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Beach Vacations that Aren’t in Florida

4 Beach Vacations that Aren’t in Florida

By on July 5, 2018 in Best Beaches, Dominican Republic, Travel Tips

Don’t take it personally, Florida. There is no end to the number of adventures to be had in the sunshine state, from the picturesque to the unusual. But when it comes to beach vacations and ocean view destinations, Florida does not have the monopoly that people think it has. Far from it, in fact! If you are planning to soak up the sun this summer, whether with your family or on a private getaway, it’s time to branch out and experience something else besides Epcot. Take a look at four of the most phenomenal beach vacations that have a little more culture and flair than Orlando.

4 Beach Vacations Outside Florida

1. Samana, Dominican Republic

If you are a beach vacation aficionado, you might not even need to read the rest of this article. Samana is perfectly situated for quick access to not one, not two, but three world class beaches. Soak up all the sun you need and enjoy the best ocean views in the world in Samana Bay. There are lots of activities to keep you occupied if you can manage to peel yourself away from the stunning white sand beaches.

There are waterfall hikes and zipline excursions for the adventurous members of your party. Deep sea fishing excursions can be arranged for the sportsmen and women out there. Still craving more beach time? Take a horseback tour of the Samana peninsula and drink it all in. When you are ready for a quick bite or a major meal, Samana boasts a variety of fine dining options. You can find everything here from local Dominican specialties to Thai and French cuisine that will have you returning night after night.

Two people sitting on a beach bluff in Negril Jamaica

2. Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica is renown for its vibrant culture, music, food, and style. The nightlife in cities and towns across the country can make for a memorable vacation, but what Jamaica does best is beach life. Negril offers a number of exciting activities and attractions that are related to its prime beachfront location.

You can hit surf on a boogie board, sailboat, or anything in between. Go for a long walk on the aptly named Seven Mile Beach and check out the amazing natural formations of the Negril Cliffs. Get a private glass-bottom boat tour of the bay or dive off the coast to find dolphins and exotic reef life. Once you’ve had your fun in the sun, maybe you are ready to put on your dancing shoes and see if Jamaican nightlife is worth all the hype (it is).

You can find everything from classic beach bars to pulsing nightclubs in Negril. There are even services that offer bar crawls after the sun sets. One Love Bus Bar Crawl might be just the thing you are looking for to get acquainted with party culture on the island.

3. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata is an idyllic beach getaway for those who want the very best of the best amenities, excursions, and comfort. The numerous luxury resorts will entertain and pamper you like royalty. You can explore the famous Paradise Island by your desired mode of transportation: sleek speedboat or catamaran.

Amber Cove is a popular docking point for cruise ships, and rightfully so. From there you can access restaurants and cafes with authentic local flavor, or take a quick hike to stunning waterfalls and lush jungle ecosystems.

If you want the experience of a lifetime, set up a dolphin encounter at Ocean World Park! You can swim with the well trained dolphins before watching their exciting stunt-filled show! Puerto Plata will also appeal to the foodie in you. There are a ton of fine dining options in the area, especially elegant takes on Caribbean and creole cuisine.

Aerial view of the clear blue waters surrounding Turks and Caicos

4. Turks and Caicos

For the ultimate beach vacation, you have to find your way to the tiny caribbean island country of Turks and Caicos. This destination is far off the beaten path and you can find pristine beaches that you can lounge on all by yourself. And what beaches they are! Check out Half Moon Bay and Grace Bay for ocean view sunsets that will change your life.

Dive just offshore to untouched reefs teeming with shimmering tropical life. Better yet, enjoy the most remote, jaw dropping snorkeling while on a private catamaran cruise around the island. Would you rather eat what you see out there? Charter a fishing boat for a half day or full day of deep sea fishing and eat your catch that evening!

The Caicos Conch Farm is definitely worth a visit for a totally unique and informative afternoon. When you are done, mingle with locals in Providenciales every thursday at the weekly Thursday Night Fish Fry. There are plenty of all inclusive packages available to make beach vacations in Turks and Caicos an unforgettable experience!

Conclusion

Move over, Florida. You are still beautiful in your own way, but there is no questioning the appeal of these superb locations.  We hoped you enjoyed reading about  Beach Vacations that Aren’t in Florida.

Was this article helpful and informative? Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

 

 

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Dominican Republic Travel Tips

Best Dominican Republic Travel Tips

By on August 22, 2016 in Dominican Republic, Travel Tips

Both by area and population, the Dominican Republic is second only to Cuba in the Caribbean.  The Dominican Republic offers picturesque nature coupled with a warm and beautiful culture.  National parks and scientific reserves make up more than a quarter of the landscape where visitors can completely unplug. Still, not far are the city centers where visitors catch a future Major League Baseball player or learn to dance the merengue among the locals.

For an unforgettable trip, follow these top Dominican Republic travel tips:

Go for a Swim

Whether it’s in the Atlantic Ocean to the North or in the Caribbean Sea to the South, the Dominican Republic boasts some of the best swiming spots in the world.  Hailed as a haven for both divers and snorkelers, stunning reefs are often easily accessible from shore!  Don’t be surprised when nurse sharks and stingrays swim at your side, or when, in February and March, you may be lucky enough to catch humpback whales during their migrations.  Be sure to load up on plenty of sun screen and check out one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Speak Spanish

Spanish is by far the universal language of the island.  Even if your Spanish skills are fairly elementary, an effort to speak to locals in their native tongue will truly go a long way.  This simple act will usually encourage Dominicans to show their kind and hospitable nature to visitors.  Often, Dominicans will also jump at the chance to practice their English, and conversations can turn into an entertaining mix between the two languages (also known as Spanglish).  Even in the most rural areas, an attempt at speaking Spanish will often get you what you need, giving Dominicans a chance to show how they got their reputation for being incredibly accommodating.

Catch a Baseball Game

Baseball is sometimes touted as the Dominican Republic’s second religion.  Boasting the second-most current Major League Baseball players, the Dominican Republic is home to winter leagues that run from October to January each year.   While the winter leagues are primarily used to develop future Major League pros, many will participate to improve their skills during the MLB offseason.  Taking in a local game gives a glimpse into this diverse culture, where fans occasionally bring their own musical instruments and team flags to the ballpark, creating an incredible spectacle.

Learn to Dance Merengue

Dominican Republic Travel Tips

The Merengue is a beautiful and very quick dance performed to music with a tempo of between 110 to 160 beats per minute.  Folklore has it that the dance originated when enslaved laborers working in sugar beet fields were chained together at their ankles and had to walk in a manner that required them to drag one leg.  There is a wide variety of ways to learn merengue, from one-day courses to 8-week intensive programs, that will leave travelers with a wonderful skill to show off to their friends back home.

From the sands of pristine beaches to the dirt of the infield, the Dominican Republic offers a wonderful destination in the Caribbean for both adventurous and luxury travelers alike.

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Perth Travel Tips 1

Top 3 Perth Travel Tips

By on August 18, 2016 in Australia, Travel Tips

Australia’s sunniest city, Perth, is now one of the most visited destinations in the country. This vibrant capital of Western Australia boasts awe-inspiring gardens and parks, museums and galleries, and a whole lot of tourist attractions.

Traveling to this modern city is one great way to spend your holiday with your family or friends. There are tons of things to do in Perth, from catching an Australian Football match to seeing the quokkas on the car-free Rottnest Island. Perth is a dream destination for travellers from all across the globe. With its perfect weather, you can definitely enjoy a sunny day at a glorious beach or simply loosen up by witnessing the true beauty of its breathtaking landscapes with one of their wonderful cappuccinos.

Perth is also one of the most livable cities in Australia. In case you are thinking of moving to another place to plant roots, Perth is an ideal option. When you are looking for land for sale in Perth, you can do your own thorough research online or ask a trustworthy realtor for their advice. They’ll provide ideas about the lifestyle and all the things you need to know about this diverse city.

Perth Travel Tips 2

Here are some essential Perth travel tips to consider:

Accommodation

The first thing that you have to take into consideration when traveling to Perth is, of course, your accommodation.  There is an assortment of desirable neighbourhoods to stay in, from history-packed Fremantle to culturally rich Northbridge. Although Perth is one of the most expensive cities in Australia, you can still find hotels or hostels that meet your budget if you plan far enough in advance or have some luck with a last-minute booking. With many visitors on business travel, prices mid-week can be highest, meaning those coming during weekends can sometimes catch a price break.

Transportation

The best way to explore the entire city of Perth is through its safe and convenient public transportation operated by Transperth. Tourist attractions within Perth, Freemantle, and the picturesque beach at Cottesloe are linked by bus, train, and ferry. Outside of those major areas, your best bet is usually an Uber or taxi. Perth also offers a free bus service around the central business district, which can help you save. Always remember that before using public transport, you’ll want to plan your journey ahead so you know where exactly to go and where to get off to avoid any hassle on your way.

Food and Wine

The multiculturalism of Perth is best explored through its vibrant food scene. There are a great number of restaurants here that offer a variety of cuisines, including local specialties like chilli mussels and western rock lobster. The Swan Valley, located in the hills outside of Perth, offers a wonderful opportunity for wine tasting or visiting some up-and-coming microbreweries in the area.  You can eat out and enjoy a sensational al fresco dining experience or take advantage of the wonderfully fresh produce and cook your own meals to save some cash. Either way, you will most certainly enjoy the delectable dishes and great-tasting wine of Perth.

Perth Travel Tips 3

Each of these useful tips will give you an idea of the most important things that you need to know when visiting Perth.

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Northern Lights by Cruise

Why You Should See the Northern Lights by Cruise

By on August 8, 2016 in Travel Tips

The Northern Lights are possibly one of the most sought-after attractions. The phenomenon is also called Aurora Borealis in the northern hemisphere after the Roman Goddess Aurora. They make bucket lists all over the world, attracting youth and adults alike. They take place via a collision between charged particles from the sun and molecules that live way up in the atmosphere. When the two meet, it causes them to glow beautiful shades of greens and blues inspiring some of the most stunning photographs.

The good news is that you can see them from a number of destinations, including Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska, just to name a few. Because they take place in an Aural Zone, there is typically a better time of year to visit no matter which place you choose to see them.

In general, the best seasons in which to catch the Northern Lights are winter and spring. This is because summer is often too bright to see them clearly and autumn can bring more clouds. For that reason, the best trips are scheduled between December and April. Whenever you go, what you may not know is that seeing the Northern Lights by cruise can be the best method of travel.

Northern Lights by Cruise

Cruises, especially to see the Northern Lights, are great for a number of reasons. The first is that they appeal to all ages. Whether you are traveling with children, or are over 50 and looking for easy travel, cruises are relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. Another reason is the isolation. The Northern Lights can be fleeting, and are subject to light pollution. Taking a cruise takes you outside the hustle and bustle of the roads and cities, giving you a clear glimpse of the magical attraction with less light pollution.

Where taking a quick trip to a Northern Lights destination would give you a brief chance to see them, taking a 15-day cruise from Southampton to Alta gives you several chances to bask in them. Actually, this kind of trip won’t be short of any impressive sights, as you’ll pass through the Arctic Circle and see Norway from a new perspective.

If you have always wanted to see the Northern Lights, it’s not too late. You can relax and take your time with a cruise to the majestic display. Plus, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you’ll have the chance to try dog-sledding or snowmobiling! Adventure is calling!

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in the village

Plugging In After Checking Out: Top Three Travel Chargers for any Trip

By on March 25, 2016 in Travel Tips

When you stop and think about it, travel balances a number of very fine lines. It straddles comfort and growth, expectations and reality, disconnecting and tuning in. Sometimes we take trips solely to put some distance between ourselves and our everyday lives, often needing a break from our jobs and the routines that keep us plugged into electronics. In the last couple of years, even taking a virtual vacation from social media has become key to maintaining sanity.

Though, when traveling, many of us rely on the very devices we seek to escape to keep in touch with friends and family at home, to meet up with new friends we’ve made on the road, and to share our enlightening experiences with everyone who might enjoy them vicariously. Depending on where you travel, staying connected through your devices can either prove very easy or especially challenging. Some countries have vast infrastructure and free wifi to support your social escapades, while others barely have the cell service, much less the power, to keep you connected.

No matter the circumstances, there are a few handy devices that can help you prepare for whatever kind of electronic network you’re met with. Because, without a charge even readily available wifi is useless, we’re highlighting three travel chargers to keep you plugged in wherever you are.

An International Power Adapter

First things first, a charger of the more traditional variety, but, like, on steroids. This guy will be your best friend whenever your road map is a little unclear. Universal adapters work in almost every country, and while they are bulkier than other varieties, you’ll be happy to have just one to keep track of rather than having to pack two to five for each place on your list.

phone charging

A Quick Car Charger

Regardless of where you find yourselves, most cars come stock with a standard AC outlet. If you’re on a long road trip or simply shuttling from the airport to your hostel, having something like this handy will give you enough charge to get you where you’re going. Chargers like the ZUS are especially helpful because it comes with two USB ports and fast-charging capabilities, providing enough juice to power two tablets at once.

 

A Portable Power Bank

AKA the battery life-saver. Seriously, don’t go anywhere without one. The Lumsing, for example, is fairly compact, though admittedly a little heavy, and comes with dual charging ports. You can get up to four full smart phone charges before it needs recharged itself, making it perfect for long bus rides, airport delay, or just your run of the mill rolling blackout.

Wherever you take your technology, we want to hear about it! Tell us in the comments how you stay connected even when you’re well off the beaten path!

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