Tag: Pristine

  • Uncrowded Beaches And Pristine Views: These 2 Caribbean Destinations Are Perfect For A Summer Getaway

    Uncrowded Beaches And Pristine Views: These 2 Caribbean Destinations Are Perfect For A Summer Getaway

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    There’s no better place to spend the summer than the Caribbean.

    Unfortunately, it seems like too many of us agree on that; and our favorite hotspots have gotten so chaotic and overcrowded that it’s impossible not to turn our eyes elsewhere for a quieter, more authentically Caribbean experience.

    Beach in St John, US Virgin Islands

    That’s exactly why more and more travelers are favoring some once-overlooked destinations right now – case in point, Grenada and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    So if you, too, have grown tired of the insatiable tourist crowds that have overtaken one of the most gorgeous regions in the world, this is why these two places should jump right to the top of your must-see list this summer:

    Untouched Beaches

    Let’s start with the one thing we’re probably all here for – the beaches.

    Anse Beach, Grenada

    You don’t need me to tell you that the Caribbean has some of the most breathtaking shores on Earth, but the places you’ll find on these islands are truly next-level.

    Starting with Grenada, Anse Beach, La Sagesse, and Morne Rouge (easily my favorite hidden nook in the entire country), are some of the most pristine-looking places you’ll ever come across, and even in more classically touristy places like Anse, you’ll still get a whiff of that laid-back island feel.

    The U.S. Virgin Islands (consisting of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) aren’t too far behind in terms of scenery, either.

    Dog on Morne Rouge beach in Grenada
    Editors Note: I actually lived in Grenada for half a year and used to walk my dog Nala (pictured above) on Morne Rouge beach every morning. If you get there early you MIGHT see 4 people there and it is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been on in my opinion.

    You’ve probably already heard of the famously gorgeous Trunk Bay and Magens Bay, and while they’re both definitely worth a visit, don’t forget to add less commercial places like Cinnamon Bay, Secret Harbour Beach, and Buck Island to your list of must-see beaches, too.

    Taking In That Authentic Caribbean Charm Crowd-Free

    Another reason why I’d recommend prioritizing these lesser-known places during your visit to either Grenada or the U.S. Virgin Islands is that here, you’ll get exactly what you were hoping for – untouched nature and the ultimate uncrowded Caribbean experience.

    Even when you’re not at the beach, you can spend your days exploring Grenada’s picturesque capital (St. Georges), its famous National Museum housed in a former French barracks, as well as its iconic Belmont Estate.

    Houses in St Georges, Grenada

    Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands instead?

    Fill your itinerary with shopping sprees in St. Thomas, excursions to the Blackbeard’s Castle, visits to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, and historically immersive walks at St. Croix’s Estate Whim Plantation Museum.

    Whichever You Choose, You’re Guaranteed A Good Time

    The great thing about all of these islands is that while peaceful and quiet, they’re never boring.

    Take Grenada, for example.

    Woman looking at the Au Coin Waterfalls in Grenada

    Between all the diving sessions, submerged sculpture expeditions, excellent hiking opportunities, and fun nights out at the local beach bars, you’re guaranteed a summer holiday that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

    Similarly, those vacationing in St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas this season (why not all three?) can look forward to a trip filled with fun nights out, mountaintop restaurants, sunset boat rides, and endless shopping sprees – I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect summer to me.

    You’re Guaranteed Great Food, Too

    It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie or not, how well you eat is a major part of how much you get to enjoy a vacation, and luckily for you, you won’t have to worry about sub-par food in either of these destinations.

    Fresh nutmegs in red mace on sale at a spice market stall in Grenada

    Tell me, can the food in a place nicknamed “the spice isle” be anything but mind-blowing?

    Grenada doesn’t just produce its insane array of spices, though, the locals have learned to use them in some of the most unique, flavorful ways you could ever imagine.

    Just try their famous Oil Down, a hearty one-pot meal made with a fresh protein of choice, breadfruit, callaloo, and veggies all simmered in coconut milk and spices, preferably over an open flame, and get back to me – and don’t forget to wash it all down with a bottle of rum right from the River Antoine Distillery.

    Rum being poured on a glass

    The people over on the U.S. Virgin Islands have a similarly vibrant culinary background.

    Here, you’ll get to indulge in some of the most iconic dishes in all of the Caribbean, including Kallaloo, Fungi, Johnnycake, and Red Grout, just to name a few.

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  • Pristine Beaches And New Hotels: This Underrated UK City Is Booming With Tourists

    Pristine Beaches And New Hotels: This Underrated UK City Is Booming With Tourists

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    We can’t quite say London is old news given how world-renowned it remains today.

    What we can say is there is far more to explore in the UK beyond Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and double-decker busses.

    London’s historic urban sprawl is and always will be the main draw, but sometimes we forget how scenic the coastlines are when visiting our allies across the pond.

    Roker Beach, Sunderland, U.K.

    You have Scotland’s awe-inspiring islands, Brighton, Blackpool, and even more flying under the radar, especially with American tourists.

    Since the UK is one of the easiest European destinations to reach from mainland USA with plentiful direct flight options, why not have a go at one of the most underrated beach cities in the nation.

    Booming with tourists as of late, the seaside city of Sunderland offers pristine beaches and many new hotels, taking claim as the UK’s newest tourism hotspot.

    Sunderland: UK’s Lesser Known Beach Getaway

    View of building in Sunderland

    The UK is an incredible country to traverse, but it’s time to bring the coast to the center stage.

    Typically, Americans stick to Florida, California, Mexico, or the Caribbean for their beach fix or perhaps take a long flight to Europe to a well-known beach destination.

    Sunderland isn’t exactly well known in our neck of the woods, but it’s getting there. Nearly 2 million vacationers packed into the UK’s northeastern coastline last year with even more expected this year according to the latest Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor data.

    Home to approximately 170,000 residents, this isn’t just a beach town either. There is more to do beyond bake in the sun and swim in blue waters.

    Lighthouse at Roker Pier

    Home to castles, museums, beautiful parks, and even a professional soccer team, there is much to keep busy beyond the beach.

    Prestigious Blue Flag Beaches

    While not often discussed when choosing a beach getaway, one enticing factor is confirmation of how pristine a beach may be.

    Sure, you can scour TripAdvisor for the latest reviews, but many popular places such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Costa Rica all have prestigious awards certifying beaches as the most pristine in the world.

    Wildflowers blooming at Seaburn Beach

    If you have been to, say, Los Cabos, you may have noticed a blue flag planted in the sand to signify the beach’s special qualities like cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.

    You might be surprised to find out Sunderland meets the mark, too. With the likes of Los Cabos, Punta Cana, and Guanacaste, this unsuspecting seaside escape stands in good company.

    Now let’s temper expectations a bit, however. Sunderland is not Punta Cana with some of the most vivid blue waters on the planet, but they are clean, safe, and well maintained.

    So much so the city has been awarded Blue Flags for at least a dozen consecutive years!

    Seaburn Beach, Sunderland, U.K.

    Roker Beach and Seaburn Beach are two that should highlight your itinerary. And don’t forget to take advantage of perfect photo-ops at the postcard-worthy lighthouses.

    New Developments Ready For More Tourists

    Large investments in the millions of dollars have been pouring into Sunderland for years, and the latest tourism statistics prove money talks.

    Beforehand, Sunderland was just any ol’ beach town that nobody seemed to care about. Now it’s trendy.

    Sunderland’s historic buildings have undergone a renaissance, with many now serving as stylish lodgings for visitors.

    Formerly the Sunderland Norfolk Hotel

    Former empty lots are now modern hotels, and former battered buildings are now breathing new life as vacation rentals.

    Take the Seaburn Inn, for example. The new beachfront hotel with spectacular views cost a whopping 6 million dollars and that’s just the tip of the iceberg as the surrounding promenade has seen major upgrades too.

    New bars, new restaurants, and revamped hotels have increased visitors significantly.

    Despite the surge, there is still so much room to go, making Sunderland an ideal spot to enjoy before even more crowds discover how great it is.

    Former firehouse converted into restaurant - Sunderland, UK

    Despite the UK’s gloomy weather reputation, this side of the country sees warmer weather July and August while the rainiest months are December and January.

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  • This Pristine Beach Destination Is Set To Become The Next Tourism Hotspot In Asia

    This Pristine Beach Destination Is Set To Become The Next Tourism Hotspot In Asia

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    Southeast Asia is a treasured region of the world full of vast wonders. Going country to country and experiencing new cultures, jaw-dropping scenery, and pristine beaches makes for a trip of a lifetime.

    You can spin a globe and eeny-meeny-miney-mo where to go in Asia and will surely make lasting memories just about anywhere.

    Khanom beach in thailand

    Thailand may stand out the most, however. One of the sunniest destinations in Asia has it all – affordability, immense cultural sites, stunning landscapes, and so much more.

    While travelers often stick to the names they’re familiar with, the world is constantly growing. There is one lesser-known stunning beach destination in Thailand ready to make leaps and bounds in terms of tourism growth.

    As more travelers seek new experiences, 2024 is surely the year to embrace Asia’s newest tourism hotspot – the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

    Avoid The Chaos

    woman on swing at sichon beach thailand

    First-timers often visit Asia wide-eyed with fascination with every step they take. Each Asian country has its own unique feel.

    Some, like Japan, are a mix of vast crowds but seemingly under control. Others, not so much. The vast city of Bangkok stands out as one of the most action-packed cities not only in Asia but the planet.

    There are multiple household names when it comes to Thailand’s destinations. While Bangkok is probably the most recognizable, Phuket is a close second.

    What do they have in common this winter season? Frustrated travelers!

    waterfall in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Bangkok is always busy, but Phuket is seeing 2024 as the year of “carmaggedon”. Traffic and crowds are expected to only intensify as the high season unfolds, adding to this phenomenal country’s allure of lesser-known destinations.

    The congestion in the hotspots of Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin are all expected to stick in travelers’ craw this season with no immediate solution other than to explore further into Thailand.

    A Rise In Tranquil Tourism

    It might be a stretch to say Thailand’s most popular destinations have their appeal, but it’s safe to bring up the ‘O word’.

    luxury hotel in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Over-tourism is a real thing, and it’s bound to happen in places such as the third most visited country, for example.

    Fortunately, Thailand is a vast country with plenty of lesser-known escapes to venture off to as an alternative.

    With the country seeing a rise in “silent travel”, the coastal province of Nakhon Si Thammarat tops the list this year as the next best thing for serenity, sustainability and just simply a new adventure.

    New International Terminal

    tropical location outside plane window

    Some unknown destinations aren’t worth the trip with the multiple connections and jet lag you’ll experience just to get there.

    The new international terminal at the Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport was recently revealed, which will bring travelers to this pristine beach getaway with ease.

    At least 4 million passengers can be accommodated yearly at the new terminal with expected connecting hubs through Singapore, Malaysia, China and Taiwan.

    The beauty of flying into Nakhon Si Thammarat is you won’t be greeted by gridlock traffic; you’ll have open roads, incredible beaches, lavish resorts and historical sites all within reach.

    aerial view of sichon thailand

    What To See In This Untapped Region Of Thailand

    Those in the know consider Sichon as the highlight of the region, not that you can really go wrong at any of the beaches in this province.

    While the region is growing, Sichon is the most developed and ready to immediately embrace tourists with open arms.

    Beach resorts line the coast up and down along Sichon’s white sand and crystal clear waters, offering seclusion and exclusivity, unlike other resorts lacking elbow room.

    wat phra mahathat temple in thailand

    Sichon was named one of the best beaches in the world by Lonely Planet, but other beaches are well worth visiting, too, such as Seava Beach, Hummingbird’s Beach, and Khanom Beach, to name a few.

    Further inland are even more unexpected gems for nature lovers, such as wondrous caves and picturesque waterfalls.

    Those who love historical sites will surely fall in love with the 13th-century Wat Phra Mahathat Buddhist temple, which is an absolute must-see.

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