New site for vacation rental properties

If you're a fan of vacation rentals, there's a new online tool that may make booking your next trip a lot easier. The newly launched Zonder.com moves away from the standard directory-style sites so prevalent for vacation rental properties, and creates a more streamlined approach. Unlike sites that strictly list property rentals (where you have to contact each owner directly and do most of the legwork yourself), Zonder offers:

• Direct booking, with instant confirmations
• Extensive search filtering capabilities, including region, property amenities, price, group size, and more
• Photo slideshows, interactive maps, and detailed property descriptions
• 24-hour customer service

Think of it as the Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity of vacation rentals. Currently, you'll find listings for properties in North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.

As an added incentive, you can get 10 percent off a reservation of up to $250 if you book before Valentine's Day. Use promo code "BeyondHotels" to get the discount.

(Editor's Note: SmarterTravel.com is a member of the TripAdvisor Media Network, an operating company of Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Inc. also owns Expedia.com.)