December 3, 2009 at 9:10 pm
So the story is typical- you want to go on Spring Break with your friends but you don’t have a lot to spend. You want to go somewhere warm, but not too far away and expensive. You want to stay somewhere fun but not sure you can afford a week in a hotel. Maybe you haven’t considered renting a condo, but this year you will!!
You could get a cottage that sleeps 6 in Daytona Beach, Florida from $150 a night. Make sure to check out Daytona Beach Rentals. You can find a list of condos and suites to rent for Spring Break. Spring Break can really be cheaper this year by staying in a condo instead of a hotel. You and five of your buddies can stay for a week only paying about $200 each.
Not to mention a lot of the condos and suites are right on the beach, so you don’t have to worry about traveling once you’re there. A lot of them are also equipped with a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, and BBQ. This way you can cook a lot of your own food and not have to worry about paying high prices to eat out for every meal.
And as if that doesn’t sound good enough, some of the condos have added benefits like pools, hot tubs, tvs and air conditioning.
Here is a good website where you can search for trips to Daytona Beach, or anywhere else you want to go. By looking at Vacation Rentals you can type in any destination and any amount of time. You can check out the latest offers available for tips, too.
All you really have to worry about after booking a place is the flight, and booking early saves money. Take a peek at this travel site for more ideas. You can search for popular vacation sites, including Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and Cancun. You can also look at the latest travel deals and read entries from where people have traveled to get ideas.
You can also search for flights on igougo. I typed in flights March 16-22 from Boston to Daytona. The site brought me directly to orbitz, priceline, and hotwire. The cheapest flight I could find was about $362. So you’re looking at a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida for around $550. Not bad! And it doesn’t cost anything to lay on the beach and swim in the ocean! Sounds like a plan to me…
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged Daytona Beach, Florida, Spring Break
|
December 1, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I’m from the Massachusetts area, so I’m used to going to Cape Cod for summer vacation. This year, why not spice it up a bit with a getaway to the Outer Banks?
Vacation Rentals are easy to find for the islands of the Outer Banks. Pick an island that looks good and find a place to stay- I’ve heard Ocracoke Island is really nice. Outer Banks, North Carolina is a beautiful 200 mile stretch of barrier islands off the Carolina coast. The series of islands all have their own unique sites and attractions. Let’s look at Ocracoke Island…Ocracoke can be reached by one of three ferries, and only one road stretches across the island. It does have a small airport, though, if you have your own plane. (Not me!) The total area is only about nine and a half square miles. Ocracoke Island, listed number 2 on Gadling’s US’s Best Beaches, is full of beautiful shores, light houses, and natural parks. Look around for Captain Blackbeard- Ocracoke is supposedly where he sailed. Ocracoke Island is home to the second oldest lighthouse in the U.S. The historic lighthouse was built in 1823.
And the quaint center of town has nice restaurants and cute shops which provides for a lovely, low-key evening.
Outer Banks vacation rentals offers some nice cottages, perfect for me and a group of friends! And with the shopping, restaurants, and sandy beaches I’m sure we’ll easily fill up two or three weeks of the summer.
Long days can be spent on beaches, or if you don’t feel like basking in the sun there are plenty of other options. Similar to the cape, there is plenty to do on and near the beach. You won’t be hard-pressed to find places to rent bikes and boats, or sign up for single and double parasail adventures! If you’re looking for something more laid back, boat tours, dolphin cruises, and bird watches are other options. Whatever type of mood you are in, there is something to do on Ocracoke Island.“Ride the Wind Surf Shop” looks like a cool store to check out, found on Ocracoke Village East. Along the same stretch is the Ocracoke Island Trading Company. A few other interesting stores to look at are the hemp shop, kite shop, and Sunset Sweets.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged Coast, North Carolina, Outer Banks
|
November 29, 2009 at 9:08 pm
If you’re thinking of going to California for a vacation, what better place to go than San Diego? San Diego has a lot to offer- it’s a great place to go for a fun family vacation or a getaway with friends.
San Diego has a wide variety of different of vacation rentals. From beautiful oceanfront condos to prime-location hotels, San Diego Vacation Rentals are easy to find and inexpensive to book.
There’s a lot to do in San Diego, such as day trips to the San Diego Zoo. If you’re not going with kids, don’t shy away from the zoo. Plenty of teenagers and adults enjoy the San Diego Zoo as much as kids! They have bus rides through the zoo, and an aerial tram. This is a great way to see the zoo at a glance, and then after you can visit your favorite animals up close and personal.
Sea World is also a fun destination, and you can easily spend a full day there. They have dolphin shows, shark encounters, and tide pools among other attractions. I’ve heard there is something to do for every age, which makes it a great place for a family trip or a day out with friends.
A favorite of children (young and old!) is Legoland California. There is a lot to do, from theme park rides to water activities that are enjoyable for all ages. I have never been there myself but I’ve heard it’s like Disney World… maybe even better! There are also amazing Lego structures and of course- plenty of Legos to buy! Children under three are free, an adult one-day pass goes for about $60 and a child’s one-day pass for $50. It’s a little expensive, but comparable to Disney and definitely worth the money. If you’re super-organized, you can print out a map online before you go to highlight what you want to see.
There are plenty of restaurants in San Diego- you can easily find one to suit your needs. For a meal that will make you feel like you’re in Italy, Baci Ristorante is good… and fancy. For seafood or sushi, try Café Japengo. This restaurant is ranked one of the best in San Diego.
After dinner, you can check out the nightlife in San Diego. If you’re a baseball fan– as us Bostonians are (Go Sox!)– a Padres game at Petco Park would be fun. If you’re looking for a wilder night out, go clubbing or bar-hopping. San Diego definitely has plenty to do and see, so if you’re thinking of going make sure you have time for everything!
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged California, San Diego, west coast
|
November 27, 2009 at 9:07 pm
If you want Florida-like weather but don’t want to go that far, South Carolina is a great place to go. Hilton Head island is a beautiful, beachy vacation destination for people across the country.
Hilton Head is a town in South Carolina, about twenty miles north of Savannah, Georgia. It is located along the Atlantic Ocean, which has a strip of amazing beaches. The town is home to many gated communities, but also has a large tourist population year-round. The winters are milder than here in Massachusetts, and the summers are hotter.. making the beaches all the more refreshing!
Hilton Head is known for its beautiful beaches and golf courses, among other things. Hilton Head is the site of world famous PGA tour stops, and other championship courses. While you are laying on the beach, your husband, sons, or friends can be having a great day on the green.
The beaches are similar to those of Cape Cod, if not better. For lazy-day fun you can relax on your beach towel or chair and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. If you’re up for a more adventurous day, there is plenty to do for watersports- parasailing, boat rentals, and kayaking.
Just like any other popular vacation destination, Hilton Head is home to some great dining experiences. From seafood to southwestern to italian, Hilton Head has it all when it comes to your appetite.
Once you decide what is most important to you for your trip, be it golfing, laying on the beach, or experiencing the culture, you can decide what you want to do for lodging at Hilton Head. From beautiful beachfront villas to isolated and private vacation homes to country club suites, you will have no problem finding the perfect place to stay. Hilton Head vacation rentals are easy to come by.
If I haven’t given you enough to do while you’re vacationing, there are many other attractions and activities. I can promise that you won’t be without something to do or see while at Hilton Head Island. So whether you are planning on flying or driving, start looking into your Hilton Head vacation now!
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged destination, Hilton Head, South Carolina
|
November 25, 2009 at 9:07 pm
About two million years ago, a fault in the earth gave rise to the Carson Range and the Sierra Nevada moutains. In between them became the Lake Tahoe Basin. After a while, Mount Pluto erupted and created a dam to the north, and melting snow and plenty of falling rain filled the basin to form the current day Lake Tahoe. It is now one of the most popular vacation destinations on the west coast.
For a great vacation on the west coast, instead of going to the shores of California try Lake Tahoe. It’s beautiful, scenic, perfect. It’s a great place to go if you’re a skier or snowboarder, but if you’re not… don’t worry! There are plenty of other things that make Lake Tahoe a major tourist attraction.
Make sure you find the best vacation rental – either on the California side or the Nevada side, depending on what you are looking for and into where you plan on flying. You can stay at a ski resort or a casino! No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find the best Lake Tahoe vacation rental.
The area is home to the largest ski area in California and Nevada, named none other than Heavenly Mountain Resort. Another popular ski resort which was the site of the 1960 Olympics is Squaw Valley. There is also a lot of sledding opportunities in the mountains if you’re not into skiing or boarding.
On the Nevada side there are a bunch of casinos. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. There are also a lot of other casinos on the North Shore and the South, such as Crystal Bay Club (North) and Horizon Casino Resort (South).
Check out Frommer’s Complete Guide to Lake Tahoe for a list of things to do while vacationing near Lake Tahoe.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged California, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, west coast
|
November 23, 2009 at 9:06 pm
While I have been trying to get used to the frigid November weather here in Boston, Palm Springs, California is looking pretty nice. With January highs of 70 degrees and lows barely at 40 degrees, I would give anything to switch locations right now.
Palm Springs, California is a hot, dry area just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Temperature in the summer can get as high as 110 degrees, so it is probably not your ideal destination for June, July August, and even September (the average high for October is still 90 degrees!). Palm Springs is a nice reprieve from snow and ice and these long New England winters.
This area is literally in the desert, with less than six inches of rain for the annual average. A popular site of interest is the Mount San Jacinto state park- the second highest mountain range in southern California.
There are plenty of condos and vacation homes available in Palm Springs. Many are equipped with their own pool, barbeque, and jacuzzi (not that you will need the heat). Palm Springs vacation rentals are offering many deals through December- up to 74% off so book now!
If you are looking for a sporting event, you can check out the semi-pro baseball team, the Palm Springs Power. Tennis is also popular in Palm Springs- the area has hosted the various tennis events in its history.
The El Paseo shops are a must-see. Along with restaurants and gift shops, El Paseo also has a lot of art galleries. It has popular clothing stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor (and the Loft), Cache and Coach. You will surely enjoy shopping under the hot sun and beautiful palm trees- it is not only a great source of entertainment but also gets you out walking around, enjoying the weather and mountains in the distance.
Finally, some of the most beautiful spots in Palm Springs are the Indian Canyons. Tahquitz Canyon has a 60 foot waterfall. Visit the visitor center and you can either grab a map and take to the canyon or hire a ranger to guide your tour.
The Palm Springs bureau of tourism is a great guide to attractions. From fine dining to casinos and state parks, this area is sure to fulfill your needs for a relaxing or adventuous vacation.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged California, Palm Springs, vacation, warm
|
November 21, 2009 at 9:05 pm
For a vacation that is cheaper than flying into and staying in Florida but just as much fun, Ocean City is a great place. Ocean City is a popular destination for teens on “Senior Week” vacations and college break students. However, it is sure to be a good time for anyone, from kids to adults.
Ocean City has a boardwalk that ranges for three miles. Along the boardwalk there are hotels, shops, restaurants, stands, and bars. What is better than laying on the beach all day, and then just walking up the sand to the boardwalk to grab dinner and enjoy a night out?
Ocean City is really the perfect place to vacation without a rental car. Everything you need is within walking distance- and if you don’t feel like walking you can always rent bikes. It is a great destination for people on a budget since you don’t have to worry about taxis or car rentals. Also, it is relatively easy to find a hotel that fits your budget. These are perhaps the reasons why Ocean City is a popular place for college students.
Lodging is pretty much whatever you need it to be in Ocean City. You can rent a place on the boardwalk with 3 bedrooms- sleeps eight- for around one hundred dollars per night! And not to mention it is equipped with an electric stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, utensils, a pool, and a jacuzzi. This set-up is ideal for high school grads on “Senior Week” or for Spring Break college students. There are plenty of other Ocean City vacation rentals that will suit your needs along the beautiful boardwalk.
For a list of things to do while vacationing along the ten mile stretch of beaches, check out Frommer’s guide to Ocean City, Maryland where you will find a list of popular restaurants, attractions, and and maps. There are also guides to shopping, nightlife, and plenty of maps. There are amusement parks, golf courses, beach clubs, and more. For a spectacular view, you might want to take a ride on the ferris wheel at sunset for only a few dollars.
Ocean City has always been a popular destination for people of all ages- but especially for the younger crowd who are looking for a week or two away with friends.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged Maryland, Ocean City, popular, young
|
November 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm
When the winter weather gets tough, what better place to go than the Bahamas? The complete opposite of winter in New England… the Bahamas is sunny, warm, and fantastic. The best time to go to the Bahamas is the winter, as hurricanes can ravage the area in the summer and fall. And winter is of course the time where we New Englanders are searching for a tropical getaway, so where else would we go than the Bahamas???
The best thing to do before you plan your vacation is take a look at a map of the Bahamas and read up on the islands to see where you want to do. The Bahamas, you may or may not know, is actually about seven hundred islands. Search for “Districts of the Bahamas” or check out the Commonwealth of the Bahamas home site for a better idea of how the islands are distributed, and which islands are the best to visit.
You have probably heard of Nassau, Bahamas- and for good reason, as Nassau is the most visited island of the Bahamas. Nassau is also the capital of the Island of the Bahamas. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, which is a unique location because it is connected by two bridges to Paradise Island.
There is a lot to do in Nassau, including beautiful beaches, casinos, and shopping. Paradise island, which again is connected to Nassau, is home of the world-famous Atlantic Resort. The Atlantis is composed of three separate, luxurious hotels and is in prime location.
There is a lot of other options for lodging in the Bahamas- many of which can fit a tight (or student-friendly) budget. The Bahamas vacation rentals are located on or just off of beautiful beaches. From studio condos to houses in prime locations (check out the 5 bedroom house in Elbow Cay!) there is every type of accomodation available to suit your needs and your vacation.
Though your vacation rental may be so spectacular that you won’t want to leave, there is so much to do in the Bahamas. You have to make sure you get out and experience the culture and take in the views. If there is one thing you must do while vacationing in the Bahamas, it would be to go diving. No where else can you see for over 200 feet below water. There are 25 diving destinations, so you have to hit at least one. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged Bahamas, Beach, renal, swimming, vacation, water
|
November 17, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Yet another great spring break/summer getaway may be somewhere you have not yet considered, somewhere that may be closer than you think. It is not Florida, it is not Maine, it is not California. Today’s topic is Virginia Beach, Virginia. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a popular destination among all during the spring and summer.
Miles of sandy beaches line the shores of the Virginia Beach area, along with hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and a variety of other stores. Also, one thing that makes Virginia Beach a little different from other local destinations is that it hosts a variety of annual sporting events. Virginia Beach is a great place to go and soak up the sun on the beach, or to watch some of the most thrilling athletic events of the season.
If you are a sports aficionado, you might want to visit Virginia Beach during the North American Sand Soccer Championship. This year, the soccer championship is going to be taking place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday June 7. The event runs all day long, from 8am to 10pm. There are around 30,000 people who play in this 3 day long event, and around 100,000 viewers each day. If you decide to be a player instead of a spectator this year, team application and fees have to be received by April 15, 2009. The cost is $425 per team, $500 per team for pro. You can check out their website for more information on where to send the application.
If you happen to be visiting Virginia Beach during the month of August, you might be just in time to see the East Coast Surfing Championship- yet another athletic event that takes place in Virginia Beach every year. Since 1963, more than 100 of the world’s best pro surfers have been known to come out each year to compete. Even more than 300 amateur surfers come out to catch the waves. Anyone can apply to participate, and there are even more events if you are not a surfer. Road races, volleyball games, and skim boarding competitions are some of the other things that will be going on this year. So why not make your vacation a little more active this year?
For lodging in Virginia Beach, there are many options. Virginia Beach vacation rentals range from quiet waterfront condos to Victorian bed and breakfasts and everything is affordable. But be sure to book early, especially if you plan on visiting the area during one of the sporting competitions.
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged affordable, summer, surf, vacation, Virginia Beach
|
November 15, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Panama City Beach, Florida has some of the best beaches in Florida. The snow-white sand and clear green waters are what you will be experiencing… and for over 27 miles. Its prime location on the Gulf of Mexico and Saint Andrews Bay makes Panama City Beach irresistable. So come check it out this year- what are you waiting for?
Panama City Beach is much like other destinations of its type, with wonderful shopping, fine dining, and a variety of beach sports and water activities to keep you busy on your stay. But this beach has one extra thing to offer this year… something that other destinations don’t. There is, however, a catch…
For your vacation to Panama City Beach this year, there is one specific time you need to go. That time is New Year’s. So whether you want to spend Christmas in Florida or pack your bags right after you open presents, be sure to ring in the New Year on this particular beach in Florida.
Why, you ask? Well, this year marks the FIRST ANNUAL Pier Park Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach! Try and control your excitement. Winter really is the perfect time of year to visit Florida if you are from New England or anywhere else where winter is plagued by ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. It might be hard for you to get used to the fact that this year you won’t need a scarf, hat, and a pair of gloves to watch the ball drop. Actually, I have a feeling it won’t take you too long, seeing as you will be on the beach with a beautiful view.
New Year’s on Panama City Beach will have some of the major components that you are used to- lights, festivities, a countdown, and of course a spectacular display of fireworks. The party starts at 6:30pm and doesn’t stop until 2009… literally. So watch the sun rise, shower in your hotel or condo, and then be sure to set up camp on the beach by 9 to start the countdown with the rest of the party.
If you are worried about where to stay in Panama City Beach, do not. There are plenty of vacation rentals in the area. Panama City Beach vacation rentals range from luxurious golf villas to condos that can sleep 8 overlooking the water. Whether you are taking the family for a fun vacation, or bringing your girlfriend or boyfriend for a romantic getaway, you will have no trouble finding the perfect spot.
For a full list of activities to do while vacationing at Panama City Beach, check out Frommer’s Complete Guide to Panama City Beach and most of all, have a great time!
By mhildbra
|
Posted in Uncategorized
|
Tagged Beach, experience, Florida, guide, Panama City Beach, shore, vacation
|
mhildbra