May 29th, 2009 by Joseph
 When LuxuryRealEstate.com was founded in 1995, many pundits questions the “logic” of a website with such specific and discriminating standards allowing only the top 10% of property listings in any given market to have access to the site. Well, the pundits must be embarrassed as our Global Bundle partner, LuxuryRealEstate.com just secured their 1,000,000th listing, a stunning waterfront Belle Epoque villa in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France along the Cote D’ Azur.
When TheSociety.com developed the Global Bundle, targeting the affluent demographic was paramount. LuxuryRealEstate.com was pursued as a partner entity for the Global Bundle as a leader in not only the high-end real estate marketplace but also at the forefront of technology, all focused on the luxury niche market which has been able to endue the present economic downturn with little effect on their travel, leisure and real estate spending habits.
What does this mean for affiliates of TheSociety.com acquiring access to The Global Bundle? The most tangible benefit is a listing on LuxuryRealEstate.com, the most-viewed luxury real estate specific website in the world. However, we at TheSociety.com would suggest considering peer entities who provide the listings and editorials for LuxuryRealEstate.com. The content is generated and continually updated by members of the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network which includes 1,500 of the world’s finest real estate companies and individuals with properties in over 100 countries. The following visitor statistics are sure to impress:
- Daily Hits: 1,700,000+
- 25-54 Age Range: 82.5% of visitors
- Traveled in the Prior Year: 91%
- Plan to Travel in Next 12 months: 94.7%
- Travel via Business/First Class/Private Air: 59.2%
What do the statistics above mean for a Global Bundle Partner? Many, affluent, educated, qualified viewers and word of mouth marketing all providing qualified leads to your posted content.
For additional information, be sure to check out the LuxuryRealEstate.com Press Kit.
May 27th, 2009 by Joseph
 Are you looking to promote a specific vacation home property? Maybe offering specials including discounted rates or free nights? Do you need assistance in copywriting and distribution?
The Society is able to assist our clients with various marketing opportunities including but not limited to:
- Copywriting for promotions, opportunities, brochure development, blogs.
- Distribution to targeted audiences.
- Special e-mail blasts to targeted market segments i.e. client-direct, travel agents, property managers, charitable organizations.
- Press Releases and distribution
The above services are only offered to those affiliated with The Society. If you may be interested in discussing options to have your messaging reach a targeted audience ready, willing and able to book, please contact Mike McFadden at Mike@thesociety.com.
May 26th, 2009 by Joseph
 As mentioned in the Staycation blog, free nights are a most attractive inducement to booking a vacation. While free nights are a discount, it does not diminish set rates. We are aware many properties are reducing rates to attract clients. While we are not opposed to this practice, in the future when rates rise, there will be some resistance when clients remember the heavily discounted rates.
We suggest offering free nights as follows:
- “Book 7 Nights, Pay for 5” or
“Extend your vacation, book 5 nights; stay two additional nights on us”
While still extending a discounted rate, you are still able to 1) retain posted rack rates, 2) avoid hours revising rate sheets and 3) provide guests a bonus by offering free nights.
May 26th, 2009 by Joseph
 Due to the economic downturn, many in the popular press are suggesting travelers consider a “Staycation” i.e. a vacation at or close to home to save money this summer. We suggest you use the “Staycation” trend to your advantage.
The reality is, travelers may not be considering a getaway to Europe or Africa or the Far East this summer, however, they will still vacation, yet they will be looking for options and attractive pricing closer to their home. The following are a few marketing tips from The Society:
2-3 Hours Drive Market (200 miles): Within 2-3 hours drive-time of your vacation home rental is an audience which may consider multiple visits this summer. For example, for our partners in Summit and Eagle counties of Colorado (within 2-3 hours of Denver) we are suggesting offering packages of “multiple weekends” at a discounted rate. Let clients book holiday weekends or random weekends on a space available basis at an attractive rate. Provide additional discounts for pre-payment. It’s the weekend summer home without the expense.
3-7 Hours Drive Time (500 miles): This market may consider one to two excursions, usually holiday weekends to your destination. This is a perfect opportunity to pitch the holiday weekend at an attractive rate. Offer early check-in and late check-out to allow the guests the maximum summer getaway for their budget.
7+ Hours Drive Time (500+ miles): Many of our clients visiting the mountains of Colorado drive from Texas and the Midwest. This market is usually 7-12 hours drive time. The vacation may desire to have their own car and views driving the family as more cost-effective versus flying and renting a car. This is the perfect market to consider promoting “Saturday to Saturday” getaways or extended holiday weekends into one week or longer. We suggest promotions such as book 5 nights, receive 2 nights free.
The reality is, a “Staycation” while sounding attractive in the press is not going to be popular when the children are whining “I’m bored”. Be attentive, proactive and use this trend to your advantage.
May 20th, 2009 by Joseph
 Vacation Home Rentals are like any other real estate i.e. demand is based on the three “L’s”, Location, Location, and Location. In general beachfront will always be the most expensive. Everyone has the fantasy of walking out to the beach barefoot in the morning. However, consider the following:
Is the beach public and are you right on the sand? If yes, you may have strangers in your “front yard” from dawn to dusk and beyond. Consider a water-view if you desire some privacy. However, you may also be making some new friends with your envied location.
 Can you tolerate activity? Beaches are generally not quiet destinations. Do you wish to nap in the middle of the day? Enjoy a quiet lunch on the deck? Directly on the beach, it may not be happening. Be sure to inquire concerning such issues. However, if like me, you enjoy meeting people and entertaining, the beachfront can be quite the “icebreaker”. Consider staying 1-5 blocks from the beach. The further from the beach the lower cost. Anything within walking distance of the beach will be at a premium, however, further from the beach, the rate usually drops.
For homes within driving distance will be the most economical. Be sure to ask two questions:
1) Is there public parking for the beach?
2) Is a parking permit needed? Does it come with the home?
Remember at The Society, our partners can assist you no matter your vacation budget and desires.
May 20th, 2009 by Joseph
I will be using this column concerning “tips” related to vacation home rentals.
 • How Many Bedrooms Are Needed: I usually suggest 2 persons per bedroom maximum. However, consider the composition of your group. Do couples desire one bed or two? Does one party snore and thus sleep in another bedroom? Check bedding criteria for the comfort of all travelers. • En-Suite Bathrooms: This is an issue with smaller vacation rentals. If you may have 3-4 persons sharing a one bedroom unit, make sure the bathroom is accessible for all and not located within the bedroom. You do not want those residing on the sleeper sofa having to travel through the bedroom to the bathroom. Trust me, this has been an issue in popular places such as theme parks and ski resorts.
• Be Flexible Concerning Dates: If your desired vacation home rental is not available for the dates requested, ask what dates are available. You may have to revise by one day. Unfortunately in the computer age, we may punch in dates which will advise “yes” or “no” without checking surrounding dates. Be sure to ask concerning “flexible dates”.
May 19th, 2009 by Joseph
One of the truly special summer destinations is Southern California, specifically Laguna Beach:
 As a native New Yorker, I always enjoyed the inherent hospitality of Southern California no matter what the season. Surprisingly I found summer to be one of the most enjoyable of seasons when the “laid-back” atmosphere is in full swing. Personally, I love Laguna Beach, which I consider close enough to all S. California has to offer yet somewhat removed, almost a private enclave which time forgot. When I visit, I expect the Beach Boys to be playing on the sand and vintage Mustangs cruising the neighborhood.
 The “cottages” offered by our partner Best Laguna Vacations offers our clients a diverse range of vacation home rentals sure to delight and satisfy. Villa OceanFront is a personal favorite when traveling with my wife. While the ocean views are enchanting, I now understand the pure utility of the outdoor shower when returning from the beach covered in sand.
 When traveling with friends, we enjoy the Laguna Vista Cottage, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, we can each enjoy private time yet every evening, it was wine and cheese by the fire-pit as the cool ocean breezes dictates a light pull-over even in summer. With the beautiful kitchen, we cooked in most nights and just enjoy each other’s company, a true vacation experience.
 If your vacation plans call for a beach getaway and you wish to enjoy the beach as it was years ago before traffic and congestion, consider Laguna, its truly a blast from the past.
May 19th, 2009 by Mark
We at The Society are proud to present options from one of our premier partners in Italy. Bravo Holiday Rentals offers some of the most exclusive vacation home rentals in Italy, from charming farmhouses in the Tuscan countryside to seaside villas in Sorrento and Positano. The following are very attractive opportunities for travel to the Land of Eternal Beauty, Italy for Summer 2009. Please note discounted rates are based on rates from www.bravohr.com site.
Are you considering traveling next month i.e. June 2009? these villas and vacations rentals are available with most attractive rates including two options available for bookings of 7 nights yet only pay for 5 nights through June 2009.
 Villa Poggetto, just 7 miles from Siena, is a typical Tuscan farmhouse, situated on a hilltop at the end of an lane of beautiful cypress trees. The house has recently been carefully restored to include every modern comfort while maintaining the characteristics and personality of the beloved Tuscan countryside.The house features seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and a private pool. The beautiful grounds are most inviting for dinner al fresco with the sun setting beyond the hills.  Il Roseto located on a private framing estate is perfect for those who wish to embrace their inner “barefoot contessa” or Giada De Laurentiis. A wonderful garden for relaxing and dining alfresco and a stunning view of the Tuscan hills can be enjoyed from the pool and basic shopping can be done in a nearby village, just a short walk from the farmhouse, the true Italian la Dolce Vita.
 LaSassaia: A luxury 6 bedroom estate with pool in the heart of Tuscany near the quaint village of Sovicille just 8 miles from Siena. Options are endless concerning lodging configurations as the home offers the main villa, an independent wing and a guest home. Please note the available weeks below offering 30% off rack rates: • June 20 – 27 – $5,950
• July 11 – 18 – $4,813
May 11th, 2009 by Mark
 Looking for an ideal rental to host your wedding reception?
One of The Society’s newest vacation rentals, located on the East Cape of Baja’s Sea of Cortez, is Casa Cardonal. This compound includes a 4,000 square foot main casa and a 2,000 square foot casita with its own full kitchen.
Expansive outdoor space provides the ample grounds for a beautiful wedding or simply for a larger group rental. With an on-site caretaker available to set up activities and a full range of concierge services, Casa Cardonal is the spot for those partaking in water sports, fishing, snorkeling, or hiking or for those wishing to relax in the comforts of a home away from home.
Come to Casa Cardonal if you are tired of the hectic nature of “resort vacations” or if you are looking for a private a peaceful wedding setting.
See this home and others fit for Weddings on The Society’s new Wedding Portal.
May 6th, 2009 by Chris
The Society pushed a large updated to TheSociety.com today. The biggest updates include a revised navigation scheme lead by The Society Co-Founder Scott Berkley, two new products (The Global Bundle, and Personal Service Package) lead by Co-Founder Mike McFadden, lots of help everywhere from Mark Goebel and Joseph Sobin, and several visual updates, content additions, and functional tweaks handled by web developer Christopher Stevens.
The biggest hit business-wise is The Global Bundle, with several “bundles” sold even before the official product launch. The Global Bundle lets vacation rental managers and homeowners distribute their home to several websites while only managing it on one website. They save 75% off retail to have their property shown on websites like The Robb Report Collection, duPont Registry, Luxury Travel Magazine, Luxury RealEstate, TheSociety.com (naturally), HomeAway, the HomeAway network of websites, craigslist, and others.
The Personal Service Package is a powerful product/service offered to travelers seeking quality luxury travel without the headaches. For $199, The Society will work on travelers’ behalf to get them the best home at the best value that fit desired standards. Travelers have one person to talk to from The Society and are presented several options. The Society works with the most trusted property management companies and homeowners in the world and we will get the best home at the best value.
Much effort was made to make the navigation simpler, and the information more complete. One page that improved greatly for example is the sign in page. As there are increasing numbers of membership types, brief information about each membership was added, with increased push to learn more and sign up.
The About page was filled in to give details on our increased offerings, act as an overview of everything The Society covers, and drive more search engine traffic.
Several other pages such as the vacation rental criteria page were reformatted with updated styles, focus on imagery, and rewritten content.
Now that it’s up, be sure to tell us what you think, and how we can further improve service to you.
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