April 29, 2011, 2:26 PM |
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Seriously. While it will cost you more than some stateside shores, it’s as budget-friendly as it gets when you want to get far away (especially if you know where and how to book it).
Our writer claims “it’s impossible not to relax.” And since there’s only one town on the largest island, Ambergris Caye, the streets are sand, and locals get around by golf cart, we can see her point.
Making the flight worth it is the second-largest coral reef system on Earth (the longest in the Western Hemisphere) that attracts snorkelers and divers from all over the world. As Andrew Zimmern can attest to while visiting Ambergris Caye, swimming with the sharks and stingrays is an unforgettable experience.
It’s also a unique honeymoon haven. As royal wedding mania begins to wane, the question on everyone’s minds remains, where are they going to honeymoon? While that’s top-secret – for now – royalty has been spotted in Belize, Hollywood royalty anyway. After Reese Witherspoon wed Jim Toth, she made it a family affair and took her kids with them to celebrate. A fashionable friend of mine would argue that she and her husband were way ahead of the trend, honeymooning there last summer.
Of course, Reese and co. probably weren’t worried about pinching pennies and stayed at one of the luxe resorts that have sprung up around San Pedro, but there are still plenty of hotels and restaurants so that budget-conscious travelers can vacation in style without the A-list price tag.
Want more budget-friendly beaches? Instead of Miami beach, try the Florida Panhandle; instead of Santa Monica, try California’s Huntington Beach.
Check out the rest of the best budget beaches >>
Plan your next beach vacation now >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
April 23, 2011, 10:42 AM |
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You’ve said “so long” to spring break, so now your attention turns immediately to … summer vacation. Where to go? Somewhere tropical. What to pack? That’s a little trickier. You favorite bathing suit, flip flops and sunglasses no longer will do. Now there are beach gadgets available that will keep your iPhone dry even if it takes a swim in the pool, and your suit sand-free while sitting on the beach.
Never get sun burnt again. The Oregon Scientific EB612 Portable UV Monito monitors your UV exposure time based on IV, SPF, and your personal skin type. So you’ll know exactly when to get out the sun to keep from turning into a lobster – as long as you don’t fall asleep.
And yes, sunglasses are still a necessity. But these Oakleys are nothing like the pair you used to own. They’re sweat resistant with hidden controls and removable speakers, so you can filter out the harmful sun rays while listening to the built-in MP3 player.
See all of our beach gadget picks here >>
Now that you know what to bring, finish planning that trip. Whether your headed to California, Florida, South Carolina or a far-off Island, we have ideas that will get you packing.
And if “there’s an app for that,” we’ve reviewed it. Check out the rest of our travel gear.
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
April 14, 2011, 2:17 AM |
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Here’s the real situation. Unless you’re part of the MTV crowd, you’ll want to skip reality-show-haunt Seaside Heights for Cape May, Jersey’s most historic beach. It’s way down the East Coast, beyond the thong-thronged boardwalks and beyond the point where anyone says “Joizey.” But if you’re looking for raked sand and the cleanest water the Atlantic has to offer, you’ve finally found it.
Of course, if you only can get away for the weekend, Atlantic City might be your choice for a little more excitement. Start your night off with a steak at the Wolfgang Puck American Grille and then hit the slots at mega-casino (145,000 square feet) Caesars Atlantic City and you’ll never get bored.
Speaking of boardwalks, you can’t plan a trip to the shore without a stroll along one of its legendary walks. It’s difficult to pick just one, but Ocean City’s “2.5-mile promenade wins our heart with its family-oriented attractions — go-karts, movies, a water park, mini-golf and kiddie rides – plus traditions like Thursday ‘Family Nights,’ with free concerts, dancing and roving magicians.”
Jersey Shore guide >>
See Jersey’s best beaches >>
Best boardwalks in the US >>
Top East Coast beaches >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
April 8, 2011, 5:10 PM |
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You’ve probably never heard of it, but that’s because it’s the best-kept secret in Mexico. Maroma Beach, a resort hideaway, lies just 30 miles south of Cancun, but remains worlds away from the overdevelopment and Spring Breakers.
After plenty of April showers, we can’t stop thinking about escaping to this “miniature Eden.” With pure white sands, stucco huts and cocktails at sunset, it sounds like our type of paradise. Not to mention that Maroma’s resort is the epitome of luxury where they meet guests every need, where you can enjoy dinner by torchlight on the beach or a private 4-hand massage (who knew?) by the ocean.
But if you’re like me and appreciate the finer things in life but can’t always afford them (or justify paying double your rent for them), you can still find the good life for less in Mexico. Cabo’s Las Ventanas is a favorite amongst the A-list, but you can get away on a B-list budget if you book during the shoulder season in the summer months. Sure, it’ll be a bit hotter and humid, but who’s going to notice when you’ve got a private butler bringing your next mojito?
To get you in the mood for your Mexican getaway, imagine yourself taking a dip in the waterfall at the Fairmount Princess’ pool or taking in the amazing Caribbean views from your Grand Coral Beach Cancun suite.
More on the Top 10 Mexican beach resorts >>
See the best Mayan Riviera beaches >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
April 1, 2011, 3:12 PM |
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What’s the next best thing to vacationing with your family? Relaxing on the beach with your best friend. You just need to figure out whether or not to pack the leash. While not all sunbathers want to prune next to your pooch, dog-friendly beaches are becoming much easier to find.
There’s no reason everyone, including 4-legged family members, can’t enjoy a day at the beach — you just have to do your homework. We’ve done the hard part for you, from answering questions like “can dogs get sunburned?” (definitely) to finding 6 of the most pet-friendly beaches in country (including one of my personal favorites: the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina).
We love the Outer Banks at Travel Channel, not only are they pet-friendly, but because they’re also family-friendly. While the rules vary from town to town, Duck allows canines year-round and the town has an off-leash section. Of all the towns along the Outer Banks’ 130-mile-long coast, Duck is the ideal upscale residential community that caters to families. You’re not going to find rowdy spring breakers, but you will find enough commercial strips to cover a last-minute bikini buy, lunch for the kids or even a candlelit dinner.
With no hotels or motels, you’ll need to find a beach-house rental or snag a spot at a B&B. The Outer Banks have a wide variety of vacation homes available, so plan carefully; where you wind up can make or break your vacation. If you ask me, no one should be in a bunk bed over the age of 20, and if you’re traveling with a baby, you may want to make sure there’s a crib available in the master. And if that master happens to be on another floor from most of the rooms, both you and the rest of the houseguests will appreciate it. Want to live like a millionaire and never leave home? Duck is the right place for you, with many houses boasting 12 bedrooms, oceanfront pools and hot tubs, in-home theaters and more. If you’d rather be closer to civilization — restaurants, shopping, the pier and the famed sand dunes — Kitty Hawk is a better place to base yourself.
Packed and ready to go, like yesterday? Here’s everything you need to know about the Outer Banks and more furry/family getaways:
Guide to Duck, NC >>
Best pet-friendly beaches >>
Best beach house rentals >>
Best family beach activities >>
Secret beaches for families >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
March 25, 2011, 3:25 PM |
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The American Riviera, Hollywood of the East, SoBe or the Art Deco District — whatever you call it, Miami’s South Beach is a hot spot year round. South Beach is an international playground offering non-stop nightlife, sandy shores, unique architecture (even the lifeguard stands are art deco masterpieces) and plenty of eye candy.
Tourists are also drawn to South Beach for the diverse culture. The city is a melting pot of nationalities with a large Latin-American influence that can be felt in many South Beach neighborhoods as well as the food and music.
“What a tough task this was, testing the best martinis, hanging with beautiful people, staying at boutique hotels and lazing on the sand, but someone had to do it.” Read more to discover the best in South Beach >>
Want more Beach Madness? Check these out:
Best Florida beaches >>
Florida’s panhandle beaches >>
Top 10 Florida beaches >>
Hit Miami’s beaches >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
March 18, 2011, 8:41 PM |
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Kauai is the most lush – and least developed – of Hawaii’s 4 major islands and home to one of the world’s best beaches: Poipu. A series of 3 white crescents curving beside turquoise waters along the island’s south coast, it offers excellent swimming, surfing, snorkeling and, of course, sunbathing.
It’s Hollywood’s go-to remote and tropical location (think: Fantasy Island, Jurassic Park) and a perfect destination for families. Older kids (and the young at heart) can head closer to the rocky outcroppings to catch some surf, while younger waders can stick to the crescents’ middle reaches where a lifeguard looks on and the water tends to be calmer.
Read on for our full rankings as well as the best hotel, bar and restaurant.
Want more Beach Madness? Check these out:
Best Caribbean beaches >>
Top 10 Southern California beaches >>
Top 10 Mexican beach resorts >>
Island vacations >>
South Carolina beaches >>
Best beach vacations >>
Posted By: Sara Gilliam
March 18, 2011, 1:33 PM |
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Welcome to Beach Madness. We’re featuring a beach a week to make your vacation-planning a breeze. You’ll learn where to go, what to eat, which hotel to book and all of the other details you’ll want to know during your stay.
And if you’re still torn over which shore to visit, features like the Top 10 Caribbean Beaches and World’s Sexiest Beaches will make your decision a snap. So start planning!
Have your own suggestions or a favorite beach getaway? Leave them in the comments, and make sure to check back over Labor Day when we’ll pick the best beach overall, best boardwalk and more.
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