Summer is months away—but that shouldn’t stop you from booking your family’s vacation. If you’re dreaming of warmer weather and a getaway for the whole gang, you need to know about Vrbo’s latest travel-related data for the 2021 vaycay season.
What’s in store for summer vacation travelers this year? While many families didn’t get to go on their dream getaway in 2020, in 2021 it looks like things are changing. According to Vrbo’s stats, travelers are booking some of the company’s top properties earlier this year.
Currently, under half of Vrbo’s vacation homes in some of the top travel destinations are available for July. This represents an increase of more than 25 percent (compared to other years).
Not only are families booking their summer trips earlier this year, they’re also choosing longer stays and planning double-cations. Vrbo’s data shows 44 percent of travelers in the United States will take more trips this year.
Jeff Hurst, Vrbo president, said in a press release, “In years past, we’ve recommended that families book their summer vacations on Vrbo by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year, there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book.” Hurst continued, “These signs are telling us that families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before the selection and available dates become more limited.”
How can you get in on the summer vaycay rush? Even though your kiddos may still have a few months left of school (or home/cyber school), go ahead and turn your daydreams into reality with an early booking. Along with planning your trip in advance, the travel experts at Vrbo also suggest reviewing your vacation property’s cancellation policy. This adds extra flexibility into your summer-time plans if needed.
Last year, DiGiorno pumped up pizza fans everywhere with its Super Bowl giveaway. Now, the pizza purveyor is back with a 2021 freebie!
In honor of game day, DiGiorno is giving away free pizza if the Super Bowl score hits 3-14 or 14-3 at any point during the game. So how do you snag the free pizza pie?
photo: Courtesy of Digiorno
If the score hits the magic numbers, DiGiorno will tweet a link where fans can enter for a chance to win a free pizza! Click on the link, then register for the coupon that will help you bring home free pizza.
Make sure you pay attention though––the tweet only stays live while the score is 3-14 or 14-3. Once it changes, you’re out of luck!
What is a birth plan? It’s the foundation for the birth experience you want to have, with steps laid out to help you get there. Of course, labor and delivery don’t always go as expected. But having a plan you’ve shared it with your birthing team makes the unexpected much more manageable. Read on for four steps on writing a birth plan to help you get ready, and feel ready, for the big day.
1. Do your research. Before you start drafting your birth plan, figure out your options. Talk to your mom friends, read books, and try to visualize what your dream birth experience looks like to you. During this step, you'll want to consider things like:
who you'll want in the birthing room with you
your preferred style of birthing or position
how you'd like to manage pain
options for Cesarian birth
what you'd like to happen in case of an emergency
Each of these components is a very personal choices, and knowing all of your options is crucial to making the best choice for you.
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2. Make your birth plan clear and concise. The last thing you'll want to do while you're in labor is have to explain yourself. That's the main reason you've created a birth plan. As with any good plan, it needs to cater the person reading it. Your doctor or midwife, partner and labor and delivery nurses should not have to guess what you mean. Make sure they can quickly and easily understand your vision and what you want at different times throughout your entire experience. Keep your plan to one page and use these topics as a birth guide template:
requests before birth
requests during labor and delivery
vaginal vs. C-section birth preferences
requests for newborn care
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3. Share and discuss your plan by your 34th week. Discuss your plan with your partner and doctor or midwife by your 34th week of pregnancy. This step allows you to confirm that what you'd like to happen is doable and that your team is all on the same page. Print out at least four copies: one for your doctor or midwife, one that stays with your partner, one for the birthing center and one for your hospital bag.
4. Be flexible. No matter how much you've planned and written about what you'd like to happen during labor and delivery, things might not go as expected. In some ways, the flexibility you'll need to embrace during this time is the best preparation for parenthood. Check in with yourself and your breath and be compassionate to yourself during childbirth. We love this mom's story and declaration that a failed birth plan does not make you a failed mom.
Vrbo is turning 25! The online vacation rental business is celebrating the occasion by giving away 25 stays its all-time favorite vacation homes in a fun challenge.
Contest winners will be able to choose a stay worth $5,000 from some of Vrbo’s highest-rated vacation homes, cabins, condos and even a castles! Keep reading to see how to win.
To enter, participants will need to share a family vacation photo on Instagram or Facebook using #VrboTurns25. Once selected by Vrbo, winners will get to choose a vacation from this Trip Board.
Some fun picks include a 727 Airplane in the Costa Rican Jungle, Red Sands Ranch, a river resort that doubles as your own private amusement park and a private island with lakefront views.
The contest begins on Oct 5, 12:00 a.m. CT and ends on Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. CT. For more full contest rules, visit https://vrbo.com/VrboTurns25.
The world of sports has changed dramatically this year. No matter what happened, one thing stays the same, our love for the games is enduring. Krispy Kreme is celebrating “Sports Spirit Day” with doughnuts.
On “Sports Spirit Day,” Fri., Sept. 25, Krispy Kreme will offer $5 Original Glazed Dozens to everyone sporting team gear, ranging from your favorite pro, college, high school, or any team apparel. Customers can receive the offer at participating shops via carryout or drive-thru.
Additionally, all week Sept. 21-27, fans can visit participating Krispy Kreme shops for a limited edition Sports Dozen – Original Glazed doughnuts teamed-up with sports-themed doughnuts in the form of soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, and footballs which is sure to treat coaches, players and fans on and off the field. The week-long offer is valid with pick-up, drive-thru and online delivery orders.
“No matter what the playing field looks like this fall, we want to show our appreciation for coaches, athletes and fans at every level for their ongoing commitment and passion,” said Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme.
People are beginning to plan trips for the fall. Airbnb is teaming up with MINI USA to offer guests the opportunity to book a turnkey road trip on Airbnb for $1 per night. Select stays at mini Airbnbs located outside of Los Angeles and New York will come complete with a MINI vehicle that guests can pick up in their respective city so they can get out and responsibly travel, inspiring exploration of the open roads close to home.
The rentals, which will be cleaned and prepared in accordance with CDC guidelines and consistent with the Airbnb enhanced cleaning protocol, will each open three select weekends for three-night stays that guests can request to book on Thurs., Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET.
Enjoy all the local sights and fall foliage along the way to your mini Airbnb.
With a listing located in Marlboro, New York, the Orchard Views from a Light-Filled Tiny Home with a Fire Pit will provide New Yorkers with all the amenities they’ll need to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the nearby State Parks in your MINI Cooper S 4-door2.
Host Raven is offering this three-night-stay special with check-ins available on Oct. 16, Nov. 6, and Nov. 20. While in Upstate New York, explore nearby forests and farmlands, and visit the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, one of the last free-flowing rivers left in the United States.
If going topless is more your style, host Hillary’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin in Twentynine Palms, California, comes complete with a MINI Cooper Convertible2.
Completely off the grid, this listing makes for the perfect little getaway from Los Angeles and will be available for three-night stays with check-ins on Nov. 6, Nov. 12, and Dec. 4. Check out nearby wonders along the way, like the Mojave National Preserve that boasts stunning canyons, mountains, and mesas.
Bookings open on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. PT for selected guest stay dates until sold out.
If you’re not able to snag one of these bookings but in need for some mini getaway inspiration, check out this roundup of tiny homes on Airbnb. Learn about hosting on Airbnb if you have a tiny home and want to share it with others.
Travel in 2020 looks different than in years past. There is a greater need for disinfection and cleanliness. Airbnb just announced that 1.2 million listings globally have been granted the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol (ECP) highlight since it launched in June.
Hosts on Airbnb continue to prioritize health and safety as guests look for healthy and responsible getaways. Listings receive The Enhanced Clean highlight after hosts attest to following sanitization guidelines to support safer travel. The program, which is available to hosts in 220+ countries and regions, is informed by guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and Europe and advice from former Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy.
Airbnb offers unique homes with more space for their money and more control over their environment, such as entire-home listings with private amenities like kitchens and swimming pools. Bookings for listings opted into the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol are more likely to be for family stays.
Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative continues to evolve and expand as our community adapts to a new world of travel and health precautions. As of this month, hosts in more than 220 countries and regions have access to Airbnb’s expert-backed Enhanced Cleaning Protocol in 61 languages, including a detailed handbook and other resources. Additionally, Airbnb has issued Health and Safety Guidelines for its entire community.
The top ten countries with the highest number of Enhanced Clean listings on Airbnb are:
United States
France
United Kingdom
Spain
Italy
Mexico
Brazil
Australia
Canada
Greece
Airbnb hosts in other places have also started following the new cleaning standards. Barbados, Korea, Japan and Portugal are also top ranking locations for Enhanced Clean listings, compared to total listings available.
“Cleanliness and safety are top of mind for our hosts and guests. In the last weeks, hosts have embraced and adopted our new rigorous guidelines, with thousands more attesting to the Enhanced Cleaning protocol everyday. This effort shows how our hosts are dedicated to the highest standards and committed to keeping their guests and communities safe,” said Catherine Powell, Head of Hosting at Airbnb.
According to internal Airbnb guest review data, 95 percent of all Airbnb reviews show that guests are satisfied with cleaning, scoring it at 4 or 5 stars (out of five stars) after their stays. Since the program launched, Enhanced Clean listings have had an average cleanliness rating of 4.8 stars, according to guest reviews.
In addition, as more guests opt to travel by car instead of plane, the percentage of bookings made on Airbnb within 200 miles has grown in the last months. Below are the top ten destinations with the highest concentration of Airbnb Enhanced Clean listings:
Telluride, Colorado, US
Destin, Florida, US
Walla Walla, Washington, US
Panama City Beach, Florida, US
Oregon Coast, US
Peak District, Hope Valley, UK
Grant County, Washington, US
Big Sky, Montana, US
Mammoth Lakes, California, US
Winter Park, Colorado, US
Airbnb hosts need to comply with guidance from governments or health authorities in their local jurisdictions. They remain committed to working with local governments, medical experts and other authorities to help ensure appropriate precautions are taken and inform the reopening of communities and their tourism economies.
Covid-19 has required everyone to adjust to a “new normal,” especially when it comes to planning and executing vacation plans. New consumer research by Vrbo shows that a new trend is emerging: the Flexcation.
A Flexcation is when families book longer vacation stays at the end of August, September and October, getting better deals and often mixing work and pleasure. After months of stay-at-home orders, everyone is finding that a change of scenery is just what they need to regain a better life balance.
The research found that 50 percent of travelers surveyed by Vrbo believe flexible school schedules make it easier to vacation, with 48 percent of respondents being able to work from anywhere.
Vrbo president Jeff Hurst states that “This summer, we’ve seen countless families switch to road trips and rent private vacation homes instead of taking traditional vacations. What’s interesting is the shift in when people are traveling and how families are blending vacation time with working from home or remote learning.”
The survey also found that searches for one to four-week rentals increased over searches from last year, indicating that families are looking for longer vacations. At the same time, stays for rentals during the “shoulder season” (dates between Labor Day and the holidays) often result in cheaper prices and less crowding.
Lish Kennedy, vice president of brand marketing at Vrbo states that “More flexibility in our work and school schedules is allowing families to enjoy a welcome change in their surroundings and a relaxing break together.”
Parents looking to book the ultimate bricktastic vacation will be excited to learn that LEGOLAND Florida is now offering all-inclusive packages for the first time ever. Starting today, guests can begin booking vacays that include everything from hotel to food and entertainment for stays starting Apr. 17.
So what does an all-inclusive stay include? The deal includes a stay at one of the on-site LEGOLAND hotels as well as unlimited admission to the theme park and water park during your stay.
You’ll also get all your meals included, including breakfast and dinner at one of four hotel restaurants and lunch at a restaurant in the theme or water park––with ten places to choose from! Families will also get unlimited golf at Florida’s Wild Side Mini Golf.
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also snag a DigiPass photo package, valet parking and unlimited Coca-Cola freestyle refills in a souvenir cup. To make things easier, guests will get an exclusive credential lanyard with each benefit identified.
All-inclusive packages are valid at LEGOLAND Florida Resort hotels which include LEGOLAND Florida Hotel, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat and the new Pirate Island Hotel which opens Apr. 17.
Great Wolf Lodge is celebrating a major milestone. The resort recently welcomed its 50 millionth guest!
So who made history as number 50 million? According to the resort, the Kavcak family from Harmony, New Jersey took the honors.
In celebration of this milestone, Great Wolf Lodge gifted the Kavcaks with 50 one-night stay vouchers—and one simple instruction. Instead of using the vouchers for themselves, the Kavcaks must share the free overnight stays with deserving individuals and families in their community.
Of the experience, Chris Kavcak said, “We were completely surprised to be named as the 50 Millionth guest family today at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos, and thrilled to be able to celebrate this event with the resort.” The lucky winner continued, “My wife and I have been bringing our three girls here for the last five years and have made amazing memories. We love the opportunity to pay it forward by gifting 50 stays to deserving members of our community so they can enjoy Great Wolf as much as we have over the years.”
Murray Hennessy, chief executive officer for Great Wolf Resorts, added, “We’re excited to not only celebrate our 50 millionth guest, but also to allow the Kavcak family an opportunity to pay their good fortune forward and share the Great Wolf experience with 50 deserving families.”
Along with the 50 free stay vouchers, Great Wolf Lodge is celebrating their 50 millionth guest with a special discount offer. Visitors to the resort can get up to 50 percent off standard rates for midweek stays through Mar. 5. 2020. To reserve your room at the special rate visit Great Wolf Lodge’s website or call 1-888-960-WOLF (9653) and book your suite by the end of the day on Jan. 25, 2020. Don’t forget to use the promo code 50MIL to get your discount!
