Gulf Shores vacation tips

Jun 08 2020

How to Save Money and Book Direct in Gulf Shores

Are you considering vacationing to the scenic Alabama Gulf Coast? That’s fantastic news! You’ll need somewhere to rest your head and make your home away from home. If you’re like most, your vacation rental planning begins by hopping onto Google, and your search results are instantly filled with advertisements from Airbnb, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and many others. For those who aren’t seasoned travelers, it may seem simple to jump on one of those sites and begin to browse their inventory of Gulf Shores vacation homes. Why do that when you can book direct with Harris Vacation Rentals? If you didn’t know, there are a plethora of reasons why you should book direct in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacation Rentals. We’re here to tell you what they are!

Reap the Benefits and Book Direct in Gulf Shores With Harris Vacation Rentals

1. Save Money

If you book through a third-party booking site, you’ll fall victim to hidden fees and increased rates. These websites will increase the price of vacation rentals and pocket the difference for a profit. Don’t give your hard-earned money away to online travel agencies that charge additional hidden service fees. Instead, book directly on our website for the best rate on your family beach vacation. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are working with the most caring, responsive guest service in the industry. When you book with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll always receive the lowest price on your Gulf Shores vacation— guaranteed!

2. Experience the Best Customer Service

When you book your vacation rental through third-party sites like Travelocity or VRBO, you’re taking a risk by trusting a representative who is unfamiliar with the property or the location of vacation rentals. On the other hand, when you book direct with Harris Vacation Rentals, you’re communicating directly with our staff, which is dedicated to ensuring your family vacation is a complete success. We have personally been on the property, are knowledgeable about the local area, and can help answer any questions you may have before or during your stay. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a direct line of communication, and you can expect the utmost care during your family vacation.

3. Have Access to Special Offers and Add-Ons

Harris Vacation Rentals offers an array of spectacular specials and discounts throughout the year. When you book direct in Gulf Shores with Harris Vacation Rentals and sign up for our monthly newsletter, you’ll always be the first to know about exclusive offers and sales on all of our beach houses.

4. Keep Your Cash to Enjoy More Activities and Attractions

Our VIP Concierge can help you have the experience you want! We make it easy to enjoy the activities you’re most looking forward to. If you want it, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re up to the challenge: we want you to make lifetime memories during your visit. Simply select any services you may need, share any special events that need celebrating, and we will begin working with our local partners to ensure your stay is one that your family holds in their memories forever.

Let our team do the searching for you, so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Book Direct in Gulf Shores Through Harris Vacation Rentals Now

Are you ready for your next unforgettable family beach vacation? Harris Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of vacation rentals throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Whether you’re searching for a home with a private pool, a pet-friendly rental, or a luxury property for a holiday trip, we can help you find the perfect property that caters to your specific needs. Contact us today and book direct for the best rate. We can’t wait to assist you!

Apr 02 2020

How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

So that’s it, it’s the night before your big beach trip, and you still haven’t packed! The clock is ticking, and you don’t know where to start. Well, lucky for you, we know everything you’ll need to pack the perfect beach bag for everyone in your group. So no need to worry, because if you follow this guide, you’ll know exactly what to bring to the beach for a day spent soaking up the hot sun!

To Spend an Ideal Day Lounging on the Shoreline You’ll Need to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

Bring All the Beach Essentials

First, you’ll need to find the perfect bag. Make sure that your bag is spacious and has plenty of compartments for your smaller items. This way your bag will stay organized, and you’ll have easy access to all your things. We also recommend using a tote bag that is water-resistant, so that none of your stuff gets wet. Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to tackle your beach day packing list!

Beach Packing List:

Beach towels
Flips flops
A bit of cash
Sunscreen
Hair scrunchies
Sunglasses

Of course, that’s not all! For some added fun, be sure to throw in a good book, a frisbee, and speakers to play some tunes.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a large group, encourage everyone to load any toys, chairs, umbrellas, and any larger items onto a beach cart.

Ask the Kids to Help You Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

If the kids are joining you, ask them for some help! By doing this, the kids will have everything they want, and you’ll be less likely to forget anything. First, help them make a beach bag checklist, then encourage them to gather their items and mark each one off the list. Once you have everything, you’re ready to pack beach bags for the kiddos. As a reward for helping in the packing process, have the kids change into their bathing suits before heading out for your beach adventure!

While you pack, double-check the packing list to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need to include plenty of sun protection! Although the hot sun is perfect for bathing, you need to be careful when staying in its rays for extended periods. Make sure you have lots of sunscreen, hats for everyone to wear, and perhaps a beach umbrella to provide some shade.

Don’t Forget to Pack a Few Things for Fido

A day at the beach is even more perfect when Fido can join you! Some beach essentials for your furry friend will include a ball for fetch, and a few water bottles so your pet can stay hydrated throughout the day. Don’t forget to throw in a few treats and visit any of the dog-friendly beaches in the area!

Book Your Gulf Shores Getaway With Harris Vacation Rentals

When you stay in a Harris Vacation Home, all your beach days will be a breeze. Our oceanfront homes are steps away from the most serene beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast. So if you happen to forget something, it won’t be far! Our vacation rentals are some of the best in Gulf Shores, and offer spacious rooms with remarkable accommodations. So whether you’re spending time at the beach with friends or looking for a new way to entertain your family, you will never go wrong with a Harris Vacation Rental. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your stay now!

Nov 07 2019

Hotel vs. Vacation Rental: What’s the Difference?

With so many available options, choosing a place to stay for your next vacation can seem overwhelming. Some travelers end up spending way too much on a mediocre hotel, while others book the cheapest room they can find and then regret it. If you’d like to avoid these common travel mistakes, consider a vacation rental instead. Offering fabulous amenities, plenty of space, and privacy, you’re guaranteed a stress-free and memorable getaway. When trying to decide between hotel vs. vacation rental, the answer is clear. Vacation rentals are the best option for visitors!

If you’re planning a Gulf Shores getaway and are having trouble deciding between hotel vs. vacation rental, Harris Vacation Rentals can help! Head over to our website to see what sets our accommodations apart from all the rest. Or, feel free to contact us to inquire about your next Gulf Shores getaway. We’d love to assist you!

The Difference Between Hotel Vs. Vacation Rental

When it comes to choosing a place to stay on vacation, you want to find an accommodation that’s affordable, clean, comfortable, in a great location, and comes with top-notch amenities. 10 times out of 10, a vacation rental will offer all of these things PLUS beautiful views, dog-friendly options, and a unique travel experience. Sometimes the vacation rental company will even offer extra incentives such as special offers or discounted activities to enjoy during your vacation.

These are just some reasons why you should consider a vacation home vs. a hotel room. Think of it like this: why stay in a small, generic hotel room when you could escape to a spacious retreat with all the comforts of home? Rather than getting a room that is randomly assigned to you at the hotel, you’ll be able to select the condo or home you want. In fact, vacation rentals are often more affordable than hotel rooms. This is especially true if you book directly on the company’s website and not on sites that charge hidden fees like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Choose Your Location

When you book a vacation rental from Harris Vacation Rentals, you’ll be able to select the exact location you desire. We offer an extensive selection of rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Would you like to stay at a beachfront rental? This is a wonderful option for visitors who plan to spend most of their days soaking up the sun and surf. Perhaps you prefer a luxury rental, a pet-friendly option, or a home with a private pool? No matter what you decide, you’ll be glad you chose to stay in a Harris Property. All of our accommodations are just minutes from the best local attractions, dining, beaches, and more!

Select Your Activities

Vacation rentals often offer extra incentives for travelers, which you can use to your advantage. For example, when you book a Harris Vacation Rentals family vacation rental, you’ll receive up to $100 off local tours and activities through TripShock. This makes planning your vacation easy, fun, and more affordable. Save that extra cash, or use it for more activities or dining out with the family. The possibilities are endless!

Book Your Stay With Harris Vacation Rentals

When it comes to choosing between rental homes vs. hotels, the answer is obvious. Vacation rentals offer much better value and an experience you simply won’t find at other lodging options. So, what are you waiting for? Experience your Gulf Shores getaway to the fullest when you book your stay with Harris Vacation Rentals! Browse all of our accommodations and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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