• Unlike a Destin Vacation Florida rental, where guests have a washer and dryer, visitors can pass off dirty clothes to the maid service at this SunDestin in Florida.

Check in time at most hotels in Destin Florida is at 4 pm.

•  Swimming pools and hot tubs accentuate the majestic, tranquility of Destin Florida’s Gulf of Mexico

Consider resorts in Destin FL that are located on the beach. These types of accommodations generally provide beach furniture to recline.

• Some Destin Florida hotels extend complimentary parking. This represents at least a $10 day in value; however, this is not always the case of all Destin, Florida hotels. This is an area to compare prices when calculating per night costs.

As it turns, Destin Florida is home to thousands and would perhaps be superfluous without its viewpoint on nature.

• At the SunDestin, its onsite business facility eases the pangs of balancing business with relaxation and pleasure. This Destin FL hotel allows business travelers to multitask sun time with preparing for meetings. The business facility houses copier machines, computers and other tools germane to business administration.

 And when, all the meetings and frolicking in the sun are said and done, the SunDestin presents some self indulgent pampering.

Towards the end of October 2011, the Sun Destin is hosting a slew of Halloween themed events. This means that some resorts  will be promoting Destin Florida  vacation packages. 

• Use Destin Florida resort incentives to extend the vacation without spending more.

• At the Sun Destin Beach by Resort Quest, travelers get the fifth night free with any four-day reservation. This promotion attains the best savings on departing and arrival flights  during the weekday, when airfare is cheaper (i.e. Thursday through Monday).

Note that in order to find the lowest airfare for  flights to Destin Florida layovers and transfers warrant the cheapest flights, meaning more travel time.

• When considering travel packages where airfare is inclusive, remember to evaluate if the extra time changing planes or layovers is worth the extra savings.

• Review the cancellation policy, as it differs from Destin Florida resort to hotel.

• Check the age requirements. Some Destin Florida resorts have persnickety age requirements for young adults (25 and under).

• Be prepared for a tax recovery charge, other fees and surcharges when booking online through third party websites such as Travelocity, Expedia, and Hotels.com.

• Some Destin Florida resorts like the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort charge 12 percent per night. That fee is based on a net room rate. Generally, the additional fees are paid during check in.

Be sure to compare each Destin Florida resort’s amenities, paying close attention to which activities are complimentary.

Since some Destin Florida resorts charge for certain services and others don’t. Be sure to compare all resorts, reviewing the following costs:

• Bike rental
• Canoes
• Kayaks
• Shuttle Service
• Tennis

• Depending on the Destin, Florida resort—not all staff onsite housekeepers; instead, guests have to remit a cleaning fee.

• Most Destin Florida resorts charge extra for ocean front rooms, while ocean view rooms are the standard rate.

Prior to booking stay via third party websites, compare  the actual Destin Florida resort’s website. Quite often, the hotel property will offer other packages that add up to a better savings. 

Destin Vacation Resources and  Attractions

• City of Destin

The City of Destin’s Web site features a cornucopia of information pertaining to the best beaches in Destin, recreation and other municipal matters in and surrounding Destin Florida. www.cityofdestin.com/

• Destin Area Chamber of Commerce

For those visitors, who are planning a Destin vacation, convention or team getaway, needing beach, water recreation and other vacation information, review the latest details.The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors with a slew of hotel, resort and event details on vacationing in the Northwest Florida’s Gulf. www.destinchamber.com/

• Destin History and Fishing Museum

At the Destin History and Fishing Museum, an anthology of Destin’s earliest settlers is on exhibit along with antique fishing rods / reels and other related museum displays. Please visit their Web site for hours of operations, www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org/

• National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola

Pilot, aviation and water enthusiasts have an assortment of things to see, do and remember at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. | 1750 Radford Blvd., |Suite B | NAS Pensacola |  FL 32508 850.452.3604   | www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Documenting Northwest Florida’s progress and advancement, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is a work in progress, featuring a preservation of memorabilia and digitized renderings. eritage Museum of Northwest Florida | 115 Westview Avenue | Valparaiso, FL 32580 | www.heritage-museum.org 

• Destin Florida Vacation Rentals

Find the Destin Florida rental  vacation of your dreams at Crye and Lieke Rental properties. Choose from more than a 100 places to book stay for the Destin vacation based on budget and location.   http://www.destingetaways.com/

Other Destin vaction resources include the following links:

• http://www.FLORIDAAIRPORT.NET
• http://www.FLORIDABEACHRESORTS.ORG
• http://www.FLORIDAKEY.ORG
• http://www.FLORIDAPINELLAS.COM
• http://www.FLORIDARESORT.ORG
• http://www.HOLIDAYSFLORIDA.NET

Types of Destin Vacation Rentals

• Beach Villas
• Condominiums
• Hotels
• Inns
• Resorts

• Most Destin Florida vacation rentals include laundry machines, a grill, balcony or a gazebo or exterior space for entertainment.

To be directly on the beach, the average Destin Florida vacation rental is approximately $250 a night or $1600 a week. 

Since many beach villas are just steps from the Gulf, few have onsite swimming pools. However, some Destin vacation beach rentals feature an up close and private view of the ocean.

Destin Florida Vacation Rentals Savings Tip

Save an extra three hundred dollars by considering properties that are across the street from the beach.  Another destin florida vacation savings tactic entails booking stay and splitting the cost of a townhouse or beach villa with two other couples. A Destin vacation rental divided among three couples is $500 for a weeks stay.

• Research Destin vacation rentals. Look for sites featuring current, interior photos.
• To avoid any vacation disasters, conduct a quick search on Trip Advisor, and Expedia for any overwhelming negative feedback.

Hotels/Inns/Resorts

• When comparing hotels, motels and inn prices, remember to evaluate the amenities. Remember a pool is ideal for those days that it’s too windy to bask in the sun on the beach.

• Beach, villas, resorts and condominiums usually afford a week’s stay in private, luxurious accommodations.

• For those who do not plan to rent a car, search for Destin Florida Vacation Rentals that a walking distance to restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

When it comes to the Destin vacation, it’s all about getting here to catch fresh ocean prize, relax in balmy temps, enjoying  a panoramic vista of pure beauty. Upon planning the travel itinerary explore which Destin airport terminal affords the best convenience and value:

• Destin/Fort Walton Beach Airports
• Okaloosa County Airport
• Pensacola Airports
• Panama City Beach Airports

For the best Destin vacation value shop for airfares offering deals to one of the aforementioned airports. 

Destin Airports: Destin/Fort Walton Beach Airports – Beach/Okaloosa County Airport

Depending on the departure city, some travelers headed for a Destin vacation, fly into Destin/Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa County Airport. This is considered  Destin’s  airport. Attracting some more than half a million passengers, the Destin/Fort Walton Beach Okaloosa County Airport is nestled in Valparaiso Florida on Eglin Air Force Base. (The Airport Terminal is VPS).

While the Destin Airport (DTS) accommodates a private airplanes and jets, the Okaloosa County Airport  is a direct destination from St. Louis, Atlanta, Houston Tampa and Memphis via major carriers (in example American Eagle, Continental, Northwest).

Flights from Atlanta and Nashville to Destin Florida have a travel time of less than 2-hours.

Destin Aiport: Pensacola Florida Airports

Just a little over an hour and 60 miles west of Destin, the Pensacola Regional Airport services the area with flights from the following major airlines: Delta, American Airlines Continental Express, AirTran, US Airways. Not to mention, many of the aforementioned airlines offer flight deals for Destin vacations, departing from Dallas Ft. Wotrh, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Houston, Tampa, Chicago. ( Pensacola Regional Airport (*PNS).

Another Destin airport consideration is a 75-minute drive north from Panama City (54-miles). Northwest, Delta Connections, and US Airways have regular direct and flights with stops schedules into From the Panama City Bay County International Airport.  Regardless of what airline one flies for the Destin vacation, a slew of national car rental companies service the Destin, Florida area: including Alamo, National, AVIS, Budget, and Hertz.

Be sure to add the following items to the Destin vacation rental - rate comparison list:

• If being in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, be sure to choose properties that are located no more than 100 -150 feet.

• On those days that the waves are too high and windy, a pool on the property of the Destin Florida vacation is good back-up plan, which is pool is key to maximizing sun time.

• Additionally, compare Destin Florida vacation rentals, offer a complimentary beach service, so it’s unnecessary to rent a chairs or umbrellas.

• When booking your Destin vacation hotel stay, be sure inquire whether the beach service is included. Also. Be sure to ask which months the service is available. If you’re planning a trip in December certain hotels and resorts only offer vice only March through October.

• What is the average square footage of each unit? Although the size of the Destin Florida vacation rental is subjective, if you’re not traveling with a significant other, consider a unit with separate bedrooms and bathrooms. (A unit with at least 900 square feet is ideal)

• Depending on the span of your Destin vacation, a washer and dryer may be necessary to freshen beach attire.

In an effort to cut down on labor and laundering services, many Destin vacation rentals, some lodging facilities do not provide house cleaning services every day. Be sure to find out what the guidelines are for exchanging towels and bed linen.

• An oceanic view, where the sound of the sea serves as a lullaby
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Whirlpool bath
• Enclosed patio, facing the ocean
• A second floor veranda off the bedroom
• Flat panel tvs
• iPod docking stations

Shortly after we arrive in town, we head for the grocery store. There, we stock up on our favorite foods, snacks and beverages. Since all three of the Destin beach rentals that we stay at are equipped with a full refrigerator, free range oven, microwave and all the cookware that we need, we enjoy a lot of meals at our Destin beach rental. It’s not that we’re trying to save money, but the idyllic view from our screened in patio is so picturesque. One time, we placed a tiki-torch outside of the beach-house to illuminate the ocean.

Once we’re settled in, I take my favorite stroll through Destin. Making note of what’s new around town, I always feel a sense of being at home, but on vacation.

For the rest of the week, I plan to go fishing with my father. Hopefully, this time I’ll actually catch something. On Tuesday, my mother will probably guilt me into going on one of those cheesy, three-hour guided tours. But, fortunately, I’ll have my way, when I select the trendiest restaurant in Destin to dine for dinner.

This year, my fiancé will join us at our Destin beach rental / condo, but I haven’t told my parents that we’re engaged, let alone the fact that he’s joining us.

Never pay full price. Before you book your Destin vacation hotel stay, be sure to peruse the gazillion vacation coupons, deals and packages.

Avoid vacation “deals” with tours built in the package. These often tend to cost more money, and aggravation then they’re really worth. 

Go low budget. Most people booking a Destin vacation are not celebrating their honeymoon, meaning that aside from sleeping, very little time will be spent in the hotel room. So, why pay mega-bugs. Compare no frill hotel, and motels rates. (Remember to check reviews for cleanliness, customer service and convenience).  

Figure hotels offering free shuttle service or a complimentary breakfast is a $20 to $40 savings.

Avoid peak periods. During prime Destin vacation time, hotel rooms, rentals and other lodging accommodations are triple the rate of off season times. Not to mention, service is better and the restaurants are less crowded.

Say ‘no’ to group sightseeing tours. Don’t be scared to venture on your own, creating your very own ‘do-it yourself tour.” The money you would spend on a tour can be put to good use (dining at local eatery, buying a souvenir). 

In the end, the best way to ensure a fun and super affordable Destin vacation is to plan your daily itinerary ahead.

1. Does the resort have an special promotions? Many Destin Florida Vacation rentals offer family discounts during Spring break and off-season as well.
2. What is the per/person room rate? Depending on how many people are traveling with you, check the per person room rates and the limitation.
3.  Is smoking allowed or is there a designated area?
4.  Is the Destin, Florida Vacation pet friendly? What is the nightly or weekly fee?
5.  Does the resort charge a cleaning fee?
6.  Is the resort affiliated with any tour or recreational organizations?
7.  Where is the closest golf course? Does the resort offer any discounts?
8.  Is a security deposit required? Are there any additional service charges?
9.  If the Destin, Florida Vacation rental has a washer and dryer is it coin operated?
10.  Are any recreational activities included in the cost of the stay? Aside from the pool are any other complimentary options (I.e., biking, tennis, shuttle buses water sports).
11. Is there a charge for renting movies?   
12. Does the resort provide any complimentary meals (breakfast, a manager’s special, happy hour, ect.)
13.  How far is the beach?
14.  Does the Destin Florida Vacation rental include any other redeeming amenities (wi-fi, free movies)
15.  What are the cancellation policies?

Finally, don’t forget to add the cost of Florida taxes to the Destin Florida Vacation rental’s cost.

• For additional travel tips, review Florida Keys Vacations.

Considering the amenities and convenient locations, the rates of these Destin Florida vacation rentals are quite economical. Starting at $300 per week and depending on the season, all Destin Florida vacation rentals charge extra pet fees.

At Beach Retreat Condominiums, a two-acre private beach and an expansive walking path are enticing for the pet owner, traveling with their dog. Despite the vacation rental’s pet friendly environs, the décor is absolutely exquisite. Pet stipulations require that pets are free of fleas and current on vaccinations along with a $95 to $125 cleaning fee. Also, the resort requires a reservation / deposit fee of $300.

Certain rentals are in close proximity to the beach, the golf course and shopping areas.  At the Seascape Resort, the beach is right on the property. With pools, tennis courts and a golf course, the resort epitomizes convenience. Unlike other resorts that charge cancellation fees and have vaccination requirements, this Destin Florida vacation rental charges a flat $50 pet fee.

If you plan to travel with your pet, compare each Destin Florida vacation rental, evaluating the following criteria:

• Pet fees
• Vaccination requirements
• Flea control
• Cleaning fees
• Cancellation fees
• Convenience

Destin Florida vacation rentals with stringent flea and pest control standards are preferable in the sense that they reduce the chances of your pet acquiring any cooties.-

Click Florida Beach Resorts for additional vacation information.