Sundress or Sarong

Ladies, this is your chance to make a great first impression with that hot guy laying on the sand as you pass by. Show off those sexy legs of yours and a little cleavage too. You will want a loose fitting sundress or sarong. Comfort is as important as style and color.

Bikini or Swimsuit

The most important thing about your bikini is that it fits properly. Head to the local bikini shop or at your nearby mall. Select a design that works well with your body type. Then look for colors and patterns. Guys seem to love vibrant colors and especially when on a string bikini.

Sandals

Your shoes should compliment the rest of your attire. The beach is all about sand and water. Flats are most appropriate for this occasion. Rubber beach thongs, or leather sandals are fantastic!

Towel

Beach towels come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Lightweight towels dry faster than the thick plus ones. You will be laying on this for the good part of the day. It is your choice. Matching your swimwear never hurts.

Sunglasses

You get what you pay for, especially with sunglasses. The $5 pairs you find at the gas stations do not protect your eyes. Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. A larger frame is especially nice for the beach.

Sunscreen for body, face and lips

Hawaiian Tropic, Tropical Blend, Banana Boat, and Coppertone, are all good brands of sunscreen. Bring a minimum of SPF 15 and apply frequently. For those hard to reach areas, ask one of the guys for assistance.

Hat

Beach hats are practical and stylish. Go neutral tones to match everything or something bright to match your outfit. We must protect our beautiful skin.

Limited cash

Stash your credit cards in the trunk of your locked car, but try to carry less than $20 cash on hand. It is easy to return to your car for more money if needed.

iPod and Cellphone

Like American Express cards, never leave home without them.

Anytime you park your car whether it is at the beach or a mall, never leave anything in plain sight. Leave your valuables at home or secure them in the trunk. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind”!

Be safe and enjoy your day at the beach!

• Pancake Breakfast- From 8:30 to 11 am there is a pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall.
• Parade- There will be a parade and live music starting at 1 pm.
• Independence Day Celebration- Directly after the parade, head to Nehalem Bay Winery for a BBQ and live music and dancing. There is no cover charge, and the whole family is invited to attend. Nehalem Bay Winery is on Highway 53 near Wheeler, one mile from the Highway 101 junction. For more information, call (888)368-9463, or check them out on the web.
• Fireworks-Fireworks will take over the skies at dusk. If you want a real treat, pack some food and head up early to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain north of Manzanita, and enjoy the fireworks displays from Seaside, Manzanita, and Rockaway Beach. Be sure to get there long before the show!

Rockaway Beach

• Parade-A Parade will march through Rockaway Beach starting at 11 am. It will start at the School Administration Building, and head down to Hwy 101 from Bank to Third.
• 4th of July Auction-Directly after the parade, there will be an auction hosted by the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Red Caboose at Wayside.
• Kids Fun Day on the Beach-The Lion's Club sponsors this annual event featuring games and excitement for children of all ages. The fun gets underway at 1pm.
• Fireworks Display-When the sun goes down, the fireworks will fly over the beach. It's truly a site to see.
• For more information call (503)355-2291

Oceanside

• Fireworks-The town of Oceanside, which is West of Tillamook, will be set at dusk. The display can be seen from Netarts.

Pacific City

• Pacific City's Independence Day celebration will coincide with the Clover Days celebration, and be on Saturday, the 5th of July rather than the traditional day, July 4th
• All-you-can-eat breakfast-7-10 am, the Lin's will be hosting a pancake all-you-can-eat breakfast at the VFW Hall. Prices are $6.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children under 12.
• Kid's Corner-From 10 am-3 pm, kids can enjoy a free surrey ride, free ice cream, a bouncy house, a Ferrier demonstration, art, food, and vendors.
• Parade-At 11 am, come see the 27th annual Clover's Day Parade.
• Free Concert-Immediately following the parade, there will be a free convert featuring the popular "Calamity Jazz" from Eugene, Oregon. Bridge street will be closed for the show.
• Fireworks-The fireworks will be set off on the beach at dark.
• Kiwanda Music Festival-At 2 pm, six bands from all over Oregon, with diverse styles of music will play at the southwest corner of the Cape Kiwanda parking lot. There will also be arts and craft vendors. For more information, call (541)996-7746.
• For all Clover's Day information, please contact the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce at (503)392-4340, or email them at manager@pcnvchamber.org. For firework information, call (503)965-7102.

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Boracay Island is paradise Philippines located off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region 6, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.
South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Palawan, Philippines

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When Chinese explorer Chao Ju-Kua stumbled upon Palawan in 1225, he dubbed the 270-mile-long (435-kilometer-long) island the "land of beautiful harbors" where "lofty ridges and cliffs rise as steeply as the walls of a house." Today, one of these beautiful harbors-Bacuit Bay-is home to El Nido Resort's Lagen lodge, an environmentally friendly property situated on a sculpted island inside the bay. The resort's 18 cottages rest on stilts right next to El Nido's marine sanctuary, where towering limestone cliffs jut from the shimmering surface and unspoiled coral reefs lie just below it. In a single day, guests can scuba dive, kayak, rock climb, and trek-returning just in time to witness a Gauguin-inspired sunset from their cottage's private balcony. Rather take it easy? Just spend your day relaxing on the beach. You certainly won't miss the sunset that way.

The Big Island of Hawaii

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Ever dream of the perfect Hawaiian Island vacation? The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise that offers hundreds of miles of unique coastline, volcanic black, green gemstone and powdery white beaches, incredible Kona Coast oceanfront resorts, lush jungles, obsidian lava fields, humpback whales wintering and a multitude of fun Hawaiian adventures…from thrills to true bliss.

Sydney, Australia

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Sydney is Australia's largest city with a population of almost 4 million, and is the primary port of entry for international visitors. Most recently renowned as host city of the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney is also the business and tourism hub of the nation, and is increasingly a major centre within the Asia-Pacific region. Blessed with a wonderful setting on Sydney Harbor, and a benign climate, Sydney is a great tourist's city. Although not the first point at which Europeans landed in Australia, it was the first permanent European settlement, and is Australia's oldest established city.

Today, Sydney is recognized as one of the "lifestyle" capitols of the world; it's melting pot of cultures has given the city a multitude of international restaurants and eateries to choose from; the compatible all year round warm weather; the spectacular harbor views, makes Sydney the ideal city for outdoor bars and cafes which can be found all over the city; this could also be the reason for the friendly outgoing and open attitude of "Sydneysiders" - instantly recognizable by visitors.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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Myrtle Beach might be the most desirable vacation spot on the entire East Coast. Located at the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of dreamy beaches that attracts millions of tourists every year, Myrtle Beach is the largest resort community in that famed stretch and home to activities that can satisfy any vacation desire. Between its amazing beaches, a wide range of recreational possibilities and primo shopping opportunities, this primary vacation hub on the shores of the South Atlantic is one of the top stretches of oceanfront the country has to offer.

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

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Vietnam's Most Beautiful Beach and Bay City. The capital of Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang has a full-time population that stands at about 200,000 people, but it far exceeds that with the heavy local and international tourist influx, especially in the summer months. While it's not a particularly charming town, its surf isn't bad and the beach is a breathtaking setting, with views of the more than 20 surrounding islands. There are a few very nice places to stay, and dining is about good fresh seafood.

Phuket, Thailand

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Thailand is the real vacation destination everything is there for you to have a good time. Just choose the right Thailand vacation package or do appropriate Thailand vacation deal and a good time is almost for sure. This can be a Thailand beach vacation, maybe in Phuket with a boat vacation on the sea around or a vibrant nightlife vacation. A Chiang Mai vacation or Kanchanaburi vacation could easily be turned into a adventure vacation with challenging river rafting, hiking and trekking in the mountain jungle. Or maybe Thailand culture tour vacation to Sukhothai, Ayutthaya Thailand and plenty of other places, there plenty of Thailand attractions. A very attractive vacation deal in Thailand is scuba vacation in the Andaman Sea and in the gulf of Thailand.

The Summer months can see temperatures as high as 90 degrees, but the average temperature is 85 degrees. The Summer months are during May through October. The Winter months are from November through April. The temperatures have been as low as 10 degrees but only at night. The average temperature during the day is 78 degrees which is not much different than the Summer months. Yet, during the Winter Hawaii will experience the most rain. Flooding is not uncommon.

There are several little islands that belong to Hawaii. Depending on which side you live on will depend on how much dry or wet weather you will get. Typically, when you live on the windward side which is the northeast side you will get the most rain and the coolest weather. This happens since the winds are coming from the northeast. The driest parts of the island will be the southwest area of the islands. The southwest side is called the leeward side since the winds die down and the rains tend to lighten by the time it gets to the southwest side of the islands.

Hurricanes do not happen as often you may think. The last major hurricane that hit Hawaii was in 1991 which was the most severe hitting Inko, Kauai, and parts of Ohau. For the most part, hurricanes do not hit Hawaii. They may get heavy winds, but nothing too strong to destroy the islands.

If you are looking for a place to go on vacation that has the most reasonable and consistent weather then think about going to Hawaii. If you want to visit the higher elevations of the island then be sure to dress appropriately with pants and a sweater since it can get rather cold up there depending on what time of year you go. It doesn't just have natural beauty but it offers great weather.

Marmaris:

Marmaris is one of the best touristic destinations on the Mediterranean Coast. It is located in Mugla. Tourism is the main source of income for the resident of Marmaris. Many young people go to Marmaris to work in tourism sector. They generally work in hotels.The population of Marmaris is actually 20000. However in summer season, it approaches to 400000. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in Marmaris. Marmaris also has a beautiful natural harbor which is used as Turkey's premier yachting port for Blue Voyage yacht cruises.

Bodrum:

Bodrum is another touristic city in Mugla Province. In ancient times it was known as Halicarnassus. Famous Turkish novelist, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, took the name of “fisherman of Halikarnas” from Bodrum. He had lived in Bodrum for many years before his death. Bodrum is one of the international centers of Turkey for tourism and yachting.Bodrum is rich with it's history. One of the seven wonders, Mausoleum of Mausolus, was in Bodrum in ancient times. Famous historian of ancient times Herodotus, famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis, and Zeki Muren had lived in Bodrum for years.

There are many historical and sigthseeing places in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Turgut Reis. Due to the touristic activities in Bodrum, population of Bodrum increases from 33000 to 500000 in summer season.This means “money” for the people who lives there.

Believe it or not, this Island exist but as part of Australia. The population is about 3000 people live in various areas called the “Settlements.” The main ethnic population in the island is Chinese (70%) and the Europeans make about 20% and the Malay people make about another 10% of the population. The majority of the people practice Buddhism, followed closely by Islam and Christianity. This Island is relatively close to the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. This Island is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers since about more than half the Island is a national park.

Cocos Islands

Yes, yet another Island owned by Australia in the Indian Ocean but these Islands are significantly lower with about 1000 people living on these Islands. Majority of the people are either European or Cocos Malay with English as the major language spoken and Sunni Muslims making up 80% of the population. This island also uses the Australian Dollars are its official currency and is a close neighbor of the Christmas Island. The total number of Islands in the Cocos chain is about 27 Islands with only 2 Island inhabited. Europeans on one Island and the native malays on the other Island.

Comoros

The Union des Isles Comoros or the Comoros Island Union lies above the Madagascar Island near the entrance of the Mozambique channel. Even though Comoros gained independence in 1974, the people chose to stay with the French until 2004, where conflict led to the creation of 3 capitals with its own presidents and government systems. Currently about 700,000 people live on these 3 volcanic islands with Arabic and French as the major languages spoken. The religion composition of the Island is 98% Sunni Muslim and 2% Catholics. The main capital is Moroni and even through the civil strife is over, much of the country remains poor and is only a minor exporter in agricultural products.

Maldives

This island nation composed of over 1200 mini Island chains (202 Inhabited) is Asia's smallest nation and remains as one of the poorest nations in the world. About 400,000 people live in Maldives with South Indians as the largest ethnic group along with Arabs and Sinhalese. The major language is English with a dialect of Arabic and majority of people are Sunni Muslims. Maldives is working closely with its largest neighbors - India and Sri Lanka. At one point, Indian troops were deployed in these Islands to stop a coup against the government. The Islands are marred by violence and they have has only 1 president since 1978 because political parties are banned and only 1 candidate runs for the “elections.” Thus Abdul Gayoom is still the president of the Maldives with little to no progress with regards to political freedom or human rights issues.

Mayotte

Mayotte still remains are a territory of France with 200,000 people living in the largest two Islands. The main language is still Swahili dialects and French with 97% of the people as Muslims. The ethnic group is made up of a mixture of Bantu, Arab and African populations.

Reunion

The Island of Reunion is a volcanic Island with over 800,000 people living under the French rule. However, recently there has been talk of the need for independence but this country relies heavily on French foreign aid for survival. The unemployment rate is extremely high and the country if poverty stricken. Creole and French remains the major language with Roman Catholics as 86% of the population. The country uses the Euro for its currency needs and has a wide variety of ethnic groups including French, Indian, Pakistani, African and Chinese.

Seychelles

This is a Island chain that has four large islands, 36 small islands and a variety of other small islands. Overall, 14 islands are inhabited by people and there are 82,000 people in these Islands. The government is a republic style government with Creole and English as the most spoken languages, Roman Catholics make up 82% of the population and the ethnic groups is as variant as the island of Reunion. The currency used here is called the Seychelles Rupee. Both Britain and France has ties to this nation historically.

It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, Encinitas is always breathtaking. With skies of neon blue and palm trees and grass in the most stunning shades of green, it's almost as if the sun has set this town on fire. Stop by one of the many cafes and treat yourself. The doors are usually always open. One stop, Swami's Cafe, sits with its patio feet away from passing cars and bikers on the 101. Here you can get a ridiculous breakfast or lunch of organic and natural foods while watching surf videos while you wait in line to order. Afterwards, head across the street to the Java Hut for a satisfying blend of fruit smoothies. With your smoothie in hand, take a walk through the nearby Self Realization Gardens to experience some of the most beautiful flowers and ocean views in all of Encinitas.

Before the sun goes down for the day, stop by the Pannikin for a cup of joe. You won't be able to miss this place. The Pannikin is an old yellow train station that has been turned into a coffee and tea shop. You will find local artwork hanging on the walls and people reading outside on the patio. Once you have your cup, take a stroll a few blocks west and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever experience.

This is only a taste of what you will find here in Encinitas, so stop by and explore for yourself the fresh ocean air, the wonderful people, and the beach cafes. Keep in mind though, you won't want to leave.

Each day at your dinner time, we would go back to our cabins and get all dressed up and go for dinner in the dining hall to the rear of the ship. There were waiters there for your every need throughout the whole meal, and they were very upbeat people, ours were at least. The food was very good, it was prepared by a top chef, and you ordered off of a set menu. After dinner you could go and get pictures taken in your formal wear around mid ship.

Every morning you get up when you want to and go upstairs to the top deck and choose what you want for breakfast and eat it outside in the morning sun next to the pool, or on the upper decks. Caught some rays in the afternoon and went to a show, or down to the casino in the evenings. The smaller kids were ecstatic that you could get ice cream whenever you wanted, 24 hours a day, and I must say that I enjoyed it myself.

Once we arrived in Acapulco, we went Jet Boating that afternoon. I wouldn’t really recommend the jet boating if you are squeamish, it was done in really dirty water and because of all the sulpher in the water it reeked, but if you are up to getting a little dirty and soaking wet and don’t mind the smell, this is definitely something you should try. I thought it was rather fun, but the rest of my family didn’t think of it in the same way as I did.

That evening we went out to watch the Cliff Divers and have a few drinks. This was quite a good outing I would definitely recommend this one to everyone. The restaurant is built right into the side of a cliff and the divers are doing their dives right in front of you into the dangerous waters below. Have a beer or a margarita and sit back and enjoy the show.

After this the ship set out again, this time back towards San Diego stopping along the way in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa where we went on a city tour, and did a little shopping. This was a nice stop, Zihuatanejo is a small fishing village. The port isn’t even big enough for the ship to dock, you go into shore in the little rescue boats. I enjoyed the little shops and markets, it was a nice relaxing stop.

Then we were off again to Manzanillo, where we got off the ship and went to an all inclusive resort on the beach. We spent 4 and a half hours relaxing on the beach and in the pools of the resort having drinks whenever we wanted. The food at the resort was pretty limited in choice, and it wasn’t very good, but the scenery and buildings were very nice.

Having your own secluded little world on the ship to go back to every night was a very nice feature to have. Especially if the food wasn’t very good on shore, you always knew that when you got back in the evening you could go get pizza or Chinese, Italian or Burgers, and so on.

All together these shore excursions ended up costing about $258 per person, some weren’t really worth it, but most were. The air fare from Vancouver, BC, Canada to San Diego, CA, United States, plus the cost of the cruise came out to about $1656 per person. Not bad considering it includes the air fare.

From Manzanillo we cruised back to San Diego, California, and began our departure, everything went very smoothly throughout the entire trip. It was very hot out but the breeze made that unnoticeable while on board the ship so be careful and put on sunscreen, I ended up with a pretty bad burn from laying on the deck too long one day, but other than that the service was rather good, and overall it was a very enjoyable voyage for the 8 of us that went. Happy travels.

Slightly less that a hundred years ago, Zihuatanejo, was a sheltered harbour for ocean vessels and an export port for lumber. Also at this time it was being discovered by tourists who were making the arduous fifteen hour trek North from the then Mexican Resort city of Acapulco.

In the mid sixties plans were afoot to turn Zihuatanejo, as it is known by locals, and tourist who love it, into another Acapulco. The local residents protested and the developers, in the early seventies, moved North, over the hill, to a long stretch of beach, and built a town called Ixtapa.

Though Zihuatanejo prevented the invasion of tall, all-inclusive, resorts it was unable to halt progress.

With the cruise ships on the Love Boat TV series, `77 - `86, making it a port of call and the hero from the movie Shawshank Redemption making it his idyllic target of forever land, `94, Zihuatanejo has come to the attention of world travelers.

Today Zihuatanejo is no longer beside the beaten path. The path, Camino 200, a paved highway, that is gradually becoming a freeway, cuts through the outskirts of the bustling community. Only a twenty minute drive North of a busy, international, airport it welcomes thousands of visitors a week, year round.

Though slightly South of the trek of the RVers it is not uncommon to see out-of-state, and out-of-country, license plates on the traffic jammed, once quite, streets.

There really is no need for all the cars. Everything in the downtown core is within walking distance. The whole area is about four or five blocks square. I could tell you exactly if I had my trusty little map. The map that drives me crazy, each and every time I go to Zihuatanejo I picked up the map from a local travel agent during my first visit and promptly proceeded to get lost.

I pride myself on not getting lost. As a professional driver I will take you, or your cargo, anywhere you want to go, using the shortest possible route and arriving at destination on-time. Yet I have lost count of how many times I have gotten lost, walking around, the tourist core of Zihuatanejo.

There are two busy streets downtown. One, Jose M. Morelos, borders the core to the North and the other, Marina Nacional, to the East. On the West is the mountain. There is a street that goes up into the mountain and another that takes you over the mountain, for a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean.

If you cross the busy street, to the North of the core, and continue North, into the residential district there are some streets and some stairs. The stairs go up, and up, and up, and do not come to a cross street. You have to go back down. But before you do, stop and enjoy the view. The entire town and bahia (bay) are laid out before your eyes.

What amazed me, as well as the view, is the idea, that all of the furniture, in all of the houses, along the sides of the stairs, was carried up by hand. No truck, or donkey, could make that hill.

To the South side of the core is the beach. Only a few minutes walk from any of the downtown hotels, or furnished apartments, available by the month.

From Playa Principal one can walk across a little bridge and then along a short mericon to Playa Madera, the wood beach, so named because this is where they used to load ships with wood.

Walking South along the beach will take you to Playa Ropa. Ropa, clothes, because a shipment of clothing was washed ashore, here, after a storm sank a ship. This is the main beach in

Zihuatanejo At the far end of the beach, actually, behind the beach, is a laguna, the home of a Cayman. This large crocodile likes to climb out of the lagoon, onto the beach, and sun himself. Do not get too close. He may be sleeping but he can wake, and move, faster than you can. And he is a wild reptile. Many years older than you will ever live to be.

You could continue further along the beach, and I could continue to expose you to the wonders of this once quaint village, but it is overpopulated now and each time I tell someone about this Pacific pearl I kick myself.

Please disregard all I have said, find another town on another beach and leave Zihu for me.