Daydreaming on VRBO + Travel Planning

Where have I been for the last few days? Well, I've got lost on VRBO. My husband and I really need a getaway and I have been doing some planing. Travel planning takes me forever to find what I have in mind and I also get transported to this odd wanderlust vacuum that doesn't spit me out until the plans are confirmed. Does anyone else get that way?

With young children strategies are also paramount like do we take the kids, leave them, childcare options -- I could go on. Our original plan was to go to Hawaii but that isn't in the cards this time so I've bounced around on VRBO to destinations near and far. Although it takes some sifting, I found some amazing places that I have put on our future travel list. Through my searching I also decided that someday I want to design a really cool cabin in an interesting place. Like check out this one... wow so luxe.

Here are a few of my bookmarks for future VRBO trips, some would be great with a group:

1: Glamping in Yosemite 
2: Rad Chalet in Tahoe
3. Modern Beach House on Oregon coast
4. Mountain Loft overlooking the coast

How do you travel plan? Do you have the luxury of a travel agent? Or do you get down and dirty doing the nitty gritty searching yourself? Do you shop for travel sales and deals? Pick a destination or budget first? I'm so curious would love to hear about your process!