Where to Stay in 2010?

A quarter million visitors are expected to descend upon Vancouver next February for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and some people are wondering where they can stay? With a definite shortage of hotel rooms and short-term rentals available, the answer could be in the form of alternative accommodation such as a spare room, houseboat, mobile home or mansion to rent.

Check out clearinghouse and online ad sites such as DestinationPlanner2010.com (launched by a Tourism BC consortium), rent2010.net, and craigslist.org as possible sources for such accommodation. Recently launched iStopOver uses reviews and social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn to help travellers and homeowners overcome the worry of dealing with total strangers. Both hosts and guests can put in authentication requests which allow them 24 hours to view information from social networking sites that the users choose to share. The site takes payments from the traveller and in exchange gives our a reservation code.

"Buyer Beware" is advised and be sure to check for photos, maps, references and a fair negotiable price to ensure you are comfortable with the other party, and your visit to Vancouver and Games experience is a pleasant one.