Doors To Vacation Rental Homes Open Wider (NAPS)—There’s a new trend in vacations today—and that is staying home—in a vacation home rental, thatis. Many people love to travel but prefer the comforts of home instead of staying in hotels or motels. The trend is catching on and people are taking advantage of this. More families are traveling together than ever before; and baby boomerreunions, family get- togethers are increasingly being held in rental homes. A growing numberof travelers, especially second and third time visitors to Europe, are choosing to live “like natives” in exotic locales throughout “the continent.” Renting a vacation home in Europe is an opportunity to see the Old World in a new way. mately $1,200—or less than $175 per day—to rent for one week during the summerorfall seasons. “European vacation rentals are a very economical alternative to hotels for adventurous vacationers from the U.S. who wantto experi- Those who log onto the Interhome Web site can check prices ler, North American president of Interhome, Europe’s leader in chalets, farmhouses, apartments ence the ‘Old World’ in a more intimate way,” notes Tony Haeus- and availability and book online from the comfort of their own home. Travelers can choose from more than 19,000 vacation villas, and even castles and book online three decades. “Our annual bookings nearly doubled since 1998—a in real-time. The site also offers users the opportunity to take advantage of the current strength vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular among Amer- locking in a favorable exchange rate whenthey book. vacation homerentals for the past clear indication that European icans traveling to Europe.” of the U.S. dollar in Europe by Interhome, Inc. is a Swiss- Because they are not bound by hotel meal plans, Interhomeprop- based company with 19,000 prop- of the local culture by frequenting the village market for bread, and Ireland. The companyreport- erty guests can get the full benefit erties in 16 countries, now including new destinations in Portugal fruits, vegetables and more, to be ed $100 million in sales for fiscal 1999. In 1998, the company ac- home. Interhome’s vacation consultants can even arrange for a homes, gaining more than 1,000 enjoyed in the privacy of their own cook to prepare meals and daily maid service to tidy up the house and makethebeds. The money-saving factor is anotherreason travelers are renting homes in chosen vacation spots. For example, an apartment for two to four people in a newly restored castle in the Chianti Classico region costs approxi- quired Solemar, a well-established specialist in Italian country additional exclusive properties throughout Tuscany and Umbria, as well as various regionsofItaly. Interhome is a member of the Hotelplan International Group, one of Europe’s 10 largest tour operators. For more information or to order a free catalog, go to www.inter home.com orcall 1-800-882-6864.
