Vacation Home Expo to Explain Girlfriend Getaways

One of the big emerging travel trends is "Girlfriend Getaways." Vacation home owners and renters will be able to learn more about them from the founders of Travelgirl Magazine -- publisher Renee Werbin and editor-in-chief Stephanie Oswald -- and get advice and tips on what's behind this movement of more women vacationing together on January 24 and 25, at Vacation Home Expo. It takes place at the Cobb Galleria Convention Centre in Atlanta. Some observers believe "girlfriend getaways" are now a full-fledged phenomenon. Stephanie Oswald, who also hosts the popular television series All-Girl Getaways on the Fine Living Network, has an up close appreciation and understanding of this vacation lifestyle movement. "I am constantly encouraging women to find their oasis in life, both at home and on the go," says Oswald. The term "girlfriends" can mean any females from 15 to 80, related to one another (mother/daughter, sisters, etc.) or just pals.

Upcoming PBS TV Series to Spotlight Vacation Home and Condo Rentals

A new reality TV series, "Living Large on Vacation," slated to be shown on the PBS network soon, will focus solely on vacation home, villa and condo rentals, according to industry veteran Rick Fisher. A consultant to the Florida-based Discover Vacation Homes group of major property management firms, as well as president of Vacation Home Expos, Fisher tells me that PineRidge Film & Television is getting ready to produce the first 13 episodes, based on the notion that vacation homes are the best kept secret in the travel world. Most American travelers have never rented a vacation home, so "the first time this will be promoted to a national audience – that’s huge,” he says.

What will the show resemble? "It's like 'extreme home makeover goes on vacation.'" says Fisher, who adds that each of the first set of episodes will feature a different segment of vacationers (like the family poolside in photo above, girlfriends, destination wedding, etc.) at various domestic destinations. The emphasis, he says, "will be the experience, the lifestyle in the rental homes — barbecues, hot tubbing, wine on the balcony." The show will make the point that for the price of a hotel room you can get an entire, fully equipped house at which to spend your holiday. A brief preview of "Living Large" is already available on YouTube.

Right now the production company, known for its work that appearing on such niche networks as the Travel Channel and HGTV, is considering locations in such places as Maui, Lake Tahoe, Orlando, and Hilton Head. It's hoped the show can start airing as early as next Spring. The venture is seeking funding sponsors at the moment.

No Joke! Hot Vacation Home Expo Panels

The first-ever vacation home expo starts in less than two weeks, and these panels scheduled for the Atlanta event sound like must-attends:


“What’s New in the Popular Self Drive Vacation Destinations,” moderated by Keith Sisson, associate publisher for Y’All Magazine. Speakers, ll execs from CVBs in Orlando, Panama City Beach, Hilton Head and Gulf Shores.



“Beyond the USA: Discovering Great International Apartments, Villas, Cottages and Vacation Homes,” moderated by John Newton, news editor for Travel + Leisure. Panelists: Simon Lehmann, CEO for Interhome, Mike Thiel, founder of Hideaways International and Dan Conaway, president of Elegant Adventures.



Dates: Fri/Sat/Sun April 11, 12, 13. Click here for more info.

Vacation Homes Focus of April Atlanta Expo

Property managers, rental specialists, investors, entrepreneurs and Web vacation real estate site owners -- put this on your 2008 calendar: the first Vacation Home Expo in Atlanta, to be held April 11-13, at the Cobb Galleria Convention Centre. Announcement says attendees will be able meet with property representatives for "first-hand destination information." Also: "show-only" discounts and travel package specials. According to the organizers, "practically every major hotel chain" with a "condominium/villa segment and will be represented." Three major industry associations are co-sponsors. Check out exhibitor and other details at Expo's Web site.