Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals Are a Personal Paradise

Gulf Shores Vacation Rentals Are a Personal Paradise

by Jennifer Weiss

Although the name may sound familiar, there is a pretty good chance you have not experienced the sparkling white sands, emerald-green water, and endless adventures that abound in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Rather than following the crowds to Hawaii or Florida on your next beach getaway, get off the beaten path in a Gulf Shores vacation rental that is convenient to all of the beauty and excitement of the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf Shores is a vacation destination that focuses most, if not all, of its attention towards its white sand wonders that sparkle and shine with unparalleled purity. While the sheer beauty of the blinding expanse is bound to be breathtaking upon first glance, it is the activities in and around the water that will overwhelm after you get over your initial delight. Whether you simply want to kick back in the sand, hang out at a beach bar, or get out on the Gulf for recreational pursuits beyond compare, Gulf Shores has everything you need for a surprisingly first-rate vacation.

As the beaches take center stage and you imagine yourself working on your tan, swimming the water, jet skiing over some waves, or scuba diving to the depths of the sea, it becomes easy to see why you would want to stay as close to the sand as possible. You certainly don't want to spend more of your time commuting than enjoying yourself, and this is why a waterfront vacation rental can make all the difference during your getaway. Located directly along the sandy expanse and just a few steps away from the water's edge, the right accommodations make it easier than ever to pursue all of your favorite activities at your own leisure.

While you may think that a hotel or resort offers the same kind of convenience, it is not only the location of Gulf Shores vacation rentals that is notable. With wall to wall windows and several rooms that offer spectacular views out over the water, it is impossible to resist the pull of the beach and not experience the most entertaining and exciting trip possible. You don't even have to leave your home away from home for utter relaxation since your private deck and patio are ideally situated for lounging under the sun away from the noise and commotion on the sand.

With your days filled with easy access to the sand and water, you may wonder what you can make of your nights after an exhausting day of soaking in the great outdoors. Gulf Shores rentals are the answer to any nighttime dilemma as the luxuries of home such as a media room, private pool and hot tub, and plenty of space make it easy to enjoy either quality time with the family or a little peace and quiet away from the group. Whether you want to catch up on a little reading in your personal bedroom, learn about the day's events on the wireless internet, or play a few board games in the spacious living room, your vacation home rental is always an accommodating host.

Gulf Shores is a picturesque haven for any real beach lover who wants to spend their days surrounded by some of the most breathtaking beauty the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. While it is easy to imagine all of the sandy and waterfront activities that are bound to fill up your action-packed itinerary, your lodging is one aspect of your trip that should also be at the forefront of your mind since the right place can make the difference between a so-so vacation and an all-around amazing getaway. Whether you are heading out for a romantic retreat or a family excursion, there is a Gulf Shores condo rental that will make your stay more comfortable, convenient, and downright captivating than you ever imagined.

Six Budget Travel Secrets

Six Budget Travel Secrets
by Steve Gillman

Budget travel is not just about finding ways to spend less. The point is to have just as much fun while spending less. Here are some tips to get you started, and afterwards, a suggestion on how to think about travel.

Are you considering a long trip? You may want to rent an apartment in an interesting city. We did this for two months in Tucson. It saved us at least $600 per month, compared to even the cheaper motels. It was fun to have a "home base" for our travels, from which we took day trips to Mexico and or up to Mount Lemmon, the furthest-south ski resort in the country. Many cities have apartments that are furnished and available on a month-to-month basis.

In general it is the traveling part of travel that costs the most. This is due to the cost of gas, convenient fast food, and the expensive hotels you are forced to pay for when you just can't drive any further. So if you find a place with a reasonable motel, and a lot to do in the area - stay for a while! We find that a place becomes more interesting when you have a few days to explore it.

Because of the growing popularity of RV (recreational vehicle) boondocking, the BLM has begun to establish areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. They have a permit fee is around $140 now. Although you can still park your RV for free on most BLM and National Forest land, paying for the fee areas means you get to stay up to six months (The free stays are limited to two weeks). You'll also have pump stations, dumpsters and water available. You can find out more from the BLM's Arizona web site.

Budget Travel Quick Tips

The federal tax on airfare isn't due if you are taking a flight from one city in the U.S. to another in order to catch an overseas flight. Show your ticket to another country to the agent to have the tax removed.

You may be able to get a senior discount if you are 65 or older. Ask. If you are using an internet site to search for tickets, they may not include this information, so you may have to call the airline direct. Recently, Expedia.com has included a box to check if you are over 65.

For cheaper hotel rooms, use the coupon books at gas stations along the highways. We've almost always found good deals using these. It's rare that a manager won't honor the coupon. Generally, only if they're absolutely full will they refuse. Read the fine print, though. They often charge more for certain dates, or for two people.

The above is a good example of how to travel cheap without sacrificing a thing. The same room will often be $20 more without the coupon, and you have to stop for gas anyhow, so why not grab those coupon books? Save on a room for a few nights and you can pay for another day of vacation. Just keeping your eyes open for opportunities like this is one of the keys to budget travel.