How to Get the Best Possible Beach Vacation Home

 by: Terry Roberts

There is nothing more relaxing than having a week or two to spend at the beach. Vacation homes are a wonderful change from staying at a large or impersonal motel or hotel, plus they have the added convenience of being close to or even right on the water, having all the amenities of a house, as well as being much larger than a hotel room or even a suite would be.

Many of the beach vacation homes available offer all the features of a hotel vacation. If you are considering a rental and are going through an agency or property management company, it is usually possible to have a rental car provided for you upon arrival. In addition, many companies and agencies can also offer bonded and professional cleaning staff, chefs and even tour guides that will personalize your beach vacation and really make it a holiday for everyone in the family.

If you would prefer to just be able to relax and enjoy the warm weather, beach vacation homes can offer a quiet, stress-free holiday environment. To ensure that you get the best possible rental property, be sure to check the following:

* Ensure that you know the full amount of the rental and any additional expenses that may be included. Most beach vacation homes, especially those that are right on the beach or at the water will book up at least one season in advance. Holiday times such as summer vacation, spring break and even Christmas holidays may be booked several seasons in advance.

* Before sending a deposit or providing a credit card number for a deposit or reservation, fully understand the cancellation policy or any insurance that you may need to have on the property.

* Whether you are renting beach vacation homes from an individual or a company, be sure to get everything in writing before supplying a deposit or credit card information, especially if you have not rented through the company or from the individual before. A verbal agreement is not binding or legally valid in a court but a written, signed contract is a legal document.

* Finally, check the area in which the beach vacation home is located. While property right on the beach is great in quiet or secluded places, on busy beaches it can be a bit more stressful and noisy, especially if you are wanting a quiet vacation spot.

Doing some advanced research on beach vacation homes is simple through the internet or making a few phone calls. Planning your vacation is half the fun and knowing what you want and finding just the right beach vacation homes makes the holiday perfect for the whole family.

Travelling with Your Camera

 by: Suzanne VanDegrift

Think positive! The year's not half over, there's still half to go. That is when it comes to Photography Events and Festivals.

At least once a year, all across the country, smalltown America comes together to show their spirit by holding family-friendly festivals. These events are generally held on a weekend and feature local art, music and culture. And then there are the week long functions, such as the Yamhill Fair and Rodeo, which is held Sunday to Sunday in McMinville, Oregon. Not only will you FIND local art and cultural here, but you'll want to have your camera handy for those awesome rodeo riders and prizewinning flower entries.

But the Photography Events I'm going to acquaint you with now are the ones held in metropolitan areas throughout the world. These functions draw both local and internationally acclaimed artists. There are several well known events planned for the second half of 2007. Some of these festivals are being held in various cities throughout the United States, one in Canada and two in France. If you've dreamed of combining a vacation with your love of photography, this may be your chance to do just that. Choose a destination, pack your suitcases and camera bags and head out for the experience of a photographers lifetime.

First on the calendar is the Les Rencontres D'Arles Photographie held in France. Although this has already begun, it runs until September 16. If you are fortunate enough to travel to this phenomenal show, you will encounter 50 magnificent expositions.

Next on our calendar is the Foto Septiembre USA, held every year September 1 - 30 in San Antonio and other Texas cities. This is an International Photography Festival which is a popular destination for both artists and photography enthusiasts. Not only do they provide a forum which allows artist to exhibit their craft, but they also operate through a website and publication. This provides exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers the additional valuable support of internet exposure.

Next we head north to our Canadian neighbors in Montreal. The Le Mois de la Photo has been held every year since its inception in 1989 to celebrate the 150Th anniversary of photography. It is dedicated to Fine Art Photography and will feature 30 exhibits in galleries and museums throughout the city. The goal of this event has always been to educate the general public about photography as an art form. This year's guest curator will be art historian Marie Fraser whose theme will be The Narrativity of The Image, which should prove to be a captivating topic.

Next we're headed south to Georgia for Atlanta Celebrates Photography, ACP9, held in October. This is a citywide festival which is in its 9Th year. It has art exhibits in diverse locations throughout the city. You will enjoy lectures by international and local artists, a pushpin show, a film series and the public art program.

On to The Big Apple and the PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo 2007 being presented October 18 - 20. This is being called the premier event for forward- looking imaging solutions and photographic education. It also promises to bring leaders, pioneers, and rising new stars together for unprecedented networking events.

Paris Photo which is considered by many to be the leading fair for still photography will be held this year on November 15-18. It will offer photo enthusiasts some 100 galleries and publishers from all over the world. In addition to the exhibits, there will be book signings, prize award ceremonies and lectures. What could be better than to be in the City of Lights with your camera and other photographic devotees.

We wrap up the year in Florida at the Photo Miami scheduled for December 5-9. This International Contemporary Art Fair will be held in the Wynwood Art District of Miami. It focuses on Photo-based art, video and new media.

Any one of these Photography Festivals would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip whether you're a hobby photographer or photograph for living. Dust off you your camera bags and hit the road.