Peak summer season is on, and people from all over the world are planning an exotic holiday on a lonely, adventurous island. Hey, hold on…

What about the BP oils spill? If you have planned to visit the Gulf Coast, chances are you may return home with a bucket full of oil over your body. Huge surfing oil-slicked waves, and large tar-ball on the sand is not how you define heaven, or even a decent holiday destination.

Fret not. There are ways you can secure you holiday at Gulf Coast, and get the most out of your money. Several beaches are yet open for business, and are inviting you for a lovely trip.

Anne Banas of SmarterTravel.com says the issue is hyped, and people have more fear than real threat. This is the peak season. However, due to the oil spill, tourism in Gulf Coast has affected significantly.

But many tourism boards and hotels have offered guarantee of safety, along with discounts. Here are some of them:

St. Pete Clearwater, Fla

Hotels in this vicinity are encouraging people to visit this place with ‘book with confidence’ guarantee. This means, if you find yourself or the beaches being affected by the oil, you get free stay for a night at the hotel. No, you don’t even have to pay any taxes or accommodation fee.

Panama City Beach, Fla

If you find beaches are affected by the spill in Panama City, and if they are being cleaned or are closed, you get full refund, along with discount vouchers on future stays.

Similarly, many travel companies have come up with similar schemes. If you find any beach being affected by the oil, or if they are declared dangerous within 20 miles radius of the destination, hotel costs would be refunded.

If you have booked your vacation, call any of the places mentioned above to insure your risk. Also ask if any of these hotels have indoor pool, in case you find it risky to step into the beach.

You can get updates of other such discounts and benefits in local newspaper or travel guides.