Vacation rentals, which tend to offer the complete getaway experience, can be found in locations all over the world. Every continent, every landscape and every type of atmosphere can be enjoyed from the vantage point of a comfortable, amenity-filled home. Popular destinations for vacation rentals are domestic coastal regions, ski resorts and near a certain happy theme park. For travelers looking to head off the mainland to a place far removed from the regular world, however, there are plenty of options as well.



One popular but not quite mainstream locale for adventurous pleasure seekers is the Canary Islands located off the coast of Spain and Morocco. This archipelago is varied, lovely, culturally rich and blessed with the ability to ease stress in an instant. The Canaries are also home to hundreds of vacation cottages, villas, condos and beach houses, so it won't be a problem to craft a trip of supreme convenience and delight after perusing the offerings and choosing the one that looks like it will meet and perhaps exceed your expectations.

For example, a person used to a long daily commute, questionable weather, traffic problems and a generally harried schedule might easily fall in love with a two bedroom, two bathroom bungalow just a few feet from the sea on the island of Tenerife. In addition to the beach being just a stroll away, there is also a golf course and riding stables within easy walking distance. A ten minute drive deposits you in Los Cristianos, home of a fabulous Sunday market and the pushing off point for dolphin and whale-watching excursions. The location alone makes this property a gem, but there's so much more to like about it inside its walls.

The simple d'cor is properly island-ish, the windows offer excellent views of the ocean and a lovely terrace allows for many happy moments to be spent in awe of it all ? with a drink in hand and companions by your side. A full kitchen allows for the preparation of intimate meals or quick snacks, the living room is spacious enough for everyone to sit down and talk or enjoy a movie, and the closets are thankfully accommodating of all luggage, clothes and shoes. Feeling at home will be surprisingly easy, and leaving unsurprisingly difficult.

Activities to choose from include swimming, surfing, fishing, bicycling, hiking and exploring the towns. Throughout the Canary Islands are opportunities to push the limits of activity and alternately relax like you never have before. Whether seeking out a day of constant stimulation or hoping to squeeze in a satisfying nap beneath the shade of a parasol, every vacation goal you set yourself will be easily realized in this near-fantasy land of seductive sights and scenery.

Larger groups can be just as easily accommodated within the space of a bigger villa, and couples looking for a romantic hideaway can secret themselves away in a hidden cottage somewhere away from the main thoroughfare. Hubbubs of activity exist in resort-like setups with swimming pools and such, while nature lovers can gravitate to less populated islands that will fulfill castaway fantasies and dreams of peace and quiet.

In other words, there's something of everything in the Canary Islands, and choosing to see and do it all with a vacation rental as your home base will make perfect sense. There are many available throughout the year for quick trips or extended stays, so go online and start sorting through the vast array of options. It might be a challenge to pick the absolute perfect because there are so many stellar possibilities, so start early and don't stop until the job is done. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.