Costa Ricans love their soccer, (or football, in this case) and Americans love sports and Costa Rica, which only adds to an already appealing vacation destination.

Jaco Beach is proud to announce that they now have a professional soccer team- the Jaco Rays. Already a trendy spot for surfing and tourism, Pat Hundley, a local condo developer, decided it was high time to bring soccer into the mix. And, being that soccer is the most played and watched sport in Costa Rica, we feel comfortable saying that Hundley is nothing short of a genius.

For the time being, the Jaco Rays will play in the League de Acenso (the second division) but, they aspire to soon be in league with two of Costa Rica’s top soccer teams, Saprissa and La Liga.

Here’s how it works: in order for the Rays to move up into the first division, they must win their division. According to a source close to the sport, by year’s end, “the team with the worst record in First Division drops down to Second Division and is replaced by the winner of the Second Division Championship.” 

The community is certainly looking forward to this, especially since the Jaco Rays are the only team on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica- and, the Rays are surely guaranteed to give a boost to the long list of activities in this tourist heavy country. In fact, our predicition is that the Rays will have Jaco vacation rentals booked to the nine during the high season.

Jaco Stadium is ready for some soccer, and we’re all ready for the Jaco Rays!

Thanks to the signing of a sponsorship agreement with the producers of Thunder on the Gulf, offshore powerboat racing will return to Orange Beach Alabama and the Gulf Shores from October 15-17 2010.

Thunder on the Gulf will be “a two race World Championship event, meaning the boats will race twice, on Friday, October 15, and Sunday October 17; the teams with the most combined points between the two days of racing will be crowned OPA (Offshore Powerboat Association) World Champions,” according to the OPA press release.

The OPA reportedly expects to have at least 40 boats racing in a dozen classes, ranging from 24′ , 70 mile per hour single engine craft, to the infamous Miss Geico, a 50′ seagoing 200 mile per hour, turbine powered missile. The OPA has also announced that “His Highness”, Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani, from Qatar, will be racing in one of his two identical Lamborghini powered 43′ catamarans, which are capable of speeds over 160 miles per hour.

The dry pits for Thunder on the Gulf will be located at the Gulf State Park Pavilion on the beach. The pits will be open to the public beginning Wednesday, going all the way through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Spectators will be able to ogle the gigantic race boats, meet the racers, enjoy numerous activities, and check out all of the official race merchandise from a spectacular view of the coast. The wet pits will be open for viewing as well, where spectators can watch the boats splashing around at the Caribe, Cobalt.

The non-stop, total party action of Thunder on the Gulf will kick off before the races, starting Wednesday, October 13, when VIP pass member events begin-including, a pre-race party at the trendy Flora-Bama Lounge at 6 pm . The following night, Thursday, October 14, the Happy Harbor Bar and Restaurant will hold another pre-race party.

This is going to be one wet and wild race party- one that racing enthusiasts don’t want to miss. While you’re preparing for the excitement of a wet and wild week of racing, we here at iTrip.net will be preparing you for an equally awesome Orange Beach condo rental.

For more information on the races and events, be sure to visit the Thunder on the Gulf official website.

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!

“…vacation rentals are more cost and space efficient, with amenities hotels just can’t offer.”

An article published by the Wall Street Journal on August 18, 2010, touched on the topic of major hotel chains and their troubles with bankruptcy.

According to the WSJ.com article, bankruptcy’s most recent victim (potentially) is the hotelier of Highland Hospitality Corp., Joseph E. Robert Jr. Robert Jr. has holdings in 27 hotel chains, including, the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta, GA and the Hilton Boston Back Bay.

The hotel industry has been on the decline for the past few years, (last year saw a whopping 40% decline) ”Extended Stay Inc., which caters to budget-conscious travelers, last year filed for the largest-ever bankruptcy in the hotel industry, and Red Roof Inn Inc., taken private in 2007, recently offered to forfeit dozens of its budget hotels to frustrated lenders,” said the WSJ.com article.

People “familiar with the situation” blame the economy, which has, without a doubt, created some problems for businesses both large and small, but, other sources and studies scattered throughout the internet have made mention of the evolution in the vacation rental industry.

Travelers are looking for a way to stretch their dollars, and believe it or not, they are seeking the experience of the culture behind their chosen vacation destination. One source had this to say about the “local flavor” and culture of vacation destinations, “Travelers are beginning to acknowledge that a vacation rental accomplishes this goal better than any other form of lodging.”

Travelers aren’t the only ones beginning to acknowledge this gem, however.  iTrip.net wrote about the evolving vacation rental marketplace months ago in two separate blog posts, “Vacation Rental Homes-What Consumers Look For,” and “Vacation Home Rentals Combined With Social Networking Make For Fastest Growing Segment in the Travel Industry.”

In these two blogs, we discovered the focus put on the vacation rental industry by media giants such as, MSNBC, Fox Business, Wall Street, and Business Week; we were also able to prove that vacation rentals are more cost and space efficient, with amenities hotels just can’t offer.

The hard truth is that the economy may be the least of the hotel industry’s problems in the coming years.

The Beaches of South Walton are one of Florida’s best kept secrets.

So Wal is home to 15 of the most beautiful beaches in the world, (all 26 miles of coastline are certified as Blue Wave) and several naturally preserved coastal dune lakes, where you’ll find an abundance of unique wildlife.

South Walton is only one of iTrip.net’s many markets along the Florida Panhandle, the Gulf Shores, Costa Rica, and the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee; but, because of its exquisite beauty and esoteric nature, we decided to feature South Walton, in-depth, in an exclusive video clip.

 Kayce Stark, the daughter of Dennis Stark, who is a licensee for our 30-A market, was an intern for us this summer. She did a remarkable job in putting together an accurate account of  the Beaches of South Walton.

So, without further adieu, here is the fabulous video clip introducing the Beaches of South Walton.

Thanks Kayce.

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?

Grease your hair back, dust off your leather jacket, and head on out for a classic car lover’s dream vacation in Pigeon Forge.  Better yet, bring some friends and bond over rods, customs, and classic cars while the wives enjoy some shopping.

Either way, get ready to get revved up, the Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup (#28) is coming back to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Last year’s show, which was held at the Smoky River Ranch in Pigeon Forge, turned the Parkway into a parking lot, but the run is moving in 2010. This year, the high-quality street rods and muscle cars will chrome up Dollywood’s Splash Country for one retro weekend, September 10-11.

So, why the change in location? It’s simple, there will be “plenty of space, and no more mud and dust,” says the Shades of the Past website. The new location has other perks as well, according to the Shades website, “Dollywood will be offering exclusive attraction packages to all “Shades” participants with advance purchase.” Spectator admission to the show will be $10 per adult, and children under the age of 12 will get in free. There will also be free parking for spectators in two different areas. To find out where the best parking spots are, and more, you can take a peek at the detailed event site map.

Following in Shades 2009 footsteps, Detroit Speed will once again present the “Detroit Speed & Engineering Modern Muscle Award.” This award goes to “the absolute best vehicle that demonstrates the following features: attention to detail, drivability, engineering, performance, function, and theme.”

Of course, there are always prizes for participants. This year’s first place prize is any gear head’s dream – a ’32 Ford Roadster by Alloway’s. This year’s second place prize isn’t too shabby either, after all, who couldn’t use $10,000?

Making these prize giveaways possible are the 36+ sponsors who continue to support the Shades of the Past Give-Away Program.

For participant or vendor information and sign up form, please visit the Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup website. While you’re there be sure to check out the calendar for a full schedule of events.

Come on down to Pigeon Forge, TN and watch one of the most spectacular car shows of the summer-than, spend the rest of your week reveling in the excitement that both Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country provides.

Don’t worry, iTrip.net will take care of all of your lodging needs- we have a diverse selection of luxurious Pigeon Forge cabin rentals that will thrill and excite you, your family, and your friends.

The Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach has seen a great deal of success in the cleaning and de-oiling of over 140 sea-turtles since the BP oil spill crisis.

In fact, their perseverance is what prompted PCB Mayor Gayle Oberst to present Gulf World Marine Park director, Melanie Secret Holmes-Douglas, with a proclamation for her round the clock work. The proclamation officially names August 19 as “Melanie Secret Holmes-Douglas Day,” according to several sources.

Currently, the Gulf World Marine Park is the only de-oiling facility in North Florida, say state officials. This newly built facility contains “large tubs for cleaning the animals and a tented triage area to treat the turtles when they first arrive, including administering glucose and fluids, if needed,” reports the Walton Sun.

Right now, you may be asking yourself, “how did the state of Florida come up with the funds to build this magnificent facility?” The answer is- they didn’t. BP shelled out the bucks for the long list of equipment the facility required in order to provide proper care for the (BP) oil covered sea-turtles- justice prevails!

The Gulf World Marine Park’s de-oiling facility still has 60 turtles under rehabilitation, but “the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released 23 rehabilitated turtles back into the wild last Wednesday at Cedar Key, 11 of which were de-oiled at Gulf World, said Holmes-Douglas in the Walton Sun article. And, in July, 19 turtles were transported from Gulf World to Sea World’s (Orlando) Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where they also joined in on the de-oiling and cleaning process.

As PCB Mayor Oberst said, “We live in such a wonderful community. . .  We are a resilient bunch of folks, it’s comforting to see how we come together as a community.”

The iTrip.net family couldn’t agree more.

Traditions- the Smoky Mountains are full of them, and if you’ve been following iTrip’s blogs on Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN, you’ve probably already figured that out.

With 800 miles of “gin-clear” mountain streams to fish in, it’s seemingly inevitable that fishing would, not only be a Smoky Mountain tradition, but also a favorite pastime for both locals and tourists alike.

There’s fly fishing, spin fishing, and plain, old-fashioned fishing (galore) in the Great Smoky Mountains. But, for most fishing enthusiasts, it’s the tournaments that remain the gold standard in the Great Smokies.

Speaking of tournaments, the 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is back in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, through Sunday, September 26, 2010. On Saturday, the fishing will begin at sunrise and it will end at 4 p.m. Sunday’s fishing will also begin at sunrise, but it will end at “2 p.m. or 30 minutes before daylight, whichever comes first.”

As with most fishing tournaments, 2010′s Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament has prizes, drawings and many other perks- including $500 for the largest trout, $500 for the smallest trout, gift certificates, trophies, and amusement park passes.

If you’re planning on being in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg to attend the 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, you can register in person at Rocky Top Outfitters, via their online form, or by phone.

For tournament rules and regulations, and how to obtain a non-resident fishing license, please visit the Rocky Top Outfitters website.

The tournament isn’t the only thing you’ll have to look forward to in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN however; let’s just call it a bonus. Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Great Smoky Mountains- visitors will be in awe as they watch the autumn colored leaves descend gracefully from the pale-blue sky. So, why not give yourself and your family a fall vacation to remember?

iTrip.net has several gorgeous Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin rentals for you and your family to enjoy while taking a break from the breath-taking beauty (and fishing) that awaits you in the Great Smokies!

A little under a year ago, the St. Petersburg Times wrote an article about the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and their famous dolphin, Winter. In the article, David Yates, CEO of the non-profit aquarium, announced that a deal had been made with “Alcon Entertainment to produce a major motion picture based on Winter’s story.” Now, nearly nine months later, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has gotten the definitive green light.

Winter’s heroic story began at the age of three months old, when she found herself entangled in a tightly wound buoy line. She was unable to escape on her own, but, fortunately for Winter, a fisherman by the name of Jim Savage came to her rescue. Savage found her during one of his morning fishing outings and worked diligently throughout the day to help save her life.

Winter was rescued from Mosquito Lagoon and transported to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to begin immediate long-term rehabilitation. Tragically, Winter lost her entire tail and two vertebrae as a result of the serious injuries she sustained. But, Winter’s resiliency shone through. (Living through the tangles of a buoy line is rare for most dolphins, and a dolphin living without its tail is extraordinary.)

According to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website, “Winter’s energy and ability to adapt to her new physical form has surpassed the expectations of many experts. Winter has done amazingly well in the short time since her stranding. She has completely healed, adapted to a new swim pattern, and learned to eat fish on her own.”

Certainly movie material, Winter’s story is based on her real life experience – with a few added tweaks for dramatic effect. The working title is Dolphin Tale, and it is scheduled to be directed by Charles Martin Smith (Air Bud and The Snow Walker), from the script of Karen Janszen (A Walk to Remember).

As of now, things are moving along “swimmingly.” The Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce has reported that Winter is getting “used to lights and reflectors and desensitizing her with fake cameras in preparation for filming.” Alcon Entertainment has also “signed a lease with the City to take over Harborview Center as a place to construct props and movie sets,” adds the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce.

But- you don’t have to wait for the movie to hit theaters; you can go see Winter right now at Clearwater’s Marine Aquarium and learn how you can help with “Winter’s Dream Adoption Campaign.”

Are you ready to undergo your own life changing experience? If so, than come on down to Clearwater Beach Florida and let iTrip.net transform your ordinary vacation into the Clearwater vacation of your dreams with one of our fabulous Clearwater vacation rentals.