Travel Tips, Hosting Ideas, and Arizona Stay Inspiration
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The Arizona Vacation Home Rentals Blog
Read practical tips, local ideas, and helpful guidance for planning stays and managing vacation homes.
The Value of Reviews
Why star ratings and guest reviews matter when picking a vacation rental, and how AZ Vacation Home Rentals uses honest feedback to deliver 5 star stays.
A Glossary of Vacation Rental Terms
Decode vacation rental jargon. AVHR's glossary defines short term rental terms like booking window, channel fee, owner holds and more for guests and owners.
Amenities to Boost Your Bookings
Learn which amenities can boost vacation rental bookings, from pools and hot tubs to game rooms, work spaces, and family-friendly features.
Fun Activities and Events at Mesa Parks
Discover family friendly classes, activities and events at Mesa Parks and Recreation in the greater Phoenix area, plus nearby Arizona vacation rentals from AVHR.
Let’s Hit the Trails
Top hiking, biking and horseback riding trails across the greater Phoenix area. Trail details, desert safety tips and AVHR vacation rentals near the trailheads.
Making a Splash in the Desert
Salt River tubing, Saguaro Lake cruises, Tempe Town Lake paddleboard yoga and lakefront Arizona vacation homes. Splash into desert water adventures with AVHR.
We Upgraded Our Security
Learn how AVHR upgraded vacation rental security with exterior cameras, NoiseAware, remote locks, guest screening, and smoke and carbon monoxide protection.
Why Our Experiences are 5 STARS
Honest listings, amenity rich homes, immaculate prep and 24/7 local support. See why guests rate Arizona Vacation Home Rentals stays five stars again and again.
Fishing Facts & Fun
Tips, top fishing spots and AVHR lakefront vacation homes in greater Phoenix. Val Vista Lakes, Tempe Lake, Saguaro Lake and more with rods and kayaks onsite.
Home Sweet Home: How Vacation Rental Homes Outperform Hotels
See why we believe vacation rental homes outperform hotels with more space, better value, greater flexibility, added privacy, and safer self-contained stays.
All Abuzz With Arizona Hummingbirds
Discover hummingbirds commonly seen in the greater Phoenix area, where to spot them, and how to attract them safely while enjoying Arizona outdoor spaces.
Behold Our Beautiful Cactus!
Meet the iconic cacti of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Saguaro, Teddy Bear Cholla, Barrel, Prickly Pear and Hedgehog facts plus top spots to see them around Phoenix.
The Legend of Diamond Spirit Ranch
The story behind Diamond Spirit Ranch in Star Valley, Arizona. An equestrian retreat near Payson and Tonto National Forest, named in tribute to a beloved horse.
Creating the Ideal Short Term Rental Space
Learn how to set up an ideal short-term rental with AVHR tips on policies, smart tech, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor amenities, and guest-ready comfort.
Frequently Asked Owner Questions
Get answers to common owner questions about AVHR fees, startup steps, advertising, reservations, home protection, owner use, and local property management support.
Keeping Squatters Out!
Learn how Arizona Vacation Home Rentals helps prevent squatter issues through guest screening, rental agreements, deposits, home checks, and local oversight.
What Full Service Property Management Includes
Learn what full-service vacation rental property management includes, from listing setup and guest care to pricing, maintenance, security, and owner support.
Make Money Renting Your Home
Thinking of buying or converting a home into a vacation rental? See pros, costs, and how AVHR helps Arizona owners launch and manage a successful rental property.
How AVHR Markets Your Vacation Rental Home
See how AVHR markets your Arizona vacation rental: VRBO Premier Host, Airbnb Superhost listings, synced pricing, professional photos and 365 day guest response.
Top Ten Reasons for Choosing a Local Property Management Company
Ten reasons Arizona vacation rental owners benefit from a local property manager. Faster response, market knowledge, wellness checks and 24/7 support from AVHR.
Wiley Coyotes and Resolute Roadrunners
Meet the real Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Behavior, habitat and where to spot these iconic desert characters around Phoenix.
Jumpin’ Jack Flash: The Jackrabbits’ Tale
Meet the antelope and black tailed jackrabbits of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Behavior, habitat and the best Phoenix area parks and trails to spot these desert hares.
Arizona in Autumn? Absolutely!
Plan a September or October Arizona getaway. Sunny 80s, NFL Sundays, Schnepf Farms, Rockin' Taco Fest and scenic fall drives through Payson and Prescott rim country.
A Wonderland for Shoppers
From Mesa Market Place Swap Meet to Scottsdale Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe Marketplace, find the best shopping spots in the greater Phoenix area.
Your Health and Safety Matter To Us!
How AVHR keeps Arizona vacation rental guests safe with CDC guided cleaning, contact-less check in, private entrances and stand alone, self contained homes.
Do I Need Pool Heat?
Learn when pool heat is worth it in Arizona, what affects pool temperature, and how AVHR handles pool, spa, and hot tub heating for guests.
AVHR Fall Newsletter 2021
AVHR's fall newsletter: returning guest discounts, fall weather averages, pro sports schedules, hiking, golf and must visit festivals across the greater Phoenix area.
AVHR Winter Newsletter 2021-2022
AVHR's winter newsletter: two new Arizona vacation homes, booking discounts, packing tips, pool heating notes and things to do across the greater Phoenix area.
Arizona’s Finer Arts
A guide to the greater Phoenix arts scene. Top museums, jazz clubs, amphitheaters, Frank Lloyd Wright's ASU Gammage and Broadway stages across the East Valley.
Navigating Stars: Rating Vacation Rental Homes
Why rating a vacation rental is different from rating a hotel. What guests should consider before assigning stars and what really earns a host a 5 star review.
Welcome Baskets and Guest Books
Should you add welcome baskets or guest books to your vacation rental? Pros, cons and ideas for Arizona owners, plus what AVHR already stocks in every home.
Choose To Be Happy: Reserving the Right Vacation Home
A traveler's checklist for booking the right vacation rental. Spot scams, prioritize what matters, vet the location and avoid pitfalls before you reserve a stay.
Calling ALL Golfers!
Mesa is a golfer's paradise with 25 courses in town and 50 more nearby. Top public and award winning courses across Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and the East Valley.
Batter Up for the Cactus League’s Spring Training
Your guide to MLB Cactus League spring training in the greater Phoenix area. 15 teams, 10 ballparks across Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe and more.
Let’s Show Some Respect for Service Dogs and Their Owners
Understand the difference between service dogs, therapy animals and emotional support animals, ADA rights, and why misrepresenting a pet hurts people with disabilities.
No Gambler’s Share with Travel Insurance
Three real horror stories show why travel insurance matters. Coverage tips, common exclusions and how to add a plan when booking with Arizona Vacation Home Rentals.
If Only You Would Ask Before You Book
The questions AVHR wishes every guest asked before booking. Check in, pool heating, Wifi, location, parking and more so your Arizona vacation goes smoothly.
Truth or Consequences in Vacation Home Rentals
Real stories about theft, damage and rule breaking in vacation rentals. What guests should know about deposits, waivers and how honesty protects your stay.
Why the Short Term Rental Industry is Good for Communities
Short term rentals generated $538M in Arizona tax revenue and 75,500 jobs in 2021. See how the STR industry supports local economies and protects property values.
Peccaries, Not Pigs, Please!
Meet the collared peccary, the Sonoran Desert's misunderstood "wild pig." Facts, habits, safety tips and where to spot javelinas on your Arizona vacation.
Don’t Miss Our Burrowing Owls
Meet the daytime Burrowing Owl, one of Arizona's 13 owl species. Behavior, habitat and the best greater Phoenix spots to view these protected ground dwellers.
Bobcats in Our Backyards
What to know about bobcats in the greater Phoenix area. How to identify them, their habits in Arizona suburbs, and what to do if you see one in your backyard.
Explore More with AVHR
Find your next step, whether you're planning a trip, learning about us, or considering listing your property.
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