It's almost beach season and families and friends are ready to take a break and enjoy some rest and relaxation. The beaches of South Walton and Destin in Northwest Florida are one of the most popular beach destinations for St. Louis families. As parents start preparing for the anticipated beach escape, there are some important tips you need to know if you want the perfect vacation:
Courtesy of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, INC.
- Consider your options for travel: While it is nice to have your car for bringing beach items, sometimes it is nice to skip the long drive. With increased air service to the Destin Airport (VPS), there are more options to fly and get down to the beach faster. Allegiant Airlines introduced direct air service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) in Belleville, IL to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) last year. The direct flights have travelers touching down in Destin in a mere hour and forty-five minutes.
- Must-have beach items: The suitcases are open and you're ready to start packing. In addition to beach towels and bathing suits, it is important to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, cover ups and rash guards. For those packing for a vacation rental stay, consider bringing your favorite spices and seasonings for cooking, as well as all toiletries and a hairdryer.
- Pack a beach bag for your arrival day: Depending on the time of year, check-in times vary between 3 and 6 p.m. For vacationers who get to town early, pack a bag with bathing suits, sunscreen and towels that are easily accessible. While your rental is being prepped, your family will already be enjoying their first day at the beach.
- Save grocery shopping for day two: Most of Northwest Florida accommodations are vacation rentals and the joy of staying in a home or condominium is the full kitchen. However on arrival afternoons, the grocery stores are packed. Those in the know wait until the next morning when shelves are restocked and the isles aren't crowded. Purchasing easy to make breakfasts, lunches and snacks will help stretch your budget and keep hungry kids happy.
- Know before you go: Open bodies of water such as the Gulf of Mexico can be dangerous. Educate your family on the flag warning system and know surf conditions before entering the water. A red flag indicates high surf and high risk for dangerous rip currents to form. On those days, even knee deep is too deep so consider cooling off in the pool instead.
- Plan ahead but be flexible: In order to make the most of your beach vacation create a rough itinerary of things you'd like to do as a family. Dolphin cruises, snorkeling excursions and other activities may need to be booked in advance and can fill up pretty fast during peak season. Since you can't predict the weather, schedule activities at the beginning of your trip in case they need to be postponed.
- The early bird gets the worm: Plan to visit attractions in the morning when kids are fresh and there are fewer crowds. This also applies to the beach. Families who arrive on the beach early get a prime spot and can take a mid-day break and return late afternoon when the sun is not as harsh. By feeding kids a late lunch, families can hold out for a late dinner in order to catch one of the Gulf Coast's spectacular sunsets.
- Say cheese: While you're busy having fun, don't forget to snap pictures. One of the best parts of a great beach vacation is looking back on the memories and comparing photos from year to year. There are dozens of professional photographers who specialize in family beach portraits but their calendars fill fast so be sure to schedule yours in advance.
Courtesy of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, INC.
This post was created by St. Louis Magazine Partner Studio on behalf of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties in Miramar Beach, Florida. Visit their website to learn more about all of their amazing resorts and vacation rentals and how you can book your next beach getaway.
