With vacations few and far between and the difficulties that arise with attempting to coordinate a handful of busy schedules, when a trip is planned it better be worth the trouble. The best bet is to choose a destination with a little bit of everything and a solid reputation for bringing about relaxation and relief from the real world. Natural beauty is always a plus, and the more opportunities for cathartic physical activities, the better. You know your group well, and it's more than likely that Big Bear knows how to make them happy.

Big Bear, located in the San Bernardino Mountains northeast of Los Angeles, isn't as high-profile as some California hotspots but it deserves credit for being about as varied, action-packed and lovely as can be. This picturesque paradise of mountains, lakes, valleys and forests has been accentuated (but not tamed) with abundant resort and recreation facilities, meaning that any sport or activity you can imagine engaging in is likely available here.

Another attractive aspect of Big Bear involves vacation rentals. When traveling to a spot off the beaten path, it makes sense to go for a lodging situation that is a little bit unconventional, too. Unconventional in a good way, of course - in a way that makes you and your family feel exceptionally at ease as soon as you walk through the door of your cabin, condo or cottage in the woods. Escaping to nature without giving up the comforts of home provides a uniquely pleasant experience, one that every vacationer should experience at some point.

Staying in a Big Bear cabin is like discovering a new way of life. And, contrary to what many people think, you don't have to be incredibly rich or well-connected to justify staying in one of these properties. Vacation rentals come in all size, level of extravagance and price range. For every decked out mansion on top of the mountain there is a perfectly reasonable and non-pretentious log home conveniently situated near a ski lift and waiting for a regular family just like yours.

Having access to a kitchen, entertainment center, barbeque grill, patio and enough bedrooms and bathrooms to keep conflicts at bay are priceless commodities (but again, you don't have to go broke to obtain them), and close proximity to the treasures of the mountain are also sure to make things go smoothly. Big Bear is a happening place to be during all seasons, so whether you're here to schuss or water ski, it'll be worth it to pick a place nice and close to a hub of activity.

The lake is a good place to focus on, as is either of the two resorts. Hike or bike down the mountain if it isn't ski season; if it is, brush up on your snowboarding skills at one of the top-notch terrain parks. At the end of the day (or perhaps in the middle of it if a rest is needed) return to home base for a snack, a nap or a meeting with the rest of the group in order to compare stories and plan the rest of the evening. A warm great room or inviting patio tends to give heart to an already sure-to-be-wonderful holiday by providing a venue for conversation and catching up. A big part of a good trip is the people you choose to spend it with, and when everyone is happy in their surroundings, all seems right with the world.

So if a trip to California lies ahead, consider Big Bear. The air is clean, the scenery is majestic, and the stage is set for interpersonal success by means of an abundant array of vacation homes ripe for the picking. Go online to peruse the exciting list of Big Bear Vacation Rentals, and start early for the best deals and selection. One more thing: as it becomes clear that this trip will be a success, don't hesitate to take credit for bringing it all together.