Plan trip to Gulf Coast using several Internet sites

Try this for a little fun and relaxation: beaches of sugar-white sand, plenty of saltwater fishing, and relaxed Southern living. Now consider spending a little time taking it easy on Alabama's Gulf Coast, and use the Internet to help make your plans.

Think about this the next time your thermometer still registers in the teens at noon: The average January temperature along this strip of shoreline is 50.5 degrees, according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce -- http://www.alagulfcoastchamber.com -- which also touts an annual Shrimp Festival.

And if you're interested in offshore fishing, the chamber's Vacation Information section describes what it says is the nation's biggest fish-attracting artificial reef program and has guides to charter, guides and marinas.

What's it look like? Scan the big photo gallery at Gulf Shores -- http://www.al. com/gulfshores -- and when you're tired of that, take in the live Beach Cam (there's an archive of day shots if you're doing this at night). This is also a handy place to find references for everything from room rentals and golf courses to fishing reports.

Look at more Web cams at VIP Live -- http://www. viplive.net -- but skip the boring bar interior scenes.

Check out more useful visitors' information at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau -- http://www.gulfshores. com.