Ideas for Beach Vacations

Ideas for Beach Vacations
By Rusty Humboldt

When you decide to vacation at the beach, there are many destinations to choose from. Beach vacations destinations are spread all over the world. Here are 9 different wonderful places that you might want to choose from.

1. Hawaii

This beach has sunny skies and warm weather all year long. The Hawaii resort has many ways to entertain you during your entire vacation. Go to Hawaii for your trip to dreamland.

2. Georgia Beach and Golf

A vacation in Georgia can be filled with many activities, but one of the most famous is the Cloister at Sea Island where the champions go to golf. If you try your hand at all 54 holes and still have energy left, you can take a walk on their sandy warm beaches.

3. Glorious Oahu Beach

Get lost in the vacation of your dreams. Whether you go for hula or spa, The Kahala Mandarin Oriental is unique and exciting. Best of all, Oahu Beach is a few short minutes from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.

4. Vacation to the Virgin Islands

The luxurious Ritz Carlton and St. Thomas resorts sit next to the sandy beaches and blue waters of the Virgin Islands. Be wined and dined at either of these resorts.

5. Relax at Half Moon Bay

Visit San Francisco, and drive half an hour to Half Moon Bay for relaxation from the busy life. The Half Moon Bay is a Ritz Carlton resort, so quality is guaranteed.

6. Bermuda Luxury

Hop on a short flight from New York City to Bermuda. Take an ideal vacation to the Ariel Sand where you can stay in their small hotel with friendly staff, eat gourmet food, and admire the breathtaking views.

7. Jamaican Romance and Seclusion

Take a romantic vacation for two to Jamaica. Enjoy one another while sitting on the beach and listening to the waves. Then, dine together on the mouth watering food before you go back to your room at the unique Caves resort.

8. Georgia Lakeside Resort

Take the whole family to the Lake Lanier Islands near Atlanta Georgia for water attractions including water rides and slides. There is also a golf course, so Dad can go golfing.

9. Family Friendly Hawaii

With endless choices of activities, the Kona Village Resort in Hawaii is the perfect place to entertain everyone in the family, no matter their age.

Rusty Humboldt spends much of his time composing articles on a wide variety of topics. His curiosity has lead him to build both his library and workshop to overflowing. His family, friends and neighbors are always wondering what he'll come up with next. Go to Vacation for more of Rusty's writing about vacation.

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Looking Good: South Beach Vacation Rentals

Looking Good: South Beach Vacation Rentals
By Caitlin Moore

Regular people and regular vacations are nice and everything, but sometimes the temptation to surround oneself with incredible, unbelievably good-looking people and scenery is just too much to bear. For these times, there is a place called South Beach that will sate the most demanding appetite not only for aesthetic beauty, but for fun and frivolity as well. A trip here is like visiting a movie/photo shoot/land of amusements, so if thats what youre after then send yourself south sometime soon.

Start with the basics; you know youll be spending plenty of time shopping, lounging on the beach, eating at great restaurants and seeing the sights (including lots of attractive people, yes), but first it is important to book a worthy place to stay. South Beach is filled with hotels in all price range but for this different kind of trip why not consider different kinds of accommodations?

Specifically, check out the prospect of a vacation rental. This broad term may or may not sound familiar, but if traveling is something you take seriously, it should be a well-used part of your vocabulary. A vacation rental could be a condo, a beach villa, an apartment or a cottage. It could be made for two people or twelve, and it could be located amidst the hustle of downtown or tucked a little farther back from the bustling nightlife and swarm of humanity. Just like South Beach itself, the rental offerings here are eclectic, colorful and most likely quite whimsical.

Pastel colors, swimming pools and green gardens characterize many typical homes around these parts, and staying in one will do wonders for a persons state of mind. After a few months (or years) of mind-numbing work in a less-than bright and cheery land, itll be like crossing over the rainbow to a place alive with brilliant hues. Waking up to the Florida sun beaming across your comfortable bed and knowing that a world of excitement lies just beyond your front door will mean each day begins on a positive note.

Before you even leave your home away from home to explore the amusements out there, theres a world of contentment to be taken advantage of right inside your front door. From your master bedroom to your spacious, modern bathroom, from the fully-equipped kitchen perfect for whipping up a healthy South Beach-style breakfast (or bacon and eggs, whatever) to the patio that faces the sea, itll be tough to tear yourself away. Penthouse or villa, itll take some time to properly appreciate your lodgings so do leave room in your schedule for the much-coveted down time your pleasing place will allow you.

Some properties are located within historic buildings in the Art Deco District and sit within two blocks of the beach. This would be the perfect set-up for just about anyone wanting to enjoy South Beachs best features. Art tours and charming sidewalk strolls are prim and proper things to do before eating a sinfully lavish dinner at one of the delectable restaurants or hitting the club scene later on. Dance and carouse to your hearts content and see if you can keep up with the crowd; its a formidable task, but youre only here for a few days so give it your best shot.

Hitting the hay back at your comfortable South Beach Vacation Rental could very well become the best part of your evening. Nothing is better than snuggling up in a comfy place after exerting yourself and having a blast, so remember, take care of this one detail to ensure that the rest fall into place. Your South Beach vacation awaits you, so start planning today.

HomeAway.com has all the information you need to make a smart vacation rental decision for your upcoming trip.

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Delray Beach Fun

Delray Beach Fun
By Mark Peoples

Delray Beach Florida is county of Palm Beach bordered by Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Delray Beach has a population of over 60 thousand, composed of different people with diverse cultures. Primarily populated by Americans, the county is also home to a lot of Asians, Europeans, and other nationalities. Blessed with a beautiful coastline, the county is among the premier beach towns of America.

Staying indoors is unheard of among the residents of Delray Beach. Through the heat and the sun, the palm groves send refreshing breeze, creating a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere. Besides, nobody wants to stay indoors with the many activities one can have fun doing. The county's main attraction is their beaches. With a two mile stretch of sandy shores, the public beaches in Delray are perfect for beach activities. Sunbathing is possible without worrying about ogling eyes. Unlike the other beach towns, Delray is almost isolated, with few tourists coming to the beach. Beach volleyball, frisbee, and beachside jogging are typical in Delray. Water activities like swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are also offered by different beach stands. There is no need to worry about participating in these activities. The beaches in Delray are supervised by lifeguards daily. What's more, the owners and operators of the snorkeling and scuba diving facilities are trained and experienced locals. They know the waters of Delray and visitors are in safe hands.

It's not only the waters and the coast that give the county its character. The public recreational parks of Delray Beach Florida are worthy alternatives for splashing on the beach. A sports park called Miller Park offers different sports field that are open for public use. Locals and visitors alike can take advantage of playing in a baseball diamond and various soccer fields. For training or exercise, the Olympic size pool of Pompey Park is worth a try. Overlooking the majestic Intercostal Waterway is the Veteran's Park. Bicycle rentals and biking areas are found at the Cycle Center. Cleanliness is evident in the well-kept locker and shower rooms.

Aside from the parks and the beaches, Delray is also home to different museums and cultural presentations. Delray Beach's Crest Theater and Cornell Museum are only two of the most popular cultural haunts. Everything is within reach in Delray. There are shopping malls and department stores, different hotels, and an array of different restaurants. The Atlantic Avenue and the Levenger Outlet have merchandise that can satisfy even the pickiest shopper. Delray Beach Florida offers something for everybody.

For more valuable information on delray beach and delray beach florida, please visit http://www.delraybeachfloridas.com

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Places To Stay At Virginia Beach On Your Vacation

Places To Stay At Virginia Beach On Your Vacation
By Richard Rspad

Virginia Beach is a legendary summer vacation spot for kids and adults alike. Given the popularity, there are plenty of places to stay for all ages and interests.

Places To Stay At Virginia Beach On Your Vacation

Virginia Beach is a friendly beach community situated on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in southeast Virginia. This vacation spot is home to many Spring Break college vacationers, and in the summer is a great place to take your family for a beach getaway. There are many different types of lodgings to choose from when staying in the Virginia Beach area. Picking the right one can make sure that your vacation turns out just the way you wanted.

One of the Virginia Beach vacation accommodations considered especially great is the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center. This hotel has 295 bay view suites with full-featured resort facilities. Also on the grounds is the Virginia Beach Tennis Club, which offers 30 outdoor and six indoor courts for those who enjoy playing the game of tennis. Water sports are encouraged at this beachfront resort, and there is also a complete fitness facility for use by the guests.

If your idea of Virginia Beach lodgings leans more towards luxury and relaxation, the Founders Inn will definitely fit the luxury vacation bill. This inn offers elegance; both in their well-appointed guest rooms and restaurants. They also offer accessibility to golf courses and other Virginia Beach attractions, and a brand-new spa (opened June 2006) caters to those who want to relax and rejuvenate while staying in Virginia Beach. The restaurants here are first rate, and the Wine Terrace restaurant, located within the inn, has earned an award from Wine Enthusiast magazine. Special dining events and wine dinners also take place at the Founders Inn.

A final look at the Virginia Beach lodgings brings us to the Ramada Plaza Resort Ocean Front. Located at the quiet northern end of the beach, this is the perfect place to come and relax with or without your family. There are 245 guest rooms at the hotel, and they all have private balconies or patios, so you can enjoy the beautiful ocean atmosphere of Virginia Beach. There are indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, Kid's Cove children's activity center, and even rentals of water equipment such as kayaks right on the property. Restaurants are also located in the facility, and a shuttle to the beach is complimentary.

Virginia Beach offers many different types of vacation accommodations to visitors and there is something for everyone at this seaside resort town. Whether you are into relaxation, water sports or even walking the Boardwalk, you can enjoy your time in this vacation spot and also enjoy your stay at one of the great Virginia Beach lodgings.

Richard Rspad is with ResortSpaDestinations.com - reviews and articles on resorts. Visit us to read spa articles as well.

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Certainly Seal Beach!

Certainly Seal Beach!
By Matthew Keegan

If you are visiting the Los Angeles, California area you need to travel a wee bit south to beautiful Seal Beach. Named for the seals which used to inhabit the area, the town has all the charm of a beach community. Lovely tree lined streets and well kept homes are the town's feature. When you want to have a little extra adventure and are lured by the salt air, take a walk on the pier which pushes out to the Pacific Ocean.

Once on the pier look to the north and see the mountain range seemingly rising up from the ocean's floor. Look straight out and you will see the majestic Pacific. Yes, those are oil rigs jutting up out of the ocean! A bit of an eyesore, but necessary especially in this day of over dependence on oil imports. Are you hungry? Stop in at the restaurant located half way down the pier and get a bite to eat. Or, stroll back in town and have your pick of seafood restaurants.

Nearby to Seal Beach is Long Beach, which is the home of McDonnell-Douglas, the airplane manufacturer. Now owned by Boeing, much of the area surrounding Long Beach International is dedicated to aviation. Stop by the airport and see what a circa 1920s airport still looks like! Yes, it is functioning and it is a good alternate airport to LAX.

Los Angeles is a 20 minute drive to the north while Orange County and Anaheim are within an hour's drive to the south. Of course, being that it is California, expect to be stuck in one of their wonderful traffic delays at some point. Hey, you could always return to bucolic Seal Beach and wait out the traffic!

Matt is a writer, web designer, and marketing expert who writes about business issues as well as places he has visited. Visit his chief site at http://www.corporateflyer.net and learn about the fantastic field of business aviation.

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Great Attractions in West Palm Beach

Great Attractions in West Palm Beach
By Jon Tan

The city offers up to 47 miles of beaches, as well as a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. The top attractions include Clematis Street, Lake Place, Lion Country Safari, and some of the best beaches around.

Lion County Safari
Lion County Safari, it is open daily rain or shine from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m. Since 1967 Lion Country Safari has offered its visitors an up-close and personal experience with some of the most fascinating creatures on our planet. Located eighteen miles west of Interstate 95 on Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari continues to offer the public an opportunity to see its resident animals in their natural environment while also actively participating in the rehabilitation and captive breeding of many of its species.

To take full advantage of all Lion Country Safari has to offer, plan on spending at least two hours exploring the drive-thru areas by vehicle and another two to three hours on foot enjoying the petting zoo and other included attractions.

City Place
Another tourist spot is City Place. City Place is part of a long term reclamation of the downtown area. The designers of City Place have combined an early 1900 style with modern concepts to create an environment that is relaxing and exciting at the same time. Once a depressed area, City Place left only one original building standing in process of building the new downtown area.

Rapids Water Park
If you family is looking to get wet then the place to go to is, The Rapids Water Park. The Rapids Water Park is South Florida's premiere family park.

The Rapids features a full day of fun for the entire family whether you make a splash in the cool blue waves, that a thrilling ride down any of there 16 water slides, or just float around the lazy river. Rapids Water Park has 22 acres of action packed attractions, with something fun for everyone.

Palm Beach County
You can also enjoy the great outdoors at one of the many parks and beaches in Palm Beach County. It offers everything from boating to horseback riding. Palm Beach County operates and maintains over 70 parks and provides organized recreation programs and services for people of all ages and abilities.Palm Beach County is home to 150 golf courses, 1,100 tennis courts, and 2,000 restaurants and more than 40 cultural venues.

Visitors may be content to stroll the beaches for shells, snorkel off-shore, or fish for bass in the calm waters of Lake Okeechobee. Palm Beach County's Ocean Rescue lifeguards and inflatable rescue boat operators protect swimmers at thirteen oceanfront and inlet parks from Tequesta to Boca Raton.

Swimming areas are guarded year-round from 7:30 am until 5:30 pm, seven days a week. After a relaxing swim you can visit Clematis Street and Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, which is also another tourist attraction.

The best way to get to Clematis Street is to take I-95 to Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Head east on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. to Dixie Highway, turn left and you're there. Clematis Street is known for its restaurants, shopping and nightclubs. But perhaps its best know attraction is the fountain in Centennial Square. Kids love to play and have fun in the fountain.

The water jets constantly move from place to place. The Fountain is located in Centennial Square on the extreme east end of Clematis Street near the Intercostals Waterway. Centennial Square is the most famous part of Clematis Street. Centennial Square is located on the extreme east end of Clematis Street. It's the site of the fountain and Clematis by Night (a major weekly event each Thursday night.) On Fridays' a band was playing at the lunch hour. Everyone enjoys it, including the kids.

For more travel-related information on West Palm Beach like restuarants to go and hotels to stay in, visit West Palm Beach Travel Guide at LAST-MINUTE-VACATION-GUIDE.COM

Copyright Statement
This article was written by Jonathan Tan and may be reproduced on any travel-related website provided this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author's site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. Copyright http://www.last-minute-vacation-guide.com

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Newport Beach: Exquisite Beaches

Newport Beach: Exquisite Beaches
By Michael Russell

Newport Beach, California has always owed much of its success to its proximity to the ocean. It is located in Orange County and has become part of a metro are that is also composed of Santa Ana, which is located about 10 miles north. Originally inhabited by Shoshone Indians who lived in part on the bounty of the sea as well as the fertile farmland, by the mid-1700s, the Spanish were beginning to explore further into what would become California. The areas of Santa Ana, Tunstin and Orange, which would later make up Newport Beach, evolved into farming communities with many new arrivals by covered wagon in the 1800s. In the late 1800s, the rather isolated settlement's population and trade exploded when a wharf was built that spanned the area from the shallow bay of the peninsula to the deeper waters where the larger steamships could dock. Within a few years of the wharf being built, the area of Newport Beach was a thriving shipping town.

With all of the new shipping activities, more investors became interested in the area. By 1905, the Pacific Electric Railroad had connected Newport Beach to Los Angeles. With the advent of the trains, many families began arriving in Newport Beach to camp and enjoy the area. As a result, soon small hotels and cottages were built to keep up with the need for visitor facilities. In 1906, the scattered areas of West Newport, Balboa Island, Lido Isle and the peninsula were incorporated into the city of Newport Beach. Soon parts of Newport Heights and Corona del Mar were annexed and the city increased its boundaries again.

During World War II, Newport Beach became an area for the Navy to build and repair its ships. With the influx of servicemen, the local business continued to prosper. By the end of the war, quite a few of the servicemen and servicewomen liked the area and decided to stay. Unfortunately this triggered a real estate boom and prices increased as a result. With the increased demand for housing, many of the local seasonal rentals changed into homes that were occupied year-round. This somewhat changed the area's focus from a seasonal destination to a place where people lived year-round.

With the Santa Ana Freeway finished in the 1950s, it was even easier to get to Newport Beach. Housing developments spread quickly and the areas around Newport Beach, including the hills and nearby mesas, soon became homes to thousands. Gradually the focus of the area changed again, away from the fishing industry. Today the area is home to manufacturing, but still owes a lot of its success to its beaches. That is primarily what still attracts visitors today.

Even today, the original reason people wanted to visit Newport Beach, namely the beaches surrounding it, still attract people today. There are national parks and many sites to see in the area. Today the city would be unrecognizable to the early settlers. Newport Beach is a thriving metropolis that continues to grow and attract visitors from around the world to its beaches and sights.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Newport Beach

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Puerto Vallarta Beachfront is an Exciting Backdrop for Your Romantic Vacation

Puerto Vallarta Beachfront is an Exciting Backdrop for Your Romantic Vacation
By Tom Budniak

Few things are more romantic than spending time with your loved one amid the stunning backdrop of an exotic beachfront location. This is what makes Puerto Vallarta so special to thousands of people who travel there looking to put the spark back in their relationships. The Puerto Vallarta real estate scene is great if you are looking for the perfect vacation property to rent so that you can enjoy the company of your significant other in private.

There are many options to choose from including luxury homes, villas, condos, and other vacation homes that can provide you with the opportunity to take a romantic vacation that remains in your memory as one of your best vacations long after you leave the beach behind. Vacation homes in Mexico range in size from small to absolutely enormous.

Youll have a wide range of choices to fit whatever youre looking for in a Puerto Vallarta real estate property. No matter what kinds of activities you want to pursue while youre vacationing, the Puerto Vallarta real estate market is sure to have something to offer thats within your price range and still offers all of the comforts and conveniences you need to have a relaxing and wonderful vacation experience.

Planning a romantic vacation is different than planning a family vacation or a business trip. You need to think about the time youre going to spend with your partner and what you need to do to make it as special as possible. The amenities you choose for your Puerto Vallarta beachfront property will also be different.

Instead of worrying about play areas for the kids and being located near some of the major childrens activities, youll be more worried about choosing a property that lets you spend quality time with your partner. You may want to splurge on a property that has a whirlpool or a Jacuzzi available so you can both relax together and soak away your sore muscles after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. You may want a great outdoor area so you can sit outside and look at the stars together at the end of a long day.

No matter what you are looking for to share with your loved one, there is sure to be a Puerto Vallarta beachfront property that helps you to have the perfect romantic vacation. All you need to do is figure out what youre looking for and start searching for the perfect piece of Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Your beachfront condo in Puerto Vallarta is within your reach. Contact Tom Budniak for insight into this booming market.

Check out the listings of Puerto Vallarta Beachfront Condos, plan correctly to Finance Puerto Vallarta condos and homes, and plan for a beautiful future today.

Tom Budniak operates, owns, and manages Realty Executives Vallarta here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Tom's office is considered by many in the industry to be the top office in Puerto Vallarta. Tom, from Realty Executives Vallarta and Mexican Caribbean is a Certified Member of RMRE and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. Check out all of the resources available through Tom and Realty Executives Vallarta.

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San Diego Beaches

San Diego Beaches
By Richard Chapo

San Diego is offered up as a great destination for people looking to take a vacation on the beach. Here are some recommendations on San Diego beaches from a local.

San Diego Beaches

When people think of San Diego, they inevitably imagine year around sun and beautiful beaches. Ironically, the worst time to visit San Diego is from the middle of May through the middle of June. During this time period, the coast is socked with low clouds and the sun breaks through for no more than a couple of hours a day. In fact, we call the annual process by the name of June Gloom.

Assuming you come at a different time, the beaches of San Diego offer up plenty of variety and beauty. There are literally hundreds of beaches you can visit, but a select few are worth a mention.

If you are looking for the beach with college kids and a party scene, Pacific Beach is the place to be. The beach is wide, wild and packed. A sidewalk runs the length of the beach to the south and is a great place to people watch. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage with your people watching, the outdoors deck at Lahainas is the place to be. The suds flow all day, but make sure to get there early as the deck is small.

For a more relaxed experience, the beaches of Del Mar offer a choice spot. The beaches are designated by the numbered streets that intersect them. If you are looking to surf, 9th street is the place to be if you are willing to walk down the cliff. If you just want to loaf, play a little volleyball and so on, anywhere from 19th to 25th street should do the trick. Del Mar is a particularly good place to be during the fourth of July since the racetrack on the back side of the beach puts on a fireworks show. Keep in mind there will be tons of people.

If you prefer to have most of the beach to yourself, you need to look to the beaches backed by cliffs. People are lazy, so they tend not to congregate in these area since you have to hoof it up and down the paths to get to the beach. Stone Steps in Encinitas is a personal favorite. The beach is used sparsely, which makes it a good place to swim and just loaf.

The honest truth is you really cannot go wrong with San Diego beaches as long as you avoid June gloom. If you decide to visit, give me a wave. Im the tan guy!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel gifts.

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Choosing Sanibel beach Accommodations 5 unique criteria

Choosing Sanibel beach Accommodations - 5 unique criteria
By Judy Jaastad

If you're looking at this article, you've probably scanned others outlining the various routes to lodging rental. And they're probably true for most every vacation destination. So you're cool. Right?

Wrong.

When you rent on Sanibel beach you need to consider a few subtleties particular to Sanibel beach and probably other beachside destinations. The following five guidelines have been developed from the questions I was asked most by potential guests.

1. Are you on the gulf?

Well, yes. But there's a difference between gulf front and gulf view. There are many complexes that are gulf front, but not all of their condos are. If you are offered a really great rate, you may be in one of the back units with no gulf view or perhaps the tiniest sliver of blue waves. Which is fine, if the view from your lodging is not so important. But if you were counting on sitting on the lanai with your morning coffee admiring the sunrise or checking out bird life - not so much. Determine whether the unit you are renting will be gulf view or gulf front.

2. Why are you priced so high?

Hmm. You do get what you pay for and so high is relative. If you absolutely require hot tub, pools, kids programs, tennis courts, on site restaurant, wireless internet, washer/dryer in the unit, daily maid service, you will probably pay more than you would for something gulf front with a pool and maybe shuffle board or tennis and maid service upon your departure, for example. So, if money is an issue (and when isn't it?), be aware of what you require and what you're willing to give up.

3. Is it clean?

Well, usually, but there are other quality considerations that you need to review. For example, is the brochure or web site really exciting -- and really old. So old that the resort may have deteriorated in the meanwhile? So old that management has become lax? If you're looking at a condo complex, you're probably looking at a unit owned - and maintained - individually. Find out if there is an annual unit evaluation program or a mandatory standard of dcor that is regularly enforced for the unit to be admitted to the program. Ask if the condo association has a strategic plan that includes a commitment to high standards.

4. Will my kids like it? What's there to do?

Again, depends. At the bigger, more pricey resorts, the kids programs, tennis-sign-ups, walking tours, etc., are convenient add-ons. But at the smaller resorts, kids build sand castles, find other kids and make new friends and happily splash around in the pool till you have to tear them away.

You've identified your ideal lodging and what you're willing to give up and what you can't live without. There's only one more question:

5. What's available the week of ?

I know that current trends are to book closer to time of a vacation, whether because the dates can't be fixed earlier or looking for last minute deals. But consider one other factor -- the best properties in your category, and the most popular weeks, book up early. Which, again, may not be a large issue for you. But if you have your heart set on that gulf front hideaway with the little lanai facing the sunrise - someone else may beat you to it. And that's okay if you have other options and can compromise without feeling cheated on your vacation.

In the end, it's all up to what you want and are willing to pay for, just like about everything else in life.

Judy Jaastad has been an owner of gulf front rental properties on Sanibel beach for fifteen years. You can see her property by visiting Sanibel Condo Rentals And check the web site for a Special Report that includes more specific property recommendations.

Copyright 2007 - Judith A. Jaastad. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprints of this article may not be edited.

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Packing For Ski Vacations It Aint No Day At The Beach

Packing For Ski Vacations - It Aint No Day At The Beach
By Shari Hearn

Lets face it, packing for a beach vacation is a walk in the park compared to packing for a ski vacation. With a beach vacation you drop a few pairs of shorts and tops and your swimsuit into your bag and youre ready to go.

Not so for a ski vacation. If youre bringing your own ski equipment you have your skis, boots, poles and bulky ski pants and jacket. Whats a ski enthusiast to do?

If youre driving to a nearby ski resort or area, packing all that equipment isnt much of a problem. But, if youre flying on your ski vacation, there are a couple options which will make the packing much easier.

First, you might want to consider leaving your ski equipment at home and renting your boots, skis and poles at the resort. Of course, you may be the type to be horrified at the thought of using rented equipment. But, you might want to weigh your discomfort with the hassle and inconvenience of packing and traveling with these bulky items.

If the idea of renting equipment is worse than the inconvenience of traveling with your own equipment, then perhaps you might think about shipping your ski equipment and clothes to the resort ahead of time, so that they will be there for you when you arrive. Be sure to call the lodge or resort ahead of time to make sure they will accept and hold the package. In most cases they probably will. Be sure, of course, to tip them well for their efforts, and send the package to yourself, in care of the resort. Shipping can be overnight, two-day, or three-day depending on how far it has to go. You may even find that shipping your equipment to yourself is cheaper than paying the airline for the extra baggage.

Besides your equipment, ski clothes and other warm winter wear, what else must you pack for your ski vacation? Well, heres where packing for a beach vacation and packing for a ski vacation is similar. For both types of vacations you need to make sure you bring your sun block. Many people make the mistake of thinking theyre out on the snow and dont need protection. When the sunlight reflects from the snow and hits your skin you could end up with a nasty sunburn, so do lotion up before skiing. Also, you want to make sure your lips are protected with a good lip balm.

In addition, as with a beach vacation, you want to make sure to stay hydrated. Again, many people think they dont need as much water because its not hot. Wrong! When you engage in any activity for an extended period of time, you have a tendency to sweat and can lose up to a quart of water per hour. Skiing is certainly an activity that causes fluid loss, so its wise to carry a couple quarts of water with you.

The easiest way to carry water while skiing is with a hydration pack. You can buy a simple hip pack or a vest hydration pack that fits around your chest containing a reservoir, with a tube that transports the water from the reservoir to your mouth. Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $80 for a good hydration pack, which can also be used for other sports such as hiking or cycling.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a ski vacations site, where you can learn about such things as New England skiing.

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Living in Spain Alternatives to the Beach

Living in Spain - Alternatives to the Beach
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Carolina Beach Vacation Rentals

Carolina Beach Vacation Rentals
By Jennifer Weiss

A vacation in Carolina Beach, North Carolina is bound to be filled with activities in the Atlantic, shopping and playing near the boardwalk, and adventuring through the trails of Carolina Beach State Park in search of the carnivorous Venus flytrap. When you have such a diverse selection of activities at your fingertips, you need accommodations that allow you to change your itinerary should another great option arise. With a Carolina Beach vacation rental, any adventure is a possibility since you are so close to everything this amazing city can offer.

Traveling with a family means compromising on what everyone wants to do. The kids may want to go to the beach and play near the water, while you may want to go putt-putting or walking around the shops near the boardwalk. The ideal situation would be to spend a part of the day around town and then to spend the rest of the time at the beach, but it can be inconvenient to get back to your lodging and get everyone ready for the beach in the middle of the day. In a vacation rental, though, you can take the short walk back to your rental home and then stroll out the back door to the beach when you are ready to head out. There is no need to fret about forgetting something; the house is conveniently located on the beach so you simply need to walk up a few stairs for extra sunscreen or a small snack.

After a long day of sunning in the sand and playing in the ocean, relaxing in the comforts of your home away from home will be a welcome experience. Grab a book off the shelf and curl up on the sofa so you can unwind after a busy and entertaining day. You can rest in peace since there is no need to worry about the kids, who are in the next room enjoying the PlayStation 2 and assorted games that were included with your vacation rental. Before you retire for the night and renew your energy, take advantage of the free wireless internet by keeping your friends and family updated about the amazing vacation you are experiencing.

When searching for the perfect oceanfront rental home, consider the amenities you would like included with the home in order to get the most out of your trip. If you want to drink your coffee as the sun rises over the water, consider a home that has a large deck so you can utilize your prime location along the water. A deck or patio is also great for savoring the night as the pleasant ocean breeze refreshes your senses after a long day in the sun. With a barbeque located in the corner of the deck, you can have grill up your catch of the day and enjoy a relaxing dinner to the sound of the surf breaking as it approaches the sand.

If Carolina Beach is your getaway destination, then a worry-free vacation in a luxurious condo is exactly what you need to escape from a hectic life. Located on the ocean and with easy access to a private beach, you can venture out towards the water without fearing the masses or wondering whether there will be a prime spot to drop your towel. When the temperature of the Atlantic is too frigid for your tastes, retreat to the heated pool where you can relax and swim the afternoon away to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

When you stay in a Carolina Beach vacation rental, you have the convenience of a first rate location in addition to all the amenities of home. If your favorite shirt gets a stain on it, you simply need to treat it with the provided cleanser and toss it in the washer. You no longer need to give unfortunate messes the opportunity to ruin your clothes since you have a washer and dryer within your lodging. When you want to go to the beach but your towels are still wet, grab a new one from the fully-stocked linen closet. All you need for a relaxing, entertaining vacation is at your fingertips, so begin your search today for a vacation rental that makes your dream vacation a reality.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, look into a Carolina Beach vacation rental for your next trip to Coastal North Carolina.

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Secluded Beaches Best of Europe

Secluded Beaches - Best of Europe
By Michael Russell

Tourist resorts appeal to the traveler who enjoys the convenience of nearby restaurants, nightclubs and bars, as well as the many on-site amenities provided. But you may have found that the added stress inherent in these overcrowded facilities outweighs the benefits of the hot stone massages you can have there. You're not exactly antisocial. Perhaps you've just had sand kicked in your face one too many times. or you're tired of dodging Frisbees and footballs on the beach. Now it's time for some peace and quiet.

So what to do? Pack a picnic lunch, a good read and a swimsuit (or not!) and head for the road less traveled. Here's a list of undiscovered beaches to help you navigate that road. And where does it lead? Away from the crowds. Wear sunscreen and enjoy your book!

1. Croatia's best beach for bathing in your birthday suit - If you're a sun worshipper who prefers to bathe sans swimsuit, Croatia boasts some 20 official naturist resorts as well as numerous naturist beaches and hidden coves. Nudist Camp Beach, Vrboska, Hvar, has a bistro and grocery store as well as a pleasant pebble beach. Take the ferry from Trogir and get off at Starigrad. Go straight out the exit road and look for signs. A friendly, multi-purpose beach, this place attracts Czech, Danish, German and British visitors, but is rarely crowded. Wind surfing in the buff? Why not give it a whirl?

2. France's best strolling tan - The secluded, sandy beaches of Belle Ile en Mer are accessible by ferry from Quiberon. Located just off the coast of Brittany, this is the largest of the French islands in the Atlantic; its powdery sand beaches, freshwater creeks and excellent water-sports conditions are unsurpassed in the region, yet the area tends to be relatively uncrowded. The beach at Locmaria has delightful footpaths along which visitors can explore the coastal landscape at their leisure-while getting a remarkable tan.

3. Germany's sunny secret - Germany's East Frisian Islands, along the North Sea coastline, have miles of sandy beaches frequented mainly by nude sunbathers. Few visitors are aware of this stretch and, as such, you're likely to have a beach to yourself. These islands also have quaint fishing villages, seal watching opportunities, as well as an ancient language and culture.

4. Greece: What Greek locals know - While most of Greece's beaches are pebbly, Skiathos boasts soft sand as well as a quaint Old Town section. What's more, this area is relatively undiscovered when compared to touristy Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu. As a result, Skiathos is said to be the Greeks' favorite island. It is one of the Sporades group in the northwestern Aegean and can be reached by ferry from either Kimi or Volos.

5. Italy: Sardinia's best bronzing - Far from the crowds and about 31 miles southwest of Cagliari, La Costa del Sud has unspoiled beaches and many hidden coves to explore. The area also boasts crystal clear water and a temperate climate. Torre di Chia beach is easily accessible by bus from Cagliari. Capo Spartivento-the next beach over-is quite a bit larger and has two lovely islands on which to bronze oneself.

6. Spain's shy person's pick - If you're in need of some quiet time away from the crowds, head for the Costa Brava. This rugged coast, which stretches from Blanes to the French border, boasts rocky cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. The drive along this coastal road is spectacular: Greek, Roman, Phoenician and Arabic ruins dot the landscape as do fortified villages from the days of the pirate invasions. The beaches along the route are the country's most secluded.

7. Spain's original (and still best) nude beaches - Ibiza was the first place in Spain to offer nude beaches and it still has some great beaches for those who like to let it all hang out! El Cavallet in Cabo Falcon-with it's rolling sand dunes and many secluded areas-offers great sunbathing. Families flock to the northern end, while the south is a popular gay hangout. Another beach worth donning the birthday suit to is nearby Aguas Blancas. Be warned, it can get very crowded in July and August.

8. Ireland's rugged best - Just seven miles from Wexford Town, Curracloe Beach is an unspoiled and sandy white strand. Adjacent to a protected pine forest, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The water here is like champagne and the beach is rarely crowded. If you've seen Saving Private Ryan, you may feel a sense of dj vu as you stroll along the strand: the D-Day Normandy landing scenes were filmed here.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Travel

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Best International Beaches Guide

Best International Beaches Guide
By Mansi Aggarwal

Vacationing at beach is like heaven or earth for all the aqua lovers and fans. The beach vacation is different from the rest where you the pleasure to get soaked in the sun and sand, experience the ups and downs with the tides and get carried away with the huge waves. To enjoy the water and water activities there are several beach destinations around the world.

The Capri Islands is an amazingly beautiful coastline. It has no beach yet it is deemed to be one of the best amongst the international beaches. The island has bathing establishments in place of beaches. It has a treasure of beach towels, beach balls and beach bunnies. The island is famous to host the rich and facilitate them with perfect luxuries and the exotic Roman art and architecture.

Barcelona can never be overlooked in the count of beach holidays. Barcelona beaches like the Bora Bora, the nude beach Platia de la Mar Bella, Platja de Sant Sebastia and Platia Barcelona one of the most popular beaches of the world, invite visitors all round the year and from everywhere in the world. Besides the seaside fun and adventure this city of Spain is also perfect for sightseeing. There are marvelous museums, traditional buildings and at display the magnum opus of some of the great architects likes Antonio Gaudi.

Bermuda has always excited the spirits of all the water devotees. The island is known for some of the ravishing beaches with pink sand and greenish water, fishing activity and uniquely painted homes and cottages. Amongst the well known beaches of the place is the Horseshoe Bay close to the southern end of the island. This Bay is further divided into smaller coves and bays on both the sides and is also a home to many good hotels, restaurants, tennis courts and golf courses. The Astwood Cove is another beach region which is bordered by tall cliffs and beaches with numerous water sports and bewitching flora and fauna. Apart from the beach amusement the island offers delectable sea food and a peculiar lifestyle that makes your vacation a memorable experience.

Cancun a spontaneously budding tourist destination, also known as Mayan Riviera rests on the ground of state of Mexico. Cancun is a host to some of the best beaches in the world. These beaches encourage a numerous water sports like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins etc. The Xcaret Nature Park, the Xel Ha and the Isla Mujeres are the specific places to thrill you with these activities. The temperature of the place revolves around 80 to 85 degree Fahrenheit. Cancun has also many bizarre and eye catching archaeological sites that keep the tourists busy throughout their visit.

The Aruba is a Dutch island located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is known for being the best family beach resort across the globe. The Palm Beach in Aruba with its white sands welcomes young as well as the old from all over the world. Apart from water sports the place is also a call to the golf lovers to enjoy while exploring their talent. The weather of this hurricane free place is wonderful with annual average temperature that figures around 82 degree Fahrenheit.

This is just the tip of an iceberg for there are many more lovable beach spots like Jamaica, Negril and Montego Bay, Saint Tropez, Italian Riviera etc. to throng and enjoy...

Mansi aggarwal writes about. international beaches . Learn more at http://www.intlbeachvacation.com

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Newport Beach Sights You Should Not Miss

Newport Beach Sights You Should Not Miss
By Khieng Chho

Newport Beach is located 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 85 miles north of San Diego in Orange County. It is comprised of the villages such as Balboa, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Harbor Island, and Newport Heights. It is famous all over the world because of the picture-perfect sandy beaches and the long stretch of coastline. That, in itself, should be reason enough for you to visit.

Many famous celebrities frequent this place, if not call it home. But celebrity or not, you can still explore Newport Beach and its villages for a luxurious and adventurous experience.

Nature Trip

Environmental Nature Center

Go exploring the more than 2 acres of wildlife habitat with trail guides as you discover Californias unique flora and fauna. Admission is free.

Upper Newport Bay

A free two-hour tour is available every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. It starts at 9 in the morning from Shellmaker Island. You can explore the areas that are home to more than 200 species of birds and wildlife. You can also avail of canoe tours and campfire activities for the family.

Culture and the Arts

City Hall Art Gallery

Visit Newport Blvd from between 9 am to 4 pm from Mondays to Fridays and drop by the City Hall Art Gallery to see works by exhibits of paintings, sculpture and photography by homegrown artists.

Newport Harbor Nautical Museum

The museum is set in the Pride of Newport, measuring 190 feet. It features the traditional and local sea-faring culture of the region. Galleries focus on several themes ranging from the recreational to commercial. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission fees for adults are $4, while for children are $1.

Newport Theater Arts Center

2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach, CA; (949) 631-0288; Call for Schedule: The local community theater features veteran and new actors. Swing by Cliff Drive and look for the Theatre on the Cliff for schedules of current plays and upcoming shows.

Dont confine yourself to going around just the Newport Beach proper. Be adventurous and take a trip to its outlying villages.

Balboa Island

You could spend a day walking along Marine Avenue just browsing more than 70 shops, galleries and restaurants. Specialty boutiques and sidewalk cafes also add flavor to the area. To get there, either take a ferry from Balboa Peninsula or drive down Jamboree Road.

Balboa Peninsula

If promenading is your thing, try the Balboa boardwalk where you can bike, skate and/or walk as you take in the sights of Newport Harbor. An amusement park established in the 1930s still stands and is a local, as well as a tourist, favorite. Rides the merry-go-round and Ferris wheel in between trips to shops and restaurants. It also features the Balboa Pavilion, which was an electric railway terminal back in the early 1900s.

Cannery Village

What used to be the hub of commercial fishing with boat yards and canneries (thus the name), this village is now mostly comprised of fine restaurants, vintage shops and a good number of art galleries. For a sampling of the local art, visit Cannery Wharf Park every Sunday to see local artists exhibiting their works towards the afternoon.

Lido Marina

This waterfront village is situated by the Via Oporto. Dont be fooled by the out-of-the-way location of this enclave by the harbor side. It is home to boutiques, jewelry stores, art museums and galleries, and restaurants by the boardwalk.

Mariners Mile

Whatever you speed is, you can take a charter for either sports fishing or dinner cruise. All restaurants and galleries have a strong maritime feel to them owing to their location. You can also take a gondola ride for a romantic tour around the New Port Harbor canals. Find Mariners Mile by West Coast Highway and is in between Dover Drive and Newport Boulevard.

McFadden Square

McFadden Square has been famous with chefs and professional seafood buyers since the late 1890s. People would come to get their choice picks of fresh seafood and you can see such activity still go on which starts everyday at 9 in the morning.

Theres a lot Newport can bring to your vacation, whether you are on a luxury spree or on a modest budget. You can experience nature at its best while sampling local crafts as well as some high-class shopping. Whatever your speed, Newport Beach has something for everyone.

Khieng 'Ken' Chho - Online Newport Beach Resources. For more, visit Ken's website: http://newportbeach.1w3b.com/

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Beach Vacations at a Modest Price

Beach Vacations at a Modest Price
By Kadence Buchanan

If you were given your choice of a two-week vacation on any locale whatsoever on the face of this earth, what would you choose?

It's the beach for me. There's nothing like lying on a sun-drenched beach under the cool shade of palm trees while watching the ocean gracefully and naturally sway to and fro. It would be nice having a waiter nearby to bring you an endless supply of pina colada cocktails and fresh seafood, but that's optional.

It doesn't matter where the beach is - Hawaii, Florida, France, the Bahamas, Greece, Spain or anywhere in the Pacific - as long as you can see the relaxing waves on the ocean and soak up the sun. It's a slice of heaven on earth.

Unfortunately, for lots of people, the prohibitive cost of staying at a beachfront hotel kills all dreams of a beach vacation. However, there are cost-effective alternatives that can help you save and still retain that beach front location. Try looking for beach vacation rentals.

Beach vacation rentals are usually someone's beach front home that they rent out to tourists and other visitors. They are clean, well-furnished and comfortable and deliciously close to the beach. Living in someone else's house also has its share of advantages over renting an expensive single room at a hotel. For one thing, you have more bedrooms to occupy, lots more room for entertaining and what-not, as well as kitchen facilities. These all translate into substantial savings especially for families with five members or more.

Looking for a suitable beach vacation rental is not as difficult as it may seem. The easiest way is to look for a real estate agency in the city you will be visiting since such agencies keep listings of available beach vacation rentals, complete with photographs, rental rates and other pertinent information. It's possible to find and communicate with these real estate agencies online.

Another way is to surf the city websites of the place that you plan to visit since these usually have business directories that list everything from the neighborhood barber to the fanciest restaurants in town. Of course, the real estate agents and agencies will be listed there as well and, if you're lucky, so too will a roster of available beach rentals.

Most beach rentals are for a week or less and, if you are planning to stay longer, you can probably get a discount on your rental rate. Some of these rentals even offer a staff that will cater to your every need.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Recreation, Food, and Outdoors

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Get Revved Up In Daytona Beach

Get Revved Up In Daytona Beach
By Caitlin Moore

Youll be encouraged to start your engines upon arrival in Daytona Beach, but theres much more to do that doesnt involve fast cars or big crowds. Theres the beach, of course, but even beyond that are multitudes of opportunities that will keep everyone in your group consistently engaged, amazed and stimulated. This multi-faceted destination is buzzing with activity, so consider a trip to Floridas Central Atlantic coast if its time for a break from reality.

Begin with a little rest and relaxation in order to properly charge up your probably depleted batteries. Pick a spot along the more than 23 miles of fabulous beach, all of which are free and open to the public every moment of the year, and either settle in for a snooze in the sun, a reading session (you can finally get to that novel thats been gathering dust on your nightstand) or rent the necessary equipment to fully delight in the surf. This could be a jet ski, snorkeling gear, a boogie board or a fishing pole. The region is packed with parks and plenty of room to spread out, so look for your lost sense of fun along Atlantic Avenue or Oceanshore Boulevard its there waiting for you.

Brush the sand from toes and try to make yourself put some shoes on as you head back towards civilization. Not that theme parks, golf courses, tennis courts and flea markets are all that fancy or anything, flip flops and shorts should work just fine. Play some games with the kids, hop onto a go-kart, ride a rollercoaster and scream like you wish you could every time your computer crashes. The days during this trip will most certainly be sunny and bright in more ways than one, so take advantage of it and make a list of fun and fabulous places to visit. Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory comes highly recommended, as does Daytona Lagoon and Main Street Pier.

Like all families, everyone in the group has their own distinct interests, and its okay to split up for a while to pursue them. For example, the Haunts of the Worlds Most Famous Beach Ghost Tour might be too scary for the little ones, and the Marine Science Center might not float everyone elses boat. Skydiving and sunrise ballooning will be for the adventurers, and the others may be perfectly happy to play beach bingo or stroll down the boardwalk. The point is, just as sure as everyone will scatter to the wind, theyll meet back up again (probably around meal time) to compare stories and celebrate the never ending play land that is Daytona Beach.

Chances are, if youre choosing to visit this particular destination, you have at least an occasional need for speed. That is, youre well aware of the racing influence on the local culture and have made the pilgrimage to the birthplace of all things motorsport to learn more about the hows, whens, wheres and whys of this crowd pleasing tradition. This urge can be satisfied by stopping by International Speedway, and if your thirst continues be sure to visit the Birthplace of Speed Park, the Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum, or the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Fill your entire day with racing; you know you want to, and this is the only place to do it.

The possible itineraries are far from being exhausted. Shopping for antiques, trinkets, bargains or the latest designer fashions could fill a couple days alone. Dining on all the wonderful culinary delights will make you wish you had room to handle at least five meals a day, and the nighttime offerings, from comedy clubs to coffee houses, will keep you revved up long into the evening. Continuing with the theme of accessibility and variety, youll see that Daytona Beach really does have it all.

One more thing before you start packing your bags; dont forget to choose a Daytona Beach Vacation Rental that will complement the fantastic festivities of this trip. You and your family deserve to be lodged in comfort and style, so check out the amenity-filled condos, houses and ocean front properties in order to discover the one thats just right for you. Its out there waiting, so keep your eyes peeled as you surf online.

Your upcoming vacation should be restful yet exciting, supercharged yet laid-back. Daytona Beach has a way of encompassing all of these things, so consider crossing its finish line before too long.

Visit HomeAway.com to find the perfect vacation rental for your upcoming trip.

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Sandals Beaches and... Weddings?

Sandals, Beaches, and... Weddings?
By Chris Robertson

With the average cost of a wedding topping $20,000, couples - particularly those who are making their second trip down the aisle - are looking for exciting alternatives to the typical church and reception soiree. For that reason, destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Today, the bride may wear a simple princess gown and the groom decked out in linen pants and an open-necked shirt - and both may be wearing sandals.

Ceremonies are taking place on Cancun beaches, in forests, and on cruise ships. Couples are leaving behind the carnival atmosphere and celebrity grandeur of the large wedding and are embracing simpler, more intimate settings for their ceremonies.

With a destination wedding, the couple selects the locale where they'd like to both hold their ceremony and their honeymoon. Cruise ships, Caribbean getaways, and Hawaiian resorts top the list of desirable destinations. Once they decide on a location, the couple typically draws up a small guest list - sometimes including as few as a half dozen family members and other times incorporating fifty or more guests.

Working with a travel agent, they book reservations at the resort or on the cruise of their choosing. When they're able, the couple often picks up the tab for both guest transportation and lodging; other times, the guests are responsible for their own transportation, but are provided with lodging for at least three nights.

Increasingly, resorts at beaches and other locales have wedding coordinators who can help the couple plan all aspects of their ceremony - even when the couple lives thousands of miles away. These services range from coordinating flowers and other decorations to the bachelor party and the reception. They can even help facilitate obtaining a marriage license for the couple.

The advantages to a destination wedding are numerous. First, because weddings held at beaches and other locales are less formal, the pressure to host the perfect wedding is absent. Less stress on the bride and groom mean they can actually enjoy themselves. Second, because destination weddings typically have smaller guest lists, the couple can enjoy the company of the people to whom they are closest, and don't have to worry about dozens of virtual strangers in attendance. Third, because the wedding and honeymoon are in the same location, the couple can enjoy their ceremony and reception, knowing that they can simply relax and enjoy themselves afterwards.

With the help of a great travel agency and a wedding coordinator at the destination, getting married can be like a day at the beach - in your sandals!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.Learn more about Sandals, Beaches, and...Weddings? or Majon's Travel directory.

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Panama City Beach Vacations

Panama City Beach Vacations
By Eric Morris

Panama City Beach, one among the worlds most beautiful beaches in Florida, is truly a vacation paradise. Panama City Beach, the maintained paradise for tourism lovers across the world, is rated by the Travel Channel as the Fourth Best Beach in America.

Panama City Beach hosts several events throughout the year. One can choose from a wide array of activities including zoo excursions, swimming with dolphins, water-park or the museums. Those visitors who prefer nature can go for a day trip or State Parks.

This beach lovers beach is lauded for its sugary-white sand which is among its most coveted attributes. A short drive in and around Panama City Beach takes one through some really interesting places. Nearby destinations include Wakulla Springs, one among the worlds largest and deepest fresh-water lakes, Falling Waters State Park, a wonderful place for picnic and walking etc. Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, one among the interesting places in Panama City Beach, holds many historical sites. The museum of Florida History is also situated here. Florida Caverns State Park is the only limestone cave in Florida that is open to the public. Deerpoint Lake, a huge freshwater lake where one can boat for miles and miles, is another attraction. Other tourist attractions in this locality include Eden State Park and Shell Islands.

Diving and snorkeling are popular activities here. A vacation spent at Panama City Beach is never complete without enjoying the nightlife on the beach, in the night-club with jolting music, bands, dance and a wide variety of entertainment options.

Panama City Beach provides detailed information on Panama City Beach, Panama City Beach Rentals, Panama City Beach Hotels, Panama City Beach Condos and more. Panama City Beach is affiliated with Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals.

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Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing

Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing
By Damian Sofsian

Miami Beach is an attractive and popular tourist destination. A city in Florida it is in close proximity to various major airports. Also known as the American Riviera, Miami Beach boasts of seven miles of beaches. Miami Beach is located on an island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and is a vacationers delight. Owing to the abundance of water bodies, Miami Beach is also famous for its deep-sea fishing. These activities can be arranged for well in advance through tour operators who make hotel and travel reservations. In any case, they are not difficult to arrange and people can make inquiries regarding deep-sea fishing when in the city.

It is important to make enquiries regarding deep sea fishing tariffs before finalizing a deal. Tourists may opt to compare packages that are offered by different companies in order to find an affordable and enjoyable deal. They may be scheduled as half day, full day, two day or weekend activities. Tourists may even choose to indulge in custom-made deep sea fishing activities that last longer. It is important to verify the credibility of such companies to ensure a safe adventure.

Companies may offer wooden boats, solo anglers, chartered vessels or custom-built vessels. All these options are categorized under varying price points. In order to be successful at deep-sea fishing ventures, tourists may opt to work with trained personnel on the boat. They offer first hand training and prove to be extremely friendly guides. A deep sea fishing adventure can only be undertaken in vessels that are licensed and can withstand unfavorable deep-sea conditions, if any. To help tourists in their exploits, sailing vessels are fitted with radar, fish finders, radio and toilet. These companies also take care of supplies such as, fishing equipment, bait, hooks and sinkers, unless tourists are professionals and choose to bring along their own set of supplies. Such people may even participate in trophy deep fishing activities to make their vacations even more enjoyable and memorable.

Miami Beach provides detailed information on Miami Beach, Miami Beach Vacations, Miami Beach Real Estate, Miammi Beach Condos and more. Miami Beach is affiliated with Discount Miami Hotels.

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Slip Down to Rosarito Beach

Slip Down to Rosarito Beach
By Caitlin Moore

Its just 20 miles south of the border but once you arrive youll feel a million miles away from work, school and responsibilities. Rosarito Beach is a fun-loving community that perhaps was once known as a destination for the well-to-do, but today it is accessible to anyone who needs a quick rejuvenation by skipping down to Baja either from Southern California or somewhere farther away.

The weather is nice and pleasant year round, providing a solid foundation for the range of activities to be enjoyed during every season. Like California and other dependable vacation destinations, in Rosarito Beach there is an atmosphere of constant movement, vibrancy, and the air is charged with an everlasting energy. From sports to theme parks, shopping to music, theres a lot going on in this appealing town.

Start off by hitting the beach the dream of any cold-weather suffering, landlocked citizen longing to achieve a place in the sun, if only for a few blessed days. Surfing lessons are popular, as are fishing, hang gliding, and snorkeling. Bring lots of sunscreen and your best couple of swimsuits, because these will become your uniform for the bulk of your trip. Shoes are optional.

If you need a break or if youve had your fill of the sand and the salty breeze, then go inland a little bit. Horseback riding in Rosarito Canyon, bicycling along the well-traveled paths, and motorcrossing on the dunes are exhilarating diversions that will immerse you in the healthy, adventurous culture of the land. The Real Del Mar Golf course will excite the putters in your group, and lots of duty free stores will rev the engines of the shopaholics. All in all, theres something here for every disposition.

For a little family fun or movie buff indulgence, theres Foxploration. This movie park takes visitors behind the scenes of filmmaking, spilling a few secrets and fanning the flames of big screen fascinations. Titanic was filmed at the nearby Fox Studios, as were a handful of other movies. Seeing this scene is a thrill for any and all drama and popcorn-loving people.

When the sun goes down the fun continues, as another California tradition partying comes into play. From classy clubs to laid-back bars, there are several nightlife choices. Close to a hundred restaurants are on hand to tantalize your taste buds, and be especially sure that you sample a lobster dinner at least once. Puerto Nuevo, nicknamed Lobster Village, wont disappoint even the pickiest palates.

Several spas will ensure that no one leaves with a lingering tension in their muscles; go ahead, pamper yourself to a massage or facial while youre here. The Rosarito walking tour comes highly recommended to those interested in learning the names and significance of the most interesting sites, and finally, it would be best not to leave without talking a clichd yet sure to be enjoyable walk on the beach at sunset. Grab your honey by the hand and make sure to leave with no regrets.

To top it all off, look into renting a vacation home to make your stay a bit more special. Rosarito Beach Vacation Rentals come in all shape and size, but each one offers convenience, privacy, comfort, and more than a touch of class. Look into this sure-to-please alternative as you start to plan your holiday to sunny Rosarito Beach.

HomeAway.com has all the information you need to make your next trip a success.

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Best New England Beaches to Visit Anytime of the Year

Best New England Beaches to Visit Anytime of the Year
By Cliff Calderwood

New England is blessed with many magnificent beaches you can visit throughout the year. These beaches include miles of white sand for walking, refuge and nature trails for exploring, and even beaches hundreds of miles from the ocean. Here's my pick of the best...

HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, CONNECTICUT:

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just taking a crisp autumn hike. During the season the Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors. The beach can be found off Route 95 exit 62 in the Madison area.

ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK, NEW HAMPSHIRE:

This 300-acre undeveloped shore on New Hampshires short 18-mile coast is a world away from the high-energy beaches of Hampton. Visit the patchwork of trails and bike path and tour the Seacoast Science Center. Odiorne Point was the site of the first colony settlement in the area and is located 3 miles south of Portsmouth on Route 1A in Rye.

OGUNQUIT BEACH, MAINE:

Ogunquit Beach is three miles of a stunning white sandy beach situated in one of Maines most picturesque and popular villages and along the famed coastal Route 1. To find more seclusion take the trolley from town center to Footbridge Beach, or walk the Marginal Way footpath to sample the Caribbean-colored white sand region.

CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE, MASSACHUSETTS:

The Cape Cod National Seashore, in my opinion, has the best beaches on the eastern seaboard, with beautiful white sand and miles of open beach for walking and easy access to nature trails. Nauset Beach in Orleans remains one of my favorites - the beach is sign-posted from the town center on Route 6A. But also stunning are Head of the Meadow beach in Truro and Race Point in Province lands. And theres a whole bunch of beaches with lighthouses along Route 6. In the summer the beaches on the Cape Cod Bay side tend to be better for families as the waters are warmer and less under-tow.

CRANE BEACH, MASSACHUSETTS:

Crane Beach is also a managed area for wildlife and the dunes, and a superb white sand beach with over 5 miles of trails and 1,200 acres of recreation and conservation. This is a beach not only to take a doze while listening to the waves, but also discover a habitat where protection is first job. Though the in-season parking fee is expensive it remains my favorite ocean beach in the Boston area. Crane Beach is on Argilla Road in Ipswich, on the North Shore of Boston.

NAPATREE POINT, RHODE ISLAND:

Watch Hill is a perfectly preserved Victorian seaside town removed from the crowded Misquamicut beaches. The town has shops to browse, a picturesque lighthouse, and an antique merry-go-round. Entrance to the invigorating Napatree Point walk is at the carousel, and takes you through dunes, scenic views, and to an old fort. You can reach the town by taking Route 1A south from Westerly.

BUTTON BAY STATE PARK, VERMONT:

Hundreds of miles from any Ocean and bordering northern Vermont and New York is Lake Champlain. Conservation conscious Vermont boasts over 60 state parks, and Button Bay is a beauty. The park can be found by taking Route 22A from Vergennes out to Ferrisburgh. Take your shoes for this walk and stroll out to rocky Button Point to enjoy the views of the island and distant Adirondacks.

No trip to New England is complete without taking the time to enjoy at least one of these marvelous beaches.

For details on attractions near these New England beaches and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff Calderwood's New England vacations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

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Beach Party Games with the Surf and Sand for Summer Fun

Beach Party Games with the Surf and Sand for Summer Fun
By Gail Leino

When you are looking to put together some beach party games remember to make use of the natural elements on the beach for all of your fun. The Sun, Sand and Surf will help make any party great fun.

The simplest beach party game may be building a sandcastle contest. This can be geared towards kids or adults. Just remember to have everyone bring whatever they will need to make their own sand castle, buckets, shovels and accessories. Afterwards if the surf hasnt washed the sandcastles away you can hold a judging of the castles and award a small prize to the team that built the best one.

Water football can be both fun and help guests to use up any extra energy they may have. Just make sure that you have a ball that will float in the water and a way to clearly define the goals. Also its probably a good idea to make this touch football since its in the water. You certainly dont want a lot of pile-ups in the ocean. This can also be played on the sand or in the surf where the waves are just enough to slow down players.

A beach scavenger hunt can be lots of fun. Before the party make up lists of unusual items to find at the beach, such as a pair of socks or candles. Do put some easier to find items on the list, like shells and sunscreen. During the party have players get into teams and give them an hour to find as much stuff from the list as they can. At the end of the hour those with the most items are the winners.

At the end of the day you can tally up which teams or people won the most games and activities and hand out beach medals in the form of seashell necklaces.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games to help complete your event.

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Taveuni Island in Fiji Enjoy A Beach Vacation in Paradise

Taveuni Island in Fiji - Enjoy A Beach Vacation in Paradise
By Tuppy Glossop

Some people relax by heading for a busy resort, filled with bustling nightlife and packed bars. Myself, I prefer to find a secluded spot with deserted beaches and clear blue water, where I can rest, think, and recharge. I want to eat wonderful food, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, read a book that makes me laugh out loud, and be gently pampered in quiet luxury. Aaah, paradise ... and I found it, on Taveuni Island in Fiji.

Taveuni Island has been called Fiji's mystery island, a volcanic outcrop 42 kilometers long and only 9 kilometers wide. The island is divided along its spine by a high ridge, and verdant rain forests spill down each side of the ridge towards the coast. Much of the southeastern coastline is accessible only by boat, while the northwest of the island has several beautiful small beaches. The island is a treasure trove of flowers and tropical plants including the rare tagimacuia flower, found next to its namesake, Lake Tagimacuia, the most popular tourist attraction on Taveuni.

Accommodation

Taveuni's resorts are small and intimate; most have no more than 20 or 30 guests at any time. The Taveuni Palms Resort, arguably the most luxurious on the islands, has just two villas, each with their own private chef and staff. Other world-class resorts include the Maravu Plantation, the Taveuni Island Resort, and Susie's Plantation Resort.

Activities

Taveuni Island offers many of the sports and recreational activities you'd expect from an island paradise -- including hiking, swimming, and kayaking -- but diving is the magnet that draws many visitors to Taveuni. There are three major dive areas on Taveuni's coastline, including the Rainbow Reef, one of the world's best soft coral reefs. The Great White Wall is an extraordinary attraction for divers, a luminescent tunnel of coral where you'll see hundreds of beautiful fish while surrounded by the glow of white coral. There are several full-service dive operations on Taveuni Island, catering to every level of experience from the complete novice to certified divers.

Travel to Taveuni Island

Taveuni is in the South Pacific, with flights available to Fiji's international airport in Nadi from Los Angeles, Sydney and Auckland. The hour-long flight from Nadi to Taveuni is a breathtaking sightseeing experience as you fly over the outer islands and clear blue ocean. Most resorts will arrange your ground transportation on Taveuni, with staff to greet you at the airport.

If a crowded and noisy vacation is your idea of paradise, Taveuni Island isn't for you. But if, like me, you crave a serene and peaceful beauty in a tropical wonderland, Taveuni is paradise itself.

For more information on the beaches of Taveuni Island please visit vacation-on-the-beach.com where you can read about other great destinations for your next beach vacation.

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Ontario Adventure Vacation: Forget About The Beaches And Skimpy Bathing Suits Go On An Adventure

Ontario Adventure Vacation: Forget About The Beaches And Skimpy Bathing Suits, Go On An Adventure
By Francine Gielis

Forget about the guys and gals in skimpy bathing suits on the beaches, go on an outdoor adventure vacation and feel alive. Here are 5 suggestions for adventure vacations

1Camping and canoeing in Algonquin Park Interior. Summer and winter adventures.

Algonquin is within a few hours driving distance from Toronto. Leave on a Friday afternoon and drive north, take the canoe and camp on a site of one of the lakes closer to the highway. Youll be able to make camp before darkness. Spend all weekend canoeing on the lakes or hiking through the woods, and go back home on Sunday afternoon. If you have more time, go deeper into the interior by taking one of the more northerly routes across the bigger lakes. Spend a week or two away from people, enjoy the peace and tranquility. When you come back out of the interior you will notice that nothing changed while you were away, except you.

2Snow shoeing and snowmobiling, winter adventure

Go Snow shoeing or take a snowmobile on one of the 30 thousand miles of trail throughout Ontario. Get a group of friends together and travel from lodge to lodge. Spend your evenings with good food and drinks, and in the good company of the locals.

3 Dog sledding and skijoring, winter adventure

Go on a dog sledding vacation and learn how to be a musher. If you dont have access to all the dogs and equipment, go skijoring. All you need is a couple of dogs and minimal equipment. Competitions are organized with races ranging from 3 to 50 miles. This is one of the fastest growing sports and you can do it anywhere. Ontario has thousands of snow mobile trails, perfect for skijoring. Check to make sure dogs are allowed on the trails you intend to travel.

4White water rafting, summer adventure

Experience Ontarios waters as a canoeist, a kayaker, or a rafter. Make sure you bring your scuba diving equipment along to check out the underwater scenery. Early spring when the snow melts, the water will rush down small, normally quiet streams and give you a chance to do some white water kayaking or canoeing in areas where you normally have to portage during summer. For the more daring you can enjoy the high tempo ride of rapids and whitewater thrills on the Ottawa River.

5Mountain biking, summer adventure

Visit the Haliburton Wilflife and Nature Reserve and bike through the 60 thousand acres of private forest. If having both wheels on the ground does not excite you, travel to Calabogie. Challenge the heart-pumping downhill mountain biking trails for pure excitement. Take the chair lift to the top of the Dicksons Mountain. Then thrill with a descent of 760 feet on your mountain bike.

You can find more information on vacationing in Ontario at www.the-happy immigrant.com

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Kauai Vacation Rentals Relax on the Beach in Style and Comfort

Kauai Vacation Rentals - Relax on the Beach in Style and Comfort
By Jeffrey Smith

Youve decided that Kauai will be the best place to unwind for a week or two in Hawaii. Youve certainly made a good choice. Theres so much to do on Kauai, like diving and snorkeling, hiking and helicopter rides. Its a beautiful destination where the sunsets over the soft Pacific beaches are unforgettable.

Depending on where youre flying from, it can be a long trip. Youre going to want to be able to stretch your legs, literally and figuratively, once youre there. In order to do your Kauai vacation right, you should consider renting a villa, cottage or bungalow. The main advantage or renting a home from a private individual is that you get so much room for what often works out to the same price, or less, than a hotel would cost for a week.

Kauai vacation rentals give you more privacy and personal space while providing the comforts of home even though youre thousands of miles away from yours. For example, say you fell asleep on the beach last night in the clothes you were planning to wear to dinner tonight. Theyre full of sand and a little soggy from the tide reaching your feet (thats how you woke up, after all).

When you rent a vacation home, that scenario isnt a problem, just throw the clothes in the washing machine and go do something else. When the wash is done, dry them and youre ready for dinner. Now, some might say that it doesnt sound like a vacation if youre talking about using the washer and dryer, but the reality is that the convenience they provide also gives you flexibility. You can pack lighter and dont have to be quite as worried about making your clothes last the whole trip.

The amenities vary in vacation rentals, which is a good thing because you can choose to rent a home with as many or as few amenities as youre going to want on your vacation. You may want a more simple vacation to get away from it all. In that case, opt for a beach bungalow without the high-speed Internet access and digital cable. With a place on the beach, the views will be good enough that you wont need those other distractions. Or go all out, rent a luxurious villa with every amenity you can think of. Treat yourself; its a vacation on Kauai after all.

Whatever you decide to rent on Kauai, it will serve as your home base as you range over the island, doing all that Kauai has to offer. Spend some time snorkeling or scuba diving, or just walking the beach. After a couple days, you may find yourself tuckered out from all the activity. The beauty of renting a vacation home is that you can stay in, make your own dinner and rest up for the next couple days of adventure and sightseeing.

Its now easier than ever to find a vacation rental in almost any part of the world. View and inquire about Kauai vacation rentals at GreatRentals.com, one of the earliest of the vacation rental Web sites.

For more options on renting Kauai vacation homes, visit HomeAway.com. There is a simple search box and map on the homepage to get you started and there are also advanced search options.

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Beach Bummiing

Beach Bummiing
By Rahul Viz

Fancy a sunny day out at the beach? Well, if youre in Amsterdam, you dont have to travel out to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal any more. Amsterdam is quite well-off in the trendy beaches sector. Beaches like Blijburg, Amsterdam Plage and the brand-new Strand West are all in Amsterdam itself. Apart from beaches Amsterdam also has other amazing places where one can kick back and sunbathe during summer without getting so much as a grain of sand between the toes.

Blijburg aan Zee is a sandy beach on the new IJburg island complex. Not only does Blijburg have a pleasant beach, it also has a beach caf with a bar and an open kitchen. Every Sunday there is a performance by a DJ or a country band. It is on the new islands in the East of Amsterdam. Only this beach allows swimming officially allowed. One can find a caf or a restaurant on the beach itself.

Amsterdams newest stylist city beach is Strand West. Its a wide sandy beach with a panoramic view over the waters of the IJ. One can laze in a hammock or beanbag, drink a cocktail, eat tapas or play beach volleyball with friends and colleagues. Children can ride on the giant stride or enjoy the view from the mini big wheel. When the weather is good, there are barbecues or paellas.

Last year the Amsterdam Plage beach at Stenen Hoofd, to the west of the Central Station, was a huge success. This beach, right next to the Silodam, was laid on the age-old dike that projects far out into the IJ. It is smaller than Strand West but more popular because of its intimacy.

Another beach is Strand-Zuid, located at the back of the RAI Congress Centre, just south of the centre of Amsterdam. It has 2,000 m2 of sand, chairs, terraces, a beach volleyball field and there are showers. One can go there by a boat also, as there are places to moor your boat.

Towering above Amsterdam is the Green Boat designed by architect Renzo Piano. Its not a beach in the classical sense of the word, but one look at the palm trees, the large sandpit, the waterfall and the splashing Waterwonder and one can imagine that one is in the South of France, Spain or some other holiday destination.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on BEACH BUMMIING.

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GOA A Carnival of Beaches

GOA - A Carnival of Beaches
By Roozbegh Gazdar

The state of Goa on the West coast of India, is located in the coastal belt known as Konkan. While this tourist magnet has much to offer: old churches, carnival atmosphere, Portuguese flavour, wildlife, nature and tantalizing cuisine, yet, mention Goa and the first, often only, image that flashes in ones mind is of the BEACHES.

For the 105 km long Konkan belt has generously bestowed Goa with some of the best beaches in India: a wide eclectic range guaranteed to suit every taste and fulfill every fantasy. Goa offers both, popular hotspots swarming with tourists where every inch of territory is claimed and contested to virgin stretches practically untouched by development.

For the beach aficionado traveling to Goa, it entails choosing between being in the midst of the action where ultra modern facilities such as luxury hotels, malls, night clubs, restaurants, spas and massage centers abound or courting the solitude of a rustic shack that opens out to wide empty sand and sea.

Goas beaches are roughly divided into two groups based on their location: Those lying in North Goa and others situated in South Goa.

Goas capital Panaji in the North and Margao, a major city in the South, are two central points from where most of Goas beaches can be accessed.

As one goes up north from the beach at Calangute or down south from Colva, the traffic on the beaches starts thinning so that soon there remain just the golden sands and tranquil waters under the beneficent beam of a glorious sky Goas beaches at their purest, most unadulterated! Check out some of these options:

Vagator and Chapora

About 22 kms from Panaji, situated in Bardez Taluka, the crescent shaped beach of Vagator and nearby Chapora are isolated havens in North Goa. Tourists come for the sheer beauty of the white sand and black lava rocks sparkling against a verdant rural landscape. The rural atmosphere untouched by the scepter of commercialization that often plagues good beaches, the nearby 500-year-old Portuguese fort of Chapora is another attraction here.

Anjuna

One of the more spectacular of Goas beaches, this five-mile stretch, nestled between the sea and a hill has some interesting black rock formations jutting into the sea. Former haunt of the hippies, the beach is just right for lazing on the sands all day. Night-long parties spice up the atmosphere on Anjuna, which is also famous for its Wednesday flea market where you can pick up anything from paper backs to pottery. The Mascarhenas Mansion, a classic piece of old Goan architecture with woodwork and floral stained glass etchings makes for an interesting visit.

Calangute

Undeniably one of North Goas most popular beaches, one can expect a crowd here! This Queen of Beaches, with nearby saltpans and coconut groves adding to its charms, was the original mecca for the European hippies who came to Goa in droves in the 60s and 70s. Today, Calangute offers all modern facilities including spas, massage parlours, shopping centers and internet cafs. While the golden sands here still retain their magic, the Church of St. Alex and the Kerkar Art Complex are added attractions.

Baga

Quiet in comparison to Calangute, this small beach is for those seeking the idyllic Goa of the yesteryears. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by the hill with the retreat house and the Baga River flowing alongside - the sea explodes in dramatic sprays where the river flows into it. Offering water sport opportunities, this beach is popular with the western tourists in Goa.

Sinquerim

One of the best beaches in Goa for water sports including water-skiing, para- sailing, diving and surfing, facilities for these activities are of international standard here. The uninterrupted sandy stretch north from here till Baga beach makes this an excellent beach for walking too.

Miramar

Lying adjacent to the Mandovi River as it empties out into the sea, Miramar was earlier known as the Gasper Dias Beach. One can enjoy an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach, which is studded with luxury hotels and the homes of Goas rich and famous. Demphe college of Arts and Science and the memorial to Goas first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar also stand here.

Aguada

This beach is well known for the Fort Aguada Hotel built around a 17th century fort that goes by the same name. While the hotel grounds are off-limits for the general public, one can still walk around the beach. The fort, originally built to protect Old Goa from foreign attack, today houses Goas Central Fort. Aguada beach is full of cafes, stalls, massage parlors and facilities for water sports.

Agonda

A three-kilometer long stretch of sand and palm with a hill to the south, this beach is one of those offering a sense of solitude quite rare in Goa. In fact, Agonda is just the place for an overnight beach camping adventure! Nearby is Cabo de Rama, where according to Goan legend, Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita for 12 years.

MAJORDA

A 5 km stretch of sand, Majorda is where the Jesuits harvested the best toddy palms to leaven their bread. As a result, Majorda was home to the original Goan bakers skilled in the art of European baking, a skill possessed by bakers here even today. Much earlier, so Goan legend states, Lord Rama as a child was kidnapped and brought up here.

Bogmalo

With a huge 5 star hotel right at the edge of the sea, this beach is somewhat separated from both, the North and South Goan beach circuits. And the sea around has some intriguing islands. The beach is lined with eateries, each claiming to be Osibisas chosen favourite!

Colva

Most beloved beach of the Goans, Colva in South Goa is plush with modern tourist amenities. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy with its famous statue of Menini Jesus.

Benaulim

A tranquil beach, legend describes it as the place where the legendary arrow of Parashurams arrow fell, from which Goa was created. This is where you can see the famous handicrafts of Goa, including fine rosewood furniture. A good beach for those seeking solitude. The church of St. John the Baptist, as well as the Feast of St. John are synonymous with this beach.

Dona Paula

Made famous by the legend of Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy of colonial Goa, who threw herself off the cliff rather than relinquish her love for a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias, this is also how this famous Goan beach got its name. Famous for its water sports facilities, this beach is also a popular location for movie shoots. The National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the Reis Magos Church are the main attractions around here.

VARCA, CAVELOSSIM, MOBOR

Beautiful beaches from South Goa, these also display a cleaner, quieter visage than some of the more famous and therefore over-commercialized. Shacks offering authentic Goan dishes line the beach, as also some exclusive luxury resorts. Tourists here can also avail of boat trips to watch dolphins.

Palolem

One of the southernmost of Goas beaches, this stretch of white sand and blue water is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The beach is lined with shacks selling food, clothes, trinkets and other Goa souvenirs.

Roozbegh GazdarContent Writerhttp://www.traveljini.comseo@traveljini.com

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Discount Beach Vacations

Discount Beach Vacations
By Ross Bainbridge

Due to the hectic schedules that people follow and the tedious tasks that are part and parcel of what they do, vacations have become a part of people's lives. Beach vacations are a way for many to unwind and chill out after working themselves ragged. Beaches remain the most popular vacation spots due to the countless variety they offer and their laidback atmosphere.

Nevertheless, people can also wear themselves out in searching for the best place to go without having to shell out a great wad of cash. Discount beach vacations have proved to answer for people who need to get their money's worth out of a vacation.

Travel agents usually offer huge discounts for group travelers. Searching for travel agencies that offer huge discounts may be a discount traveler's first option. Comparing prices and corresponding deals may well define arriving at the best deal. Carefully weighing the costs of each package will ensure getting even more from what you pay. Even airline companies provide discounts on airfare and may even include airport transfer as part of their money-saving packages.

All-inclusive packages are also very popular among discount seekers since they may be tailored to fit an individual's needs based on his or her budget. All inclusive beach packages are so popular, not only for their sheer convenience, but also because these packages correspond with a person's needs. All inclusive beach packages assure you of quality resort amenities such as pools and spas. Various activities and water sports are also made available at no extra cost. Food is usually covered as well.

Remember that finding the best discount entails a lot of work since you are trying to get more than your money's worth.

Beach Vacations provides detailed information on Beach Vacations, All Inclusive Beach Vacations, Family Beach Vacations, Anniversary Beach Vacations and more. Beach Vacations is affiliated with Virginia Beach Hotels.

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