Beach Retreats FMB Local Blogger

Planning the PERFECT Holiday Vacation

Are you planning a vacation during the busiest travel time of the year? Such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or major school break?  Anyone knows that it can be a very chaotic time to travel. Here are some tips to help get you through your next major vacation during the holiday seasons. 

1: Do your research.

Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Is there a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic? Break up a long drive by finding a few places to stop that will get the kids more excited than a truck rest stop. When flying, make sure you check the airline's restrictions ahead of time on carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.

2: Stay connected.

Stock up on the latest travel apps before you leave home. GateGuru gives you approximate times you'll spend in security. Heading out on the road? Find the cheapest gas and cleanest bathrooms on the road with GasBuddy and SitOrSquat.

3: Pack light.

Avoid checking bags altogether if you can. You won't have to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt, and you won't have to worry about your mom's Christmas present getting lost in Logan Airport. If you do check luggage, make sure you have all your medications, important documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage gets lost. Here's a family packing list for more tips.

4: Pack earplugs.

Short of doing yoga in the airport, the best way to mentally escape your stressful surroundings is to turn the volume down. And the easiest way to do that is with earplugs. Crying baby next seat over on the plane? Earplugs. Sister's music in the car driving you mad? Earplugs. And if you really want to check out for a bit? Bring an eye mask (as long as you aren't driving).

5: Don't get hangry.

When your tummy growls, your mind can't think straight, and you could unknowingly get in the wrong line, take the wrong turn, or worse, upset an innocent flight attendant. Pack snacks and drinks, so you and your family will be fueled up for a road trip. If you're flying, definitely get some grub before you board the plane, so you won't have to rely on airline food if you're sitting on the tarmac for hours.

6: Ship gifts or give gift cards.

TSA suggests to ship wrapped gifts or wait until you reach your destination to wrap them, as they might have to unwrap a present to inspect it. Ship gifts ahead of time or bring the gift that can't go wrong: gift cards to their favorite store or an Amazon card.

7: Travel on off-peak days.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year and can also cause you the biggest meltdown of the year. A better option is to leave early on a holida and avoid the record traffic the night before. Same goes with flying: If you fly on the actual holiday itself you’ll be avoiding the long lines and hoards of travelers.

8: Travel early or late in the day.

Flight statistics show that planes traveling earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. And if your flight is cancelled, you will have the option of taking a flight later in the day. Also, there will be fewer lines at security. Best time to hit the road? When every one else is asleep — early morning or late at night. You can always take a nap when you arrive at your destination or on the ride there (if you aren’t the driver, of course)

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FEATURED BEACH RETREATS

Carlos Pointe Beach Club

Unit #533

Beautiful Condo with Spectacular Views on Estero Island 4BR, 3BA, 2 Lanais. Newly renovated 4 bedroom condo with the best views on the Island. It overlooks the beautiful white sands of the Gulf of Mexico and is directly next to Lover's Key.  The water-view is breathtaking.   Enjoy amazing sunrises and fabulous sunsets on one of the two lanais where you can sip your morning beverages and enjoy your cocktails at night in the moonlight shining into the beautiful Gulf!   This is a newly updated 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo at Carlos Pointe Beach Club.  Located at the southern end of Estero Island where you can enjoy a relaxing vacation. The resort amenities include a gorgeous heated pool, large sun tanning area with ample lounge chairs or sit in the shaded picnic area with plenty of tables.  The common room overlooks the pool and one of the best white sandy beaches.  You can't beat the great views of the Gulf and Lovers Key State Park right adjacent to the Beach Club.  Don't forget about all the great water activities to enjoy including fishing, dolphin watching and all sorts of water sports.  There's some of the best shell collecting right next door at Lover's Key. This rents weekly as well as monthly! ​ Rates and Availability

Carlos Pointe Beach Club
Unit #521

Beautiful 2 bedroom corner condo unit with the best views on the Island. It overlooks the beautiful white sands of the Gulf of Mexico and is directly next to Lover's Key. The water-view is breathtaking. Enjoy amazing sunrises and fabulous sunsets on the lanais where you can sip your morning beverages and enjoy your cocktails at night in the moonlight shining into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico! Located at the southern end of Estero Island where you can enjoy a relaxing vacation. The resort amenities include a gorgeous heated pool, large sun tanning area with ample lounge chairs or sit in the shaded picnic area with plenty of tables. The common room overlooks the pool and one of the best white sandy beaches. You can't beat the great views of the Gulf and Lovers Key State Park right adjacent to the Beach Club. Don't forget about all the great water activities to enjoy including fishing, dolphin watching and all sorts of water sports. There's some of the best shell collecting right next door at Lover's Key. This rents weekly as well as monthly!  ​ Rates and Availability