We stayed in such a breathtaking rental apartment when we were in Cascais, Portugal that I have to share to with you. Here’s a peek at our apartment in Cascais, Portugal…
The apartment is located in a beautiful historic building within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions. It is beachfront and it has the most ridiculous views!
Let me show you around the house. First of all…
Vacations are the perfect time to immerse yourself into a new culture. Many people like to feel like they are part of a new community and experience what everyday life is like there. So how can you feel like a local when you are a tourist? Sounds impossible? Here are 15 ways to travel like a local:
 If you want to travel like a local, a condo/townhouse/house will surround you in everyday life. Staying at your own place lets you immerse yourself into the community. Enjoy some coffee in your backyard, people-watch from your front stoop, and say hello to your new neighbors. Check out my article on how to choose the perfect rental.Â
10 Things to Look for When Renting a Lake House
 After so many months of self-isolation, many people are hoping to salvage some sort of normalcy and go on a summer vacation with their family. Many people are not crazy about the idea of going to a hotel and being surrounded by other people. So what could be the solution? A lake house! Are people renting lake houses? Absolutely! We own a rental property on a lake and we were worried that everyone would cancel their reservations for this summer. Not only has no one canceled, but we even have 6 families on a wait list. It’s a great alternative to a hotel because you have your own space and don’t have to worry about being in contact with people other than your family. If you are looking to rent a lake house, there are some things you need to consider. I wrote this article a few summers ago and have updated it with specific tips about COVID-19.Â
 Location can make or break a trip. There are lots of things to consider. Is the house on a quiet bay or on a channel where boats will constantly be going by? Is it lakefront, lake view, or away from the water but with lake access? It’s also good to know a little about the lake itself. Is the house located near a sandbar that’s know for it’s crowds? You may want to ask how close the neighbors are.Â
After a few long, whiny, nights full of crying and fussing…and that was me, not the kids…we started renting condos for vacations. Think a rental might be a good option for your family? Here are 10 reasons for a rental:
I don’t know about you, but the most important factor of our accommodations is my family has their own space to spread out. When we are in cramped areas we slowly turn into cornered animals that can turn on each other in a split second. It turns into a National Geographic documentary with my daughters stalking each other like prey. OK, OK…that may be pushing it…but it sure is nice to have some room. A house rental gives everyone their privacy and allows us all to choose our own schedule. My husband is a night owl so it’s great for when he wants to go in the living room to watch some TV after the kids go to bed, or allows my daughters to sleep in if I get up early.