Laguna Beach vacations are popular with people from all over the nation. Laguna Beach has some of California’s most beautiful beaches. Laguna Beach has seven miles of Pacific coastline, with plenty of pristine, sandy beaches. Surfing and skim boarding are popular activities. The coves along Laguna Beach’s coastline have some of the best waves in Southern California. Laguna Beach vacation rentals are great for people seeking to relax in a beautiful environment.

The area has great tidepooling opportunities. Situated in the rocky outcroppings you’ll discover an amazing display of marine life. All of the tide pools inside the city limits are in a State Marine Conservation Area so please don’t take anything. During low tides Heisler Park Reserve has a flat rocky area covered with sea anemones; the creatures close up into shell camouflaged blobs to protect themselves when out of the water. At Rock Pile, if you’re there at the right time, you may see octopus. Take a look at the   urchins, hermit crabs, striped shore crabs and other creatures. Bird Rock is a popular place for tidepooling, featuring red urchins, sea cucumbers and other creatures.

Thalia Street is popular with surfing enthusiasts. The whole area is a rock reef suited for surfing. Swimming is permitted south of the beach. St. Ann’s Street attracts surfing enthusiasts. Most of the area is a rock reef, with one section with a sandy bottom.

Fishing enthusiasts have opportunities to catch Bonito, Halibut, Blue Fin Tuna, Mackerel, bass, rockfish, sand bass and Yellow fish. The best fishing locations in the area are Aliso Creek Mouth, El Moro/Crystal Cove State Beach and Newport Pier & Balboa Pier.

Have a great time while staying at one of the excellent Laguna Beach home rentals!

Playa Hermosa, North Puntarenas is one of the top surfing areas in the central Pacific coast. Costa Rica vacations are popular with surfing enthusiasts. Although it’s a popular surfing area it has many peaks up and down the beach where surfers can find a lot of room on head high peaks during most times of the year. Play Hermosa includes several miles of beach and people can go surfing anywhere along the beach.

Relax - Enjoy - Surf

Playa Hermosa has a powerful and consistent beach break assuring a constant swell. Sometimes the beach provides a nice barrel while at other times the barreling waves are all over the place. The waves are larger during the raining season, from May through December. One of the well known breaks at Playa Hermosa is situated in front of a large tree known as ‘El Almendro’ or the ‘Almond tree.’

Costa Rica vacations are popular with surfers from all over the world. Playa Hermosa is a challenging surfing area, thus it attracts experienced surfers. It’s one of the top surfing destinations for professionals in Cost Rica. Costa Rica beach houses are one of the popular places to visit. People should realize the currents are very strong and are not ideal for swimming. The beach has numerous economical surfboard rental shops. Every year in August the beach hosts the Quicksilver Surf Championships which attract expert surfers from all over the world.

If you want to take some time off from surfing Playa Hermosa is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can take a day trip to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park or visit the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects the Olive Ridley sea turtles that show up to nest every year.

Have a great time surfing while staying at one of the excellent Costa Rica vacation rentals!

The notion of a vacation elicits a lot of thoughts and emotions, most of them positive.  However, in some cases, where a lot of money, limited space, and inconveniences are involved, the term, “vacation,” warrants debate.  What does taking a vacation mean to you?  For many, their desires are more aligned with the pursuit of vacation homes.  Consider the following, common desires.

Relaxation

It’s likely many families desire relaxation on vacations but unfortunately experienced a lot of stress on prior excursions.  Vacation homes are “homes,” while hotel rooms are “rooms.”  What do you think offers more relaxation, a house or room?  The traditional trend of vacationers has been to seek hotel accommodations, but modern-day vacationers have more options, especially regarding a relaxing ambiance.

Unity

Vacation homes are best suited for families but that’s not always the case with hotels.  Depending on size allotted, your family may require several rooms to accommodate the whole bunch.  That could get pricy; plus, it takes away from the “family” experience.  Conversely, homes offer more familial-unity appeal.  It’s much more convenient to live and enjoy your vacation, as a family, when leveraging private rentals.

Location

How does close proximity to all of the action and attractions sound?  It’s likely very appealing, but what about being in the middle of the action at all times?  That could get a little annoying after some time.  What’s great about a lot of vacation homes is location; homes are close enough to all the attractions yet offer peace and serenity too.  That’s a really nice option, which many hotel chains cannot offer.

Options

Many vacationers enjoy more options.  Whereas hotels often have unwavering and established deals and processes, private rental experiences offer more options.  Also, the level of customized customer service is unparalleled.  Rather than going through layers of workers, common with hotel stays, one can directly contact the owner regarding vacation homes.

If you’re looking for a great place to party on Mardi Gras where the emphasis is on family fun, Panama City Beach on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast is the place to be. Mardi Gras festivities kick off early in Panama City Beach with the Krewe of Massalina Celebration of the Native Tribes on February 3 and 4, 2012. The festival begins on Friday with a block party at McKenzie Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join the Krewe for live music and dancing under the stars. Arrive early so you can grab a bite from your favorite food truck and cruise the arts and crafts fair. Festivities at the park start again at noon on Saturday, culminating in an exciting 3 p.m. parade.

When you book your Panama City Beach vacation rental on iTrip.net, plan to stay several weeks. Mardi Gras fun continues throughout the month of February. The Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras Festival on February 10 and 11 always draws big family crowds to the Oaks by the Bay Park. Live music on 8 stages, Crafters’ Row, a Kids’ Village and 100 vendors keep things hopping. Friday is all about the kids with a Pet and Kid’s Parade at 4 p.m. If you like your food hot and spicy, stay for the Cajun cook-off at 7 p.m. The main event is the 2 p.m. parade on Saturday when more than 14 krewes, 20 spectacular floats and marching bands regale the crowd.

To end your Panama City Beach home rentals with a bang, join the Krewe of Dominique Youx at Pier Park on February 17 and 18 for a beachside Mardi Gras celebration that features live bands, street dancing, Cajun food, classic cars, a kids’ parade, a traditional Mardi Gras Parade, fireworks and fun for pirates of all ages!

The popular seaside resort Bethany Beach, known as a “quiet” place, has pristine sandy beaches, a boardwalk, vacation homes and great restaurants. Bethany Beach is boarded on the east by free public beaches. You can stay at one of the superb Bethany Beach house rental properties to enjoy the excellent beaches, the small town charm and the tranquility of quiet resort life. During your Delaware shores vacation, take time to visit the beautiful Town Hall garden.

The barrier island, Fenwick Island State Park, provides a variety of surf and turf opportunities. Fenwick Island State Park boarders the Little Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean – visitors have two different coastlines to enjoy. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and surf fishing. Along the bay side of the park enjoy, clamming,  crabbing, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing.  The park has something for just about everyone.

During your Bethany Beach vacation visit the 203 acre Holts Landing State Park. Enjoy  beautiful landscapes from a bay shore beach to hardwood forests and grassy fields. Holt Landing State Park has the only pier on Delaware’s Island Bays built specifically for crabbing. Due to overhanging the shallow bay waters, it’s a great place to catch blue crabs. It’s also a popular  place for anglers.

The cute, little Bethany Beach Boardwalk provides a variety of free live music and great views. Kids have fun on the boardwalk. Browse the local shops. It’s not as wild and crowed as some boardwalks.

Families have a great time at Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf. The miniature golf course features wonderful statues and décor. Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf is well maintained and has a fun theme. Kids especially enjoy the pirate ship.

Have a great vacation while staying at one of the excellent Delaware Shores vacation rentals!

If gray skies and job stress are sapping your energy, you need to escape to the gorgeous white-sand beaches and fabulous restaurants of Perdido Key, Florida. An exotic spit of sand that straddles the Florida-Alabama border, Perdido Key, Florida is just 22 miles from the Pensacola airport but a thousand miles from all the cares and worries of everyday life. Filled with idyllic days luxuriating on the beach and exciting nights indulging your taste buds, all of our Perdido Key beach houses are the perfect antidote to job stress and the winter blues.

Miles of soft white sand beaches stretch along Perdido Key, beckoning vacationers to toast in the bright Florida sun and scrunch their toes in sand so soft and pure it feels like you’re walking on clouds. Bordered by the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Perdido Key is a quiet, peaceful slice of heaven where clear blue skies and soft Gulf breezes quickly lull vacationers into a state of totally decadent relaxation. But off the beach, this quaint beach town is a food lover’s paradise.

This small community may not offer hundreds of restaurants, but you’ll enjoy every meal you eat here. During your next Perdido Key vacation, enjoy a meal at these popular restaurants:

• Fisherman’s Corner is out of the way but worth the trip. Excellent food, a friendly atmosphere and great service at reasonable prices keep people coming back to this casual restaurant with a Cajun-inspired menu. Special treats include the Oyster poboy, Shrimp Diane and green fried tomatoes.
• Its scenic waterfront location makes Sunset Grille the perfect place for a romantic dinner but families will also be comfortable in this mostly open-air restaurant. Poboys, gumbo, fried seafood and fresh-caught fish are always on the menu.

If relaxing on the beach and sampling great food is your idea of the perfect vacation, book your Perdido Key beach rentals on iTrip.net today.

Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its emerald green waters and white sandy beaches. There are plenty of fun things to do during Destin vacations. Besides relaxing at the beach, enjoy a wonderful dolphin or boat cruise or catch a big fish on a fishing charter boat. Destin has one of Florida’s largest fleet of deep sea fishing charter boats.

Destin Deep Sea Adventures provides excellent fishing opportunities aboard its Hatteras yacht boat. Anglers can also fish from the fast AussieCat catamaran boat and have a great day of sport fishing.

While staying at one of the superb Destin Florida vacation rentals have a wonderful time dancing, dining and cruising aboard the SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris, the popular dinner/dance yacht. Experience the beautiful Emerald Coast from the yacht’s three decks. Have a party with friends and family or a romantic dinner for two.  It’s available for any type of special event. Solaris can carry up to 150 passengers.

Henderson Beach State Park offers a variety of land and water recreational activities. The park has beautiful waters and white sand. It also has a very long pier to fish from. On some days you’ll see dolphins. Typically it’s not very crowded. The nature walk takes you through an interesting ecosystem.

The charming Village of Baytown Wharf has something for just about everyone. There’s a fun zip line for kids, restaurants and cute boutiques. You can also go surfing or ice skating. The wharf is also a great place for nightlife.

The beautiful Destin Harbor is a great place to relax and watch the boats come and go. Enjoy the wonderful views, including the beautiful sunsets. The harbor has some excellent restaurants and small unique shops.

Destin vacations are popular with people from all over the nation.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Dollywood theme park attract thousands of visitors on Gatlinburg vacations. After a wonderful day have some tasty BBQ at one of the excellent Gatlinburg restaurants.

While staying at one of the superb Gatlinburg vacation rentals make sure you and your family visit the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is home to over 60 native mammals, 38 reptilian species, 200 bird species and 58 fish species. From hiking to a mountain crest to sitting and enjoying a beautiful sunset, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of enjoyable activities.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the “wildflower national park.” You can see beautiful blooming plants anytime of the year. Spring and summer are well known for spectacular wildflower displays along roads and trails.

Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountain’s family fun vacation, features thrilling roller coasters, uniquely themed rides, great shows, festivals and rides for kids. Dollywood also features music and traditional crafts of the Smoky Mountain area. Dollywood has a collection of themed areas. Dollywood is located in nearby Pigeon Forge.

Bennett’s continually wins the Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best BBQ” and “Best Ribs”. They baste chicken, pork, ribs, and beef in their own tasty sauce. While staying at one of the excellent Gatlinburg vacation cabins don’t miss out on the great BBQ at Bennett’s. Locations: 714 River Road, Gatlinburg.

The popular Corky’s Ribs & BBQ serves delicious barbequed ribs, chicken, pork, turkey and more. The ribs and BBQ are either hand rubbed with a special dry shake or basted in their tasty BBQ sauce. Location: 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg vacations are popular with people from all over the nation.

California’s favorite playground, Santa Monica is an exciting, crazy mix of breathtaking scenery, amusement park fun, boutique chic, beach vacation and moveable feast! During a Santa Monica vacation, you can toast in the sun and splash in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean on Santa Monica Beach. Rent bikes or skates and cruise the boardwalk down to Muscle Beach to watch the body builders work out. Watch the surfers ride the waves while you build sand castles on Venice Beach. Poke through the cute shops and charming boutiques or catch a movie at the Third Street Promenade. Take a day trip into the magnificent Santa Monica Mountains to enjoy the breathtaking views. Watch the ocean while you bike or walk through lushly-landscaped Palisades Park. Keep an eye out for celebrities while you catch a bite to eat in one of the charming cafes and restaurants that line Montana Avenue. Tour the art galleries at Begamot Station. Cuddle close while you watch a spectacular sunset from the deck of your charming Santa Monica Beach house rental. And everywhere you go you can indulge in everyone’s favorite Santa Monica pastime – people watching!

There is so much to do in Santa Monica you’ll find it hard to pick and choose, but the one place you MUST go during your Santa Monica vacation is Santa Monica Pier. More than 100 years old, Santa Monica Pier is a California icon. Street performers roam the pier entertaining visitors. Food vendors and cafes offer everything from fish tacos to fresh Mahi Mahi steaks. Shops and street vendors line the pier offering a dazzling selection of Santa Monica vacation souvenirs. Santa Monica Pier is also home to several major attractions. You won’t want to miss:

• Pacific Park family amusement park
• Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
• Cirque du Soleil OVO!
• Trapeze School

Saddle Up! Cowboy Days are headed for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Pigeon Forge’s annual ode to the American Cowboy is just a month away. If you want a “bunkhouse” close to the action, you’ll want to round up your posse and book your Pigeon Forge cabin rentals on iTrip.net today. The best cowboy celebration east of the Mississippi, Saddle Up! brings the best of the American west to the Smoky Mountains.

From February 23 to 26, 2012, cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats will be the height of fashion in Pigeon Forge when the 12th Annual Saddle Up! rides into town. A buckaroo roundup, Tennessee shindig, mechanical bull rides, chuck wagon cook-off, cowboy dance, cowboy church on Sunday, and performances by some of the nation’s best country western stars are just a few of the exciting events planned this year. Among the popular entertainers scheduled to perform at Saddle Up! 2012 are Kent Rollins, Andy Nelson, Chuck Pyle, R.W. Hampton, and Stephanie Davis and the Roadrunners.

Sure to become an annual favorite, one of this year’s new features is Stories & Strings, a special concert that will corral onstage some of country western’s finest musicians on a single stage to discuss, demonstrate and compare their unique artistic styles. Hosted by the Smoky Mountain Guitar Shop, the concert will offer Pigeon Forge vacationers an historic opportunity to hear country’s great musicians strumming and picking together.

Saddle Up! is guaranteed to turn your February Pigeon Forge vacation cabins into a rompin’, stompin’ good time for the whole family. With Dollywood close by and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park next door, a Pigeon Forge vacation always offers plenty of exciting activities; but if you want to kick up your heels and join the rodeo, Saddle Up! week in February is the time to book your Pigeon Forge vacation rentals on iTrip.net.