Record Year for Jockey’s Ridge…and All North Carolina State Parks

Posted on January 27, 2010

One of the nice aspects about life is that there is generally a “silver lining,” or a positive spin, that can be found in difficult situations. The current economic pinch definitely qualifies as a difficult situation, but a silver lining for visitors and local residents to North Carolina is an increase in interest towards North Carolina state parks.

State parks offer a wide variety of great activities and a great opportunity to get closer to nature, and considering the current economic conditions, state parks are a great opportunity to enjoy some unique activities at a very reasonable price…many free!

The North Carolina state parks reported record attendance for 2009, with 14.16 million visits. That is a 13% increase from 2008 and a 5% increase from the previous record set in 2007.

The Outer Banks offers some great areas to escape to nature, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head Woods, Outer Banks Wildlife Center, and one North Carolina designated state park; Jockeys Ridge State Park.

In 2009, Jockey’s Ridge earned the designation as the most visited North Carolina state park with 1.4 million visitors. Considering this was a record setting year for all North Carolina state parks, it is pretty impressive to see the OBX state park with the most visitors.

Jockey’s Ridge is centrally located in Nags Head, a quick walk or ride from many vacation homes.

Summer Leisure Travel Seems Stable Despite Struggling Economy

Posted on May 15, 2009

It has been predicted by industry experts that Americans will take 322 million domestic leisure trips this summer (June, July, August.) This is a 2.2 percent decrease from last summer, which is relatively stable for the current economic climate that we are facing.

Consumers are expected to take an average of two summer trips, stay approximately seven nights away from home, and spend more than $900 on their longest vacation. “Travelers’ resilience is good news for the travel industry and the entire American economy,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association. “According to our forecast, Americans will do their part this summer to stimulate the economy, save and create jobs and strengthen communities from coast to coast.

The TravelHorizons survey also revealed that nearly six out of ten (57 percent) intended leisure travelers expect to spend the same number of days on vacation as last summer. It seems as if industry trends will lean towards travelers taking more day trips or long weekend getaways.

Travel deals might be one way to convince Americans to go on vacation, and especially the last minute bookings. It is estimated that 38 million US adults have not decided whether or not they will be taking a vacation this year. It is thought that these people are waiting for the economy and their personal finances to improve in the upcoming months.

Trips Planned Despite Tough Economic Times. Great Outer Banks Deals.

Posted on October 13, 2008

Despite a slowdown in the the economy, a new Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) poll finds 78 percent of respondents plan to travel for at least one of the upcoming holidays.

There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period. However, it is promising to see that consumers are still planning to take much needed vacations and holiday trips.

The Outer Banks offers a great opportunity for a short breather from everyday stresses, and it is an affordable vacation alternative during difficult economic times. Gorgeous vacation rentals are available throughout the year.

For more information on the Outer Banks and to view available homes, please visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com.