The "Trip of a Lifetime" Story

It was an ordinary day. And ..... getting very interesting. Just got an email from VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owners is a very large website that helps property owners rent their places without a middle man) telling me I don't need a reason to go on vacation. Hey, I already knew that, but I thought I would read more. And so here is what they told me .....

Hi Larry,

You don't need a reason to go on a vacation! Treat yourself and take a break from the every day. Stay in a vacation rental home from VRBO and choose from over 165,000 properties around the world. It doesn't matter where you decide to take your time off, you'll find the perfect place to stay with VRBO. To help you get started, we've provided some vacation ideas we think you'll enjoy.

And then they gave me 3 choices from their featured weekly listings. Maybe if I showed you where they think I should go you'd be interested also.

Cozy Design Apartment in the City Center Close to St. Mark's

Venice Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 365026

Location: Venice, Veneto, Italy, Europe (Close to waterbus station to/from the airport + railway stat) Welcome to beautiful Venice! Open up your eyes and be enchanted! Our flat is located in the historical center of Venice, only seven minutes walk from "Salon of Europe" Mark's Square and from Rialto Bridge. The area offers a number of shops, restaurants and opportunities to explore Venice by gondola: The apartment is located behind Calle della Mandola, one of the most famous streets for shopping in Venice. Arts, culture, museums, Biennale, history, romance ... Venice has so much to offer! 700 Euros/week.

Perfect Location at a Great Price! January Dates Available!Punta del Este Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 364687

Location: Punta del Este, Uruguay, South America (On the Punta del Este Peninsula). This apartment is located on the Punta del Este Peninsula. The Peninsula is the hub of Punta del Este with the most year-round activity. $420 US/week.

Charming XVII Century ApartmentAix en Provence Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 363559

Location: Aix en Provence, Aix en Provence Area, Provence, France, Europe. The apartment is located in a historic 17th century building in the heart of the city center of Aix. This part of town is a picturesque area found between the Cours Mirabeau (the main street of Aix) and the "Hotel de Ville" plaza. The charm continues with the daily (yes- 7 days a week) fruit and vegetable market located just a few foot-steps away. 490 Euros/week.

OK, now I need to decide where I will go! Kinda neat that I get emails like this all the time from VRBO, but it does get depressing, since there is absolutely no way that I can go. I could tell them that I want to unsubscribe from the emails, but I won't. I can still dream. If you're wondering what my choice would be, it definitely would be the place in Venice. After visiting there a few years ago with a group from our church, I would love to head back. And, to be able to live on the island for a week would be fantastic. One of the neatest places I have ever traveled. Oh, well! Gives me something to dream about tonight. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.