Tag Archives: vacations

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

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Outer Banks - Big Mama's

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

 

 

How to Travel to the Outer Banks Using Vacation Rentals

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Seaside Vacations - www.OuterBanksVacations.com

Seaside Vacations - www.OuterBanksVacations.com

Kitty Hawk, NC – (February 8, 2010) – With a TV commercial highlighting vacation rentals having aired in Sunday’s big game, the demand for vacation rental homes on the Outer Banks has soared.  Football fans are discovering why renting vacation homes, condos, villas and cabins is a favorite choice for many versus hotels. Beyond the experiences families and friends build by staying in a home-away-from-home on the Outer Banks, there are numerous benefits to choosing vacation rentals – sometimes in ways you’d least expect.  Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy an affordable vacation in an Outer Banks vacation rental.

Whether trying vacation rentals for the first time or if you’re one of the nearly nine in 10 travelers who plan to rent again, Seaside Vacations Marketing Director, Adam Norko, offers the following planning tips and insights as a post-game update for visiting the Outer Banks: 

  • CONSIDER BOOKING EARLY:  Vacation rental homes can fill up months in advance, especially during busy vacation seasons.  Summer on the Outer Banks is very busy, and many reservations are made months, if not a year, in advance.  If you have your heart set on a particular house, a particular area, or particular amenities, you may want to consider making your reservation early.  Please call Seaside Vacations at 877.219.3794 to book an affordable vacation for this summer. 
     
  • KNOW YOUR DESTINATION: Whether you are a first-time traveler to the Outer Banks or not, it’s recommended that you become familiar with our special events, seasons and offerings. Here are some activities that guests find most enjoyable:
  • LOOK FOR SPECIAL VALUES: During certain seasons, vacation rental specials can provide even more value, some with homes starting at just $30 per person, per night, with all of the typical amenities of a resort and more. Visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com to become familiar with various vacation rental types, reservation rates as well as exclusive promotions.
  • AVOID AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: Most Outer Banks vacation rentals come equipped with washers and dryers.  Travelers may choose to use these perks to pack less clothing, avoiding commercial airlines’ baggage fees and restrictions.
  • USE SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:  Outer Banks vacation homes and condos can range from 1 to more than 14 bedrooms, often costing less than a single hotel room by sleeping up to 30 guests versus just a few.
  • SAVE ON DINING OUT: With full kitchens, dining rooms, breakfast bars and outdoor grills, Outer Banks vacation rental travelers often make and store meals and snacks for less, including football favorites like homemade nachos during post-season trips. Use our famous fresh-caught local seafood for more memorable mealtimes. This also provides healthy travel options, cutting the amount of calories typically consumed while on vacation.
  • ASK ABOUT AFTER-HOURS SERVICE: When looking into any vacation rental accommodations, check to see if there is an accessible customer service number for emergency needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and for after-hour requests.
  • ENTERTAIN FOR FREE: Most of Seaside Vacations’ homes and condos include amenities not found in hotels – including private pools, hot tubs, recreation rooms, fireplaces, DVD players, WiFi, and book and movie libraries. Many are also in communities with access to community pools, tennis, fitness centers, the beach, etc.
  • ASK ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS: A vacation should be more than just a house at the beach. It should be time with friends and family, a chance to relax and unwind and an opportunity to experience the local culture. Seaside Vacations is redefining 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.  Welcome to the exclusive Club Seaside.
  • REMEMBER BIG EVENTS: Whether it’s for football championships or national Bowl games, concerts, baseball series’, basketball or other events, vacation rentals can save fans from the hassle of finding multiple hotel rooms during big events, and on the cost of multiple reservations.

For more information, visit http://www.OuterBanksVacations.com as an official Outer Banks resource. Also connect with Outer Banks travelers and experts in the Facebook vacation rental community at http://www.facebook.com/seaside.vacations and join the conversation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SeasideVacation. 

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 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 – 14-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 a Vacation Specialist at 877.219.3794.  

Life on the Outer Banks Moves a Little Bit Slower

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Every year, beach goers from all walks of life come to the Outer Banks for some rest and relaxation.  The 130-mile barrier island is home to some of the most scenic areas on the East Coast.

“This place is eye candy,” Mike Kelly (local business owner) said. “Sunsets on Jockey’s Ridge, you can’t beat them. It’s great therapy.” Not to mention the fact that there is no shortage of water sport activities to learn. 

However, there is an intangible OBX element that attracts all the visitors here each and every year.  Life here on the Outer Banks is just a little slower. It seems that for locals and visitors alike, everyone takes time to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty this one-of-a-kind environment has to offer. 

Gorgeous rental homes available at great prices, and the fall is arguably the best time of year to visit…warm water, warm weather, and less crowds. 

World Class Fishing Tournament Comes to the Outer Banks

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26th Annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament

  

 Fishing Pole

 

Wouldn’t you like to see a 1228 pound blue marlin…up close and personal?

Fishing Tourney Logo  The 26th Annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament is taking place August 10 – 14, 2009 at in Pirate’s Cove Marina in Nags Head on Outer Banks of North Carolina.Join some of the best fishermen in the world as they try to break the North Carolina blue marlin record.

 

 Home Seaside Vacations is proud to offer a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rental homes, condos and villas close to this exciting event. Choose from a spacious 14-bedroom oceanfront home or a cozy 2-bedroom condo – many offering big discounts as much as 40% off!Check available homes during the tournament…

 

 Club Seaside In addition to the exciting events of the Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, Seaside Vacations is also proud to offer all of our guests the exclusive benefits of our Club Seaside program. From wine tasting and yoga to golf, tennis and surfing…it’s all free and it’s all for you.In addition, our guests also receive complimentary membership to Kilmarlic Health and Racquet Club as well as speical discounted golf rates at Kilmarlic Golf Club!

 

More about Pirate’s Cove…

Pirate’s Cove, located on the Outer Banks (on the Manteo causeway), is a well-known east coast location recognized for their internationally acclaimed billfish tournaments, fishing schools, boat shows and world-class marina and facilities. Learn more about Pirate’s Cove…

Dogs on the Outer Banks

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Marley Dog

Dogs are a part of the family, and the four-legged family members love vacation too.  The Outer Banks is very dog-friendly, but it’s worth it to plan ahead.

If you plan to bring your dog to the Outer Banks this summer, here are some tips to make your travels easier:

  • Do be up to date with your dogs vaccinations
  • Make sure your dog is a nonaggressive dog that will get along with people and other dogs
  • This one is a no-brainer: Make sure your dog is housebroken!
  • No off-limit chewing- If you have a dog that is teething or loves to chew, pack some of your pup’s toys with you
  • Never leave your pet unattended
  • Pick up after your pooch
  • Teach your pup basic commands

By taking these precautionary measures before and during your vacation, it will make your dog-friendly vacation much more enjoyable and stress free.

Plenty of pet-friendly homes still available for your Outer Banks Vacation.

Once Again, the Outer Banks Makes Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beach List

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Dr. Beac  DrBeach.org has recently released a top ten beaches to visit list, and once again the Outer Banks is represented on the list (Ocracoke was voted #1 beach in 2007). 

Hatteras Island has received the honor of being included on this list at number 7.  Hatteras is often considered to be home of the best surf on the east coast.  It is also a very quaint fishing village with a rich history.  The National Seashore is a great attraction to visitors who enjoy nature and wildlife. 

AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES 2009

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Cape Hatteras,Outer Banks, North Carolina
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
9. Coast Guard Beach,Cape Cod, Massachusetts
10. Beachwalker Park,Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Summer Leisure Travel Seems Stable Despite Struggling Economy

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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.

Outer Banks Hits the Big Screen – “Nights in Rodanthe”

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A recent article by Catherine Kozak in the Virginia Pilot (http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/outer-banks-small-town-makes-debut-big-screen) points out that the Outer Banks is soon to get national and international attention. 

“Nights in Rodanthe,” a major motion picture version of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling book of the same name, will hit theatres nationwide on September 26th and abroad in November. 

Outer Banks residents will have a pre-screening two days prior to the national release, and just two days after the premiere in New York City.  The pre-screening will be held at the R/C Kill Devil Hills Movies 10 on September 24th.  There will be about 210 seats available to residents who worked on the movie in someway while it was being filmed on the Outer Banks – extras, consultants, security, musicians, caterers, etc. 

Scenes from the movie will show a wide variety of footage from the Outer Banks, including; particular houses where scenes were set, the Hatteras Fishing Pier, the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, Ocracoke Island, Manteo, gorgeous beaches, wild horses, and aerial footage of the Island(s). 

This is sure to be a great “date movie,” and a tremendous boost to exposure for the Outer Banks.