Travel deals benefit road trippers: Check out Oregon’s unique vacation getaways

Vacations might have been delayed during the spring and summer due to stay-at-home orders and concern over the coronavirus pandemic. But some people are making plans to travel later this year for a change of scenery and to take advantage of deals in high-demand locales, according to research conducted by the vacation rental online marketplace Vrbo.

Working remotely and home schooling grant people flexible schedules to get away in the late summer and fall, sometimes staying away longer than usual, according to Vrbo.

The travel trend has a name: Flexcation.

“This summer, we’ve seen countless families switch to road trips and rent private vacation homes instead of taking traditional vacations,” said Vrbo president Jeff Hurst in a news release.

He said families that travel outside of peak seasons can try new experiences, “like seeing the mountain leaves change, catching the first snow of the season or visiting the beach when it isn’t as hot.”

Before you go, check govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19 for the most current travel recommendations and best practices to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Also read 10 things to consider before going back outside during the coronavirus pandemic in Oregon.

Each vacation rental should state its contactless, safety and disinfecting protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

>Work from someone else’s Oregon home: Book an office getaway

>Rent an Oregon RV: Escape to nature with a roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper van

Here are unique Oregon getaways listed on Vrbo, but Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Vacasa and other online travel platforms can be searched for the perfect place to escape.

Forrest Lodge in Mount Hood: The 4,200-square-foot, A-frame house, set among old-growth trees on three acres of land with groomed trails, has large windows to frame the scenic views. There is a hand-built, stone chimney fireplace, two lofts, a gourmet kitchen plus a hot tub and sauna.

Details:

• Accommodates 12 guests

• Four bedrooms

• Three bathrooms

• Around $425 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Cozy, dog-friendly yurt near Tillamook: The 525-square-foot yurt on the edge of the water in Bay City offers an opportunity for glamping (glamorous camping) on the Oregon coast. Sleep underneath the clear dome ceiling and enjoy 180-degree views from other vantage points.

Picnic at the outside table, relax near the fire pit or bring a fishing boat.

In the surrounding area, recreation opportunities include an 18-hole golf course, the Tillamook Creamery, Tillamook Air Museum, Cape Meares Loop with its historic lighthouse, the famous Octopus Tree as well as the sandy beaches and hiking.

Details:

• Accommodates four guests

• One bedroom

• One bathroom

• Around $131 a night on average, depending on travel dates

China Mountain House in Port Orford: The property is on a secluded bluff with opportunities to explore the surrounding coastline, raft or fish in rivers and golf at one of the world-renowned courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, 30 minutes to the north.

The house has 12-foot-high ceilings and glass walls facing the ocean plus a home theater system with a 14-foot by 10-foot movie screen and extensive film library.

Special offer: Receive a free night with a week long stay.

Details:

• Accommodates four guests

• Two bedrooms

• 1.5 bathrooms

• Around $375 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Oceanfront octagon home in Waldport: The eight-sided house has vaulted wood ceilings, hardwood floors and a stone fireplace. There are expansive views of the rugged Oregon coastline from inside the house or from the patio, which is equipped with a private hot tub and fire pit.

Stairs lead directly to the sand where you can enjoy 60 feet of prime beach frontage and spend the day whale watching, crabbing or kayaking. The area also has a scenic golf course, antique shops and seafood restaurants.

Details:

• Accommodates seven guests

• Three bedrooms

• 1.5 bathrooms

• Around $240 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Ocean views and artistry home near Cannon Beach: The Mermaid House in Arch Cape, about 70 miles west of Portland, has upper and lower viewing decks and grants easy access to the beach along a nature trail.

Writers have stayed here for weeks to focus on their craft, and families and artists have come to the Mermaid to refresh, relax and reflect, according to the owners.

When the tide is out, wander north around sandstone outcroppings to Hug Point and Arcadia Beach or all the way to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Wander south around the Cape and you will find the arches for which Arch Cape is named and tide pools.

Fine dining and shopping are minutes away in Cannon Beach to the north and Manzanita to the south.

Details:

• Accommodates six guests

• Two bedrooms

• Two bathrooms

• Around $175 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Rustic Ranch to fish, relax, hike or hunt in Huntington: The original Ranch House is set in a historic cattle ranch owned by a family since the 1940s. The acreage, along the Burnt River and near the Snake River, has no city lights, granting clear views of stars.

Details:

• Accommodates 10 guests

• Three bedrooms

• Three bathrooms

• Around $205 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Unique floating home in Portland: The recently remodeled Flamingo House is a cozy, fun and peaceful escape from the ordinary but close to downtown Portland, say the owners.

Bring your own kayak or paddle board — or rent one — and explore the Columbia River while seeing ospreys, ducks and geese.

Details:

• Accommodates four guests

• One bedroom

• One bathroom

• Around $175 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Stunning lighthouse-replica home near Newport: The Lighthouse at Starfish Cove has the same floor plan and exterior as the old Yaquina Bay lighthouse, but with a chic interior and modern comforts.

The beach is in the backyard and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is directly to the south, making it easy to explore the great outdoors.

Details:

• Accommodates six guests

• Three bedrooms

• 1.5 bathrooms

• Around $268 a night on average, depending on travel dates

Work from someone else’s Oregon home: Book an office getaway: Are you craving a change of working-from-home scenery? Consider this: People are booking a larger place or one in an interesting location where they can spread out, use the desks and WiFi, and when work is done, they can leisurely explore a new neighborhood.

It’s also a good way to try out a city if you’re thinking about relocating.

For this getaway gallery, we searched for unique listings in Oregon, or right over the border in California, that are perfect for remote work.

Rent an Oregon RV: Escape to nature with a roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper
van: Oregon is loaded with picturesque, pothole-free country roads that lead to waterfalls and other scenic spots. If you feel like traveling, but not in a plane or staying at hotels, you might want to rent a self-contained, roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper van for a weekend or longer.

Outdoorsy, an online rental marketplace, connects recreational vehicle owners with people who’d like to use them.

Class As, vintage Airstreams and kitschy camper vans are outfitted with bedding, kitchenware and camp equipment. Some owners add 120v outlets and USB ports for charging phones and laptops, and goodies, like Brew Dr. Kombucha, Field Trip Jerky and Grizzlies Granola.

Stay in the Manzanita schoolhouse and other unique Oregon getaways: It is time to plan for a family getaway? Here’s a unique place to stay on the Oregon coast: The completely remodeled 1927 Pine Grove Schoolhouse with forest and water views in Manzanita can be rented as a vacation stay.

The one-acre property, 12 blocks from the beach, is owned by a longtime Portland family that has been visiting Manzanita and Oswald West State Park since the 1970s.

The landscaped grounds of the Manzanita Schoolhouse have a lake view and plenty of lawn to space out safely and play croquet, badminton, bocce ball. Toss a softball or fly kites. Or just sit in the gazebo or around the fire pit. You can also barbecue under the stars on the three grills.

The best of Oregon’s oddball vacation getaways: Treehouses, RVs, yachts: You might not be able to take a vacation now, but you can dream of one and even make plans. To inspire you, we’re selected a list of the best of Oregon’s oddball vacation getaways, from treehouses and a fire lookout tower to sleek Airstreams and colorful camper vans.

The best of Oregon’s getaway ideas: Escape to beaches, vineyards, mountains: You might not be able to take a vacation now, but you can dream of one and even make plans. To inspire you, we’re selected a list of the best Oregon getaway ideas, from beaches and rivers to vineyards and mountains.

10 tempting, crazy Oregon getaways when you’re ready to get out there: Oregon has an amazing collection of eclectic places to stay, from the coast to the Wallowa Mountains, tiny Tiller to populated Portland, a beach cottage to a cabin. And then there are some weird rentals in alluring locations.

Wild, romantic honeymoons: Start a marriage off right or rekindle your relationship: Which destination is right for you two? You’ll find it on the coast or in the mountains, desert or forest. Or maybe in a lighthouse?

Zen-like getaways: Oregon offers calm vacation destinations (and serene ideas for your home): Oregon has zen-like vacation homes in which to safely escape. Or, if you’re looking for desi
gn ideas or serene colors that promote tranquility, you’ll find inspiration just looking at photos of this week’s getaway gallery of calming places.

Are you ready to relax and only hear the sounds of ocean waves, rustling leaves or birds?

Get away to an Oregon vacation home with a dock: Make a splash with the whole family: A dock is one of those wonderful, in-between spaces that links one surface, land, to another, water. There’s really no need for a boat. You can enjoy the wooden platform just because it lets you look out and it sways a bit, as if you’re dancing without any effort.

In this getaway guide, we look at docks connected to an Oregon vacation home large enough to invite the whole family, when you’re ready to travel again.

Oregon getaways for the whole family: Are you ready to plan for fun on the water? When your family or friends feel it’s time to break away from home, Oregon’s wide open spaces and waterways will beckon. How about boarding a houseboat or yacht?

The GetMyBoat app lets you search for boat rentals, fishing charters or other water experiences in a desired location by price, type of experience and number of guests.

10 cozy, cool, crazy cabin vacation getaways: Escape to Oregon mountains and lakes or the California desert: The need to be in nature may be strong, but there are so many ways to relax amid towering trees in the mountains or next to a lake.

In this week’s vacation getaway roundup, we look at cabins of all kinds, from a classic A-frame in a forest to a modern dwelling in the desert.

Rustic or luxury? Cozy or expansive? It’s up to you to decide: Are you dreaming of a romantic escape or group reunion?

Escape to one of Oregon’s wacky, funky, adorable getaways for rent like this quaint, solar-powered cabin near Vancouver: Getaways mean more than staying in a different shelter. Vacations are supposed to be physical and mental escapes from real life.

If you truly want an experience that’s unlike the place you lay your head, check out Oregon’s wacky, funky, adorable lodging, from a Swiss Family Robinson luxury tree resort to an off-the-grid yurt.

How about sleeping in a teepee on a yak ranch in Bend?

In this home stay gallery, we check out 10 oddball abodes that you can check into.

Are you ready to escape to a scenic spot near mineral hot springs? Oregon has an abundance of natural hot springs, some easily accessible, others completely remote, reports Oregonian/OregonLive’s travel writer Jamie Hale, who compiled a list of day-use springs.

Relax in a pool bubbling with geothermal energy, but play it safe by staying hydrated, cooling down and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

In this getaway gallery, we look at places to soak in nature here and beyond state boundaries. The vacation stays may be a long scenic drive away from a hidden hot springs, but that’s part of the adventure.

Rent oddball RVs, sleek Airstreams, colorful camper vans, teardrop trailers a la Airbnb: A long holiday weekend may inspire a road trip. You can ride your own wheels or rent a roomy RV, sleek Airstream or colorful camper van, through a company or private owner, a la Airbnb.

In this getaway gallery, we look at personalized mobile homes that are kitschy, cute or cool.

10 cool treehouses: These elevated vacation getaways are for rent Do we really ever grow out of wanting a treehouse? A vacation rental might answer that question.

In this week’s getaway roundup, we look at 10 vacation rentals, near and far, designed to elevate your point of view.

These modern dwellings in mostly remote forests are perfect perches for birdwatchers and nature lovers, but they’re not always easy to reach. They’re rustic and may offer waterfront views but not indoor running water.

10 accessible Airbnb rentals in Portland, Palm Springs and London: Srin Madipalli is a devoted world traveler who uses a wheelchair. To make it easier to find accessible lodging when booking online, he co-created Accomable, an online resource that was acquired by Airbnb in 2017.

Since then, Madipalli, who heads Airbnb’s accessibility team, has refined the homestay rental company’s search filters to help people with disabilities and their families find places that can be easily enjoyed without steps or stairs, and other accommodations.

“No two people with a disability are the same, so we offer 27 accessibility filters for a spectrum of needs, and we’re working on more,” says Madipalli.

Portland high-rise apartments can be rented by the day: The owners of some high-end Portland apartment buildings allow units that are not yet leased to be rented through short-term vacation stay sites like Stay Alfred and Portland-based Vacasa.

While the neighbors have settled in for the long haul, with year-long contracts and a key to a mailbox, short-timers are using lockboxes or concierge desks to check in for day or two.

The fee for a furnished apartment, which can be $80 to more than $1,000 a night, includes a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and housekeeping services.

Online travel agencies comply with permits, pay lodging taxes and in some buildings, contact customers disturbing the peace.

Bend ranks 4th in U.S. as a vacation rental hot spot. Here are 10 getaways, from funky to fancy: Bend residents may feel as if at least one person in their neighbor is renting out a room or a whole house to tourists. And they may be right.

A study released Wednesday found that Bend has 1,658 Airbnb listings per 50,000 people, which vaults the city on the Deschutes River to the fourth most saturated vacation rental market among more than 750 U.S. cities, according to IPX1031, an investment property exchange service.

Airbnb picks the West Coast’s top destination, and it’s Eugene: These are the most wish-listed rentals Of Airbnb’s more than 7 million homestays scattered across the world, which West Coast city rose to the top as a destination more people want to visit in 2020?

Eugene.

The reasons? Travelers like to be around nature and big events, says the lodging company. Green-thinking Eugene has both hiking trails and the University of Oregon’s constant activities.

Here are 10 ideal Airbnb rentals for sweet Cannon Beach getaways: For people who dream of having a beach house, an Oregon Coast vacation rental is a sweet substitute.

In addition to hotels and B&B, Cannon Beach visitors can check into a cottage or condo, wrapped in classic cedar shingles and equipped with a kitchenette and patio, that’s operated by hospitality professionals as well as homeowners with space to spare.

Airbnb’s research found visitors book their Cannon Beach getaway at least two months before their trip. Nightly rentals are restricted and people devoted to special events like the crowd-pleasing Sandcastle Contest and hilarious corgi run race to reserve a place.

10 top Ashland Airbnb home stays for couples, families, girl groups: Online travel agent Daniel Perry manages 100 vacation rentals in Ashland, from a single room to an entire house, where a chef can be hired to make meals. We asked the owner of BookStayHop to suggest a home stay for various Ashland visitors, from singles and couples to large groups.

Many of the vacation rentals are in Ashland’s downtown area, which allows out-of-towners to leave a car behind and live like a local, says Perry.

Getaway ideas to close-by, less-crowded places: The Portland-based travel experts at Vacasa vacation home rentals checked where spring breakers escaped to in 2018 and 2019, and found alternative smaller towns and cities nearby. These getaways can be a deal.

10 vacation rentals with closeup views of Oregon’s fabulous fall colors: If you live in Oregon, you can look out almost any window and see greenery. Starting now through mid-October, you’ll also see bronze, crimson and golden autumn leaves.

10 luxury home rentals let you dream big on vacation: Vacations are supposed to be a fantasy come true. Yet, most of us stick somewhat to a budget. But … we can dream.

Here are 10 luxury home rentals that cost more for one day than most people’s monthly housing expenses. Still, there’s something appealing about looking at perfect scenery from a secluded perch surrounded by nature and deluxe perks (yes, a butler).

In time for holiday giving – or making plans for a wedding or family reunion – we spotlight off-the-charts, Neiman Marcus fantasy gift level of getaways to rent, in Oregon and once-in-a-lifetime, fabulous destinations.

Dozens of Oregon getaways let you soak in natural hot springs: Ease into the new year by soaking the day away at Crane Hot Springs, a getaway off Oregon Route 78 east of Burns that the Oregonian/OregonLive travel writer Jamie Hale calls “an oasis.”

If you’re too relaxed to leave a cedar tub bubbling with mineral water from natural hot springs ($15 an hour) or the soothing, 101-degree pool ($10 for four hours), stay overnight inside a rustic room or tepee, or set up a tent or park your RV at one of the campsites.

Perhaps you’d like to explore beyond the remote resort? The slow winter season in southeast Oregon’s high desert will allow time to learn about the area’s fascinating prehistoric history and other places to soak.

Where to stay for Willamette Valley’s Wine Country Thanksgiving: From a tiny house to vineyard villa: Thanksgiving weekend in Oregon’s wine-growing regions is an action-packed chance for patrons of pinot noir and other varietals to barrel taste this year’s vintage as flavors mature and to enjoy food pairings with bottles that have been released (and perhaps are on sale).

Vacation getaways: Yachts, yurts and other unusual Oregon home rentals: To celebrate a seriously special occasion, you can charter the Disco Volante, a 45-foot yacht with three levels of luxury. We’re talking swim platforms and sun pads, and a ban on red wine and orange Cheetos to protect the pricey teak and tan finishes.

10 glamorous historic mansions and homes for rent: Are you curious about what luxury looked like a century ago and how it feels today? In this week’s home stay getaway gallery, we peek into 10 historic mansions and homes that you can rent for a day or longer.

Las Vegas lodging: Here are places to stay close to the arena, so you can walk, take a hotel tram, Las Vegas Monorail or a ride share to the games. See more places to stay, some on the Las Vegas Strip, others in quieter locales including the Nobu Hotel penthouse suite.

10 Oregon coast getaways to enjoy a Victorian-style Christmas at the Heceta Head Lighthouse: Lighthouses are a beacon to captains and people curious about these rare, old navigational towers.

10 Oregon coast getaways to see Shore Acres’ stunning holiday light display: If you’re looking for a place that’s all aglow for the holidays, Shore Acres State Park’s display of 325,000 decorative lights on the southern Oregon coast will blow you away.

10 vacation getaways to join Mount Hood’s New Year’s Eve parties: Are you searching for a memorable way to watch the dawn of a new decade? How about ringing in 2020 from Oregon’s tallest mountain?

10 snowy getaways near Crater Lake get you close to free ranger tours: Are you ready to be whisked off on snowshoes to explore corners of Crater Lake? Rangers offer free tours and equipment, but you’ll need to get there first since the Crater Lake Lodge and all park campgrounds are closed until late May.

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

[email protected] | @janeteastman

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