A tropical paradise where colorful flowers bloom in profusion and exotic birds flit between tall palm trees, Siesta Key is an unforgettable vacation destination. Located off Central Florida’s Gulf Coast near Sarasota, the barrier island’s pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear Gulf waters lure vacationers who come to escape the daily grind and relax. Luxurious Siesta Key beach rentals provide the perfect place to indulge in a romantic getaway or gather friends and family for a laid-back holiday.

Siesta Key vacations offer all the wonderful activities that people anticipate when they book a Florida beach vacation on iTrip.net. Swimming, boating, snorkeling, fishing and golfing are popular Siesta Key activities. Deluxe spas, boutique shops and delightful restaurants are also available on the key, with nearby Sarasota providing museums, aquariums, parks, miniature golf and many other popular vacation activities.

If you’re an adventurer and like to explore off the beaten path, Siesta Key and the surrounding area offer some unique vacation experiences.

• Go nose-to-nose with the affectionate miniature horses at the Fallen Pine Ranch in Sarasota. Call ahead to schedule a personal tour with the owners
• Get a glimpse of the true “Old South” on a guided tour of the carefully restored historic Gamble Mansion in Ellenton
• Go back in time on a narrated train ride aboard a 1950s-era diesel train at the Gulf Coast Railroad Museum in Manatee County
• Get a taste of old Florida and enjoy the kitschy décor during lunch at the Linger Lodge Restaurant & RV Resort in Bradenton
• Marvel at Solomon’s Castle in Ona. Featured on Extreme Homes, the castle, complete with moat, was hand-built by artist Howard Solomon, an internationally-known sculptor using many unusual materials

Eco-friendly vacations start by booking a vacation rental on iTrip.net. When you stay in beautiful iTrip vacation rentals you can continue all the eco-friendly, sustainable practices that make your home life “green.” Well-equipped vacation rentals let you eat more meals in, hang towels to air dry, and sort recyclables just like you do at home. For a “green” vacation, follow these tips:

1. If you’re flying, choose an airline with a carbon-offset program. For a small fee, travel emissions are offset by investment in reforestation projects, organic agriculture or wind and solar farms.
2. Walk or bike wherever possible. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging delicate soils, sands or native plants.
3. Use public transportation. Many tourist destinations offer on-off buses that make continuous stops at major attractions and points of interest. Ticket prices are quite reasonable; save money by purchasing a 2-day or weekly pass.
4. If you need to rent a car, reserve a hybrid vehicle before leaving home.
5. Keep a few reusable shopping bags on hand for carrying groceries back to your vacation rental and for souvenir shopping at local shops. These eco-friendly bags also make handy beach bags, picnic baskets, toy carryalls, and collection bags for the cool shells and rocks your children find.
6. Support local farmers. Shop at the local farmers’ market and plan your meals around in-season produce. Pick up produce at roadside stands you pass. Wear a backpack when hiking or biking so you’ll have somewhere to stash roadside food finds.
7. Eat in organic restaurants and those that buy their food from local growers.
8. Keep your money in the local community. When shopping for vacation mementos, patronize locally-owned shops and look for wares by local artists and crafters.

Have fun reducing your carbon footprint while on vacation!

Sand between your toes. The gentle lull of ocean waves. Warm sun on your skin. The piercing cry of a seagull as it wheels across the bright, blue sky. Ah! There is nothing more perfect than summer vacation at the beach. With more than 88,633 miles of coastline, the United States offers plenty of beautiful sandy beaches where you can spread a blanket and plop down under a striped beach umbrella to spend a lazy day.

But before you start beach bummin’ around, you’re going to need some things. Here are some must-haves, compliments of iTrip.net! And remember, no matter if it’s the West Coast, East Coast or Gulf Coast, we’ve got beach rentals that are affordable, relaxing and amazing!

Don’t forget to pack these items in your beach bag! 

• Beach towel
• Sunglasses
• Broad-brimmed hat
• Flip-flops
• Light-weight, long-sleeve shirt to protect against sunburn
• Hooded jacket with zip front for chilly ocean breezes
• Lip balm
• Waterproof sunscreen, SPF 30
• Wet wipes
• Packet of tissues
• Bandaids
• Plastic bags for wet towels and collected seashells
• Beach toys (pails and shovels for youngsters, Frisbees and volleyballs for teens)
• Healthy snacks like dried fruit and nuts
• Water bottle
• iPod loaded with your favorite tunes
• Great beach read
• Cell phone
• Camera

Even though they won’t fit in your beach bag, you might also wan to bring: 

• Cooler of sandwiches and drinks
• Sand mats
• Beach chairs
• Beach umbrella

After a day at the beach, return to your comfortable iTrip vacation rentals for a relaxing evening with family and friends. Or stow your beach gear and explore the exciting attractions, charming shops and fabulous restaurants of America’s favorite beach vacation destinations. Start planning your summer beach vacation today on iTrip.net.

There are many reasons why a person may choose Costa Rica as their vacation destination. The fact that it’s a tropical paradise is the most obvious reason, but what you probably don’t know, is that a vacation to Costa Rica could be the best thing you’ll ever do for your health.

Spanish for Rich Coast, Costa Rica is “head of the class” in ecology, containing 5% of the world’s biodiversity. And, according to the Happy Planet Index, (HPI) Costa Rica is also the happiest and greenest country in the world.

For those of you who might be wondering, the HPI is measured by the New Economics Foundation (NEF.) The HPI works by assessing how much of the Earth’s resources our nations use; then, they compare these results with the happiness and longevity of their citizens lives. Costa Ricans top the list because they find the most satisfaction out of life- and, they live longer than Americans do.

We’ve all been guilty of taking pleasure in a few bad vacation habits (i.e. excessive sun-bathing, binge drinking, and staying out all hours of the night) but, if you’re truly seeking rejuvenation, than a Costa Rica vacation is just what the doctor ordered.

Brought to you by the eco-conscious country of Costa Rica, here are some of nature’s own prescriptions:

• Sunshine- With nearly 365 days of sunshine a year, Costa Rica offers an abundant amount of free and all natural vitamin D. (Just be sure to bring the sunscreen!)

 

• Flora and Fauna- About 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected by national parks, wild life refuges and private reserves. (Think of all the rainforests in Costa Rica.) Together, this protects about 4% of the world’s total land and animal species. Take a deep breath in and prepare to feel purified!

 

• Healthy, Fresh Food- You won’t find any processed food in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans pride themselves on their fresh produce, fresh seafood, and their raw organic diets- this kind of diet helps to ward off cancer and maintain heart health, among other things.

 

• Waterfalls- Relaxation is usually the first word that comes to mind when you hear or envision a waterfall, and there’s a good reason for this. According to a 2008 Costa Rica based press release, “waterfalls produce tiny particles known as negative ions, which have been proven to have a positive impact on health, mood, and energy, affecting serotonin levels in the brain. Negative ions also bond with impurities in the air, adhering to suspended particles and removing them.”

 

Vacations alone are a de-stressor, but why not take full advantage of the situation and make your health a top priority? In any of the great Costa Rica vacation destinations, you’ll experience the ultimate blend of paradise and good health. iTrip.net has several eco-friendly vacation rentals in Costa Rica for you to choose from. The only question left to ask is, which destination stirs your curiosity most?

According to The Jaco Blog, there has been some confusion and concern over travelling with your pets to Costa Rica. The confusion and concern comes from rumors involving a new law. This “new law” ensures all pets are sent to the cargo warehouse “rather than being cleared to go through the passenger terminal.”

The problem is, this is not a new law. This happens to be an old law that the Costa Rica government “is now enforcing on pets coming in on their own ticket or airway bill,” says The Jaco Blog.

It turns out that customs officials didn’t know Continental Airline pets “were not coming in as excess baggage,” until a government official’s wife threw a hissy fit on April 18, 2010. She apparently “flashed her air way bill at the customs officials, demanding her pets.”

Customs officials didn’t find her antics too amusing. “It brought their attention to the fact that Continental was allowing pets to come through the passenger terminal with an airway bill, when they should go directly to the cargo facility like all other pets arriving as manifest cargo with their own tickets,” said The Jaco Blog.

Following that irritating day for customs officials, a series of meetings took place, and the conclusion was that only Continental would be affected by the cargo facility ruling, since all of the other airlines already follow this code of conduct.

Thanks to Continental’s defiance, travellers who plan on bringing their pets must now acquire an import permit prior to arrival in Costa Rica if they want their pet to be released upon arrival.

To see all pet requirements and guidelines, you can visit the Embassy of Costa Rica website, under travel and pets.

Pet or no pet, Costa Rica is a vacation hot spot this year, and the weather is superb all year round. So, gather up your friends, family and pets (if you have them) and head on out to paraiso!

iTrip.net has the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental tailored for your individual needs.

If you consider yourself a foodie, Pigeon Forge, TN should be on your list of places to vacation…seriously. In all actuality, there are so many restaurants in Pigeon Forge, it would take an eternity to list them all.

For this reason, we’re making our list of the top ten places to dine at in Pigeon Forge. (Based on the uniqueness of the area.) So, in hopes of making your life easier, here’s our top ten list of Pigeon Forge’s best restaurants.

1. Black Bear Jamboree- This is a dinner and show restaurant. What’s better than a dinner with a show? Definitely unique to Pigeon Forge. Guests get to choose from four different shows to watch with their southern meal.

2. Dixie Stampede- A Dolly Parton dinner attraction. Much like the “Black Bear Jamboree”, it’s a dinner and show restaurant. Considered the “best” dinner attraction show you’ll ever see. It’s a “four-course extravaganza.”

3. The Old Mill Restaurant- A historical and old-fashioned family style restaurant serving true “soul food.”

4. Smoky Mountain Brewery- This restaurant is a place for fans of sports, beer, burgers, and wings. While it’s got that sports grill feel, it still manages to keep that Smoky Mountain air.

5. Huck Finn’s Catfish Chicken & Steaks- The name says it all- we all remember the tales of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Childhood favorites, great food and live music.

6. Log Cabin Pancake House- This has been a long time favorite breakfast restaurant in Pigeon Forge for years. You must visit this place while on your Pigeon Forge vacation- you won’t regret it.

7. Happy Days Diner- As one website says, “You’ll think you’ve walked into the “Happy Days” TV show.” Says “The Fonz”….”Aye!”

8. Johnny Carino’s- Carino’s was voted “The Best Italian Restaurant” in Pigeon Forge. If you’re seeking the taste of real Italian from Italy’s countryside, Carino’s is your place.

9. Alamo Steakhouse- Alamo’s was the winner of “Best Overall Restaurant” in the county for 2009, and is a five-year winner of “Best Steaks” by locals.

10. Mama’s Farmhouse- Listed as “Where to Eat” by the “Atlanta Journal-Constitution.” Mama’s Farmhouse is similar to the “Old Mill Restaurant,” in that it gives off that unique Smoky Mountain vibe. The scenery, architecture and its family style southern cookin’ make the place.

Foodies, get a group together and get ready to bask in a world of deliciousness. Here at iTrip.net, we’ve got a variety of cabin rentals fit to tailor your individual needs.

There is no doubt that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in April 2010 was one of the worst environmental disasters since the Exxon Valdez oil spill. In fact, the Gulf of Mexico (BP) oil spill is expected to surpass the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as the worst oil disaster in U.S. history.

No one will soon forget the loss of human life, the devastation to the Gulf Coast’s oceans, and the large number of wildlife refuges (including several dead animals), affected by this tragedy. Although, currently the media is not doing the Gulf Shores any justice, brighter days are ahead due to the efforts taken to maximize the protection of Florida’s beaches.

Here is a list of some of the actions being taken to assure the continued safety of the Gulf Coast Shores.

• Boom Placement- Containment booms will be placed in specific areas to protect the delicate habitats that support wildlife and fish. The placement of booms are based on tides and where the oil is most threatening, as well as direction given in each region’s area contingency plan. Oil will be skimmed or sucked off the surface of the waters and into containment trucks.

• Biological Agents – If the oil were to wash on to the beach, the sand can be cleaned using biological agents. Cleanup crews will spread fertilizers over the contaminated shoreline. These fertilizers promote the growth of native, non-toxic microbes which breakdown the oil into natural components such as fatty acids and carbon dioxide.

• Sorbents – Oil slicks on water can also be cleaned using sorbents, large sponges that absorb oil on top of water.

• Dispersants – The oil can also be handled quickly and broken down using dispersants. Dispersants are chemicals which allow the oil droplets to mix with water and be absorbed into the aquatic system. Dispersants are, however, used with caution as the broken-down oil can be absorbed by marine life thus entering the food chain.

After several meetings, environmental experts and BP executives have declared that the shores along the Gulf Coast are no longer in imminent danger. Currently there is no evidence of any health risks to local residents or tourists who have made plans for a Gulf Shore vacation this summer. The fisheries, wildlife, and seafood off the coast are safe and there are no alerts at this time.

The Department of Health and the DEP are keeping a close eye on the health and environmental impacts to affected areas, and will give notice of advisory if conditions become unsafe. There are currently no known closures and all state parks and beaches are currently open. For more in-depth information visit the Deepwater Horizon Response website.

The show must go on in the Gulf Coast, and so it will. Come on down and find yourself in one of iTrip’s luxurious Gulf Shore Condos, where the beaches are clean, the seafood is fresh, and the festivities are in full swing. We have the Gulf Shore vacation you’ve been dreaming of.

The attempted terrorist attack on U.S. soil during Christmas day last year brought back an array of virulent memories from “911” in 2001. It also angered 14 other countries, and made traveling via air even more of a hassle than it already was.

When former security measures failed to identify known terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, and the cleverly placed hand-made bomb strapped to his leg, President Barack Obama launched a three month investigation into how security measures failed that fateful day.

The results of this investigation brought forth newly revitalized security measures for in-bound flights to the U.S. Rigorous screening is a thing of the past.

According to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, the old method has been replaced by, “real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen.”

So, what exactly does this mean, and how will it affect your travel?

DAWN.com reports that, the new policy selects only specific passengers for additional screening based on matches (such as age, physical descriptions, and patterns of travel) to U.S. intelligence information. Along with intelligence-based targeting, there will also be name screenings on terror watch lists and the “no fly” lists, which have over 6,000 suspected terrorist’s names.

As for travel, the new policy is supposed to put a halt to the inconvenience of waiting in long lines due to “screening” everybody that comes through the gate- and it couldn’t have better timing.

Much like the “Caveman” commercials produced by Geico, vacationing has evolved from the days of sleeping in crowded, over-priced hotels. 2010 is the year for vacation rental homes. Travelers are finally discovering the secret to saving while on vacation, and even more are searching for that “home away from home” feel.

The vacation rental market is booming. It has been ever since the economy began to spiral out of control in 2008, as we watched the price of gasoline skyrocket.

Top news and business media such as MSNBC, Fox Business, Wall Street, and Business Week have chimed in on the subject. We even spoke a little bit about it in a previous blog post, where I mentioned PhoCusWright’s recent study on the vacation rental market place. Adding to that previous blog, the 2009 study found that the vacation rental home market place is worth about $24.3 billion (more than one-fifth of the U.S. lodging industry).

But what you don’t hear much about is what consumers look for in a vacation rental home. Many savvy vacationers are business men and women, older couples, families, and retirees. More often than not, they don’t want to be bothered by the noisy and obnoxious behavior frequently displayed by college kids (specifically if those under age 25 during spring break).

The basics are pretty important as well – you’d be surprised by how many vacation home rentals aren’t properly furnished, and items such as linens and house wares should always be provided. Walking into a tidy and refreshing vacation home rental also falls under the “basics” category, as well as having someone to do “light maintenance” on hand.

You also want to know what you’re getting into before you go diving in head first. Make sure that you’re able to view photos of the property, know how many bedrooms are in the home, and how far the beach, shopping centers, or attractions are from the home. Is information on security deposits, cleaning fees, terms of the contract, and contact information easily accessible? If not, it should be. Above all else, have the contract in writing and be sure you clearly understand all the rules and regulations.

Your best bet is to go with a vacation rental management like www.itrip.net. With iTrip you’ll have a “worry-free guarantee” ensuring that your vacation rental home is exactly what you reserved. Check iTrip’s testimonials and see for yourself.