Plitvice Lakes National Park- Croatia

The stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Lika region of Croatia. The park is surrounded by the mountains Plješevica, Mala Kapela, and Medveđak, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. The 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine, are situated on the Plitvice plateau. Waterfalls connect the lakes, and the tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap at 70 meters (230 feet) tall. The Plitvice lakes area boasts a large variety of interesting and colorful flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the many pathways and trails, or exploring the lakes by boat. The park itself has 3 hotels and a campsite, otherwise visitors can find accommodation at any of the number of villages and cities nearby.

Vacationing In Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular vacation destination, not only because it has something for everyone, but because of its location. Vacationers traveling from areas in and around Virginia and its surrounding states can drive to Virginia Beach within four to seven hours, while others may have slightly longer drives.
If vacationers decide to fly, the airport at Norfolk, VA, offers convenient shuttle flight service directly to Virginia Beach. So, getting there is no problem.
Virginia Beach cannot be “pigeonholed” as a particular type of destination (i.e., “party” beach, “family” beach, “senior citizen” destination, etc.) because EVERYONE who comes to Virginia Beach will find something to do. Singles and/or childless couples can enjoy a varied nightlife, while families will find a multitude of “kid-friendly” attractions.
Families with young children will be able to stay in motels or hotels that provide “kiddie” pools and other amenities for smaller children, and will usually be located within walking distance of family-friendly restaurants. Older children can take advantage of the an amusement park, numerous miniature golf courses, and other activities. Teens will find activities that are designed with their interests in mind, but are fun and safe for everyone. 
And, of course, there’s the beach. Virginia Beach prides itself on the cleanliness of its beach areas, and offers enough water sports and activities to keep even the most active person busy for an entire day.
Lodging accommodations are plentiful, and vary in price depending on location. Hotels and motels that are on or very near the beach will, of course, be more expensive, while those that are located “off the beaten path” so to speak will be more economical. A little research will lead one to accommodations that fit any budget.
Anyone choosing Virginia Beach as a vacation destination will not be disappointed. Remember that Virginia and Virginia Beach is still in the South, and “Southern hospitality” still reigns.

Planning A Beach Vacation?

What type of planning is necessary for a beach vacation? Enough so that there will be an approximate idea of expenses, which can be budgeted for accordingly, and an awareness of any pending weather conditions.
The majority of a vacation budget will be spent on lodging. Hotels, motels, and condos located directly on the beach are going to be much more expensive as those that are located even right across the road. They may be more convenient as to beach access, but sometimes that “perk” is offset by the extra money that could have been spent.

Accommodations that are a little further from the beach will definitely be cheaper, and most of them are just as nice as the ones on the beach. Most of them will either have some type of beach access, even if they are located across the road from the beach, or will be close to a public beach area. 
More and more people are choosing to camp in some of the many State parks that are located near beach areas. There are sites for recreational vehicles as well as tents.
Food CAN take a major chunk out of vacation, but it doesn’t have to. Continental breakfasts are offered by most motels and hotels, and are almost always free.
From there, consider letting lunch be the “main meal” of the day. Lunch specials at restaurants are almost always cheaper than the dinner selections, and the portions, while smaller, are almost always enough to satisfy an appetite.
Dinner can be any leftovers that were brought back to the motel or hotel room and placed in the in-room refrigerator, sandwiches, or even delivery pizza.
At least one week before a planned vacation, especially during hurricane season, start monitoring the weather channel. If a tropical storm or hurricane are forecast, constant diligence to daily updates will help with the decision of whether or not it might be best to postpone the vacation. 

Beaches Of The Los Angeles Area

While the Los Angeles area is famous for a number of attractions, some of the most overlooked places to visit in the region are the sites that first attracted people to Southern California, the beaches. Southern California is known for its long sandy beaches, extremely hospitible weather and of course the people that head outdoors to enjoy both of those. The commercial development in the Los Angeles area keeps coming up with new attractions to compete with the natural attractions of the great outdoors. Despite this, the beaches of the Los Angeles area are still deserving of their place as a popular destination for both locals and visitors from outside the region. There are a number of beaches in the area to choose from, here are some of the more popular ones.

DOCKWEILER BEACH

One of the more unique beaches in the Los Angeles area, Dockweiler Beach is a state beach and falls under the protection of the state park system. Dockweiler Beach is located near Los Angeles International Airport and borders against El Segundo. The beach has wonderful swimming areas and is popular with both locals and those from outside the region. The most unique feature of Dockweiler Beach is that it one of the very few beaches in the Los Angeles area that allows both bonfires and campfires. This makes it a fabulous location for picnicking and outdoor barbecues.

EL MATADOR BEACH

El Matador Beach is one of the hidden treasures in the Los Angeles area, as hidden as any coastal attraction can be in Southern California. One of the few beaches in the area with sea caves and large rock formations to explore, El Matador Beach is also a popular destination for photographers. It is known as one of the more uniquely beautiful beaches in the area and is very popular with residents of the area. The beach is located at the base of a cliff, so it is a little bit of a climb down to the sand. The fact that it is a little harder to access does make for it being a little less crowded. As opposed to most beaches in the Los Angeles area, there are no surrounding businesses or restaurants, so visitors should remember to pack their own meals and refreshments if planning an extended stay. El Matador Beach has earned a reputation as a popular destination for both body boarders and body surfers.

MANHATTAN BEACH

The beaches in the Manhattan Beach area are known for their long sandy stretches and for the fact that they can be accessed from a large number of points. The Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular location for sightseers to come and view the local scenery. The beach is popular with locals and is a great place for playing in the surf and relaxing on the sand. Manhattan Beach is widely known as one of the better surfing areas in the region.

PARADISE COVE

Located in Malibu, Paradise Cove is familiar looking to many fans of both television and movies. Many of the 1960s beach movies were filmed at Paradise Cove and even to this day it continues to be a popular filming location. Paradise Cove is a private beach and there is a charge to park at and access the beach area. There is a restaurant and a pier located on the beach and it is not uncommon to find a wide variety of celebrities in the area from time to time. The beach and the surrounding area are beautiful and are popular with photographers and sightseers alike.

REDONDO BEACH

Visitors to Redondo Beach can enjoy walking along The Strand, a paved path that leads walkers and bikers along the entire length of the beach area, and viewing beautiful scenery and interesting people. One of the highlights of the area is the Municipal Pier, sometimes called the Redondo Beach Pier, which is home to a number of eating establishments and shops. Fans of the Fox Television series "The O.C." will recognize the Redondo Beach Pier as it was one of the main filming locations. Surfing is popular in the Redondo Beach area and has played a large role in the history of the beach.

SANTA MONICA BEACH

The city of Santa Monica operates Santa Monica Beach which is another of the state beaches protected by the state of California. There are a number of activities that can be participated in by locals and visitors alike including volleyball, basketball, running, walking, biking, beach workouts, and a chess playing area. The two mile long beach has a number of areas that are great for picnicking and play in the sand. There are also a good selection of shops and eating establishments in the vicinity of the beach that cater to those that frequent the area.

VENICE BEACH

Possibly the most famous beach in the Los Angeles area, Venice Beach is almost known more for the street performers, street vendors and other attractions than it is for the actual beach that resides there. Muscle Beach is an area of Venice Beach that has been home to famous bodybuilders and exercise enthusiasts alike. While it is known as a great place for surfing, swimming and sunbathing, Venice Beach is also known as possibly the best people watching location in all of Southern California.

ZUMA BEACH

Another of California's protected state beaches, Zuma Beach has a well earned reputation as one of the cleanest beaches in the Los Angeles area. The beach is located in Malibu and is very popular with local beach goers. Zuma Beach is also famous for the high quality of surfing that takes place there and there are some areas of water where swimming is discouraged due to strong rip currents. There are a number of activities other than surfing that are popular at the beach as well including swimming, fishing, windsurfing, bodysurfing, diving, volleyball, walking, biking and more. Film enthusiasts will recognize Zuma Beach from the numerous television shows, movies and commercials that are filmed there.
Southern California is known for a number of attractions that draw in millions of visitors every year. Some of the most popular features in the area though are the numerous beaches and beachside attractions that can be found in the region. While it is sometimes hard for the beaches in the Los Angeles area to compete with other tourist attractions like Hollywood and Beverly Hills related sites and of course the world famous amusement parks in the area, they should definitely not be overlooked by visitors looking for a great time during their Southern California vacation.

Visiting Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA

One of the most recognizable beaches is beautiful Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. One can probably not even think about Hawaii without Waikiki Beach coming to mind for a fabulous beach vacation.
Waikiki Beach certainly has its share of 5-star hotels and popular nightspots. But, with a little planning, a family can enjoy Waikiki Beach and its many attractions and amenities, also.
Hotels do tend to fill up, especially during peak tourist season, so booking early is essential in order to get the best rates. Hawaii’s weather, however, makes it easy to vacation at practically any time of the year, so it might be possible to catch some spectacular deals during the “off-season” (if there such a thing).
Air fares might be cheaper during this time, too. All it takes to find out is a little research. 
Although Hawaiian beaches are known for their surfer-challenging waves, the waves along Waikiki Beach offer opportunities for beginning and intermediate surfers to hone their skills. Pro surfers, however, will find plenty of excitement.
Some of the other water sports are swimming (of course), kayaking, and outrigger canoing Imagine doing all that in Hawaii, on the Pacific Ocean.
Anyone who is old enough to remember the TV show “Hawaii 5-0” can remember the scene in the closing credits of Hawaiian men paddling a long, rather odd-shaped boat. That is a catamaran, and tourists can actually ride in one of those boats to the famous Diamond Head volcano.
Waikiki Beach does offer other attractions that are not beach-oriented, should one want a change of pace. (But, why would one?)
And, of course, no good beach vacation is complete without a wide range of restaurants offering every conceivable kind of cuisine to choose from. Waikiki Beach is definitely no exception in this area.

Manele Bay, Lanai Travel Tips

Manele Bay, situated at the southern part of Lanai in Hawaii, is a secluded harbour that attracts many tourists and travelers per year. Expedition ferries that transport tourists from Maui to Lanai and vice-versa dock at the harbour of Manele Bay, making the area a convenient stop-over for many travelers planning to explore the rest of Lanai. Whether you are planning to stay at Manele Bay for the rest of your vacation or to spend a few nights at this side Lanai before heading off to discover the rest of the bigger island, there are many things to do and sights to see in this secluded, southern harbour.
The best thing about Manele Bay is that it is a quiet, peaceful place for a vacation. While there are no nightclubs and posh restaurants, the place has a culture and a unique Aloha spirit not found anywhere else. Those who want to experience the finest amenities and sporting activities can head off to the famed Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. However, Manele Bay is beyond luxury, as you can always explore the rest of the area without spending a fortune. Here are the things that you can do while staying at Manele Bay.
 

SPORTING ACTIVITIES AT MANELE BAY, LANAI

Golf and tennis
If you love playing golf during your vacation, you can check in at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and indulge in a game on the world’s best golf courses. The golf course at this luxury resort has a spectacular backdrop, fringed by palm trees, while each hole affords the player a full view of the distant Pacific Ocean. Rental clubs as well as golf instruction are available. During winter months, migrating whales can be sighted on the Pacific, a majestic sight from the resort’s well-manicured golf course. 
Tennis lovers will also appreciate the top-notch tennis facilities at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. Three outdoor courts are available for tennis enthusiasts at the resort, while tennis equipments and outfits are offered as well. For a fee, you can also take tennis lessons, which are available in private settings or in group courses.

Swimming
At Manele Bay you will find the Hulopoe Beach, famed all over the world for its spectacular fine white sand and clear, warm waters. Whether you are staying at the Four Seasons resort or renting your own Manele Bay condo, you can always enjoy swimming at the Hulopoe bay. 
Snorkeling and scuba diving
Manele Bay is divided into two parts, which are the white Manele and the black Manele. The white Manele area is where Hulopoe beach is located. The rich marine life of Hulopoe beach makes it an ideal location for underwater excursions, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Here you will find rare tropical fish species, wondrous coral reef formations, and underwater caverns that bring the underwater scene of Hulopoe Beach to life. If you are checked in at the Four Seasons Resort, you may rent out snorkeling equipment, for a fee. 
Hulopoe Bay is also a protected marine reserve, and with an abundance of coral reef formations and colorful marine life, this location is one of the best scuba diving spots in Lanai. Diving excursions are offered to both first-time and experienced divers, and diving gear are available for rent as well. 
Surfing and body boarding
Hawaii is known as the surfing Mecca of the world and here at Manele Bay, visitors can take pleasure from exhilarating surfboarding and body boarding activities. Surfing lessons are offered at Manele Bay, where expert surfing instructors can teach you how to ride the waves in top form. 
Fishing, sailing, and marine life search excursions
With the diverse marine life of Hulopoe Bay, it is not uncommon to witness spinner dolphins along its seashores, or migrating whales during the winter months. Witnessing the best of Hulopoe Bay marine life is made possible through marine life search excursions offered at the Four Seasons Resort. During idyllic weather, you can also go sailing over the placid waters of Hulopoe bay. Four Seasons Resort also offers organized deep-sea fishing activities, where you can catch some mahi mahi, yellow fin, or blue marlin. 
Camping activities at Manele Bay, Lanai
Budget recreational activities are also available at Manele Bay, Lanai. If you want to enjoy the offerings of this isolated location in Lanai Island without busting your budget, why not engage in a beachside camping activity with your friends and family? Hulopoe Beach Park is a famous camping site at Manele Bay, where campers can rent a camping tent and stay at the beach park after securing the necessary permits.
Here you will be able to enjoy your own private paradise, away from the throng of tourists and beachgoers which crowd the resorts of the more populous Hawaiian Islands. Picnic sites are comfortably sheltered by trees and foliage, while barbeque sites are found scattered among the six camp sites of Hulopoe Beach Park. Comfortable facilities like restrooms and shower rooms can be found at the site, perfect for extended overnight stays or for a day spent swimming and exploring the underwater life of the harbour. 
Hiking at Black Manele
Apart from white Manele, where the Hulopoe Beach is found, black Manele is one part that comprises the bigger Manele Bay. The best sights to discover at black Manele are the Pali Lei no Hauni sea cliffs. Although these cliffs provide fortification against strong winds and powerful currents, they also offer anyone a stunning vista of the Pacific Ocean. You can head to New Manele Road to view these amazing sea cliffs, where there are also picnic areas to be found, for longer and more comfortable sightseeing trips. 

EXPLORE THE REST OF LANAI ISLAND

When you’re in Manele Bay, you can also take the chance to explore the rest of beautiful Lanai Island. Lanai is an irresistible combination of stunning coastlines and verdant mountain forests, giving you a vacation experience that is truly Hawaii. Tranquil, unspoiled, and enchanting Lanai offers a host of attractions to curious travelers.
The Lodge at Koele is one of the more famous resort accommodations on the island, along with the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. The Lodge at Koele has world-class golf courses, state-of-the art fitness center with spa, tennis courts, and well-maintained stables. It also offers a total of 102 well-appointed rooms, including a suite accommodation. Mountain hunting activities are offered at the lodge, too. 
Hotel Lanai on the other hand, is an intimate bed and breakfast with only eleven rooms offered to guests. If you want to experience the inland charms of Lanai, you may choose to be billeted at these hotels. 
The Lanai Art Center is a haven for those who have a keen eye for art. Here you can view the amazing works of Lanai artists, which include paintings, photographs, sketches, and woodwork creations. Anyone interested in taking up art lessons are welcome here. Whether you intend to learn about traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts or pottery, private lessons can be had at the Lanai Art Center.
Lanai offers some of the best hiking trips, such as the Koloiki Ridge Hike. A 5-mile hike that allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the island in seclusion, you will be afforded with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the nearer islands of Maui and Molokai. You can also shop for souvenir items at Lanai City, where souvenir boutiques are found in the area. Stylish island wear and unique gift items are just some of the merchandises you can found in downtown Lanai.

The best destinations to witness the Northern Lights

 

Best for nightlife

A city break in Reykjavik, the nightlife capital of the north, offers the perfect cocktail of urban revelry and rural beauty. You’ll stay at Reykjavik’s original boutique Hotel 101, where sleek Norse design is coupled with heated oak flooring and open fires. Then quad bike out of the city into the glittering night for some spectacular views of the lights.
5 nights from £2,199 per person

Manitoba, Canada Travel - Best for wildlife & Beach

The winter wilderness of Manitoba is one of the most pristine and unexplored areas left on the planet. During the day, you’ll be taken on a walking safari through the wilderness in search of polar bears and their cubs playing in the snow. By night, the Northern Lights will do thier best to top even that experience. This trip is an episode of Frozen Planet made flesh.
  

Baffin Island, Canada

Best for arduous adventurers

This unique journey through the vast Arctic tundra of Baffin Island will take you across Auyuittuq National Park to the base of the dramatic Mount Asgard. In 'the land that never melts’, you’ll traverse rugged peaks, ice floes and enormous glaciers. And watching the dancing hues above from the snow hole you’ve just carved out for the night is an indescribably exhilarating experience.

Maafushi Maldives. Slip into the quiet life! Travel Guied

Welcome to Maafushi Maldives! People say that the Maldivian islands are where they find their inner peace and calmness; so much so that the entire country’s economy is literally built around the hospitality business. But you’ll have to experience the sudden change of pace, from your flight to the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Maldives, to the utter change of pace that you’ll experience on a remote island in the Indian Ocean to fully understand what this means.
About 90 minutes away from Malé by ferry boat, Maafushi Island is a favorite that’s frequented by a lot of backpackers. Located in the South Malé Atoll, the island is relatively large, compared to other islands in the same atoll, but also suffers from erosion on the northern shoreline.
Severely damaged in the tsunami disaster in the first decade of the millennium, the island hence has been rebuilt by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent movements, and now houses an industrious community thriving in fisheries and tourism.

GUEST HOUSES IN MAAFUSHI

Maafushi has quite a few guesthouses that cater to the increasing numbers of tourists arriving in the Maldives on a low budget vacation. The Sting Ray is one of them; comfortable, chic, yet affordable, the guest house is right by the beautiful white sandy beach on the north east corner. Prices range from 30 United States Dollars off season, but can go up to as high as 70 dollars in the peak season.
The first guest house that was granted license to operate on a local island is the WhiteShell Beach Inn, in January 2010. It has proven itself as a great success, and several others like the Island Cottage, Summer Villa Guest House, Kaani Beach Hotel, Fazaa Inn, Maafushi inn and Holiday Lodge have sprung up.
These inns and hotels have comfy rooms packed with amenities like air conditioning, satellite television, wireless internet, mini bars and hot showers; and have entertainment options like karaoke and a library for those who love to relax with words. The only downside of Maafushi is that alcohol is unavailable on the island, but is easily remedied by taking a five minute boat trip to the nearby resorts to quench a particular thirst.
Travelers staying on nearby resorts such as the Cocoa Island towards the south now find it convenient to visit Maafushi as part of the island hopping experience, complete with souvenir shops.
There are several options for dinner and other meals, in the many restaurants and diners scattered through the island but the more adventurous try making friend with the locals who may invite them over to a classic Maldivian dinner consisting of fish soup, rice and salads made out of indigenous vegetables.

ATTRACTIONS

The small sandbar towards the north, on the same reef as Maafushi is a lovely place to spend a day snorkeling and sunbathing. Accessible by just walking in the sea during low tide, this tiny island has just about a couple of coconut trees, some shrubs and broad vistas of the Maldivian seascape in every direction. There is another sandbar named Furafathi, in the middle of the sea towards the west, but requires a boat for access. Snorkeling here is lovely as there are lots of fish, and the reef around the isle is alive and healthy.
Diving can be arranged with some of the sports agencies and guest houses on the island, while quiet walks along the length of the island towards the south will lead you to the penitentiary center, schools and other municipal buildings and facilities.
If you’re in the mood for a little fishing, the night fishing around Maafushi is a very relaxing hobby that will soak up all your stress as your boat gently sways in the ripples of the ocean while you angle. Either your guest house or the local groups can arrange for a fishing trip, complete with equipment, guides and even meals.
Guesthouses in Maafushi provide water sports activities like catamaran rides, while others have a colorful and exciting display of local cultural dances like ‘Bodu-beru’, during a barbeque of your catch of fish.
If you’re lucky, you can catch the thrill and excitement of being in the midst of a local festival like the Islamic holidays of Eid, where people run around in the streets splashing each other with water colors.
As with every trip to the Maldives it is wise to pack a lot of sunscreen and summer dresses and outfits that are modest, as the local laws prohibit bikinis and swimwear that are too revealing. With a little planning and a quick flight, you’ll soon find yourself relaxing on the joalifathi under the coconut palms of Maafushi, on the eastern jetty and idly watching yet another sunset on the timeless culture of Maldivian life.

Malaysia Airlines flight to Beijing vanishes :News

South-east Asian states have joined forces to search waters between Malaysia and Vietnam after a Malaysia Airlines plane vanished on a flight to Beijing, with 239 people on board.

Malaysia Airlines said in a statement that flight MH370 had disappeared at 02:40 local time on Saturday (18:40 GMT on Friday) after leaving Kuala Lumpur.
It had been expected to land in Beijing at 06:30 (22:30 GMT).
Malaysia's transport minister said there was no information on wreckage.
"We are doing everything in our power to locate the plane," Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"Our hope is that the people understand we are being as transparent as we can, we are giving information as quickly as we can, but we want to make sure information has been verified."

Malaysia Airlines chief executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said the focus was on helping the families of those missing. He said that 80% of the families had been contacted.

The plane went off the radar south of Vietnam, according to a statement on the Vietnamese government website.

Its last known location was off the country's Ca Mau peninsula although the exact position was not clear, it said.

The Boeing B777-200 aircraft was carrying 227 passengers, including two children, and 12 crew members.
'Very worried'

Malaysia's military said a second wave of helicopters and ships had been despatched after an initial search revealed nothing.

Territorial disputes over the South China Sea were set aside temporarily as China dispatched two maritime rescue ships and the Philippines deployed three air force planes and three navy patrol ships.

Vietnam also sent aircraft and ships while Vietnamese fishermen in the area were asked to report any suspected sign of the missing plane.

"In times of emergencies like this, we have to show unity of efforts that transcends boundaries and issues," said Lt Gen Roy Deveraturda, commander of the Philippine military's Western Command.




Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia and one of the largest in Asia

The pilot was Capt Zaharie Ahmad Shah, 53, who joined Malaysia Airlines in 1981, Mr Yahya said.

A Vietnamese navy official told the BBC the plane had gone missing within Malaysian maritime territory.

Friends and relatives expecting to meet passengers from the flight in Beijing were instructed to go to a nearby hotel where officials were meant to be on hand to provide support.

"They should have told us something before now," a visibly distressed man in his thirties told AFP news agency at the hotel.
"They are useless," another young man said of the airline. "I don't know why they haven't released any information."

In Kuala Lumpur, Hamid Ramlan, a 56-year-old police officer, said his daughter and son-in-law had been on the flight for an intended holiday in Beijing.

"My wife is crying," he said. "Everyone is sad. My house has become a place of mourning. This is Allah's will. We have to accept it."

The plane had been flying at an altitude of 35,000ft (10,700m) and the pilots had not reported any problems with the aircraft, Fuad Sharuji, Malaysian Airlines' vice-president of operations control, told CNN.

Enjoyable Beach Vacation (Best Tips)

This year, don't think of your family beach vacation as just a time to swim. That sun-drenched stretch of sand is a giant playground where your children can learn about nature, play games, and do craft projects that will let them bring home mementos of your fun-filled days together. No expensive equipment is needed to embark on these ten activities. They're nice and simple. So put on your bathing suit, make sure you're all wearing plenty of sunscreen, and get set to have a fun day in the sun.
Rosemary Black, food editor at the New York Daily News and mother of six children, lives in Pleasantville, NY.

1. PHOTOGRAPH BEACH TREASURES

Give each child his own disposable camera for the day and let him take pictures of whatever he wants. The caveat: only one camera per youngster. Kids will learn patience by waiting for good photo moments. Explain that it's important not to let sand get into the camera and that it should be kept in a plastic bag in your tote when not in use. Later, develop the pictures and encourage your photographers to arrange their best shots in a special photo album or scrapbook. This is a great way to preserve happy memories!

2. CONSTRUCT A SUN SHADE

This is an easy way to teach about the sun's trajectory. You need four long, pointed sticks or bamboo poles from a home-and-garden center, large rubber bands, markers, and a sheet. Before heading out, let your kids decorate the sheet with colorful designs. At the beach, measure off an area a few inches shorter on all sides than the sheet. Drive the sticks into the sand where you have marked off the corners. Knot a corner of the sheet around each pole and secure the knots with rubber bands.
Once your sun shade is in place, youngsters can learn about shadows during the course of a day, says Tom Peters, director of a resource center for science and mathematics teachers at Clemson University. "Follow the sun's shadow during the day, and you'll see that it changes its angle," he says. "The shadow is longer in the morning and shortest at noontime." Each child can pick one pole and mark off the change in shadows every 15 minutes with shells, making a graph of the path of the sun.

3. EXPLORE A TIDAL POOL

Just after high tide, when the water recedes and pools up at the ocean's edge, is the best time for this educational observation. Look for small sea life like starfish, snails, and other mollusks. Think of tidal pools as minicommunities filled with living creatures that should be treated with respect. Ask your child what he sees, what different roles these organisms might play in that little community, and how he thinks they manage to stay put when the tide goes out. Starfish, for instance, have rows of small, suckerlike projections and attach themselves to rocks. You may want to find a library book on the subject and read it together.

4. DESIGN A "ZEN" SANDBOX

Take a sturdy box (even a shoebox works well) to the beach with you. Fill it with clean sand, spread out evenly. Kids can collect shells and stones and use them to make a garden. They can design different groupings by maybe arranging pretty shells in one section of the box, colorful stones in another, and so forth. It's relaxing to look at and doesn't need to be watered!

5. DECORATE A KITE

You'll need: wooden dowels (one-quarter inch or less in diameter), found at hardware and art-supply stores; a large brown paper shopping bag, cut open and flattened, or colored paper; markers or stamps and an ink pad; a stapler; crepe paper; and string. Make two lengths of dowel, one longer than the other, by scoring them with a knife and then breaking them on the cut line. The lengths depend on how big a kite you want: we suggest dowels of 36 and 18 inches. To form a cross, cut a groove in one dowel where the two overlap. Lay the other dowel in the groove; secure with a metal twist-tie (the kind that come with some garbage bags). Lay the cross on top of the paper. Mark off a diamond shape by drawing lines connecting the ends of the dowels; then add about one inch all around. Cut out the shape. Place the cross on the paper and fold the edges over about one inch; staple the edges. Staple the paper to the dowels. Let your child decorate the kite. Cut strips of crepe paper and staple to the kite for a tail. Tie string securely where the dowels cross and have a contest for the highest flying kite or the one that stays up the longest.

6. CREATE A SHELL NECKLACE

You'll need smallish shells and colorful dental floss. Look for shells that have a tiny hole at one end so that you won't have to drill holes in them. Let kids string the shells onto a length of floss, tying a knot through the hole on each one to secure it in place. Tie the ends together. Want to get fancy? Kids can paint the shells before stringing them. Or if you have colorful, mini-pom-poms or large beads on hand, encourage your budding jewelry designer to alternate them with the shells.

7. MAKE A TAPE RECORDING OF THE WAVES

The best time for this is when the waves are noisy, so go before a storm or during high tide. Have your child stand close to, but still a safe distance from, the water's edge. Put the tape in the recorder, press "record," and have her hold the mike directly in front of her. She might want to sing along for part of the tape. Play her masterpiece at night and don't be surprised when the relaxing, rhythmic sounds help her fall right to sleep!

8. PLAY TIC-TAC-TOE IN "WAVE TIME"

You need two sticks and a level stretch of wet sand where, say, every tenth wave washes over it. Step one: Draw a giant tic-tac-toe board in the sand by making two vertical lines crossed by two horizontal lines. Step two: One player draws "X's," the other "O's." Take turns making the letters on the board  -- the first person to get three X's or O's in a line (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) wins. Time is of the essence. You must finish the game before it gets washed away by the next wave!

9. CRAFT A DRIFTWOOD BOAT

Find some of your materials at the beach: driftwood, flat stones, reeds, and sticks. Bring other supplies: string or wire and a plastic bag. First, sandwich a stone (the keel) between two long pieces of wood (the hull). It should be in the center and protrude downward. Sandwich a smaller stone (the rudder) an inch from one end of the hull. Place a large stick (the mast) between the two stones, sticking upward. Tie all of this together tightly with string. To balance the boat, tie one end of another large stick to the hull at the base of the mast at a 90 degree angle. At the other end of this stick, tie a piece of wood parallel to the hull. Punch holes in a plastic bag and weave a thin stick through the holes. Tie the top and bottom of the sail to the mast and the top of the mast to each end of the hull. Now your boat is ready to sail.

10. HAVE A SCAVENGER HUNT

Give each child a bucket with a camera like the Polaroid I-Zone or the OneStep Express and a list of things to find. Include items that can be placed in the bucket, like sea glass, shells, and stones. But for a twist, add some things the kids can't take with them  -- a red beach umbrella or two girls in blue bathing suits. The scavengers use the camera to take pictures of these items to complete the list. The first one to collect all the elements and arrive back at home base (your beach blanket!) wins. Have the older kids "buddy up" with younger ones; little players should have parents accompany them on their search.

US Beach Vacations Ideas - 1000

This site is my personal collection of vacation ideas. If you find it useful, please Like it and share it. Thanks a lot. 

The sand had a sort of pure look to it, almost white in color. Sitting on the beach making sand castles gave this trip a very romantic sort of undertone. We set basking in the sunlight and soaking up the water until we decided to take a walk along the shore.
Then it happened... I was shocked by a jellyfish, a dead one at that. At the time I didn't know dead jellyfish could still sting, but I found it out the hard way. 
This is what made the experience so memorable for me. This one event stuck in my head for a very long time. 
It didn't sting me to bad so we continued on our walk eventually stopping to watch the sun set then going out for dinner a snug little romantic cafe. 
Overall it was one of the best trips of life and I wouldn't mind going back sometime. I suggest for anyone wanting a great time at a beach to take a trip there.

US Beach Vacations Idea #2:

By Kitty from Washington. The main reason we went to Oceanside, California was to be by the beach. From where we were staying, we could walk to the beach. It wasn't overcrowded like some places in California, and it was clean. We could drive down there too if we had lots of stuff to carry. There's a long pier that goes out into the ocean, and people were fishing off it.
It was fun to walk out and back and watch the sea gulls. Out at the end of the pier there's a restaurant. There are lots of good shopping places in Oceanside, and an art museum. You can tour one of the original missions begun in California by Spanish padres. The best thing was the climate. Cool at night, sometimes with fog, and sunny and warm in the day--but not TOO hot. We loved it and we'll go back. 

US Beach Vacation Ideas #3:

Photo by Rich

By Dan from Maryland - My favorite place to vacation is Florida. This is because Florida has a nice climate, humid but sunny all the time. Also, the beaches in Florida are some of the best in the U.S. I love the gulf-side beaches and Panama City in particular is my favorite. I was born there for one and the beaches have perfect white smooth sand. 
I enjoy going parasailing and jet skiing at the beaches in Panama City. There are also options to be given a tour above the city in a helicopter which looks fun but I've never done it. The wildlife in the ocean there is amazing; I go fishing there and catch all sorts of tropical fish and sometimes sharks. 
The people there are more enjoyable in general too; they are friendlier than here in Maryland at least. The sun there is great for your skin and is almost always out during the day, usually not many clouds but it does have a tendency to rain out of nowhere sometimes. 

US Beach Vacation Ideas #4:

By Richard from MD - For Thanksgiving this year, my family wanted to get away to the beach. The rest of the immediate family had plans so it was going to be be my wife, myself, and three younger kids aged 11, 8, and 4. We looked at a variety of places, but Myrtle Beach stood out. There was quite a bit to do and we were told that it would be relatively quiet verse the on-season rush. We researched the various resorts and settled on one that had an in-door water park for the kids! We looked at the shopping that they had. There is a new Market Commons where the old Air Force base used to be with upscale shopping, plus we went there for their Christmas tree lighting. Down the road we went to North Myrtle's Barefoot Landing where they have Alligator Adventure with animals and the House of Blues for great music acts. 
My wife loved the Broadway at the Beach shopping area with a huge lake and restaurants and shopping surrounding it. It has a movie theater, Magiquest (a fun electronic wand questing game), and Ripley's Aquarium as well. 
We stayed over Thanksgiving enjoying strolls on the beach, watching the seagulls and beachcombing. We and went out to one of the many buffet style restaurants for our dinner and loved it. After a mere four days, we decided to stay one more day and everyone was ready to stay! 

US Beach Vacations Idea #5:

By Kelly from Connecticut. My favorite vacation ideas involve bringing a packed lunch & some loved ones to a quiet beach and relaxing under the summer sun. The beach is my favorite activity since there is no rush getting there or leaving, and it's just you doing what you want to do. There are so many different things that you can do at the beach, ex. swim, build sand castles, play sports, etc. 
The beach is the perfect activity for people of any age, big or small. The best beaches that I have traveled to within driving distance on the east coast are found in Cape Cod, Long Beach Island, or Cape May. 
I have also ventured to California and found some nice beaches in San Diego however those beaches have a lot more activity happening and can sometimes lead to a not so relaxing time!

US Beach Vacations Idea #6:

By Alexis from New York. Every year I like to go to the sandy beaches in Hawaii. My favorite beach is Waikiki also known as one of the most famous beaches in the world. I lay in the warm sand getting a suntan while my kids build sandcastles. The water is very pretty there you can watch people surf or go snorkeling. There are several small bars close to the beach where you can get one of your favorite drinks or go dancing when the sun starts to go down. 
I really enjoy dining at their fine dining restaurants off the beach and watching the shows there since they do tricks with flames and hula dancing. I have bought several collectibles from the stores off the beach including a huge seashell. There is nothing more fun than spending a week relaxing at Waikiki.

Vacation at Las Vegas Travel

Easter Island, Machu Picchu, and other celebrated wonders of the world are certainly impressive. But Las Vegas... Las Vegas is a land where jungles thrive and fountains dance in the middle of the desert. It's a place that unites medieval England and ancient Egypt with modern-day Venice, Paris, and New York. It's a never-ending source of irony and improbability where you can turn a chip and a chair into a million dollars, or celebrate your shotgun wedding by shooting machine guns. Where else does such a wonderland exist? In a word, nowhere. But Vegas.

LAS VEGAS

The world of Vegas-area casino hotels changes constantly. In the early 2000s just about every resort was investing heavily in family-friendly accommodations and activities. Today, however, most places have refocused squarely on decadence and indulgence.
Just about every property now has a special pool for topless (they call it "European-style") sunbathing. Many resorts also have expanded their cocktail programs (the fancy word for this is now "mixology").
Some of these efforts have been more successful than others. The posh new Encore Beach Club, at Encore, exemplifies the new notion of a "dayclub" in that it creates a nightclub vibe during the day. Developments at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas have had a similar impact; the property has three on-staff mixology gurus, and a special kitchen where these cocktail whizzes whip up recipes all day long.
Other properties have established new benchmarks in amenities. When CityCenter opened in 2010, the $8.5-billion complex included Crystals, a new-era shopping mall with flagship stores of Prada, Tiffany & Co, and some of the spendiest boutiques in America. Also in 2010, the Palazzo launched "Prestige," an optional $100 reservation upgrade that grants guests access to a concierge level including daily snack service, drink service, and a business center.
Despite competition from these up-and-comers, the established properties still pack ?em in. Bellagio's rooms still carry cachet, and the Mirage—the hotel that started the megaresort trend more than 20 years ago—continues to sell out. At Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian, guests rave about everything from comfy beds to exquisite restaurants and great shopping. At Caesars Palace the constantly evolving Qua Baths & Spa might be one of the top spas in town. And for overall experience, the Four Seasons-Las Vegas, which occupies top floors of the tower at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, is still one of the best.

Miami Beach Travel Guide

Three-quarters of a century after the art deco movement, Miami remains one of the world's trendiest and flashiest hot spots. Luckily for visitors, South Beach is no longer the only place to stand and pose in Miami. North of downtown Miami's megamakeover, the growing Wynwood and Design districts—along with nearby Midtown—are home to Miami's hipster and fashionista scenes, and South Beach continues to extend both north and west, with the addition of new venues north of 20th Street and along the bay on West Avenue. Following the reopening of the mammoth Fontainebleau and its enclave of nightclubs and restaurants along Mid-Beach, other globally renowned resorts have moved into the neighborhood, like the Soho Beach House and Canyon Ranch.

RITZ-CARLTON, SOUTH BEACH REVIEW

Completely revamped and renovated for 2013, the smoking hot, art deco Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is a suprisingly trendy, beachfront bombshell, with a dynamite staff, a snazzy Club Lounge, a "tanning butler," and a long pool deck that leads right out to the beach. There are all the usual high-level draws the Ritz is known for, that is, attentive service, a kids' club, a club level with five food presentations a day, and high-end restaurants. The spa has exclusive brands of scrubs and creams. The "tanning butler" will make sure you're not burning and will apply lotion in the hard-to-reach places. Friday through Sunday afternoons a master mixologist patrols the pool deck with a caipirinha cart, serving made-to-order cocktails using homemade syrups crafted from fresh herbs and fruit. The wonderful DiLido Beach Club restaurant is, believe it or not, one of the very few places in Miami where you can get a beachside meal. The ocean is on one side and the pedestrian Lincoln Road begins on the other: the locale is tops. Overall, this landmarked 1954 art moderne hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus, has never been hotter.