In these tough economic times, who wants to waste their time lodging in expensive hotel accommodations where you're confined to a small room with little privacy and independence of your own. That's why vacation rentals by owner make so much sense. When you travel, you want to experience a place as it was meant to be. You want to live like you belong there. You want to feel like you're in control of your own surroundings. Why not stay in a house with a yard, a barbecue, access to the beach, a sports court, your own private hot tub? With a vacation rental by owner you can have essentially everything you could ever want, right in one place, at half the cost.

If you're looking for a vacation rental by owner, you may not have given much consideration towards a Northwest Puget Sound vacation by the sea. The Seattle area is filled with culture, unique experiences, and you'll find good people there who have a great appreciation for the environment with good reason; why would anyone ever want to spoil beauty this great? The activities and entertainment possibilities are endless. I highly recommend renting a place by the ocean on Camano Island. It's only 45 minutes north of Seattle, yet it seems like a world away. It truly is island life at its finest; Washington style. With glistening waters, green surroundings, majestic mountains, and incredible wildlife, you'd be crazy not to see it for yourself. If you really want to convene with nature and invigorate your connection with the great outdoors than Camano Island is for you! Camano Island sits in the rain shadow produced by the Olympic mountain range. It enjoys a drier climate with less rain fall and more sunshine. Driving onto the island coming from Seattle is an experience in itself. One minute you're driving along in overcast weather surrounded by Evergreen tress, then the next minute the skies clear up and there're Madronas hanging out over gorgeous seaside cliffs. Scenic overviews of the Puget Sound with the mountains in the distance surround you from all angles. Even the air seems to change; a deep breath in and you're senses are engulfed with the fresh aroma of the seaside ocean wrapping around you from every direction.

The best way to experience Camano Island is to do a vacation rental by owner. The place I stayed provided all the fixings for a truly great vacation. It sits high above an ocean bay looking out over the water with the Cascade Mountain Range in the distance. Eagles frequently fly through the air and perch in the tops of the trees right before your eyes. I never thought I'd ever end up so close to eagles as they glide with outstretched wings. The way that this wonderful seaside cabin sits, you get some of the most spectacular views on the planet. There is no doubt it'll leave you breathless.

This particular vacation rental by owner had wonderful charm and character. You'll find that to be the truth with most vacation rentals by owner, but always be selective in your accommodations in order to find the best places - where you stay makes a big difference. It was decorated with everything you'd expect from a northwest coastal home. From the wood burning stove in the corner, to gorgeous paintings, and wooden interiors; it's a feeling no lodge or hotel could ever replicate. There's tons of space as the cabin is deceptively large. There were three stories with a main floor, a loft, and a downstairs with yet two more bedrooms and a games room. All of which have incredible views looking out over the ocean with large expansive windows allowing you to sit for hours on end just taking it in.

With a vacation rental by owner, you have the whole place to yourself too. The freedom and joy you experience being able to unwind uninterruptedly really allows you to get back in touch with yourself. After being far too engulfed in the daily grind that too often consumes us, this is the type of vacation that makes you feel complete again after leaving. I've traveled half way across the world, have been to multiple countries, and I've stayed in numerous accommodations, yet I've never felt quite as connected to my surroundings as I did in this place.

As someone who loves to travel and experience things for myself, I think I'll always look into vacation rentals by owner. Camano Island in Washington State is probably one of the most overlooked vacation destinations I can think of. I highly suggest you discover it for yourself. You will not be disappointed!

Copyright (c) 2009 Matt Moore