For many families a getaway is all about relaxation and fun, two things that Destin, Florida, is absolutely overflowing with.  The first thing that usually attracts vacationers to Destin is the astonishing beaches, but this Florida vacation mainstay is more than just a habitat for the beach bum in all of us.

Thrill seekers and water sports lovers can hit Blue Crab Watersports to rent jet skis or pontoon boats for hours of fun for the entire family.  Pelican Adventures is the place to go in Destin for expert snorkeling instruction and breathtaking snorkeling and dolphin tours.  Those who’ve got a real sense of adventure or insatiable wild side can also pay a visit to Just Chute Me in order to try out an exhilarating parasailing excursion over the beautiful emerald green waters.

Your one- to three-bedroom Destin condo rental will provide the perfect place to catch your breath between a multitude of activities or the opportunity to freshen up before a night on the town.  Destin is also home to some incredible shopping and amazing dining that can keep you fully occupied until the sun has come up and you’re ready for some more sand, sun and water adventure.

Vacationers who like the water for a quick dip to cool off but prefer the majority of their activities to be conducted on land will also have an abundance of things to do in Destin.  There are some incredible Destin vacation rentals that have all of the necessities of an incredible vacation literally right at your fingertips.  You’ll have access to world-class golf courses, amazing tennis facilities and incredible spas.

There are few vacations destinations that offer everything that Destin can.  It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway or someplace that has more than enough to please the entire family, Destin, Florida, should be at the top of your destination list.

Find a Destin condo rental and more Destin vacation rentals for your vacation today!

Sandestin, FL could almost be classified as another dimension. In fact, we’ll go out on a limb and say it – Sandestin is a world of its own.

Sandestin is every fisherman’s delight, a golf lover’s paradise, the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, a shopping haven, and, Sandestin has some of the best wine and beer tasting extravaganzas around.

But, it’s the aforementioned festivity that brings us to the topic at hand; the 3rd Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. October seems to be the chosen month for many beer festivals, and this one is no different. This year, the Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin will present the 3rd Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest October 22-23, 2010.

Known as “the best beer fest on the Emerald Coast,” the Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest will feature over 100 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be at your service, offering up opportunities to learn about the various types of lagers and ales. From light, pale ales, to dark, rich stouts, and numerous bottled and summer golden summer beers, the 3rd Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest will have it all – including live music.

Some of the beers that will be featured this year are Shiner, Blue Moon, Terrapin Beer, Dogfish Head, and Heiner Brau- just to name a few.

Coincidently, or perhaps not so coincidently, Vettes at the Village will be happening at the same time. So, when you’re ready to take a break from all of the beer sampling, you can simply walk up the hill and find some of the area’s best corvettes on show, both new and antique.

Beer, music, corvettes, and the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches, how often do you get a chance to experience all of these at the same time? The easy answer is, rarely.

Beer lovers unite, and then mosey on down to Sandestin for one of the best beer festivals in the world. iTrip.net has the perfect Sandestin vacation rental for you to settle down in, and it’s smack dab in the middle of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort- just minutes from the
Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest.

Foodies get your taste buds ready, because the long anticipated 32 Annual Destin Seafood Festival is set to kick off September 17-19, 2010. The festival will include loads of yummy seafood, (obviously) arts and crafts, and live music.

The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Destin Fishing Fleet Inc., has announced that the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival will set up along the Destin Harbor, in the Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.

According to the official Destin Area Chamber of Commerce and Destin Seafood Festival website, “the change in location positions the festival amid Destin’s fishing docks, and the change in dates makes it a true kick off to the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place the entire month of October.”

Besides the seafood, the highlight of the festival will undoubtedly be the music line up. Two major record label pop sensations from the 70′s and 80′s will be headlining the festival. Friday’s (September 17) headliner will be Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas. Thomas will be performing  “Top 40″ hits such as, “We Built This City”, “Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now,” and ”Sara,” from the bands, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, respectively. Saturday’s (September 18) headliner will be LOVERBOY. They have released four multi-platinum records, and several international gold records. LOVERBOY is most notably known for their songs, “Working for the Weekend,” “Turn Me Loose,” and “The Kid is Hot Tonight.”

Talk about nostalgia!

Admission for all three days of the festival is $15, or you can purchase daily tickets for $5 each on Friday and Sunday, and $10 on Saturday. (One word, LOVERBOY.)

The festival hours are Friday, September 17, from 4-10 p.m., Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, September 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased now at the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A, in Destin. Tickets may also be purchased on the days of the festival from any festival admission gate, or you can call (850) 837-6241 for additional ticket info.

Just abide by your general festival site rules, and you’ll be good to go! Come on down to Destin Florida and spend a month- or two. iTrip.net has the perfect condo rental in Destin for your triple whammy vacation. (Great seafood, live, nostalgic music, and championship style fishing.)

We’ll see you there!

A few days ago we received an email from a Destin West gulf side association manager, Carol Griffin, who runs a live web cam in the area. Her message described her recent experience on the beaches of West Destin; it was intricately detailed, as if she were writing a short story about some imaginary form of paradise.

“Try this exercise…picture the most beautiful beach in the world with the prettiest color on the water palate,  add to that a little Jimmy Buffett music gently drifting down the beach from the Ramada Beach Bar; top that with the enticing aroma of a huge steak sizzling on the grill-  you have just had my experience from a few minutes ago.   As I went down to the beach a guest was grilling the biggest steak I’ve ever seen, the beach was perfect and the dude at the Beach Bar was singing Jimmy Buffett,” said Griffin.

She followed up by saying, “I feel sorry for anyone who cancelled their reservations.  This is going to be one AWESOME holiday weekend!” To go along with her elaborately written story, Griffin sent out some beautiful photographs of Destin’s beaches from her web cam. She insured everyone that none of the photos were “altered or touched up,” and that “there is no tar, no oil and no smell” coming from the beach or the ocean-  There’s only water and salt. Perfecto.

As of this writing, her message still applies. According to the City of Destin, all beaches are open and the seafood is safe and available. Although the oil impacts to some of Destin’s beaches continue to see “scattered incidents of small pea to quarter sized tar balls,” crews are working constantly to make sure Destin’s beaches stay clean and open.

There is however, a red flag advisory. This is due to the weather that is causing heavy surf conditions and rip currents in the area. Always be sure to follow the safety guidelines when dealing with rip currents. Other than that, Destin’s beaches are primed for your arrival, and iTrip.net has just the beachfront Destin vacation rental you’re looking for!

No more canceled reservations, come on down and enjoy the surf and sun!

Public relations is too often overlooked and underestimated when it comes to business – at least, that’s how one PR expert sees it.

In an article written by PRNewsonline.com, Karen Hinton, president of the Washington D.C.-based public relations firm Hinton Communications, calls BP “the poster child for bad PR practices.”

“At the beginning of the spill, company executives sounded the right tone, but they couldn’t maintain it because of the lies, misrepresentations and careless decision-making revealed through anonymous sources, leaked memos and, in many instances, the company’s own utterances—many of which have been foolish, half-witted and naive”, said Hinton.

Two weeks ago, BP decided it would be a good idea to launch an ad campaign in relation to their oil spill disaster- they were wrong. Spending money on an ad campaign while oil is still desolating our beautiful beaches and their wildlife inhabitants, is never a good idea.

As for the ad campaign itself, Hinton tells PRNewsonline.com, ““It comes across as insincere and manipulative in the midst of 24/7 television coverage that hasn’t even begun to capture the destructive images on the Gulf Coast.”

This calamitous PR ploy by BP is going to be scrutinized by marketing gurus, and remembered by business owners and executives for years to come- hopefully as a lesson on what not to do in a crisis.

As a leading company in the vacation rental management industry, we here at iTrip.net have seen the affects of the oil spill firsthand and we are appalled by the actions of BP over the last couple of months. Honesty and loyalty are just as important to the success of a company as the income that keeps the company afloat. We understand that a happy client creates a loyal client, and that’s one of the many concepts we’ve built our business model upon.

We offer a “Worry-Free Guarantee” to all of our clients, and we have several testimonials from clients who have found solace in our services. We strive to be the poster child for good public relations, marketing and customer service, and we’re confident you will find that at iTrip.net.

Here is the horrid BP ad campaign via Youtube.

Every shopaholic (and most certainly every girl) has heard of the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” which was famously executed by Marilyn Monroe in the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” but, I’m not sure this statement is entirely accurate anymore.

Diamonds can get boring after awhile- yes I said it, boring. It’s true, they’re pretty to look at, and it’s always nice to have one placed on a finger or two, but that’s about the extent of it. Unless of course, you happen to get your hands on a bag full of them, then they turn into dollar signs. Which raises a keen question; what do people generally spend their money on? The answer – shopping.

So, if money makes the shopping world go-round, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to say, “Shopping is a Girl’s Best Friend”? But, that statement isn’t entirely accurate either. Shopping in modern-day society has no boundaries, it’s limitless, and this makes it a unisex activity. There’s clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, electronics, gadgets, and much more- you get the picture.

The first stop on any shopaholic’s dream quest should be Sandestin, Florida. Sandestin’s Golf and Beach Resortis known to offer some of the best shopping in Florida. Here, shoppers can choose from a number of “boutiques” in what has been coined by locals as ”The Market Shops of Sandestin.” These include The Village of Baytowne Wharf, The Silver Sands Factory Stores, and perhaps the most visited shopping hot spot, the Grand Boulevard.

Shopaholics get ready; you will find everything your heart desires in Sandestin. Souvenir shops, high-end retail shops, golfing retail stores, surf and sport shops, over 100 designer and brand name factory stores, and children’s apparel and toy stores are just a few teasers you’ll see on your Sandestin shopping excursion.

It may seem overwhelming at first sight, but don’t worry, there’s no such thing as “so much to do, and so little time” when you’ve got iTrip.net on your side. We’ve got a line up of  incredible Sandestin townhouses smack dab in the middle of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where you’ll find all your shopping needs right under your nose.

With that being said, I’ll leave you with the first of two shopaholic philosophies – Carpe diem! To find out what the second philosophy is, stay tuned for part deuce.

Destin Florida has always been an attractive destination choice for vacation goers. It has a sort of vaudeville vibe about it, offering a multitude of diverse activities for tourists.

You name it, and Destin’s sure to have it. Golfing, fishing, scuba diving, parasailing, all types of boating, sunbathing, dynamic shopping centers, exceptional dining, and a spate of water and amusement park adventures- all within arm’s reach. But, the attraction that seems to have captured the hearts of most of Destin’s yearly visitors is Henderson Beach State Park.

A popular vacation review website has ranked Henderson Beach State Park number three among 24 of Destin’s attractions in their “popularity index.” Similarly, Henderson Beach State Park ranks 4 1/2 “stars” out of five for traveler ratings on this site.

Dubbed as one of the most pristine and flawless beaches that “border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico,” Henderson Beach State Park is not an attraction that should be overlooked.

According to the Henderson Beach State Park section of the Florida State Parks website, the “natural features in the park include, sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary.” Nature and herb enthusiasts will be captivated by the beauty these natural wonders behold. The boardwalks provide convenient entry into the beach, where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and fishing, and there are two large pavilions available for your picnicking and grilling pleasures.

In addition to these enticing features, there is a ¾-mile hiking and nature trail, which “meanders though ancient, but still growing and shifting dunes and unique vegetation known as (Coastal Scrub).” If you decide to make the trek up to the highest dune, you will be able to see the entire park from a bird’s-eye view. The trail also ”provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife.” At the beginning of the nature trail, you’ll find a modernized playground overlooking the best of the Gulf of Mexico, which is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Don’t let the BP oil spill scare you away from pure bliss this summer. Destin’s beaches and parks are unaffected and open for business. So, come on down and experience a little slice of heaven in one of iTrip.net’s gorgeous Destin rental properties.

Henderson Beach State Park is waiting for you.

The Emerald Coast is celebrated for its sugary white sands and gleaming aqua-green waters, and Sandestin is a world-renowned golf and beach resort just east of Destin, FL on the Emerald Coast.

But- beginning June 22, the beauty of Sandestin will come in second place as the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic reigns over Sandestin.

According to their website, The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic fishing tournament is one of the “Top Ten Big Money Tournaments” in the world, adding that, “The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is one of the fastest growing fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast of Florida.”

Along with all the other fishing tournaments taking place on the Gulf Coast, the oil spill will not keep the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic down. It will take place as planned June 22-27 at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin- for now.

A staff writer for the ECBC has stated that , proceeding with the tournament sends a “positive signal, not only to the fishing community, but to the world, that Florida’s Emerald Coast is open for tourism and fishing.”

The annual ECBC tournament has been strategically timed to correspond with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s Blue Marlin season, and the competition is taking place in one of the most prolific fisheries in the U.S.  It was within these waters that two blue marlin “granders” (blue marlin weighing over 1,000 lbs.) have been weighed over the course of several years. Florida state records for the blue marlin, and Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, have also been broken in the Gulf.

The ECBC is an eco friendly “modified release tournament”, meaning, release points will be awarded for blue marlin, in addition to the white marlin, sailfish, and spearfish.

The ECBC will offer cash prizes to the top three teams entered in the Release Division, the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division, and to the three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna, and wahoo.

Individual angler trophies will be presented to the tops in the each division: release, lady, and junior anglers. The top overall release team has its name engraved on the Magnificent Blue Perpetual Trophy, quite an honor for any fisherman (or woman).

This annual event offers something for everybody-  bring the family and enjoy a unique dining and shopping experience at the Baytowne Wharf.  Offshore, there will be plenty of activities for the kids, and for yourself, there’s golfing, tennis, and a booming nightlife.

Let us here at Itrip.net help you get set up for this week-long Sandestin adventure. We have the ideal Sandestin townhouse right in the heart of the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort, a vacation rental fit for the whole family.

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.

Florida is proud to announce Le Grand Cirque is coming to Destin. Rock FM calls Le Grand Cirque “A True Feast For Your Eyes,” and Southern Style says Le Grand Cirque is “The Next Generation Of Cirque Du Soleil.” From what I’ve seen, there is no room to dispute.

An international phenomenon, Le Grand Cirque is seen by millions of people every year. It has broken box office records twice at Sydney’s Opera House.

They travel with a diverse group of highly skilled champion acrobats and feature acts from places such as, China, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Mongolia, and Europe.

If you’re wondering what to expect, I can tell you:

According to their official website www.legrandcirque.com.au/index.html, the show is a “spectacular” production that features “solo and group trapeze artists, contortionists, the magical cloud swing, the Strong Men, the incredible Swan Lake ballerina, Bungees, Bikes, Human Towers, and the breathtaking Wheel of Death – one of the most dangerous circus tricks ever attempted.”

All of this and more is jam-packed into a 2 hour “Extravaganza.”

If you’re ready for “A Fast-Paced, Heart-Pounding Spectacle That Will Astound You and Keep You At The Edge Of Your Seats,” then Destin is where you want to be for your Florida vacation.

Starting May 25, the Le Grand Cirque will spend the entire summer at the Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, a place where you will also see a variety of unique and interesting market shops.

Get your suitcases packed, set up shop in a cozy vacation rental resort on the beach, and I’ll see you there!

Here is a link to a short video of the Le Grand Cirque from YouTube.