Beach Vacation - Beach vacation information for the traveler

Plan Your Beach Vacation
All beaches are not created equal. There are public and private beaches, nude beaches, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, white beaches, black beaches. You get the picture. Not every beach is appropriate for every traveler. Be sure to ask yourself what type of beach you are looking for before you begin planning your trip. Would you prefer a boardwalk and a playground for the kids, so they can keep themselves occupied? Or, are you looking for a quiet, pristine, romantic beach where you won't be disturbed by anything other than the soft lapping of the waves and occasional seagull overhead? Don't assume the beach you are considering offers all or any of these, and always do a little research (or at least try to talk to people who've visited themselves) before you go.

To find out more about or locate a beach near you, try Discovery's Beach Guide

All-inclusive Beach Vacations
If you are looking for an all-inclusive beach getaway, try Beaches, Sandals, ClubMed or SuperClubs. All offer vacations which included lodging, food, drinks and transfers for one inclusive price.

Special Interests
Looking for surf reports? Try Swell.com.
Info on SCUBA? ScubaSource.
Want to find vacation rentals? Read our tips.

10 Beach Vacation Essentials
sunblock
beach bag
flip-flops or thongs
plenty of towels
snorkeling gear
bathing suit
trashy novel
sunglasses
pail and shovel for the kids
a watch

Beach Safety
--Swim a safe distance from the beach.

--Be sure there is a lifeguard on duty.

--Swim horizontal to the shore.

--If there is an undertow warning, stay out of the water. Undertows can be extremely strong and sudden; even a powerful swimmer can be swept out to sea helplessly.

--Avoid diving off rocks or cliffs; there could be rocks hidden under the water, or the water could be more shallow than you expected.

--Stay out of the water during storms, particularly lightning storms.

--Drink plenty of water.

--Be cautious of your surroundings. In some places, jellyfish, crabs or other marine life may be sharing your space, and they were there first!

Sunsafe Tips
A nasty sunburn can ruin an entire vacation. Remember:

--Between 10 AM and 2 PM the sun is at its strongest. If you burn easily, you should stay indoors during these hours, or protect yourself with a strong SPF, or a beach cover-up.

--If you go swimming, be sure you wear a waterproof sunscreen. If you don't, be sure to reapply your SPF as soon as you come out of the water.

--Just because it's a little cloudy, that doesn't mean there is no risk of sunburn. UV rays can penetrate light clouds, so wear a light sunscreen even on those less-than-perfect beach days.

--Your eyes can be damaged by the sun, as well. Wear a good pair of sunglasses.

--If you are taking certain medications (including tetracycline and some birth control pills), your skin may be particularly sun-sensitive. Be sure to ask your doctor and read drug warnings carefully before you expose yourself.

Treating a Sunburn
If you don't heed our tips and end up with a sunburn, try:

--Aloe Vera. It won't cure your sunburn, but it does provide temporary, soothing relief from the pain.

--Aspirin can temporarily suppress the pain.

--Burn sprays like Lanicane.

--Apply a cold compress.

--Take an oatmeal or Aveno bath.

--If you blister or feel faint, you may have sun poisoning, and you should call a doctor.