Tag Archives: Beaches
Awesome Road Trips Within Several Hours Of Major Cities
These days, you’re really busy with your career, and you don’t think you have time for travel. Well, you are wrong. You might not be able to jet halfway around the world and lounge on an exotic beach for six months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t discover the world that lies immediately outside your home base.
Travelers explore your city and the area around it every day, and they are wowed by what they find … and so can you. Resolve to begin exploring the territory within quick reach of your home turf, as many surprises await.
Before you hop in your car, tell loved ones when you expect to be back, and let them track your progress by having them download a GPS tracking app that allows them to see where you are at all times, and with a function that lets you tell your relatives that you’ve gotten home safely, even the most neurotic mother will be set at ease.
To give you examples of the awesome road trips you can have within a short distance of home, here are three sample itineraries from centres around the world…
From Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Waterton Lakes National Park
Most folks hit the Trans-Canada highway for weekend day trips away from this dynamic Canadian city to see the uber-popular Banff National Park, but few take the time to head southwest along the Cowboy Trail (Alberta Highway 22) towards Waterton Lakes National Park, a considerably quieter natural reserve that sits adjacent to Glacier National Park in Montana. Check in for the night at the posh and iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, and you can either elect to admire the beauty of Waterton Lake from there, or get right into the thick of it by taking an international boat tour that crosses the 49th parallel in its quest to show you the epic views present in this off-the-beaten track park.
From Miami, Florida, USA: Key West
When the lavish sands of South Beach start to get too hectic for your tastes, taking to U.S. 1 and heading south is the perfect antidote. Cruising over the aquamarine waters and tiny cays of the southern Gulf of Mexico, your stresses and cares will melt away. Find a secret beach along the way, or head all the way to Ernest Hemingway’s favourite abode of Key West, where the locals have a way of life that stands in stark contrast to the urban reality of Miami.
From London, England: Cornwall and Land’s End
When the humdrum of daily life in London has you at your wit’s end, escape in your automobile and explore rugged seacoast, secluded beaches and ancient castle ruins of Cornwall. If you want to contemplate the nature of your existence, or are just looking for a moment of zen, head all the way to Land’s End, where you can stare out into the open Atlantic, where the next bit of land lies thousands of kilometres away.
The Open Road Is Calling
Even if you don’t own a car, renting one will allow you to steer you and your friends to adventures you could never anticipate until the moment you bust loose from your city. Give Netflix a break this weekend … a wealth of experiences are lurking outside your established comfort zone!
Find seclusion in Menorca
Seclusion in Menorca might sound like something of an oxymoron. After all, everyone knows it’s an immensely popular holiday destination, renowned for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and lively cities. Such is its legendary status among the Balearic islands that thousands of Brits board Monarch Airlines flights destined for Menorca every year.
But if you’re looking for a holiday of seclusion, there’s no need to write off the island just yet. Menorca is significantly calmer than its party-loving fellow Majorca, which has a reputation for wild nights out and packed beaches. You just have to plan your trip around the quieter areas and take certain precautions. Follow our guide below and you’ll find no end of seclusion in Menorca.
Accommodation
First things first – you need to sort out your accommodation. Many hotels will offer you plenty of space and privacy, but if you’re looking to be completely shut off, your best best is a villa. Fewer staff, no other guests – just you and the ones you love. Some of them are located a good hike from the nearest town, so it’s worth deciding whether this will be a positive aspect or an inconvenience.
For those who want a little more company than the beach, Es Grau is an excellent compromise between the totally shut-off and the bustling holiday resorts. It is a little fishing village offering a handful of bars and restaurants, with a huge unspoilt stretch of sand known only to the locals and savvy holidaymakers.
Menorca is also less busy at certain times of the year, and it’s all the more likely you’ll find seclusion during term time or in the winter months. This is definitely something to consider if you’ve not got children.
Attractions
It’s not all waterparks filled with screaming children and sunburnt British families packed like sardines on the beaches. There are plenty of attractions on Menorca that evoke a sense of the secluded.
We’ll start with the beaches as these are one of the island’s top features. Stay away from the ones next to huge hotels and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Cala de Algaiarens is a top one to visit if you’re stuck for ideas – its picturesque cove is rarely inhabited by more than a handful of sun worshippers, and it’s also perfect for snorkelling and exploring underwater caves. However, the beach itself is private property and there is an entrance fee of four euros – something that helps to put off the crowds.
Sticking with Menorca’s natural assets, its rugged landscape is an absolute joy to explore if you enjoy hiking or even a casual walk. Paths are strewn all over the island – perfect for a good-for-the-heart stroll under the afternoon sun.
Although there are tours available, you’ll obviously want to avoid these if you’re aiming for isolation. Start at one of the towns or cities – or even your accommodation – and just use your trusty map and a pair of decent boots.
Those looking for seclusion in Menorca simply need to know where and when to head to one of the most spectacular islands in Spain. By heeding our instructions, you be well on your way to having a relaxing holiday here!
Best Greek Islands for Family Holidays
With hundreds of islands to choose from, there really is a holiday for everyone on offer in the Greek archipelago, from clubbers to retirees.
But what about holidays in Greece for families? Monarch.co.uk have a wide range of cheap holidays on the most popular Greek islands, so you don’t need to stress about cost.
The main thing to worry about is choosing an island with plenty of lovely beaches and quiet resorts to suit young children and parents seeking some down time alike. Let’s take a look at three of the best for family holidays in the sun:
Corfu
A perennially popular destination with Brits, Corfu has many English speakers working in restaurants and hotels, making it easy for families.
What’s particularly nice about Corfu is that the majority of the island is free from large-scale development – with the emphasis very much on enjoying a laid-back holiday, free from hordes of drunken 18 to 30-year-olds that plague some of the other Greek islands.
There are many attractive villages dotted around the coastline where you can eat in welcoming tavernas serving up tasty Greek dishes such as fresh fish and moussaka, often with a side of chips.
A wide range of different beaches are on offer, from pebbly ones with crystal clear water in the north-east that are perfect for swimming, to sandier ones on the more exposed west coast, where the water can be a bit more choppy.
Family attractions include Aqualand, not far from Corfu Town, where you’ll find many water slides and pools for a fun-filled day in the sunshine, while the capital itself is well-worth a visit to check out its shops and museums.
Rhodes
As one of the largest of the Greek Islands, Rhodes offers a number of different types of holiday. While there are plenty of places for 20-somethings to party the night away, such as the resort of Faliraki, there are equally just as many quieter towns where families can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
These include the town of Pefkos, which has a lovely sandy beach and a good selection of bars and restaurants, and the historic town of Lindos, with its cobbled streets and whitewashed stone houses. However, even Faliraki can cater perfectly well to families looking for somewhere more lively, with its long sandy beach and water park. There’s no obligation to go clubbing!
Crete
If you thought Rhodes had plenty of choice, wait until you check out the options available in Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island.
One of the best locations in Crete for families is the small fishing town resort of Elounda on the northern coast of the island. This welcoming destination has a lovely sandy beach for sunbathing, offers boats trips to the nearby island of Spinalonga, is close to a number of historical attractions and is just a 45 minutes drive from the Acqua Plus water park.
Another lovely spot is Amoudara, whose wonderful, clean sandy beach and clear waters are perfect for a family day out, while the town itself has a wide range of dining options. There are also some bars and nightclubs if you’re going with your grown up children and they fancy heading out alone after spending the day with their parents.
The Four Best Beaches in Florida
If you’re looking for a beach holiday outside of Europe this year, then you may have well considered Florida in the USA on a list of possible destinations. The state of Florida is one of America’s most popular – and most beautiful – places to vacation, for domestic tourists as well as international ones. With so many things to see and do, and let’s not forget why it was given the nickname ‘the Sunshine State’, Florida is a fantastic choice for families this year. Not only is it home to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, but the beaches are simply gorgeous too! Let’s take a look at some of the best beaches in Florida!
Delray Beach
Located just to the north of Boca Raton, Delay Beach is overlooked by a charming village, home to families and retired folk. The beach itself is around two miles long, and is visited by over a million tourists every year, however most of these people arrive in the summer months – in the winter, although still warm, it’s very peaceful. Ideal for the family looking for a sandcastle-building, sunbathing and swimming retreat, Delray Beach offers a wealth of local facilities to make sure you have a great time, from showers and rental facilities to traditional restaurants and bars.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach can be found on the Gulf Coast’s Piinellas Peninsula, and offers tourists a 4-mile stretch of glorious sands and warm, calm waters. This beach has been attracting families for years, and although it might seem a little light in terms of facilities for international tourists, it’s a great place to enjoy the sun if you live locally. With Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, there are a number of activities to keep the kids entertained here, such as free beach volleyball facilities, scuba diving, and fishing boat rentals. You can even take a dolphin cruise from Clearwater Beach, or if the choppy waves aren’t your thing, why not visit the mainland aquarium or museums!
Naples
Naples, Florida is not only an amazing stretch of sand, but it also offers a culture much like that of California’s Long Beach. If you’re travelling with a big family, then there’s plenty of space to spread out in Naples, and the sands are nothing less than pearly white. The Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is another great place to enjoy the ocean view, and from food stands to markets stretching along the Old Naples Peer, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Sanibel Beach
Perfect for the kids, Sanibel Beach is one of Florida’s natural wonders, with spectacular scenery all around. Not only is it a prime spot for surfers in the Shell Islands, but it’s also popular with families, as there is there a wealth of small coves to explore, as well as beautiful shells to collect. Sanibel Beach is also very quiet, so even if you’re content with reading your book or listening to music while sunbathing, you’ll be left in peace without being disturbed.
There you have it, 4 of the best beaches in Florida!
Welcome to Home Town Travel Guides.com , your source for travel guides written by locals and those who've been there and done that! ~Jeremy