There’s nothing like sand between your toes, salty, messy hair, and the gentle crashing of waves to erase all traces of stress from your mind. Sound amazing? It must be time to plan your next beach vacation.
Some prefer the beach during the day and nightlife in the evening. Others want to be stranded with nothing but a hut and a couple of coconuts for company. There are plenty of different beach getaways to suit every taste. Which is right for you?
Read on to learn more about some of the most beautiful beaches in the world- they’ve got your name on them!
Guadeloupe and Martinique
Guadeloupe and Martinique are a part of a larger group of islands in the Caribbean. They’re French territory, so they combine the best of Europe with the best of the Caribbean.
Which of the two islands is better? They’ve both got their merits.
Guadeloupe is a little less developed than Martinique and has more of a rugged landscape; however, it’s still got beaches but also lends itself to greenery and mountains.
Martinique lends itself better to tourism, providing a museum and day market in St. Pierre. Norwegian air also offers flights to this island for as low as $79 from New York, Boston, and Washington, DC!
Regardless of which you choose, both islands offer oceanside days and nights spent immersed in French culture. Enjoy authentic French music and delicious French fare without the European plane ticket.
The Philippine Islands
With over 7,000 islands, there’s an island for everyone.
That’s a lot to choose from, though. A few of the most popular Philippine islands: Palawan, Aklan, Palaui, and Cebu.
Palawan
Palawan has been called The Last Frontier of the Philippines. Why? Because it’s chock full of adventure.
The island boasts tons of natural exploration areas. Think prehistoric caves, underwater limestone plateaus, lagoons, and over 50 species of coral. It’s a diver’s dream.
Aklan
Boracay, a city on the island of Aklan, is one of the most frequented tourist locations in the world. It’s home to White Sand beach, and it deserves the title.
The island boasts more than four kilometers of super soft, crystal clear sand. The beaches twinkle at night with the soft lights from oceanside bars and restaurants, most of which are open until dawn.
Palaui
If you’re searching for a true reprieve from the stresses of everyday life, Palaui is the perfect beach getaway for you. It offers zero resorts or hotels, making you closer to your relaxation than ever.
Camp on the beach or couchsurf with a local! Either way, prepare to lose cell phone service!
Cebu
Bantayan offers the quintessential remote luxury you’d expect from an upscale tropical island. It’s not as stark as Palaui, yet not as built up as Aklan. It’s perfect for those who seek seclusion but don’t want to sacrifice modern amenities.
It offers some guided expeditions, too. Pepper the serenity of your days at the beach with a little adventure at Oslob. You can swim with whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins.
As far as beach getaways go, the Philippines certainly offer the most variety. It might be hard to choose an island! Don’t fear- there are tons of transportation services that will help you get your island hop on!
Bodega Bay, California
Maybe you’re looking for a beach that lends itself more to sweater-weather and bike trails. Bodega Bay is perfect for the casual beach stroller looking for some rugged scenery.
Bonus: it’s near Napa Valley, a world-renowned wine aficionado’s destination, and another great relaxation retreat.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi coast might not boast tons of white sand, but it makes up for it in culture and scenery. The rocky coastline stretches across the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. It’s teeming with little fishing villages, pockets of beaches, and the most delicious pasta you’ll ever eat.
Bora Bora
Many of Bora Bora’s beach resorts are totally secluded, offering the perfect romantic getaway. One resort is composed of tons of tiny huts that sits atop the water, connected only by boardwalks! Relax in a hammock, or dive into the cerulean ocean right off the balcony!
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Waikiki is the surfer’s dream vacation. A huge tourist destination, you won’t be wanting for anything in the beautiful neighborhood of Honolulu. It’s one of the more popular beach getaways- and for good reason. Resorts often offer traditional luau feasts to preserve and honor Hawaiian tradition.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is the US’s best-kept secret. From the southern charm of their shops and restaurants to cozy, white sand beaches, you won’t ever want to leave. There are tons of beautiful resorts on the coast, like Waters Edge Resort in Garden City, that are only minutes from Myrtle Beach.
Antigua
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Antigua offers 365 different beaches to choose from. Most of them are incredibly remote. There’s not one building on Darkwood Beach, making it the best of the beach getaways for all-encompassing relaxation. Pitch a tent and bring your binoculars for the most epic sky full of stars you’ll ever see.
Playa Carbon, Costa Rica
Looking for something different? Costa Rica’s Playa Carbon, in the Guanacaste province, is composed entirely of black sand. Scoop some into a jar and bring it home as a reminder of the beautiful diversity our world offers in its landscapes!
Besides the black sand, the beach offers world-renowned surfing. Rent a board, hit the waves, and don’t feel too bad if you can’t get up!
Wild Rivers Coast, Oregon
Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast is peppered with bike and hiking trails and lends itself to cooler weather. This is perfect for the adventurous vacationer who finds fun to be their form of relaxation!
Which of These Beach Getaways Is for You?
Beach getaways are one of the most relaxing ways to reset your brain and body. Whether you’re an adventurer, a world traveler, or a pi?a colada sipper, there’s a beach for you- what are you waiting for?
