Vacation plans on hold while you follow the oil flow?
We had hoped to return to Orange Beach this summer after the kids had such a great time there last year. However, with all that oil seeping out into the Gulf of Mexico I had kind of decided we would just head to Hilton Head this year – a safer bet. Or so I thought.
But now with fears of oil reaching currents that would bring it around the Florida Keys and up the East coast all of our vacation plans are on hold.
I know vacation plans seem trite when we’ve got a whole ocean and all the little animals in it to be worried about, however I’m sure people are trying to figure out where it’s safe to book for the summer. (Pacific Ocean anyone?) No one wants to lose money they’ve put down on a condo or beach house, especially in this economy.
I did search the City of Orange Beach site and as of the date I was searching no oil had come ashore and they were handling this PR emergency very well. They are posting current photos of the beach and the ocean so people can see how it looks. They are also posting what appear to be almost daily briefings of the ocean’s conditions and what is currently happening on their shore. In one brief that I read, it said the forecast was clear at least for 72 hours. So I guess folks could plan a last-minute vacation and see how things shake out. (Probably less crowded and good rates.)
The AJC ran an earlier article with some tips for planning your vacation with so much uncertainty.
So what is your vacation strategy with this heartbreaking oil spill threatening the beautiful beaches near Georgia? Will you go ahead and book ahead or wait to see where exactly the oil goes and how the clean-up progresses? Are you afraid to book on Gulf coast or the East Coast? What about a trip to the Caribbean? How about heading further up the East coast to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina or Wilmington Beach in North Carolina? How will you determine your best bet for a beach vacation this summer? How long will you wait to book?
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158 comments Add your comment
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
1:16 pm
FCM…you bought a house…good for you!
Have you ever been to Atlantic City? I stayed at the Miss America ( used to be) Sheraton for a meeting. It was fun.
The folks were super nice but you can HAVE Atlantic City Beach. We are spoiled, here in Atlanta, as there are varied beaches to drive to in just a hours.
beachtrekker
May 18th, 2010
1:19 pm
We are a vacation rental company on the beautiful Beaches of South Walton. What we have done is to offer our clients a safe bet – book your vacation rental with no money down and do not pay a dime until up to 24 hours before your arrival at which point your full payment will be due. If our beaches are closed, you, the visitor, loses nothing. We are betting on clean and open beaches, but we want our guests to feel reassured when booking from now thru summer. Our policy can be found by visiting beautifulbeach.com.
Goin' Gulfin'
May 18th, 2010
1:21 pm
It’s a shame that oil spills do irreperable damage to the ecosystem. Here a suggestion for a vacation to a place without all that nasty oil:
http://www.princewilliamsound.com/
Goin' Gulfin'
May 18th, 2010
1:22 pm
That’s ‘does’ and ‘here’s’
HB
May 18th, 2010
1:40 pm
I love coastal vacations, but love other things too, so if I were living in Atlanta and wanted something within driving distance, I’d probably go ahead and plan a mountain trip this year rather than track the oil flow. If going further than a car trip, I’d go north since I’m not much of a beach person. I love water views, salt air, boat rides, etc, but don’t care much about lying around on big stretches of sand for days, so New England’s smaller beaches, cliff walks, rocky shores, and cool evenings appeal to me more than hot, sticky Florida in July/August. That said, I’ll be down on SSI at some point, oil or not, to see family — the beach is just a great benefit, not the reason for going.
Michelle
May 18th, 2010
1:41 pm
MJG…congrats to your daughter! You must be so proud! I think it’s kind of neat that she wanted you to be part of her last day of school too! **sniff, sniff**
Tiger, my husband would LOVE to move out your way…I’m a little leary about being so far away from family though. Perhaps moving to GA was a first step to moving farther away? Who knows! :o) He traveled all over the world in the military…I lived in IN all my life until moving to GA 6 years ago! LOL! I’m not very big on change!
I would LOVE to come out to Lake Tahoe though! I have heard it is breathtaking!
Tiffany
May 18th, 2010
2:02 pm
MJG-congratulations on your daughter’s graduation. That was very sweet what she said…Sometimes it is the little things that kids remember and hold dear. It sounds like you have raised a wonderful young lady. My son will graduate next year…it is hard for me to think about now and it’s a whole year away!
As far as the beach goes- we are planning on going to the east coast…I do love the gulf, but it is a little uncertain with the oil and all. Right now I’m shopping for a good deal somewhere…
PW
May 18th, 2010
2:18 pm
TO PTC DAWG – You cannot possibly be serious with your comment about voting for President Obama! The more than cozy relationship between the Bush’s and the oil companies has been going on for decades. The economy was already shattering during GWB’s term so that mean our current President inherited this mess. Listen, you can hide your heads in the sand all you want but the reality is that people spent money that they didn’t have and they bought homes and stuff that they couldn’t afford – Just like President George W. Bush did. None of our current economic situation is the result of any policies that President Obama has enacted. Wise up people.
JJ
May 18th, 2010
2:33 pm
Actually, PW, it was the Clinton administration who brought on the mortgage crises. It was during his term, that congress decided to tell the mortgage industry to lower their standards, and let just about anyone get a loan. You know, the american dream. These idiots (mostly democrats) allowed people to get mortgages they knew they could not afford.
Some of us are smarter than that, and lived within our means and didn’t go out and buy a $350,000 home, when all you could afford was $250,000. Can’t blame Bush for that one…..but good try.
AND Every president inherits a mess from the previous administration.
YUKI
May 18th, 2010
2:43 pm
Well said JJ!!!
Davisprop.com Sales Team
May 18th, 2010
2:48 pm
We are located in Seagrove Beach Florida on Scenic Hwy 30A (between WaterColor and Rosemary Beach). The beaches are clean, clear & just as gorgeous as ever. We’ve been posting current beach photo on our Facebook page so you can check there for our area of NW Florida. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seagrove-Beach-FL/Davis-Properties-of-Northwest-Florida-Inc/343268068727
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
2:54 pm
@Tiffany… thanks and hang on…this year ( for you and your son) will FLY by! I knew it would and it still caught me by surprise….
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
2:57 pm
The Beach????? HaHHHH!
Me, on June 19th, I’m headed to The Grand Tetons and some alpine climbing. It is my 5th adventure trip there to the GT/Yellowstone National Parks and beyond.
The Beach?????? You gotta be kidding. That is just boring. Go to a place and do something exciting, where you can actually be eaten by a bear, and I guarantee you will feel more alive than you have ever felt before.
The Beach???? Yeah right.
YUKI
May 18th, 2010
3:04 pm
good point Shaggy. After months of continuous working without a break, I would much rather take my toddler son somewhere that we could be eaten by a bear instead of a relaxing time at a beautiful beach. Nailed it!!!
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
3:07 pm
@ shaggy….I am doing something all year, from coast to coast and I want to do NOTHING at the beach but sit in a chair, read a book and take a nap. Different vacation styles for different folks.
That is actually a good thing or we would all be going to the same place and some of us need a vacation from each other…haha! We have met neighbors…while on vacation and that is a hoot!
Lisa
May 18th, 2010
3:16 pm
Why not see this as an opportunity to vacation in your own state — our lakes were hit hard by the drought during the past few years. They are now back to normal levels. Lakes Hartwell and Lanier have many vacation homes for rent on them. Keep some of that tourism money in Georgia and enjoy the natural resources this great state has to offer!
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
3:18 pm
@shaggy…I took a picture of a bear in my back yard last summer….and my kids elementary school was on lock down because of a mountain lion sighting within a mile of the playground (6 year olds put up less of a fight than deer)…..a beach sounds nice and relaxing to me.
It’s Obama’s fault…it’s Bush’s fault…it’s Clinton’s fault…….newsflash….if their job description is “politician”, regardless of party affiliation….guess what, they’re to blame. I may be cynical, but if you believe any of those guys would actually do anything to risk their re-election for the average American, then you’re just naive. I’ll take my cynicism…naive is for suckers.
Lisa
May 18th, 2010
3:22 pm
When you lived here in GA most of all your life, its time for a short break! Georgia is so dull and boring.
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:23 pm
Sorry, I meant to put my name in the post…sorry Lisa.
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:24 pm
Penscola, Florida bound in 3 days…..can’t wait!!!
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
3:25 pm
@Michelle…..I guess that’s where we differ…too cold and snowy here for my family to follow…luckily. I tell my family if it ever isn’t too cold for them here, just let me know where is and I’ll move there!
Becky
May 18th, 2010
3:34 pm
Uhhh Lisa..(last Lisa)..I have lived in GA. all of my life and I can still find lots of interesting things to do for vacation here..Maybe I’m just easily amused..
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:40 pm
Becky, different things for different people. I just enjoy getting away from here, and not following the same routine.
PCB bound...
May 18th, 2010
3:41 pm
Hey yup I said it…we are heading to PCB on Sunday already paid in full. I found a great condo for 5 nights at a great deal within walking distance of Pier Park. Try VRBO (vaction rentals by owner).
Dar
May 18th, 2010
3:41 pm
@Shaggy Glad to hear that you are planning a nice trip for yourself. See how that works? I can be happy for you because you are doing something you want to do. I don’t have to attack you because you are doing something that I don’t particularly want to do myself. I don’t say negative things about your choice of vacation. Why even waste the time to come here and do that? Unclench.
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:41 pm
PCB bound enjoy your vacation!!! :)
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
3:43 pm
YUKI:
I take my young son. he climbs like it’s nobody’s business, better than dad. I taught him about bears, but yes, the being mauled/eaten possibility is there. We are both happy about that possibility, because that helps keep the boring beach type people away and attracts the adventurous explorers. Life is fleeting and should be lived head on, with no regrets. The beach can be exciting too, just not the way 99.9% experience it, by parking themselves there to roast or stick their kneecap in the water, so they can say they swam in the ocean. Then there are the mega-feeding frenzies of fried seafood, followed by sleep in the “turned up all the way” air conditioned, souless hotel room.
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:46 pm
Shaggy,
Why are people who like beach so boring, as you call it? I get tired of this cold weather, and when it’s warm I enjoy going to the beach. And, I am not even staying in a hotel this weekend….were camping which I am excited because it’s my first time camping!
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
3:46 pm
@ Lisa,or GTFan ( was that you who posted on Lisa’s name) if you think Georgia is boring…try watching the wheat and corn grow in Kansas. While I typically vacation out of state, there is lots to do here!
@ tiger…you may want to try Texas, if my memory serves me right, Shaggy will not be there!
JJ
May 18th, 2010
3:48 pm
TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!
Actually, if you watch Georgia Traveler on Friday nights on PBS, you will find many hidden “treasures” right here in Georgia. I’ve lived here 32+ years, and I still haven’t seen everything this state has to offer.
They just recently did a show “Historical Inns in Georgia”, and I got some great ideas to go stay at some Bed & Breakfasts’….I want to start taking my mom on short little trips around Georgia and stay at the B&B’s.
FCM
May 18th, 2010
3:49 pm
MJG–technically I close next week, but yeah, I am going to be a first time homeowner. Talk about coming a LONG way baby! I am going to keep my moniker but it will no longer be accurate (FCM = Fulton County Mom) as we will no longer be in Fulton!
It has been a bittersweet week saying goodbye to a school we have attended, and been attached too, for the last 5 years. We will see some of the folks, and I am hoping we can get there for Fall Festival etc.
On the other hand we have great many things to look forward too in our new area. The schools are (were? until the recent cuts) awesome in the area. The Daycare/Camp is a better fit in that it goes beyond age 12. It is closer to family. I have a vehicle so we can see the folks we are friends with now.
It is fun and exciting and sad and so many things. There is actually a pool about .25 – .5 mile up from our new house so I am looking into membership there. I would rather it in my backyard but HEY! we can work it out.
Now I just want the economy to come back. Not by Obama, or any other politicians. Good ol’everyday middle Americans are who have historically kept the people going, I am hoping that is going to work now.
Anyway, I did my part of spending for the economy. ;)
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:51 pm
It was me, I was responding to her comment and put her name in the wrong spot. Sorry about that! Like I stated above different people enjoy different things!
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
3:52 pm
@ shaggy…I consider myself adventurous. In that, in June, I will have visited all 50 states.
Yet, I love to sit out and relax on the beach or float out on the water and YES take a hot shower and sleep in an air conditioned room with electricity. I have spent too many days camping and it is not for me.
I do not like fried seafood…I like broiled.
To each his/her own.
Sometimes, I feel adventurous when I am navigating my way on the subway ( with my daughter) in Boston or DC.
There are different types of adventure.
GTFan
May 18th, 2010
3:53 pm
@ motherjanegoose….50 states? Wow, that’s awesome!!!
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
3:53 pm
Tiger: I hear mountain lions will stalk women, children, and older people, because they sense weakness. Now, that is scary…being weak, I mean.
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
3:57 pm
MJG:
Do you also wear a cape with an “S” on it? From your writings here, you would think so.
You write like a person, who in conversation, ALWAYS has done something better, more, or richer than ANYONE else?
Most people hate that kind of person.
Dar
May 18th, 2010
3:59 pm
Now I KNOW that Shaggy likes to live dangerously….attacking MJG like that. LOL
shaggy
May 18th, 2010
4:00 pm
MJG again:
I have visited 51 states. I used my time machine and visited an alternative future, where Atlantis is a state. Top that! NaYahhhh! Pththththth!
Michelle
May 18th, 2010
4:10 pm
Well I can tell you, I have met MJG in person and she did not try to one-up me in any of our conversation and it was quite lengthy! I do like the idea of the alternate universe…maybe in the future! :o)
I think it’s amazing to have had a job that allows the possibility of visiting all 50 states! I’m not that adventurous though (and I’m pretty sure my little guy would NOT appreciate the travel time)!
Tiger-I don’t have the proximity problem! Even when I lived an hour from my parents/siblings I rarely got visits! Moving away just GIVES them a reason to visit! :o)
Shaggy-lighten up! Everyone has their own “idea” of what constitutes vacation. Not everyone is a thrill seeker! There’s nothing wrong with them! Me, personally, I enjoy just relaxing in the peace and quite! It doesn’t matter if it is in a cabin, at the beach, or on the deck.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
4:21 pm
@shaggy….I’d submit to you that a mountain lion could take out any person…old, young, weak, or strong…there’s actually documented cases out here and in CA of them attacking anyone regardless of size or gender, just really depends on how hungry they are or if you come across a mom and her cubs.
I guess I just figured that since you’ve been to the wild frontier of the Rockies FIVE whole times, that you’d know that. As for me, I’m on the lookout every morning during my 5:30 runs with the dog for one of those guys looking for a meal. But hey, when you live in “a place where you can actually be eaten by a bear” like I do, I guess you’ll “feel as alive” as I do every day.
I agree with Dar, no need to make slam on others just to make yourself feel better.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
4:30 pm
Shaggy 3:57 posting…..”You write like a person, who in conversation, ALWAYS has done something better, more, or richer than ANYONE else?Most people hate that kind of person.’
The punchline, one may ask???
Shaggy 2:57 posting….. “The Beach????? HaHHHH! Me, on June 19th, I’m headed to The Grand Tetons and some alpine climbing. It is my 5th adventure trip there to the GT/Yellowstone National Parks and beyond.The Beach?????? You gotta be kidding. That is just boring.”
my bologna has a first name………spelled H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E
YUKI
May 18th, 2010
4:31 pm
Shaggy, whatever floats your boat. Or not your boat since you think the beach is boring. But I can pretty much guarantee you that my TWO year old son will have a much better time playing in the sand and water (or pool depending on the situation when we arrive) and riding on he back of our bikes around town than he would attempting to climb and trying to stay away from man eating animals. That’s all I’m saying. If you find the beach boring and beneath you like you implied, than we are more than happy not to have you there. We will roast and eat our fried seafood platters on our own thank you very much!!!!
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
4:42 pm
@MJG……you can have Texas thanks….aside from some of that immediate family I’m trying staying away from, just never really took to TX. Austin isn’t bad, but it’s still hotter than two rats having sex in a sock there in the summer….I’ll stick with Boulder. Just in case it isn’t painfully apparent, I think the west is best and Colorado is the best state among them all. I might be biased though.
Dar
May 18th, 2010
4:58 pm
“it’s still hotter than two rats having sex in a sock there in the summer”
I love you, Tiger, I really, really do. Bunches and tons. HUGS.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
May 18th, 2010
5:20 pm
Ditto Dar! If you happen to find yourself using that saying in the future, I recommend replacing “having sex” with with the verb version of the f-bomb…..adds greatly to the impact of the statement!
motherjanegoose
May 18th, 2010
5:33 pm
@ tiger…too funny! Yes, Texas is HOT. Try Beaumont in August, where the temperature is over 100 and perhaps the humidity too. I was to speak at Lamar University. We got there at 7;30 a.m. The grounds crew did not show up to unlock the doors. I thought I was going to melt. My client made me sit in her running car with the air on, as she thought I would have heat stroke before the meeting.
When we moved here from Texas, it was 103 degrees. I laugh at folks who say HOTLANTA. No comparison ( to me).
I do love the folks in Texas…they have big hearts and have always been kind to me.
Thanks Michelle….I enjoyed lunch with you too…we’ll do it again!
Shaggy….I will NEVER be able to one up anyone on the better, more or richer story..that is not my intent. I have just seen a lot of things and met a lot of folks too, so my perspective is different. Still learning lessons every day, in my adventures around the USA….LOL.
beach lover
May 18th, 2010
6:00 pm
came down on Sat May 15th to vacation at Madeira Beach. Everything was fine until this early am on Tues May 18th. There was a very strong odour, like that of burning crayons coming off the ocean. I could not sit on the balcony or walk along the beach because it was so strong. .Fortunately the air quality was better towards late afternoon.
fk
May 18th, 2010
7:23 pm
mjg: congrats to you and your daughter. i took pics of my son on the first day of school each year, and the last day. i took a picture of him the day he left for college, but i think that was the last. he’s not as accomodating anymore, when it comes to pictures :(
JATL
May 18th, 2010
11:15 pm
@Shaggy -you can be eaten by a shark in the ocean, and some of us find it quite enjoyable to swim, surf and boogie board in it, but we’re not telling everyone the only reason we’re going to the beach is because we might be eaten by a shark. I find it that I feel quite alive when I’m not contemplating being consumed or the possibility that I may have to kill a bear, which I would hate to do (but if it’s the bear or me, well that’s why I only hike in certain places with fire power…) You know some of us like it all! I simply MUST go to the beach every year -I love to sit in a beach chair with a great book and a cooler full of beer, but I also greatly enjoy the Rocky mountains, hiking in Yellowstone and (Tiger) -I LOVE Tahoe! Unfortunately I’ve only experienced Tahoe in the winter -not that it’s bad then -quite a beautiful place to snow shoe and cross country -but I would love to make it in the summer sometime.
Anyway -Shaggy -just because you want us all to know that you’re some kind of super-cool outdoorsy granola munching thrill junkie doesn’t mean you need to act like hitting the beach is the worst thing on the planet. Like I said, well-rounded people enjoy many types of things.
DB
May 18th, 2010
11:32 pm
@Shaggy: Now, just hush and quit raggin’ on MJG. She and I enjoyed a fun lunch on Monday and not once did she try to one-up me! Enjoy the Tetons (nice catch, btw, Tiger!)
Honestly, I think the beach is one of the most boring places in the world to visit. Sitting on the sand all day long getting hot, sticky and sandy or cooling off in water that leaves a salty crust on you when it dries is NOT my idea of a good time. I don’t tan well, and there’s not enough sunscreen in the world to keep me from turning red. The beach is way too much work to be a vacation! I don’t mind visiting it for a day, and I love an ocean view — but tell me that I have to spend a week there, and I would go stark raving mad.