Playa Jaco is popular among surfers and all kinds of jetsetters, and its reputation for high waves and fun times attract vacationers like bees to honey. Such a sweet little vacation spot Playa Jaco is, but if you prefer to swim, sunbathe or surf on a beach that is a little less popular, but is still close to your hotel in Jaco, you should consider one of the beaches nearby.

Beaches near to Playa Jaco include: Playa Malo Bay, Playa Herradura, Playa Hermosa, Playa Esterillos Oeste, Centro Beach, Playa Esterillos Este, Playa Bejuco and Palma Beach. They are fun, clean beaches with a lot of leg-room for you and your family to spread out and relax and enjoy your day at the beach. They are also great places for you to hang ten and catch those right and left breaks all day long.

Playa Herradura is a favorite of mine for its pebbly gray sands in which children always enjoy playing. Take in the sights of aqua green waters glistening under the hot tropical sun and see palm trees line the shoreline in a picturesque landscape. The sound of children laughing and playing on the beach is what Playa Herradura is all about; unadulterated fun under the sun.

Located just four and a half miles from Jaco, Playa Herradura is accessed by road. To get to Playa Herradura take the turnoff on Costanera Sur, north of Jaco and drive three km down the road west to the beach.

Playa Herradura was not always a great alternative to the more crowded Playa Jaco. Playa Herradura only gained much popularity after the filming of the movie, 1492, starring famous French star Gerard Depardieu, which pumped almost eight millions dollars in the local economy in 1992. This move, coupled with the 1999 opening of the Los Suenos Marriot Beach and Golf Resort, has made Playa Herradura a favorite alternative to Playa Jaco.

So take time to visit Playa Herradura and enjoy a great, enriching day at the beach away from all the worries of life and the hustle and bustle of overcrowded beaches.

Come and see where ecotourism is done at its best; come and see where man, nature and animals coexist not compete. Come and see the beautiful, clean Tamarindo beaches.

Beaches such as Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas near Tamarindo Beach are popular among tourists and locals alike. They are frequented by all kinds of jetsetters: family vacationers, adventure seekers and honeymooners and filled with such breath taking views, turquoise blues waters, wonder and mystique, no one could blame them for going there year after year. These beaches are some of the best beaches on Costa Rica's Gold Coast and deservedly so.

Playa Tamarindo

This is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast and so it is usually crowded in the high season. But if you are looking for a little tranquility without a far travel, then you need to take a trip to Playa Avellanas.

Playa Avellanas

Translated to mean Hazelnut Beach, this spot is 15 km south of Playa Tamarindo traveling by road, and 10 km if you choose to walk. But don't let the 10 km walk fool you. You will barely know where all the kilometers have gone when you take this scenic route along the beach, taking in the warm ocean breeze and getting washed in the sounds of Costa Rica.

Playa Avellanas is a popular surfing beach lined with white sand and striking natural surroundings that offer everything we have come to love about the tropics. Surfing spots along Playa Avellanas include: El Plato, Little Hawaii, El Estro de Avellanas and La Purruja. All these spots on Playa Avellanas offer not only great surf but also a great place to chill, enjoy a family moment or snuggle with your special someone.

At the end of the day when you have finished surfing, swimming, sunbathing or simply just relaxing, you can enjoy the sights of a beautiful sunset on the Costa Rican horizon on Playa Avellanas.

The beaches near Tamarindo are simply divine and they are the closest you'll ever get to a tropical paradise, so visit one on your next vacation.

Gran Canaria

This island consists of several main resorts but I would especially recommend Playa del Ingles, which is the largest resort. I chose to stay in this resort for my fortnight break. It is suitable for families and the young and lively alike. It features no less than 11 shopping centres including the famous Yumbo centre, where I spent many an hour exploring the four floors and the jewellery, clothes, electrical goods and cosmetics available. If you are a fan of water activities then you should visit one of the two water parks, Aqualand, is a good one offering 30 rides for adults and children. There is also an excellent range of cuisine on offer in an unlimited supply of restaurants. There are plenty of bars, and clubs for those who want to party into the small hours.

Fuerteventura

The oldest of the canary islands and definitely the quietest out of the four considered here. One I still have to view, and after some research it is definitely worth a visit. I would recommend Corralejo, which is one of the main tourist resorts. It has all the water activities you would expect of a holiday destination including snorkelling, diving and surfing. Other activities include cycling, motor cycling, running, golf, football and trike riding. If shopping is your thing you will not be disappointed as there are a few good shopping centres available as well as markets. Eating out is another area well catered for in this lovely island, and you will find a wide selection of restaurants in all the main resorts.

Lanzarote

This island has many tourist attractions including Guinate Tropical Park and Penguin Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife including birds, reptiles, fish and many more. I would also recommend seeing The Cave of Los Verdes, The Cactus Garden, Timanfaya National park, Ranchos Texas Park and the Lanzarote aquarium. Puerto Del Carmen is the main resort, and one I am visiting in a few months time. Water sports are offered on most of the beaches. Regarding shopping there are many popular shopping outlets including the fashion store Zara, and popular centres including The Biosfera shopping centre. A weekly market is held on Sundays. There are many quality restaurants incuding El Tomate, and if Japanese food is your thing try the popular Nippon restaurant located in the old town. With regards to nightlife you will find many bars including those specialising in cocktails such as The Hawaiian Bar and The Galleon, and those with live music and bands such as The Crowded House bar. For clubbing in the small hours try The Big Apple, which is a popular nightclub.

Tenerife

This is the largest of the seven islands. Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas are the two main resorts although I would have to say I favour Playa de Las Americas, which would be the better option for those going on a clubbing holiday. I have stayed here two times already. There are many sights to see in Tenerife and the best of these are Mount Teide, Parque Las Aguilas, Exotic Parks featuring plants and animals, including a tropical rainforest themed area, Loro Parque, and a water park.

There are also a range of sporting activities including ten pin bowling, golf, cycling, and water sports such as diving and snorkelling. There are a range of foods on offer from seafood to tapas to traditional, in many quality restaurants throughout the island. Night time entertainment is well catered for in the busy resort of Las Americas and the Veronicas area is a must visit for all those wanting to party the night away. If you prefer something a little quieter you could try the popular piano bar, or choose from the vast selection of other bars on offer.

I stayed in Sousse, which turned out to be an excellent base for getting out and about in Tunisia. However, if all you want is to relax on the beach and wander the shops then Sousse is ideal as everything is at hand. The long golden beaches, shaded by palm sunshades, provided by the hotels, are very relaxing. Some hotels provide free sun loungers, others charge; either way, if you want to spend the day on the beach or beside a hotel pool you need, particularly in the high season, to get down early to stakeout your spot. Water sports are offered by most of the hotels and the more intrepid of holidaymakers can paraglide from the beach, jet-ski or even take a camel ride along the sands. There are a few beach touts trying to sell their trinkets, some are quite determined but will disappear eventually if totally ignored!

The majority of the hotels are on the outskirts of the town, but a cheap and efficient taxi and bus service takes you quickly into Sousse itself, or you can take a more relaxed ride into the town on the “Noddy” train. Sousse is centered on the Medina, a walled inner City packed with a maze of narrow streets overflowing with small shops and stalls - a real shoppers dream! Haggling and bartering are the order of the day and everyone has great satisfaction when an agreeable price is struck. If you don't like haggling then there are stores with fixed prices for goods. It's often a good idea to pop into one of these first to check out the prices before entering upon a tough stint of bargaining. Leather handbags and purses were good value. Local ceramic ware was cheap but jewellery needed care as quality was at times questionable. One of the best buys without doubt were local carpets however you need a will of steel to get away from the carpet touts if you dare to hint you might be interested in purchasing. For a fun experience it is worth listening to the sales pitch!

The oldest monument in the Medina is The Ribat, built at the end of the 8th century AD. A flight of stairs leads to the top of the watchtower giving wonderful views over the ancient Medina. The inner courtyard is the only part of the Great Mosque opened to non-Muslims but is worth visiting for that incredible feeling of history. Cafes and restaurants are dotted all over the Medina and city offering everything from burgers to couscous. The local food is excellent and worth trying particularly for quick snacks. Try the "Brik", a triangular envelope of crispy pastry usually stuffed with runny, lightly cooked egg and tuna.

Sousse has a thriving commercial and fishing port and there is a pleasant walk along the front to view the boats but take care, as you have to walk across the main railway line before reaching the harbor side. A small museum, full of Roman Mosaics and artifacts is a fascinating and delightful cooling place to visit on a hot Tunisian afternoon. It is a haven of peace and tranquility after the noisy confines of the Souk!

Not far from Sousse is the modern, purpose built, lively Marina complex of Port El Kantaoui crammed full of expensive yachts. Apartments, shops offering traditional handicrafts, numerous cafes and restaurants vying for your business, surround it. The seafood here was superb - so fresh that it nearly leapt off the plate! As the owner of one restaurant told me, “No fish landed then no menu!” The Port was, I thought, pricey and very crowded but with the sun shining and the clatter of halyards on the chic yachts all could be forgiven. From here boat trips can be taken in a variety of craft galleons, a yellow submarine or a more sober catamaran for the less adventurous. Port El Kantaoui also boasts a fine golf course and a plethora of up market hotels.

When it comes to ancient monuments then Tunisia can rival the glory of Rome. The Coliseum at El Jem is breathtaking and is only slightly smaller than its famous cousin in Rome. I took a train ride from Sousse to visit the ruins and experienced a trouble free one hour trip, stopping within 500 meters of the spectacular ruins. It really is magnificent, built around 230-240 AD with an estimated seating capacity of 30,000. It still stands proud and in a remarkably good state of preservation. As I climbed to the top tier I looked down on the arena below - little imagination was required to envisage the spectacle of the gruesome gladiatorial fights.

Another outing took me to ancient Carthage. I opted for a guided coach tour from the hotel to visit the famous ruins. Carthage was eventually crushed by Rome and became the third largest city in the Roman Empire. En route, the tour visited the renowned Bardo museum with its incomparable collection of giant marble statues and incredible mosaics. From there we meandered up the hilly street of the delightful blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said with its breathtaking views across the Bay of Tunis.

Here I had a chance to catch up on my shopping as I wandered the narrow street packed full of gift shops offering their merchandise. This included camels - no matter where you go or where you look in Tunisia you see stuffed camels, they come in all shapes and sizes - and all prices! I fell in love with the "singing" camels and had the battery confiscated by my friend back home as the incessant high pitch "whine" drove him mad! No holiday is complete without one or two! Look out again for local silver jewellery, pottery, and leatherwork and of course rugs and carpets. Unfortunately most are too heavy and cumbersome to carry home on the plane, but many shops do offer a delivery service.

To sum up, Sousse was an enjoyable holiday destination with nonstop sunshine, clean beaches, a choice of hotels offering facilities for single travelers' right through to large family parties. The nightlife is as hectic or quiet as you want and it is possible to get away from the madding crowds that appear in the high season. There is a large choice of extra activities including diving, golf, local excursions and 4x4 tours to the desert.

The beaches are clean; the surfing is great and the newly revitalized Downtown area offers some unique shopping and interesting cuisine.

The town lacks a pretentious element so everything is much more laid-back although prosperous.

You can't beat it for a weekend getaway as most individuals who choose San Clemente as their weekend base will easily agree.

If you are a surfer, you will find areas in San Clemente that you will soon designate as your favorite spot to surf.

To be sure, San Clemente has been the most easily unrecognized as a Southern California beach town. Laguna Beach, for example, springs to mind when naming a well-known beach town; additionally, Newport Beach is another easily known beach location. But San Clemente-not the first town that comes to the forefront nor even the last.

Lately though, things have been changing and have changed. More and more people are finding the town a preferable location to surf, shop and wine and dine. Part of this is due to the revitalized downtown area. The revamping caused a number of new restaurants, specialized shops and boutiques to find there way to San Clemente.

Walk up and down Avenida Del Mar for unique cuisine and shopping.

So how do you find San Clemente? The town is accessible several ways. The best way to access San Clemente's downtown area is to exit I-5 at Avenida Presidio, (then) turn right on El Camino Real, then left at Avenida Del Mar.

The second way is to board Amtrack's Pacific Surf line at Los Angeles or San Diego. The train stops (twice a day) at the San Clemente Pier and then it is a brief walk to the downtown area. The train stops (twice a day) at the San Clemente Pier and then it is a brief walk to the downtown area.

For your “Surfin Safari” adventure head for San Clemente's beaches in the summer. Directions are as follows: Follow Avenida Del Mar down toward the water. There is a “metered” public parking area at Parque Del Mar.

It is a short jaunt to the San Clemente Pier. Below the pier, you will find a great deal of surfing activity during the summer months. The surfers are generally on the north side of San Clemente Pier. The swimmers frequent the south side of the Pier.

Walking about one-quarter mile from the pier you will find T-Street. This is one of the best known surfing beaches in the San Clemente area: surfers are allowed on the T-Street Beach mornings and evening hours only.

Calafia Beach is located just a further bit south. The beach is geared toward families and is located in San Clemente State Park. Metered parking is found in a lot in front of the beach.

If you would like more information on San Clemente beaches then contact San Clemente's Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department. There number is 949-361-8264.

While you are “camped out” in San Clemente for the weekend, you naturally will want to find comfortable lodging. You will find this easy to do as the beach town offers several options.

One suggestion is to attain a “blissful” night's rest at the Casa Tropicana Inn and Spa. This is a renovated bed and breakfast with eight rooms. The rooms have a “sand and surf” theme and are very well-appointed. As an added bonus, the Bed and Breakfast is located directly across from the pier. The address is 610 Avenida Victoria.  Once you are “sold” this is the place to stay while in San Clemente, you may call them toll free at 1-800-492-1245. The price per night is approximately $245.00.

How would you like a view of the Pacific Ocean each evening of your stay after a day of shopping or surfing? You will find ocean front views at Villa Del Mar Inn. The Inn provides a balcony for each of its eight suites, facing the magnificent Pacific Ocean. It does not matter which of the eight suites you check into, you will receive a balcony facing the ocean. Each of the suites, additionally, provides a full kitchen. The address is 612 Avenida Victoria. Once you decide this is a place you would like to “hang your weekend hat” then reserve a date by calling: (949)-498-5080. The price is around $295 per night.

Not everyone is a surfer. Some of us like to go different places and shop. Maybe while part of your “tribe” is out “playing beach bum,” you may find delight in visiting one of San Clemente's fashionable apparel shops: Angel Wings. The fashion-oriented women's retailer can be found at 165 Avenida Del Mar.

For individuals interested in shopping for antiquities, the place to go is the Antiques & Decorative Arts Center located at 106 Avenida Del Mar.

A Matter of Taste offers “crisp” linens, furniture and stylish gifts. Find them at: 101 Avenida Del Mar.

Lunch fare can “be had” at Antoine's Café. Simple dishes are part of the lunch menu including salads, and burgers and other dishes in a hospitable surfer environment. Find them at 218 South El Camino Real. Phone for directions, if you need to: (949)-492-1763. Antoine's is also open for breakfast and serves dinner Thursday through Saturday.

Beach Fire draws crowds on the weekends. It is a fun environment and a great place to gather or take your group. They serve lunch and dinner daily. The address is 204 Avenida Del Mar.

Café Calypso is just the place to go for an intimate breakfast or a lunch for two. The setting is a patio and you may locate them at 114 Avenida Del Mar.

San Clemente offers a variety of many new restaurants so be sure to ask around for possible suggestions.

In conclusion, for a “beach lover's” short holiday, make sure to visit the recently renovated southern California beach town of San Clemente. It will be a weekend you will soon not forget.

Hard Rock Cafes, Beach bars, Banging Nightclubs, Irish Bars just every type of themed and intriguing pub and club you could think off!! Paceville neighbours Party Village Bay Street. This newly built Party Complex is a must for all party goers, live mixes, roaring nightclubs, busy restaurants, and a jam packed beach is the daily scene here. The Cinema Complex and Bowling alley making this area Heaven in many people's eyes. The newly built shopping arcade itself is a reason to visit this area.

And then you travel just 10 minutes down the road, finding amazing family orientated night scenes baring karaoke bars and games rooms to entertain the younger tourists whilst the older tourists can relax and have a refreshing drink. Maltese laws state that Children under the age of 16 are allowed to stay in bars, most clubs and restaurants till closing hours. This being an advantage as there is nothing restricting the family from having as much fun as possible whilst on the Islands. A big family resort area in Malta is Buggibba, Buggibba is ideal for all families for numerous reasons. To start off, Buggibba is situated near the sea-literally 20m away from most hotels in the area. The beaches are both sandy and rocky in the area, to tend to Everybody's needs. There are also many shops in the area, from local souvenir shops to clothes shops, jewellers and mini markets! All of these open till past 10pm daily.

The area is inundated with restaurants of all types, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Turkish, Maltese anything you desire. Many restaurants are made with children in mind, having games rooms, and child play areas. Then other restaurants are adult orientated. Games Arenas are scattered throughout Buggibba, featuring Pool Tables, Air Hockey Machines, and many Arcade games, All are supervised, and many have their own bars. The Pubs in Buggibba are Great places to meet new people or just have a quiet Drink. With or without Children. Music is always playing, many times being live acts. There is still the Nightclub scene in Buggibba, open till the early hours of the morning. Yet again appealing to all natures of audiences. Cinema Complexes and Bowling Alleys are situated 5mins away from the promenade. The Great advantage with this Town is that it is right next to Gozo, and numerous boat trips leave from Buggibba to Gozo, Comino, and St Pauls Island. These all being must do expeditions for the area. The area is ideal for walking, large pavements, for safety, pedestrian only areas. The People in Buggibba and throughout Malta in general always make you feel happy and welcome.-They do not understand the meaning of the word rude, or impolite.

For the More mature people there are towns like Sliema and St Julians. Quieter holiday resorts, still packed with everything you could need to have an amazing night out, just quieter, more relaxing, and the cherry on the cake being that this harbour town overlooks the capital city, and at both day and night, this stunning view itself, is one of a kind. St Julians is home to the Portomaso Resort, -The Hilton Malta. This is the home to numerous celebrities including Paul Scholes.

A new Complex that has been Built in Malta is the Malta Waterfront. This stunning complex is a restored Victorian fish Market, on the outskirts of the capital city home to many amazing new Restaurants and Bars including the Hard Rock Bar ,a quiet, elegant, yet moderately priced complex, walking the waterfront is yet again another beautiful view in itself. This area is where a hovercraft departs Daily for Trips to and from Sicily, taking you on excursions(if you wish) to Places like mount Etna, and the city of Taormina.-Which from my personal experience I can tell you are beautiful.

Maybe it isn't a drink that you want? Maybe you are looking for a game of bingo to play? Or some activities on the beach to finish of an amazing day? These are all typical activities taking place on nearly all beaches in Malta on a Daily basis. On every beach you will find numerous beach bars and open restaurants. These venues offer entertainment every night. And let's be Blunt, it's Cheap!!!! Not all children like playing Bingo though, and sometimes children just want to stand up, run around, play football; basically just entertain themselves in their own way .That's why beach bars are amazing. Long Golden stretches of sand, loads of space for children to entertain themselves, under your watchful eye, whilst enjoying the game of bingo, or the local performances put up for your entertainment. The beaches themselves have many events running, for example barbecues and beach sports. Sometimes local village groups organise barbecues on the beach that everyone can go to for a small fee in the range of £4 per person. Another experience lovely to be a part of on your holiday to Malta.

The amazing thing about all these resorts is that they are all different, this is a few of them only. There are tons, including Mellieha, St Pauls Bay, Bahar ic-Caq and Qawra. Some people want to relax on holiday, and get sleep at night, in Malta you can, without Vibrations through your Bed from the Nightclubs. The loud Party areas are divided away from the quieter resort areas, and the local villages; comfort always comes first in Malta.
For more information about Malta, please check out my other articles, regarding different aspects of Malta, from History, to beautiful beaches themselves.

You can find great beaches on all the continents of the world. What you will choose will depend on your budget and also your time. If you want to go for a short vacation, choose a place close to you. If you want to go far, you should have enough time to spend on a resort in order to appreciate your holiday.

Before you go for the bookings make sure you are happy with your destination. These days, hotel bookings can be made on the internet. Look for the reputed websites. This way you will not get robbed. Also they will have holiday packages which offer big discounts off the listed rates.

The ticket prices offered by the different airlines vary. Budget airlines give very reasonable rates while the others are far too expensive. So get online and check the routes you would like to choose and get the best rates.

Some travel agents will be able to help you with the ticket as well as the hotel bookings. Some even offer bigger discounts for their travel packages than the respective individual ticket and hotel discounts. The travel agent also makes the job a lot easier for you.

Last but not he least, try to make your booking well in advance. This way you will be able to get the best value for your money.

During the Spanish occupation Montego Bay had a unique industry. They exported lard. In the forests were many wild hogs and they became the source of supply. An amusing part of the folklore of the area is that Montego was once known as "Bahia de Manteca" which sounds exotic to the reader of the English language, but the joke is on us. The name is interpreted to English as "Lard Bay." When the English began their rule of Jamaica, this was said to be one of the island's poorest parishes. As it prospered, so did the naming of places, towns, etc. after the British. King James II. was given respect by naming the St. James Parish after him. He was honored by Sir Thomas Modyford, first Governor. This entire area grew and flourished as it moved into the growing of sugar cane.

Along with the plantations came the advent of slavery, a dishonorable part of Jamaica's history. Fire destroyed parts of Montego Bay through the seventeen hundreds and the early eighteen hundreds. Then in eighteen thirty-one a rebellion against slavery was initiated by Samuel Sharpe. As you recall he is a National Hero of St. James. It was through his efforts and that of the English in general that slavery was ended. Many fought and died to achieve this. As is usually the case, the slave-holders protested them being freed. Samuel Sharpe was hanged for his achievements of planning the rebellion. He would be proud to know that Emancipation was achieved in eighteen thirty-four.

Covering 594.9 square kilometers with 1524 meters being above sea level. Two rivers run through it. One appropriately named the Montego River the other the Great River. There are smaller ones but these are the main ones. There is a lot of limestone in two-thirds of the parish. In Montego Bay are the commercial (industrial) section and the tourist section. It is divided in half. Can you guess which half is located along the shore.

The citizens of Montego Bay work mainly in the tourist industry. Jamaica is a popular honeymoon destination. Some people who are able to afford it will fly their entire wedding party and guests to the island for their ceremony. No wonder one in four people work in the tourist industry.

One major attraction is Rose Hall Great House. Built in seventeen-seventy, it has a total of over 100,000 visitors per year. There is a fascinating ghost story attached to this home. A woman named Annie had lived in the house with her then husband John Rose Palmer. The Legend (short version) is that Annie murdered all three of her husbands. Her slaves later killed her by strangulation. As in every chilling ghost story, her spirit is reputed to inhabit the house to this very day.