The Beach is Calling enjoying the Alabama coast tag:travellerspoint.com,2008-07-28:/blog/?domain=carol-w 2009-06-27T21:21:47Z Carol W img/travel-blog-feed.png Fun at a Public Beach tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-06-27:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=93&entryid=166134 2009-06-27T21:21:47Z 2009-06-27T21:21:47Z As much as I love to relax on a quiet beach in front of a private beach house, sometimes I long for the energetic bustle found at a fun, public beach. One of my favorite spots is the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Lots of activity, shopping and beachside restaurants—a great opportunity for people-watching. This is how our week’s vacation usually plays out for us: We spend the first couple of days at our rented beach house, enjoying the peacefulness of the ... As much as I love to relax on a quiet beach in front of a private beach house, sometimes I long for the energetic bustle found at a fun, public beach. One of my favorite spots is the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Lots of activity, shopping and beachside restaurants—a great opportunity for people-watching.

This is how our week’s vacation usually plays out for us: We spend the first couple of days at our rented beach house, enjoying the peacefulness of the beach, playing in the waves, building sandcastles. Then we get a little restless, and we start looking for other things to do. And one of the first things we do is head over to the public beach, where we do things like play volleyball and picnic at the designated picnic areas. Gulf Shores Public Beach also has bathrooms, showers and beach attendants, so it really is a nice experience.

The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area has many public beach locations. Just go to www.thebeachiscalling.org to start exploring them.

Fun at a Public Beach remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Kayaking tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-06-16:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=92&entryid=164769 2009-06-17T03:29:27Z 2009-06-17T03:29:27Z I want to get back in touch with the ocean. I love the ocean, but I’m afraid of it. It wasn’t always like this. As a child, I loved the ocean. I’m really not sure why my feelings have changed over the years. I guess, like many other things in my life, maturity has caused me to become much more cautious—too cautious, I think. I’ve been kayaking a few times, and I’m planning to take the “Learn to Kayak” class in ... I want to get back in touch with the ocean. I love the ocean, but I’m afraid of it. It wasn’t always like this. As a child, I loved the ocean. I’m really not sure why my feelings have changed over the years. I guess, like many other things in my life, maturity has caused me to become much more cautious—too cautious, I think.

I’ve been kayaking a few times, and I’m planning to take the “Learn to Kayak” class in Orange Beach this summer. There’s something both empowering and therapeutic about being alone in a kayak, paddling across the water. But I haven’t done this in the ocean yet—only lakes and rivers. So the plan is to take the class, learn some safety rules and get comfortable with my kayaking skills, then take on the Gulf. I mean, there’s really no reason to be afraid of the water off of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. We just need to be re-aquainted.

Information about the kayak class can be found at www.thebeachiscalling.org. Just search the calendar of events.

Kayaking remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> The Joy of Grandparents tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-06-13:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=91&entryid=164388 2009-06-14T05:52:28Z 2009-06-14T05:52:28Z I have so many great memories of my grandparents at the beach. They were always at our annual seaside family reunions—in 15 years, not once were they absent. And they were your typical loving grandparents: always telling stories about when they were growing up, always spoiling all of us grandkids. They were awesome. They’re not around anymore, and for a while the yearly family reunions stopped. Luckily, in the last few years, we’ve started the tradition again, and I’m making a ... I have so many great memories of my grandparents at the beach. They were always at our annual seaside family reunions—in 15 years, not once were they absent. And they were your typical loving grandparents: always telling stories about when they were growing up, always spoiling all of us grandkids. They were awesome.

They’re not around anymore, and for a while the yearly family reunions stopped. Luckily, in the last few years, we’ve started the tradition again, and I’m making a point to capture those special moments between my kids and their grandparents. And the Alabama Gulf Coast has lots of opportunities for this. I have video footage and photographs of my parents playing with my kids on the beach, building sandcastles, fishing off of the pier, flying kites, and exploring the history at Fort Morgan. We even had a family portrait made on the beach by The Picture Man. Our meetups in Gulf Shores are one of the few times we get to see my parents, so we really try to make the most of our time there (lots to do there—check out www.thebeachiscalling.org).

My kids have lots of fun with their grandparents now, and I know one day they’ll appreciate being able to look back on the memories.

The Joy of Grandparents remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> The Music Scene on the Alabama Gulf Coast tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-05-11:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=90&entryid=160883 2009-05-11T15:31:13Z 2009-05-11T15:31:13Z I always try to make a point to plan family activities, particularly when we are on vacation. That’s one of the main reasons for vacation—to help our little family stay connected. But it seems that as the kids get older, it’s getting harder to please everyone. I have to be careful that my attempts at bringing everyone together do not actually cause division due to fighting over what to do! So I try to listen to everyone’s ideas, and one thing ... I always try to make a point to plan family activities, particularly when we are on vacation. That’s one of the main reasons for vacation—to help our little family stay connected. But it seems that as the kids get older, it’s getting harder to please everyone. I have to be careful that my attempts at bringing everyone together do not actually cause division due to fighting over what to do!

So I try to listen to everyone’s ideas, and one thing I have found is that music is almost always a big hit. And there are lots of music options at the Alabama Gulf Coast. Music festivals and concerts by various artists from a range of genres are frequent in the area. I’ve always found these events to be a great way to break up a vacation and entertain the entire family.

The next time you visit Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, I highly recommend checking out one of these music events. You can begin your musical exploration at www.thebeachiscalling.org.

The Music Scene on the Alabama Gulf Coast remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Photographing Wildlife tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-05-04:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=89&entryid=160188 2009-05-04T17:32:00Z 2009-05-04T17:32:00Z I have become an amateur photographer since we bought our new camera. The old camera lasted almost eight years, so it was definitely time for something new. We splurged a little and bought a good digital camera—and I am so glad we did! The quality of the photos is amazing. We haven’t been to the Alabama Gulf Coast since buying the camera, and I can’t wait to see what kind of pictures I end up with the next time we ... I have become an amateur photographer since we bought our new camera. The old camera lasted almost eight years, so it was definitely time for something new. We splurged a little and bought a good digital camera—and I am so glad we did! The quality of the photos is amazing. We haven’t been to the Alabama Gulf Coast since buying the camera, and I can’t wait to see what kind of pictures I end up with the next time we visit.

I am particularly interested in photographing the wildlife at the Gulf. Pelicans, seagulls, herons and cranes are fascinating to watch and make great pictures. I’ve taken some nice pictures of these creatures in the past, but I’ve developed a small photographer-ego and I’m hoping to capture a really superb wildlife moment—a heron in flight might be nice.

Of course you don’t need a fancy camera to take great pictures of Alabama Gulf Coast wildlife. Any camera will serve the purpose of preserving these memories. The best part is just being there to experience the remarkable wildlife.

And if you have a great wildlife photo (or obtain one in the next few weeks), you might consider entering in the “Show Us Your Best Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Vacation Ever” contest. Just go to www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Photographing Wildlife remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Baby’s Beach Visit tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-04-22:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=88&entryid=159019 2009-04-22T18:52:49Z 2009-04-22T18:52:49Z I have a friend who is taking her young baby on a beach trip this summer. I, of course, strongly urged her to head to the Alabama Gulf Coast. It wasn’t too hard to persuade her, and now they are in the midst of planning a little family trip down there. This will actually be their first trip with the baby, and she’s a little nervous about how her baby will handle it (the car ride, the pack-n-play, the actual beach, ... I have a friend who is taking her young baby on a beach trip this summer. I, of course, strongly urged her to head to the Alabama Gulf Coast. It wasn’t too hard to persuade her, and now they are in the midst of planning a little family trip down there.

This will actually be their first trip with the baby, and she’s a little nervous about how her baby will handle it (the car ride, the pack-n-play, the actual beach, etc.). I just told her that there is no way to know until they try, but there are things she and her husband can do to try to make events run as smooth as possible, such as arming themselves with as much baby entertainment as possible for the drive down and bringing familiar blankets and stuffed animals to help the baby sleep at night. Concerning the beach…some babies love it and some hate it! It helps to be flexible and realize that beach time may be limited. Having a backup plan of alternate places to spend time together as a family is a good idea (like the pool, a playground or the zoo).

It will definitely be an adventure, and my final piece of advice to my friend was to record the memories—these are the kind of photos and videos that will always be treasured (and that might win a free vacation for someone: www.thebeachiscalling.org).

Baby’s Beach Visit remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Doggie Drama tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-04-15:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=87&entryid=158219 2009-04-15T16:20:24Z 2009-04-15T16:20:24Z Anyone who owns a dog (or any other type of pet) probably knows that once you drop off your furry friend to be boarded, “road trip” becomes synonymous with “guilt trip.” You know the routine: As soon as you start packing, those little eyes start silently begging you not to go. Then you have to drag him into the kennel and watch as they drag him away to his “room” (it makes me feel better to call it a room ... Anyone who owns a dog (or any other type of pet) probably knows that once you drop off your furry friend to be boarded, “road trip” becomes synonymous with “guilt trip.” You know the routine: As soon as you start packing, those little eyes start silently begging you not to go. Then you have to drag him into the kennel and watch as they drag him away to his “room” (it makes me feel better to call it a room rather than a cage).

I love my dog, and this used to break my heart every time. The first time we boarded her, she had no idea what was coming and so she was fine going in—but I was not! I worried about her the entire week. And from that point on she knew exactly what was happening whenever we pulled out the suitcases.

Now we always try to bring her wherever we go. If possible, we’ll make arrangements to stay at a hotel that allows dogs. Our other option is to board her at a kennel in the area where we are traveling. This way she doesn’t experience the anxiety of being left behind, and we can check on her throughout our vacation.

So think of your pet the next time you plan a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Go to www.thebeachiscalling.org, look under Travel Tools/Guest Services and click on Pet Services. You’ll find a list of places that can care for your pet, everything from run-of-the-mill veterinary kennels to luxurious pet resorts. This could come in handy if you win one of the vacation prizes offered in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach contests (more info is available at the address listed above).

Doggie Drama remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Beach Book tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-04-15:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=86&entryid=158218 2009-04-15T16:19:44Z 2009-04-15T16:19:44Z My sister and I were just talking about how there’s nothing like a good beach book. It’s a very important issue for us, as we both love to sit on the beach, dig our toes into the sand and get lost in a good book. It just doesn’t get anymore relaxing than that. We were trying to figure out what exactly makes a good beach book. Does the story have to take place at an actual beach? Should it be a ... My sister and I were just talking about how there’s nothing like a good beach book. It’s a very important issue for us, as we both love to sit on the beach, dig our toes into the sand and get lost in a good book. It just doesn’t get anymore relaxing than that.

We were trying to figure out what exactly makes a good beach book. Does the story have to take place at an actual beach? Should it be a romance? A comedy? Is a realistic story better or should it be more whimsical? We realized that the beach books we’ve read and loved over the years have varied between all of these characteristics and more. This led us to our next question: do the books enhance the beach experience or does the beach enhance our enjoyment of the book?

Maybe it’s a little of both, but one thing I know for sure is that sitting on a beach at the Alabama Gulf Coast definitely makes reading more enjoyable. With the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico sprawled out in front of me, I can easily relax and be absorbed by just about any story. I love to read anyway, so this type of setting is absolute heaven. I’m already planning for our next trip down to Gulf Shores, and this planning includes picking out a good book.

To start planning your next Gulf vacation, and for more information about the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach contests, go to www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Beach Book remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Spring Breakers tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-04-07:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=85&entryid=157452 2009-04-08T01:34:36Z 2009-04-08T01:34:36Z The differences in how I used to spend spring break years ago and how I spend spring break these days are quite funny. When I was in college, the only necessary requirement when finding a hot spring break spot was that there had to be great bars and a thriving night life. My friends and I would spend the week partying, and then we’d go home. My husband and I thought it would be fun to re-visit one of our old ... The differences in how I used to spend spring break years ago and how I spend spring break these days are quite funny. When I was in college, the only necessary requirement when finding a hot spring break spot was that there had to be great bars and a thriving night life. My friends and I would spend the week partying, and then we’d go home.

My husband and I thought it would be fun to re-visit one of our old spring break spots during our first spring vacation after we were married. It was definitely entertaining: we sat on our hotel balcony at night and watched the young spring breakers parade up and down the street in their cars, their music pouring loudly out of the windows. We watched the flirting and the dancing and the various antics, including one streaking incident. Amusing, yes, but we felt pretty out of place. We began to realize that life was changing, and that type of getaway was no longer our scene.

Along came our first child a year later to finalize the transition. From that point on, vacations took on a new tone. We seek out more family-oriented destinations, which is what makes the Alabama Gulf Coast so great. I feel comfortable bringing my family there, and there are many activities that the kids enjoy.

Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to learn more and to enter the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach contests.

Spring Breakers remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> The Digital Age tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-04-01:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=84&entryid=156863 2009-04-01T22:40:49Z 2009-04-01T22:40:49Z My aunt was in town yesterday. We were looking at the hundreds of pictures that my cousin has taken—in the past week—of her young baby, and we realized how different picture-taking habits are today compared to the “old days.” It really wasn’t all that long ago that you had a limited number of pictures you could take, you had to pay to develop them, and you couldn’t even preview them before. You waited for that perfect moment, snapped the picture ... My aunt was in town yesterday. We were looking at the hundreds of pictures that my cousin has taken—in the past week—of her young baby, and we realized how different picture-taking habits are today compared to the “old days.” It really wasn’t all that long ago that you had a limited number of pictures you could take, you had to pay to develop them, and you couldn’t even preview them before. You waited for that perfect moment, snapped the picture and hoped for the best. Now you can take fifty pictures in ten minutes and not think twice about—and not have to pay for them!

My aunt, who is a little old-fashioned, thought that this devalues pictures, that a hundred pictures of a child’s first steps aren’t as special as one or two of that precious moment. But I completely disagree. I think having lots of pictures helps you to fully recapture the moment. For example, I have an endless number of pictures from our last few trips to the Alabama Gulf Coast. I was able to take a picture anytime the moment seemed right, and now we can look back at those pictures and remember everything. I consider that to be extremely valuable.

And thanks to all of those digital photos, I had a lot of options to choose from when entering the “Show Us Your Best Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Vacation Ever” contest, which is still active…so if you haven’t entered yet, go to www.thebeachiscalling.org.

The Digital Age remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Vacation Music tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-31:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=83&entryid=156759 2009-03-31T20:45:08Z 2009-03-31T20:45:08Z I love my mp3 player. It’s so great for traveling. I actually plan music anytime we take a trip. I set up a “family” playlist of music that we all enjoy, and we listen to this music while we drive. Once before a particularly long roadtrip, I even created playlists that sort of matched the different areas we drove through. I was accused of having too much time on my hands, but it helped make the drive a little more ... I love my mp3 player. It’s so great for traveling. I actually plan music anytime we take a trip. I set up a “family” playlist of music that we all enjoy, and we listen to this music while we drive. Once before a particularly long roadtrip, I even created playlists that sort of matched the different areas we drove through. I was accused of having too much time on my hands, but it helped make the drive a little more interesting.

I also create/update my own “beach” playlist. This is an essential part of planning for me, and I always put a lot of thought into what music would best enhance my whitesand, Albama Gulf Coast beach-lounging experience. Choosing the right music really helps me relax, and choosing the wrong music…well, it’s certainly not going to ruin my good time, but it can be annoying to have to keep skipping over a song that I’ve decided I don’t actually like!

If you have your own beach/vacation music, get it out and listen to it. It might help inspire your entry into the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach contests. If you haven’t already, visit www.myspace.com/algulfcoast to learn more.

Vacation Music remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Beach House Names tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-25:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=82&entryid=156190 2009-03-26T03:16:19Z 2009-03-26T03:16:19Z I wonder who started the beach house name trend, and why. Did some random homeowner decide to assign a cutesie name to their beachside abode and the neighbors followed suit? Were they trying to compete with condominiums and hotels whose names are well known among potential renters? Whatever the reason, I’m glad it stuck. It’s always amusing to see the different names as I drive my family by the strip of houses on our way to our own rented beach house. ... I wonder who started the beach house name trend, and why. Did some random homeowner decide to assign a cutesie name to their beachside abode and the neighbors followed suit? Were they trying to compete with condominiums and hotels whose names are well known among potential renters?

Whatever the reason, I’m glad it stuck. It’s always amusing to see the different names as I drive my family by the strip of houses on our way to our own rented beach house. It’s become a tradition to call out our favorite house names as we pass them, and to marvel over the various combinations of words like “sea,” “sand,” and “ocean.”

One of my big dreams is to buy my own beach home one day when I’m rich (after I figure out how to become rich) and give it an awesome beachy name. Too bad this hasn’t happened yet—the pictures of me and the family enjoying our Gulf Shores beach house for the first time might have made a great entry for the “Show Us Your Best Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Vacation Ever” contest (www.myspace.com/algulfcoast).

Beach House Names remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Collecting Seashells tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-18:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=81&entryid=155510 2009-03-19T05:23:24Z 2009-03-19T05:23:24Z As a child, one of my favorite things to do at the beach was collect seashells. I would spend hours walking along the shore, examing the various shell pieces, looking for that perfect whole shell. One time, during an evening walk with my family, I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I got ahead of the group and walked past our hotel—way past. Luckily my Dad was not too far behind. He had followed me the whole ... As a child, one of my favorite things to do at the beach was collect seashells. I would spend hours walking along the shore, examing the various shell pieces, looking for that perfect whole shell. One time, during an evening walk with my family, I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I got ahead of the group and walked past our hotel—way past. Luckily my Dad was not too far behind. He had followed me the whole time to see how far I went before I realized I’d missed the hotel! He still teases me about that to this day.

Now I take my own kids on vacation, and I love to watch them enjoying the same activities. I walk with them along the beach, with the waves from the Gulf splashing at our feet. They get just as excited as I used to at the different seashells they find.

Perhaps a video of a seashell hunt along the Alabama Gulf Coast would be good to submit for the “Show Us Your Best Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Vacation Ever” contest? Be sure to enter this and other contests: www.myspace.com/algulfcoast.

Collecting Seashells remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Write About Vacation, Win a Vacation tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-16:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=80&entryid=155283 2009-03-17T03:13:50Z 2009-03-17T03:13:50Z There are so many benefits to a great vacation and so many things that always make my vacations especially enjoyable, like after-dinner walks on the beach and playing with the kids in the gulf. Now I have the opportunity to add even more value to these experiences by entering the “What Makes You Flip for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach?” contest. All I have to do is pick one of my favorite things about Gulf Shores/Orange Beach and write about it—the hard ... There are so many benefits to a great vacation and so many things that always make my vacations especially enjoyable, like after-dinner walks on the beach and playing with the kids in the gulf.

Now I have the opportunity to add even more value to these experiences by entering the “What Makes You Flip for Gulf Shores/Orange Beach?” contest. All I have to do is pick one of my favorite things about Gulf Shores/Orange Beach and write about it—the hard part will be deciding what I like best about the area! If I win, I’ll get a fabulous prize package, including a two-night stay and a Flip Video Camera. I have until April 15th to enter, and there will be another chance to enter between June 1st and August 15th.

Anyone interested in entering this contest can find more information on the Alabama Gulf Coast MySpace page at www.myspace.com/algulfcoast.

Write About Vacation, Win a Vacation remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Avoiding the Dreaded Weight Gain tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-09:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=79&entryid=154537 2009-03-09T19:38:42Z 2009-03-09T19:38:42Z One thing I do before I go on vacation, particularly a vacation that will involve wearing a bathing suit, is put dieting and exercise into overdrive. I work out at least once every day and eat nothing but healthy foods to try to trim up as much as possible. It does work, and for about a day during vacation, I feel pretty good. And then the eating starts. I guess in my mind, a vacation is a break from everything in ... One thing I do before I go on vacation, particularly a vacation that will involve wearing a bathing suit, is put dieting and exercise into overdrive. I work out at least once every day and eat nothing but healthy foods to try to trim up as much as possible. It does work, and for about a day during vacation, I feel pretty good.

And then the eating starts. I guess in my mind, a vacation is a break from everything in my day-to-day life, including good eating habits. Thus, after a day or two, that new bathing suit suddenly doesn’t look as good as it did when I bought it.

While I’m not going to diet during vacation, I have found that a little exercise can help stave off the effects of recreational munching. In particular, bike riding is an enjoyable way to work out while taking in the fresh air and scenery. I rent a bike fron a local bike shop, leave the kids with their dad for an hour and voila! I’ve got a cardiovascular workout and some time alone to clear my head.

Anyone interested in bike rentals at the Alabama Gulf Coast can visit www.thebeachiscalling.org. Go to Travel Tools and select “specialty rentals.”

Avoiding the Dreaded Weight Gain remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Golfing on the Alabama Gulf Coast tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-03-02:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=78&entryid=153587 2009-03-02T20:10:32Z 2009-03-02T20:10:32Z I have my husband to thank for getting me into golf, although at first I wasn’t so sure I should thank him. He convinced me to start playing because it is “relaxing and fun.” Does throwing a golf club and yelling at a golf ball out of frustration count as fun? As it turns out, he introduced me to golf, but I had to introduce him to the concept of chilling out. In all honesty, we do enjoy playing golf ... I have my husband to thank for getting me into golf, although at first I wasn’t so sure I should thank him. He convinced me to start playing because it is “relaxing and fun.” Does throwing a golf club and yelling at a golf ball out of frustration count as fun? As it turns out, he introduced me to golf, but I had to introduce him to the concept of chilling out.

In all honesty, we do enjoy playing golf together, particularly when we’re on vacation. Enjoying the beauty of the sprawling greens is the icing on the vacation cake. We’ll spend a couple of early morning hours on the golf course, then cool off in the ocean or pool. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than that!

The Alabama Gulf Coast has many great golf courses and golf vacation packages. Championship courses designed by some of golf’s greatest players are everywhere. Check out www.thebeachiscalling.org for more information.

Golfing on the Alabama Gulf Coast remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Camping in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-26:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=77&entryid=152943 2009-02-27T05:17:11Z 2009-02-27T05:17:11Z Camping hasn’t always been my favorite activity. The earliest camping experience I can remember was with my Dad and my sister. I don’t remember much, except that a terrible thunderstorm came through one night. Our tent leaked, and the wind and lightning were so bad that we had to spend the rest of the night in the car. Needless to say, I was a little scared of camping for a while. But that was a long time ago, and I’ve since ... Camping hasn’t always been my favorite activity. The earliest camping experience I can remember was with my Dad and my sister. I don’t remember much, except that a terrible thunderstorm came through one night. Our tent leaked, and the wind and lightning were so bad that we had to spend the rest of the night in the car. Needless to say, I was a little scared of camping for a while.

But that was a long time ago, and I’ve since learned that camping, if planned appropriately, can be relaxing and fun—particularly in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama, where camping options range from just a simple tent and fire to an RV camp with electricity and other amenities. Camping trips with my family now include a tarp under the tent (and an extra tarp to hang over the tent, if necessary), bug spray, dry fire wood, a first aid kit, and a lantern, to name just a few necessities. (Yes, years ago my husband and I actually went camping without a lantern—I’ll just say, a flashlight doesn’t cut it.)

And the most important thing we bring with us is an adventure attitude and a love for nature. That’s what it’s all about, after all.

Camping in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Gulf Shores / Orange Beach Family Reunions tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-23:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=76&entryid=152055 2009-02-23T20:35:00Z 2009-02-23T20:35:00Z We haven’t had a family reunion in a few years, and a buzz has recently started up that it’s time for everyone to get together again. The discussion is always the same: where we should meet, we should go somewhere different, maybe a cruise, etc. But inevitably, we always end up at the beach. And that’s fine with me. It’s never let us down before. Everyone can do their own thing during the day, and at night we all get together ... We haven’t had a family reunion in a few years, and a buzz has recently started up that it’s time for everyone to get together again. The discussion is always the same: where we should meet, we should go somewhere different, maybe a cruise, etc. But inevitably, we always end up at the beach.

And that’s fine with me. It’s never let us down before. Everyone can do their own thing during the day, and at night we all get together for various family activities, everything from card tournaments to white elephant exchanges to good old fashioned beach parties.

The challenge has been accommodating our growing family. Years ago, we were able to fit everyone in one big house on the beach. Now that all the kids have grown up and have kids of their own, one house just doesn’t cut it. At the last family reunion, we had five beach houses right in a row! It was a blast.

Many a beach house can be found along the Alabama Gulf Coast, as well as condos and hotels. Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org for more information.

Gulf Shores / Orange Beach Family Reunions remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Beach Wedding tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-17:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=75&entryid=150754 2009-02-17T16:19:53Z 2009-02-17T16:19:53Z I’ve never been to a beach wedding, but I’d love to one day. In fact, if I could, I would go back and have my own wedding at a beach. What could be more romantic than saying “I do” with ocean waves crashing behind you and white sand beneath your feet? If you timed it right, you could have a beautiful coastal sunset as the backdrop for the pictures. Talk about an amazing memory. And the great thing about a beach ... I’ve never been to a beach wedding, but I’d love to one day. In fact, if I could, I would go back and have my own wedding at a beach. What could be more romantic than saying “I do” with ocean waves crashing behind you and white sand beneath your feet? If you timed it right, you could have a beautiful coastal sunset as the backdrop for the pictures. Talk about an amazing memory.

And the great thing about a beach wedding is, there are options. Personally, I would want to do a full-blown all-on-the-beach wedding. But you could also have the wedding at a church or some other venue and the reception at the beach (or vice-versa), or have the whole thing inside with the beach setting just outside the window. This way, weather can be taken into account (a must when planning an outdoor event), so even if it does rain, the ceremony and celebration can still go on—and still be fabulous.

Maybe I can entice my next engaged friend to bring the party down to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Information on planning a wedding at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach can be found at www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Beach Wedding remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> First Family Vacation tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-09:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=74&entryid=149310 2009-02-09T17:59:43Z 2009-02-09T17:59:43Z The weather has finally warmed up after a brutal cold snap, and I can’t help but look forward to spring. And with spring break quickly approaching, I know that plenty of vacationers will be making their way down to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Beach vacations are a popular choice for families looking for a spring break getaway, and make great first memories that the youngest family members will always remember. I can still recall being amazed by the blue water and ... The weather has finally warmed up after a brutal cold snap, and I can’t help but look forward to spring. And with spring break quickly approaching, I know that plenty of vacationers will be making their way down to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Beach vacations are a popular choice for families looking for a spring break getaway, and make great first memories that the youngest family members will always remember. I can still recall being amazed by the blue water and the crashing waves the first time I saw the ocean. As an adult, I always enjoy seeing young children experiencing the beach for the first time. Their awe when they see the ocean for the first time and their excitement as they play in the sand is priceless.

Families can really enhance the vacation by participating in other activities like hiking, fishing, or visiting an amusement park for a day. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have lots of excursions to offer—just visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to start planning.

First Family Vacation remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Finding a Place to Hang Your Hat tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-05:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=73&entryid=148712 2009-02-05T18:42:27Z 2009-02-05T18:42:27Z If you are like me, probably the first question you have to answer after deciding to plan a vacation is, where are you going to stay? Luckily, the Alabama Gulf Coast has lots of lodging options (check out www.thebeachiscalling.org). It’s just a matter of picking something that works for you. Sometimes I prefer hotels and condos because they offer a range of options such as pricing and the number of beds and/or rooms needed. And many have some great amenities (spa, ... If you are like me, probably the first question you have to answer after deciding to plan a vacation is, where are you going to stay? Luckily, the Alabama Gulf Coast has lots of lodging options (check out www.thebeachiscalling.org). It’s just a matter of picking something that works for you.

Sometimes I prefer hotels and condos because they offer a range of options such as pricing and the number of beds and/or rooms needed. And many have some great amenities (spa, fitness center, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor pool).

Beach houses provide a more personal feel. Vacationing with the family in a private beach house makes for a relaxing, intimate experience. A bed-and-breakfast offers an at-home atmosphere coupled with hospitable service.

Or if you really want to keep things simple and get in touch with nature, perhaps camping is the way to go. Park the RV, pitch a tent and fall asleep under the stars. We enjoyed this when the kids were younger.

You might also consider some other factors, such as location (on the beach, in town), smoking or non-smoking accommodations, and whether pets are allowed.

Whatever your choice for lodging, I know you'll enjoy the Alabama Gulf Coast as much as I do.

Finding a Place to Hang Your Hat remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Standing on the white-sand beaches tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-02-03:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=72&entryid=148331 2009-02-03T16:17:38Z 2009-02-03T16:17:38Z Standing on the white-sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast can be an awe-inspiring experience. With the sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see, the call of the ocean becomes strong. Why not give into the sense of adventure and explore what the waters of the Gulf have to offer? Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the open sea. Charter a boat for the day and take the family deep sea fishing; the various ... Standing on the white-sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast can be an awe-inspiring experience. With the sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see, the call of the ocean becomes strong. Why not give into the sense of adventure and explore what the waters of the Gulf have to offer?

Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the open sea. Charter a boat for the day and take the family deep sea fishing; the various fish that live off the Gulf Coast make this excursion exciting and educational. Add to the fishing fun with some dolphin sightseeing.

For those who are really adventurous, parasailing might be the way to go. Discover the ocean from a bird’s eye view as you cruise through the air high above the water.

Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to explore the options for ocean adventure.

Standing on the white-sand beaches remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Mardi Gras Fun tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-28:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=71&entryid=147535 2009-01-29T04:27:55Z 2009-01-29T04:27:55Z Did you know that New Orleans is not where Mardi Gras originated? Although the city and celebration are closely associated, Mardi Gras has its roots in Mobile, where it has been celebrated for more than 300 years. Most people have a preconceived notion of what Mardi Gras in New Orleans is, or at least could be, like. Mobile's celebration is more laid-back, a family friendly affair that involves trinkets and Moon Pies. From Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast, cities and towns ... Did you know that New Orleans is not where Mardi Gras originated? Although the city and celebration are closely associated, Mardi Gras has its roots in Mobile, where it has been celebrated for more than 300 years.
Most people have a preconceived notion of what Mardi Gras in New Orleans is, or at least could be, like. Mobile's celebration is more laid-back, a family friendly affair that involves trinkets and Moon Pies.
From Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast, cities and towns plan their own ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the weeks leading up to it. From now until Feb. 24, there are numerous parade featuring the many krewes in the area and the elaborates floats and costumes they have come to be known for.
Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have parades planned for the big day. The benefit to choosing these celebrations over their big-city cousins is the small-town, family atmosphere to be found in each location. And with one parade in the morning and the other planned for the afternoon, you get twice the fun in a single trip!
Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to find out about Mardi Gras events.

Mardi Gras Fun remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Book Now for Spring Break tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-19:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=70&entryid=146236 2009-01-19T15:10:42Z 2009-01-19T15:10:42Z The holidays have passed, school is back in session and life is about to settle into familiar routine. The next big occasion for parents and children to anticipate is spring break. So, when is the best time to start looking for – and booking – spring break trips? NOW! Why rush, you might wonder. It's pretty simple, really. Booking early gives you the chance to choose from the widest range of options. The selection is at its peak, and there are some super ... The holidays have passed, school is back in session and life is about to settle into familiar routine. The next big occasion for parents and children to anticipate is spring break.
So, when is the best time to start looking for – and booking – spring break trips?
NOW!
Why rush, you might wonder. It's pretty simple, really. Booking early gives you the chance to choose from the widest range of options. The selection is at its peak, and there are some super bargains out there for those savvy enough to find and secure them.
Even more important than price, at least for some families, is the first rule of real estate – and, apparently, vacations – location, location, location. By booking now, those with a preference for certain amenities have the luxury of being able to pick among locations.
Whether it's access to the beach, a pool, a destination, shopping, dining or other recreation opportunities, booking early means having the chance to get the most out of your spring break adventure.
If you are ready to answer the siren call of the Gulf of Mexico, visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to see what opportunities – and amenities – await!

Book Now for Spring Break remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Staying Healthy on your Beach Vacation tag:travellerspoint.com,2009-01-11:/blog/?domain=carol-w&thisblog_entryid=69&entryid=145126 2009-01-12T00:41:24Z 2009-01-12T00:41:24Z Is there anything worse than spend an entire trip feeling less than your best? We can't claim to have the cure for the common cold at the Alabama Gulf Coast (even a cold seems better at the beach!), but there are some common-sense ways to ensure that a foreseeable circumstance doesn't put a damper on your stay: 1. Wear sunscreen – No matter the season or the weather, if you can go outside, you can sustain damage from the sun to your skin. ... Is there anything worse than spend an entire trip feeling less than your best?
We can't claim to have the cure for the common cold at the Alabama Gulf Coast (even a cold seems better at the beach!), but there are some common-sense ways to ensure that a foreseeable circumstance doesn't put a damper on your stay:
1. Wear sunscreen – No matter the season or the weather, if you can go outside, you can sustain damage from the sun to your skin. Even in overcast conditions, ultraviolet rays can make their way to exposed areas. Use sunscreen to deter sunburns, even chapped skin from wind. And remember to reapply liberally.
2. Drink plenty of water – Staying properly hydrated might just be the “magic bullet” treatment so many people are searching for. Drinking enough water keeps a body healthy inside and out.
3. Rest – Everybody wants to get as much as possible out of vacation. But if you go home exhausted, that defeats the purpose. So slow down, kick your sandles off, take a nap.
4. Be mindful of the “locals” -- Insects, plants and creatures by land and by sea are beautiful to observe but less than pleasant to encounter, so be on the lookout for advisories and watch your step.
If you do find yourself in need of some first aid, visit www.thebeachiscalling.com. Click on “Travel Tools” and go to “Guest Services” in the drop-down window.

Staying Healthy on your Beach Vacation remains copyright of the author Carol W, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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