Posted on 11/5/2021
What would you give up for a vacation? Vacations are an essential part of maintaining our mental health and sanity, so it's no surprise that many of us are willing to give up quite a lot for a beach holiday, mountain escape, or even a weekend getaway.
According to a recent Expedia group survey, travelers agreed on a few different things they would give up for a month to go on a vacation. These included watching sports, online shopping, social media, TV shows, favorite food/alcohol, and music. These were the results of the survey, and the percentage of travelers who said they would give up each for a vacation:
- 41% Watching Sports
- 39% Online Shopping
- 37% Social Media
- 32% Watching TV Shows
- 27% Favorite Food/Alcohol
- 25% Listening to Music
While we understand the need for a good vacation, we don't want you to have to give up any of these when you visit Destin, 30A, & Panama City Beach. Instead, we want you to have your cake and eat it, too! As in, have your vacation, and enjoy everything else, too!
Here's why you don't have to give up any of these when you come to Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast:
Watching Sports
Watching sports, especially football, is huge when it comes to Southern culture. So, of course, you won't have to miss a game when you visit a Southern destination like Destin. Locals and visitors alike love watching the football game with their fellow fans (and rivals!) at popular restaurants and bars in the area. The top five favorite spots to watch the game in Destin include AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar next to HarborWalk Village, Tailfins Seafood House, Harry T's Lighthouse, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, and O'Quigley's Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar. If crowds aren't your thing, all of our Ocean Reef vacation homes have TVs in the living areas and in each bedroom. Some even boast big poolside TVs with an outdoor kitchen, grill, and bar. Whip up some homemade, gameday appetizers for a great time with your family and friends!
Online Shopping
Instead of giving up online shopping for your vacation, how about you do some online shopping to prep for your trip? Amazon has great beach buys that will enhance your paradise vacay. Some of these accessories include starfish sand coasters, a massive beach blanket, a waterproof dry bag, beach umbrella hanging hook, and quick-dry aqua shoes. If in a pinch, you can always have these items shipped to one of our Ocean Reef offices.
Social Media
Though you won't want to spend your whole tropical getaway using social media, you don't have to give it up completely. Especially because Ocean Reef puts out some great Facebook content (and all other channels) that can actually benefit your Emerald Coast stay! We post about available beach rentals and amazing beach homes that are for sale. We share fun "Meet Our Guests" posts, so you can see other great guests that have chosen to stay with us. We create articles tailored to help our visitors plan their vacations, including recent ones like: Destin & 30A Dive Bars, 10 Destin Condos Perfect for Fall, and Destin & 30A Charcuterie Delivery. In addition to all of this, we poll our fans for even more insight—like asking you to tell us your favorite Destin restaurants—to ensure our content is just right for you!
Watching TV Shows
Did we mention all of the rooms in our beach rentals have TVs? Yep! Catching up on your favorite TV shows is a relaxing way to end a fun-filled beach day. With TVs in the living room and in every bedroom, you can watch with your family and friends, or take a quick people break before getting back to the vacation activities. Need a movie to get you into beach mode before or during your trip? We've got you with these seven funny beach movies that will have you ready to hit the sandy shores in no time!
Favorite Food/Alcohol
Okay, vacations are meant for enjoying your favorite foods and booze! So, no need to give these up when you visit us on the coast. From Destin to 30A, you will find a huge variety of restaurants and bars with great food and drink options. Looking for amazing seafood? Check out our staff picks for seafood restaurants in Destin, which include hotspots like Kenny D's Beach Bar & Grill, Boshamps Seafood & Oyster Bar, and Harbor Docks. Need tips on where to get refreshing beach libation? There are 21 must-visit bars in Miramar Beach alone, including Rum Runners, The Wine Bar, Bijoux, and many more.
Listening to Music
Music and the beach go hand-in-hand. Many restaurants in Destin along the Emerald Coast offer live music in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Who knows, you might discover your new favorite band this way! In case you needed more convincing, country music stars love 30A, too. Not only are they attracted to the beautiful beach setting, but the relaxed way of living that offers ample inspiration for creating music. Many of these stars also visit restaurants and bars with live music to relax, just like the rest of us!
See? You don't have to give up anything for a vacation on the Gulf Coast! Take advantage of glorious beach living while watching sports, online shopping, perusing social media, watching TV, eating and drinking your favorite food and drinks, and listening to music. And enjoy it all at one of our comfortable Destin, 30A, or PCB vacation rentals!
