Travel Scope – Hotels, Airports, Flights

Jonathan Buschlen asked:




Southwest Florida is unique in many ways and having some of the best beaches in the world is only the start. Sanibel Island resorts offer luxurious accommodations perfect for the shelling enthusiast and those tuned into nature. Marco Island resorts feature quiet and secluded condominiums overlooking the Gulf of Mexico — taking you far away from everyday hustle and bustle. Fort Myers Beach resorts have the best of everything, fine resorts with all of the amenities and close to more active nighttime activities.

When planning your Southwest Florida vacation, the first step is decide which of the three resorts fits your image of a perfect destination. This article will take a more in-depth look at them so you can decide which is best for your family.

Fort Myers Beach Resorts – Sun, Sand And More

Named as one of the safest beaches on the Gulf Coast, the shallow calm waters are the primary draw for all of the Fort Myers Beach Resorts. Vacationers from families to partiers are attracted due to the many variety of activities that are close at hand. The northern end of the island is known for its liveliness and attracts both the young and young at heart. During Spring Break, this is a popular place for college students to meet and enjoy the beaches.

The Fort Myers Beach resorts are all within a short driving distance to the new Regional Southwest International Airport located in Fort Myers. The island has an abundance of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining with many Fort Myers Beach resorts having their own signature restaurant. There are many nighttime entertainment options to choose from for those that want the fun to continue after the sun goes down.

Marco Island Resorts – Away From It All

The three and a half miles of sandy white beaches combined with the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico are reason enough for vacationers to choose Marco Island Resorts. Home to many world-class accommodations Marco Island resorts are truly a world away from it all.

Part of the Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is the largest. It’s also about as far South as you can go before becoming part of the Everglades National Park. Marco Island Beach resorts give new meaning to the term ‘away from it all’. As part of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is surrounded by dozens of uninhabited islands, pristine bays and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

An unforgettable vacation awaits — whether it’s a romantic getaway of a quiet family get together. The spectacular views, fine restaurants and beautiful beaches are close at hand for all of the Marco Island resorts.

Sanibel Island Resorts – Shelling At Its Best

Known world wide as one the best shelling beaches, Sanibel Island is truly nature at its finest. Most barrier islands are positioned North to South, but Sanibel Island lies East to West allowing the warm currents from the Gulf of Mexico to deposit mounds of beautiful seashells on the pristine natural beaches. Many Sanibel Island Resorts cater to the beachcomber with shelling stations where vacationers can wash and clean their newfound treasures.

Although most Sanibel Island resorts are located on the Gulf of Mexico, there is so much more to do on the island you may not spend much time on the beach. More than half of the island is part of the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge; the most visited wildlife refuge in the nation and home to many common and rare varieties of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can tour the refuge as part of a guided tour, drive their own vehicle or for that up close and personal view, ride a bicycle. The front desk at the Sanibel Island resorts will be able to offer information as to tides and the best time to visit the refuge.

The 25 miles of bike paths make it easy to get from any Sanibel Island resort to almost anywhere on the island. You’ll most likely spot pelicans, herons, seagulls, egrets and other fine subtropical birds as you cycle around the island exploring.

There’s a beach vacation destination for everyone in Southwest Florida. Whether you prefer the privacy of Marco Island resorts, the activities of Fort Myers Beach resorts or the Sanibel Island resorts surrounded by nature at it’s finest you’ll be sure to have a vacation of a lifetime, one that will have returning year after year.

Brett Chimay asked:




If you are like most people in the world, a vacation for you means spending time staring at the waves while they kiss the shore and drift away back to the ocean. Just the sight and sound of this gives you enough energy to quench your thirst for some needed relaxation. If you want to find the best beaches in the world where it is just you and the powdery white sand, here are the top five choices.

Costa Blanca is Spain is a long stretch of coast in the southeastern part of the country. When we say long, we mean a coastline that covers 42 towns and villages long. Because of its length, you will surely find a place where you could spend quality time with yourself and a good book. The nearest international airport in this area is Alicante, the capital of Costa Blanca.

A hidden gem in the Philippines called El Nido is home to pristine waters and sand as white as your grandma’s hair. It also has an amazing coral reef, known as the Tubbataha Reef, which was nominated in the new 7 wonders and has been declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site. There are no international flights going to El Nido so you need to catch a connecting flight from the airport in Manila.

Surprisingly, St. John in the US Virgin Islands is not as visited as compared to the other beaches in the Caribbean. Because of this, you can definitely enjoy the warmth sun without the madding party crowd that stays up 24 hours a day. Cruises are also available going to St. John and other beaches in the Carribean.

These beaches are definitely worth a visit, especially while they are still unperturbed by commercialism and crazy bars and pubs. Ah, pinacolada on a sun bed!

Cynthea

Laura Hartson asked:




Are you stuck for something to do this summer, to break the monotony of the beach break? Have you exhausted Europe? Try going further afield, and get a chance to take a coastal walk and see some of the world’s most fantastic scenery.
The Great Ocean Walk, AustraliaStretching along Victoria’s coast, this entire walk will take 4 days, but you can jump in and out if you please. Offering spectacular views and glimpses of koalas and kangaroos, you will walk some beautiful deserted beaches.
Pico Bonito National Park, HondurasTaking in stunning views of the Caribbean shoreline and the tropical rainforest, this walk ends at the Zacate waterfall, a true picture of nature’s beauty.
Fundy National Park, CanadaA four hour walk, this takes you from the Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge, and you will learn a lot about Canadian history from your guide on the way.
The Skeleton Coast, NamibiaSee shipwrecks off the coast, where hazards such as underwater sandbanks and fog made hundreds of ships wreck. Here you can see elephants and giraffe in their natural habitat.
Coffee Bay, South AfricaNo trip to SA would be complete without walking Coffee Bay; a landscape that has remained vastly unchanged over previous centuries.
Masoala National Park, MadagascarBuried in the rainforest, this is a great walk if you want to see a lot of wildlife. The tomato frog and stump tailed chameleon reside here, and lemurs are often spied sitting in the trees. The walk drops down to the bay where hum backed whales are regularly spotted.

If you are going to be taking a trip out of England, make sure that you have Travel Insurance. Cheap policies can be obtained on the internet, but it is very expensive to stay in a hospital abroad, should something happen. Take extra care when walking, as there can be spiders and other venomous creepy crawlies hiding in the scrub.

Mark Scriven asked:




Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations within Europe. With its fantastic combination of year round warm weather, gorgeous sandy beaches and vibrant day and night entertainment; it comes as no surprise why holidaymakers return to the island year after year. The beaches on Tenerife are frequently filled with beach lovers whether they are basking in the sun, partaking in the many water sports activities that are on offer, or simply having a bite to eat in one of the many cafes that can be found along side the beaches.

However, a holiday in Tenerife does not have to be about busy and noisy beaches. There are quieter beaches with space to breath and room to have fun. If you are planning a holiday in Tenerife and would like to have a relaxing and more peaceful experience, here are our choices for the 5 best secluded beaches on Tenerife.

1. Playa de Las Gavitos

Playa de Las Gavitos is situated beyond Las Teresitas and can be found on the road between San Andrès and Iguste se San Andrès. The beach is a black sand cove which provides the perfect setting for those who enjoy water sports but are looking to enjoy these on a quieter beach. There are plenty of kiosks here which can provide food and drinks, or simply some shelter from the hot sun, but families must be aware that the beach is popular with many nudists due to its remote location and so may not be suitable for those who embarrass easily!

2. Playa del Duque

The area of Playa del Duque is one of the most exclusive areas within Tenerife, newly built on the Costa Adeje. Due to its exclusivity, the beach is very well maintained and is known for being one of the quietest beaches on the island. There are plenty of facilities here such as cafes and bars so you will be able to enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink here in peace and quiet. The area is perfect for those who are looking to get away from the busy atmosphere found in other resort areas and is a popular location for holidaymakers who have come to Tenerife to relax rather than to sample the vibrant nightlife.

3. Playa del la Tejita

Located West of El Medano beach, Playa del la Tejita is the perfect beach for those who love wide-open spaces and the feeling of isolation from other beach lovers. The beach often experiences high winds so you may find a few windsurfers here from time to time, and a small take away café and bar which is situated at the Montana Roja end of the beach. However, there is also a nudist area at the Montana Roja end and also on small beach situated near the café. With this in mind it’s a good idea to explore your surroundings here before settling down for the day.

4. El Bullullo

El Bullullo, situated on the North Coast, is one of the many volcanic sanded beaches on Tenerife. The currents here can be quite strong and dangerous, which is one of the main reasons why the beach is often quite quiet, but if you are looking to sunbathe rather than swim or partake in water sports, this is a great beach for you.

However, due to its seclusion, there are no sun umbrellas available and not many areas in which to find shade, so it’s imperative that you bring your own sun equipment when visiting this beach. There is a bar situated nearby for food and refreshments.

5. Playa de los Patos

Playa de los Patos, also located on the North Coast, is another black sand beach. It is extremely secluded and un-spoilt, which means you are able to appreciate the beach in all of its natural glory. However, take note that the beach has no visitor facilities at all. The beach also experiences very strong winds so it is not always safe to swim in the sea. Due to its isolated location it is another favorite beach for nudists.

The great thing about holidays on Tenerife is that whether you are looking to enjoy some water sport activities, or simply lie back and relax in the sun, there will be a beach to suit your requirements close by. There are secluded beaches all over the island so if you are unable to get to the 5 beaches we have suggested above just ask the locals where they would go.

Caitlin Moore asked:




Long lazy days filled with frolicking on the beach, cook-outs on the grill, intermittent breaks in the day for shopping, golf and horseback riding…This is exactly the kind of vacation that large numbers of large families seek to secure when it comes time to get everyone together in all their loud, colorful, frenetic glory. If you find yourself in the position of being in charge of planning an event such as this, consider Forest Beach, and consider a vacation rental.

This combination of factors is sure to spell success; just ask the millions of travelers who visit Hilton Head, this small yet packed-with-punches barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, every year. Forest Beach is just one delightful corner of this place of a thousand possible memories, and will surely make for a trip that everyone ends up thanking you for pulling together. The key factor will be the lodging situation, so getting this under control should be your first priority.

Start by perusing the dozens of listings in Forest Beach. The southeast corner of the island is a good place to be as there are plenty of shops, restaurants and activities within walking or biking distance from your future vacation rental. It’ll be nice to park the car in the driveway and then pretty much forget about it for a few days as you reacquaint yourself with the wonderful, healthy feeling of using your legs to get around. Breathe deeply, forget about working, commuting, and picking up the dry cleaning – you’re on vacation, and you deserve to enjoy it.

Forest Beach Vacation Rentals range in shape and size but share a few traits in common; they are comfortable, unique and accommodating of all types of groups. Sometimes couples or smaller collections of folks decide to come to Hilton Head, but often it’s the larger reunion-type groups who make their way here. Thankfully there have been huge beach houses built all over the place that can comfortably contain eight, twelve and even twenty people. Bedrooms galore, common areas and big yards, not to mention close proximity to the beach, can all combine to make everyone pretty darn happy.

Imagine all the cousins creating a slumber party atmosphere as they fold out sofa beds, hop into bunks, and stay up giggling long into the night. The adults can meet on the patio for a nightcap and catch up on old times, and then in the morning the mood will be light as everyone pours bowls of cereal in the sunlight-filled kitchen before packing up a few necessities and heading down to the beach. Late sleepers can take their time, shoppers can hit the town, and adventure-seekers can call to book a parasailing session. The combinations are endless, and everyone is sure to end up doing what they want.

The best part about staying under one roof is the meeting back up. Cooking a meal on the grill or playing board games will allow stories to be shared and tomorrow’s plans to be hatched. Snacking, movie watching and just talking will become priceless memory-making affairs inside the walls of your vacation home, so be sure to enjoy these fleeting moments of family togetherness.

Sound like what you’re looking for? Start perusing the rental listings today. You never know what special deals will be up for grabs or if a certain extra-hot property will catch your eye before someone else’s. Let the vacation process begin, and prepare for a fun time to be had by all.

Melisent

Jeanne Kolenda asked:




My husband and I moved to Myrtle Beach 20 years ago, from the great Pacific Northwest. We were so ready to enjoy more than two days in a row of sunshine, and we have certainly not been disappointed. We had heard that Myrtle Beach was the home of hundreds of restaurants, and we looked forward to checking out the dining here on the Grand Strand, as this stretch of beach is called.

Being a pretty good chef in my own right, I knew I would be picky about where we ate out. Over the years, I can count on one hand those restaurants I consider a favorite and those I want to visit over and over. At the risk of ruining quiet evenings out, I’m going to spill the beans and tell you where to find my 3 favorite best “finds.” They are all locally owned and operated.

1. Salt Creek Cafe is just 3 miles north of the popular Brookgreen Gardens, in the Murrells Inlet area, just south of Myrtle Beach. It’s right on the main Highway 17. You will find it’s warm, cozy, and has an outdoor patio where you can dine under a HUGE live oak tree. But the real secret here is the portable sushi station inside the mirrored bar area. The sushi chef, Shozo, is thoroughly Japanese, and is one of the best sushi chefs we have ever encountered anywhere in the world (and we’ve traveled a lot). Even though he’s been in the US over 25 years, his English is still just passable. We’ve been eating his sushi more than 15 years, and it’s not a good month unless we’ve visited at least a couple times.

2. eNoodles & Co. is a locally owned Asian Fusion Bistro, just a block or two from the ocean, on 20th Ave. S., on the south end of Myrtle Beach. I love it here and so far the tourists haven’t found it, so if you want to try it, keep a good eye out because it’s easy to miss. We can choose our favorite Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese or Chinese dishes. Of course, there’s plenty of southern influence with the soft-shelled crabs when in season.

3. Now, for the Latin flavor, there’s Sun City Cafe. I’m sure there’s been a stray tourist or two who have wandered in, but typically, this little Cuban food dive is not on the radar. Good for us locals. The menu is very limited, but it’s all so good, it just doesn’t matter. It’s a small dark place with the craziest, most eclectic decorating you’ll ever see. I think there’s still a life-sized cardboard poster of Big Bird and Elmo in the restrooms. You can’t beat the margaritas! The salsa is homemade and good, but I always ask for a side dish of the chef’s special “rocket sauce” to kick it up a few notches.

So, there you have it – I’ve just probably made a lot of locals mad by telling our secrets, but then maybe they’re not reading these articles.

In closing, I do love living here in Myrtle Beach and I welcome you to visit and enjoy the southern hospitality. If you don’t know where to stay, I would like to recommend Oceanfront Vacation Rentals. They’re the folks who always help me find the best beach condos and houses when my family and friends come to town. They’ll treat you right.

Materkowski

Alon Farnendo asked:




Nothing can surpass the lavishness of living in a beautiful house at a beachside! Especially if the beach is a beautiful Broad beach! Living in nature’s lap has its own charm. The experience of laying back on the sand, under the warm sun with the waves rocking at the beach side is luxury at its best! To bring you this ultimate experience the Oracle brings you the luxury Oracle apartments in Broadbeach.

These apartments are a prime Gold Cost real estate, which are an epitome of luxury. This real estate is a perfect blend of luxury and lifestyle intertwine from the discerning beach side apartments of The Oracle in Broadbeach. The Niecon architects have worked wonders and created an excellent creation, which are one of the world’s most desirable beach front apartments.

Passion for the art of architect and penchant for perfection in minutest of details have resulted in pure extravaganza, which is impeccably exuded from the exteriors and interiors of these Broadbeach Apartments.

The Location:

Open the doors of these lavish apartments to vibrant and effervescent streets of Broad Beach, which are a magnetic mix of cosmopolitan shopping malls and boutiques and a world renowned hub of cafes and restaurants dishing out exotic cuisines and delicacies, which are an integral part of a beach lifestyle. These apartments are situated in the heart of Broad beach, which are the pulse of Gold Coast, Australia’s premium lifestyle and holiday destination. These apartments are the most new, exclusive, and luxurious piece of beach side real estate in Gold Coast.

The Retail Scene:

This area is home to the Conrad Jupiter’s Casino and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is the heart of Australia’s most lively Beach resort city. You can open doors to panoramic beaches, world famous designer showrooms and world class cuisine, which come together to exhibit the multi ethnic streets and lifestyle of Australia’s most popular city known for its leisure culture and vibrant lifestyle.

Outstanding Features:

These apartments are ultimate in gold Coast’s luxury beach front apartment living scene. The Oracle offers you generous spaces, exceptional interior detailing and an eternal living environment. When the sun light from the beach’s sun enters these apartments, through floor to ceiling glass windows, they work magic with soothing colour palette of these apartments to unveil their sophisticated interior designing. The elegance of natural floor stone, the sharp superior quality wood work and the modern efficient European style appliances in the kitchen, makes these apartments a perfect blend of functionality and art!

Facilities:

With these apartments you get exclusive membership to a world class health centre, pampering spa and salon on the stunning Gold Coast are just an introduction to the features and facilities you get as a proud resident of the Oracle. When you buy these apartments you become a proud member of a supreme private club, Niceon Executive Lounge, and the privacy of a beautiful Zen garden. Enjoy the facilities of personal wine cellar and private cinema with your family and friends. These apartments are the best you can get when it comes to beach front living!

Lucas Robi asked:




A honeymoon is neither a vacation, nor a ritual – it is something that makes a couple experience days of magic. It is something that prompts a couple to make up an imaginary universe of their own and escape into it for a few days. And that is why honeymoons must be planned at pristine spots that add to the romance and the cheer every newly wed feels. Beaches, because of their sands, sea and the tranquil and romantic atmosphere, are the preferred destination of many honeymooners.

Here is our pick of the top 5 honeymoon beaches in the world.

Matira Beach
Raititi Point, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Regarded as one of the best honeymoon beaches in the world, the Matira Beach begins from the world famous resort, Hotel Bora Bora, and goes round the island. The scenic island lies in the middle of a lagoon with a coral reef protecting it. The sea is fabulous – very gentle and warm, the sands are white, the scenery is lush and the sunsets will make you swoon. Matira beach is just too perfect for a magical honeymoon.

Pink Beach
Harbour Island, Bahamas
The Pink Beach is so beautiful that it will leave you dazed after just one look! It is a small beach filled with pink, fine-grained sand and it is lined by swaying palms. The tropical grounds are scattered with a few cottages (just 25), which ensures that a honeymooning couple gets all the privacy they seek. For all honeymooners, Pink Beach offers a chic and relaxed experience.

Wailea Beach
Muai Island, Hawaii
Wailea beach provides honeymooners both with privacy as well as fun and frolic. Golden sand glitters on the beach, which, with its warm and gentle waters is perfect for swimming. The nearby waterfalls and the national park add the activity element that every honeymooner yearns for after a couple of days of honeymooning in solitude. The island is characterized by an upscale lifestyle and there are just so many things to see and do that it could make a perfect “metropolitan” honeymoon for any couple who want their solitude and yet do not want to miss out on urban life.

Anse Source d’Argent
Seychelles
Seychelles is a breathtaking, stunningly beautiful archipelago made up of 115 islands and Anse Source d’Argent is one of the exquisite beaches out there. Anse Source d’Argent is secluded and seems to be set in an untouched ecosystem. Pink sands and towering granite boulders dot the beach, which is sheltered by a reef and the calm and shallow waters in a gorgeous setting will make a couple feel they are in the Garden of Eden. The island of La Digue, where you have to stay, is classy and does not have any nightclubs, resorts or signs of any frantic activity. This beach is perfect for the couple who wants to get away from it all.

Promenade des Anglais Beach
Nice, France
If you’re looking for an extremely fashionable and stylish honeymoon, Promenade des Anglais is the place to be in. A promenade dotted with cafes is just a stone’s throw away from the tranquil waters of the Promenade des Anglais Beach, and a honeymooner can really go into raptures in this stylish, sleek, happy and very happening honeymoon beach.

Rhonna Brace asked:




My family loves the outdoors so it is no surprise that we try to escape to the beach for at least 2 weeks every summer. Over the years, my husband and I have rented a number of different properties and found (after some trial and error) that it is possible to find a beach house rental that contain all the trimmings of home. This is an important factor in our rental decision because we want the children to be comfortable.

It is only recently that we have discovered some pretty amazing beach house rental listings on the internet. While there are many companies online that offer this service, there are (unfortunately) only a handful that are able to deliver on what they promise. The good companies understand that customer service trumps all and make the additional effort to include virtual tours of the various properties and the specific amenities available. It also allows you to customize your search according to your personal preferences. Most web companies require an initial registration before they allow you to browse freely throughout their site. This is actually a good thing because it weeds out the online surfers and targets serious customers. Most sites do not charge a fee for the registration process so be sure to bypass the companies that do.

There are a number of advantages to looking for a beach house rental online. Firstly, you save time because you do not need to waste valuable time traveling to the companies physical location or spend time talking on the telephone. Finding the right property can be a tedious process and you want to be as focused as possible. Another advantage is that most companies list the contact information of the beach house owners so if you find a property that interest you, it is possible to get in touch with them directly. This way, you get to ask the owners a list of prepared questions about the property and the surrounding neighborhood. It is also a good way to talk to the owners honestly about your budget and what you are looking for in a property. Often times, owners might provide a slight discount if you can commit to a longer rental period.

Shopping online for a beach house rental is a fantastic way to find a good deal or two. After you have done this a few times, you would have a number of favorite properties that you cannot wait to revisit every year.

Puneet Aggarwal asked:




I don’t know you, but I’m sure that you will agree that a honeymoon is not a ritual, nor just a vacation. It is a once in a lifetime experience that lets you and your partner enjoy romantic bliss and days or weeks of magic. Your honeymoon is the perfect time for you and your spouse to conjure an enchanting world of your own and escape to it for the time being. This is mainly the reason why honeymoons must be well thought-of and planned at perfect spots – places that will add to the happiness and romance every newlywed feels. Most people would go for the best honeymoon beaches as they offer the perfect ambience for peace and romance.

Below is a good selection of the best honeymoon beaches all over the world:

1. Pink Beach – located in Harbour Island, Bahamas, this beach is so gorgeous, it will leave you dazzled with just one glance. Just think of a small, secluded beach abundant with fine-grained pink sand and accentuated with charming palms. If you want privacy, they definitely offer it, as its tropical grounds only have a few cottages (there are only 25 of them). For a relaxing and romantic experience, the Pink Beach is an excellent choice.

2. Matira Beach – situated in Raititi Point, French Polynesia, this spot is renowned as one of the best in the world. You will be greeted by Hotel Bora Bora, a world famous resort and you can opt to go around the island for more romantic adventures. The beach is gorgeous – sands of pristine white, warm and gentle waves, lush and exotic scenery, and very romantic sunsets.

3. Wailea Beach – this beach located in Muai Island, Hawaii, offers both fun and privacy to the newlyweds. Imagine warm waters with glittering golden sand as far as your eye could see. If you are clamoring for some sightseeing, the national park and the waterfalls close by can give you great bonding times with your partner. Muai Island is the answer for any couple who wants a place where they can experience romantic days in solitude yet and still can access the luxuries an upscale lifestyle the urban world brings.

Don’t leave the most romantic experience of your life to chance. Everything should be at par to what you have expected, so learn more about these best honeymoon beaches. Any of these wonderful places can be ideal to you, and offers a great, romantic start of your new married life.