The Resort Rentals staff (who bring you this blog) attended the 40th Annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention in Orlando last week. While it was tempting to escape the convention floor for the pool, it was down to business with a series of meetings, educational sessions and informal appointments on the tradeshow floor. The event brought together the masterminds of the timeshare and vacation rentals world.

Out on the floor vendors were pitching their wares, everything from sandy solutions (pictured – Surf Splash, a shower for feet which reduces the amount of sand carried into a condo) to clever, chic Murphy beds. As anticipated, attendance was down compared to last year’s event, but that’s in line with current industry standard, people and businesses are cutting back on business trips. However, business was getting done because it’s in the American spirit to take a vacation and the 40th Annual ARDA Convention was the right place to solidify relationships and business deals to make your next vacation even more enjoyable.

Speaking of vacations, when are you planning your next getaway? Check out some of these last minute deals too good to be passed up.

When twitip.com published their article “Using Twitter to Get Travel Assistance” it occurred to us; travel (and the world) are changing due to online social media. For the better? We think so!

Long gone are the days where the travel industry is ruled by large and inaccessible multinational airlines, hotel chains and tourism companies. Travelers rejoice as tools like Twitter and Facebook make large corporations like JetBlue, SouthWest and Virgin America available for prompt two way conversation. At the same time, United Airlines is looking to leave it’s traditional customer service call center behind in favor of email.

Resort Rentals International has jumped on along with these big names by maintaining a presence on both Twitter and Facebook. We have connected with friends and professionals all over the world. Hopefully, if your a member of one of these networks you will connect with us soon! As we look forward to a travel world monitored by the people, we refer you back to twitip.com’s article “Using Twitter to Get Travel Assistance” as a guide for those wondering how all of this works.

Have an interesting story or thought about how social media has had an impact on your travels? Tell us in the comments!

Happy Twittering all,

Resort Rentals International

As our Valentine’s day gift to you, our beloved customers, we are now offering cruises on three exciting cruise lines. We’ve partnered with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity to offer you the absolute best of the best! The selection we provide not only allows you to choose the most appropriate for your budget, but also allows you to shop the best vacation experience as well as take advantage of current promotions! See Europe on Carnival, soak up the sun in the Caribbean with Celebrity or have a luau on the beautiful Hawaiian coast. (more…)