Part of this blog is assigned to describing various services for renters in the Gulf Coast area, and this includes general vacation packages to lure people into the area for a few days to a week. But what about Five Star Gulf Rentals’ own services? Various rental companies in Destin, Five Star included, expanded their guest offerings during this past spring and summer, as the rising wave and demand of renters for rental properties has been increasing steadily since the start of 2009. Some companies may offer vacation combination packages, with reduced-price passes, but what about planning your vacation for you?

If you’re planning to use Five Star Gulf Rentals for a summer beachfront property in Destin or South Walton, the vacation package deals the company carries essentially assists with planning your vacation to the Emerald Coast. Destin and other Emerald Coast communities saw an increase of new visitors this summer, including many from outside the New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama area, and if you’re unfamiliar with the area, Five Star can offer recommendations when planning your trip. At this point, why use guide books when locals from the area can give you recommendations?

Some of the more specific services offered in Five Star’s rental arrangements are outlined in the page for Destin rental concierge services. On a basic level, though, this includes arranging and making recommendations for various activities and entertainment around the area, including appointments at spas, golf lessons, and chartered fishing trips. Arranging for dining is another service offered, and this can include basic services like having groceries already in the refrigerator in your rental when you arrive to having a private chef come to your rental to prepare dinner for your family or guests. If you want to explore the culinary offerings of Destin, we can recommend and make arrangements at area restaurants.

One thing that this past economy has shown is that many entertainment, dining, and luxury fields have had to adjust their rates and, in some cases, offer packaged deals to attract customers. Whether it’s a two-for-$20 meal at a restaurant or special lower vacation rates, with activity packages included, many businesses have had to adjust themselves in order to get repeat business. Destin, as one of the premiere vacation destinations in the South, is not different, and various hotels, rentals, and resorts have been offering packages to attract customers. And, in many cases, it appears to be working as, coupled with stay-cations, many are coming to Destin because of the lower rates and activity packages available.

One option, even for regular elderly vacationers or snowbirds, has been the Sandestin Snowbird Program. For the winter, many elderly “migrate” to Florida – hence the term “snowbirds” – and spend about four to six months in the city. To attract more, or the same, customers, the Sandestin resort has created a lower fare package for elderly customers that includes lower rental rates and fares for various recreational activities, including golf. For the latter, this discount plan gives vacationers the opportunity to be a member of the Sandestin Golf Club.

How has this plan been working? Apparently, the Sandestin Resort has seen a ten percent increase in snowbird guests since the package was offered. Similarly, other resorts and rental services in Destin and along the Emerald Coast have been offering similar packages to attract guests. And, as seen in previous posts, these efforts are working for rental properties, as many from out of the area are coming to Destin and South Walton to rent a beach house or condo for three days to a week.