For those, who booked a trip months ago, insiders familiar with the situation assert that the reported gulf oil spill deposits do not spoil Destin beaches. In an effort to maintain the Florida vacation rentals reputation as the go to source for sunny white beaches, travelers should try to research Florida vacation rentals and Destin homes. 

A look around on the Internet illustrates that hoteliers are eager to lure visitors with amenities, discounts. Florida vacation rentals of all lodging styles boast accommodations for most budgets.

We found the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Comprised of town home, villas, and condominiums, spanning 30 neighborhoods, the resort situated on the gulf front has 19 swimming pools, a pedestrian shopping village of shopping, eateries and other exciting.

The perks: Complimentary kayaking and canoe rentals along with free tennis court time. Bicycle rentals resolve local transportation needs.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West 
Destin, Florida 32550
Toll Free: 866-285-6149

Prior to booking stay, find out of the hotel offers any 3 night incentives or discounts.

Among Florida vacation rentals in and near Destin, peak rates vary by one to five weeks with October marking the autumn night’s stay.

For the budget conscious traveler, who does not need to stay on the Gulf, Country Suites Inn affords economical stay, ranging $149 to $169.

The perks: A continental breakfast plus, heating Jacuzzi, swimming pool and free Internet.

As Florida vacation rentals range in cost, be sure to check with the Destin Tourism Bureau.

Visit Destin Chamber of Commerce to check for any last minute Florida vacation rentals discount announcements.

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.

What’s all the hoopla regarding the Destin, Vacation?

There’s no doubt about the breathtaking natural views of the destin vacation. With beaches made of powdery white looking sand and a backdrop of pure teal waves, the natural beauty and climate are popular attractions for the Destin vacation.

With an abundance of boat charter options, deep sea fishing and other water activities, the Destin vacation appeases fishermen and  the person, looking for a little adrenaline rush.

America’s most expansive designer outlet is another draw for shopaholics, who prefer to sync shopping with the Destin vacation.  

To shopaholics, a vacation without shopping is tantamount to a fisherman’s deep sea excursion sans a catch.

And as if fishing, shopping and basking in the sun are not adequate enough, the Destin vacation promises an exciting nightlife scene. The city is comprised of an abundance of restaurants, fish bars, dance clubs and other local places of interest.

Aside from the attractions, Destin vacation rentals are priced at various price points to accomomdate any Destin vacation budget.

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.

Some Destin beach rentals are reminiscent of a personal paradise. Unlike a motel with the convenient kitchenette, public pool, extra bedroom, and the one to two block trek to the ocean, the proceeding Destin beach rental  is reservation worthy.

For those looking for the getaway with amenities, far exceeding most standard homes, how does a home with a private, heated pool, a view of the Gulf of Mexico and six-bedrooms and four full baths sound in the way of comfort?

For those with a family of six or three couples, the aforementioned features describe the features of the Clear View Vacation Rentals. In fact, previous guests have dubbed it as “our home away from home.”

This Destin vacation rental, aptly named Ocean Cabana meets the most persnickety of traveler’s prerequisites. (There are even three separate balconies on each floor).

And when one considers that this Destin beach rental is only one among two other homes, and only 190 steps from the beach, what more could one ask for in the way of exclusive vacationing. As for a place to park the jet-ski or boat, don’t worry. A paved driveway affords ample space.

With a full washer and dryer, there’s no need to pack a heavy suitcase. The Destin beach rental also includes free Wi-Fi high speed Internet.

On those nights when everyone prefers to stay in and prepare steaks and burger, this Destin Beach rental is stocked with a kitchen full of appliances, and even comes with a gas grill. 

From its close proximity to the beach, abundant rooms, private pools, Destin Florida Vacations Rentals considers this Destin Beach rental is a definitive vacation option.

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.