Lindsborg Vacation Rentals: Our Response to COVID-19
COVID-19 (coronavirus) and Travel
Now What?
We have received so many emails recently about COVID-19. From our bank to our favorite local restaurant chain, they are thoughtfully sharing their response, concern and best practices to the coronavirus.
Because you have stayed with Lindsborg Vacation Rentals, we want to let you know that this outbreak is affecting us too, while assuring you that our high-quality properties are awaiting your arrival, whenever you choose to visit.
As a guest with a confirmed reservation or one who is considering staying with us, we're sure you're having conversations about what to do. Should you cancel your trip or not? Should you book a "home away from home" when asked to "shelter in place"?
We at Lindsborg Vacation Rentals believe that facts conquer fear, so that all of us can make informed decisions.
The most up-to-date information comes from the Centers for Disease Control "CDC" and the World Health Organization "WHO".
The Centers for Disease Control has recently stated:
"For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19…COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries."
There are a small handful of COVID-19 in the state of Kansas, but none in central Kansas.
Keeping things in perspective - It has been two months since the disease appeared in the United States. As of March 16, there are 4,093 cases reported and only 69 deaths. Yes, the lack of adequate testing has caused under-reporting of people infected, but not the number of victims of COVID-19 is accurate.
And yes, the numbers will grow exponentially in the coming weeks, there is no doubt about that. However, we encourage you to really think about these numbers.
During the 2017 - 2018 flu season, over 1,500 people died every week for a total of over 60,000 deaths. There were no travel restrictions, no alarm, and most Americans didn't notice the death toll. During the 2018 - 2019 flu season, 34,000 people died.
Unprecedented measures have been taken to limit the spread.
An incredible number of sporting events, concerts, festivals…etc., have been canceled or postponed. In larger cities, restaurants and bars will be closed for eight weeks. All of these measures are to prevent large gatherings and limit the spread of COVID-19. Most recently Lindsborg's Friday Night Art Walk was cancelled as the request of the Lindsborg Community Hospital, partnered with the Salina Regional Health Center.
Most recently, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommended self-quarantine for travelers returning from California, New York, Washington State and international locations, as well as individuals who were on a cruise ship. Anyone who has visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado within the past week or in the future also should stay at home.
There is nothing safer than staying in your own home and not going outside. However, as you continue to enjoy your life, staying at one of our properties with your healthy friends is one of the safest vacations you can take.
Our top priority is to ensure that guests continue to stay in our properties, without fear or apprehension.
We take pride in the cleanliness of our homes. Since our inception, every property is professionally and scrupulously cleaned and disinfected for at least two hours after guests depart. You can literally rest assured that your vacation rental is as clean as it can be.
We ask our future and former guests to review our cancellation policy here:
If Guest(s) wishes to cancel his/her reservation, the deposit will be refunded as follows:
100% if canceled 30 days or more prior to Check-in
50% if canceled 15-29 days prior to Check-in
If guest(s) wishes to cancel his/her reservation 14 DAYS or LESS before Check-in Date, the lease payment will be forfeited, but the damage deposit and cleaning fee will be refunded if the guest(s) cancels his/her reservation prior to Check-In Date.
Insurance: The Owner strongly encourages the Guest(s) mitigate the potential loss of payment by purchasing optional Travel Insurance offered by a third-party provider such as https://www.squaremouth.com.
Another way to look at traveling during COVID-19 is this:
Follow the advice of the experts in your city and state.
Stay home with your family and loved ones.
Be sure reach out with love and care to your neighbors, friends and to people who you may not yet know.
But if you would like a quick getaway, please come stay with us.
But only if you're feeling well and if you are 100% confident that you will keep your reservation and not change your plans.
One way is to book just a small handful of days before you want to arrive. Our website allows for our guests select their check-in and check out dates to see which properties are available.
This situation is the most challenging we have faced in twelve years of operating vacation rentals. We have always done our best to treat guests like family, to have integrity, and to do the right thing. Our business has thrived because of that. We value you, our loyal guests, and no crisis will change us or our ethics.
Obviously this is an ever-changing situation and our policy will evolve. Our team members are people of faith and trust that this too shall pass. Please let us know if we can help you in any way. Email is the best way to communicate right now: lindsborgvacationrentals@gmail.com or 855-872-3487.
Thank you again for being delighted guests and loyal customers.
Coronavirus - Real-time data through Johns Hopkins
Coronavirus: Facts (not Fear).
A great friend from college spent his career providing counseling to missionary families in Asia, primarily Taiwan. Like me, he prefers to know the facts instead of being persuaded by fears that may be ungrounded.
Here is a link to Johns Hopkins' website with a world-wide map and data that is updated (see the lower left corner to see when the latest information was posted). Coronavirus COVID-19
While some may hesitate traveling, please consider visiting Lindsborg for its 10th Annual Våffeldagen on Saturday, March 21st!
What are the top 20 small towns to visit in 2020? Well, there's Moab and Eureka Springs and Carmel-by-the Sea and...Lindsborg!
MSN Lifestyle published the following recently online:
Want to visit Sweden but can't swing a trip to Europe? Then plan a trip to Lindsborg, Kansas, which is the next best thing.
Also known as "Little Sweden, USA," the town was settled in the spring of 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants from the Värmland province of Sweden.
Unlike many other immigrant-founded towns, Lindsborg has managed to hold onto its Swedish roots, especially during its many festivals throughout the year like Våffeldagen (international waffle day), Svensk Hyllningsfest (a festival celebrating Swedish culture) and Millfest.
Make the time to visit the 1904 Swedish Pavilion, which was moved to Lindsborg after the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Live out your childhood dollhouse fantasies at the Rosberg House, a beautiful Victorian Queen Anne home built in 1885 that now operates as a bed and breakfast (and Lindsborg Vacation Rentals, of course!).
When guests #bookdirect, they save $$$!
Here's why!
When guests book on large vacation rental websites like Airbnb, VRBO and TripAdvisor, they are paying substantial fees to use these sites.
Many of the best homes are not listed on these third-party websites. Lindsborg Vacation Rentals is listed on Airbnb, but has its own website.
We know the properties and the area better than anyone and can better match guests to our apartments and homes so our guests have better vacation experiences.
Guests can find out about special offers that cannot be found on the big websites.
Because we own these properties, we can better help guests optimize dates and budgets to fit their needs.
Guests with special needs and requests can work directly with us in a much more personalized way to guarantee an amazing vacation for their family or group.
Looking for a quick getaway?
Here's why vacation rentals are ideal!
Short-term accommodation is particularly well suited to three of the key trends forecast for 2020:
• The Rise of 'Micro-vacations'– these are two-, three-, or four-day breaks that are ideal for travelers who use who want a short escape or those looking for unique experiences in 2020.
• Slow Travel – where people spend more than just one night to explore what makes a destination unique and to make 'deeper connections' with the state or region that they live in. Slow travel takes the pressure to tick off all the usual tourist hotspots and emphasizes quality leisure time. Lindsborg Vacation & Executive Rentals promote our community and region, sharing information on our website about what is going on in central Kansas.
• Relaxing Retreats – some travelers might enjoy staying in another home for a weekend to escape life's busy-ness. A couple, family or individual can enjoy a relaxing, even luxurious, experience for a weekend or a few nights.
In the coming weeks, we will be shining a light on other benefits of staying in short-term vacation rentals.
Time time to get away!Presents have been returned,
the tree has been tossed to the curb (real), or put back in its box (fake).
Our nightly rates have been reduced by 20% from Friday, January 10th through Tuesday, March 31st. There are plenty of reasons to return to Lindsborg or to visit for the first time.
Small town merchants are friendly and helpful. Fund events, such as the Swedish Luau, Chocolate Lovers Affair & Art Auction & Wäffeldagen are very popular and will be here soon.
Then there's the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day! Plus birthday and anniversary celebrations. Girls weekend! Grandparents/grandkids trip (visit Trollslända Toy Store)!
Your two-night minimum stay must be completed by March 31st. Be sure to #bookdirect by going to Lindsborg Vacation Rentals or calling 855-872-3487.
The year 2020 holds much promise
with the introduction of our newest property: >> Skönhuset <<
a three-bedroom, three bath home
just two blocks from downtown Lindsborg!
Stenhuset (Swedish for "the stone house")
one of only eight homes worldwide!
A couple of months ago, Airbnb and Atlas Obscura started to collaborate. As you know, many vacation rentals across the world are listed on Airbnb. Atlas Obscura is calls itself "the definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders." What are some of these wonders?
In Lindsborg: Holmberg and Johnson Blacksmith & Wagonshop, Fitz Overalls Ghost Sign, Swedish Phone Booth and Coronado Heights!
Just a couple of weeks ago, Stenhuset was added to Atlas Obscura! And did you know that there are only eight places around the world that are listed on Airbnb and Atlas Obscura! Click on the blue block below to see more pictures.
Mural Celebrates Swedish Folk Dancers
Around the Maypole!
Just a few short weeks ago, a small, but enterprising group of small business owners decided that a mural would be a great addition to downtown Lindsborg. Less than two weeks later, the muralists from Kansas City completed their creation!
The life-size Swedish folk dancers welcome everyone to take their pictures and share on your favorite social media! Be sure to include #lbkmurals.
This mural can be found behind the Visitors Center on North Main Street along on the south side of the parking lot between First Bank Kansas and Lindsborg Nutrition and Under the Cork!
