Posts Tagged ‘Beaches’

Rest, Relaxation and White-sand Beaches at Karon Resorts and Karon Hotels

Allow nature to captivate your sensesâ?¦

There are no other words that can best describe a place resplendent, with so much water and greenery, other than â??heaven-on-earthâ?. For those individuals who are seeking a comfortable and relaxing escape from the draining rituals of daily life, a beach resort can be a perfect getaway.

Imagine the tall coconut trees swaying to the cool uplifting breeze, while listening to the serenade of the splashing waves. Is it not wonderful? Now, imagine diving into the cold blue waters, or bathing under the early morning sun, or strolling along the beach and watching the last rays of the sun fleeting across the horizon. If these moments seem like a fading memory, then maybe itâ??s time you rediscover how a lazy stroll on the sandy shores of a beach resort is like.

There are thousands of beautiful beach resorts around the globe, and probably a couple of them are just an hour- ride away from your home. But if you are tired of the same old splash, and the kind of fun your local resort is offering, does not anymore tickle your imagination, then maybe itâ??s time you take a short surf at other â??captivatingâ? beaches online and plan out an early trip to one of them. You will find plenty of resorts at the nearest states, down to the enthralling islands of Asia.

An example of a great beach resort to visit this time of the year would be the exotic yet reclusive Karon resorts, set in the majestic isles of Phuket, south of Thailand. Karon resorts, with the outlining Karon hotels, boasts the magnificence of a white-sand resort, complete with amenities for leisurely getaways. At Karon resorts, you can simply commune with nature. As a remote island location, nature remains unperturbed, mysterious and enchanting. If you find peace and quiet eluding you where you came from, Karon Beach is the perfect refuge for you.

For those who are ready to pack their bags and head off to this island paradise, here are some quick tips that will be very useful along the way.

a. Going to Karon resorts or Karon hotels, or to any other island-destinations, always make it a point to know about the place where you are going to â?? its current social status, the peace and order situation, as well as the government offices or institutions you can visit to get assistance on matters, which may crop up during your visit. Like if you wish to go to Karon resorts, then you should make it a point to find out about the Karon hotels and other information about the Karon resorts destination.

b. Find out the type of currency and inquire where you can easily exchange or withdraw money from. Inquire or research on the locations of banks and currency exchange offices. Find out the conversion amount for your own currency, and always stash a few bills and loose change of the local currency wherever you go.

c. It is a good idea to have a travel agent or a trusted contact in the place or beach resort where you are heading for.

d. If youâ??re only planning to stay in the resort for a day or two, then itâ??s best to travel light. Bring only the things you really need.

e. Make it a point to find out the telephone number of the local police, hospital or the home contact number and address of your travel agent. It might just save your life to know these details, plus knowing the address and contact number of your travel agents can help you easily communicate the changes you want on your tour schedule.

Now following these tips, and other safety travel guides can help you experience a hassle-free trip to your favorite beach resort. A little patience in researching about different island destinations can save you a lot of headaches later on. Reading a few reviews about the beach resort you are planning to go to can help you better decide on which places to visit or which island tours to take. And itâ??s always a good idea to be knowledgeable about travel destinations, for in cases of emergency, you are well equipped with more options, based on what you know about the place.

Take a break from the drab existence of office life. Recharge your energies. Rediscover yourself. Head off to a liberating experience that a vacation offers. Discover an island paradise today, and allow nature to captivate you anew and make you remember that life is simply meant to be appreciated and enjoyed.

At Karon resorts and Karon hotels, you will never forget.

Chincoteague Island – Ponies, Beaches, and Family Fun

Chincoteague Island - Ponies, Beaches, and Family Fun

Mother Nature made horses, and Mother Nature made ponies.  But Mother Nature also made a remarkably tough, intelligent, and beautiful breed of horses whose small stature has meant that they are universally referred to as ponies, and turned them loose to roam the shores and wilds of Assateague Island, Virginia.

Today, however, they’re known as the Chincoteague Island ponies, for the Virginia coastal island directly to the west of Assateague.  The ponies are a major reason why Chincoteague and Assateague Islands have become magnets for families vacationing on Eastern Shore.

These two small stretches of land are overflowing with family-friendly attractions, including a National Wildlife Refuge, a National Seashore, and a Maryland State Park.  Chincoteague Island has gained international fame thanks to the annual Pony Penning and Auction, which occurs at the height of summer when the weather, fishing, water sports, and other opportunities for outdoor fun are at their peak. An entire week at the end of each July is set aside on Chincoteague for Pony Penning.

The week begins with the annual three-day Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival bringing artists and crafters from ten states.  They are greeted by thousands of mainlanders anxious to experience blueberries in every imaginable form, from soup, pudding, and shortcake to muffins and, of course, the Ultimate Blueberry Pie. There’s plenty of live music to keep things hopping, and both breakfast and lunch provided by the Pepper Jack Grille–including hot dogs and grilled cheese quesadillas for the kids, and a grilled chicken sandwich with blueberry mayo!

After such a great kickoff, the family fun on Chincoteague continues to build throughout Pony Penning Week.  While you wait for Pony Penning Day to arrive, you and the kids can bike the wildlife trails on Assateague Island, visiting its Wildlife Refuge Center, and earning your Junior Birding badges.  Get a closer look at the ponies so integral to life on Chincoteague by visiting the Chincoteague Pony Centre on Carriage Drive.  Treat the kids to a pony ride or riding lesson!

No family vacation on Chincoteague and Assateague is complete without a day at the beach.  The Assateague National Seashore includes nineteen miles of undeveloped beaches where you and the kids can hike, beach comb, or sunbathe while learning how Assateague was before the arrival of civilization.  Swim and surf to your heart’s content, or try your luck surf fishing. 

There’s more family fun every Friday and Saturday night of July, and throughout Pony Penning Week, with the Chincoteague Carnival benefiting the Chincoteague Island Volunteer Fire Department.  Enjoy all the traditional carnival rides, games, and food, as well as a spectacular July 4th fireworks display.  The highlight of the Carnival is the Pony Auction on Thursday of Pony Penning Week. 

On Wednesday, Chincoteague’s famous Salt Water Cowboys head for Assateague Island to round up the pony herd.   At low tide they herd the ponies about 100 yards across the Channel for Thursday’s auction.  The remaining ponies are herded back to Assateague for another year of freedom on Friday.

If family fun is what you want, there are no better places to find it than on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands during the final week of July!

Everyone knows Daytona beach but what about others like Vero beach, beaches of South Walton, Marco Island?

<b>Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach<b>This area offers an outstanding number of golden Florida beaches, including many protected state and national parks. The local city and county beaches have plenty of onshore activities, and the area is known for several offshore shipwrecks that are perfect for some spectacular Scuba diving.

<b>Vero Beach<b>This is a part of the state where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This is what you were thinking of when you decided on a quiet beach holiday. This area offers plenty of public beach access and a number of full-service parks, depending on your needs. Wabasso Beach Park is located in Vero Beach amidst some popular family resorts. It has wide, quiet beaches that are perfect for swimming. Golden Sands Beach Park is a traditional beach park with lifeguards, grills and picnic area as well as dressing, shower and toilet facilities. It’s a good place if you feel like snorkelling or Scuba diving. Jaycee Park is more than three hectares of oceanfront park perfect for family gatherings. There is a playground, a restaurant, a boat ramp, a scenic boardwalk, a large picnic area and a buoyed swimming area. Finally, Humiston Beach is located in the heart of Vero Beach’s island shopping district. Throughout the year, this one-and-a-half-hectare park is the centre for arts and crafts shows and other festivals. It’s a perfect place for you to take in the local flavour.

<b>Naples/Marco Island Area<b>
Known as the Paradise Coast, this quiet corner of southwest Florida provides some of the most striking beaches in the state, with fine white sand and laced with palms on the shore of the deep blue Gulf of Mexico. From Barefoot Beach Preserve to the deserted Ten Thousand Islands, the beaches here vary from hot spots where locals gather to deserted beaches where you can quietly enjoy the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.

Take A Look At The Florida Panhandle – Part 2 – Gulf Islands National Seashore And South Walton Beaches

The Gulf Islands National Seashore and the South Walton Beaches

The Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is the most westerly of the coastlines and spans from Mississippi to Pensacola Beach.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore contains thousands of acres of beaches, bayous, barrier islands, forts and other historic sites. With a variety of things to do, explore either by yourself or on a guided tour.

Note: Some areas were severely damaged from the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons. These areas are probably still closed, so check before you go: Santa Rosa Area, Fort Pickens Area.

South Walton Beaches

Just east of Pensacola you will find the South Walton Beaches, stretching 26 miles of powdery white sands, vast pine forests, cool underground springs, marshlands, bays, bayous and blue gulf waters.

A most beautiful spot is Deer Lake State Park. Located east of Seagrove Beach off Scenic Highway 30-A. The south side of the park offers pristine beach and lake areas. North of Scenic Highway 30-A, you’ll find hiking trails meandering through unspoiled forests.

Grayton Beach Florida, another of the South Walton Beaches, was established in the late 19th century. Grayton Beach is a historic district, with many of the old wooden shacks now properly restored.

The Grayton Beach has a scenic hiking trail and shops for purchasing your unusual visitors’ items.

Seaside, is a town by developer Robert Davis who created a modern town with Victorian style cottages sprinkled with extravagant carvings. The town is like a film set which therefore made a good setting for the 1997 movie, the Truman Show – about a man brought up on the set of a soap opera.

Seaside encourages walking as the town is pretty and the shops and schools are near. There are museums, ice-cream store, market, market and art galleries – you need not imagine it – visit Florida Gulf Coast !

Beaches Best in Walking

In the US, there are a lot of beaches that are for people who love to stroll and make long walks as a form of exercise. Depending on the beach’s location and the facilities surrounding it, you can have a great time taking leisurely walks along the beach.

There are five best beaches for walking. This includes Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina; Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Florida; Carmel Beach, California and Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.

? Gay Head Beach in Massachusetts is hard to find and cannot be easy to get into. Although this place is somewhat secluded, once you reach it, it is definitely worth it. Unless you made reservations months before the trip, never bring your car over.

Using a motorcycle can do the trick, running about through an 18 mile road in order to get into the beach. It is even advisable that you make use of the beach’s bus transportation, costing you only $ 5.00. Tickets will be sold at the station. It will take you about an hour to arrive at Gay Head from Vineyard Haven. You need to take another bus at West Tisbury.

The beach and water conditions can vary. On other days, the walk beside the beach can be rock free. People on the beach are generally friendly. In addition, you can do your sun bathing even when you do not have anything on. This is called “nude bathing”. They have a section of the beach only for nude sun bathing. The results are as amazing as having no tan lines.

? The Hammocks Beach State in North Carolina is located specifically on Bear Island. The area is well known for its three miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. A ferry to this island runs hourly for about 25 minutes, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, mostly from May up to October. For an adult, the cost is around $5, $3 for senior citizens, and children aged 6 to 12.

Campsites also have an additional fee. They practice a first come, first serve basis. Today, people can enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, swimming and shelling. Bear Island is also important in nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Female turtles will come at summer nights to deposit their eggs in the warm sands and then return to the sea. Thus, this part cannot be disturbed since it is protected by the Endangered Species Act.

? Crescent Beach in Florida is famous all over the world. It is noted because of its crescent shape and powdery white sand. This extends from the Northern tip of siesta Key up to the South Passing the Siesta Beach and up to the Point of Rocks. Resort owners and guess have direct access to this beach. You have various options in getting vacation rentals. Rental condominiums, villas, cottages and apartments are available.

The Siesta Beach is a public beach that is named by Florida Trend Magazine as “The Best Beach in the State of Florida”. They have several beach facilities like volleyball courts, softball field, tennis court, lifeguards, tree shaded play grounds and fitness trail. There are showcase one thousand fishes in their Gulf, lakes, bays and streams.

At further south, along the Point of Rocks, this is where snorkelling is encouraged. You will be dazzled by the colourful sea life amongst limestone rock formations. Siesta Key is not only for tourists, it also offers residential areas for those seeking a retirement home.

? Carmel Beach in California is a curving, long sandy beach that is situated near the end of beautiful Ocean Street. It is just some blocks away from Old downtown Carmel. This is a nice and well known beach because it is easily accessible to everyone.

The beach is by the end of Ocean Avenue, West of California Highway 1. There is no entrance fee and no parking fee. You can do your bonfires, sun bathing, walking and alcohol on the beach but not on the nearby streets or in the parking lot.

? Hawaii’s Kailua Beach is rated as the best beach in the world. This is a place generally noted for swimming and beach recreational activities. There are no hazardous ocean or beach conditions. It is also a world class wind surfing destination for sports buff, amateurs and professionals alike. Surf kayaking can also be performed here. However, remember to wear a personal flotation device when doing any kind of water sports in the area.