Tag: Sand

8 Miles Of Blissful Beach: Visit Florida’s Secret White Sand Island This Fall

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Oddly enough, spring brings both families and rowdy ‘Spring Breakers’ to Florida’s pristine beaches while summer sees an invasion of seemingly every walk of life.

September is when the crowds begin to dwindle, but it is Florida after all…

Finding your quiet space on a nice beach in this state is no easy feat, regardless of the season.

The good news is you don’t have to visit the state’s most notable names for a blissful beach getaway.

Overshadowed by Miami, Panama City, Clearwater and all the other vacation hotspots lies Marco Island, a popular coastal town for sun and sand amongst locals and tourists in the know.

This spectacular island is like a Russian doll, revealing layer upon layer of hidden gems.

If you think this beach town is great, wait until you see the raw beauty of Keewaydin!

An 8 Mile Stretch Of Pure Beach Bliss

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy… There’s vom…

Sorry, had to hype myself up for this section…

Some 8 Mile places are where you want to avoid, but this 8 mile stretch of secret paradise is exactly where you want to be!

Forget the noise of other buzzing Florida beaches; the only sound you’ll want to hear is the song of your choice and the boat motor thrumming on an awesome trip to this gorgeous remote island.

Keewaydin Island is textbook paradise.

Sometimes we forget places such as Cancun, Los Cabos, and Punta Cana were once just as untouched as Keewaydin is today.

No ritzy hotels, no eyesore chain restaurants – just lush greenery, swimmable turquoise waters, and soft white sand.

Some places borrow the word “island” to make themselves sound sexy.

Take Coronado, a popular peninsula outside San Diego that claims to be an island to boost tourism appeal.

Here, however, is a true barrier island boasting virgin natural offerings like the inland Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve surrounded by 8 miles of paradisal sand and pristine waters, one of many reasons why it’s one of Southern Living’s favorite hideaways.

It’s the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle and everyday stresses, where you can let loose with locals and enjoy real Florida beaches without towering resorts and cheesy attractions.

‘Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Roads’… But You Do Need A Boat

Nearby Naples is a luxurious resort town where you’ll have no problem finding a boat to reach Keewaydin.

Check out Naples Waterways and Wildlife Tours for Keewaydin tours starting at $55.

Otherwise, you’ll have to charter a boat or make friends fast! Boats depart from Marco Island as well so you can island-hop with the Hemingway Water Shuttle for just $22. Can’t beat that!

You’ll arrive at the calm waters of the bay where you then trek through a narrow path to virtually crowd-free white sand beaches.

Make sure to bring a lounge chair, picnic blankets, and whatever else is deemed necessary.

Although, there is one unique aspect you don’t have to worry about.

Picnics are common here, but Just Beachy Burgers has you covered otherwise. Food trucks may be popular across the globe, but food boats are a Florida staple.

It’s not quite room service, but this is as close as it gets on a paradise island with no hotels.

Fun fact: Keewaydin Island is the only pet-friendly beach in the Naples region, so feel free to bring your furry friend on vacation too! (Both boat services mentioned above allow pets.)

The Perfect Place To Swim, Snorkel & Shell

Usually, beachgoers are content if they can do one of the following: swim, snorkel, or “hunt” seashells.

Some of the most popular beaches in the world don’t meet all 3 marks, but Keewaydin ticks off all the boxes.

While the famous lyric ‘only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair‘ does hold true here, the only real worry is being aware of other boaters and unpredictable strong currents.

The water is warm and clear as can be to enjoy a nice dip or dive to explore the ocean floor.

One recent visitor claimed on TripAdvisor, ‘Amazing shelling, plenty of room to spread out, plenty of beaches to walk and enjoy’.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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August 26, 2024
White Sand Beaches And All-Inclusive Resorts: This Is The Dreamy Island Breaking All-Time Tourism Records

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Nothing screams “summer” quite like a getaway to some stunning Caribbean island.

But as some of us grow tired of going to the same ol’ places over and over again and others try to avoid the insane tourist crowds at some of those all-time favorite hubs, there’s one destination with surprisingly untouched beaches that emerges as the region’s trendiest hotspot.

Paradise Island in the Bahamas welcomed close to 1.9 million visitors in the first four months of 2024 alone, which not only marks a 13.2% increase from the same time last year but also lets us know that an even more successful summer season lies ahead.

But what is it about this place that sets it apart from so many other Caribbean gems of its kind?

Stick around to find out.

Some Of The Caribbean’s Most Incredible Beaches

I know, I know – all Caribbean beaches are postcard-worthy, but it’s about time we accepted that some are simply more impressive than others.

You’ll see what I’m talking about as soon as you set foot on Paradise Island and catch a glimpse of the pristine white sand and translucent-looking waters.

While you could argue that the entire island is one big beach you won’t be able to get enough of, there are actually a couple of places that might be worth a visit more than others.

My personal top picks would be Cabbage, Paradise, and Colonial Beach – all different enough so that you don’t feel bored, but similar in what really matters – to-die-for views and the best waters you’ve ever swam in.

Flying To This Actual Paradise Has Never Been Easier

When people named this place, they weren’t kidding – it’s an actual real-life paradise!

And now, you can just hop on just about any plane and take it all in, thanks to the many airlines that have come out these past couple of years with new exciting routes to the Bahamian gem – well, to Nassau, but Paradise Island is just an 18-minute drive away from the Bahamian capital, so all the same.

Even budget-friendly carriers like Southwest and Jetblue have thrown their hats in the ring, making the once mysterious island reachable only by a lucky few more accessible than ever.

Not only have these companies helped expand scheduling opportunities, but they’ve also had a noticeable impact in lowering airfare prices from competitor airlines, too – as we speak, some tickets are priced at a little over $200.

Here, You’ll Find Everything From Budget-Friendly Stays To Indulgent All-Inclusive Resorts

I want to preface this by saying that there aren’t any really cheap hotels in Paradise Island, at least not ones widely available to the public, so the use of “budget-friendly” here is a bit subjective.

For example, one of the best lower-cost stays on the island is Comfort Suites, whose rooms start at $370 per night.

Still, consider the fact that these are all big-ish resorts where you pay for more than just your stay, it all balances itself out; and when it comes to iconic places like the Atlantis Paradise you pay for the service and overall atmosphere, too.

The good news is that if your budget doesn’t allow for any of that, you can always book something cheaper ($80-$120 a night) near Nassau and drive back and forth whenever you want to take advantage of Paradise Island’s unreal beaches – I guarantee it’ll be worth it.

A Surprisingly Lively Hub With Lots To Explore

At just 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km2), you’d expect Paradise Island to be a tree-filled piece of land when nothing really happens.

Luckily, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The island’s event calendar is jam-packed this summer, and depending on what you’re into, you can take your pick between culinary festivals, basketball matches, wine tastings, gallery openings, and monastery excursions.

However, if being among nature is your top priority this summer, Paradise Island is still a fantastic choice.

Go diving in the Blue Hole, take on kayaking, try a boat tour or fishing charter, or enjoy a scenic hike – the choice is yours.

Megi Canco

Having explored over 20 countries in the last 3 years, Megi is committed to bringing the freshest, most up-to-date news and perspectives on the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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June 22, 2024
This Is One Of The Top Destinations In Europe For Sun, Sand, And Culture In 2023

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It’s still only January, but anticipation for summer is at an all-time high in Europe now that it has entered the post-pandemic phase. Popular countries like France, Italy, and Greece are all seeing a rise in demand — as expected — but this hidden gem, in particular, is stealing the show as one of the top destinations for sun, sand, and culture in 2023:

Welcome To Cyprus

Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean and the Southeasternmost member of the European Union (EU). Although it is indisputably European, its closest neighbors geographically are Turkey (the Anatolian peninsula is only 50 nautical miles north), Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. Due to its unique status, it sits at the crossroads of Europe and Western Asia.

It is also one of the most ethnically diverse states in Europe, home to Cypriots of Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite, and Latin origin. Although the ethnic Greek population forms an overwhelming majority – over 78% of the island – the cultural contributions of minority groups are evident, whether it’s the local folklore, cuisine, or customs.

As a tourist destination, Cyprus boasts a scenic Mediterranean coastline, untouched nature, and a fascinating History. From Ayia Napa, in the East, to Paphos out West, it offers a plethora of sandy beaches, heavenly turquoise-water bays, and marine parks, all interspersed with quaint fishing villages and lively urban developments.

During the health crisis, international arrivals dropped to a historical low of 663,000, a 79.57% decline from 2019. Similarly to other EU member states, the Republic of Cyprus enacted some of the strictest anti-tourism measures in their attempt to keep Covid variants from being imported, including banning entry to most non-EU nationals.

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It only reopened for the wider public in 2021, though its vaccination, multiple testing, and mandatory quarantine requirements discouraged a majority of tourists from visiting. Once the virus came under control across the Union, however, Cyprus became one of the first European countries to lift all border measures as early as May 2022.

Cyprus Is Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels

Following two years of self-imposed isolation, the move was warmly received by tourism officials, who feared the Cypriot Government’s tough stance would harm its competitivity in the Mediterranean region in the long term. Indeed, arrival figures are below 2019’s nearly a year into reopening, but they are nearing pre-pandemic levels fast.

According to the latest data published by the Statistical Service, between January and December 2022, 3,201,080 foreigners arrived in Cyprus, up from 1,936,931 tourists the year before. So far, 2019 retains the all-time record for yearly arrivals, with close to 4 million holidaymakers registered that year.

From 2020, the year-on-year growth is rather impressive, taking into account that border curbs were only lifted in 2022 Q2 (second quarter), and the war in Ukraine led to a sharp decrease in the number of tourists from Russia and Ukraine, two of Cyprus’ most lucrative markets. To put it simply, Cyprus is totally smashing it on the post-pandemic scene.

Despite its popularity within Europe, Cyprus is still relatively unknown among Americans. They are nowhere to be seen in the top 10 nationalities visiting Cyprus every year, though the Government is investing heavily in online campaigns aimed at introducing the beautiful island to the world, reaching, on average, a billion smartphone users per year.

Why Is Cyprus Your Best Bet For A Relaxed European Summer?

More challenging to reach from the mainland U.S. than Italy or Spain due to non-existing nonstop flight options, Cyprus is largely ignored by U.S. passport holders heading to Southern Europe. For the crowd-wary traveler looking for alternatives off the beaten path, it is one of the best bets for a slow-paced, truly relaxing Mediterranean vacay.

If it’s all-inclusive packages you’re into, Protaras and Ayia Napa, on the Southeastern tip, have an extensive portfolio of luxurious beachfront resorts and villas. Looking for a lively social scene and the island’s best nightlife? Head to the coastal Limassol, the country’s second-largest city dubbed the ‘mini Dubai’. You’re a History aficionado? No problem:

Some of the top sights include Romanesque cathedrals dating back centuries, incredibly well-preserved Hellenic ruins, such as the UNESCO-protected Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, and cobblestone towns tucked away in a mountainous inland, famous for their tradition and winemaking. On top of that, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite in Greek mythology.

North vs. South Cyprus

Traveling to Cyprus, non-European tourists are reminded the island remains divided between the internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus, an EU member, and the breakaway, unrecognized state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). A UN buffer zone runs along the northern third of the island and splits the Cypriot capital Nicosia in half.

For tourism purposes, there are only two official entry points into the Republic of Cyprus: the airports in Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO). The third airport, Ercan (ECN), is controlled by TRNC authorities. Foreigners landing first in Ercan will be denied entry to the Republic of Cyprus when attempting to cross from North to South.

Read more about the Cypriot division and other important travel tips here.

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January 24, 2023