According to YPartnership’s president and CEO this will continue in 2009.

Peter Yesawich, president and CEO of Ypartnership, expects more consumers to turn to travel agents when planning their trips in 2009. Meanwhile, research conducted by Ypartnership states that the travel intentions of Americans remain strong as 71 percent of active travel households are planning at least one overnight trip during the next six months— the same amount as one year ago.

“Our most recent tracking surveys reveal there is still plenty of demand for travel services in the marketplace for those who are aggressive and clever enough to capture it,” says Yesawich.

Three out of 10 American travelers use the services of a travel agent on a regular basis, and, according to Yesawich, the percentage is growing as many travelers place a higher value on the time it takes to find the best options than the fee they pay an agent to do the work for them. Consumers also see agents as “in the know” and a potential source of otherwise unadvertised deals.

To read the entire article go here.

Most recently The Society launched a Travel Agent portal (http://travelagent.thesociety.com) designed exclusively for travel agents to view the finest vacation rentals and estate rentals that pay commissions. Yes, commissions. There are many home owners and property managers that realize travel agents are providing excellent services. In conjunction with the travel agent portal, The Society brought aboard Joseph Sobin, a practicing Travel Agent, to assist agents looking for rentals. Joseph has this to say:

“As a practicing Travel Agent, I am well aware of the value-added services a travel agent provides their client. While the “Internet” may be empowering for many, the reality is, when there is a “glitch” in your travel plans, who are you going to contact. Travel agents and their partner vendors including The Society provide their clients “peace of mind” and the assurance of a seamless travel experience. As travel agents, we have no control over security lines or the cost of a snack box. However, we offer our clients professional advice, options to make travel more enjoyable and in many cases, pricing that beats the Internet. Go ahead, spend hours planning your travels, or call a travel agent, a professional who will make your travel dreams reality.”

After this announcement, The Society was picked up on Hotel Interactive and Travel Pulse. You can check out these articles here:

Hotel Interactive

Travel Pulse

So welcome travel agents. Please contact us with any request. Create a profile at http://travelagent.thesociety.com/signup and unlock 1000s of luxury vacation rentals for your clients.

• Getting Green -> Green is a strategy not a PR stunt and it’s the right way to save green (cash that is!). But don’t think consumers are going to come in masses for green (see the Value trend below).
• Social Media -> Consumers are going to “web 2.0″ for research (at least segments of consumers) and each segment demands a different strategy.
• Value Value Value -> Value is king. Not cheap but value.
• Diversity -> People, events, parties, etc … time to start thinking beyond the traditional holidays and events.
• Demanding Guests -> Guests are savvy so watch out. Internet, flat screens, game consoles are needed!

To read his entire article please click here.

I enjoyed reading Glenn’s take on 2009 and I tend to agree. I’m going to expand on the Social Media trend for a moment and highlight a few platforms that I think will take off for the luxury market.

1. ASmallWorld - ASW is the hub for peer-to-peer information exchange. If you want to know what to do in LA the 4th Thursday in March you should post something on a forum. I’d be willing to bet mucho $$$ that you would have information on hip clubs, dinner spots, and other cultural excursions in your inbox. But ASW is not for everyone. In fact, it’s only for the invited.
2. LinkedIn - LinkedIn is the professional social networking site. According to a Business Week article in 2007 LinkedIn has over 9M members and the average user is 39 and makes $139,000 a year and nearly half a million users are C-Level employees. That’s quite the target. You won’t find those demographics on Facebook or MySpace.
3. Facebook - How can I suggest Facebook? Easy. It’s growing. It’s not just college students and it’s not just musicians and artists. Not to mention it’s so easy that non-techies can create profiles, groups, and company pages. It really is the easy platform to create a group. You can even Ask Dave Taylor.

There are some other social media outlets and social networks that are worth viewing as well. I’m going to keep my eye out for Total Prestige, Cork’d, Spire, and Luxury Real Estate’s Luxury Lounge.

Cheers,

Mike

The Society now has some of the most extraordinary Sun Valley rentals available to host any array of group events, getaways or family vacations.

One of the choicest properties and officially one of the most luxurious homes in The Society’s collection is the Buttercup Road Lodge.  Also referred to as a “European Castle Fantasy in the Rocky Mountain West,” this home is an 11 bedroom, 17 bathroom masterpiece resting on 13 acres that can sleep groups upwards of 20.  With a grand great room, gourmet kitchen, home theatre, game room, 700 sq ft commercial gym, large steam room, outdoor spa, wireless internet, 2 separate dining areas, 5 fireplaces, an elevator, 3 ponds, lush gardens, and 360 degree views of the valley, this home is prepared to host even the most discriminating of guests.

Take a look and inquire upon Buttercup here or browse some of the other fantastic rentals recently added in the Sun Vally area.  No matter the season, Sun Valley is an outdoor paradise with luxurious accommodations to rival any other mountain destination.

• Home, search, and vacation rental pages now down to 1/3 the original file size, and load up to 2 to 8 times faster! One-size-fits-all script libraries were removed and replaced with home built scripts. User experience has been improved as a result.
• The Vacation Rental Inquiry process was streamlined. A new design, email communications, and ticketing system enhancements allow for top notch customer support.
• Improvements were made to the search features.
• Bugs were fixed throughout the website.

More key updates are on the way. Stay tuned for exciting features for charity events!

3698 Daybreak Ridge *SELLING AT 15% OFF RACK RATE*

Platinum Rated - 6bd/5.5ba - Sleeps 16

Nestled at the top of Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch, this 6 bedroom ski in/ski out residence is one of the finest offerings in the area. Custom stonework/woodwork, premium furnishings, rare art, and over 7500 feet of living space combine to make this home a unique gem within Beaver Creek.

833 Strawberry Park Road *SELLING AT 15% OFF RACK RATE*

Platinum Rated - 7bd/8.5ba - Sleeps 14

Situated on Beaver Creek mountain, this grand vacation home is one of the most sought after in our portfolio. Featuring seven luxurious guest suites, custom stonework, hand crafted woodwork, fine art, premium electronics, and a 2.5 acre estate, this residence is one of the finest ski in/ski out homes in all the Vail Valley.

VAIL:

29 Golf Terrace *SELLING AT 15% OFF RACK RATE*

Platinum Quality - 4bd/4ba - Sleeps 8

This is a 4 bedroom townhome located one block from the Vail Golf Club. Platinum furnishings, comfortable rooms, and classic mountain décor.

706 Forest Road West Residence *SELLING AT 25% OFF RACK RATE*

Platinum Rated - 4bd/3.5ba - Sleeps 12

One of our most striking vacation rentals in an incredible on mountain location overlooking Lionshead Village - less than a block from Gondola ski access. Three floors of intelligent contemporary design, beautiful artwork, and modern furnishings combine to create a truly opulent environment.

225 Forest Road *SELLING AT 25% OFF RACK RATE*

Gold Rated - 5bd/5ba - Sleeps 12

Guests of this stunning five bedroom on mountain Vail home always find it hard to leave after taking in the incredible Gore Range views, and skiing the largest Mountain in North America.

355 Forest Road *SELLING AT 20% OFF RACK RATE*

Silver Rated - 6bd/4ba - Sleeps 12

A favorite of repeat guests, this Vail Colorado vacation home rental is perfect for families and large groups of friends. Comfortable furnishings, a great on mountain location, and a flexible bedding layout combine to make 355 Forest a staple in the Peak Properties collection.

Turtle Creek in Dallas is an immaculate estate that usually rents for $8,000 per night.

But for a limited time, this elegant property can host your corporate gathering for just $4,000 for one night or $6,000 for two nights.  That’s more than half off!

View further details of the home below, and click here (http://thesociety.com/best-of/corporate-retreats) to see other homes that are great for corporate getaways.

Turtle Creek: Dallas, TX
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10

We won’t guarantee that Dallas won’t get snow because even though rare, it has been known to happen! But snow or not, the holidays will be dramatically more elegant in this opulent manse on Turtle Creek. As you enter through the Moorish influenced entry you’ll gaze across the twenty-foot long reflecting pool with the massive gas fireplace at the opposite end. Adjacent to the stylish entry, is the kitchen that’s not a kitchen: at least by appearance. Granite slabs and rich wood cabinetry conceal almost every feature in the kitchen save for the exposed cooktop, and the dish basin. Also a feature of the kitchen is the nearby wet-bar with a heated granite counter, wine storage, ice maker and mini fridge. Also near the kitchen is the fully equipped caterers kitchen. Utilize the magnificent set-up to create your own masterpieces, or hire one of Bellas’ preferred caterers to prepare and serve your holiday feast! Lavish accommodations for up to 8 feature fine Italian linens, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and heated floors throughout.

The master suite truly defines the word masterpiece with the most completely outfitted space available. The suite occupies fully 2/3 of the upper floor and showcases heated marble floors, heated towel nooks, a steam room, massive shower room, private Jacuzzi tub, Miele coffeemaker, and a grand Jacuzzi with sitting area, 42″ flatscreen, 96″ projection screen, floor to ceiling windows facing Dallas high-rises, and a double door balcony! The master closet needs to be seen, as it is over 20 feet long, with a sitting area, fashion dedicated flat screen TV, a center island and gorgeous cabinetry. Two bedrooms and a common bath occupy the opposite end. Downstairs once again lies a fourth bedroom (maids quarters) just off the kitchen, and an old-world look office, bathroom and adjacent theater room. Outdoors finds you peering at Swans swimming in Turtle Creek just beyond the negative edged pool and Jacuzzi, and verdant grassy areas. A lovely outdoor sitting space near the waters edge features sofas, settees, and a gas fireplace.  Gather the troops and make plans to spend a great corporate getaway in this stunning palatial setting.

Let The Society provide an experience that literally caters to your needs including grocery pre-provisioning, daily cleaning, activity & restaurant reservations, etc. See just some of our rentals below that are still available for Holiday gatherings.

Castlewood: Telluride, CO
10 Bedrooms, Sleeps 38
Winter Wonderland! If there isn’t a white Christmas in Telluride at over 9,000 ft. in elevation, then global warming has gone too far! A home with a history, the original home was built nearly 200 years ago and remains a part of what is now Castlewood.

DC Ranch Retreat: Scottsdale, AZ
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8
The holidays are all about the people you choose to surround yourself with, and that likely includes family. DC Ranch is well secluded in a gated community, so privacy is paramount and safety a given. Outside, the beautiful Sonoran desert envelopes the property with native trees and shrubs, and a natural wash.

Eagle’s Nest: Paradise Valley, AZ
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10
If your wish is to feel like the royal family at the holidays then perhaps you should secure the most secluded home in the kingdom. Of Paradise Valley that is! Eagles Nest holds the honor of the highest elevation home in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and from this lofty perch you may survey your entire kingdom. Make your plans to scale the mountain and occupy your castle for a real holiday treat.

Tenstone Estate: Napa Valley, CA
9 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15
An incredible value for a 5 Star vacation!  This Napa Valley Estate has been reduced to $4,200 per night, and this compound includes all of the most detailed luxuries.  A chef prepared breakfast is included in this amazing offer.

If you want to give your family something special this year, it is not too late to have a memorable holiday getaway in Vail or Beaver Creek.

Numerous fantastic rentals are still available from 12/22/08 to 1/4/09.

Make this Christmas or New Years a time to remember at one of these gorgeous vacation homes:

VAIL:

Vail Village Inn Plaza #305
3bd/2.75ba - Sleeps 6
Elegant and centrally located, this gold rated residence is a long time favorite of Peak Properties clients. Situated in the village, directly over restaurant La Bottega, this is a perfect three bedroom base camp for your next Vail ski vacation.

2975 Manns Ranch Road
4bd/4.5ba - Sleeps 8
Recently completed in 2006, this architects’ dream home is a masterpiece of style, design, and spaciousness. Many guests have said that this home is like a big, luxurious, tree house; making it is one of our most popular properties available.

225 Forest Road
5bd/5ba - Sleeps 12
Guests of this stunning five bedroom on mountain Vail home always find it hard to leave after taking in the incredible Gore Range views, and skiing the largest Mountain in North America.

29 Golf Terrace (brand new to The Society, inquire here for details & pictures)
4bd/4ba - Sleeps 8
This is a 4 bedroom townhome located one block from the Vail Golf Club. Platinum furnishings, comfortable rooms, and classic mountain décor.

366 Forest Road (brand new to The Society, inquire here for details & pictures)
5bd/5ba - Sleeps 12
One of the few true ski-in homes on Vail Mountain, this beautiful 5 bedroom vacation rental home is perfect for those wanting the perfect mix of style, location, quality, and size. An extensive interior refurnishing project, completed in December of 2007, brought in new furniture, amenities, and turned the home into a stylish, modern luxury ski home.

BEAVER CREEK:

3698 Daybreak Ridge (brand new to The Society, inquire here for details & pictures)
6bd/5.5ba - Sleeps 16
Nestled at the top of Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch, this 6 bedroom ski in/ski out residence is one of the finest offerings in the area. Custom stonework/woodwork, premium furnishings, rare art, and over 7500 feet of living space combine to make this home a unique gem within Beaver Creek.

833 Strawberry Park Road (brand new to The Society, inquire here for details & pictures)
7bd/8.5ba - Sleeps 14
Situated on Beaver Creek mountain, this grand vacation home is one of the most sought after in our portfolio. Featuring seven luxurious guest suites, custom stonework, hand crafted woodwork, fine art, premium electronics, and a 2.5 acre estate, this residence is one of the finest ski in/ski out homes in all the Vail Valley.

Hummingbird Lodge B-201 (brand new to The Society, inquire here for details & pictures)
3bd + loft/3.5ba - Sleeps 10
Situated in the heart of Bachelor Gulch, this new ski-in, ski-out luxury condo is in high demand all year round. Whether you are coming to Beaver Creek for golf, world class skiing, tennis, or the Ritz Spa, this residence is one of the finest lodging options available in Bachelor Gulch.

Congratulations to our 3rd winner in The Society’s Vacation Giveaway, Delrina Mouser!

Delrina and her family are headed to Orlando, Florida for 5 free nights provided by our Luxe Alliance partner, Orlando All Star Vacation Homes.  Also a $100 gift certificate towards shipping luggage was given compliments of the Luggage Club.

There are 7 more vacations to give away!!  To register for the next giveaway go to http://TheSociety.com/giveaway

Pataskala, OH (December 4, 2008) – The following week after Thanksgiving, TheSociety.com was proud to offer a free 5 night stay at one of the premier vacation rentals in Orlando to Ohio resident, Delrina Mouser. Delrina and her family will be enjoying the wonderful amenities of this spectacular home, a 5 bedroom estate provided by The Society’s Luxe Alliance partner All Star Vacation Homes.

Mouser discovered The Society’s SAVE THE AMERICAN VACATION promotion through her membership with Mom’s Central Consulting, and with a quick submission among thousands of entries, she entered and was selected the winner of this fantastic getaway.

Mouser expressed an admirable desire to share a trip with her husband and two children after a trying year including personal loss and a 7 year stint without a vacation. She will now be able to enjoy a relaxing getaway which she explains will definitely include visits with her children to Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida…  Read More.

Now you can at this historic Spanish tower in Southern Tuscany… The home was a popular set of the highly anticipated, and newly released James Bond movie Quantum of Solace.

This extraordinary villa is tucked away in a magical corner of southern Tuscany close to the beautiful Maremma National Park.  This magnificent four-bedroom castle has breathtaking views over the Mediterranean – so breathtaking this action-packed “007” sequel was filmed there. Originally built by the Spanish to protect against Saracen invasions, the castle has recently been beautifully renovated and is now the ideal house for those who want to enjoy an extraordinary seaside holiday.

Take a look at this villa in all it’s glory here, and for those who have not yet seen the film, view the Quantum of Solace trailer here to get a glimpse of the movie and the villa.