Clean Beach Guarantee from Holiday Isle Properties

by ABetterStay 10. June 2010 08:55

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!

 

5/24 PM Update: Fla Beaches Open and Clear

by ABetterStay 24. May 2010 13:10

 

Not much new information today -- May 24th.  BP continues to struggle with the timing of their "top kill" approach to stopping the flow of oil  The latest estimate is that they will try the procedure on Wednesday May 26th.  Of course, this date can change.  ONe of the world's top Oil Well sealing experts is confident that the well can be sealed.  In addition, it is stil lthe case that the oil is not beaching in Alabama and Florida.  The North West Florida beaches are open, clean, free of tarballs or odor and as beautiful as ever.  You can read more details about how the beaches are open and the state is monitoring the situation here.

Meanwhile, with the beaches clear and the long Memorial Day weekend approaching, it's a great time to come visit the beautiful beaches of NW Flordia.  Please consider supporting the local businesses in NW Florida by rentind a vacation rental or condo or staying in one of our beachfront hotels.  You can find great deals in Destin, Ft. Walton, or Panama City. Make your reservation today.

Fla Beaches Clear! Oil Spill Update 5/20/10 Evening

by ABetterStay 20. May 2010 15:58

 

Some new information today -- May 20th. The spill has really taken on two fronts.  One front is moving toward the Louisiana shoreline.  The winds are forecast by NOAA [Large file] to come from the South East, which whill continue to push the Northern edge of the oil on shore in Louisiana.  The second front is the "loop" front.  The Southern edge of the oil is in the Loop current and headed for the Keys.  It may take a week to get there. 

Here is what has NOT happend.  The oil has not moved eastward toward the Florida Panhandle. It has not washed up on beaches in North West Florida.  There is no odor and there are no tarballs on Destin, Fort Walton, Panama City Beach or other NW Florida beaches.  The beaches are clear and in great shape!

So, we respectfully ask you to consider supporting the local businesses in NW Florida by coming to visit.  You can find great deals in Destin, Ft. Walton, or Panama City. Make your reservation today.

Oil Spill Update 5/19/2010 PM

by ABetterStay 19. May 2010 15:00

 

BP claims on its website that its Riser Insertion Tool that was inserted into the leaking pipe over the weekend is now siphoning off 40% (2000 barrels/day) of the leaking oil  In addition some oil has entered the "Loop" current and is expected to head south toward the Keys.  This is terrible news for the tourism businesses in the Keys. Our thoughts and prayers are wtih them. Moreover, NOAA released its latest forecast [Large file] today and they predict winds from the south east, which means the oil will continue to head north and west into the Delta. Again, our thoughts and prayers go out to those businesses and fishermen impcated.

Here is what has NOT happend.  The oil has not moved eastward toward the Florida Panhandle. It has not washed up on beaches in North West Florida.  There is no odor and there are no tarballs on Destin, Fort Walton, Panama City Beach or other NW Florida beaches.  The beaches are clear and in great shape!

So, we respectfully ask you to consider supporting the local businesses in NW Florida by coming to visit.  You can find great deals in Destin, Ft. Walton, or Panama City. Make your reservation today.

Florida Beaches Oil Spill Update 5/18/10 PM

by ABetterStay 18. May 2010 10:55

 

BP seems to be getting closer to stopping the leak. They are not there yet.  They are now siphoning off an estimated 40% of the leaking oil and will try two additional efforts to fully contain the spill.  In other news, the BP CEO predicted that the oil spill will have only a "very very modest" environmental impact. While there are many fisherman and outdoor enthusaists in Louisiana who might disagree with him, it is the case that there is NO OIL ON THE NW FLORIDA BEACHES.  There is no odor and there are no tarballs. 

NOAA released its latest forecast [Large file] last night and they predict:

Winds are forecast to be light (5-10 kts) and variable in direction over the next few days before becoming S - SE later this week, and ocean models show a west to southwest flow in the vicinity of the source. With these currents and winds the  plume from the source may tend westward towards the Delta, with some of the oil moving west of the Delta. Ocean models indicate that the band of oil sheens along the southern edge of the plume which is in a counterclockwise eddy could enter the northeastern edge of the Loop Current. Monday's overflight indicated a significant amount of oil west of the Delta which could begin to come ashore between Barataria Bay and Timbalier Bay this week.

In simple terms, this means the oil is moving West and South-- AWAY from North West Florida Beaches. This is good news for the residents, businesses and vacationers in North West Florida.

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.

New TSA Rules Likely to Increase Pre-Flight Wait

by Kaylee 17. February 2010 19:13

New TSA Rules
Photo Credit: hebedesign

If the growing list of new TSA rules hasn't already sent you checking bus and train schedules this latest announcement might do it. The TSA will now begin swabbing airline passengers hands for explosive residue. The swabbing which will at least for now be conducted at random is said to be able to detect even minute amounts of explosive related material.

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Bring the Whole Family to a Mardi Gras for Kids

by Kaylee 11. February 2010 20:30

Mardi Gras for Kids
Photo Credit: limeydog

Let's face it, everyone wants to make it out for this upcoming holiday, but it can be so hard to find a Mardi Gras for kids. Although it may seem overplayed, the best place (and only real original way to celebrate) for Mardi Gras is in the great city of New Orleans. But is it possible to avoid all of the drunkenness, exposed party people and wild happenings in the streets.

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Super Bowl Travel Deals for the Big Weekend

by Kaylee 5. February 2010 21:18

Super Bowl Travel Deals
Photo Credit: TGIGreeny

Get out the face paint and bring along a 12-pack because this weekend is about to get sweeter with some irresistible Super Bowl travel deals. Instead of staying home and taking in the game through the eyes of your living room, get out to where all the action is and save money as you go. You don't have to travel out to Southern Florida where the game is taking place, in fact, there are two alternatives that are just about as exciting.

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Big Stars Line up to Perform at Orlando Mardi Gras

by Kaylee 1. February 2010 18:22

Orlando Mardi Gras
Photo Credit: Furldman

It's time to gear up for an Orlando Mardi Gras line up the likes of which have never been seen. Big stars are lining up for this year's celebration as Universal Studios lives it up for their 15th year of Mardi Gras fun and festivities. This family friendly location is a great alternative to the other more out of control Mardi Gras parties that are limited to 21 and up.

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Plan a Tour of the Best Small Towns in America

by Kaylee 27. January 2010 12:29

Best Small Towns in America
Photo Credit: kevinpoh

As the country is slowly recovering from the previous years' economic downturn, travelers are still turning to alternative vacation ideas and instead of taking the classic "staycation", the new hot trend is finding and visiting the best small towns in America. The US is filled with endearing and entertaining spots that cost the same or less than the place where you currently stay. You can get in on some of the "less known" American traditions while making memories in affordable towns that are every bit as fun as a touristy destination (not to mention they make wonderful kid-friendly vacations).

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