Country Vacations & Resorts

I’m partial to the Old Line State since I was born there and spent most of my early days living in the beautiful Maryland countryside. And what’s not to like?

The US Naval Academy is in the quaint town of Annapolis, Baltimore has the Inner Harbor, and is also home to one of Maryland’s most favorite sons, Ironman – Cal Ripken.

Did I mention Maryland sunsets across the Chesapeake and Maryland Blue Crabs in Southern Maryland? Or the scenic mountain drives in Western Maryland?

For one of the smaller-in-size US States, Maryland has a lot to offer – along with close proximity to the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC.

A little insider’s secret is that late-summer into fall is a great time to visit Maryland. Labor Day weekend usually boasts fantastic weather and for those who are already wishing for a little Fall color and thinking about a trip a bit later in the year, Maryland will not disappoint.

Here are a few vacation rentals available in Maryland.

Only 6 miles from downtown Annapolis, this 5 bedroom home on the waterfront AND with a private beach will provide a nice relaxing end to a long hot Summer.

How about a luxurious restored cottage in St. Michael’s, Maryland?

You can tell right away from the warm sage green exterior and the peaceful creekside setting, that this charming 3 bedroom, fully restored vacation cottage promises a fun, relaxing getaway. 180-degree expansive view of spectacular Oak Creek…

Also near Annapolis, this 3 bedroom waterfront home on South River is just off the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis. Only 15 miles from BWI (Baltimore Washington International Airport.)

Look at the 100+ vacation rentals in the State of Maryland or elsewhere in the mid-Atlantic states. Less than 40 days until Labor Day weekend.

Don’t forget your Old Bay and your crab knife!

What perfect timing for back-to-school. Time for a new backpack?

Limited offer with super savings – and so many destinations….

Or give a gift…
Save 5% on B&B Gift Cards – Getaway for Less!

With temperatures in the upper 90s in many portions of the United States and heat indexes over 100 for my North Carolina neck-of-the-woods through the weekend, it’s time to ponder an escape.

Whether with real or virtual travel in mind, this morning I am looking for a destination with the following criteria:

~ a relatively short flight to reach
~ beautiful scenery once I get there
~ cool temperatures – I’ll even accept the chance of rain
~ English-speaking locals

My top pick as a heat-escape destination is Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Canadian entry requirements for US citizens are not arduous. It will require a flight from North Carolina, but many in the northeastern US may just choose to drive. The high temperature for Halifax today is 81. My area of NC will probably reach this by 9am today.

My beautiful scenery requirements will most certainly be met. With more than 100 accessible beaches, I’m sure I can find a place to relax in the (less than sweltering) sun.

99% of the locals I encounter will speak English, and they drive on the right side of the road as we do in the US.

Why haven’t I left yet?

Here’s a handy coupon for some travel savings:

Use Coupon Code TRAVEL20 & Save $20 on Domestic & International Airline Tickets Booked on CheapOair. Coupon expires Sep 30th, 2011.

Use the code when you search for flights to beautiful Nova Scotia:

Save up to 50% on Auctions Closing Soon at Luxury Link

10% off your first purchase at Luxury Link through 7/31 with code LUX10

And one favorite destination – Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

Fantastic rates on the BVI from now until the end of 2011…

Ask three people for the definition of the word “farm” and you are guaranteed to get three entirely different answers. Here are three “farm” vacation rentals that certainly prove the point.

This is a 9 bedroom luxury farm in historic Tuscany.

Just 4 miles from Florence and located in Sesto Fiorentino, a small town surrounded by beautiful hills and the Apennine Mountains, the villa is surrounded by rows of grapes and olive trees, interspersed with centuries-old vegetation: ancient species of fruit trees, vegetable garden, flower gardens and meadows. Our farm produces extra virgin olive oil, red wine, organic vegetable, eggs, fruit, jams and other home made products available for guests.

The complex is furnished with original Tuscan antiques and ceramics that have been in the owner’s family for generations.

This Crossville, Tennessee 2 bedroom, mountain-view cottage is a eco-friendly farm on 145 acres.

Honeysuckle Cottage has a few secret surprises for guests such as Optional Organic catering services available from the 1800s farmhouse Thur-Sun, featuring popular cottage delivery of Hot Biscuits and Jam Picnics, home cooked pizzas and homemade breads.

Enjoy full country breakfasts at the farmhouse. In season, the nearby farm’s organic garden offers produce, fresh salads, blueberries and grapes.

Wish you could find a farm vacation rental on the Shenandoah River? Here it is…

In beautiful Luray, Virginia, this 2 bedroom riverfront farm is a mountain view retreat at the banks of Shenandoah River. Combine river swimming, canoeing, and fishing with walking paths, a hot tub and nature strolls to detox and unwind.

Convenient to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park and historic battlefields. Not far from Washington, DC.

Lonely Planet has great travel products to help you choose the all-important “where” of your next vacation. You can even get just the digital chapters you want and ditch the ones you don’t. Only $4.95 per chapter!

Lots of savings and special offers going on now. These travel guides also make excellent gifts…

~ Book A Hotel and Get 30% Off All Travel Books
~ Buy two Lonely Planet books, get one free!
~ Buy a new USA travel book today from Lonely Planet!

Vacations can be active or restful or based on a holiday but sometimes they are just tiring! How many times has someone said, “I need a rest from my vacation.”

Even writing about travel needs a break now and then. Find me a quiet place to just sit and do nothing for a bit – I figure that is something anyone deserves once and awhile.

I spent some of my recent sitting time watching the movie, “Secretariat.” I got so involved in the story I actually forgot I already knew most of the outcome. I might even buy a Secretariat T-shirt!

Zoning in on this movie was a great break from recent schedules, packing and unpacking, waiting in line, flying, driving, etc., etc., and images of the beautiful countryside made me think of places like Virginia and Kentucky for future travel escapes.

Some may already be planning their Christmas vacation or where they’re going over Labor Day weekend in September. You might want to visit the “Virtual Visits” page on the Country Vacations & Resorts web site to get a head start on some ideas. You can take a virtual visit from the comfort of your chair or sofa and increase your chances of picking the next perfect vacation destination.

Great travel destinations are everywhere. Some of the best ideas might come to you – when you aren’t even looking for them. Any fan of horse racing, or just anyone who loves horses might watch Secretariat, and come up with a fantastic and focused travel itinerary for next Summer. And when you take a virtual visit – no passport required…