takes in three different mountain ranges, including 12,000 ft Sierra Blanca, and houses a hot tub for your romantic evening. This is the ultimate home away from home for your vacation any time of year. Winter brings skiing at Ski Apache, spring and fall are perfect for hiking and biking in the LIncoln Naitonal Forest, and summer fun is easily found at the Ruidoso Downs racetrack, home of the famous All American Quarterhorse Futurity. In addition, The Inn of the Mountain Gods has a full Vegas style casino and great dining year round, as well as one of the many golf courses found in the area.

We have many more listed on our Featured Luxury Properties page and on our Luxury Vacation Rentals pinterest board. Now the question is where do you want to indulge?

As the New Year makes it’s entrance, it’s time to focus on what’s important: Creating memories with our loved ones. And what better way to do that than with a fantastic vacation.  What is it going to be this year? Sun or Snow?

Beachfront Private Home in Los Cabos, Mexico with Pool and Jacuzzi #203690

Sunny destinations offer a break from the cold winter weather. Glorious beaches, turquoise waters and tropical paradises await. Some of the more popular destinations are Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Sicily, Portugal, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia. With winter average temperatures in the mid-twenties °C at most of these locales, the winter blues can easily be chased away.

Amazing luxury log home with on site spa & restaurant in Mont Tremblant, Canada #117956

Ski destinations are also popular this time of year. Whistler, BC hosted the 2010 winter Olympics and is a fabulous family destination full of activities for the non-skiers as well. Other popular ski destinations are Mont Tremblant Quebec, Sun Valley Idaho, Park City Utah, or the South Alps of France.

Winter doesn’t have to mean long months indoors. Get creative and find a vacation rental in a fun location for your group. What are your holiday plans for 2013? Will it be sun or snow?

If the winter doldrums are starting to take their toll, a trip to Mexico may be in order. Mexico offers everything from beautiful sandy beaches to exotic tropical rain forests. It is a popular tourist destination and a fantastic winter getaway. The most popular destinations are Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas.

If you are planning on visiting one of these sunny destinations, here’s some info on some Mexican events and festivals going on for 2013.

Cancun

Besides the many fishing competitions along the enviable coastline, other notable regional festivals include the Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival which runs March 14-17, 2013. There are 30 exciting events over 4 days with a line-up of Celebrity Chefs, Star Wineries & Spirits. The Summer Solstice  festival is in late June at the world-famous Chichen Itza ruins. The Cancun International Film Festival (CIFF) runs in mid-November with screenings of both Latin American and international films at various cinemas throughout the city.

Cozumel

Some of the Cozumel’s  largest festivals are the February Cozumel Carnival where you’ll likely be overwhelmed with the free entertainment on offer, the International Billfish Tournament in early March which is one of Cozumel’s most popular fishing competitions, and Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) where this national holiday includes many celebrations, street parties and impressive fireworks displays.

Puerto Vallarta

There are always things to do in Puerto Vallarta and among them are the Vallarta Bird Festival from March 7-10, 2013,  the May Day Parade (May 1st) where the Malecon area offers the main festivities, and Fiesta del Mar (Sea Fest) throughout November with various events held along the Marina Boardwalk including jet ski racing, art exhibitions, beach games and a large boat show. Whale watching season starts mid-December to March where huge humpback whales can often be seen off Banderas Bay.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan’s International Carnival (Feb 7-12th) is a spectacular event where local, national and international participants take part in a 24/7 fiesta. Activities include a parade, live music, folklore, dance and entertainment.

Acapulco

Some events worth enjoying are the Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations in early April, the Acapulco Music Festival (Festivales de Acapulco) in mid-May, and the spectacular cliff diving shows (La Quebrada) where brave and foolhardy locals jump from the top of high cliffs, diving some 30 meters / 100 feet into the waters below.

Cabo San Lucas

Filled with exceptional nightlife and endless beach fun during the day, Cabo San Lucas is a perfect sun-filled getaway destination. One of the most significant local celebrations is Dia de San Lucas (Oct 18th) where street parades, open-air concerts, food and street vendors all gather around downtown. The Easter Festival in early April is centered at various venues around the city and includes music, dancing, eggs stuffed with confetti and a religious parade.

A trip to Whistler BC offers fun and excitement for the whole family with exhilarating outdoor activities and adventures offered year-round. As the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler has an international flair and is filled with a large assortment of activities to keep everyone happy.

This spring (April 13-22, 2012) the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival is showcasing 10 fun-filled days of jaw-dropping sports, music and art. This legendary spring festival offers sports competitions, free daily outdoor concerts, fashion shows, after parties with internationally acclaimed DJs, photography and art exhibits, film screenings, theatre and of course, the best skiing and riding in the world. Come out for a visit and watch the action.

There is also the Whistler Cup from April 6-8, 2012 which has grown to become on of the largest and most important ski races internationally for athletes aged 11-14 years. There are hundreds of young athletes from 23 countries participating. More information can be found at www.whistlercup.com.

The Fire and Ice Show is a legendary outdoor show held every Sunday at 7:30pm at the base of the mountains and is completely free! Dress warm, grab a cup of hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed by the live entertainment including big air, fire spinners, live DJ and fireworks display. Guaranteed fun for the entire family.

Besides the shows and concerts, get active with fabulous spring skiing and boarding, a ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, cross country skiing, Olympic legacy tours, après-ski relaxing, shopping in the walk-through village, swimming and skating at the Meadow Park Sports Centre, or climbing and fitness classes at The Core. There are so many fun things to do in Whistler BC; a vacation here will not have a moment wasted. Here is a handy overview map of Whistler that might be useful.

It’s about 2 hours and 15 minutes drive to Whistler when leaving Vancouver International Airport or you can get there by train with the Rocky Mountaineer Sea to Sky Climb service from Vancouver to Whistler.

Don’t forget about Owner Direct’s great last minute deals in Whistler if you’re looking for accommodations for a quick getaway. Spring skiing anyone? What are your favourite things to do in Whistler in the Spring?