As a seasoned vacation rental owner and a mom who loves family vacations or parent-only getaways, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of itinerary planning. Having a well-thought-out plan helps you make the most of your vacation time and also adds an element of anticipation and excitement to your time away from home. Today, I will be sharing my insider tips on how to plan the perfect vacation itinerary for your stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast also fondly known as the secret coast.
Step 1: Think through Your Interests and Vacation Objectives
Before you dive into the particulars of schedule planning, take some time to reflect on what you want out of this vacation. Are you looking for relaxation? Adventure? An amazing culinary experience? Maybe a blend of them all? This will set the tone for your itinerary and direct your decisions on what to include.
Step 2: Research and List Potential Activities
The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a vast array of activities that cater to different interests. From exploring historical sites like the Beauvoir-Jefferson Davis Home to enjoying the vibrant nightlife at Island View Casino, there’s something for everyone. Nature lovers will relish bird-watching at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge or a walk through the Friendship Oak in Long Beach. Make a list of these possible undertakings, and be sure to check their operating hours and any potential fees.
Step 3: Plan Around Your Accommodation
Your Homeaway HQ vacation home, Seabreeze Cottage, is a luxury cottage just a stone’s throw away from the beach, boasting a cowboy pool and a fully-stocked kitchen. Make sure to allocate some time to enjoy these amenities. You could have a family barbecue near the cowboy pool, prepare a picnic meal for a beach day while also enjoying the provided beach equipment, or just lounge around soaking up the coastal vibes.
Step 4: Allot Free Time
While having a plan is great, over-planning can make your retreat feel hurried. Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity. You might stumble upon a local fair or decide on a whim to go shell collecting along the coast. We also have tons of seashells to be collected right in the private backyard of the cottage. Sometimes, the best vacation memories come from these unplanned moments.
Step 5: Be Flexible
Lastly, remember that the itinerary is only a guide and not a strict schedule. Be flexible and open to changes. Weather might dictate some of your outdoor activities, or you might discover a local hotspot that you just have to visit. Embrace these changes – they’re part of the adventure!
Sample Itinerary
To give you an idea of what a day might look like, here’s a sample itinerary:
Morning Start your day with a delightful homemade breakfast in the cottage’s fully-stocked kitchen. Follow it up with a relaxing walk along the beach, collecting seashells, or taking a cruise or chartered boat trip and soaking up the morning sun.
Mid-Morning to Afternoon Head to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, an amazing interactive museum perfect for families. Grab a quick lunch in their café before heading back to the cottage.
Afternoon Enjoy some downtime at the cottage. Take a refreshing dip in the cowboy pool, read a book, or take a power nap. The sound machine helps to induce THE BEST sleep.
Evening Explore the local cuisine by heading to one of the many exquisite restaurants in Gulfport i.e. Halfshell, Saltgrass, or White cap. Finish off with a leisurely walk along the beach, relishing the cool sea breeze.
Constructing a well-balanced vacation itinerary is crucial to enjoying all that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer. With a mix of planned activities and spontaneous adventures, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories at Homeaway HQ’s Seabreeze Cottage. Happy vacation planning!
