We have two pieces of good news along the Gulf Coast today.  First, the leaky well is being plugged successfully with BP's "Static Kill" effort and second, ther US Government released a report saying that most of the oil is already gone -- it's been cleaned up or decomposed.  Read the full article from Yahoo! here.

The implication of course is that it's now safe to come visit the Gulf Coast.  Of course, many of y'all already knew that and didn't really need the government to tell you!

Please consider visiting this wonderful part of the country.  If you do come, enjoy the amenities of home and more space than a hotel by renting a condo. Visit http://www.abetterstay.com to view the Web's largest selection of professionally managed Condos along the Gulf Coast.

Have a great day.

Perhaps the best cancel policy in the Gulf right now for consumers who are concerned about the oil spill comes from Holiday Isle Properties.  This Destin-based property manager features luxury condo and home rentals in the Destin area.  Many of the 1BR, 2BR, 3BR and 4BR units are ocean facing, right on the beach.  Holiday Isle is offering consumers a Clean Beach Guarantee.  Here is their policy:

We get a 3 day forecast every day - if the beaches are closed or the water is deemed unsafe for your arrival then a full refund will be issued.  At this time - we have experienced no oil of any type.  We posted the video below daily.  We will notify everyone immediately if oil is expected to impact their stay.  We appreciate everyone’s patience in this regard.

As of Thursday June 10th, there is no oil on the beach in Destin!  Here is a YouTube video showing the beautiful clean beach!

Given the uncertainty caused by the oil spill, many vacation rental management companies have changed their cancel policies.  Traditionally, cancel fees can be steep and usually require forfeiture of the entire booking amount if the reservation is canceled at the last minute.  However, vacation rental managers understand the anxiety guests may feel given the situation, so they are willing to offer no or minimal fee cancel policies in order to give guests comfort.  Below is a sample of cancel policies from a few top suppliers in the area:

• Oases Resorts which operates numerous resorts in Panama City Beach has waived any and all cancel fees or penalties
• Sugar Sands Realty which has properties in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing fee. 
• Turquiose Place which is arguably the premiere condo tower in Orange Beach is offering guests a full refund less an $85 processing fee for cancelations more than three days prior to arrival
• The Beach Club in Gulf Shores is also is offering guests a full refund less an $85 processing fee for cancelations more than three days prior to arrival
• The Bel Sole Condominiums, also in Gulf Shores, is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing charge up to seven days before arrival
• Pirates Bay Condominiums in Ft. Walton Beach is offering guests a full refund less a $50 processing charge up to three days before arrival

Many other resorts and rental companies are offering similar policies.  You can view the detailed policies on the checkout pages of this and many other booking websites.  You can also call our central reservations line at 1-888-828-6745 to inquire.

NOAA's Emergency Response website has updated its 72 hour forecast of where the oil spill is headed. The government agency forecasts that the oil will continue to head north-eastward, away from Florida beaches. The 72 hour forecast states that the current and wind are pushing the slick westward "...under these currents and winds the plume from the source will tend westward towards the [Mississippi] Delta".  This is terrible news for the fisherman and residents of Louisianna where it looks like more oil will come onshore.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.  The good news for businesses, residents and tourists to North West Florida is that the oil is moving away from us and the beaches will be clear. To date, NO tarballs have washed ashore and there is no odor or oil on the Florida beaches. 

Please consider supporting the local businesses by coming to visit.  You can find great deals in Destin, Ft. Walton, or Panama City. Make your reservation today.

NOAA has updated its 72 hour forecast of where the oil spill is headed. The government agency forecasts that the oil will be heading north-eastward, away from Florida beaches. In fact, the 72 hour forecast states "Onshore winds (currently SE 10-15 kts) are forecast to persist at about 10 kts throughout the weekend".  This means that the massive oil slick is headed to the north and east.  This is terrible news for the fisherman and residents of Louisianna where it looks like more oil will come onshore.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.  The good news for businesses, residents and tourists to North West Florida is that the oil is moving away from us and the beaches will be clear all weekend. To date, no tarballs have washed ashore and there is no odor or oil on the Florida beaches. 

Please consider supporting the local businesses by coming to visit.  You can find great deals for this coming weekend in Destin, Ft. Walton, or Panama City. Make your reservation today.