What to Prepare or Plan before the Travel – Make sure that you were able to confirm your booking a few days before your travel, so even if they arrive late you have a credit card guarantee. In all cases you should follow the rules of traveling, that is to travel light, but it is better to put a couple of additional equipments and underwear, shoes and some clothes in your luggage would be advised, and also wear a pair of sneakers at the airport because you might have to do much running around. You might also need to bring extra glasses, aspirin, tissue paper, snacks like nuts or fruit or raisins, in case you’re stuck somewhere where there is no food. Don’t forget to send your travel schedule to a friend or family members, or anyone close to you before leaving on your trip. At least an hour before leaving for the airport double check your carry-on for credit cards, tickets, ID (including passport), some cash and your travel route. All these items should have been photo-copied earlier and given to a friend or relative. Note in your carry-on any items that may be confiscated when going through security and leave those behind.

What to Prepare or Plan before the Travel – Light clothes – the temperature in tropical countries is normally very hot, except of course during rainy seasons. Clothes that are made of light-weight fabric (cotton is preferred) are recommended. Avoid bringing clothes that are made from wool or most especially leather, you won’t be able to wear this. You’ll just look sweaty and dirty while touring the country. Sensible shoes – choose the kind of shoes that are lighter on your feet but at the same time durable to withstand and protect your feet from all elements. And the most important thing is, these should be comfortable, so avoid new shoes since most often these are uncomfortable at first. Follow this and you’ll avoid blisters on your feet while traveling. Flip flops – this is very commonly used in tropical countries since this can keep your feet feeling fresh all day most especially during summer season. And as I said before, choose one that will be comfortable. If the soles of your slippers are made from rubber, it would be a lot more ideal providing you are not allergic to rubber. Umbrellas are a must when traveling in tropical countries. The weather is unpredictable especially to tourists. Expect rain at some point every day particularly in coastal areas. So in case you get caught in the rain while visiting, it would be better to be prepared. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for all travels. UVB and UVA rays are stronger in the tropics. Sunscreen and sunglasses both will keep you healthy and strong. You can put these in your hand carry bag so you can always get it whenever you need it.

Ensuring Medical Safety – You should carry your own medical card in your wallet. Any medical conditions or allergies, no matter how small should be noted here. In case of an accident, this information is a lifesaver for you. Doctors, pharmacists and medical personnel will appreciate the information as well. There are different health rules in every country. Make sure that you are provided with the necessary information, so you would be able to know if you should be vaccinated to travel abroad in any country in the world. I would recommend that you bring insect repellent lotion and mineral water. If you can, avoid eating meat such as beef and pork as well as careful intake of fruits and vegetables.

Reminders in the Airport – You should try to reach the airport at least two hours before your flight. You don’t want to feel rushed and anxious reaching the airport at the last minute. Leave all your worries behind with you, relax and enjoy your trip. If your schedule is tight, immediately call up an agent at the airport. Don’t wait for them to call you. And try to be in the departure gate 20 minutes before you’re to take off.

Looking for more details about beach carts? Visit Annie Shelton’s site on how to choose the best beach cart for your travels.

Preparing for Travel to the Tropics is a post from: Reachings

Spain will be first on this journey of beaches. Spain is surrounded by water on three sides and therefore the country has many beautiful beaches, which are known to be the best in the world. Since there are so many beaches to choose from, visitors are often confused on where to go. Below describes some of the most popular picks of Spain’s beaches. Playa Concha in San Sebastian – La Concha beach is considered as one of the best beaches of the European beach cities. It is located in the city of San Sebastian, which is a popular tourist destination in Spain. The city is famous for tapas or appetizers, which you will find served in abundance here. The La Concha beach is known for providing visitors with a lot of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing.

Playa de Estorde – This beach is located about 80 km southwest of La Coruna, in Galicia. Playa de Estorde is a very long beach, which stretches of about 500 km, and is pure white sand and amazing aquamarine water. Considering the visuals of perfect sand and water, this would be an ideal place to spend a romantic holiday. Costa del Sol – This stretch of beach is by far the most popular series of beaches in Spain. Costa del Sol is particularly known for being the venues for a lot of parties, and is located on the southern coast of Spain. Due to the popularity, expect these beaches to be very crowded. Brits and Germans regularly spend holidays in Costa del Sol. But if you want, you can go off track to find some calm beaches. Second would be the country of Portugal. One of the main attractions in Portugal is their famous and beautiful beaches. Portugal beaches are certified by FEE as blue flag beaches making it ideal for families. Additionally, there are 800 kilometers of coastline in Portugal, a great way to spend your vacation any time of the year!

Algarve – One of the most famous beaches in this area is the 6 km long Praia de Falesia “beach town”. Situated between the popular resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, the beach is a paradise for lovers of sun and is located in a quiet setting along the southern coast of Portugal. Other popular beaches in the Algarve region are: Praia da Gale, Albufeira and Meia Praia in Lagos. Meia Praia is particularly popular with families because it is protected by a large bay near Alvor Praia Praia da Rocha / Portimao.

Alentejo – Stretching from the Algarve to the Sado Estuary this rugged coastline has many small beaches to from which to choose. Most of them are located in coves along the coast in which you need to hire a car for you to be able to reach them. Vila Nova de Milfontes is an exception since it can be accessed by bus from Lisbon. Other beaches that would be great to visit are Gale Melides, Santo Andr, Porto Covo, and Almograve Zambujeira do Mar.

Lisbon or Sintra Coast – The popular resort of Lisbon is mainly occupied by Costa da Caparica a large sandy beach which is very busy and very popular especially during the summer in Portugal. It is popular for sunbathing, enjoying the cafes and bars and surfing as well. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is one of the 13 Natural Parks of Portugal. Other beaches to visit along the coastal region are the beaches of Sesimbra and Portinho da Arrbida beach. These beautiful beaches are relatively quiet and extremely popular among divers.

Looking to find the best deal on beach gear and coolers? Visit our website for the best advice on picnic gear and beach packs.

Guide to Spain and Portugal Beaches is a post from: Reachings

Bermuda for Luxurious Travel – A famous port for cruise ships requires a little over two-hour flight from New York, so it’s a fantastic holiday destination in the Atlantic on the east coast. When you are in Hamilton, you can take a romantic horse and buggy ride and explore this picturesque region. Love the club scene? Prepare to be dazzled in a cave with stalactites, stalagmites, natural lakes and all that is only a 20 minute cab ride from the dock on Front Street. You can also check out the luxurious Ariel Sands, which gives you 47 guest rooms, tasty cuisine and breathtaking views. The Pink Bermuda beaches are world famous and worth spending your time for the relaxation factor on the beaches and rev up the fun in some water sports activities. There is much to do and see on the island, and as long as you’re not on a diet, you should visit the rum cake factory in Saint George’s. But if you are, I would recommend that you go and visit the perfume factory also in Saint George. If you have children with you, consider 9 Beaches of Bermuda. Your kids will definitely love the Aquarium, the Crystal Caves, and the zoo. If what you are looking for is calm and shallow water, you can go to Tobacco Bay, Jobson’s Cove and Church Bay. There are also other various beaches in Bermuda where you can explore their bright turquoise and sapphire blue water. If you are interested in art, you have to pay a visit to the Centre for the Arts and the Museum of Bermuda it’s a must for history buffs.

Jamaica Me for Privacy and Romance – Jamaica is known for the friendliest people in the world. There are endless choices of beach vacations on this Caribbean island, with their amazing room accommodations and superb views of the Caribbean, Jamaican cuisine and let’s not forget the beautiful beaches! Caves Resort in Jamaica helps to set your mood for pleasure and relaxation. The Black River Safari day trip along the Black River offers one of the most memorable activities you’ll experience during your stay in Jamaica. Discover some native crocodiles and experience the magic of wildlife.

U.S. Virgin Islands a Haven to Be Discovered – Named by Columbus in 1493, this area consists of islands of Culebra and Vieques, with a surrounding islands and cays. The Spanish Virgin Islands were a well guarded secret, even back to the days of Bluebeard, and other famous pirates who used this as their hide-out island. In this vacation destination you can take pleasure in the comfort of blue water and sandy beaches. St. John Caneel Bay and its 7 beaches on the property are highly recommended to visit while the Ritz Carlton and St. Thomas resorts offer the best of extravagant hotels during your beach vacation to the Islands. There are plenty of discoveries yet to be made in the isolated anchorages, white sand beaches, spectacular diving spots, pristine islands and fantastic coral reefs.

Georgia for Beach and Golf – Georgia is another popular East Coast destination. You’ll find at least 54 sites of championship golf, sandy beaches and a wide range of activities you can do during your vacation. Lake Lanier Islands, near Atlanta is a small group of islands on Lake Lanier, the largest lake in Georgia. This vacation resort has been privately owned since the early 1990s. This can be an ideal destination for the entire family. They offer golf for you and a water park for children with water towers, slides and water attractions.

Whatever your reasons are for a beach vacation, always remember to choose the beach that will suit your style. Go ahead and make a plan and decide what you want on your beach vacation and then start making reservations. Why wait when there are so many great opportunities and new experiences to have. The key is to think carefully about what you want on your vacation and then find the perfect beach accordingly. Start today and set a date for your next vacation or it will never happen.

Looking for more details about maximum skin protection? Visit Annie’s site on how to choose the best beach umbrella for your days at the beach.

Beaches of the North Atlantic is a post from: Reachings

Mona Island – This island is on top of my list because of its incomparable ecosystem, and other than that, there are no hotels to spoil the view of the very beautiful surroundings. Mona Island is often referred to as the Galapagos Islands of the Caribbean. This is because you can find lots of bizarre species wandering inland and water openly. Because of this, the island is closed to tourists during hunting season which is usually January through April. If you want to tour the island exclusively, you’ll need permits from the Natural Resources and Environment department, and they only offer this during the months of May to November.

Coco Beach – Coco Beach is not as mysterious as the island of Mona, but does share some similar characteristics. It provides persistent stretches of unspoiled beach and you’ll find the color contrast between the green sand and vibrant blue sea spectacular.

Shacks Beach – Shacks Beach is located on Isabela and is also known for its spectacular waters that provide the best scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing in Puerto Rico. Kiteboarding is a very popular sport off Shacks Beach as well. For relaxing after your adventure with the rip currents, the sleepy coconut palms in line at the beach are also a place ideal for napping. What is particularly attractive about the beaches of Puerto Rico is that most of the islands are secluded. Visitor here treasure the quiet separation from the outside world as soothing and memorable.

But of course not everything in Puerto Rico is about seclusion, there are lots of wonderful and fun-filled activities you can do in Puerto Rico. This island is known worldwide for not only its pristine beaches but also because for its ample opportunities for recreational water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, diving and surfing. Parasailing – The good thing about parasailing is that you get to see the beautiful surroundings in a different way. It’s like taking a balloon ride. It’s very exciting to be pulled from the edges of the beach. Jet Skis – If you want to feel an incredible adrenaline rush, ride jet skis and cleave the waves of the ocean at 30 km per hour. Jet Ski rentals are available in most ports on the beaches of Puerto Rico. You should visit the cove known as Taurito when jet skiing. Surfing – Surfing is another sport that you can enjoy during your vacation in Puerto Rico. There’s even a surf school in Puerto Rico near the beaches that offer professional training for aspiring surfers. Most surfing activities in Puerto Rico will take place in the north of the island as Pozo Izquierdo and Las Canteras in Las Palmas. Diving – The crystal clear waters of the Canary Islands are very ideal for divers. Scuba diving is one sport enjoyed by locals and tourists all year round. One of the established dive shops to visit is the Top Dive located in Puerto Escala.

The beautiful scenery, rich culture and vast history give a sensual feast to visitors. The country is very easy to discover, since even the most distant areas can be travelled for in 3 hours. Each activity you’ll do in Puerto Rico can help you uncover the history of every place and culture as well as understand every people you’ll meet.

Looking to find the best deal on beach gear and coolers? Visit our website for the best advice on picnic gear and beach packs.

Puerto Rico Places to Go is a post from: Reachings

Ipanema is near Copacabana Beach, but it is different from its neighbor. One of its assets is its private infrastructure that has created world-class restaurants, shops and cafes. Ipanema is one of the most luxurious places to live in Rio de Janeiro. You will become accustomed to different kinds of surfers and sun lovers at the beach. Every Sunday, the nearest road to the beach is closed to motor vehicles for local residents and tourists to enjoy the bikes, skates, skateboards, and walk along the ocean. Ipanema Beach is known for its elegance and social characteristics. Two mountains called Dois Irmos which means Two Brothers rise to the west end of the beach, and are divided by segments that are marks as “postos” or lifeguard towers. Beer is sold everywhere on the beach in a traditional cachaca. There are always circles of people playing soccer, volleyball, and footvolley. Footvolley, if you are not familiar with the term is a combination of volleyball and football that originated in Brazil. An exciting thing about Ipanema Beach is that there is an area called the Gay Beach, located in the area near lifeguard tower 9, close to the street of Farme de Amoedo, it’s a gay friendly area symbolized by a rainbow flag flying in the air. Aside from this, just west of this colorful section and towards Leblon is another popular stretch of sand known as Post 10, where young hipsters and often beautiful Carioca and women gather.

Copacabana – First in our minds when thinking of Brazilian beaches, Copacabana and the hotel it was named for are situated on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. This four kilometers strip of beach offers a lively menu of activities and astonishing sights. Swimming in blue waters, sunbathing on the sun-baked sand, kicking around a soccer field in a soccer game or volleyball game on the beach, all of these can be done here. This beach was named for the prominent and most distinguished Copacabana Palace Hotel which opened in 1920 and still attracts the rich and famous from all over the world. The attractiveness of the large white sand beach, the friendly people, the all night parties, the beauties in bikinis, sumptuous restaurants, bars and music clubs and night clubs, all at very reasonable prices, are just few good reasons why a vacation in Copacabana is more than just a day at the beach!

Leblon Beach is also near Ipanema. It has the same diverse atmosphere, but much less crowded and family oriented. This beach is very popular with female tourists and families because of its sense of comfort and safety. Leblon is a peaceful retreat without sacrificing comfort. Your children may experience the playground Baixo Baby Leblon, which is a well-stocked playground for children to enjoy the beach on their own terms. What is not very popular among the tourist is the place at the end of Leblon that is called “satemo ceu” or “Seventh Heaven”. The view is from a huge granite rock with a spectacular view of beaches and mountains. For safety purposes, directions are not provided here as the zone can be a bit rough and you might get lost. Local taxi drivers know the way and it’s really worth visiting.

The beaches of Rio have their own charms and travelers should embrace the culture of this area as well. Most of these beaches are easily accessible by public transport; a few are very remote, isolated, untouched and unspoiled by human hands. I can assure you that you’ll love every beach destination you choose since all of them have their own sense of history and appeal.

Annie Shelton loves to explore new beaches! See more of her favorite beach chair sets by stopping by Annie’s site where you’ll find out all about off-season deals on travel gear for the beach vacation you’re planning!

Rio Beaches is a post from: Reachings

Mui Ne Beach Phan Thiet, Vietnam – There’s more activity here than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City though with less tourism than Nha Trang or Hue. Phan Thiet is likewise beautiful and promising vacation destination that has lots to offer such as their west-east stretching mountains, unspoiled beaches, infinite sand dunes, colorful old harbor, post-card perfect fishing village, fresh seafood and a very hospitable people. These vacation destinations will certainly capture your heart and become one of your favorite beaches in the future.

This is the ultimate destination in Vietnam. Just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne Beach offers visitors white sand and incredible resorts as well as a wonderful golf course. As I said earlier, expect the freshest sea foods there is in this country since Phan Thiet is a fishing village. It would be interesting to go on day trips in the area since there are wonderful sights to see, like giant sand dunes and picturesque fishing villages nearby.

Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Thailand – This beach has all the action and beach life combined for you in one spot. Chaweng Beach is the most popular island of Koh Samui. Its length is about 6 km of white sand beach with lots of room to serve visitors. The beach is stunning with soft sand and picturesque blue water. There is an abundance of amazing bungalows nestled in the trees just beyond the sand, making this an experience you won’t soon forget. The small city behind the beach offers great Thai restaurants, shopping and exciting nightlife. Don’t miss other interesting beaches in the area such as Lamai beach and the famous Chaweng Beach.

Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia – If you’re looking for solitude and privacy, this Cove is one of the more private beaches you’ll find in Southeast Asia. This area gives you its wide beach of soft sand and palm trees and deep blue waters that are perfect for swimming. All the elements of a picture postcard! Since this beach has only one resort there’s plenty of privacy and space to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

You can also find some of the most popular dive sites next to this beach resort such as the Big Mount, Pulau Paku Kecil, and Boulder Dash. Aside from that you can also find collections of authentic local and international cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. This resort is ideal for travelers who want to experience the clean tropical atmosphere of Southeast Asia. They also provide comfortable facilities and numerous recreational areas nearby, most especially scuba diving.

Lombok, Indonesia – Just a stone’s throw from Bali, the beaches here also offer privacy and beauty. With the blue water and pure white sand you might think you’re in paradise, the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a holiday of peace and relaxation. Senggigi Beach is the main tourist center and beach in Lombok. Looking to get away from it all? Consider the more secluded East of Lombok which is less developed giving you a peek into the life of rural Indonesia. Seeking adventure? Mount Rinjani National Park features the Mount Rinjani active volcano, which makes it ideal place to visit. The sights are breathtaking, making it not difficult to understand why local people revere this as a sacred mountain. No matter what kind of holiday you are planning to have, try to visit Lombok, it’s definitely worth everything, from your effort to your budget.

So if you’re in the process of booking Bali hotels for your trip or you’re just starting, perhaps you might want to consider the idea of extending your holiday to enjoy the beauty of the beautiful beaches of Southeast Asia.

Looking for more details about beach carts? Visit Annie Shelton’s site on how to choose the best beach cart for your travels.

World Class Holiday Destinations in Southeast Asia is a post from: Reachings