The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 130 mile chain of barrier islands beginning on the Northern coast of NC.  The Outer Banks central location in the middle of the Atlantic Coast is ideal for travelers all over the Eastern seaboard and central United States.  A few hours in the car can bring you to a vacationers dream. 

The Outer Banks is an ideal destination for vacationers throughout the year.  The islands offer pristine beaches, great outdoor activities (surfing, kayaking, kite-boarding, fishing, etc.), amazing coastal cuisine, an abundance of history (Blackbeard the pirate spent time on the islands, the Wright Brothers took the first flight on the islands), and gorgeous natural scenery.  The summer months are the busiest with vacationers taking advantage of the warm weather and the endless beaches, but the Outer Banks offers a great vacation throughout the entire year.

There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period.  However, sometimes a short respite from reality is just what we need to manage difficult times with a smile on our face.  The Outer Banks offers a great opportunity for a short breather from everyday stresses, and it is an affordable vacation alternative during difficult economic times. 

The islands are within driving distance from a large portion of the United States; so you can avoid the cost and hassles of air travel.  In addition, the Outer Banks offers great deals on gorgeous vacation rental houses.  Vacation rentals offer advantages over hotels and are a fraction of the price.  The cost of vacation rentals can be split between a group of people, and vacationers get the benefit of spending time with loved ones in a personalized, comfortable, communal atmosphere.  Ample room to spread out, kitchens to prepare homemade meals, and many homes offer pools and game rooms. 

Despite the economic worries, tourists are taking advantage of the great opportunities on the Outer Banks.  Gross occupancy receipts for August 2008 are up 13.7% compared to the month of August in 2007.  From January 1, 2008 through August 31, gross occupancy figures show a year-to-date increase of 3.9%.

Carolyn McCormick, Managing Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, reports “August 2008 numbers show the strength and viability of the barrier islands as a major travel destination amid challenging economic times for the traveling public. Travel and tourism is one of the industries that has felt the pressures of a faltering national economy and August gross occupancy receipts have certainly given us pause to be thankful for the millions of visitors that have chosen to spend their vacations along our islands.”

The Outer Banks is a great travel alternative and gorgeous vacation rentals are available throughout the year. 

For more information on the Outer Banks and to view available homes, please visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com.  We hope to see y’all soon.