Outer Banks Rental

Here are a few tips to live by when choosing places to rent an Outer Banks Rental Home.

• Check the local weather forecast for rain or storms, as this will determine if you indeed can go to the Outer Banks. If rain or winds are expected, choose a rental house farther from the open sea, or proven to be safe.

• Check the age of the Outer Banks Rental house: is it too old, too rickety? Is it old, but able to withstand gale force winds? A house may be new, but can it hold up against the Outer Banks' breezes?

• Check the location of the Outer Banks Rental house. Is it near the places you want to go to? Some houses will be near beaches, something that history lovers won't easily appreciate. On the other hand, some houses will be near historical site, something beachgoers won't easily take to. Do your research thoroughly. If no other options are available, study the transportation options to get to your desired place.

• Check the Outer Banks Rental house's amenities. Does it have central heating or air-conditioning? Heating can be especially important for the colder, windier months of the year. Check if your payment for the rental house already includes fees for heating and electricity, as some houses may charge these separately, depending on the length of your stay.

• Other amenities, depending on location, may include a balcony or deck, beach or boating accessories, and even a golf course nearby. Clear this up, so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly. Some Outer Banks Rental houses can also offer cable TV, and VCR or DVD players. Make sure you know exactly what these amenities are, so you know what to expect.

• Check the Outer Banks Rental house's rules. Are you allowed to bring pets? Is the rental house strictly a non-smoking zone? Make sure you know these rules well so you don't break them and ruin an otherwise fun vacation.

Your stay at the Outer Banks can be made better by a good rental house, so search for the best prices for those houses, and do your background checks and research. When you come back from that Outer Banks vacation, you'll be glad you put a lot of thought into looking for your rental house.

If you are planning a trip to the Outer Banks, here's a list of items that are a must review!

Sunscreen

This is probably the most important item in your beach bag. Make sure that you have sufficient sunscreen protection for yourself and your children. The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest at the Outer Banks during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so limit your time in the sun during those hours. Choose a sunscreen lotion that is at the very least 15 SPF, more appropriate for children is an SPF of 30 or more. Be sure to adequately apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, nose, and neck. Speak to your doctor about sunscreen and babies under 6 months of age.

Don't forget your lips!

Bring along sun protective lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more. An Aloe based after sun lotion is a great way to soothe your skin after a day in the sun, apply after your day at the beach.

Protective Barriers

Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays, sun hats with brims, and beach umbrellas are all wonderful items to have along for added protection.

Babies under 6 months old should wear protective clothing, a brimmed sun hat, and if possible, baby sunglasses that protect from harmful UV rays. Babies should not spend a lot of time in the sun, but when they are, keep them protected!

A first aid kit with band aids, an antibiotic cream, and other essentials is an excellent idea as well.

Chairs & Blanket

There are chairs made specifically for the beach, they sit low to the ground and fold up neatly, often they include a handy shoulder strap.

A blanket is another nice thing to bring along. Not only is it comfortable to sit on, but it's a welcome comfort from the hot sand on bare feet.

Sand & Water Toys

Kids love digging and building in the sand, it's a must for a beach visit. There is a huge variety of toys on the market made specifically for water play. Nerf balls and lightweight canvas Frisbee discs are great because they float and often come in neon colors so they can be seen easily. Don't forget the standard shovels and pails, sand diggers, and sand sifters -- great for building sand castles, sifting for shells and rocks, and pouring water into makeshift motes.

Bring along a plastic jar to collect shells. A butterfly or small fishing net can be loads of fun for catching small minnows near lake shorelines. And let's not forget the old beach standby, the beach ball. Squirting water toys are also a blast and can keep the kids busy for hours. Goggles and water masks are great, but can be easily lost in the water. Be sure to bring along extras. There are hundreds of different kinds of beach and water toys, bring along what your family will enjoy.

Floatation Devices

Most public beaches do not allow items such as floating rafts, noodles, or "arm floaties" as they are not Coast Guard approved swim or safety wear. Check with your beach lifeguards or town officials to see what they will or will not allow.

Coast Guard approved life jackets are welcome and recommended for young swimmers, even those who have recently learned to swim, for safety purposes. Many beaches offer free loaner lifejackets, or they offer them for a nominal fee.

Extra Towels

Bring towels along for each member of your family, this goes without saying. Bringing along an extra or two cannot hurt, especially if little Timmy decides to take his into the water with him.

Water & Snacks

Being in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family. Check with your beach and see if coolers are allowed so that you can keep it nice and cold.

If your beach does allow coolers, this is a great way to save money on snacks. Instead of buying from the beach concession stand, bring along fresh fruit, pretzels, cold sandwiches and carrot sticks.

Extra Clothing

Bringing along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts is not a bad idea. If your beach trip will continue on into the evening, bring a windbreaker or sweat jacket for everyone, just in case the temperature dips down. Be sure that everyone has adequate footwear, swim shoes are a great idea as well, especially for rocky beaches.

Preserving Memories

Don't forget your camera! You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras to capture all of those sunny moments. Inexpensive disposable cameras are even available for underwater use.

Your Beach Survival Kit

Now that you are ready to head off to the Outer Banks beaches, here's a summarization of everything we have suggested. Check each item off to see if you are ready to roll!

• sunscreen (at least 15 SPF)
• lip balm
• aloe after sun lotion
• first aid kit
• sun hat
• sunglasses
• beach umbrella
• chairs blanket
• pail & shovel
• Nerf type ball and/or lightweight nylon Frisbee disc
• sand digger and sifter
• goggles or masks
• plastic jar for collecting shells
• life jackets
• towels (and extras)
• bottled water
• snacks (if allowable)
• extra clothing and footwear
• water/swim shoes
• waterproof disposable camera

Preserving Nature

A special note: remember, if you find live snails, crabs, fish, starfish, or other underwater lifeforms, observe them, then put them back. Only take home empty shells, fossilized starfish, and rocks. Enjoy your trip to the Outer Banks. Be sure to discuss water safety with your kids before going.