Travel guides · Vacation homes · Destinations worldwide Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Summit Vacation Homes Travel guides & vacation homes worldwide
The Summit Journal

Travel guides, vacation homes & tips from around the world

Destination guides from Asia to the Americas, Europe and Australia — plus where to stay, how to book and how to get around.

• 3 min read

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide: North Shore vs South Shore, Things to Do and Where to Stay

Lake Tahoe is one of America's most spectacular mountain destinations. Straddling the California–Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada, it's the largest alpine lake in North America, with crystal-clear water, granite shorelines and snow-capped peaks. Summer brings beaches, boating and hiking; winter brings some of the West's best skiing. And with hundreds of cabins and lake houses, it's a dream destination for a vacation-home stay. Choosing your base is the biggest decision for a Tahoe trip: South Lake Tahoe is the busiest area, straddling the state line with lively dining, nightlife, casinos on the Nevada side, beaches and easy access to…

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• 3 min read

Traveling With Kids: 15 Tips for a Smooth, Happy Family Vacation

Family vacations create some of life's best memories — and, let's be honest, some of its most stressful travel days. Long flights, unfamiliar beds, missed naps and hungry kids can test anyone's patience. But with a bit of planning, traveling with children can be easier and far more enjoyable for everyone. Here are 15 tips we rely on for smoother family trips, from booking to the journey home. Toddlers love beaches, parks and pools; older kids may want adventure, animals or theme parks. A destination with a mix of easy activities and downtime usually works best. Separate bedrooms, a kitchen…

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• 3 min read

Vacation Rental Scams: 10 Red Flags to Spot Before You Book

Most vacation rentals are exactly what they claim to be. But fake listings and payment scams do exist, and they tend to target travellers searching for popular destinations at peak times — exactly when good homes are hard to find and people are tempted to act fast. The good news is that rental scams usually follow the same patterns. Learn the red flags below and you'll be able to spot most of them before you lose a cent. This is the biggest warning sign. A request to pay by bank transfer, money-transfer service, cryptocurrency or gift cards — often with…

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• 4 min read

Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Island Hopping

Just a short ferry ride from Cebu, Bohol is one of the Philippines' most rewarding island destinations. In a few days you can see the famous Chocolate Hills, meet the tiny tarsier, cruise a jungle river, snorkel with sea turtles and relax on Panglao's white-sand beaches. It's an easy, varied trip that works brilliantly for families, couples and first-time visitors to the Philippines. Dry season (roughly December to May): the most popular time, with sunnier days for sightseeing and island hopping. Holy Week (March or April): very busy with local travellers — book early. Rainy season (roughly June to November):…

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• 4 min read

Car Rental Insurance Explained: What You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

You've found a great rental-car price online, you arrive at the counter — and suddenly you're being offered a list of insurance options with confusing acronyms that could double the cost. Do you need them? Are you already covered? And what happens if you say no? This guide explains the most common types of rental car cover in plain language, shows you where you might already be protected and gives you a simple checklist for deciding before you get to the counter. Note: insurance rules and products differ by country, rental company and policy. Use this as a general guide…

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• 3 min read

Vacation Home vs Hotel: Which Is Better for Your Next Trip?

It's one of the first decisions of any trip: book a hotel, or rent a vacation home? Both can be fantastic — and both can be the wrong choice for a particular trip. The right answer depends on who's travelling, how long you're staying and what kind of experience you want. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide. For families and groups, a whole home often costs less per person than several hotel rooms — and you get bedrooms, bathrooms and shared living space instead of everyone squeezed into separate rooms. Cooking breakfast and a few dinners saves money,…

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• 4 min read

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide: Beaches, Waterfalls and Where to Stay

Cebu has it all: white-sand islands, world-famous diving, waterfalls you can jump into, mountain viewpoints, centuries of history and some of the best lechon in the Philippines. It's also one of the easiest places in the country to reach, thanks to direct international flights into Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Whether you're planning a beach escape, an adventure trip or a family holiday, this guide will help you plan the perfect Cebu getaway. Dry season (roughly December to May): the most popular time, with sunnier days that are ideal for island hopping, diving and canyoneering. January: the Sinulog Festival, held every third…

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• 4 min read

Ultimate Guide to Summit Vacations: Mountain Travel Tips and Packing List

Mountain trips are pure magic when you're prepared — and surprisingly tough when you're not. Thin air, fast-changing weather and long drives on winding roads all make a summit vacation a little different from a city break or a beach holiday. The good news is that a bit of planning goes a long way. Here are our essential tips for a smooth, safe and memorable mountain getaway, plus a packing list you can use for any season. Many popular mountain towns sit well above 8,000 feet (about 2,400 m), where there's noticeably less oxygen. Some visitors feel headaches, tiredness or…

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• 4 min read

Breckenridge, Colorado Travel Guide: When to Go, Where to Stay and What to Do

With its Victorian main street, world-class skiing and endless summer trails, Breckenridge is one of Colorado's most-loved mountain towns. Founded in 1859 during the gold rush and sitting at around 9,600 feet, "Breck" blends mining-town history with a lively, year-round resort scene — making it a favourite for families, groups and anyone looking for a classic Rocky Mountain getaway. This guide covers when to go, where to stay, the best things to do in every season and how to get around. Winter (roughly late November to April): peak season for skiing and snowboarding. Expect the highest prices around the holidays…

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