My Vacation: Snowbird Getaway on the Gulf Coast

After more than 20 years in the investment business, Richard Barrington is now a freelance writer and consultant for MoneyRates.com.

Since his wife also telecommutes, the couple decided to take advantage of the flexibility and go on some extended trips. Twice they rented a beachfront house in St. Pete Beach, Fla for a month.

Barrington shares this report.

Best moment: Seeing a dolphin cruise by in the bay outside our front window while I was writing on my computer one morning made me realize how lucky I am to be able to work like this.

What I learned: How to relax. After 20-plus years of a full-speed-ahead career, it's been nice to back off the accelerator a bit. Being able to spend time in Florida helped me appreciate that. There were days when I didn't even check what the stock market did. OK, so it was a Sunday and the market was closed, but at least that's progress.

Best meal: Espresso-crusted filet mignon in a Kahlua reduction sauce at the Black Palm in Pass-a-Grille Beach.

Most fun: Swimming in huge waves in the Gulf of Mexico after a storm, with my younger son who came down from college for a week. My wife made us come in before we were washed out to sea.

Don't miss: If you are in the St. Pete area, don't miss the opportunity to see the Salvador Dali Museum. They have an incredible amount of his work, and the presentation of some of it is breathtaking.

Best tip: If you are staying for a week or more, consider renting a house rather than staying in a hotel. You'll have to do more research, but for less money you can get more room, more privacy and a break from going to restaurants for every meal.

"My Vacation" is an occasional series featuring photos by SecondAct.com readers. Do you have a great travel photo you'd like to share? Submit it to travel[at]secondact.com.