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OVER 2,500 miles away lies the beautiful Outer Banks of North
Carolina with its guarenteed sunshine and miles of sandy beaches
providing the perfect base for that perfect summer holiday.

The outer banks is a narrow peninsula about 35 miles long and was
formed when the ice age melted eroding land and leaving the bay known
as the sound

There is something for everyone's tastes and budgets with Corolla, a
small sleepy village located at the tip of the Outer Banks, catering
for romantics and the luxury holidays whilst Nags Head, a medium sized
town, caters for the economical holidaymakers and party goers.

For my trip I stayed in Corolla at the Inn at Corolla Light which is a
part of the Corolla light resort complex. With prices ranging from $155
( ?100 ) to $350 ( ?230 ) it's not cheap but if you can afford it then
the expense is worth it. The inn is a 43 room luxury hotel and comes
with a host of luxurious facilities. All rooms are different and
includes fridge and coffee making facilities, cable tv, fireplace (
you'll be pretty unlucky if you need it in the summer ) whirlpool,
kitchen and balcony along with waterfront view. When it says water view
it really means it, the hotel is located right on the water with the
clear blue water lapping under the inn.

The inn has a classic wooden structure which is a world away from the
modern super hotels of the Costa Del Sol. It has its own pool, hottub
and a gazebo extending out into the sound which will capture the hearts
of all romantic couples with its breathtaking scenery and serene
ambience.

At first the prices seem steep to say the least but access to the
luxury resort which the inn is located in and breakfast is also
included. A special shuttle bus tours the complex ferrying guests to
the luxurious beach complex containing three heated pools, sandy
beaches and crystal clear sea stretching as far as the eye can see,
poolside restaurant, volleyball and basketball courts and sports centre
complete with fully equipped gym and indoor pool.

The beachside complex is heaven for those wishing to top up the tans
before returning to the rain of England with temparatures around 35f
all sunner.

But for the more energetic there are still plenty of things to do
around Corolla. The resort organises many events including football and
basketball tournaments for children leaving parents to enjoy the peace
and quiet. Watersport events are available with cayaking tours priced
at $15 ( ?10 ) providing the history of the area dating back to the mid
19th century. The early morning tour gives you the opportunity to see
the splendours of sunrise. Lasting two hours the expedition is energy
sapping so you need to be in decent shape to last the pace. Jetskiing
offers you the faster chance to get around the bay priced at $90 ( ?60
) for one hour

But for a cheaper time there is a cinema, crazy golf and paddleboat
area and a variety of shops and top quality restaurants in the Timbuck
2 shopping village where many an hour can be enjoyable.

Corolla however remains a place of simplicity, peace and relaxation
resulting in a non existent nightlife.

Nags Head, 20 miles south of Corolla, is the place to head for with a
variety of bars, nightclubs and offlicences. Under 21's will be on the
soft drinks though as the drink laws are stricter in the states than
Europe.

Having said this Nags Head has many things to offer and is rich in
entertainment and fast food facilities offering a more modern and
faster paced way of life than Corolla. For aviation fans Nags Head is
where the Wright brothers first went airborne and there is a museam and
memorial in their memory. Located on the beach and with friendly locals
always impressed by the English accent it is easy to spend a
captivating two weeks here. And with hotel rooms plentiful and priced
around ?45 it provides a more affordable holiday.

The whole Outer Banks can easily be explored in this time. With its
natural beauty of glistening water on one side, a selection of
beautiful trees, delightful lighthouses on the other you have
spectacular vistas as you meander along widy roads passing quaint
little gift shops. The peninsula is touched with such beauty and has
such a slow lazy lifestyle you could be forgiven for thinking you had
been transported back to the 1850's. In fact the whole are is the
perfect place to get back to nature and escape from the hectic city
life with its exquisite sunsets and wooded surroundings providing a
cacoon relaxation.

The nearest airport is Norfolk Airport in Norfolk, Virginia and because
of the poor public transportation hiring a care is essential.

Such a holiday will never be cheaper than the package holiday to Spain
but for those wanting something classy and relaxing you cannot go wrong
with the charm and history of the Outer Banks