Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 1.31.12 – Gorgeous Winter Weather

Posted on January 31, 2012

Outer Banks: 1.31.12 - Awesome Winter Weather in Kitty Hawk

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

This video was shot at the Kitty Hawk Bath House at 9 AM.

Happy last day of January. Time flies. I din’t want to jinx us, but we have had amazing winter weather so far. The next few days will be bright sun, blue skies, southwest breeze, and temps in the 60′s. Hard to beat that winter weather.

Unfortunately, the ocean is flat. No OBX surf for the next few days. The swell will pick up towards the end of the week, the wind will switch to the north at the same time, so clean surf is unlikely this week.

OBX fishing is slow. Dog fish and skate at Jennette’s Pier, but no stripers. The good news is there is good action offshore with tuna. Boats out of Oregon Inlet are giving consistent reports of hooking up with blue and yellow fun tuna.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Spotlight on the OBX: Kill Devil Hills

Posted on August 18, 2011

Kill Devil Hills

Let’s spin the “Spotlight” towards Kill Devil Hills today. KDH (as it is lovingly known around these parts) has a little something, something for everyone – awesome beaches, gorgeous houses, great restaurants, the Wright Brothers, playgrounds, skate parks, an awesome fishing pier, fantastic local shops, amazing art, and the list rolls on…

The oldest township in the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills should not be confused with Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright Brothers made the first successful flight in a powered machine. The Wright Brothers Memorial Monument stands sixty feet high on the ninety foot high Kill Devil Hill.

Situated in the middle of the northern Dare County beaches, KDH is the most populated of the Outer Banks town. The majority of our OBX locals reside here, with a total population of approximately 7,500.

Today, Kill Devil Hills is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks. The many beach accesses make for an easy trip to the beach with lots of public parking. Lifeguards are stationed every half mile or so, making KDH beaches ideal for families with children. With thousands of rental homes, great restaurants, sports and activities, and shopping, Kill Devil Hills is at the center of an Outer Banks vacation.

I’ll zip it so you can enjoy the tour…

New Outer Banks Webcam!!! – Beach, Surf, & Jennette’s Pier

Posted on May 20, 2011

We are very happy to announce that we have a fantastic new Outer Banks webcam in Nags Head!

We put the cam on one of our oceanfront vacation rental homes in Nags Head, Sandy Oasis, and it is in the perfect spot to capture the Nags Head beach, a great OBX surf break, and Jennette’s Pier. It is a one stop shop for checking the beach, the surf, and fishing!

So cool!

It is also the perfect timing to take a look at Jennette’s Pier’s Grand Opening tomorrow!

We hope you’re as stoked as we are!

Tune in and enjoy.

New Outer Banks Webcam - Beach, Surf, & Jennette's Pier

Outer Banks: Serendipity Retreats 2011

Posted on March 31, 2011

Outer Banks Sunrise

serendipity retreats

Art, yoga & the sea – nurturing the playful & the sacred – October 19-23, 2011

A series of full and half-day classes, each with a focus on some playful, sacred, and at times practical, aspect of self-expression be it writing, mixed-media, photography, yoga, altar creation or well, dress-up!

Stay in houses on the beach, and watch as the sun and moon rise over the sea. Let four women, each with a unique passion, serve as guides – Pixie Campbell, McCabe Russell, Kate Inglisand Michelle Madden Smith (who will also be the hostess!).

Where will the retreat be held? Guests will be staying in large, beautiful cottages on the beach in Nags Head on North Carolina’s Outer Banks – a string of barrier islands gracefully sweeping out into the Atlantic Ocean. Meals, classes and rooms will all be in the same places.

When is the retreat? October 19-23, 2011 The retreat will be held Wednesday afternoon October 19 with registration and runs through breakfast Sunday morning October 23. There are two full days of classes on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday the classes are half-days – you can choose either a morning or afternoon class and the rest of the day will be for exploring, visiting, playing or perhaps sleeping in. The final dinner together will be on Saturday evening.

What is the schedule? {subject to shifting with the tides a bit…}
WEDNESDAY
REGISTRATION beginning at 3p
WELCOME Nibbles at 6p, Dinner at 7p
opening CEREMONY 8p

THURSDAY, FRIDAY
Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00
CLASSES 9:30a-12:30p
Lunch 12:45p
CLASSES: 2:15-5:15p
Dinner at 7p

SATURDAY
Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00
CLASSES 10a -1p or FREE EXPLORATION
Lunch 1p*optional – you are welcome to eat at one of the many fun local places, just let me know ahead of time for planning purposes, please.
Afternoon CLASS: 2:30-5:30 or FREE EXPLORATION
Dinner at 7p

SUNDAY*checkout is 11am
Breakfast – 8a

Please contact Michelle for more information.

The Vacation Rental Market is Expected to Grow 4 Times Faster than the U.S. Economy!

Posted on March 4, 2011

Seaside Vacations - Sandy Oasis

Vacation Home Rentals recently named the Outer Banks one of the top growth markets for vacation rentals in the United States. Studies show that the vacation rental market is expected to grow 13.1% in 2011, more than twice the rate of the travel market and four times faster than the U.S economy. About 85% of vacation rental property owners expect 2011 to be as good as, or better than 2010. The OBX is projected to have a 20% increase from last year alone!

Vacation rental property owners believe this growth may be attributed to the fact that vacationers are looking for small, reasonable destinations they can drive to, rather than fly.

With this news coming from one of the most visited vacation rental sites in North America, there is a lot to look forward to this year. Whether interested in buying a potential vacation home or searching for a weekend getaway Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty and Seaside Vacations can help you find your own beach oasis.

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

Y Partnership REALLY loves Vacation Rentals – 11 Reasons You May Too!

Posted on January 28, 2011

Outer Banks - Big Mama's

A couple weeks ago we mentioned an article by Y Partnership (global marketing communications agency specializing in the travel, leisure, and entertainment industries) that highlighted vacation rentals. And now they are back with a great list of reasons why 2011 will be a fantastic year for vacation rentals.

I usually like to comment on info I share and highlight the most interesting points, but this list is so good that I’m just going to leave it as is.

Here’s to a great 2011 for vacation rentals!

From Y Partnership’s FaceBook page…

As the world enters a new decade, new data shows that American travelers are readying to discover one of the fastest-growing trip topics for the New Year and beyond: vacation rental homes, condos and villas. Following are 11 reasons vacation rentals will be front-of-mind in the years to come:

1. BOOMING INTEREST: More than 25 million American households are interested in staying in a vacation home rental or condominium resort as an alternative to traditional lodging during the next two years, which represents nearly half of leisure traveler households across the U.S.

2. EXPONENTIAL GROWTH: According to recent research, 20 percent of leisure travelers have stayed in a vacation home rental as an alternative to a traditional lodging during the past two years, and 22 percent have stayed in a condominium resort.* This shows an increase compared to past years, according to similar studies with differing methodologies. For example, in 2009, 14 percent of leisure travelers had stayed in a vacation home or condominium that they owned or rented during the previous 12 months, which was up from 11 percent in 2008.

3. MORE OVERNIGHT TRIPS PLANNED IN 2011: Of those interested in vacation rental stays during the next two years, nearly two in 10 are planning to travel more in the year ahead compared to 2010. Almost seven in 10 plan to take the same amount of vacations, suggesting together that 83 percent of upcoming vacation rental travelers are optimistic about the number of trips they’ll be planning.

4. MORE BANG FOR THE TRAVEL BUCK: Americans will continue to seek out more value in exchange for what they pay through 2011, which is why vacation rentals are growing as an attractive option. Some three-bedroom rentals sleep up to eight people versus one or two, and include amenities like fully equipped kitchens, game rooms, private pools/hot tubs, in-home fireplaces, free Internet access and more.

5. MEETING DEMANDS FOR QUALITY TIME: As the Great Recession continues into its third year, 86 percent of travelers agree “these difficult times have helped me to focus on the things that matter most in my life,” which for many translates into a renewed focus on family and friends. Trips taken with friends, children, grandparents and extended family represent one of the only consistently rising types of travel. As this “togethering” trend continues, Americans are selecting vacation rentals for convenient multi-bedroom accommodations and a sense of comfort under one roof.

6. EASIER TO FIND, BOOK VACATION RENTALS ONLINE: For the millions of travelers who go online when planning travel, booking a vacation rental has evolved into a convenient and secure process, as many professional vacation rental companies and websites offer secure Internet reservations systems, as well as photos, video tours, amenities and guest reviews of individual homes. Guests can often save time with immediate online availability and confirmations. All of the companies listed at http://www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com/ subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Practices in the management and renting of vacation properties.

7. FAMILY REUNIONS TRENDING: Family reunions have seen huge growth in recent years, a trend that’s expected to continue in 2011. Approximately three in 10 travelers named it as a type of celebratory trip taken during the past year. As reunions grow in popularity, so go vacation rentals as a top choice for group lodging.

8. WORD OF MOUTH: The recommendations of friends and family top the list of Americans’ most trusted information sources,* and the word is out; nearly nine in 10 past vacation rental guests said they would recommend the lodging option to friends or relatives.

9. WEEKENDS MADE EASY: As the habits and preferences of travelers change, the vacation rental category has adapted, as well. With nearly three-quarters of travelers having taken weekend trips in the past year, guests seeking a two- or three-night getaway can often find rental companies with flexible, little to no minimum stay requirements – especially in the off-season, when booking last-minute or even in specific rental properties.

10. NEW GUEST SERVICES AND SPECIALS TO BE FOUND: From new wedding coordination offerings to new properties, exclusive attractions privileges, travel deals, added values and beyond, professional vacation rental managers across North America, the Caribbean and Central America are providing new ways for travelers to enjoy the vacation rental experience.

11. AVOIDING AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: With ever-changing restrictions and added airline costs for taking a vacation, travelers are considering ways to pack less and, ultimately, spend less. Professionally managed vacation rentals often come equipped with in-home washers and dryers, free laundry detergent and bath-and-body amenities. Having such perks under travelers’ own vacation rental roof can allow them to pack half as many items.

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.

Y Partnership Loves Vacation Rentals Too!

Posted on January 3, 2011

: Seaside Vacations – Sandy Oasis

Ypartnership is a global marketing communications agency specializing in the travel, leisure, and entertainment industries. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the agency is one of the most frequently quoted sources on emerging trends in travel and tourism.

Ypartnership chairman and CEO Peter Yesawich recently issued their detailed forecast for the travel industry in 2011, and they see good things for travel as a whole, and great things for vacation rentals specifically.

I’ll spare you the all of the ingredients of the detailed report (you can find more here), but I’ll pull out a couple highlights…

1. Interest in condominium and vacation home rentals will demonstrate robust growth (almost half of all leisure travelers are now interested in a vacation home rental as an alternative to conventional lodging when on vacation), particularly among family travelers seeking more space and better value.

2. As of October of this year, fully 55 percent of all U.S. adults were planning at least one overnight trip primarily for leisure purposes during the first two calendar quarters of 2011, up slightly from the 53 percent who expressed this sentiment at the same point in time in 2009.

It’s great to see some positive forecasts. Could be a good idea to book your vacation home early, and we’d love to help.

www.OuterBanksVacations.com

Arthur Frommer Loves Vacation Rentals Too!

Posted on December 15, 2010

Seaside Vacations - Sandy Oasis

Arthur Frommer published his first travel book in 1957! Since his first publication, the Frommer’s collection of travel products has grown to over 300 guidebooks, and a popular travel website, www.Frommers.com.

Based on 50+ years of travel guidance, Arthur seems like a pretty good analyst of the travel industry. In his most recent blog post on Frommers.com, Frommer pulls out his crystal ball and gives some predictions for the 2011 year in travel, and a surge in vacation rentals is what he sees.

Coming in at #1, here’s what the wizard of travel has to say about vacation rentals:

1) A Greatly Increased Use of Apartments and Vacation Homes in Place of Standard Hotels

It’s the most pronounced trend in travel…because of the skyrocketing popularity of such alternative accommodations. Large segments of the traveling public are today convinced (and they’re right, in my view) that apartment/home rentals cost much less than hotels and improve the quality of the stay.

When the wizard speaks, we should listen. Thanks for the words of encouragement Arthur.