OBX Travel Tips: Saving Money on Your Outer Banks Vacation

Posted on February 22, 2012

A few weeks ago we started a new blog series to offer some OBX Travel Tips. Who doesn’t love some good insider tips, right? We started with tips for staying healthy on your Outer Banks Vacation, and now we’re going to adjust our focus to your piggy bank – i.e. tips for saving money on your Outer Banks vacation. Vacations are expensive. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it, but hopefully the reward of an amazing OBX vacation filled with lasting memories and some Everyday Magic far outweighs the expense. However, even with the priceless memories and magic, it’s nice to cut costs when we have a chance. Here are some tips for exercising your frugality muscles while you’re kicking back and relaxing on the Outer Banks.
Be flexible regarding your travel dates. If possible, try to vacation during the off (non-peak) season. Although most people crave a summer vacation at the beach, the off season on the Outer Banks is one of our best kept secrets. Not only will you save money, you’ll avoid the crowds and get more time to enjoy the local attractions.

Choose an Outer Banks vacation rental instead of a hotel. An oceanfront hotel room can cost as much as $299/night during the summer. The average cost per night, per person in an oceanfront Outer Banks vacation rental home? As low as $45 a night! And the hotel room can’t boast a private gourmet kitchen, expansive multi-level decks, private pools, hot tubs and more. Check out more reasons why Outer Banks vacation rentals surpass hotels.

Make a list of expenditures. Of course, your planning starts with where you are going. How long is your travel time and how are you getting there? Are you sharing the cost with another family? Does your Outer Banks vacation rental come with linens and towels and other standard amenities? How much can you pack in your vehicle? What grocery stores are available at your destination? Brainstorm all of the expenditures that you will have and make a list.

Take it on the road. Keep in mind that driving can significantly cut your vacation transportation costs. To save money and to avoid fast food while traveling, try packing a lunch, snacks and drinks for your road trip. Don’t be intimidated, either, by the idea of entertaining your kids while you drive. With our road trip games, you just might find that those hours you share in the car together are some of the best memories of all. Also be sure to plan for gas and tolls.

There’s an app for that. Use smartphone apps to your advantage while traveling. GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas near you and ATMHunter allows you to avoid fees when withdrawing money.

Save on meals. It can be tempting to ignore the cost of food while you’re on vacation. After all, you would spend money on food at home anyway. However, if you don’t plan ahead, you can end up spending a lot more on vacation meals than you would at home. Once you arrive, hit the local grocery store to stock the kitchen in your vacation rental home. Create a vacation meal plan. Think about the number of meals you’ll eat and decide how many will be at home and how often you’ll dine out. Be sure to include breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks in your planning. A good idea is to plan for one night to be “clean out the fridge” night to help get rid of food before checking out. (However, if you do have unopened non-perishable food left, please bring it by our Kitty Hawk office so we may donate it to the local food pantry.) It also helps if breakfasts and dinners are eaten in since many restaurants offer the same dinner menu at lunch – but with cheaper prices. Many of our Outer Banks vacation rentals include a grill which helps when eating in. If you are traveling with other families, splitting the menu planning will save you money and also give you a night off when it is someone else’s turn in the kitchen.

Plan some down time. You don’t have to visit local Outer Banks attractions each and every day of your vacation. Since the Outer Banks is known for its beautiful pristine beaches, why not spend your time relaxing on the sand and then cooling off in the refreshing Atlantic? You can also take advantage of the many amenities that most of our vacation rentals offer. From rec rooms with pool tables to private pools and hot tubs, spending time with your family hanging out in your Outer Banks vacation rental home, is another effective way to save money on your Outer Banks vacation.

Ask for coupons. Ask the local Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to send you free maps, coupons and a list of special events. You can also wait until you arrive as many local businesses have these books as well. With these local guides in your pocket, you’ll save big on restaurants, attractions and local shopping.

Relax. You may go over budget, you may stay under budget, but don’t let the stress of money rob you from the pleasure of your Outer Banks vacation. And if you feel that your budget is getting out of control, cut back a little and get dinner from a grocery store instead of that all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. Just don’t panic…a budget is worthless if you aren’t having fun.

Guest Post from Brooke Mayo: How to Prepare for an Outer Banks Photo Shoot

Posted on January 27, 2012

Outer Banks Photography: Brooke Mayo

Yesterday, I threw out some virtual high-fives to Brooke Mayo for her brand spanking new book, and in that post I mentioned that Brooke has graciously agreed to join us once again for Club Seaside in 2012.

We are super duper excited to have Brooke back for our 4th year together…has it already been 4 years?! Wow.

To help y’all prepare for your fabulous OBX photo shoot with Ms. Brooke, we asked the famed photog if she would whip up a guest blog post for us, and ta da!

Here we go, Brooke’s tips on How to Prepare for an Outer Banks Photo Shoot. Enjoy…

“Photo Tips for the Modern Family” – Brooke Mayo

We are Brooke Mayo Photographers and have been photographing families on the beach since 2001. Brooke Mayo Photographers consists of three photographers, Brooke Mayo Carrie Roen and Candace Owens. We are photographers who LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what we do!

We want to capture you and your family as you are, each relationship is dynamic and we want to show all the expressions you know and some you may not! We will have everyone play, build sandcastles, run through the ocean, pick up shells and make memories! Our style is more photojournalistic, meaning we value candid shots and unposed actions as much as posing – we think you will appreciate the subtle emotions of a family when nobody has to say “cheese”.

Got a big family? Great – we will take shots of the larger group, and break into individual families and the combinations of your choice, to make sure everybody gets that picture with great-uncle Bob. Looking to break away from the traditional beachside portrait? Sure – we can recommend sand dunes, old oak forests, quaint harbors, vineyards, farms and more – the backdrops are endless. It’s the Outer Banks!

When dressing for your family beach portrait, show your personality! Have everyone coordinate but don’t “match.” We want to show who you are as a family!

Wear what shows your personality! We love sundresses, pastels, polka dots and fun props! Try to avoid short skirts (as we often have you jumping in the air or laying in the sand), solid blacks, reds, hot pink/green or bright orange. If one person wears a pattern, have everyone else be in solid colors. We’re happy to help you decide on outfits!

We know you have seen the beach portraits of everyone in khacki and white or jeans and white. In everyday life you don’t all dress the same and you shouldn’t do that for your family portraits either. The white tends to wash most people out and it along with the khacki blends into the sand. Try having one or two people in patterns and the others in solid colors, pastels are gorgeous on the beach!

Also, I know the best times for photos aren’t the best times for kiddos… 630 or 7am or 7pm in the summer on the beach, but it’s the best light. If the photos are done much earlier or later, unless it’s overcast, your faces will be shiny and your eyes squinty and the beaches are much less crowded. If it is overcast, we can schedule throughout the day. Don’t worry that it’s not sunny – direct light is great for sunbathing, but not for pictures!

Bring props, if your kids like playing in the sand and using a shovel and bucket, go for it! We want them to have fun and for it to feel more like a play date rather than a stiff family portrait where they don’t get to enjoy themselves. You can even bring ice cream for the end of the shoot, make sundaes on the beach, or just eat a cone… it doesn’t get much more summery than that!

We come to frolick with you and your family at your rental home or any other location you’d like! Some of our favorite locations such as local parks and vineyards are clearly marked with ample parking.

OBX for the Kids: Travel Games

Posted on January 27, 2012

OBX for the Kids

During the Christmas holiday, I took a 15 hour car ride up north to see my extended family.

My fam met up with my sister’s clan to caravan our way up the coast, and included in our two cars on this marathon road trip were SIX kids under seven years old!

Yes, 6!

I share this little tidbit with you so you’ll understand that I’m speaking from experience with this post. I’ve been in the trenches. I know what a full day of traveling can do to kids. I feel your pain.

So, let’s try to make your extended travels to the Outer Banks with the kiddos a bit less painful, shall we?

Enter our new blog series, OBX for the Kids.

We understand it is challenging to travel to the Outer Banks, and we appreciate your efforts (although being out-of-the-way is kinda the charm of the OBX ). So, we want to offer you some great travel ideas that may slow – I can’t promise elimination – the Frankenstein-like transition from loveable youngster to off-the-wall crazy person.

Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing some great kid-friendly material, and today we’ll start with Travel Games to make your Outer Banks road trip slightly less insane.

Road Trip Games

The car is packed and you’re about to set off on your Outer Banks vacation. The only thing standing in your way is hours in a crowded car – with kids asking, “Are we there yet?” How can you keep everyone entertained and maintain your sanity until you reach your Outer Banks vacation home? Some fun and easy road trip games just might do the trick.

The Geography Game
Help your kids refresh their geography lessons while on the road with the geography game. The game begins with a person naming any place in the world, London for example. The next person then has to come up with a place name that begins with the last letter of the first location. So in this case, the next place would have to start with an ‘N’, like Nepal for instance. The game continues on until someone gets stumped, and no place can be used more than once. The game can be played with any topic, so give celebrity names, movies, animals or anything else you can think of a try.

The Grocery Game
A good way to keep everyone in the car entertained and engaged is to play a memory game such as The Grocery Game. To begin, the first player names an object available at a grocery store that starts with the letter A. The next player has to repeat what the first player said and then add another grocery item that starts with a B. For example, if player one says “apples,” player two would repeat “apples” and then might add “bananas.” If you forget a grocery item, you’re out, and the game continues until the player with the best memory wins.

If groceries aren’t your thing, you can play variations of this game with anything from animals to sports to people’s names.

I Spy
To play I Spy, a classic travel game, one person in the car will choose an object around them. He or she then gives the other people in the car a clue by saying: “I spy with my little eye, something….” He or she then will state the object’s color, give the first letter of the name of the object or offer another clue.

Be sure that players don’t choose an object that the car will whiz by too fast. Instead, go for something that is inside the car or that will be in everyone’s line of vision for a few minutes. The person who guesses the object correctly is the next person to spy a new item.

Team Storytelling
Inspire your family’s creative side by creating a group story. Someone begins by creating one line to a story (for example, “There once was a prince under a curse…”) and each person must add one line to the story as you go. If simple storytelling is too dull for you, spice it up by making the lines have to rhyme, or by pointing at players out of order to come up with a line on the spot. You can extend the game by writing down the story and having your children create illustrations for it.

Travel Scavenger Hunt
Keep children occupied with a travel scavenger hunt. Compile a list of objects for each child to find along the road. For example, you could have things like “brown cow” or “water tower.” Anything that comes to mind that you might be passing will work, or you can use prepared lists. The winner is the first one to find everything on his or her list.

Treasure Bottle
You’ll need a little preparation ahead of time, but a treasure bottle can be a great way to keep younger children entertained and engaged. Use a 2 liter bottle or large plastic container with a lid. Fill it 2/3s full with rice or birdseed, then add small “treasures” from around your house like paper clips, bolts, pennies, Legos and any other small things you might have lying around in your junk drawer. Keep count of how many items you put in and write the number on the outside of the bottle. Have kids roll around the bottle until they find everything hidden inside. Just make sure the lid is extra secure so there aren’t any mid-trip messes to clean up.

Who Am I?
Playing the guessing game Who Am I? is a great way to show everyone what they have in common. Think of someone that you and your fellow passengers all know: a family member, friend or neighbor, or maybe a fictional or historical character. Then give clues about the person’s identity by revealing his or her hair color, gender and other distinguishing physical characteristics. Or allow each person in the car to ask only “yes” or “no” questions about the identity of your secret person. Keep giving clues until someone figures out the identity of the individual you have in mind.

This is a variation of the ever-popular Twenty Questions, where the only clue players start out with is whether you are thinking of something “animal, vegetable or mineral” or a “person, place or thing.” The players must ask questions that you can only answer “yes” or “no” to determine who or what you are thinking about. The goal is to guess the answer in 20 questions or less.

Outer Banks Reality Show: Getting Away Together

Posted on January 26, 2012

Getting Away Together

I have a love/hate relationship with reality TV…really TV in general. TV sucks our time away and reduces the quality of actual relationships.

Let’s get outside with people we love and enjoy our life rather than sitting motionless and silent as we are numbed by the tube.

I’m happy to say that my fam made the decision this passed summer to put the axe to our cable, and we are living to tell about it! Although we have supplemented with a NetFlix subscription…hey, there is some valuable info on the tube.

And that leads me to the “love” portion of my relationship with TV/realty TV. The vast majority of what we see on TV would fall into my “junk” category, but there are definitely some treasures out there – Modern Family anyone?…definitely a treasure. (Luckily I can watch it online. )

So I do see the value in some of the programs on TV, and while I think almost all “reality TV” leans heavily towards the junk pile, I find people immensely interesting. This is one reason why I love blogs so much; they offer a window into the world of someone else…similar to a documentary or reality TV.

Ok, where is all of this rambling headed?

I guess I took the scenic route to get here, but did you know that a reality TV show was recently filmed on the Outer Banks? Let’s think of this one as a documentary so I don’t put an immediate bad taste in your mouth.

A show called Getting Away Together that airs on PBS filmed the vacation experience of a large Greek family that traveled to the Outer Banks this past 4th of July. Pretty cool.

Here’s how the Getting Away Together website describes the show:

Getting Away Together is a new TV series highlighting the rapidly growing trend of sharing a vacation with friends and family. From girlfriend getaways to family reunions and milestone celebrations, the series shows diverse groups of real travelers vacationing together in some of the most fascinating destinations and staying at spectacular vacation rental properties across America.

I would definitely file this in the “worth your time” file if you’re an OBX lover. The show gives an awesome overview of the Outer Banks, and it’s super cool to see how people spend their vacations on the OBX.

And the best news…the full episode is online, so even non-TV-having fools like me can watch it. In fact, you can watch it right now! Just click the play button below, and wha-la! Enjoy…

Outer Banks’ Monster Neighbor to the North: Grave Digger

Posted on January 16, 2012

After almost four years of OBX blogging and over 1300 posts, it occurred to me today that I’ve never mentioned the OBX’s monster neighbor to the north, Grave Digger – as in the legendary monster truck, Grave Digger.

Did you know Grave Diggers home (i.e. Digger’s Dungeon) is in Currituck, about 20 minutes north of the OBX?! Awesome, right?!

And here’s another Grave Digger tidbit, this is the 30th anniversary. Wow! 30 years?! I feel old. Grave Digger most certainly is a legend in the monster truck world.

A legend? Most certainly. But over-the-hill? Definitely not. Check out this article from MSN covering Grave Diggers recent win in front of a packed house in Tacoma Washington. The photo (below) is amazing, and the caption sums up Grave Digger perfectly…

Seeing a 12,000 pound truck powered by a 1,500 horsepower engine fly this high through the air is worth putting on your bucket list. Grave Digger’s freestyle performance was the closing act at Monster Jam on Saturday, and it brought the house down.

Outer Banks' Monster Neighbor to the North

On your next trip to the Outer Banks, a stop at Digger’s Dungeon is definitely worthwhile. The truck is amazing – even if you don’t consider yourself a monster truck fan – then again, who isn’t? It’s a great stop for the entire family. You can get up close to the truck, the store offers a wide range of Digger gear, there’s a diner there, and they even offer monster truck rides! I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to leave there without a smile from ear to ear.

Address: 5650 Caratoke Hwy Poplar Branch, NC 27965

Directions: The Store is located on Highway 158 about 40 miles from the Virginia Line. Highway 158 runs along the coast. The dungeon is 15-20 miles north of Kill Devil Hills. For more information you can call the Dungeon at 252-453-4121.

Here’s a quick video of Grave Digger in action…awesome!

OBX Travel Tips: Staying Healthy on Your Outer Banks Vacation

Posted on January 16, 2012

Vacation Travel Tips: Staying Healthy on Your Outer Banks Vacation Is there anything worse than getting sick on your vacation? You patiently (or not so patiently) wait all year, you save your precious pennies, you travel for hours, you get unpacked and start to settle into the vacation way of life, and BANG the sickies get ya. Sooo disappointing! Getting sick is always a drag, but when you’re on vacation, it’s the worst. Last year, my parents came to visit the fam, and they decided to rent an oceanfront home rather than stay with us. It was a great chance enjoy the beach, and they planned to enjoy some alone time with the grand-kids. All was well when they arrived, and the kiddos had a great time with Grammie and Papa that first night. But by day two, the sickies were arriving. First Mom was down for the count; on vacation, but not getting out of bed. Dad pressed on and enjoyed the next day exploring the OBX. But by day three, it was clear he was wearing down. By day four, they were packed up and headed home. A planned week at the beach with the family turned into a day with the grand kids followed by lots of rest and recuperation. Not the best way to spend a vacation on the Outer Banks. At least we now get to joke Grammie and Papa that they get sick when they visit us. But definitely not what they hoped for. The moral of the story is that we all need to do what we can to make sure we are healthy…all the time – but especially on a long-awaited vacation. The good news is that with a little prep, there’s a lot you can do to protect you and your family. The stress and excitement of travel can make you more likely to get sick, but if you follow a few simple tips, you’re more likely to stay healthy throughout your trip. Here are some health and safety tips to keep in mind when planning your Outer Banks vacation.
Immune Support & Prevention Germs spread easily when people are in close contact. Plus, people often get run down and stressed out before they go away for vacation, trying to get work done and prepare for the trip. Boost your immune system. Having a sound immune system will always help fight bugs, but adding an extra boost will also help. Consider taking vitamin supplements such as vitamin C, ginger root, and green tea. In fact, it’s not a bad idea to begin taking these supplements the week before your vacation. Get a bottle of hand sanitizer and use it. Got a case of the ickies, but not soap and water in sight? – this is where hand sanitizers come in handy. Your hand sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol. Get disinfectant wipes and wipe down places where germs are frequent. Doorknobs, remote controls, light switches, etc.

Motion Sickness Motion sickness can occur whether going by car, train, plane, or boat. Its effects include nausea – which could lead to vomiting. This is usually preceded by yawning, salivation, cold sweating and dizziness. People prone to motion sickness should have a light non-fatty meal before the journey and avoid alcohol. Reading and writing should also be avoided during travel. Tablets are available to help combat motion sickness.If you are traveling by car, it is advisable to take a rest from driving every two hours. A short walk will refresh you and help to maintain your concentration.

Sunburn Control Bright, sunny days seem like the perfect recipe for a great Outer Banks vacation. However, if you aren’t careful, the summer sun can be too much of a good thing. During the summer months, the sun’s rays are especially intense. The reflection of the sun off of the ocean and sand can increase your chance for sunburn.The tanning effect of the sun is largely caused by ultraviolet rays which reach the skin. Excessive exposure to these rays leads to burning with redness and swelling. Check out our Beach Safety page for more information.

Bites and Stings If you are bitten by mosquitoes, sandflies, or other insects while on vacation you should apply an antihistamine cream or, if none is available, prompt application of ice and a cooling lotion, such as calamine, will ease the pain considerably. Other more dangerous injuries can be caused by a number of creatures. If you are stung by a jellyfish, try to remove the tentacles and stingers. This is best done by gently rubbing the area with a handful of wet sand. Alcohol applied externally to the skin and cooling lotions will also help.

Hangover Help A few too many cocktails combined with lots of sun (dehydration) can bring on that undesirable hangover. How to avoid? Drink lots of water while you are having cocktails and before bed have a glass of water and banana. Take a supplement with guava leaf extract – the compounds in guava help your body process alcohol more efficiently. Go easy on the Tylenol, while it helps the headache, high amounts are hard on your liver and so is the alcohol. If you feel queasy the next day, avoid alcohol and have some ginger and lemon tea.

Overeating and Indulging Overeating can lead to bloating, gas, heartburn and weight gain. Avoid this unpleasant feeling by eating smaller meals (try to avoid the buffets), choosing your foods wisely, taking digestive enzymes before you eat and having a cup of green tea afterward to aid digestion and support your metabolism.

Other Helpful Hints Pack a first aid kit. It’s a good idea to bring a “travel” first aid kit with you on vacation containing the following items: aspirin, travel-sickness pills, insect repellant, sunscreen, and creams or sprays to relieve the effects of stings and bites. Trust your instincts and use common sense. We come into contact with germs every day, and that’s just life. Living in a bubble is silly and will rob you of great experiences, so you have to take risks sometimes. Consider buying vacation insurance. Trip insurance covers a variety of issues that could impact your vacation and save you a lot of heart ache, should unforeseen circumstances occur. Check out our Policies and Procedures for more information vacation insurance.

With a little advance preparation and common sense, you can ease any worries that your trip will be spoiled by unexpected health problems.Here’s to a happy and healthy vacation!