ITrip Information

Learn to Ride Costa Rica’s Legendary Waves at Chuck’s WOW Surf School

Posted by nancy On January - 12 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast is recognized as one of the world’s best surf vacation destinations. The stretch of ocean from Jaco south to Playa Hermosa is renowned for exciting and dependable wave action, drawing a steady stream of world-class surfers and international surfing competitions. Watching the surfers race in front of the waves or surf the barrel while you idyll in the warm tropical sun on one of Costa Rica’s many stunning beaches is the perfect way to spend a Costa Rica vacation. But for a truly memorable Costa Rica vacation, you’ll want to get off the beach and try your hand at riding the waves.

Costa Rica’s biggest surf community, Jaco, is also renowned as the home of one of the world’s great surf shops and legendary surf schools — Chuck’s WOW Surf. Founded 20 years ago by Chuck Herwig, the three-generation family enterprise is now the largest distributor of surf boards in Costa Rica with an international reputation in the surfing community for top quality boards.

The place to go to buy or rent surf boards and surfing gear, Chuck’s WOW Surf also runs a bi-lingual surf school that consistently wins praise from Costa Rica vacationers for its fun, thorough and safe introduction to the sport of surfing. From young kids to spritely Grandmas, Chuck’s WOW Surf School offers affordable surf lessons that include instruction by an experienced, lifeguard-certified surfing instructor; transportation and all the equipment you need for a morning or afternoon of surfing. All Costa Rica vacationers need to bring with them is a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, and plenty of enthusiasm. Lessons begin with basics and safety instruction on the beach, then it’s into the water for plenty of hands-on experience. It’s a vacation experience you’ll never forget!

Start planning your Costa Rica vacation now by reserving Costa Rica vacation rentals on iTrip.net today.

Photo Credit: kuma chan

Top Free Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland

Posted by nancy On January - 11 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

There are plenty of free things to do during your Ocean City trip. The Travel Channel named the Ocean City boardwalk one of the country’s “Top Great Boardwalks.” Families can begin their day with a bike ride on the delightful boardwalk. Day and night the boardwalk provides free entertainment. During the evening the boardwalk is filled with music and fun.

Enjoy the free shows on the Ocean City boardwalk or have fun watching the exotic kites dancing in the sky. Kids enjoy the Aquarium Room with its sea creatures. It’s located at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. During the summer free family activities are available six nights every week including bonfires, concerts and movies. Stroll along the beautiful beaches; you may see dolphins.

While staying at one of the excellent Ocean City vacation rentals visit the Assateague Island National Seashore and check out the wonderful wild horses and ponies. The island is also home to numerous bird species and mammals.

Have fun playing volleyball at the Dorchester Volleyball Park. Other nets are located along the beach. The whole family has a great time playing volleyball.

The popular Northside Park has lighted softball/baseball fields, a multipurpose field, a soccer field, two playgrounds, a fishing lagoon and a sports center annex. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the great picnic sites. It’s within easy reach of Ocean City vacation rentals.

Ocean City has hundreds of square miles of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Catch mako, white marline, blue marlin or mahi-mahi. Trout, sea bass and flounder are plentiful in the bay. Ocean City has several public piers. If you have a boat the area has boat ramps.

Enjoy the free fun activities during your Ocean City vacation.

Photo Credit: eutrophication&hypoxia

Best Places to Eat in Myrtle Beach, SC

Posted by nancy On January - 10 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Staying in beautiful South Myrtle Beach rentals when you vacation in South Myrtle Beach, South Carolina gives you the luxurious freedom to relax and move to the beat of your own drum. You’re not tied to anyone else’s schedule. You don’t have to worry about when the local restaurant switches its menu from breakfast to lunch. When you stay in South Myrtle Beach rentals with a full kitchen and all the conveniences of home, you can indulge in a luxurious cup of coffee and a delicious plate of scrambled eggs whether it’s 7 a.m. or somewhere past noon.

Having a full kitchen at your fingertips is also great for packing picnic lunches for a day at the beach or fixing a late-night snack when you get the munchies. But when dinnertime rolls around, it’s time to take off your chef’s hat and sample some of the delicious local cuisine. South Myrtle Beach restaurants offer every imaginable type of food and dining experience from mom and pop crab shacks (the perfect choice for a sunset picnic on the beach) to the elegant Villa Romana when you’re feeling romantic. With nearly 300 restaurants available in the Myrtle Beach area, choosing where to eat next may be the toughest decision you make during your South Myrtle Beach vacation.

If you’re looking for some great places to eat during your next South Myrtle Beach vacation, try these delightful restaurants recommended by Trip Advisor users:

Han Teppanyaki House is the local favorite for excellent Japanese fare.
Villa Romana is the perfect place for a romantic dinner — and delicious plates of authentic Italian cuisine.
Ciao! is another excellent choice for a night of romance and wonderful Italian food.
Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy serves up spicy Mexican fare.
If you crave fresh seafood, head for Bonefish Grill.

Start planning your South Myrtle Beach vacation today on iTrip.net.

St. Pete Winery Gives Vino a Sunshine State Twist

Posted by nancy On January - 6 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Beautiful, sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico draw millions of vacationers to St. Petersburg, Florida every year. Sitting just across the bay from Tampa, its bustling sister city, St. Pete has a laid-back, beach-town charm that encourages vacationers to relax and enjoy the many delights this tropical paradise has to offer. In addition to fabulous beaches, an incredible array of water sports and recreational activities, championship golf courses, delightful restaurants, fantastic shopping and an excellent selection of luxurious St. Pete Beach rentals lure vacationers to Florida’s favorite sun-kissed playground.

Tucked among the myriad Gulf Coast pleasures that have made St. Pete such a popular vacation destination is something you will find nowhere else – the Florida Orange Groves Winery. Ranked St. Petersburg’s No. 1 attraction by TripAdvisor, this unusual winery gives vino a distinctive Sunshine State twist. As its name suggests, Florida Orange Groves Winery specializes in wines made from oranges that are, TripAdvisor reviewers universally agree, every bit as good as grape wines. Tours, tastings and more are offered at the main winery located at 1500 Pasadena Avenue South in St. Petersburg.

Your winery tour begins with an interesting 8-minute video that tracks the vineyard’s history and explains how fruit wines are made. Visitors are then taken behind the scenes for a peek at the fermentation area and tour of the bottling and shipping process. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy complementary samples of several of the vineyard’s unique fruit wines and smoothies. A welcoming atmosphere and informative staff make a visit to Florida Orange Groves Winery a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Make sure you visit the winery’s great gift shop where you’ll find wine gadgets, wine-related merchandise and lots of kitschy Florida souvenirs.

Start planning your relaxing St. Pete vacation by reserving beautiful St. Petersburg beach rentals on iTrip.net today.

Featured Property of the Week in Park City, Utah: 1509 Park Avenue Silvertown Complex Condo

Posted by nancy On January - 3 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

This week iTrip is featuring its Silvertown Condo, situated in Park City Utah, only two blocks away from Park City Mountain in the North Old Town area. The winter months attract skiers from all over the nation to Park City rentals. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo sleeps nine in six beds. There’s plenty of room for a family ski vacation or for a group of friends eager to make their way down beautiful snow covered mountains.

Nestled among the mountains in Park City, Utah, the Silvertown Condominium Complex is a great place to stay anytime of the year. All the Silvertown condos have been recently renovated. Enjoy great skiing opportunities, summer fun or the Sundance International Film Festival. The popular Dear Valley Resort is known for its impeccably groomed ski trails.

After an exciting day of skiing relax on comfortable furniture in the living room and watch your favorite TV shows on the large television. During the nighttime, enjoy the beautiful roaring fireplace. Save some money and cook your own tasty meals in the fully-equipped kitchen. An A-Fresh-Market is just two blocks away.

The attractive master bedroom includes a comfortable queen-size bed and a private bathroom. Enjoy the beautiful views from the balcony. The second bedroom also includes a comfortable queen-size bed, whereas the third bedroom features two twin-beds.

After a long day of skiing, relax and stay warm in the on-site hot tub. The Silvertown Condominium Complex also has laundry facilities. The condo complex also provides access to Park City’s free transit system. During your Park City vacation, take the transit system and arrive in Deer Valley Resort or the Canyons in only 10 minutes.

There’s a lot of fun within easy reach of Park City rentals

Charleston, SC Offers Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

Posted by nancy On December - 30 - 2011 ADD COMMENTS

When icy winds howl and snow buries the rest of the country, visitors to Charleston, South Carolina are outdoors golfing, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing and beach combing. During the winter months from the beginning of December through the end of February, daytime temperatures in Charleston typically hover around 60 degrees F., frequently rising into the mid-70s. Nighttime temperatures are usually in the low to mid-40s with freezing temperatures a rare occurrence. The Atlantic Ocean may be a bit chilly for swimming this time of year, but it’s not too cold to enjoy a day on the water boating or fishing. Even in December, a few diehard boarders will don wetsuits to catch a little wave action off one of Charleston’s wide, sandy beaches.

Pleasant weather makes for year-round outdoor fun in this charming southern town. The spring-like winter weather is ideal for outdoor recreational activities – pleasant enough to play golf in a light sweater but cool enough to keep you from getting uncomfortably hot while you’re hiking or cycling along Lowcountry trails on James Island, Johns Island and Mount Pleasant.

During a Charleston vacation, you’ll find a myriad of exciting outdoor activities to choose from just minutes from luxurious Charleston South Carolina rentals.

OnDeck offers exhilarating half-day yacht sails across Charleston’s harbor.
Aqua Safaris provides everything you need for an exciting day of inshore or offshore fishing.
Middleton Equestrian Center leads hour-long horse tours through cool woodlands.
Coastal Expeditions offers guided kayak tours of Charleston’s waterways and marshes.

If winter weather has you holed up indoors, escape to Charleston for a vacation filled with outdoor fun. Book your Charleston South Carolina vacation rental on iTrip.net today.

Excellent Restaurants in Orlando, Florida

Posted by nancy On December - 30 - 2011 ADD COMMENTS

Orlando, Florida is a favorite vacation destination with people all over the world. After a day of fun in Orlando it’s time to dine. Here’s some of Orlando’s great restaurants within easy reach of Orlando, Florida vacation rentals:

Chatham’s Place serves a variety of delicious American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its great atmosphere and service. It’s a popular place for dates and business meetings. Staff members pamper the guests. It’s pricy but you have a great time.

The upscale Victoria & Albert’s serves American, Contemporary, British, Irish and French food. The restaurant makes meals an experience; typically the dining lasts more than three hours. The typical dinner has six courses. Enjoy scrumptious meals, the fresh made breads and little gifts from the chef. It’s an expensive treat. When you’re at Victoria & Albert’s you’re treated like royalty. They even offer women a purse stool.

Sweet Tomatoes is popular with families, large groups and those dining on a budget. If you enjoy buffets head on over to Sweet Tomatoes. The buffet provides an amazing variety of salads, tasty soups and baked sweet potatoes. Try the wonderful cornbread and the tasty pizza. Enjoy the pasta bar and the sundae bar.

Jiko – The Cooking Place is a great restaurant for romantic dining and special occasions. The restaurant provides sophisticated cuisine with an African and Asian flair. They have a special menu for vegetarians. Try the African spiced fire roasted chicken flatbread for an appetizer or an Egyptian dish. They also have a great South African wine collection and fabulous desserts.

Padrino’s Cuban Bistro serves delicious authentic Cuban food. Have some tasty lamb shanks and scrumptious bread pudding. Try the Cuban sampler. The restaurant is known for its great service.

Orlando vacations are popular with people throughout the world.

Photo Credit: HarshLight

Fun, Free Things to do in Siesta Key, Florida

Posted by nancy On December - 29 - 2011 ADD COMMENTS

Siesta Key vacations provide fun, free activities for just about everyone. Have a great time along the 35 miles of pristine beaches. Play in the sand, go bodysurfing, collect seashells, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views. On Sunday evenings enjoy the magnificent sunset and the beat of the drummers of the Siesta Key Drum Circle at Siesta Key Public Beach. The activities begin just before sunset and continue until the early hours of the morning. The event is located a little south of the main pavilion, between lifeguard stands three and four.

North Jetty Park, located on the southern tip of Casey Key, is regarded as one of the most exciting surf beaches on the west coast of Florida. It’s also a popular place for picnics and watching boats go in an out to sea.

The grounds of the Sarasota International Cricket Club are regarded as the best in the Southeast and among the best grounds in the nation. The season begins in late September and continues through the end of May. Have fun watching a cricket match.

Burns Court, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a group of 1920s bungalows. It’s within easy reach of Siesta Key beach rentals. Originally single-family homes, the bungalows are now a community of homes, restaurants and shops. These adobe works of art are worth checking out.

The Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway offers windows to the culture, history and beautiful waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Tamiami Highway has something for just about everyone.

Explore the Myakka State Forest. The frontage on the Myakka River is designated an Outstanding Florida Water and a Wild and Scenic River. Take a hike, do some off-road bicycling or enjoy horseback riding.

Have a wonderful time while staying at one of the superb Siesta Key beach rentals.

Photo Credit: jbtuohy

Newport Beach’s Fashion Island Is Ultimate Shopping Experience

Posted by nancy On December - 28 - 2011 ADD COMMENTS

A Newport Beach vacation isn’t complete without a shopping excursion to exclusive Fashion Island. One of the country’s premier open-air luxury retail centers, Fashion Island offers unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Nearing the completion of a $100 million, two-year makeover, Fashion Island has been reinvented as a Mediterranean paradise. World-class department stores, exciting boutiques and unique specialty stores line its many charming paseos and courtyards. Chic cafes, fine restaurants and many al fresco dining areas entice visitors to sample a vast array of American and international culinary delights.Everywhere you stroll on Fashion Island, gorgeous fountains fill the air with the delightful sound of moving water, a Fashion Island hallmark. Koi ponds, 50-foot Italian pine trees, a stunning cast-iron Italianate gazebo, and majestic Palladian architectural accents create a distinctive Romanesque ambience that is both elegant and relaxing. Numerous comfortable seating arrangements and al fresco cafes invite shoppers to pause, sip a cappuccino and enjoy the beautiful view and gorgeous Southern California weather.

Nowhere but at Fashion Island on the Newport Coast of California will shoppers find such a large and exciting collection of exclusive stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques. From Bloomingdales and Macy’s to Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, every major upscale department store in America is represented on Fashion Island. The list of haute couture and exclusive designer shops seems endless: Ella Moss, Kate Spade, Francesca’s Collections, Kenneth Cole New York, Louis Vuitton, Trina Turk, and many, many more.

Despite the elegant surroundings, Fashion Island offers a full array of services from hair salons to a Whole Foods grocery. You’ll also find traditional American favorites like Subway, Victoria’s Secrets, the Cheesecake Factory and Dick’s Sporting Goods on Fashion Island. If you are planning a Newport Beach vacation on iTrip.net, make sure you plan time to explore Fashion Island.

The Sundance Film Festival is Happening Soon

Posted by nancy On December - 22 - 2011 ADD COMMENTS

The popular Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent cinema festival in the country. It’s a wonderful event to attend during a Park City vacation! The festival showcases new films from American as well as international, independent filmmakers. The festival includes competitive sections for American and international dramatic films and documentary films as well as out-of-competition sections.

It’s held from January 19th through the 29th in Park City, Ogden, Sundance and Salt Lake City, Utah. 112 feature-length films were chosen for the 2012 festival, representing 29 countries and 44 first-time film makers, including 24 in competition. 89 films at the Sundance Film Festival are world premiers.

Park City rentals are popular with people attending the Sun Dance Film Festival. The festival has a system of walking paths throughout Park City which takes you between festival venues or you can take the free Festival shuttle bus.

If you are planning to attend the Sundance Film Festival during your Park City vacation, there are several ways to get tickets:

Ticket Packages: Ticket package holders have the first opportunity to choose tickets prior to the festival. The packages are designed for two or more people. Each package has two Festival Credentials and a set number of tickets.

Festival Passes: People with Festival Passes have priority access to screenings without having to choose tickets in advance of the festival. They just have to show up to the film they want to see at least 30 minutes before the published screening time to get priority entrance to the theater.

Individual Tickets: These are the remaining tickets from the ticket package selection. Advanced ticket availability for the first half of the Sundance Film Festival is extremely limited; however there are a lot of films to watch during the second half of the festival.

Have a great time while staying at one of the superb Park City rentals.

Photo Credits: Kyle Taylor, rasdourian