Nestled close to the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, the Holiday Travel Park offers a compelling mix of convenience and natural beauty for holidaymakers. Boasting private parking and proximity to the beach, it certainly starts off on a high note. My recent stay presented a classic tale of two campsites, revealing both the highlights and areas for improvement at this popular Virginia Beach holiday travel destination.
Our initial experience began in site 122, situated near the main pool area. Unbeknownst to us, this location placed us squarely within earshot of nightly live music performances, which, while perhaps enjoyable for some, proved rather loud and disruptive, continuing from 8 PM to 11 PM. The sound permeated our camper, making for a less than tranquil first night. Compounding the noise issue was the site’s proximity to neighboring campers on all sides. The feeling was undeniably cramped, leaving us apprehensive about the prospect of a full week with limited personal space and interrupted sleep.
Seeking a more peaceful environment, we contacted the park office the following morning to inquire about alternative locations. Fortunately, the staff were accommodating and facilitated a move to site 242. This relocation proved to be a game-changer. The new site was noticeably larger, longer, and wider, situated in a different section of the holiday travel park. Its proximity to three bathhouses or “comfort stations” was another significant advantage. The increased space allowed us to spread out comfortably and enjoy a greater sense of privacy from our neighbors – a marked improvement that dramatically enhanced our holiday travel park experience.
However, our exploration of the bathhouse facilities revealed some inconsistencies. The closest bathhouse to our initial site unfortunately had a noticeable sewage odor. While seemingly modern and clean in appearance, the unpleasant smell detracted from the experience. In contrast, Comfort Station 3, situated near our second site, was generally very clean, although somewhat dated and excessively hot during the mid-July heat. A visit to the bathhouse near the pavilion revealed further maintenance issues, with missing faucet handles on two sinks and only three functioning toilets.
Navigating the campground also presented some unique challenges. Golf carts are ubiquitous within the holiday travel park, driven by both staff and guests, including, at times, unsupervised children. Caution is paramount when driving within the grounds, as we observed instances of staff members disregarding road signs and numerous individuals operating golf carts and vehicles while consuming alcohol. While we thankfully witnessed no accidents, the lack of visible security patrols was a concern.
Given the Holiday Travel Park’s impressive scale, encompassing over 700 sites with a high daily turnover of guests, it’s understandable that maintaining meticulous attention to every detail can be challenging for the staff. Minor issues, such as ensuring each site is equipped with a picnic table, can sometimes be overlooked. Similarly, enforcing all campground rules consistently across such a large and dynamic environment appears to be an ongoing effort, leading to instances of some guests disregarding property and common courtesy.
Despite these observations, and while this review may highlight some negative aspects, it’s important to emphasize that we genuinely enjoyed our holiday travel park experience at Virginia Beach. In fact, we are already planning a return visit next year. Our experience has equipped us with valuable insights and realistic expectations, allowing us to better navigate and appreciate the offerings of the Holiday Travel Park in Virginia Beach. For those considering a visit, requesting a site away from the main pool and entertainment areas, and exercising caution with golf cart traffic, are advisable tips for maximizing your enjoyment at this popular holiday travel destination.
