How do we turn a vacation rental from average to an AvantStay? In our Ask the Expert series, we sit down with different members of the AvantStay team to learn just that. We asked our Senior Photo Retoucher, Lindsey Averill, best practices for photographing your home, biggest photography mistakes made in home listings and more. …
Author Archives: Cameron Herget
The Best Coachella Valley Airbnbs to Book Before They Sell Out
The lights, the beats, the vibe—if Coachella Valley had a soundtrack, it would be a mix of chill poolside tunes and late-night bangers. And let’s be real—every great festival experience starts with the right home base. Whether you’re coming for the festival season at Coachella, a weekend of golf and glam in Palm Desert, a …
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AvantAuction: All the Best of What’s Left Behind
If you can believe it, these items truly were left at our homes. We’re happy to report that most of them were claimed and returned to their owners – even the family dog that we absolutely got emotionally attached to. Here’s all the tea on these (un)forgettable items, straight from the source (our area managers). …
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Sedona Itinerary: 2 to 10 Days Travel Guide
Red Rock Country isn’t just a nickname here. Sedona rises from the Arizona desert with towering sandstone formations that glow crimson at sunset, spiritual vortexes believed to channel Earth’s energy, and hiking trails that reward every level of explorer. This desert town built its reputation on natural beauty while evolving into a wellness and arts …
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Must-Do Fun Christmas Activities This Holiday Season
The holidays bring a special kind of magic when friends and family gather together. With Christmas activities, it helps create those wonderful moments that everyone will remember for years to come. Whether you enjoy quiet nights at home or outdoor winter adventures, the right Christmas activities make this season truly special. Find the activities in …
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Dine Like a Local: 21 Best Restaurants in Austin, TX
Looking for the best restaurants in ATX? Let’s taco ‘bout it (breakfast tacos, specifically). Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just want to spice up your dining experience at home, you’re entering a foodie’s heaven here. From someone who used to be an Austin local (expat if you will), this lineup is filled …
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The Best Friendsgiving Ideas for a Group Getaway
Thanksgiving, and therefore, Friendsgiving is right around the corner. Time to spend time with your chosen family! But don’t settle for your run-of-the-mill potluck this year. You’ve got a great friend group and you all deserve a pre-holiday celebration just as special as you are. Listed below are our 9 favorite ways to elevate your …
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Unlock Success: Your Ultimate Guide to Corporate Retreats at AvantStay’s Polo Villas
Escape the Ordinary, Elevate Your Retreat Game Tired of the same old routine for your corporate retreats? Ready to shake things up and take your team to new levels of productivity and relaxation? Look no further than AvantStay’s Polo Villas. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, our villas offer the perfect blend of luxury and functionality, …
50 Best Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings a special kind of magic. And Christmas movies have become a beloved tradition for families everywhere. From timeless classics that have been passed down through generations to fresh releases hitting screens this year, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud comedies, heartfelt family stories, or action-packed adventures, the right …
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Avantscope – Which City Should You Visit Based on Your Zodiac Sign?
Whoever told you not to base your travel plans on your astrology is… WRONG! Zodiacs have more to tell you than why you may act one way or another. Your sun sign can be a perfect indicator of where you’d feel most at home on a vacay. This article’s got everything you need to know …
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The AvantStay Awards: Celebrating Our First-Ever Vacation Home Winners
The AvantStay Awards: Celebrating Our First-Ever Winners For the first time ever, we asked our travel community to vote for their favorite AvantStay homes across 20 unique categories. After thousands of votes and weeks of anticipation, the results are in! With over 50,000 votes counted across all categories, these homes emerged as the ultimate fan …
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24 Hours in Austin, TX – The Best Guide for Your Vacation to ATX!
Grab your cowboy boots and head down south – it’s time for a trip to Austin! Whether it’s your first time in ATX or you’re a seasoned Texas traveler, my 24-hour guide has got all you need to get the full Tex-perience. As a newfound local, I can vouch that from the rivers, to the …
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Find Your Dream Gourmet Kitchen Based on Your Vacation Style
Whether you’re on vacation and cooking for everyone, hosting a potluck, or hiring a private chef, we have a gourmet kitchen equipped with all the tools you’ll need for a great meal. From baking enthusiasts to full-time foodies – we promise to bring a culinary experience so good you’ll never have to worry about leaving …
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10 Best Cabins for that Much-Needed Summer Getaway
Take the road less traveled this summer and stay at one of AvantStay’s cabinesque homes, guaranteed to satisfy that long-lost nostalgia you have for summer camp. Our collection of woodsy properties feature hot tubs under the stars, al fresco dining experiences, and rustic vibes that will take you back to the good ol’ days around …
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The Best Vacation Rentals on Golf Courses – Luxury Rentals for Your Next Getaway
Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one! Okay, we promise to not be that cheesy, but with a topic like golf, it’s kind of hard to steer clear of the dad jokes. Whether you’re living your cart girl fantasy (no judgment), or genuinely like to …
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6 Best Vacation Spots to Beat the Winter Blues
Seasonal depression back and worse than ever? We feel that. But this winter doesn’t have to be all bad. We’ve compiled our favorite destinations for you to escape the cold and spend your days soaking up the sun – because you deserve it! 1. Coachella Valley, CA Come to Casa Palmera in Coachella Valley for …
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How to Avoid Travel Scams: Complete Safety Guide
Travel scams cost Americans over $2.6 million between 2024 and 2025, with the average victim losing around $1,200 per incident. Scams in the travel industry rose 18% during summer and 28% during winter peak seasons in 2024, making it one of the most targeted industries worldwide. These numbers tell a tough truth that scammers are …
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AvantStay Awards Finalists: 2025’s Best Homes
Not all vacation homes are created equal, and at AvantStay, we know what makes a stay truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping view, a pool that steals the show, or a game room that keeps the whole crew entertained, some homes just get it. That’s why we created the AvantStay Awards—to spotlight the best of …
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AvantStay Offers Support to Travelers and Building Owners Affected by Sonder Amid Marriott Termination and Chapter 7 Liquidation
The recent termination of the licensing agreement between Marriott International and Sonder, as well as the subsequent initiation of a Chapter 7 liquidation of Sonder’s U.S. business, signals a broader shift in the short term rental industry, defined by a growing emphasis on elite operations, world class reviews, and profitable operators. The shift highlights the …
The Best Places to View the 2024 Solar Eclipse
Get ready for next year’s most spectacular event—even more awe-inspiring than Taylor and Travis as a couple—the 2024 Solar Eclipse! In just a few short months (April 8th to be exact), the skies will host a VIP cosmic show, and we’re here to guide you to the top North American spots for witnessing this amazing …
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Employee Spotlight: Cameron Tabucchi, Guest Experience Manager
Name Cameron Tabucchi Where are you based? Reno, Nevada Job Title Guest Experience Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 2.5 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? In my role, I collaborate closely with my team to guarantee that every guest enjoys a …
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Employee Spotlight: Nataly Titsworth, Senior Regional Account Manager
Name Nataly Titsworth Where are you based? Austin, TX Job Title Senior Regional Account Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 3 years! How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? My role is to build and maintain strong & successful partnerships with our owners. Every …
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Employee Spotlight: Darrin James, Senior Area Manager
Name Darrin James Where are you based? Los Angeles, Malibu, and Newport Beach. Job Title Senior Area Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 7 months How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? I supervise operations and employees for the LA/Malibu and Newport Beach markets. …
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Employee Spotlight: Cori Wheaton, Sr. Area Manager
Name Cori Wheaton Where are you based? Santa Rosa Beach, FL Job Title Senior Area Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? Almost 2.5 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? In a nutshell, my job is to care! Care about the properties I …
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Employee Spotlight: Kellee Pantelakis, Sr. Assistant Area Manager
Name Kellee Pantelakis Where are you based? Telluride, CO Job Title Sr. Assistant Area Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 2 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? I work in property management. I run vacation homes. How do you like to start …
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Employee Spotlight: Lisa Glenn, Sr. Area Manager
Name Lisa Glenn Where are you based? Florida Job Title Sr. Area Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 2 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? As an operational wizard in the Vacation Rental World, I orchestrate seamless experiences across multiple markets, ensuring …
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Employee Spotlight: Renee Powell, Assistant Area Manager, Coachella Valley Estates
Name Renee Powell Where are you based? Coachella Valley, CA Job Title Assistant Area Manager, Coachella Valley Estates How long have you worked at AvantStay? Close to 3 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? The main responsibility of the Field team is to take …
Employee Spotlight: Alice Ward, Product Manager I
Name Alice Ward Where are you based? Denver, CO Job Title Product Manager How long have you worked at AvantStay? 1.5 years How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? I’m focused on creating outstanding experiences for both our guests and homeowners, while tackling challenges to drive …
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Employee Spotlight: Chloē Buss, Field Operations Regional Director
Name Chloē Buss Where are you based? Nashville, TN Job Title Regional Director of Operations, East Coast How long have you worked at AvantStay? 2 yrs, 5 months How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? Operations is about being able to pivot, to find efficiencies and …
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2023: That’s a Wrap!
You went places and did things—and we’re here to celebrate it. Grab your favorite bevvie and join us as we explore the best parts of our year spent together. New Additions It’s never been easier to find your dream stay. This year, we added multiple new destinations, including Port Aransas, Whidbey Island, and Chesapeake Bay! …