Outer Banks Quiz: What’s Your Vacation Style?

Posted on February 3, 2012

Outer Banks Quiz: What's Your Vacation Style?

The beauty of an Outer Banks vacation is that you can bring a group – large or small – and share a beautiful house on the beach with all sorts of fun to be found. But how do you know what to do when you get here? What type of fun is your group looking for? – a whole lot of nothing, art galleries, hang gliding, history tours?

Everyone has a different type of “vacation style,” and determining your vaca style will help you make the most of your time on the OBX.

Your travel style – the type of trip you like best – is vital when it comes to booking an OBX family vacation and can mean the difference between being bored and needing another vacation when you get home! Unplugged vacationers prefer lazy days of hanging out together. Culture vultures crave the sizzle of museums, shows and festivals. Adventurers seek the excitement of new experiences such as kayaking or offshore fishing, while the some-of-everything family likes to pick and choose, combining elements of each category.

To determine your family’s travel style, take our “What’s Your Vacation Style Quiz.” These 12 simple questions may change the way you travel.

What’s Your Vacation Style?

Outer Banks T-Shirt Design Contest: The Champ has Been Crowned!

Posted on October 13, 2011

The crowning moment has finally arrived!

After months of collecting fabulous Outer Banks t-shirt designs for our t-shirt design contest, we narrowed the field down to five amazing pieces of art, and Tuesday we opened the final stage of voting on our Facebook page.

It was a 24-hour period of heated voting with two awesome designs battling it out down to the last minute of voting at midnight. And in the end, the fabulous “Mermaid” design, created by Ms. Patsy Bachus Ridlon, was crowned the victor!

I asked Patsy if there was a story behind the design, and here’s what she had to say…

Yes! I’m southern, so I always have a good story:)

I was raised in Asheville, North Carolina, and now live in the Pacific Northwest, soon to move to the coast of Oregon. Still, the Outer Banks has a feeling and life all it’s own. There is no place like it.

The first time I visited the Outer Banks, I was a kid. That was 30 years ago. We went to a local restaurant and the waitress was so beautiful she looked like she belonged on the front of a ship!

She and her family had lived there for generations. She had the most exotic green eyes, so she made me think of the mermaid and the Pirate bandana she is wearing.

The horse, turtle, fish, crab, the dolphin hidden in the wave, the little seahorse…all the wildlife, to me, is one of the most amazing and important parts of the Outer Banks.

Horses! I love the wild horses.

She is part of the ocean and the OBX, and protecting it, as the people of the Outer Banks do.

The Surfboard, energy and fun!

Thank you for having the contest, it was great. I am sooo happy to be a tiny part of this. All the designs were amazing, and I am honored to have won. Please thank your awesome staff. I read about you all every day. You’re my link to my favorite place.

Thank you!
Patsy

Awesome description.

It is amazing how much the Outer Banks can effect people. There is so much “everyday magic” on the Outer Banks. So much so, that we can be changed by it and not even realize it’s happening. I can speak from experience (as I’m sure most of y’all can as well). I grew up in Boston, but after vacationing on the Outer Banks a couple times, I knew this is where I wanted to spend every available minute. Now, here I am with my entire life built around this amazing place.

Patsy lives on the opposite side of the country – 3k miles away? – yet she stays tuned into our daily updates everyday, took the time to enter our t-shirt design contest, and created the winning design based on inspiration from her first OBX visit 30 years ago! Amazing!

Great design, and great story. Thanks so much Patsy.

This was such a fun contest! We can’t wait to see the great design on the Seaside Vacations 2012 t-shirt, and we can’t wait to do it again next year! Get your creative thinking caps on.

T-shirts will be available soon. We’ll be sure to announce it as soon as they are ready. Stay tuned!

Outer Banks T-Shirt Design Contest: "Mermaid" - Winning Design

The Whalehead Club Easter Egg Hunt

Posted on April 22, 2011

What better way to get out and enjoy Good Friday than a good old fashioned Easter egg hunt? We hit the road down to Corolla today to check out the Whalehead Club’s Easter extravaganza to get us in the Easter spirit and let you guys be part of the action.

From horseback riding, to sack races to the Easter Bunny, everyone seemed to be having a great time and enjoying the beautiful scenery the club has to offer. We got some great pictures and video and are excited to share it with you.

Have a great Easter and keep watching for more videos on all the fun things to do on your Outer Banks vacation!

OBX Pic O’ the Day: We’ll be having some fun, under the boardwalk

Posted on April 6, 2011

Soak up the sun because it is back! Temperatures at 52 degrees with a WSW wind at 8 mph. Heating back up to the 70′s tomorrow. Not much for surf in the area until this weekend. Tuna still biting. Hopefully will be fishing out of the surf soon.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report – 4.5.11 – Windy Day here in the OBX

Posted on April 5, 2011

Windy day here in the Outer Banks. Wind gusts from 20-35 mph throughout the day. Temperatures in the mid to upper 60′s but definitely feels a little chilly with the wind. Large blue fin tuna biting offshore, reports that they are too large to keep. Chest to shoulder high surf this afternoon fading to a stomach high later in the day. Ready for the warm weather we had yesterday to come back!

Outer Banks Spring Vacation Savings

Posted on March 23, 2011

Outer Banks Spring Vacation Savings

ENJOY SPECIAL SAVINGS WITH THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER.

Spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. Windswept beaches and rolling dunes covered in swaying sea oats. A place of unparalleled beauty…and all of this from the comfort of your private vacation home.

Ready for another getaway to the beautiful Outer Banks – but worried about what it will cost?

Seaside Vacations has the answer.

Offer
Book your Outer Banks vacation between March 23 – April 30, 2011 and receive 5% off the rental rate for any week between March 23, 2011 – June 19, 2011.*

Book Now
To take advantage of this exclusive offer, you may book online or call 855.856.0752. Please mention promotion code SPRING5.

In addition, Seaside Vacations offers flexible payment plans – tailored to each guest – to help everyone enjoy a vacation on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Club Seaside - Outer Banks Fishing 101

Club Seaside - Paddleboarding Clinic

*Terms and Conditions: Offer valid on reservations booked between March 23 – April 30, 2011. All stays must be completed by June 19, 2011. Offer valid on new reservations only. Offer is subject to change without notice and some restrictions may apply. Offer subject to availability and valid on participating homes only. 7-night minimum stay required. Must mention promotion code SPRING5 at time of reservation. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, award, promotion or discount. If booking online, please put the promotion code.

Seaside Vacations Announces the 2011 Lineup for Club Seaside

Posted on March 9, 2011

: Club Seaside – Yoga

: Club Seaside – Wild Horse Tours

: Club Seaside – Outer Banks Fishing 101

: Club Seaside – Golf Clinic

: Club Seaside – Paddleboarding Clinic

: Club Seaside – Wine Tasting

Guests enjoy 15 complimentary events including family portraits, yoga, paddle boarding, wine tastings, wild horse tours and more

KITTY HAWK, NC, (March 9, 2011) – Seaside Vacations, a leading vacation rental company located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, announces the lineup for their 2011 Club Seaside program.

Believing that a vacation should be more than just a house at the beach, Seaside Vacations is continuing to redefine the Outer Banks vacation experience by combining the best things about staying in a private vacation home with the best things about staying in a luxury resort.

Offered exclusively to all Seaside Vacations guests, the weekly Club Seaside events have grown from eight events to 15 complimentary events in 2011. Returning from 2010 are the professional golf and tennis clinics, yoga classes, wine tastings, circuit training, family portraits and paddle boarding. And new for 2011, guests will enjoy art in action with Katy Caroline, a beading class at Garden of Beadin’, a “Charming Party” with Renee Landry Style, a cooking class by Outer Banks Epicurean, a fishing class with Rock Solid Fishing, a pet party with Salty Paws Biscuits, a tour of The Whalehead Club and a wild horse tour by Corolla Outback Adventures. In addition, all Seaside Vacations guests have special guest access to a state-of-the-art health and racquet club and special guest rates at a world-class golf club. Each day of the week guests can experience the local culture by participating in one of these Outer Banks activities.

Seaside Vacations is committed to creating an exceptional vacation experience that includes a gorgeous house, but also access to local events that give guests access to all the Outer Banks has to offer. By giving guests the added value they desire, Club Seaside has become a favorite among Seaside Vacations guests.

A Seaside Vacations guest commented:

“Please keep Club Seaside as a part of your rental program. We loved it very much! The amenities that are available free of charge and at a reduced rate are very well worth it!”

Seaside Vacations looks forward to yet another successful year with Club Seaside. For more information on the exclusive benefits of Club Seaside, including schedule and contact information, please visit www.outerbanksvacations.com/club-seaside.htm.

About Seaside Vacations:

Founded in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1990, Seaside Vacations is a full-service vacation rental management company representing homes from Corolla to Nags Head.

Seaside Vacations offers a complete selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals. Guests can choose from 1 – 10-bedroom private vacation rental homes, condominiums, townhomes and villas. Explore our homes in Duck and Corolla as well as numerous vacation rentals in Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.

For more information on Seaside Vacations and their wide selection of vacation rentals, visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com or call one a Vacation Specialist at 855.375.9208.

USA Today Loves Vacation Rentals Too! – Tips for Finding the Perfect Vacation Rental Home

Posted on March 1, 2011

Outer Banks - Big Mama's

The vacation rental industry has historically played second-fiddle to the monstrous hotel industry, but times they are a changing. As the USA Today points out, vacation rentals “are finally on their way to going mainstream.” There is a growing awareness among consumers and the media, and big names are starting to take notice. HomeAway has run an ad promoting vacation rentals during the past two Super Bowls, and Google is even an investor in HomeAway. The vacation rental growth pattern is clearly on the upswing.

It’s easy to understand why vacation rentals are such a hot item. With a birds-eye view of the ocean from the comfort of your Nags Head Hammock, life is definitely good for renters. A water view – without having to request an upgrade. A full pot of fresh brewed coffee waiting in your private kitchen each morning. The flexibility to cook your own meals, or dine out. The entire group of family and friends under one roof, eating together, enjoying the private pool, and visiting in the family room. If these descriptions appeal to you, you might be one of a growing segment of travelers considering a vacation rental in 2011.

With all of the increased interest, USA Today & SmartTravel.com recently ran an article highlighting some tips for finding the perfect vacation rental home.

As vacation rentals become increasingly popular, rental companies like Seaside Vacations, are offering more ‘hotel-like’ services and amenities that were traditionally not offered by rentals. For instance, every guest who stays with Seaside Vacations enjoys guest access to Kilmarlic Health & Racquet Club, special guest rates at Kilmarlic Golf Club and the benefits of Club Seaside – an exclusive program designed just for Seaside guests. Club Seaside includes complimentary yoga classes, wine tastings, wild horse tours, fishing classes, and various other exclusive events.

As the industry becomes more sophisticated with its offerings, vacationers should take the time to understand the company and home they are considering renting. All homes and all vacation rental companies are unique, and may not be equal. It is crucial to do the research and set the right expectations for your vacation.

Here are some great tips from USA Today for new and seasoned vacation home renters:

“The benefits of renting from a company you can trust with your family, your credit card, and your invaluable vacation time can’t be understated. Book with a company that regularly manages and inspects its properties to ensure they meet a high standard of quality and safety, [as well as] one that offers online bookings and payments, can handle booking amendments and cancellations, and provides impeccable customer service and around-the-clock check-in assistance.”
Check TripAdvisor, and Flipkey for reviews from previous renters
“If you’re planning to visit a high-demand destination this year, the earlier you plan, the better.”

Once you’ve found a property that interests you, be sure to ask the following questions.

• Is the property professionally managed or rented by its owners?
• Is a rental contract required?
• If not, how will all transactions be handled?
• Will you need to make a security deposit? What are its return/refund policies?
• What are the renter’s cancellation policies?
• What pre-departure steps are required from renters (cleaning, laundering sheets and towels, etc.)?
• Are there fees for additional guests?

Good luck hunting for the perfect house. If you’re planning an OBX getaway, we’d love to help you find that home the meets all of your vacation needs: www.OuterBanksVacations.com

TripAdvisor Loves Vacation Rentals Too!

Posted on January 11, 2011

Outer Banks - Big Mama's

Survey Shows Increased Interest in Vacation Rentals, With 40 Percent of Travelers Planning a Rental Stay in 2011

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, recently announced the results of its second annual vacation rentals survey of more than 1,400 U.S. travelers.

Thirty-three percent of travelers said they stayed in a vacation rental in 2010, and forty percent of respondents said they are planning a vacation rental stay in 2011, indicating that rental homes are poised for a busy 2011.

From Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor: “With an increased interest in vacation rentals on TripAdvisor and a similar trend shown in our survey, it’s shaping up to be another strong year of growth for rentals. For travelers staying with larger groups in 2011, a vacation rental is a great option to consider for its home-like amenities and affordable pricing compared to hotels.”

Here are some of the results from the survey:

Summer is the busiest vacation rental season…
Summer projects to be the most popular season for vacation rental stays in 2011, with 52 percent of U.S. travelers planning a rental home stay during the warmer months. In addition, 47 percent of respondents are planning to stay in beachfront villas, making them the most popular vacation rental type for 2011. The most popular U.S. region for rental stays in 2011 is the Southeast (31 percent) according to the survey. This was followed by the Southwest and the Northwest, which came in second and third, respectively.

Best part of a vacation rental…
When asked what travelers liked the most about vacation rentals as a lodging option:

28 percent cited more space
23 percent of travelers enjoyed having access to a full kitchen
13 percent liked that rentals were often less expensive than hotels

In addition, 41 percent of respondents said vacation rentals were the best option for a trip when staying in a destination for a week or more, while 33 percent thought they were the best option when staying with a large group.

Booking early pays off…
Twenty-nine percent of travelers either always or often stay in the same rental year after year. Of the travelers who stayed in a vacation rental in the past:

22 percent booked their rental home more than six months prior to the trip
34 percent of travelers booked their rentals between three and six months out
22 percent booked between one and three months out
2 percent of travelers booked their vacation rental less than one month out

Vacation Rental vs. Hotel…
Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they would choose to stay in a vacation rental over a hotel if it were significantly less expensive. In addition, 80 percent of travelers would book a last minute vacation rental stay if they found a great deal.

Luxury vacation rental features…
If travelers had their pick of luxury vacation rental features:

51 percent would choose a rental home with a private beach
12 percent would choose a rental home with maid service
9 percent would choose a rental home with a hot tub
8 percent would choose a rental home with a personal chef

Vacation Rentals and life events…
According to the survey, 36 percent of travelers who have rented in the past have stayed in a vacation rental for a milestone life event, such as a wedding, birthday or reunion.

Know Before You Go…
When deciding between different rental properties, the key influences cited by respondents are:

Photos of the home (42 percent)
Traveler reviews (27 percent)
Cost of staying at the properties (13 percent)

Power of the internet and friends’ advice…
Most travelers find out about vacation rental properties on the Web, both on vacation rental property websites (70 percent) and online travel websites (55 percent). In addition, 25 percent of respondents find out about particular homes by word of mouth from friends and family.

The Outer Banks is the perfect beach vacation…a great combination of peaceful relaxation and fun local activities/attractions; gorgeous beaches, a wide variety of water sports, world-class fishing and surfing, great local art and shopping, delicious local food, history, nature, etc.

The OBX offers great vacation rental homes for all types of travelers; small beach bungalows to large beach front estates.

Please let us know if we can help you plan your next trip to the Outer Banks: www.OuterBanksVacations.com.

The Outer Banks is the Perfect Summer Vacation

Posted on May 27, 2010

Recently, the Baltimore Sun wrote a series of articles about the Outer Banks encouraging Baltimore residents to hit the OBX for their summer vacation.

With beaches like Ocean City, Maryland becoming increasingly bombarded with more and more people every year, the Outer Banks still has many areas that have maintained their quaint charm and sense of seclusion on the beach. There are different towns on the Outer Banks, and each of them has their own sense of charm, and all of the towns remain very family friendly. Weather you stay in Duck or Nags Head, you and your family will be extremely happy with your trip to the Outer Banks.

The first article, entitled Outer Banks: Hundreds of Miles of Vacation Fun, highlighted the area and a list of restaurants, activities, accommodations, etc. As the article highlights, there is no shortage of fun things to do on the OBX.

25 Things to do on the Outer Banks was the second article in the series that serves as a great checklist for visitors to the Outer Banks to enjoy all of the fun activites on the OBX. The 25 activitites on the list are as follows:

1. Spend time in Historic Manteo.
2. Go for a bike ride.
3. Picnic at the marina.
4. Celebrate the Fourth.
5. Run for your life.
6. Pump iron.
7. Go fly a kite
8. Learn how to hang glide
9. View fine art.
10. Visit The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
11. Eat local.
12. Visit Bodie Island Light.
13. Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
14. Check out The Lost Colony
15. Discover flight
16. See a play.
17. Take a stroll.
18. Visit The Elizabethan Gardens
19. Take in the Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods Preserve
20. Get a massage
21. Go fish
22. Go Golfing
23. Read a Book
24. Shop ’til you drop.
25. Relax