See yourself there now… relaxing on a sun-kissed, white sand, tropical beach, sipping an icy drink through a straw, while palm fronds sway gently in the breeze… Later, as the sun sets, the hypnotic rhythm of a native steel band summons you along the shore, where the love of your life and more rum punches await…

Screech… Sorry, but a nasty jolt back to reality – and some words of caution. If you plan on activities like snorkeling, windsurfing or sailing think twice before ordering another cold cerveza – or cocktail with a funny name; you know the ones – they look like fruit juice, with a pretty umbrella.

Those on Hen and Stag trips should pay particular attention because the majority of holidaymakers have no idea that travel insurance is unlikely to cover claims when intoxication is found to be a factor! Sorry to spoil the fantasy, but it’s a sobering fact from the real world… Remember that?

Travel insurance covers many aspects of a holiday, but does not provide an excuse to act irresponsibly. All policies have exclusions regarding ‘willful exposure to peril’ but who bothers to read the boring insurance jargon? Basically it means the insured is expected to do everything possible to prevent injury, illness, and damage or loss to property. In other words – to act as if there is no insurance!

Don’t jump at the cheapest quote on that online comparison site. Check the levels of cover – especially medical expenses and hospital benefit. In countries like the USA medical costs can be mind-boggling, so be especially careful if heading for places like Miami or Malibu. Emergency medical repatriation is another essential which may be missing from that cheap policy. It’s worth paying a bit more to make sure the cover is adequate.

Do you understand the meaning of ‘incidental’ basis?

Going snorkeling or on a helicopter sightseeing trip, for example, is normally covered on an ‘incidental’ (casual) basis. The difference is that going on a sailing holiday would be ‘non-incidental’ because the main purpose of the trip is sailing.

Are your planned activities covered?

Activities like wind surfing, deep sea fishing, banana boating and parascending are normally covered on an incidental basis. Kayaking and scuba diving cover may depend on the grade or depth.

Rented water sports equipment may not be well maintained or up to a safe standard, plus the operators may not be licensed or insured – so
personal liability can be an issue. Travel insurance policies do not normally cover personal liability claims arising from use of any vehicle,
watercraft, or mechanically propelled conveyance – which includes jet skis. An example would be renting water-ski equipment and an accident caused breakage of the equipment or, worse, injury to third parties. One more word of caution… Without travel insurance it is the responsibility of the family of an injured or deceased person to pay the medical expenses and arrange repatriation of the injured – or the body. Who would want to put their loved ones through that?

What else can you do to avoid trouble? Find out about potentially unfriendly sea life at your destination. There are hazards like jellyfish, which could deliver a painful or even deadly sting, so learn to spot them before they make contact. Sea critters like stingrays may hide in the sand and attack it you tread on them so invest in a pair of beach shoes to wear in the surf. Take care with food and drink to avoid the Tourist Two Step, Delhi Belly, Montezuma’s Revenge, Casablanca Crud – or worse.

With a bit of thought and preparation nothing should spoil those long, lazy, happy, sun-filled days at the beach. Choose your travel insurance wisely, whether it be single trip, annual multi-trip, or a backpacker policy (cheaper because of reduced cover for luggage). Pack an ounce of common sense along with the beach towels and sunscreen, go easy with the rum punches, and your holiday should turn out exactly like the one in the glossy holiday brochure!

Some of the appliances that may be found in rentals include televisions, DVD players, CD players, telephones, and bathroom accessories. Many now include a lanai patio, which is an open area that is covered to allow the guest to enjoy the scenery and nature without having to worry about the weather. With the comforts of home, and the luxury of royalty, resorts that are beachside allow guests to forget about their worries and focus on paradise.

Many Florida beach vacation rentals also offer recreational activities on their premises. These activities may include basketball, outdoor pools, bike rentals and trails, tennis, shuffle board, and outdoor grilling and picnic stations. Guests find that these services are especially appreciated by children. Although it is always recommended, and sometimes required, for children to be accompanied by an adult, these activities can be participated in by any age.

The majority of vacation rentals now offer customer service seven days a week. With staff members available at all times, guests are not left to wonder who to contact if something goes wrong. Florida is known for its friendly atmosphere, thus leaving no question as to the attitude and helpfulness of customer service agents.

While not everyone gets to enjoy the beach during their lifetime, those who do get the privilege find that their experience is greater than they ever imagined. Choosing a destination that suits a family’s needs is important, thus making it equally as important to choose a vacation rental that will compliment the destination chosen. By choosing one of the lovely Florida beach vacation rentals, a family can ensure that their trip will be remembered for a lifetime.

BeachGuide.com is the best website for Gulf Coast vacation planning. Find a condo rental or a beach home or house in Destin, Gulf Shores, Panama City, Ft. Walton Beach, Seaside, Seagrove, Orange Beach, Navarre Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Fort Morgan. Now BeachGuide.com has expanded to include other Florida Gulf Coast areas such as Clearwater, Tampa, St. Pete Beach, Bradenton, Sarasota,Venice, Ft. Myers, Sanibel-Captiva, Naples, and Marco Island. St. George Island, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach and all of Highway 30-A. Gulf Coast beach-vacationers can plan their vacation, choose their hotel, condo rental or beach house rental, and even request more information right here on BeachGuide.com.