Family Vacation in Alabama – Make it fun-filled

A family vacation is more than just a vacation; it helps tighten the bonding among the family members. Everybody should go for a family vacation at least once in a year. Vacations refresh your mind and soul; it breaks the monotony of mechanical urban lifestyle.

Why don’t you head to Alabama this year? Alabama is a state full with family fun, amusement and entertainment packages. From ocean to the mountain peaks, Alabama has a small slice of everything. It is said that the state never disappoints anybody.

The state offers varieties of activities for travelers of all ages and likings. Many people fail to realize the wide range of attractions Alabama offers. To know Alabama and its culture, you have to come here. Rest assured, the state will not let you down.

Eastern Alabama is home to the mountains. If camping and hiking are some your hobbies you should look for Alabama vacation rentals in and around Eastern Alabama. Spectacular views and mesmerizing landscape are the main attractions here. Hiking, camping are the main activities. Whether you come here during fall, winter or spring – Alabama will offer you an unforgettable vacation time.

Southern Alabama is home to some popular beaches. The southern part of the state touches the gulf coast. Beach activities and fun are the main attractions here. Build sand castles, enjoy the waves and participate in beach sports. You will find many miniature golf courses near the beach; plenty of restaurants and shops will make your beach escape more attractive and enjoyable.

Alabama is home to many vibrant and colorful cities; many cultural events and festivals are held here through out the year. You can consult the event or festival calendar of the state and visit the cities during a specific cultural event or festival.

Birmingham hosts an array of cultural programs every year; these events will make your family vacation more exciting. Historical museums are worth visiting; a trip to museums is always exciting for kids and adults. The famous Butterfly Exhibit is something your children would definitely enjoy; it is a huge collection of butterflies; it is an out-of-the-world experience to walk among hundreds of butterflies.

Simply put, there are so many things to do in Alabama that it is difficult to cover them all in one trip! You will always want to come back here again and again. However, a thoughtful plan can help you make best use of your time and money.

Beach Towels- A Must Have

You’re at the beach. You’ve got the cool waves and the cold sand under your feet. A soft breeze plays around you. It’s perfect but for the fact that you aren’t carrying any beach towels. Any trip to the beach is incomplete without the necessary paraphernalia, and a beach towel is right there on top of the list. No matter how awesome your swim costume is, without the right beach towel, you could really mess up the picture.

Although it seems trivial, the right beach towel can really make your trip to the beach a much more pleasurable experience. It might seem, initially that just about anything could serve as a beach towel, but ask the avid beach-goers and they will tell you how important it is to make sure that your beach towel is of the right quality and size.

Beach towels are usually of the largest size among towels and are the preferred favourite among beach goers. People generally purchase beach towels to provide the surface area and overall coverage of a bath sheet. Most people carry a beach towel with them to dry off after a swim or a dip in the sea. Beach towels are usually combined with design features like colourful graphics to make it easily spottable on the beach. Alternatively, beach towels can also be used as ground cover on the hot sand to lie or sit on. The beach landscape is always spotted with a hundred colours, and these are usually because of the beach towels.

There is no end to the kind of designs and graphics that beach towels are available in. Just like in any purchase, it is always wise to look for the best quality and the cheapest rates. There are many offers on the market for discount beach towels. There are many websites that deal with the sales of discount beach towels, but a few trusted ones give you the right deals with the right quality. You must choose carefully while selecting the retailer you wish to purchase discount beach towels from. With the right retailer, you can purchase luxurious velour jacquard towels with a range of funky designs to choose from for just $7.99. You can also purchase terry jacquard towels for a budget price of just $3.99. Whether you want designs like flower power, flip flops, coral shells or just a retro design, these discount beach towels are sure to capture your attention.

Beach Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Plan Ahead for Meals

I love my family and I love it when they can visit for an extended time period. A few years ago, my family and my brother\'s family started getting together at the beach in North Carolina for a week. We rent a condo, and just enjoy the company. It has been such a great time! I am the one who loves cooking (and eating), so that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts. Over the years, I have found the important thing is to plan ahead so that I can spend time with them, and not just focus on food - although that is one of my favorite things in life!

So, I have a few tips that have worked well for us, and made the trip a little more organized and hassle-free. You have all the normal things you have to take to the beach, like wine, soda, water, toiletries, tissues, paper towels, foil, napkins, etc., so just make a master list of those things, and determine which you are willing to purchase at home and take, and those that you want to purchase at the beach grocery stores.

But, let us focus on the food. First, I make a list of the menus that would be enjoyed by the group for the nights we will be cooking, and not eating at a restaurant. And, since the sun takes so much out of you, do not forget the appetizers and the dessert! Breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Let us start with breakfasts.

I usually take a couple of breakfast casserole and coffee cake or muffin recipes along that can be made there. Also, think about cereals, juices and bagels. It all depends on the preferences of the group. Oh, and do not forget the coffee!

Lunches are usually sub sandwiches, tacos, pasta salad, nachos, and peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese sandwiches for the little ones. Most lunch ingredients are purchased at the beach, but we can make the beef for tacos and pasta salad ahead. The beef can be frozen.

Now on to dinners. We are talking about appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. We go out about half of the nights to a restaurant, so 3 to 4 will be spent having dinner at the condo, which we will have to prepare - although we have ordered pizza delivery regularly for a meal.

Because this is always a beach vacation for us, we count on buying and preparing at least one seafood meal. I usually purchase shrimp and scallops and deep fry them with the local breading. Next, pasta and meatballs is always a hit for those huge appetites we build from a long day on the beach. We can prepare meatballs and pasta sauce ahead and freeze them. I also bake a few baguettes and freeze as well. Another idea is to make grilled teriyaki chicken breasts. If there is a fourth dinner, we usually opt to have seafood while we can get it fresh. Our group favorite is shrimp. For this meal, I would normally make some steamed shrimp as well as fried. The local fish markets usually have some great cocktail sauce as well, unless you make some of your own that you would prefer.

So, out of 7 days at the beach, here is what sample dinner menus may look like:

Dinner #1
Assorted cheeses, crackers, and artichoke cheese dip with crackers and broccoli, cauliflower and red bell peppers
Pasta with sauce and meatballs
Salad
Garlic bread
No bake strawberry cheesecake

Dinner #2
Warm chili con queso dip and salsa with chips
Deep fried shrimp and scallops with cocktail sauce
Salad
Steamed broccoli
Milk chocolate pie

Dinner #3
Warm Mustard Dill Gouda in pastry with crackers, salsa and chips
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Breasts
Sauteed Mixed Vegetables
French Bread
Leftover desserts from the previous meals

Dinner #4
Leftover appetizers from previous dinners
Steamed and Fried Shrimp with cocktail sauce
Salad
Steamed Green Beans
Ice Cream with hot fudge sauce

The main thing is to be organized and think ahead about what you will make. Then, it is easy to determine what you can do ahead and what you will need to prepare while there. The more you can have completed before the trip means more time to just relax, and less headaches while you are on vacation.

It is also important to make sure that you take those items that you know you or your family will want to have during the trip, and may not be available at the beach. For instance, your favorite coffee or cheeses. Also, depending on what you decide to make, you might include some of your own cookware or cutlery. You never know what the condo or rental property will stock.

I hope these tips will help you in planning your vacation. I will include a few recipes in future articles that I have mentioned here, although there are many versions available. Keep in mind that you are looking for quick, easy and yummy recipes to cut down the time in the kitchen.

We have planned ahead like this for the past two years, and it only leaves determining where and which nights you are going to dinner to think about. But you can agonize over those decisions while you are hanging out on the beach or in the pool!

Virginia Beach Condos - Great Places to Stay in a Fun Area

Virginia Beach has stood as one of the nation's top beach vacation spots for decades. The area provides more than enough in entertainment, as the main strip is packed with shops, restaurants, night clubs, and more to keep you and your family entertained. If you are considering visiting the area and want the full-on experience you may want to consider looking at Virginia Beach condos for rent. They present the ultimate experience in living in the area.
The area is known best for what is know as "The Strip," which is a long street absolutely packed full of stores, restaurants, and anything else that could be packed into small commercial buildings. Renting out a place in the area will likely be near this area, which is where the majority of the action takes place.
The Strip is conveniently located right on the beach, which gives both tourists and locals alike the chance to either bounce between fun in the sun and shopping, or between relaxing on the beach and grabbing a bite to eat. The feel is casual and like no other.
The best part about renting Virginia Beach condos is not the fact that you will be near a beach, but how amazing it is that the bustling and bright area that is Virginia Beach is located next to the green pastures, large forests, and minor metropolitan areas such as Newport News and Hampton located in the southern part of the state. And for the more historically inclined, Jamestown and Williamsburg are only an hour and a half north.
As with any other beach area, the price of Virginia Beach condos does rise during the summer months, whether you are renting or buying. If you are considering purchasing one, then you may want to start searching the market in the fall or winter seasons. Similarly, if you are only intending to rent it is a good idea to reserve in advance in the winter months -- sometimes you will even have to put in your reservation up to a year in advance! In any case, to truly experience the Virginia Beach lifestyle, a hotel or apartment just won't do. Condos are conveniently located near the beach and The Strip, and make you truly feel like a local.

Virginia beach is beautiful during the summer, so it is no surprise that it is a popular summer vacation spot. Look into Virginia Beach Condos to get the best out of your vacation in this beautiful and exciting area.

Nude Beaches

Nude beach or nudist beach is all what you want to know about? Let us start first to find out the meaning of nudism or nudist itself. The very mention of these two words often arouses feelings of titillation, embarrassment, outrage or even a combination of the three. For the thousands of people involved in the naturist movement worldwide, however, the idea of a nude beach seems, well, natural. After all, we all come into this world wearing only our birthday suits. Nudism or nudist are ideas that believe about being the way we were born and the way human kind was for most of our history: nude except when the weather dictated otherwise. It brings everyone down to the same level. You never know if the person you are talking to is a janitor, a doctor, or the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. Nudists are extremely accepting of everyone no matter the gender, race, sex, size, etc. Whether you shop at Wal-Mart or Brooks Brothers, no one knows and no one cares. It allows us to relax and just enjoy good company.

A nude beach is a beach where the users generally wear no clothing. If clothing is optional then, to emphasize that, also the terms clothing-optional beach and free beach are used. It is one of the most common and traditional forms of public nudity. A nude beach should not be confused with a topfree beach or topless beach, where upper body clothing is not required for women or men, although a swimming costume covering the genitals is required for both men and women.

There are unofficial several criteria that must be met for a beach to be categorized a nude beach, that is, not a part of private club or resort. Nude and topless beaches first became popular along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of France in the 1950s. Since then, several beaches from Crete to the Caribbean have become "clothing optional." All over the world, you can find a nude or clothing-optional beach that will meet your needs. A wide variety of venues can provide you with the kind of nude beach you seek: Certain bed and breakfasts, resorts, camp sites, private clubs, and spas all cater to customers who feel more comfortable in the nude. At some you'll find total privacy. Others attract a community of like-minded sun worshipers who have a fondness for a nude beach.

People visit nude beaches for many reasons, including because they enjoy being nude or partially nude, because they enjoy looking at people who are nude, because of curiosity, because of personal philosophy, or simply because they believe that there is no reason to wear clothing (see naturism and nudism). Sunbathing with little or no clothing allows a more even sun tan, eliminating tan lines.

Nude beaches are variously known as "FKK" (from the German Freikörperkultur), "clothing optional" (C.O.) or "free" beaches; they are also described as being "au naturel." Though the latter term is nominally derived from French, it is, not used by speakers of the language to describe nudity (in French, au naturel is used only for food cooked without preparation). In French, nude beaches are called plages nudistes "nudist beaches" or plages naturistes "naturist beaches." In British English the terms "topless beach" and "nudist beach" are most common.

Most existing nude beaches have been used as such for many years and thus have become "traditionally nude". Many are "unmanaged" beach areas that have been adopted by the local users in an effort to maintain the beach's "quality". Others' right to existence has been recognized as such by one or another legislative body—municipal, regional or national, and are termed "official" (although not necessarily legitimate). One can distinguish between different types of beaches:

* Those where nudity is illegal and/or not tolerated. Nudity may result in requests to cover up, uncomfortable glares, a fine or arrest.
* Those that are unofficially tolerated by the "authorities"
* "Official" nude beaches
o Nudity is compulsory unless the weather is bad, etc.
o Clothing is optional (i.e., nudity is permitted but not required)

The clothes free areas tend to be segregated or isolated physically from the non-nude areas. In other instances people maintain a comfortable space between people dressing differently. Signage is often used to inform beach visitors about what to encounter and/or to segregate different areas on the beach. This accommodates people who are not comfortable with nudity. This also accommodates beach users who do not like to be watched too much, especially by clothed individuals.

In the United States, the popularity of traditional nude beaches has declined somewhat over past decade due to the influx of abusive users, the aging of the nudist community, and the efforts on the part of religious groups, usually Christian fundamentalists, to close them down. However, the number of official nude beaches has, in fact, increased during this period. Most of this increase can be attributed to the ongoing stewardship of local nudist organizations and the establishment of working relationships with—or lobbying of—local municipalities and law enforcement agencies. In fact, clothing-free attractions are increasingly being recognized as being a good source of tourist income. The users of nude beaches are sometimes the target of enforcement relating to legislation banning public nudity, often because of broad language included in laws or bills intended to target sexually oriented businesses. Clothes free organizations such as the Naturist Action Committee have lobbied against such bills.

In the United States, nude beaches stretch from Santa Cruz, California (home of the Red, White, and Blue nude beach) to Moshup nude beach in Martha's Vineyard. Nude beaches in Europe can be found everywhere from Pori, Finland (Yyteri nude beach) to Banana nude Beach in Greece. Wherever you do, know that a visit to a nude beach is a natural experience. And that the pleasure of sunning and swimming at a nude beach is one you will long remember. So pick your favorite place, check to make sure your nude beach is open to the public, and get ready to shed your cares and your clothes at the nude beach. There are almost 50 places where nudity or topless sunbathing is allowed or tolerated. These nude beach locations include Blacks' Beach, the most popular nude beach in the country and the nation's oldest nude beach (San Gregorio, where people have been going topless since 1967)

Enjoying Rhodes Holidays on the Prasonisi Beach

During the summer vacations in Greece, Rhodes is known to be the best destination. This place is visited by loads of tourists during the summer time. Offering unique and exclusive activities, this place is entirely perfect for the summer vacations. You can simply get every facility during the summer vacation on the Rhodes.
The greatest attribute of Rhodes holidays is that whatever your age group is, you will get everything to have fun and enjoyment. This place is blessed with the outstanding beaches. You can enjoy sunbathe and crystal clear water of these spectacular beaches.

During Rhodes Holidays one can also take part in different kinds of water sports. Windsurfing, kite surfing, water surfing are the best Rhodes holidays ideas one can get. Some of the famous beaches are located in Rhodes like the Afandou Beach, Faliraki Beach, Glystra Beach, Elli Beach, Ixia Beach and Prasonisi Beach.

Prasonisi Beach:

Prasonisi Beach is one of the famous beaches for Rhodes Holidays. It is located in the south of Rhodes Island. It is positioned on the sandy strip joining the Prasonisi Island with Rhodes Town. Reaching this beach is not difficult and you can go there with car without problems. Tourists usually walk to the beach or sail or surf to the Prasonisi Beach.

Prasonisi Beach is all natural beauty. The crystal clear water and soft white sands make the beach look like a paradise on earth. There are few shops, resorts and accommodation arrangements in the east of the beach. Many tourists during their Rhodes Holidays like staying on Prasonisi Beach for a day or two.

Windsurfing On Prasonisi Beach:

Prasonisi Beach is also a great place for different water sports. The constant wind and pleasant weather make it a surfer’s paradise. The season for surfing and different water activities start from May till October. The beach is also suitable for offshore and onshore sailing.

In the months of July and August, the beach is perfect for water surfing and windsurfing. There are some small schools and surfing equipment hire companies that provide training and equipment for all water sports here.

There are strong waves on the west side while calmer waves on the east of the Prasonisi Beach. The beginners and learners are therefore advised to surf on the eastern part of the beach. The western side because of its world class waves is used by Olympic players to practice their surfing skills. Many surfing competitions are also hosted at Prasonisi Beach during different times of the year.

What else you can enjoy there:

There are lots of other exciting activities during the summer on the Prasonisi Beach. Such as,

• Top class hotels with peaceful environment and without the rush of so many people.
• Many hotels present unique and tempting Greek food during the summer vacations.
• You can get a tan under the sun. Moreover biking and walk are the best activities for those who want fun separately.
• In the night time, fire is set and musician play music with the help of different musical instruments. Greek dances are also performed specially for the tourists.

Although Prasonisi Beach is not filled with bars, clubs, and shopping plazas but still it offers so much to help you fully enjoy your Rhodes holidays there.

Beach life: The place where our memorable moments are fallen

In present lifestyle for every person around the world is a real hell. However, you have a place where you can relax yourself and with your family. The life in beach is a really enjoyable life. Some of the people around the world are having a strong spiritual connection with this place. Every morning is a soul-wakening day because of the breeze coming from the beach and the smell of the water is enormous. These beaches are making our homes as a relaxing from the concrete jungle. The light and color from the beached reflect the blue shade of the sky.

These beaches play a significant role in our environment. These beaches are always strange and attractive throughout the entire year. During the summer season, the water in the sea is really fresh and when it comes the night, you can feel the anger of waves caused by storm. The dreams come true, when you are planned to spend this New Year holiday season with your family. The best ways to start a day is waking up in the early morning and watch the sunrise, sipping the hot and tasty coffee. In beach, walking with family members in beach sand for a distance of kilometers to collect seashells is also a perfect way to start a day. In the afternoon, you can be with your beloved pet dog or with your partner.

If your house is nearby a beach, you can taste a lot of varieties in seafood. However, be careful with tidal waves and shark attacks. You need to equip yourself with important things, when storms come over. Present day situation is quite acceptable regarding these beaches. Because of the man made mistakes the global warming is getting high every day. With these effects, the beaches are changing their cleanliness, calmness and natural beauty.

And now there is a question raised in your mind that how to protect these natural beauties? There is some esteemed organization around the world are creating an awareness program for public to create care about marine life. The sea means it is not a dust bin to throw waste into the water. It is a place to store wonderful moments in our life.

Best Florida Beach Vacations

Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!

Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Families
Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.
Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.
Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance
Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.
Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.
Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf
Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.
Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.
This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

Bali Beaches - The A to Z of Bali Beaches

Bali's renowned beach towns blend high energy activities, nightclubs and markets with shopping, dining and relaxing. From the palm fringed beaches to the wild coastline and black sandy beaches in the west, the exciting surf, as well as the quiet coves in the north, Bali beaches are sure to give you are memorable experience. This is the A-Z of Bali Beaches. No doubt there are more that have not have been covered in this article but the following beaches are the more common you will find on your way around Bali.

Amed
Northeast coast; just 30min North East from Amlapura, Amed offers an excellent site for training dives. It has a flat bottom lagoon for instruction and a coral reef only 5 minutes swim away. Amed Beach East Bali is everything you dreamed it would be; a rare and special paradise of outstanding exotic beauty, vibrant culture and friendly people. Here you can finally find peace and quiet, enjoy great food and take advantage of comfortable and inexpensive accommodation.
Bingin
Surfing Beach: Bingin is located on the western side of the Bukit peninsula between Dreamland and Impossibles. It is ideal for advanced surfers and has a beautiful wave, a left hander, that works really well during the dry season (June-September) when off shore winds are the norm.


Candi Dasa
Located 85 km north-east of the airport, Candidasa is a relaxing beach area close to cultural treasures like Pura Besakih ("Bali's Mother Temple") While the beach is not one of Bali's best, the tranquility of Candidasa has attracted a number of exclusive hotels like the Amankila and the Chedi. Candidasa is most often compared to Kuta as Kuta was some 20 years ago.

Canggu
Surfing Beach: Hidden behind coconut palms, and backed by rice fields north of Seminyak, this is a good surfing beach.





Dreamland
Surfing Beach: Dreamland Beach is located on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali and therefore only a short ride from Bali's major tourism spots. It has a break with longer left and a short right hander. Surfable at low to dead low tide and works well when there is an average swell above 3ft.When the swell is over 7ft, the waves tends to be unpredictable and close out. Dreamland Beach is quite beautiful and the azure blue water looks quite inviting for swimmers but be aware of the very strong currents. Beach Chair hire is available and many people are found sun baking on this pretty beach.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran beach is about 10 minutes drive from the airport. Perfect white sand beach and romantic atmosphere with sunset view.
Kedongan Beach in the neighborhood also offers a mild ocean breeze with fish market and beach side sea food cafes.


Kuta
This is the famous beach of Bali and the main tourist area. Located about 10 minutes drive from the airport. Great for surfing, waterskiing, windsurfing, banana boating, boogie boarding and parasailing. Other outstanding surfer beaches include Canggu and Well known for its spectacular sunset view.


Legian
Named after the Balinese word for "sweet and pleasant," Legian Beach is a popular destination for sun worship and water sports.It is a continuation of Kuta Beach to the North.



Lovina
With its unusual black sand, Lovina is an 8km lovely calm beach on the North coast. A good place to watch bottlenose dolphins, from an outrigger off the beach.






Medewi
One of the quiet beaches on the West coast, near Negara, Medewi is a friendly beach for surfer beginners.






Nusa Dua
Amidst white sand beaches lined with luxury hotels.Nusa Dua's palm-fringed beach has lifeguards on duty daily. On the North side, Tanjung Benoa offers plenty of water sport activities.



Nusa Lembongan
This island is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Bali. The journey takes between one and two hours. The pristine sandy beaches with calm bays are abundant with colorful sea life, so diving and snorkeling are very popular. For the less adventurous, glass-bottomed boats are available.



Padangbai
The white sand beach of Padangbai on the East coast offers boats to Lombok. A good beach for snorkeling and diving.






Padung Padung
Surfing Beach; often referred to as the 'Balinese pipeline' for its constant and perfect tubes that some say are reminiscent of Hawaii's famous Banzai pipeline. It's an intense left-hand break that wraps around the headland like an unfurled Oriental fan that produces a forever barreling surfing wave.Other outstanding surfer beaches include Canggu and of course the favourite Uluwatu also know for its long barrels.


Pasir Putih
A hidden Treasure: Five kilometers north east of Candidasa on the east coast of Bali is Pasir Putih, an isolated, beautiful, white sand beach fringed with coconut palms. It is five hundred meters in length and is crescent shaped with green headlands at each end. Cold drinks and food are served by locals in the Warungs that are located on the beach. There is beach lounge and umbrella hire if you prefer comfort and shade on this crystal clear water paradise.
Sanur
Sanur beach is part of Denpasar city, about 20 minutes drive from the airport.Sanur is famed for windsurfing. Most of the popular beaches offer boat hire and snorkeling trips.Sanur beach is quieter than Kuta with beachside hotels and beach markets. Boats are available to cross the island to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Tulamban
This beach is famous for diving for the wreck boat, located East of Bali, just north from Amed or Amlapura. The highway between Amlapura and Singaraja passes through this small village. All tourist facilities are located on the road.






Tanjung Benoa
On the southeastern coast of Bali, neighboring the popular Nusa Dua resort area is the small village of Tanjung Benoa. Still a fishing village, Tanjung Benoa over the years has developed into a major player in the tourism sector. The calm waters and the white sand beach have made Tanjung Benoa the prime water sport areas of Bali.



Tuban
Between Kuta and the airport, Tuban Beach is lined with big hotels. Less frantic than Kuta, it is a wonderful place to simply grab a lounger, a good book and relax. It is safe to swim here, thanks to the hotel lifeguards.





Uluwatu
Surfing Beach: This place used to be one of the exclusive playgrounds of surfers as access was along rough dirt tracks. The hike down to the beach also deterred many people. Tarred roads have now been built making it an easier access to the beach.



Bali is a volcanic island and as such has a selection of black sand beaches, most notably on the east coast, the north coast and the west coast. White sand beaches can be found on the Bukit Peninsula, Sanur, Nusa Lembongan and a few select places in East Bali, such as Padangbai and Candi Dasa.By no means have I covered all the beaches of Bali but the above are some of the more well known. If you have time, make an effort to go across to the Gili Islands where you will also find many beautiful beaches.

Beach Adventure Holidays - Best Beaches in Cape Town

The Western Cape has developed quite a reputation for having some of the world's best beaches. Cape Town has an incredible range of diverse settings, marine life and beautifully maintained beaches make this stretch of coast a favourite amongst local and international tourists alike for beach adventure holidays.
The cold Atlantic Ocean meets with the warm Indian Ocean along the Whale Coastline (named as such due to the Southern Right Whales which migrate to these waters during spring to mate and calve) which creates a rare marine ecosystem. A diverse population of marine animals makes the Cape Coast famous for the mixture of creatures associated with cold and warm seas. Penguins, Great White Sharks, Southern Right Whales, Cape Fur Seals and other creatures make these waters their home.
Different beaches are favoured and frequented for different reasons. Some beaches provide a long stretch of soft sand, perfect for long walks along the shore; others are situated amongst amazing scenery such as panoramic mountains and jagged coves. For the young and trendy there are beaches with a vibrant social setting whilst others are in remote locations, far from the hectic life found in the cities.

Best Beach for Whale Watching

 The town of Pearly Beach in the Walker Bay area has a beach of the same name. The start of the beach begins with rock pools in which fishermen catch various fish and crustaceans. Yet after the rock pools the beach is transformed into a long stretch of silver sand which is a perfect spot for long walks.
Long walks along Pearly Beach are complimented by possibly the best land-based whale watching spots. During spring, the Southern Right Whales are visible from the beach, performing various acrobatic and playful acts such as lob-tailing, tail slapping and 'sailing' which involves them raising their tail to allow the wind to transport them. These playful behaviours are easily observable from the beach and are the perfect addition to make a long beach walk a truly magnificent one.
Dyer Island is very close to Pearly Beach and is a prime area to experience Great White Sharks, Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins, whether on a chartered boat cruise or shark cage diving. This exciting sport involves observing great white sharks in their natural habitat from inside the safety of a cage attached to the charter boat. Pearly Beach is also a short distance from De Kelders, a magnificent set of caves on the sea shore.

Best Family Beach

Hermanus has a variety of beaches, but Grotto Beach is one with a difference: It is the largest beach in Hermanus and stretches for kilometres. This makes Grotto Beach a perfect spot for families to find a spacious location to relax on the sand. There are braai (BBQ) facilities, lots of parking, as well as a play park and ample beach for the whole family, including dogs, to have fun.
The beach is extremely well maintained and has won numerous awards for its cleanliness and facilities. Parents can relax without worrying about their children treading on glass or other foreign objects which could cause harm. The beach is a 'blue flag' beach, meaning that it is well-serviced and maintained to a high standard.
Grotto Beach is situated in Hermanus which is a perfect place for a family to enjoy some recreational fun. Fresh seafood, incredible whale watching opportunities, craft markets, hikes and many other interesting family activities are available in Hermanus and in the vicinity of Grotto Beach.

Best Beach for an Unusual Setting

Boulders Beach is a small secluded beach amongst a cove of magnificent rocks and boulders in Simon's Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park. The beach is populated by a large colony of African Penguins, who are monitored and protected by the park after becoming endangered.
The path leading down to the beach runs through bush and foliage amidst which the penguins lay eggs. The small black and white birds are generally relaxed and calm despite the presence of humans, and it is against the rules of the beach to touch them or disturb their nests. Often when people try and touch them they can deliver a nasty bite, so it is advisable to stick to the rules.
The water in Boulders Beach is clear and the beach is pristine and kept extremely clean due to it being part of a national park. There is a small fee to obtain access to the beach but this is worth every cent as one gets to sit on a beach which has nature at its best as a surrounding.

Best Beach for the Young and Stylish

Camps Bay Beach and Clifton First, Second, Third and Fourth Beaches are a highly popular spot for the young and trendy as well as the rich and famous in Cape Town. Many film and magazine shoots are produced on the white beaches which feature palm trees, sun loungers and volleyball courts alongside the bright blue waters.
Camps Bay is a suburb of Cape Town and has many upmarket clubs and restaurants on the 'strip' which runs past the beach.
The beach is generally busy with visitors and locals. The water is extremely cold though, due to Camps Bay being on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, yet many people do swim. The area also offers boutique shopping and the basic shopping necessities such as a chemist, supermarket and banks. Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches are close to the centre of Cape Town and easy to reach from the CBD and Southern Suburbs.
These beaches are truly some of the best beaches in Cape Town and are highly regarded around the world. Beach adventure holidays are a fun and exhilarating way to spend time as a family and enjoy all that nature has to offer.