Beach vacations can be expensive…
So how can you plan the perfect beach vacation for your family – without breaking the bank?
When you’re looking for ideas to make your next vacation your best vacation yet where do you begin?
We have some ideas that should make planning your next trip a little less stressful…
…and much more enjoyable.
There’s just something so perfect about the beach don’t you think?
I can’t think of many places I’d rather be than sharing a towel with my kids, snuggled together on a beach chair looking out over a Gulf of Mexico sunset, and reflecting on our fun day together while the sun reflects off the waves.
Taking a beach vacation is something many of us probably dream of from time to time because it’s just such a great family vacation idea.
Imagine…
Wouldn’t it be amazing to know that in 2 months 6 days 4 hours and 23 minutes (but who’s counting) you and your family would be packing the car and leaving normal in the rear view for a week on the beach? It would be such a relief to know that quality time away with the family (without alarm clocks and soccer practice) is right around the corner.
Vacationing on the coast is a fantastic way to unplug, unwind from the pressures of life, and let go of the stress of our daily routines.
But pick the wrong destination and you’ll never forget it – for all the wrong reasons.
There are definitely a few things to consider to make your beach vacation perfect – and affordable.
Pick a great destination that’s easy to get to
Across our great country, there are literally hundreds of places that you could choose for your beach vacation. So how in the great blue ‘yonder do you decide where to go?
I mean, some are close. Some far away.
You could choose from the beaches of Hawaii, or California, or the Carolina’s…
But one thing’s for sure – If you have young kids and/or grandparents traveling with you, you want to make sure you’re going to a location that is a quick plane ride, or road-trip, away.
I mean, let’s be real – iPads, cheesy goldfish and those “hey look” distractions only buy you so much peace and quiet.
So what do you want in a beach vacation?
For a tropical climate, romantic views, white sand beaches and quaint coastal towns (without crossing an ocean) you just can’t beat Northwest Florida.
If that sounds like your kind of amazing, I think you will find Okaloosa Island to be the perfect sun-drenched sanctuary for your family’s retreat from the mundane of the day-to-day.
Located in the panhandle of Florida, nestled between Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Okaloosa Island is among the most romantic and beautiful beaches in the world. Well known for honeymoons and honeysuckles, the area also offers you miles of breathtaking beaches, sparkling emerald green waters, and an array of activities to do on and off the beach as well.
That is, when you’re not laying on the sugar white sand and letting it squeak between your toes as you dig in for a cool spot.
[image_frame style=”border” align=”right” alt=”toes in the white sands of okaloosa island beach” height=”200″ width=”200″]https://nautiluscondominium.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/toes-in-the-white-sands-of-okaloosa-island-beaches.jpg[/image_frame]Okaloosa Island has been a popular spot for those who are “in the know” for many years – offering couples and families the chance to get away from it all and just spend some well deserved, and much needed, time together.
For families that frequent The Island, there aren’t many other places you can go that top the beauty and serenity of this hidden coastal gem. After all, the Gulf Coast of Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the state without a theme park.
And while we may not have a famous mouse up here, we do have world famous beaches; and with almost unlimited outdoor activities to suit any member of the family, and some of the best dining you’ll ever try (mixed with a sprinkle of southern charm and hospitality), you’ll quickly see why our population nearly triples in the summer months.
Stay where you can play
When you’re looking for vacation ideas and trying to choose the perfect beach destination, you need to choose a spot that will cater to who you are taking with you. Couples wouldn’t want to go to a family resort destination, while families wouldn’t want to go to a couples resort that offers an atmosphere of romance – could get awkward.
The Island has no shortage of amazing hotels, beach houses, condos and resorts. The Nautilus is one of most affordable luxury condominiums available on the Island, and the best vacation values on the Emerald Coast.
[image_frame style=”framed” align=”center” alt=”nautilus condominium beach walk” height=”250″ width=”600″]https://nautiluscondominium.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/nautilus-condo-okaloosa-island-beach-view-vacation.jpg[/image_frame]Be close to dining and shopping
Nautilus has developed a loyal family-based clientele that continues to grow every year. Centrally located just five minutes from shopping, award winning dining and all of the fun of both Destin and Fort Walton Beach but in a quiet, serene island setting that can’t be beat. We have a heated pool, a great market next door with convenience items, and we’re located on the trolley stop with service all over the island, Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
A true Florida beach vacation destination!
Have options for fun off the beach
Beach vacations on Okaloosa Island are truly inspiring, but having a list of other attractions nearby to visit, restaurants to try, and things to do will allow you to just let loose and enjoy the ride (that is…if you need a break from the sand and surf).
Entertaining the whole family isn’t always easy if you don’t have options. There is no shortage of distractions and fun within minutes of Nautilus’ front door. From water slides and lazy rivers at Big Kahunas, mini-golf at Goofy Golf, go-carts and bumper boats at The Track, to shopping, movies and dining at Destin Commons and Silver Sands Outlets, you’ll run out of time before you run out of fun.
Just a quick car ride gets you to neighboring towns with their own unique personalities, rich histories, vibrant surroundings and good-time offerings. There’s always something going on the Emerald Coast from food and wine festivals, live music, outdoor movie nights, pirate festivals and much more.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun either. There are plenty of things to do that don’t cost anything!
Plan for your beach vacation budget
Here’s where you can really let go of the stress of vacation planning…
So before you decide to whisk away on your beach vacation to the Island, I recommend you plan a bit first.
By planning your vacation expenses, you’ll be more than ready to take off to your destination and actually relax. Knowing it’s already paid for.
You’ll enjoy yourself much more, and it will also help to remove a lot of the stress that can be involved with preparing for a vacation. The last thing you want to do is leave for your long awaited trip unprepared and wing it.
If you’d like help planning the budget for your trip to the beach, Nautilus has a plan that can ease the financial impact. We offer vacation layaway plans to help you plan ahead!
Contact our office today to set up your vacation layaway. You’ll breathe easier knowing that you have chosen the easiest, least expensive way to make your Florida beach vacation dreams a reality.
We would love to welcome you and your family to stay with us at The Nautilus, and allow us to be your vacation host. You can rest assured that we will always have your family’s needs as our priority.
Call today at (800) 328-8039 to book your vacation!