Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and an escape from your stressful life. This is something that you put hours into planning, and you looked forward to for weeks. To avoid the risk of cancelation, there are a few preventative measures you can take.

Read Fine Print

Many companies, including those in the travel industry, take advantage of customers through the fine print section. They hope that customers will never read it. The fine print section often includes small fees and extra charges that you could have to pay in certain situations. It might even have a policy that could benefit you that is not openly advertised.  Essentially, the fine print gives you answers to all your questions about the legally binding document that you and the travel company signed. By signing after reading, you are more aware of the contract details and if you are getting a good deal or not. You should pay attention to whether you can get a refund if something goes wrong.

Buy Travel Insurance

Just like any other insurance, travel insurance protects you in the event of a cancellation. Travel insurance is especially helpful when flights get canceled or even delayed. It also ensures your belongings during travel like lost baggage. In the event of an injury, travel insurance can act as medical insurance. Most importantly, you need to get insurance from a reliable company, you can do this by checking for their license. All insurance brokers need to be licensed wherever they operate. As you would when buying any other insurance, you should compare various plans and providers before you commit.

Get the Right Documents

While there are many things that you can’t control when traveling, there are still things you can do to be prepared. You can do this by making sure you have the right travel documents and having copies of your reservations for your stay. That means that you should double-check you have your passport or I.D. and that they are both up to current airline travel standards. For example, the United States is starting to require a certain kind of I.D. to certify who you are and make travel safer for everyone.

If you are going on a long vacation or a weekend trip, you might experience some cancellations. By setting up plans beforehand, you can concentrate on relaxation during your trip. Do not let possible cancellations ruin your well-earned vacation.

Read this next: What You Should Know Before Renting a Luxury Vehicle

Renting a luxury vehicle can be exciting, but there are a lot of things that need to be considered before you can actually rent the car. You need to look at the costs, paperwork, insurance, gas, pickup and return, where to rent from, calling the rental service, and researching everything you need to know. All of these things will help you get the most out of your rental and travel with some peace of mind.

Costs

The extra costs of renting a luxury vehicle may sneak up on you. So, it’s important to read your paperwork and do a little research so you know exactly how much you’ll be spending on your rental. Costs to rent a luxury car can be significantly higher than renting a regular car. The cost of the rental is determined by the value of the car. Other variables that may affect the cost are the location of the rental, the mileage, the time of year, or any unique and additional features the car comes with.

The Paperwork

The paperwork you’ll need to fill out before renting a luxury vehicle may be extensive. This is for the protection of the rental service, so it’s a good idea to make sure you read it. You wouldn’t want to be surprised by any extra fees when you eventually return the car. The paperwork will cover everything. The age limit, international information, weather, additional drivers, mileage, fueling, lease time… Everything that needs to be covered will be in the paperwork, so read it. You won’t regret reading it. You also will need to be prepared with your license and a possible security deposit.

Adding Insurance

Insurance coverage for a luxury rental will always give you peace of mind. You don’t want to be driving a rental, an expensive one at that, and have a disaster strike. You want to be covered in case of any accidents. You might want to do a little research before you rent so you can figure out just how much insurance you should buy. Most likely you won’t end up in an accident but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You wouldn’t want to be returning the car, only to be sued for more than you rented the car for. Before you rent though, make sure you know how much insurance you want.

Getting Gas

Your rental company will go over this with you but getting gas might be a little different in a luxury car. Some European cars brands, like Volkswagen, require higher octane fuels. There are many different kinds of luxury cars you can choose from and many will require that you use premium gas instead of regular. Their higher performance needs a higher level of octane. This is something that your rental agency will tell you to do if you choose a car that needs it.

Pickup and Return

Another thing to take into account when choosing who you’re going to rent a luxury car from is the pickup and return of the car. There are many airports that have their rental car center located elsewhere. These may be slightly cheaper than other services, but you also need to consider the fact that you have to get to the center. So, you’ll be paying for a taxi or another transportation option to get yourself and your luggage to the center. Any option for rental will work but it just depends on your particular situation.

Look Outside the Airport

There are a lot of people who will be trying to rent a car when they get off the airplane. It’s a good idea for you to look outside of the airport and see if there’s another service that you can rent a car from. You can easily find transportation to the rental site, there are some that will even come pick you up from the airport. Renting from the site located on the airport can be more expensive due to facility charges or fees. The airport is still a great option, but it’s always a good idea to look at other options too. You may not find a great deal outside of the airport, it all depends on the city and when you’re traveling.

Call

When you’re ready to rent the car and want to reserve a date, it’s always a good idea to pick up the phone and call the rental service you’ve chosen. There are a lot of perks to reserving things online, however, it doesn’t always go as smoothly as we want it to. Especially if you’re trying to rent on a holiday or busy weekend. You want to make sure that your rental will be waiting for you and everything is guaranteed. Mistakes can happen, so it’ll never hurt to be extra prepared.

Research

You need to be well informed if you are renting a luxury car. You need to know the model you want and how it works. Once you’ve rented the car and are finally behind the wheel, it wouldn’t hurt to sit there and learn the features before you actually hit the road. If you don’t acquaint yourself with the car before you drive it, you could wind up in an accident. You need to know where all the controls are and if they work the same in a luxury car as a regular car. You don’t want to be caught off guard by anything and wind up getting hurt. By doing your research, you won’t look like a fool and you can get the most out of your rental.

The costs, paperwork, insurance, gas, pickup and return, where to rent from, calling the rental service, and research will tell you everything you need to know about the car you’re renting. All of these things put together will give you some confidence in your rental. If you’ve thoroughly done your research and you feel prepared, then you will have the time of your life in a beautiful luxury car.

Read this next: How to Plan Your Next Winter Vacation Escape

Flying is a necessary form of transportation for many people. It’s fast, efficient, and relatively quite safe. That doesn’t stop some people from feeling extremely anxious about flying though. Fortunately, if you have anxiety about flying, there are things you can do to help deal with it.

Use a Distraction

Distracting yourself from your anxiety can be a very helpful technique. The distraction that works best will depend on you and your preferences and interests. If you are an avid reader, an engaging book may serve as a useful distraction. Movies or music may work well too. If you have small projects you can work on during your flight, consider packing them in your carry on to pack in some extra productivity into your trip. You may also find practicing different visualization techniques helpful in managing your anxiety.

Talk to a Doctor

If you know you have a tendency to get anxious on flights, consider talking to your doctor before you leave. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a medication to help you deal with your anxiety if it is severe. Discuss what different options are available to you. Alternative medicine may be a viable option for you, depending on your preferences and your doctor’s approach to them. Reducing anxiety is among the many uses of CBD. Depending on where you live, you may be able to obtain some for medical purposes if your doctor is on board.

Retrain Your Brain

The mind is a powerful tool. The anxiety you experience can be crippling, but the ability to retrain your brain to think and react differently can be equally amazing and incredibly empowering. Visualization can be more than just a distraction. It can help you retrain your brain to be less anxious and more relaxed about flying. Practicing meditation can help you center yourself and become more aware of your body and thoughts. You may also find it helpful to practice reframing your thoughts or replacing them entirely with positive ones. Keep in mind that you may find that you need to practice these techniques regularly to see the benefits.

Flying while suffering from anxiety can be an excruciating experience. Take control over your experience and deal with your anxiety by using a distraction, prepare by talking to a doctor, and work on retraining your brain. This can help you reduce the anxiety you experience and lead to a more positive experience overall while flying.

While there can be many anxiety-inducing aspects of traveling, getting groceries doesn’t have to be one of them. Let us take care of groceries for you with our grocery delivery concierge services!

Planning a vacation involves so many moving parts. Planning a winter vacation can seem even more stressful. This article will outline a few specific things to keep in mind as you’re planning your winter get-away to ensure that it is a success.

Choosing Your Destination

Figuring out your destination is by far the most important part of planning your vacation escape. Do your research about a specific location so that you can be best informed when you decide on a specific place.

It’s important to even research things like the altitude and the humidity levels so you can compare it to your level of normal. If you don’t know what to expect, a warm tropical escape may actually end up being horrible for your asthma with its 100% humidity levels.

Whether you decide on a cozy magical winter cabin or a warm beachside vacation home, think carefully about what you want from your vacation. While someone else may find a winter escape to be exciting, it could end up being simply too cold for you.   

Find a Place to Stay

After you’ve selected your destination, think carefully about where you want to stay. You can consider hotels, vacation home rentals, or even camping. Each of these options comes with different pros and cons.

Hotels and vacation homes offer different specific amenities and experiences. With a hotel, you’ll most likely have access to a pool, jacuzzi, and a high-end workout facility. While you may not have these amenities with a vacation home, you will probably have more space, a full kitchen, and a BBQ.

Look for Cozy House Features

Only you know exactly what will make your vacation the relaxing experience that you want it to be. So, pay special attention to rental home features that may help build that experience.

One of these features that can be easily forgotten is the type of bed in the bedroom. If you want really relaxing sleep, consider searching for a bed that has a memory foam mattress. Other features to think about could simply be a cozy fireplace or comfortable shaded outdoor seating. Decks are also great for relaxing. A deck has many uses, and any home sporting a deck should be at the top of your list.

Plan Outdoor Activities

Being on vacation should involve being outdoors. Being outside in the snow, on a hike, or relaxing at the beach have incredible health benefits and will help you relax to the fullest.

If you’re not really the outdoorsy type, consider outdoor activities that don’t require as much physical exertion. You could plan some time to go explore a local farmer’s market or simply walk around the grounds of the hotel you are staying at. Maybe even try golf—you’ll be able to leisurely explore the grounds in the golf cart while trying your hand at one of the poshest of sports.

Book Your Flight Early

When you’re planning a winter get-away trip, it’s especially important to book your flight early. Traveling during the holidays tends to be much more expensive than traveling at different times of the year. Try to book your flight as early as possible so that you can get a better price. You should also consider planning your vacation to be at a time other than the actual holidays themselves. Choosing to go earlier in the month of December or later in January can help you avoid pricier tickets.

When you’re researching flights, be sure to always do your searches in a private browser. Otherwise, airline companies will be able to hike their prices on you.

Don’t Check a Bag

If you’re going to be on vacation for more than a couple of days, it can be tempting to check a bag. While checking a bag most likely means you’ll have more clothes to choose from while on vacation, it could mean a ruined vacation if it got lost.

If your flight is taking you to a relatively far away location, checking a bag becomes even more risky. Even though it may seem daunting at first, packing only a carry-on will force you to bring only the clothing that you most want.

Having fewer decisions to make when dressing can actually contribute to your overall relaxation. But, if in the end, you must check a bag, be sure to distribute clothes between both your carry-on and your checked bag. This will help you to survive if your checked luggage does get lost.

Plan for Jet Lag

Winter destination trips often mean traveling across multiple time zones. While this shouldn’t deter you from a particular location, plan in time to adjust to the jet lag. It can be easy to get so excited about various activities that you forget to allow yourself time to sleep. Planning in long mornings and afternoon naps will also help you relax more overall. You won’t be feeling stressed that you’re missing out on something.

Try New Things

While it’s important to plan in the time-tested activities that you love, a vacation is also the perfect time to try new things. Whether you try snorkeling or eat at a restaurant with food you’ve never had before, new experiences will help you have fun.

Trying new things will also help you best experience the culture and environment of the destination you travel to. Participating in cultural experiences, attending museums, and trying new food will help you appreciate moments out of the ordinary.

Winter vacations can be complicated with the influx of holiday travelers and complicated pricing. But planning a winter get-away doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow some of these key suggestions. You can book the perfect holiday for you and your family. Be sure to think about your family’s specific needs out of a vacation and then make decisions accordingly. If you do your research, your winter vacation will be just what you need to get refreshed.

If you’re planning on coming to Destin this winter, let us take care of your groceries for you! Start shopping here.

Florida is a beautiful place with beautiful water. Relaxing on the beach and enjoying the view sounds great, but the water can call you for something a little more adventurous. It makes sense that you’ll want to go out into it and experience the waves. There are plenty of water activities that you and your family, no matter what age you are. Here are a few ideas.

Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a fun activity that you can do with just a paddle board. You lay on the board and move your arms in a swimming motion to propel yourself around. It’s essentially what surfers do as they’re going out to catch a wave. For people who have good balance, there is a standing version of paddle boarding where you use an oar to row yourself. According to Bitter End Provisions, paddle boarding is not only fun, but also provides great health benefits, it’s a lot easier than surfing, and it’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a great activity for the adventurous person. It’s so popular that over eight million Americans participate in snorkeling each year. One great benefit for vacationers is that it doesn’t require a lot of gear. You just need a snorkel, a mask, and fins. With snorkeling, you stay close to the surface of the water, but you still get to enjoy all the interesting and beautiful marine life underwater. While you’re having fun, you’re also increasing your stamina, improving your breathing, and getting a good cardiovascular workout. According to SKFitLife, snorkeling is a great way to get in shape while vacationing.

Water Skiing

If you’re a person with good balance and coordination, then water skiing could be in your future. Water skiing is just what it sounds like – skiing on water. You hold on to a rope extended from the back of a boat and the boat pulls you across the water. It’s a very thrilling activity as long as it’s performed safely. Make sure you always wear a life jacket and you only water ski with an experienced boat operator.

No one goes to Florida on vacation without enjoying the water. You can take it a little further than simply walking along the beach. These activities above are great for staying fit while having fun with the family. Give them a try. You’ll be glad you did!

Looking for more vacation tips? Read more here: How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

Are you ready for a vacation? If you are planning a trip where you anticipate fun at the beach, a question may come to your mind: Should you bring an extra pair of shoes? Whether you consider this question or not, it is a decision that can make for a fully enjoyed vacation. Here are three reasons why you should consider bringing an extra pair of shoes to the beach.

Sandy Sorrows

It is no fun to arrive back at the hotel from a day at the beach with sandy shoes, especially if this is the only pair of shoes that you brought on the trip. Sand can easily get inside of shoes from even the smallest hole as an entryway. Sand gets everywhere, and once you get it in your shoes, it can be difficult to get out. No one wants to be tracking sandy shoes everywhere they go, especially to that fancy restaurant or a big family dinner.

Driving With Bare Feet

One of the most important reasons for bringing another pair of shoes to the beach is for safety while traveling. Some claim there are dangers associated with driving barefoot. Many accidents are caused by not wearing shoes because there is a significant risk of feet slipping on the gas and brake pedals. Crocs or flip flops are commonly worn at the beach, which is also dangerous to drive in because that type of footwear can slip and get caught under the pedal and cause a serious car accident, which is the last thing you want. Always wear the right shoes while driving.

Make Your Feet Happy

Have you ever been at the beach playing sand sports and soon discover that you are a good distance from your shoes and things off to the side, and before you know it, you find yourself in the rocks and pebbles with pain in your feet? Make your feet happy with great footwear that is made to be worn to the beach. It is recommended to travel to the beach wearing regular close-toed shoes and then changing into open-toed shoes. The benefits of these types of shoes is that they have cushioning for walking long distances and are waterproof.

When you go to the beach, in order to stay safe, it’s important to bring different pairs of shoes with you. Drive with your normal shoes and bring a pair that is open-toed that are great for walking on the sand. Making the effort to grab that extra pair of shoes goes a long way.

Here’s another article you might enjoy: How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

Going on a vacation should mean a time of relaxation where you can leave the worries of day-to-day life at home. However, overly spending while on vacation can turn a relaxing time into a headache of debt if you are not careful. If you want to enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank, here are some tips that can help you do it.

Book Directly

According to Emerald Coast By Owner, booking through third parties usually means you don’t get to communicate with your vacation rental owner. Having direct communication can actually help you get a better deal since you may be able to negotiate the price and you are not having to pay a third party servicing fee. Not only can you have more control over how much you spend on your stay, but you may also be able to negotiate amenities as well.

Eat Out Less

While vacationing, you may want to try different local cuisines. However, try to limit your eating out to maybe just one meal per day or even less. Eating out can be very expensive in general, and if you are dining at a resort the costs can increase significantly. Staying somewhere like a vacation rental rather than a traditional hotel can be great as it allows you access to a full kitchen. As Student Universe says, you’d be surprised how much money you can save simply by cooking the majority of your meals. In fact, if you decide you want to cook, we can bring your groceries to you! You can sit back and relax while we do all the work for you.

Plan Ahead

Booking your stay way in advance and having an itinerary are great ways to lower the cost of your vacation. With so much to do, it can be very easy to just book lots of outings last minute however these bookings can add up pretty quickly. You should do some research on your vacation spot ahead of time and see what all is available that you may want to partake in. Find out what the cost will be as well as the cost of transportation as well so that you can have a better idea of what you will be spending versus going about it haphazardly.

While being on vacation can make you feel like royalty, you don’t have to spend as the royals do. By booking ahead and directly, planning your itinerary and preparing your meals, you can save a significant amount of money. Rather than wasting money on things like eating out, you can spend that extra cash on experiences that will provide great memories.

If you want to save money by cooking your own meals, read more here about how you can use a meal plan to make the most of your money!

If you want to have an exciting winter experience, boating in Florida can fulfill all of your wishes. Take a break from your usual demanding life to unwind, relax, and enjoy some amazing adventures while cruising in Florida this winter season. Whether you want to fish, explore, or just relax, there is plenty to do on the sea in the winter. However, there are some issues you need to consider to make sure you enjoy a perfect winter experience. Here are some essential tips to help you reap the best experience from your winter trip to Florida.

Staying Warm

Proper layering can help you to keep warm. Natural fibers provide warmth, but you can try modern tech lightweight fabrics for a super warm experience. Your layers should begin with underwear that helps absorb sweat and wicks it away from the skin. Then add polyester fabric garments or a puffy jacket to help retain body warmth and resist the cold. The top layer should protect you from wind and splashing water and should consist of breathable, waterproof, and wind-resistant jackets. Your head also needs protection to retain heat if you experience a cold snap. Pick a ski mask or woolen hat for this purpose. It is also essential to cover your feet with woolen socks and boots for comfort, especially for an early morning boating excursion. Wrap your hands with insulated gloves even if it is unlikely to get below freezing outside. You’ll be dealing with splashing water, and it can get cold, especially when sailing after dark.

Safety Checks

While boating, it is important to observe safety measures to avoid a boating accident. Ensure your safety gear is in order and working. Check whether the air horn, tow lines, and flares are intact on your watercraft. Your boat should also have a fire extinguisher. On your safety supply list, add some extra clothes and blankets. Inexperienced boaters and those who have had too much to drink are two kinds of boaters who commonly make errors that result in accidents. To minimize boating accidents, make sure that you drink responsibly and get the help of more experienced folks if you are new to boating.

Charging Your Boat Battery

Many people overlook the idea of charging their boat batteries. Batteries are likely to drain faster in the cold season than in warmer weather. After proper preparations, don’t let a dead engine spoil the fun. Using a trickle charger, ensure you regularly charge your battery to avoid having to head home early.

There are many winter activities you can enjoy in Florida. But boating gives an exceptional winter experience during the cold season. You can spend your time cruising around, but make sure to dress appropriately and keep safety measures to avoid a boating accident.

Vacationing along the Emerald Coast? Order with us to get your groceries delivered to your rental before you’ve even gotten off of the plane!

Vacation can be a time to put away any worries in your life. However, vacation can also turn into a time where extra money is spent on food that can ruin any diet or budget plans you have. But, if you take some time to set up a meal plan before you go, you can enjoy your trip, save money, and stay relatively healthy.

Saving Money

Staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen can protect you against too many restaurant expenses. If you’re traveling by car, pack a cooler with some snacks and other essentials. Line the cooler with frozen water bottles and pack the middle with simple foods, such as fresh fruit, cheese sticks, or snack-size bags of nuts. According to Coolest, you should bring a more portable cooler rather than a full-size cooler if you’re running low on space. Essentials such as coffee should be included as well. Check to make sure the kitchen will be stocked at your rental destination and pack a good knife for prep work. Depending on the amount of driving you have to do, you can travel with basic ingredients or hit a grocery store once you arrive at your destination.

Stress Reduction

If you’re an early riser and need your coffee while your partner is planning to sleep as late as possible, someone is going to be unhappy if you don’t have coffee in your room. Pack coffee, and, if necessary, pack a coffee maker. Treat yourself to some good bagels and fruit. You can dine in style, your partner can sleep in, and you’ll both be happy when it’s time to step out for the day. The Chaos and the Clutter suggests that while you’re out you should find some locally sourced seafood or sweet corn, depending on where you’re vacationing, and fix a dinner you can both afford and enjoy.

Healthy Habits

Restaurants seldom serve small portions, and their food is often very high in sodium. To protect both your wallet and your waistline, try to maintain your health eating habits. According to Nutrithority, the number of meals you eat each day will typically be between three and six, but that number varies based on several factors. Overeating six times a day simply isn’t good for you.

Cut Back to Two Meals Out

If you’re driving in an unfamiliar city, it might be safer for you to be home before it’s fully dark. A simple way to do this is to cut back to two meals out. You can enjoy a hearty brunch at a restaurant, then eat your dinner at around 5 p.m. The restaurants won’t be too crowded, and you can enjoy your favorite dining out treats. Supplement with fruit in the morning and a snack at bedtime.

Travel is a joy, and it doesn’t have to bust your budget or your diet. All you need to do is abide by a few boundaries while on your trip to continue to meet your goals. Whether you’re traveling with kids or on your own, traveling with food and cooking on vacation can be a nice way to linger and enjoy one another’s company at a relaxed pace.

If lounging on powdery soft, white sand with gorgeous emerald green waves as a backdrop is your idea of heaven, you will love the Emerald Coast. The Emerald Coast is a nickname for the coastal area in Florida that is adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some ways to live in luxury by the beautiful seaside.

Luxury Homes

Luxury homes are one option for living in comfort and style on the Emerald Coast. These types of properties have much to offer. One perk of living in a luxury home is that the professionally decorated interiors that are simply breathtaking. You can have a custom-built swimming pool, spacious gourmet chef kitchen and/or outdoor kitchen. Watch the stunning sunset and rise every day from the comfort of your balcony.

Luxury Apartments

Another option for lavish living on the beachfront are luxury apartments. These high-end apartments offer spacious floor plans and tastefully designed interiors. One-, two- or three-bedroom plans are available. A plethora of amenities is offered as well. Take advantage of resort-style pools and Jacuzzis within the complex, or play billiards with friends in the game room at the clubhouse. Stay fit and work out daily in the state-of-the-art fitness center. In addition, you are close to world-famous fishing, shopping centers and amazing golf courses. There are so many perks to living in these high-end buildings. Luxury apartments might offer a variety of services atypical from their more commonplace counterparts.

Luxury Waterfront and Boating Properties

If you love life on the open waters, these lavish beachfront properties are perfect for you. There are many advantages to living in these types of homes. Each property comes with large rooms and high-end finishes. These homes provide peace and quiet because of the low density in population. You don’t have to worry about overcrowding, which is always a concern when it comes to waterfront properties. There is immediate access to the Gulf and private access to the beach. There is even a parking spot for your boat. Now you can take your friends and family out on a boat ride any time you feel like it. Also, you are mere minutes away from fine dining establishments, entertainment options and trendy shops.

We offer convenient grocery delivery service for owners and guests of hotels, condos, and vacation rentals from Destin to 30A. Try it today!