There are few places that make for a more perfect vacation destination than Laguna Beach, California. Situated part way between Los Angeles and San Diego, it is the ideal location to hit some of Southern California’s most famous sites like Disneyland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Universal Studios. The weather in Laguna Beach is almost always perfect, boasting a tropical climate with 340 days of sunshine each year. Right on the Pacific Coast with salty air, hot pink sunsets, and stellar Laguna Beach restaurants right on the water, this is one of the most ideal locations for you next vacation. Do your beach trip right by booking one of these Laguna Beach vacation rentals suitable for whatever size group you’re traveling with and make this the journey of a lifetime.

Here are some of the best Laguna Beach restaurants with ocean views that could easily be mistaken for movie sets:

1. Studio is a beachfront dining experience mixing classic french cuisine with modern California nuances to bring you the best in contemporary cooking. They will offer you nothing short of a fine dining experience in their elegant vaulted ceiling dining room where their ever-changing menu promises to impress both first-time and returning patrons. Whether you prefer to try many things with their à la carte menu or order the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings, you’ll leave completely satisfied.
2. The Cliff is a favorite oceanside spot serving three meals a day while also being a favorite cocktail hour location. With a lush open-air patio overlooking the Pacific, there are few dining experiences like this in Laguna Beach. Whether you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot, cocktails after the beach, or a romantic dinner for two, you can find it at The Cliff.
3. Las Brisas is the place on the water in Laguna Beach to get the freshest seafood imaginable. Their three-meal menu will not only excite your taste buds, but it will similarly inspire your other senses with their beautiful presentation and unique preparations. There is nothing conventional about their seafood menu, as they embrace the simple creativity of modern cuisine, drawing from numerous culinary traditions to bring patrons breakfasts, lunches and dinners they will remember for more than just the sweeping sea views that accompany the meal.
4. The Deck is one of the few local restaurants that is actually on the beach and not the bluffs above, making it a unique dining experience among Laguna Beach restaurants. Serving a variety of seafood dishes, as well as classic American cuisine with a contemporary bent, The Deck is also well known for their signature cocktails.

Don’t neglect this perfect beach vacation destination the next time you’re brainstorming getaway plans. There’s more here than these amazing Laguna Beach restaurants, as the area is well known for its vibrant artist community, boasting many great galleries throughout town. The awesome outdoor adventures are another favorite, which include kayaking with the dolphins and golf in the Laguna Beach Canyon. Don’t forget the world renown shopping while you’re out exploring this charming town. Be sure to book your Laguna Beach vacation rental to ensure the utmost comfort on your stay.

Each summer in the beautiful central Idaho resort town of Sun Valley, writers and avid readers gather in the midst of great beauty to explore letters, share laughs and tears, and discuss some challenging aspects of life and the world. The 2015 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference is quickly approaching this July 17th through the 2oth. This intimate festival of ideas is celebrated as one of the most unique intellectual experiences among the world’s most renown authors, editors, and thinkers. This isn’t just a festival for literary professionals, but for anyone seeking to expand their literary knowledge and enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain landscape.

Experience the 2015 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference

If you’re an avid reader, you’ll fit right in with this crowd. While some of the attendees will be famous readers, editors and people of the media, most of the people traveling to Idaho for this inspiring event simply love literature in many shapes and forms. Your days at the conference will be full of books, conversations, hiking, presentations and great food. If you do love to write the setting, one of the most beautiful in the Western United States, is nothing short of inspiring, moving you to put pen to paper. Best of all, you can make an exciting family vacation of the conference if you care to bring your kids along. The Kids’ Club is known to be among the most fun aspects of the festival, promising your children numerous outdoor adventures and great new friends.

This Year’s Notable Speakers and Participants

The 2015 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference will have the expected all-star crowd that has been prominent each year. Here are a few of the names you are sure to recognize, and whose insights will surely go unmatched.

• Sarah Koenig is a longtime investigative reporter, and producer on the famous radio show, This American Life. She is an award-winning journalist, and last year launched her own podcast, Serial, which has become the most famous podcast in history.
• Mary Roach is the author or numerous provocative books covering contemporary scientific topics such as sex, cadavers, and colonizing Mars. She has won many awards and has written for a number of national magazines as well.
• Lawrence Wright is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Thirteen Days in September”. He writes mostly about the Middles East and his book, “The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11″ was named one of the top 100 works of non-fiction ever published.
• Hampton Sides is editor-at-large for Outside Magazine and the author of five books such as “In the Kingdom of Ice” and “Blood and Thunder”. He is also a journalist in residence at Colorado College where he teaches Creative Non-Fiction.

If you’re considering a trip to the 2015 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference then look into these great vacation rentals for your stay in this gorgeous resort town. Whether you’re traveling there solo or making a family vacation of it, you’ll find a perfect, centrally located property for your visit. Many of them have gorgeous mountain views, community pools and hot tubs, and all the convenient amenities you have at home.

While summer in Miami is known for being hot, there are many things that make the heat a desirable alternative to staying at home with the same old things to do and places to see. If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway with your sweetheart or maybe a family vacation or a trip with the girls, consider heading to Miami this summer. You’ll feel right at home in one of these perfect vacation rentals, which will make for the ideal Miami vacation. Whether you want to spend some time on the beach, or visit during one of the famous festivals or annual holidays, you’ll have a great time on your trip to one of the premier beach cities in the country.

Here are some of the best things to do during the summer in Miami.

Hit the Beach

Because of its temperate climate the beach is almost always an option when you’re spending time in Miami – especially in the summer when the sun is out, and the water temperature is perfectly refreshing. If you are planning to visit Miami Beach this summer be sure to bring loads of sunscreen and an umbrella to give you a break from the sun. Take frequent dips in the ocean when you start getting hot and otherwise just enjoy the beautiful views, happy people, and relish the great tan you will head home with.

Miami Beach 4th of July

There are few places on the east coast as suitable as Miami Beach for a colossal 4th of July festival, which is why it has become particularly well known for its epic fireworks show. Visitors are instructed to bring a beach chair or towel so they can sit and enjoy the show at the waterfront at 73rd and Collins Ave. The Fourth Festival also features family-friendly activities and a free concert. After enjoying some fun by daylight, stick around to watch the sunset and, alas, the spectacular fireworks show.

Capture Artisan Wine Tour

This exciting new traveling wine tour will be kicking the summer off in Miami, taking place on May 29th and 30th. The venue is the beautiful Moore Building where post-modern industrial meets wine country rustic, which captures the allure of the event. Visitors are privileged enough to taste over 120 artisan wines while celebrating famous chefs and their farm-to-table delicacies. This exciting event coming to Miami is typical of the kinds of festivals you’ll find throughout the city this summer. Known for its high culture and departure into experimental cuisines, Miami is the perfect place for a great foodie adventure.

If you’re looking for the perfect summertime beach getaway, don’t let the southern heat steer you away from this diverse cultural center where busy urban life meets the sea making the perfect combination of class and country. If you have yet to experience summer in Miami, book your vacation rentals now. When you’re sitting on the beach with your favorite drink in hand or just a good book and some ice cold water, you’ll realize the magic of summertime in Florida’s biggest city.

There are few places in the world with the vast biodiversity found on the Polynesian island of Maui. Numerous things make hiking in Maui worthwhile, like the rainforest waterfalls, breathtaking views as the sun rises and sets, steep slopes heading out to sea, and steaming volcanoes. The conditions can be unpredictable, as Maui’s weather is known to change dramatically, so it’s incredibly important to be prepared as you head out into Hawaii’s wilderness with all the necessities and in-case-of-emergency supplies. You never know when you’ll be caught out at dusk and wishing you had a headlamp, or when you get over the next ridge and suddenly find a rainforest rain waiting for you, or the winds suddenly pick up and the temperature drops. These unknowns are all part of the beautiful experience of hiking in Maui.

Here are two of the best places for hiking in Maui that will offer many wildlife sightings.

Hosmer Grove Loop Trail

This unique trail through the Haleakala National Park in Maui’s upcountry signifies the contrast between native and alien species on the island. The park’s summit, known as the Haleakala Highway is the world’s highest climb in the shortest distance and is home to a dormant volcano. While the summit is one of the most visited sights on the island, known particularly for Haleakala sunrise and sunsets, the park is also a crucial refuge for rare birds and animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Renowned honeycreepers can be found on this trail and can be spotted by their bright red feathers and long, pointy beaks.

Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Meaning “trail by the shoreline” in the native tongue, this footpath was originally established to reach the native people on the island, and is now a network of 175 miles of trail connecting the island. This trail, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places for the native culture and wildlife preserved along its path, is one of the most beautiful and diverse places you can choose to go hiking in Maui. Accessible from many points along its stretch, once on the trail you are bound to pass gorgeous fish ponds, fishing shrines, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s coral reefs, and even humpback whales who swim down for the winter to calf. You may catch a glimpse of the rare sea turtle habitats and will surely see numerous birds in some very unique estuarine ecosystems. If you’re keen on hiking in Maui, you definitely don’t want to miss the Kahakai Trail.

When planning your trip to enjoy this gorgeous island and do some serious hiking in Maui, be sure to look into these vacation rentals on Hawaii’s most famous island. Ranging from resort condos to private beach-front homes, you’ll find exactly what you need among this selection, whether you’re heading there on a romantic getaway or family vacation. A Hawaii vacation ought to be a must on your list of things to do in this lifetime. Let iTrip help you make sure it’s perfect.

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Originating as one of Florida’s oldest fishing villages, Destin, Florida has grown into the Emerald Coasts’s number one tourist destination known for its white sand beaches, emerald seas, and yes, still its fishing. Somewhere between a peninsula and a barrier Island, Destin is surrounded by ocean waters on all sides, making for the perfect beach vacation. Whether you’re an avid angler, golfer or just love to lay on the beach with a good book, you won’t mind staying at one of these fabulous beachside vacation rentals and enjoying the beach bum life. While there, be sure to check out all these fun things to do in Destin, FL.

1. Destin Seafood Festival - This is a great event for the whole family. The festival is known for a slew of local vendors selling fresh seafood in a variety of ways, great music acts, and fun activities just for the kids. This year’s festival will take place October 2nd through the 4th.
2. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - With more programs than you could possibly enjoy in one trip, this saltwater world offers numerous hands-on educational activities that will keep the little ones happy.
3. Helicopter Beach Tours – If you’re dying to see a birds-eye view of the area’s gorgeous beaches, consider a Destin helicopter ride. This is a great experience for the kids and can also make for a romantic night out with your sweetheart.
4. Destin Fishing Rodeo - This is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers and has been around since 1948 making it one of the oldest as well. The rodeo takes place during the month of October, 2015 with daily weigh-ins, and is a great excuse for an extended getaway. October is known for being one of the most pleasant months for weather in this part of Florida.
5. Horseback Trail Rides - This is a favorite way to explore the picturesque island with trails winding through coastal forests at a relaxed pace. This is a great alternative to beach activities and will offer visitors a chance to see more of the island. The guides will make sure that you’re comfortable and safe throughout the ride, regardless of your experience.
6. Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival – This is an exceptional activity for the children as these gnarly pirates bring life at sea to you. A childrens’ area with games and rides will add to the pirate performances for a full day of fun. There are also live music performances and food and drink to be enjoyed throughout the festival. The 2015 dates are the 5th, 6th, and 8th of June.
7. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park - If the heat is becoming a bit much or the kids just need a break from the beach, head to the local water park for a day of slides, dump buckets, wave pools and lazy rivers.

Next time you’re considering a beach getaway, be sure to look into this popular Emerald Coast gem. Besides all these fun things to do in Destin, FL, you won’t forget it’s glimmering white beaches and equally mesmerizing ocean waters. This could truly be the vacation of your lifetime.

The seaside city of Santa Monica, California is an unforgettable destination that attracts many visitors year round. With both an urban center and a coastal getaway, there are a myriad of Santa Monica tourist attractions bound to keep both vacationers and business travelers busy on their stay in this West Coast oasis. The city has incredibly easy access the Las Angeles metropolitan area, LAX, Disneyland, and the rest of Southern California. Santa Monica is only 8.3 square miles making it accessible from within as well, with visitors able to walk or ride a bike to many of the most notable attractions.

Here are some Santa Monica tourist attractions you don’t want to miss on your visit:

Santa Monica Pier

The pier is one of the city’s 100-year-old landmarks and his home to many other must-see sites. This double-jointed pier is located at the base of Colorado Avenue and is where the famous Pacific Park can be found. The classic amusement park is a one-of-a-kind attraction, which includes a state of the art solar paneled Ferris wheel. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a favorite place to visit with the little ones. Other great places to hit are the video arcade, trapeze school, and the numerous pubs and restaurants.

Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome

Located on the Newcomb Pier, adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier, this classic carousel was designed in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The original carousel was housed in the Hippodrome until it was sold in 1939, replaced, and eventually moved to Ocean Park. The carousel has undergone numerous trials, including storms, threats, and an extensive restoration after being nearly destroyed in treacherous winter squalls.

The Downtown District

Downtown is full of Santa Monica tourist attractions, as well as a bustling economic center in the LA area. The Third Street Promenade is a popular pedestrian shopping district where people are free to roam on foot, and street performers congregate to entertain the crowds. The Promenade is a prominent location for the famous Santa Monica Film Festival with more than a dozen screens, including the historic Majestic and Aero Theaters.

Santa Monica Outdoors

If you like to explore the natural areas then you definitely want to check out Palisades Park sitting on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to a totem pole, camera obscura, numerous pieces of art, picnic areas and the pétanque courts. The Santa Monica Stairs are another favorite site as well as a place to exercise. Leaving from San Vincente down into the Santa Monica Canyon, the views are breathtaking and the workout is challenging. The Santa Monica Rugby Club is another popular attraction with both men’s and women’s championship-winning teams putting on spectacles regularly.

If you’re planning a trip to Southern California’s most popular beach town you won’t run out of great Santa Monica tourist attractions to enjoy. Be sure to check out one of these dreamy vacation rentals conveniently located for your vacation of a lifetime on the warm, sunny California coast.

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Hilton Head is one of South Carolina’s dreamy barrier islands that serves not only as a great place to live for many year-round residents but also a popular destination, attracting many vacationers from around the world. Just 20 miles northeast of Savannah, GA and 95 miles southwest of Charleston, SC, Hilton Head is easily accessible from multiple regional airports. Once you’ve landed you get to take a beautiful drive through the southeast’s Lowcountry. If you’re planning a trip to the area you definitely want to check out these great Hilton Head getaways, as well as some of the wonderful things to do while there.

Hilton Head Getaways

This gorgeous 2 bedroom villa located on the South End of the island is within walking distance of many of Hilton Head’s most popular attractions. Enjoy a walk to Starbucks to start off your day with a cup of coffee then head to any number of the south end plantations, restaurants, and beaches where you can take in the island’s culture and beauty.

This is one of the most ideal Hilton Head getaways, offering 2 bedrooms, a central location, and a semi-private beach just outside your door. Located at the Hilton Head Resort enjoy the luxurious amenities like tennis courts, an indoor pool, a gym, a steam room, and a beach cabana with a full bar and deli.

Golf

• Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Golf Course is a world-class golf course located at this pristine Hilton Head Resort.
• Palmetto Hall Plantation is a must-play for avid golfers. It is the most recent addition to the Heritage Golf Collection on the island, offering classic Lowcountry scenery that adds sightseeing to your game.
• Shipyard Golf Club is another course in the Heritage Golf Collection featuring 27 holes surrounded by Carolina pines, magnolias, and moss-covered oaks as well as some of the island’s most breathtaking views.
• Hilton Head Golf Vacations is a great resource for anyone traveling to the island just to play the game they love. Call up these specialists and let them take care of everything from tee times to club rentals so you can simply enjoy playing some of the most notable courses around.

Boating, Fishing, and Water Sports

• Outside Hilton Head offers many great ways to explore the island and its waters, as well as great exercise challenges. Their paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing as well as the opportunity to create you own custom adventure are all great memory-making experiences.
• Avid anglers should check out Hilton Head’s Drifter Excursions for their myriad of boating and especially fishing excursions of all types. Whether you’re looking for a family fishing trip or a more intense deep sea sport fishing opportunity, they can provide it.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Hilton Head Island. With a temperate southeastern climate, this is a great place to visit all year round and is quite affordable if you take advantage of one of the above Hilton Head getaways. These simple properties give you more space for less money, as well as amenities like a full kitchen that will help you save some money on your stay.

Photo Credit: Keith Allison/Flickr

Tampa Bay Rays spring training kicks off later this month in Charlotte County, FL. February 23 at the Charlotte Sports Park, 38 pitchers and catchers will show up to prepare for the grueling preseason two-a-days training. Full squad workouts begin on February 28th when the rest of the players show up, greeted by their new manager, Kevin Cash. The 62 players will include 22 non-roster invites and many new trades, making for a whole bunch of new faces besides Cash.

The 2015 Tampa Bay Rays Schedule will officially begin on April 5th with their opening home game against the Baltimore Orioles. They have a tall order this year in defending their title as Grapefruit League Champions of the 2014 season. Here is a 2015 Tampa Bay Rays Schedule of all their home games for local fans or those visiting the area who love to watch some baseball on vacation.

Come out for the 2015 Tampa Bay Rays season and enjoy an afternoon in the sun or an evening under the lights. Make a beach trip of it at one of these surrounding beach town vacation rentals. This is a great outing for your next Florida Beach vacation.

If you’re looking for the perfect beach destination, be sure to investigate South Walton, Florida. This eclectic town has every beach setting imaginable, regardless of the kind of experience you’re looking for. With 26 miles of white sand, the beaches of South Walton ought to be on your list of things to see someday. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico are known for being warm enough to swim in all year round and their great sport fishing. South Walton is unique on the Gulf for its rare coastal dune lakes, maritime forests, and breathtaking dunes.

There are 16 beaches of South Walton, each of which has its own unique neighborhood. You can find anything from artsy to exotic, and any kind of beach-appropriate food or activity you might be looking for. Here is a list of all 16 of these gorgeous beaches:

1. Miramar Beach
   This is a classic neighborhood that might induce some nostalgia if you grew up visiting the beach. Along with the typical beach streets and surf shops, it also has many modern beach amenities.
2. Dune Allen
   Known as one of South Walton’s most stunning beaches, this neighborhood is surrounded by dune lakes and many walking trails from which to take in its beauty.
3. Blue Mountain
   Home to some of the Gulf Coast’s highest dunes covered in lupine flowers, this is one the most laid back beach neighborhoods.
4. Seaside
   This is a new urban neighborhood that hosts many of the area’s nationally acclaimed festivals and events.
5. Seacrest
   One of the fastest growing areas in South Walton, this beach neighborhood has an up and coming food and shopping scene.
6. Inlet Beach
   Another laid-back environment, this is a quiet place to unwind at a rustic beach cottage or new modern beach home.
7. Seascape
   This is the place where explorers end up, with numerous opportunities to go on some kind of beach-side adventure.
8. Gulf Place
   This is a neighborhood known for its vibrant artist colony and multiple beach walkways.
9. Grayton Beach
   This beach would be described as hippie or organic. It is another laid back area where you’ll immediately feel welcome from its live oak-lined streets to its friendly locals.
10. Seagrove
    Named for its thick canopy of oaks, magnolias, hickories and sand pines, this maritime forest-surrounded beach is unique in South Walton.
11. Alys Beach
    This community-centered neighborhood is known for its modern design where functionality meets beauty.
12. Sandestin
    With great activities for you and a sweetheart or the whole family, this is the ideal neighborhood for your beach getaway.
13. Santa Rosa Beach
    Home to the Eden Gardens State Park, this beach is where South Walton began. It is known for its luxurious accommodations and fine dining.
14. WaterColor
    Made up of mostly preserved land, this beach is known for the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. 
15. WaterSound
    A gated resort community, this neighborhood provides everything you need within walking or biking distance so you’ll never have to leave the beach.
16. Rosemary Beach
    Known for its romantic appeal and French Quarter style architecture, this is a great place to experience a beach community.

The variety offered among the beaches of South Walton makes it the perfect destination for your next beach vacation. Check out these great beach rentals when planning your trip to these Gulf of Mexico beaches.

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Charleston is known equally for its unique beauty and compelling history. The site of multiple wars and natural disasters, the fact that Charleston still stands in all its splendor is enough to make it worth a visit. Lined with centuries-old mansions, historic plantations that capture our agrarian roots, the Intercoastal Waterway, and more churches than one can count, this coastal city is nothing if not intriguing for all ages and interests. Whether you’re partial to cultural heritage or are more into architecture and design or even war history, plan a visit to the Charleston historic district where you can soak up some knowledge about local and national history, while enjoying the view.

There are many ways to explore the downtown Charleston historic district, and all are equally viable and enjoyable. Whether you prefer a long leisurely walk or rather to hop atop a horse-drawn carriage with a knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll have a great time. Here are the places you definitely want to check out around the Charleston historic district.

The Battery

The Charleston Historic District was the initial settlement on the peninsula. Once known as Charles Towne and named for King Charles II of England, it is the only European-style walled city in the entire country. The battery is the only place where this wall is still visible and, while it no longer serves as protection, it is central to the foundation of this city by the sea and makes for an incredibly picturesque walk along the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Grab a map and explore this corner of the city and it’s antebellum mansions and commemorative military artifacts, or hop on a famous carriage ride and bump along the cobblestone streets guided through the city’s rich history.

Fort Sumter

There is nothing that devastated the city of Charleston more than the American Civil War. After being almost entirely burned to the ground, Charleston was only restored because of its importance to the American economy, as it was once the largest port on the East Coast. Fort Sumpter, located strategically in the middle of the Charleston Harbor, is known for being the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Visitors can take a ferry ride out to the Fort and enjoy a day at sea in the city’s waterways while learning about the city’s war history.

The Holy City

Charleston has most likely earned this name over the years because it was one of the first city’s to practice religious tolerance. Different protestant denominations and Jews were allowed to practice openly. As a result, the Charleston historic district is home to numerous churches, as well as the one the nation’s oldest Jewish congregations, and it’s oldest Jewish cemetery.

While visiting this beautiful city you definitely want to make it out to explore the Charleston historic district, among other wonderful sites. On the coast, Charleston is also surrounded by little beach havens that make for amazing getaways. When planning your trip to South Carolina’s oldest city, be sure to book a great beach-side vacation rentals on one of Charleston’s surrounding barrier islands.