Chicago’s brilliant blend of awe-inspiring skyscrapers, impeccably clean streets, lush parks, and a friendly Midwestern vibe all make this city the perfect choice for that spring getwawy you’ve been planning. But what to do once you get there?

Take A Haunted Ghost Tour

Chicago Hauntings are one of the top ten Ghost Tours in America. The Tours are available all year round and provide a hauntingly exciting look at Chicago’s history.

Step Out Onto The Edge If You Dare

The Willis Tower offers an experience like no other. Step outside the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the third tallest in the world. At 1,353 feet in the air, the Ledge’s glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from Skydeck.

Scavenger Hunt Anyone?

The visitors centers in seven different Chicago neighborhoods offer scavenger hunt information. The neighborhoods of Albany Park, Andersonville, China Town, Devon Avenue, Hyde Park, Lincoln Square, West Loop and Wicker Park offer unique hunts. And the best part? These Hunts Are Free!

Set Sail Upon The Green Chicago River On Saint Patricks’s Day

Since 1965, the Chicago River has flowed a beautiful Shamrock Green to Celebrate this fun holiday.

Take the Gangster Tour

Perhaps one of the craziest times in the history of Chicago was the 1920s and 1930s, when gangsters virtually ran the place. And you can relive it all with Untouchable Tours. Untouchable Tours offers a two-hour ride through the rough streets of Chicago as it was during gangster days.

Planning a trip to Chicago? Start by finding the perfect place to stay

Families make up a huge percentage of guests that are looking to stay in vacation rentals during their travels. Short Term Housing, presents you with a few tips to help you attract this great demographic to your rental this upcoming vacation season.

Make Sure Your Home Is “Family Friendly”

Meaning, make sure your home is child-proof! Doing this is easy. Just be sure that;

• Breakables are out of reach.
• You’ve covered electrical outlets.
• Cleaning products are locked away
• You’ve installed Child Safety Door Knobs and Cabinet Locks

Make Their Stay A Little Smoother

Consider adding family friendly items to your rental that will make stays for your guests with children go a little smoother. A few ideas would be:

• Night Lights
• Booster Seats
• High Chair
• Fun (non-breakable) Dishes and Cups For The Kids To Use

Little Details Go A Long Way

Be creative in adding special touches for your guests with kids. Consider these fun ideas:

• Leave Your Guests A S’mores Kit (they are readily available in most grocery stores).

• Add Family Friendly Movies To The DVD Collection

• A Toy Box (filled with stuffed animals, puzzles, toy cars, etc.)

• Bubbles, Washable Markers/Crayons/Paints, Bath Toys, Playing Cards, Board Games , etc.

• Foods That Kids Love (Tater Tots, Frozen Pizzas, Hot Dogs, GoGurts, Cheese Sticks, Kool-Aid, Etc.)

• Leave Cupcake Mix With A Fun Cup Cake Mold

Are There Family Attractions Near By?

When advertising your property, be sure to mention the local family attractions in your area. Attractions Such As:

• Parks/Playgrounds
• Theme Parks
• Zoos
• Pools
• Children Museums
• Aquariums

Do a few of these things, and families should be running toward your rental!

While of course people automatically think of skiing and snowboarding at the mention of Winter Park. But this world-class resort has a lot more to offer then those two activities. Short Term Housing presents you with a list of some of the best things to do during your visit to Winter Park.

Horse Back Riding

Winter Park is home to a wide variety of trails and paths for visitors (and horses) to enjoy. With scenic views, guided tours, and endless opportunities for excitement- this is without a doubt, one of the best activities in Winter Park.

White Water Rafting

No work. No phones. No emails. It’s just you and the water, when it comes to rafting excursions in Winter Park. Crashing waves, gorgeous views whizzing by, stomach flipping dips- everything you could possibly want during your wild ride in Winter Park.

Bike Riding

Whether your ride is a slow enjoyment of your beautiful surroundings, or a blood pumping exercise to get your adrenaline going- this is just a great activity to take part in at Winter Park.

Snow Shoeing

Affordable, family friendly, exciting, and not to mention a great work out- Snow Shoeing is one of the very best activities that Winter Park has to offer!

Snow Mobiling

If you love racing, adrenaline rushes, and blurry scenery , you’re going to love the action-packed features that snowmobiling in Winter Park can provide.

Snow Tubing

Snow Tubing is fun for all ages! Who wouldn’t want to shoot through miles of powdery snow at full speed? Visitors can enjoy two tubing hills with terrains ranging from fast and wild, to scenic and leisurely.

One of the most memorable amenities you can offer your guests during their stay in your rental are the linens and bedding. This is also one of the biggest complaints that guests have after their stay in an otherwise amazing vacation home. Selecting bedding and linens for your vacation rental can be a tricky task. But Short Term Housingis here to help you pick out the very best (and most affordable) bedding and linens for your guests.

Choosing The Best Sheets

• Cotton Sheets Cotton Fabric typically has a lustrous smooth surface and a softer feel. Cotton sheets also tend to have more color options available and are usually easier to care for than other materials.

• Flannel Sheets Flannel sheets are very cozy and affordable. However they have a tendency to not last as long as other materials.

• Knit Sheets Flannel Sheets are typically a very comfortable, warm, soft, and cozy way to go. These sheets are usually best suited for colder months.

• Bamboo Sheets Bamboo fabrics are usually made from pure bamboo fiber yarns which provide great strength and durability over time, a soft and comfortable feel, and are asthetically pleasing.

Choosing The Best Comforters/ Duvets

The topmost priority when buying a Duvet/Comforter is understanding the properties of different fillings and matching them to your needs. Let’s take a look at some common fillings:

• Natural Feather Fillings These are light, soft, warm, and comfortable with a resilience that results in a longer lifespan.

• Combinations of Natural Fillings These create a duvet with all-round benefits.

• Synthetic Fillings These are a good alternative to natural ones, especially if your guests are allergic to feathers or if you will need to wash your duvet frequently (which you will)

Avoid Complaints

Since bedding and linens are among the top complaints of vacation rental guests be sure to;

• Wash and Change the Sheets, Towels, And Bedding After Your Guests Leave
• Put Fresh Sheets and Towels Out Each Time New Guests Arrive
• Avoid Silk Sheets (They are easily ruined, slippery, and expensive)
• Make Sure The Sheets And Bedding are comfortable

Fun Things To Include

• Add Some Soft Throw Blankets and Pillows For The Living Room
• Have Some Fun Blankets For Guests With Children
• Have Blankets For Special Holidays Like Valentines Day Or Christmas

Short Term Housing has created a list of the best cities for Artists and Designers based on affordable housing, art and culture index, median age, and art establishments per 100,000 people.

Los Angeles, Califorina

• Art establishments per 100,000 people: 56.105
• Arts & Culture Index: 100
• Median Age: 33
• Median Monthly Rent: $883

Santa Fe, New Mexico

• Art establishments per 100,000 people: 36
• Arts & Culture Index: 70
• Median Age: 38
• Median Monthly Rent: $861

Kingston, N.Y.

• Art establishments per 100,000 people: 13
• Arts & Culture Index: 87
• Median Age: 38
• Median Monthly Rent: $576

Boulder, Colorado

• Art establishments per 100,000 people: 11
• Arts & Culture Index: 70
• Median Age: 25
• Median Monthly Rent: $979

San Francisco

• Art establishments per 100,000 people: 9
• Arts & Culture Index: 98
• Median Age: 35
• Median Monthly Rent: $1,118