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10 Marvellous Beach Camping Destinations in the US

Beach Camping tent

Guest post by Rob Fusili

Camping doesn’t always have to be out in the middle of the wilderness. There are a lot of campers that enjoy camping on the beach. It’s a whole different camping style and if you haven’t tried it yet, you totally should!

Other than getting another type of camping experience, the needed gear is also different when you go beach camping. You can even enjoy open camping on the beach and use pop up canopy tents right on the beach instead of a traditional tent. Not sure where to go? Here are 10 awesome destinations in the US to go beach camping.

1 Wright’s Beach, Sonoma Coast, California

Wright's Beach, Sonoma Coast, CaliforniaPhoto by ejbSF

What better place to start than sunny California? You can pack up in the RV or meander your way with tent and supplies. This beach is gorgeous and you are right on the coast for a unique camping experience.

This camping site has 27 sites and you can bring your pets for camping as well. The limited number of sites helps to keep the area from being overrun. You can book up to 7 months ahead of time for this beautiful area as well.

2 Kalaloch Campground, Washington

Kalaloch Beach Campground, Washington

This beach campsite is located in Olympic National Park in Washington. This happens to be a very popular campground in the area because it has wilderness-type terrain that sits right next to a beach so you really get the best of both worlds with camping style and a beach at your front doors.

The campsites are inexpensive and you might just have the chance to see a lot of ocean wildlife from whales to bald eagles flying around the area. You can book at Kalaloch using the National Park service site.

3 Hoffmaster State Park, Michigan

Hoffmaster State Park Beach
Photo by churl

Right off of the shores of Lake Michigan lies Hoffmaster State Park. It’s about 3 miles from Lake Michigan’s shore and the campsite offers nearly 300 total sites to choose from. This campground has plenty of activities, including hiking, skiing, and gorgeous views. You’re so close to local attractions and so close to that beautiful great lake area as well.

4 Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina

Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
Photo by IvoKee

South Carolina has quite the reputation for beautiful beaches that lie near clear waters. Hunting Island State Park is no exception. This is a stunning location that is situated between Charleston and Savannah so you are close to two well-known areas.

The campground is right next to the beach and you get simple, quiet seclusion so you can simply enjoy the outdoors without huge crowds. This campground houses about 100 sites at which you can hook up an RV or set up a tent. They offer water and electric at all of the sites.

The site also has plenty of activities like fishing, hiking, biking, and even crabbing. You certainly won’t find all of those options at some of the other locations listed. The best thing about this campsite location? You can camp for less than $10 per night, which is a super-low rate!

5 Assateague Island, Maryland

Assateague Island, Maryland
What could possibly be better than camping on a beach? What about beach camping that can boast wild horses in the area? It’s certainly a unique offering but Assateague State Park is located on a small Island off the coast of Maryland and the Island is known for herds of wild ponies that take up residence there.

The campsites for this park are ALL right next to the beach and it’s a gorgeous location and setup. They offer more than 100 campsites but you won’t feel like you’re all jumbled too close together. The rates are decent but a bit higher than some of the options here. For the experience, the cost is really pretty great.

6 Wai’anapanapa State Park, Hawaii

Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii
Unless you’re native to Hawaii, you probably won’t be able to just drive to this campground but if you’re looking for a unique experience on the most beautiful coasts available, you will want to consider this option. If you’re in the Hawaii area, this is an idea beach camping solution.

This beach has black sand that you probably won’t find at most beach camping locations. Then, you can enjoy the freshwater caves nearby and the tide pools in the water. It’s absolutely stunning and the camping areas are perfect! It does take a permit to camp but the cost is reasonable and if you’re a tourist that wants to enjoy the location, you can rent a camping van or check out a cabin to enjoy the location.

7 Homer Spit Campground, Alaska

Homer Spit Beach CampingPhoto by momo go

Here’s another beach campground that really is best for the locals or if you’re planning a trip you can fly in. This campground is located in Alaska and the timing of your trip could make a difference considering their weather and daylight patterns.

This is a beach camping location that gives you the perfect view of the nearby mountains. It’s not very often that you can get beach and mountains in the same camping location. This campground has 100 RV locations and 25 tent locations. It’s close to nearby areas that have shops, bars, and restaurants so you will have plenty of available activities to enjoy Alaska.

8 Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Devil Island Seacaves, Lake Superior, WisconsinClear blue waters and a unique locale certainly make a great offering. This beautiful camping space is on an island arm of Wisconsin at Lake Superior called Devils Island.

The Apostle Islands include 21 different islands and you can camp on almost all of those. You can choose from beach side or wilderness camping even and the fees are really reasonable as well.

9 Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana

Grand Isle State Park beach tent, LousianaPhoto by Lousiana Travel

Louisiana is mostly known for New Orleans and Bourbon Street but they have some really other gorgeous locations as well. The Grand Isle State Park is one of those. It’s only a couple hours from New Orleans so you can enjoy a tourist day and peaceful camping in the same trip. These rates are as low as $3 per night.

10 Bahia Honda State Park, Florida

Bahia Honda State Park Beach
We couldn’t finish off the beach camping locations without offering you a Florida beach camping spot. On this site, you can literally camp with the palm trees.

This spot is right in the heart of the Florida Keys and it is utterly perfect. You can enjoy all of the beach activities like snorkeling and fishing. This would be the perfect romantic camping option. The site costs a little more but the experience is well worth it.

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If you need inspiration on where to go beach camping in the US, take a look at our post on fabulous beaches in US national parks.

Exploring the BEST Diving Spots in Thailand

Two fish at a coral reef in Thailand

Guest post by Michelle Williams

Diving in Thailand

D

iving is one of the major activities when visiting the islands and beaches of Thailand. The combination of clear and warm tropical waters, and the overall variety of marine flora and fauna makes Thailand a great destination for exploring the wonders of the underwater world.

A lot of the great dive spots are right off the beach, along rocky shorelines which makes diving in Thailand very beginner friendly. On top of that, you have numerous Thai dive spots that include old underwater wrecks.

All of Thailand’s top diving destinations will have dive shops and schools, making it unnecessary to bring your own equipment. Especially for snorkeling though, it is nice to have you own equipment when the opportunity arises. There are numerous options, should you want to use your own diving gear and perhaps you would also want to bring some underwater camera equipment to store your underwater memories.

Choosing the right diving location

It can be overwhelming to choose a holiday destination when you start researching, as you will surely be presented with numerous dive options in Thailand. Many of the diving destinations in Thailand are seasonal, meaning your time of travel will help determine which area to explore. Here, we break down the top dive spots to help you decide.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand, not far from two other famous islands Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Among these islands, Koh Tao is particularly popular among divers.

The diving in Koh Tao is recognized for its relatively easy waters and friendly reefs, perfect for beginner scuba divers. The island is one of the top destinations for scuba diving instruction in the world and the number of open water dive certificates handed out here each year is staggering. You will find an abundance of PADI certified diving schools. Another important factor in Koh Tao being the go-to diving destination in Thailand is the fact that the island offers year-round diving in good conditions.

On a lot of the islands beaches, you can snorkel or scuba dive from right off the beach, as the island provides plenty of rocks and reefs teeming with life.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang lies in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, not far from the borders of neighbouring Cambodia. Koh Chang and its surrounding islands are known for their lush green environments, being part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park.

Weather plays a role in this area, as the summer months and beginning of autumn sees a lot of rain. This means that from June to September the visibility decreases, so this is not the best time to go diving around Koh Chang.

Koh Chang has a number of wrecks for some exciting diving, as well as rocks in the shallow waters and reefs. The dive sites are mainly located to the west and south of the island.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands is a cluster of islands in the Andaman Sea, east of Khaolak. These islands have maintained their charm with only very basic camping grounds and bungalows on a couple of the islands.

Usually visitors to the area stay overnight on liveaboard packages or daytrips from the mainland, where the main theme is diving, snorkeling and some romantic castaway experiences. So while getting to this divespot may require a bit more planning, you will get fantastic memories to take back home.

The diving season is seasonal here, spanning from October to May, while the best conditions for diving are between November and February.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s most famous beach holiday destination, so naturally the area offers much more than just diving. This makes it a great vacation choice if you want a lot of activity options for you stay.

Phuket mostly serves as a hub for multiple diving sites in the area, where you jump onboard a boat and go on day trips to the best diving spots.

Just like the Similan Islands, the diving in the Phuket area is best from October to May, where the waters are more calm and visibility is highest.

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Diving in Thailand Resources

For more information about Thailand, head straight to our main Thailand travel guide. For more information on diving resources, here are some excellent links:

PADI’s Diving Guide to Thailand

DivingSquad’s Diver’s Guide

Ithaka’s Beginner’s Guide to Diving in Thailand

For a quick and easy overview of when to dive in each of Thailand’s top diving destinations, take a look at this table from Asia Dive Site:
dive seasons in Thailand

9 Ways Travel Will Change After The Covid-19 Pandemic

empty road during sunset

Guest post by Rebecca Siggers

Almost every country in the world today is facing disruptions due to covid-19. It is one of the most significant global challenges that we are facing after the second world war. Our hospitals become full, and at times there is a shortage of medical staff and health infrastructure. To contain the rapid spread of infection, governments across the world imposed lockdowns and restricted movement. Countries shut their borders, closed schools, malls, theatres, and public places. For months, many people ventured out of their homes only to buy essentials.

Despite virtual meetings, parties, and online classes, people feel cooped up. For months, we have not hit the beach, explored the woods, or skied on snow-clad mountains. But the fear of getting infected is real, so people are hesitating to travel. And, the worst-hit travel industry is trying its best to bring the tourists back. So, let us see how the travel will be in a post corona world.

1. Preference for nearby locations

Once the infections subside considerably, and governments permit traveling, people will choose locations closer to home. Everybody wants to rush to the hometown in case of an emergency. You might have a family doctor and have a better support system. Uncertain conditions, ban on international travel, changing guidelines for interstate travel are other reasons for choosing local places. A visit to a weekend getaway, a nearby zoo or national park is more suitable now. You need not stop for fuel refilling or eating. Thus, the number of people that you come in contact with is less, thereby decreasing the chances of getting infected.

2. Hit the road

Now, it is well-known that the busy airports across the world were hotspots for coronavirus infection. It serves as the commonplace that people traveling to and from different countries come together. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends a distance of 1 meter between people to prevent transmission through air droplets. Such social distancing is not viable in an aircraft.

Trains are less congested, and in some of them, there is the provision to open windows allowing fresh air circulation. But the number of passengers traveling is more, and monitoring becomes difficult. Thus, using self-transport is the safest option now.

3. Private stays on the rise

The medical fraternity has repeatedly advised that isolation is the key to preventing infection spread. There is an increased preference for remote staycations and standalone accommodation over large hotels with many suites. Moreover, using common swimming pools, water playgrounds is not safe yet. Thus, people are choosing properties with private pools. There is a preference for familiar locations with self-catering facilities. Many people consider camping and glamping safe, as they get to stay outdoors for a longer time. You can also carry your camping gear on the roof rack basket or opt for camper vans.

4. Digital detox retreats

In the pandemic time, learning, cooking, exercising, and even wine-tasting has reached the internet. Our entertainment channels were mostly online, even during the pre-corona days. Now, we host parties on social networks and try to fit our social lives in the digital medium. People of all age groups right from children studying in primary classes to the retired seniors are turning to the mobile for killing boredom. But digital devices like laptops, cell phones, tablets cause addiction. People tend to think of online games, social media associated events all the time. They feel restless and even depressed if they do not have these. Such issues are steeply increasing in society now.

In digital detox holidays, you get to live in a wi-fi world. The hospitality system often arranges classical forms of entertainment like theatre shows, games, dance events, etc. There are provisions for pursuing your hobbies like painting, photography, etc. You learn to live without staying connected virtually; it also reduces stress levels. Given its importance, it is advisable to break free from the digital addiction at home too.

5. Exploring less popular places

Over-tourism and crowded tourist hotspots were the main reasons for the spread of infection in countries like Spain, France, and the USA. So, places like the Louvre museum, Paris, and Disney theme parks plan to have several restrictions in place. You will have to book slots, and the capacity will be limited too. There will be more staff to check social distancing, sanitization, and clean habits of the visitors.

The cost is also likely to shoot up. Thus people might prefer secluded places that are less known and less crowded. For the time being, they are going to be economical and safe. Many people fear that there is an impending climate crisis too. So, they prefer responsible and sustainable travel. The primary cause of our sufferings, including the current pandemic, is the disruption of the natural food chain and environment. Thus, people are craving to return to nature and protect it.

6. More micro-vacations

You may not be hopping on a long-haul flight anytime soon. Travel is going to be mostly domestic. Thus, people might prefer to squeeze in a trip during the weekends. Another reason is budget-consciousness. Almost all countries are facing an economic downturn, and there is an increased tendency to save money. Shorter trips are more pocket-friendly, yet they provide the much-required unwinding. People may not wait for the holiday season and may not form large groups.

As businesses are adopting the work from home model, slowly, people may opt for the work-from-anywhere concept. Soon, we may not take vacation leaves and continue the work from holiday homes or hotel rooms.

7. Pack for safety

Now, masks are compulsory even for venturing out of the house until we have an effective vaccine. The same applies during the tour too. Most people will take travel insurance covering emergency medical aid and evacuation if required. When foreign travel begins, insurance might become mandatory. People will also carry disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and wet-wipes. In long flights, face shields and hand gloves may become compulsory. You could also see people wearing PPE suits. Also, it is advisable to carry thermometers and pulse oximeters. The main issue with the coronavirus is its asymptomatic nature. These devices help detect infection early, which is essential to avoid complicated medical conditions.

8. Wellness tourism

wooden wellness sign on palm beach

The covid-19 pandemic has shown in about six months that people with the right BMI (body mass index) and free of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension could fight the infection and recover quickly. Therefore, people have become more conscious of their health and are willing to spend on boosting immunity and fitness. During the lockdown, online yoga classes, physical training, etc., mushroomed. Therefore, we can see an uptick in wellness resort bookings. Also, there is an inclination towards holistic treatments and traditional medicine. Hotels and staycations are quickly adding wellness features like immunity-boosting programs, health diagnosis, stress-relieving activities to attract customers.

9. Flexible options

In some countries, the covid-positive cases peaked, and then there was a decline. But the new infections also appear after a long gap. For example, New Zealand has a virus outbreak after a hundred days. Thus, the situation will keep changing until we find a cure. Due to these uncertainties, both the hospitality industry and transport systems offer you more flexibility in terms of booking. Businesses in the luxury travel segment have already continued memberships, have reduced rates, and offer free cancellations. Airlines now allow you to postpone the journey date. They even refund without charging cancellation fees.

Final thoughts

Now, many countries are gradually relaxing lockdown rules. They have allowed walks in parks, dining-ins, and interstate movements. New Zealand, Australia, a few European and East Asian countries have already reopened the tourist corridors. Presently, travel will not be like before, but it is still the perfect antidote for our stress and lockdown blues. You may find new things like electrostatic sprays, UV lamps, and contactless keys to help curb infection. These are for our protection. It is also our responsibility to wear masks, sanitize, and maintain physical distancing.

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About the author

Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the Travelling Industry. She believes travelling is the key to a peaceful life & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, She loves Traveling and Reading.

Cover photo by Jodeng, Pixabay

Odessa’s One and Only Blue Flag Beach

Carleton Blue Flag Beach in Odessa Ukraine

Guest post by Victoria Radchenko

 

Beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Ukraine. And even though the Eastern European country does not border any of the Seven Seas, it has a considerable shoreline along the Black Sea.

Our guest Victoria Radchenko tells us about Odessa’s (Ukraine) only Blue Flag beach, that of Caleton in the culturally rich seaside city of Odessa.

Odessa, a historic jewel of the Black Sea coast

Modern Odessa – a famous Black Sea port in Ukraine, commonly known for multiethnic cuisine and global marine trade – for centuries worked as maritime economy city.

The territory of modern Odessa is saturated with up to 5,000 year old Copper Age inhabitant artefacts. Through history, the area belonged to a number of countries, like medieval Byzantine, The Ottoman empire, Poland and Lithuania, and also had cultural influences from various nomads from Northern Italy and the Eurasian grass-steppe, making this northern coast of the Black Sea a melting pot of different cultures which is still today apparent. The area is a place of ethnic peace and pragmatic stability, hospitality and business. 

From sea trade to beach recreation

Always the settlements on these coasts were connected to the sea and trade. In modern times, when the city became Russian in 19th century and later – and Ukrainian from 1991 – maritime recreation became important here and the coastal line started to be transformed into recreational beaches. Nowadays, Odessa has dozens of popular sandy beaches such as Dolphin Beach, Chkalovsky Beach, Lanzheron Beach, and a nudist beach section, locally know as “Tikhy” (“Quiet” in Russian).

Caleton, Ukraine’s Blue Flag beach

However, only one of them – Caleton Beach (калетон) has been awarded as a Blue Flag beach for several years in a row and really deserves to be visited by any guest of Odessa.

Blue Flag

Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to safe, clean and sustainable beaches around the world. Read more about the organisazation here.

This beach is not large (roughly 200 m. long), and is situated very handy near the city center with coastal greenery providing shadow. Its main characteristic is that it’s operated by a bunch of really dedicated people, who create a unique and stylish aura of true care about each beach lover. Central to the beach is the Caleton Beach Club, providing chilly beach cocktails and comfy beach beds.

At Caleton beach, you will also find some of cleanest sand of the area’s beaches, numerous options of traditional local cuisine, and a microcosm of tranquility and unity with Nature, hidden just steps aside of the busy city streets. A real jewel of Ukraine in the midst of the current rough winds of change.

Caleton Beach Gallery

You can read more about sustainable travel and eco-beaches in our sustainability section.

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About the author

Victoria N. Radchenko, Head of the Board in Ecological Initiative NGO (Blue Flag, Ukraine)Victoria N. Radchenko, Ph.D. in marine biology and Head of the Board of the Ecological Initiative NGO (that is “Blue Flag – Ukraine”).

I am a former inhabitant of Crimea (Sevastopol) – now occupied by Russia, that led to my flee to mainland Ukraine (Kyiv) in 2014. But the Sea is always in my heart. And will always be!

Georgia’s Black Sea Beaches

Georgias Beaches at the Black Sea

Guest post by Ferenc Elekes

Georgia is a destination that is rarely on people’s dream lists. Maybe because it’s not as advertised as the likes of Italy, France, and others. Sadly, all these people are missing out.

The country, which shares influences from both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is a true beauty. It has plenty of art, beautiful architecture, music, and more to showcase. That’s where you see the influences of the different continental sides. Adventurers like to overland in Georgia, crossing the land with their big vehicle and admiring all these beautiful places. But there’s one aspect that many probably overlook when thinking about Georgia: its beaches.

Georgia’s Black Sea Beaches

Having access to the Black Sea, the country of Georgia has a few beaches that will steal anyone’s heart. Most of the shores have pebbles and rocks instead of soft sand, so don’t forget to bring your slippers or beach shoes.

Common for Georgia’s beaches are that they are mostly visited by local and domestic tourists, so if you come as a foreigner you’re in for a treat to experience Georgian holiday life. Here are some of those amazing beaches that you should consider visiting if you ever go to Georgia.

Gonio

Located in the Adjara region, near Batumi, Gonio is where the nightlife gets vibrant. It is definitely one of the most popular Black Sea resorts in Georgia, where a lot of locals tend to go for a fun night out with their friends. There are plenty of bars on the beach, where people can enjoy a drink or two. Not to mention that the music will always add a nice feeling to it, while the noise will raise your love for life. Overall, the beach has quite a hip and romantic atmosphere.

Although it’s mostly citizens nearby who frequently visit the beach, Gonio has actually had a boost in the number of tourists, with most of them being from Tbilisi. Sadly, the beach is not a good choice for skinny dipping, because water can be a little too dirty.

Gonio Beach in Georgias Black Sea
Gonio Beach

Kobuleti

Kobuleti is also located in the Adjara region and is another beloved destination among the Black Sea beaches. Locals love this area because it offers a relaxing alternative for anyone who wants to sunbathe or swim. After Batumi, this is the second most popular beach destination for people to visit. Most of the time, you will see locals attending the beach here.

Georgias beaches Kobuleti at the Black Sea
Kobuleti Beach

Batumi

Batumi cannot be missing from this list, considering it is the most popular destination in terms of Georgian beaches. On this beach, the colors are vibrant, and you will feel the energy as soon as you step on its sand. The climate and atmosphere overall are very welcoming, being difficult to leave the area once you get to experience it.

Although locals enjoy this place, you see a lot of tourists coming from different parts of the country, and even visitors from other countries sometimes.

Georgias Black Sea beach, Batumi
Batumi Beach

Anaklia

This seaside resort is part of the Samegrelo region. It used to be a fortified town, as well as a seaport and a fishing station.

The beach is just gorgeous, and watching a sunset here feels magical. It’s a great place to be in, especially when you’re looking for some relaxation.
More often than not, there is a big number of tourists visiting the beach, as each year, the town hosts the GEM Fest. So, each August, the chances are there will be a lot of people sunbathing or just going for a walk to the beach.

Anaklia Beach in Georgia (Black Sea)
Anaklia Beach

Sarpi

Perhaps you’re one of those people who want to have a bar – or several – nearby when spending time at the beach. In this case, you will love Sarpi.

This beach used to be one of the cleanest and most peaceful ones, which is what made it so popular. However, over time, the number of tourists started increasing, not only due to the popularity of the location but also because of the nearby highway and bars. Even if it’s not the cleanest anymore, the beach can impress with its cliffs along the shore. They allow you to dive into the water if you want to take the experience to the
next level. Not to mention that this beach is also close to the Turkish borderline.

Sarpi Beach one of Georgias Beaches at the Black Sea
Sarpi Beach

Shekvetilli

There’s one thing that makes this beach unique – the dark sand. For people who suffer from various conditions, such as nervous system problems, cardiovascular diseases, rachitis, or others, this beach is a true gem. It’s said that the sand is amazing in treating these conditions. As such, people who live nearby tend to visit it frequently. It’s also a spot where you often see families with their kids.

Shekvetili is a village and sea resort, and it’s located in Ozurgety Municipality, Guria.

Shekvetili Black Sea Beack of Georgia
Shekvetili Beach

Ureki

This beach is also located in Guria, being a famous seaside town, if not the most famous one in the area. Arguably, this is the beach with the softest sand.

Local families love this place thanks to the therapy offered by the sand, which is believed to be able to treat various problems. Not to mention that the place is great for enjoying a nice atmosphere thanks to the sun, sea, and subtropical climate overall. This is a great beach for relaxation.

Black Sea Beach Ureki in Georgia
Ureki Beach

Grigoleti

Grigoleti is also located in the Guria region, but it’s in the municipality of Lanchkhuti. Interestingly, the sand on this beach is magnetic, as it contains titan-magnetite, small magnetite or ilmenite particles. Although it doesn’t have such a developed infrastructure, this town gets a few tourists from time to time, especially families.

Grigoleti Black Sea Beach from Georgia
Grigoleti Beach

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, most of the beaches in Georgia are not the cleanest out there. You can find plastic rubbish here and there, as not many people know how to maintain the cleanliness of the places. Beaches will be cleaner during the high season of May to September, where either volunteers or resorts make an effort to clean them.

Even if the shores of Georgia’s Black Sea beaches are not always the cleanest, you will enjoy the freshness of the air and have the beautiful sea scenery in front of you. If you want to experience something different in terms of beach vacations, you can try Georgia’s magical seaside resorts.

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About the author

Ferenc is an avid traveller with great overlanding experience. During his trip driving from Europe to Singapore he had the chance to visit beaches on the Black Sea.

His website, overlandsite.com is a great resource for anyone looking for tips and guides on overlanding, as well information on overlanding gear.

 

Cover photo by Oleg Illarionov, Unsplash.

5 Spectacular Beaches in India

Wooden boat on one of the beaches in India

Guest post by Rohit Agarwal.

Ambling down the shores, owning the bounty of nature is something every living being is entitled to. The sound of waves and the gust of winds caressing your hair is the best feeling of all. India, by the grace of Almighty, is endowed with many beaches. I believe therapy is very important and what place is better than a beach! Beaches are those locations where people from all walks of life can enjoy, be it rich, poor, old or young. So let’s set out on an imaginary journey to discover the most spectacular beach destinations in India.

1Dona Paula Beach, Goa

Dona Paula in GoaPhoto by Amisha Yadav on Unsplash

Situated in a state predominantly known for its beaches, it is a tasking job to be the best. In my personal opinion this is by far the best one I have visited. I remember taking a ferry to go around the beach. I was on the deck with my parents in the calm and serene waters. But there is also something for party animals, there is foot tapping music playing inside, you have people dancing and singing. Little shacks with delicious recipes on their menu entice tourists.

On the shore you find people relaxing, not bothering about the everyday routine of life. It is the best place to escape reality, which is essential at times!

2 Kudle Beach, Gokarna

Photos by Gokarna Tourism

This place is situated some hundred kilometers away from Goa, in Karnataka. It has inherited the Goan culture. However, the costs are affordable in comparison to Goa. There are various resorts where one can stay. This beach in Gokarna is filled with people bustling around. It is the best place to spend time with friends. Even here we have shacks and cafes. It is surrounded by intense vegetation. There is greenery all around, so we get the best of both worlds.

3Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

Photos by Kerala Tourism

Kovalam in situated in “God’s own country”, the state of Kerala. As the name suggests the beach is known for its lighthouse. You find fishermen in the evening fishing in the deep seas. Collecting shells is every child’s hobby; this is quite evident at this place. You also have restaurants that offer rich Malabar cuisine.

Kerala is known to have the maximum literacy rate, so worrying is not on the list when you are here and if you do not know the language.

4Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Islands, Andaman & Nicobar

Photos by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism

We often forget that the beautiful islands Andaman and Nicobar have the most exquisite beaches. These islands are also known for their scenic beauty. This beach is known to be the world’s 7th best beach. So not taking a dip in the enchanting waters is not an option.

This beach is enclosed by a number of palm trees. It has caused the Havelock Island to gain worldwide recognition and this alone is a strong reason to visit it.

The other noticeable beach in Andaman and Nicobar islands is the Elephant beach. This beach is filled with adventure, as just getting to the beach will require an approximately 2 kilometer trek. There are a number of water sports that one can indulge in; this beach is all about adventure.

5Puri Beach, Puri

Photos by Odisha Tourism

Odisha is known for the historic Konark temple but it also shelters a beach in Puri. This is named after the place it is located in, Puri, Odisha. An annual
beach festival is held here with displays of sand art. This event is co-sponsored by the Indian ministry of tourism. This ought to be an artist’s
retreat. However, anyone who appreciates art and have an eye for color and design are certain to have a rejuvenating experience.

This beach is very close to the railway station and is often a sightseeing destination to many passengers. With its breathtaking sunrise and clear waters in does not prove to disappoint anyone.

This was the list of the five most spectacular beaches in India. Although, others are not so far off in terms of scenic beauty, the above mentioned have something more to them. So what are you waiting for! The sun and the shore await!

Beachmeter.com section seperatorAbout Rohit

The love for water has caused Rohit to travel throughout the Indian peninsula to discover the best beaches. You can read his story at Trans India Travels.

More Beaches in India?

Curious to read more about traveling in India and discovering beaches along the way? Have a look at our posts on the life of a beach seller, stray dogs on the beaches in India or maybe a closer look at Goa’s beautiful beaches.

Cover photo by Deepak Kumar, Unsplash

Four U.S. National Parks with Beaches

Trunk Bay of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park as seen from inside a car

Guest post by Nicole Villegas

Here’s a fun fact for you travel buffs: there are just 61 designated areas known as official “National Parks” in the United States. Only those given the formal title by the National Park system can include the official capitalization.

Of those 61, you likely are familiar with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. With each respectively receiving over four million and six million visitors in 2018 alone, it’s safe to say they can’t exactly be considered “hidden gems” by tourists.

Reservations.com rounded up a list of 20 of the Least Visited National Parks in the U.S. to bring attention to those lesser known parks. We were excited to see four of them feature secluded beaches, gorgeous views and plenty of fun activities! Read on to learn about each one, you may just discover your next road trip or travel destination.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Visits in 2018: 366,250

Channel Islands National Park

California is known as a massive state, yet this National Park seems to fly under the radar. The isolated islands that make up its geography are home to many native species, while also preserving a variety of natural resources.

Visitors can craft their own special itinerary with everything from boating and scuba diving to hiking and camping available. Dolphins, seals, whales and elephant seals are just some of the species that make up the marine life native to Channel Islands National Park. This destination is a must-see paradise for any adventurer!

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Visits in 2018: 56,810

Dry Tortugas National Park

For those of you who built forts in their bedroom whenever they could as a kid, Dry Tortugas National Park is absolutely for you. Featuring a 19th-century hexagonal fort called Fort Jefferson, this landscape is something out of a child’s dreams. You can explore Fort Jefferson, complete with its very own saltwater moat, and then enjoy the beautiful crystal-clear waters Key West is famous for.

The first thing you need to know about this park is the epic Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century hexagonal fort that looks as if a 12-year old boy designed it, complete with a saltwater moat and defensible against pirates.

Aside from five species of turtles (as the park’s name suggests), visitors can admire nurse sharks, crocodiles, schools of fish and many types of native birds.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Visits in 2018: 25,798

Isle Royale National Park

Beaches don’t always need to be saved for a hot summer day. You’ll have to hop on a boat or seaplane to get to Isle Royale National Park, but the trip is worth it. Visitors can explore over 400 islands, enjoying beautiful beaches and waters that are perfect for fishing.

For those scuba diving aficionados, this national park features 10 major shipwrecks that attract incredible aquatic life. This landscape lends itself to a multi-island getaway!

Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands

Visits in 2018: 112,287

Virgin Islands National Park

If you’re willing to hop on a flight to the Caribbean but stay within U.S. Borders, we have the perfect match for you. The Virgin Islands National Park is a true beach sanctuary, featuring miles of silky sand and fantastic scenic hikes.

Perfect for those who love to stay active while traveling, you’ll get to pack snorkel and hiking gear to make the most of this unique national park.

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Cover photo by start livin, Unsplash