The Best of the Fest: An Insider’s Guide to the Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals

We love festival season because nothing gets us more excited than music, friends, and a magical trip. From luxury estates to mid-century modern hotels across Coachella Valley, AvantStay offers accommodations for any group size and vibe you’re going for. A few of our own team members attended the 2022 festivals. Here’s what they had to …

12 Best Vacation Rentals with the Most Unique Amenities

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no—it’s an AvantStay!  If you’re tired of the same old travel experience and crave something exceptional, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of unique vacation rentals that go above and beyond, offering a myriad of unique amenities that will leave …

10 Tips on Finding the Best Kid-Friendly Vacation Home

Choosing a location is the first step in planning the perfect vacation, and there are a few hoops you have to jump through and boxes that must be ticked to ensure that every member of your crew, no matter their age, has something to enjoy. We’ve got ten expert tips to help you find the …

15 Mistakes Not to Make in Key West

If you’re looking to take a trip to the Conch Republic, you may be overwhelmed with options or just not know what to expect. Lucky for you, we’ve created a guide to help you make the right decisions throughout the entirety of your trip to Key West, FL. Booking with a Hotel or Small Rental …

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, …

What Makes AvantStay Homes Pet Friendly? Let’s explain.

Is it really a vacation if your favorites aren’t with you? Of course not, which is why we’re making it easier than ever to bring your pets along on your next trip. Only the best for your fur baby, so let us give you the rundown on how to find an AvantStay home that’s the …

The 18 Best Key West Restaurants To Eat Your Way Through the Conch Republic

Key West has a population under 30,000 and is only 4.2 square miles. But restaurant owners have managed to pack the island with restaurants ranging from casual backyard patios to upscale dining experiences. Fresh seafood and delectable key lime pie are some of the iconic staples of many Key West restaurants. But you’ll get to enjoy many …

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 …

4 Reasons to Host Your Event With AvantStay

Few things get us more excited than a celebration, so we’ve designed our homes to accommodate yours. Group-friendly, fully-equipped, and downright fun, Avantstay properties are the perfect place to host your next occasion. Here’s why. 1. We have room for everyone, even the dog.  From charming cabins in the mountains to equestrian estates in wine …

Airbnb vs. Hotels: What’s best for your next trip?

You’re planning your next vacation to a destination you’ve been dreaming about all year, and you’re trying to decide whether you should stay in a hotel or in a vacation home with your group. It’s a classic dilemma, especially since short-term rental company Airbnb came onto the scene in 2008. The hotel-dominated industry was quickly …

The Best Travel Guide to North Charleston, SC

No matter what you’re looking for in South Carolina’s low country, it’s a guarantee you can find it in North Charleston. North Charleston, SC, is not only the host of Charleston International Airport: this city offers a deep dive into American history for its visitors and much more.  You can relish in the lush blue …

Swimming, Snorkeling, & Sun Tanning: Top 5 Best Beaches in Oahu

When it comes to beach getaways, there are few places more sought-after and picturesque than the beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. Imagine relaxing on soft white sand surrounded by lush vegetation as you sip a tropical drink and enjoy the ocean breeze. With over 125 beaches on Oahu, there is a beach for every style, …

Lowcountry Shores: Best Guide to Charleston SC Beaches

Charleston, South Carolina is a hidden gem among the growing cities of the United States. The Lowcountry is a top pick for a summer or weekend getaway for many people From the history, the food, and not to mention, the beaches! If you’re hoping to explore the Charleston, SC beaches, then this guide has you …

Everything You Need to Know About Oregon Clam Season

If you’re traveling to the Oregon Coast to take advantage of the abundant and delicious clams, you’re in luck! The Northwest Zone of Oregon, which is where all of Starfish Vacation Rentals beautiful homes are, features some of the best opportunities for clamming in the state. Peak Oregon clam season in this region tends to …

The 5 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations Plus 10 Themes to Match!

Your bridal journey is not a piece of cake, it isn’t just saying “I Do” but it will need lots of lots planning. And we mean LOTS. We can help you plan the ultimate bachelorette party too! Read why hosting your event with AvantStay is worth the penny!  Bachelorette Party vs. Bridal Shower Alright party …

The 12 Best Corporate Retreat Ideas

Corporate retreats and company “offsites” have never been as important as they are today in the post-COVID era of remote teams who frequently work from home. In-person corporate retreats promote better collaboration among team members, clearer communication, sharper brainstorming, and faster problem-solving, while also reinforcing company culture and positive morale. They also allow co-workers and …

8 Bedroom Vacation Rentals: The Ultimate Guide

Forget boring get-togethers, we’re taking you to a full-blown memory-making extravaganza! Family reunions that’ll go down in history, 50th birthday bashes that’ll make you feel like you’re 21 again, and bachelorette parties that’ll have everyone saying ‘YAS!’ And guess what? We’ve got the secret sauce: Our huge 8-bedroom vacation rentals that can fit your whole …

7 Best Ways To Stay Active While Traveling

You love to travel but you also finally got your routine down at home to stay active (we love a daily hot girl walk, too). We all want to keep our health in tip-top condition while we’re out adventuring, so here are a few tips we’ve pulled together from our experts to be active on …

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 …

How To Master a Workcation: 4 Steps to Working Remotely in a Vacation Rental

We all need a vacation, but sometimes it’s just not possible to fit one in your work schedule, which is why I’m a huge fan of working vacations, or, portmanteau-ed, “workcations.”  Big amongst the remote work set, workcations are a way to stay in a new location, spend your work hours doing your job, and …

5 Places to Rent Jet Skis in Key West

Looking for an adventurous way to get out on the water? Our top five favorite jet ski rental Key West providers offer exclusive access to explore the turquoise waters that surround the island. Thrill-seekers visiting Key West will want to check a jet ski tour off their travel checklist. Key West Water Tours Key West …

Best Ski-in / Ski-out Vacation Homes: Luxury Rentals for Your Ski-Town Stay

Breathe in, breathe out… Ski-in, ski-out! Nothing’s better than waking up, putting your gear on and heading directly outside to hit the slopes. After you spend the day getting your (ski) on,  kick back at a vacation home where you can have apres ski moments you’ll never forget. All vacation homes included here are within …

The Best 11 Vacation Rentals Near National Parks

Grab your boots, besties, we’re going hiking. If you’ve been meaning to cross some of our nation’s great parks off your bucket list, let this be your sign to do it. From Joshua Tree National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, we’ve got vacation homes next to all things outdoors. Ready to explore? Let’s go! …

The 20 Best Bars in Key West

When it comes to the story of alcohol in America, you couldn’t write it without the help of Key West, which has been an enclave for good times, food, and drinks for around 200 years. The city has a rich history of rum running, and during prohibition, Key West residents took the law as more …

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 …

10 Black Friday Deals for Travelers: Tech, Gear, and More!

We’ve made our list—and checked it twice—of the best 2025 Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals for the traveler in your life. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or looking to score an awesome deal for yourself (no judgment), we’ve compiled the top deals out there for any type of traveler. 1. Apple Airtags …

15 Best Vacation Homes with Indoor Pools

Looking for a vacation rental with a private indoor swimming pool? Look no further!  This year, skip the crowded public pools and high-priced hotel passes and opt for a secluded approach to swimming on vacation. We’ve rounded up 15 stunning vacation homes with private indoor pools that promise fun, relaxation, and plenty of room for …

AvantStay’s 6 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s going bigger and better than the rest. Now we want to share our tips for traveling smarter and saving money in the process. Our vacation rental homes may be located in top destinations, designed by an award-winning team, and offer upgrades and experiences via the …

White Sand and Sun: The 15 Best Fort Myers Beaches

Whether you’ve lived in Fort Myers all of your life or you’re just visiting and looking for a new piece of paradise in the sun, Fort Myers is home to some of the Sunshine State’s best and most iconic beaches.Bright white sand, seashell heaven, and all the vitamin D that you can ask for are …

The Best Vacation Rentals for Family Reunions

Planning a family reunion can be exciting… and overwhelming! Finding the perfect place to accommodate everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can feel like a logistical nightmare. But don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you! This updated list features 8 of the best AvantStay vacation rentals specifically designed for unforgettable family reunions.  Bring the whole …