Lotion

Ok this is a no brainer but sun tan lotion is the most important thing you need to bring. You should also bring a sun block as well just in case the sun feels really strong when you are there. You should apply 30 minutes prior to sitting in the sun and then reapply as necessary. Some “experts” say that reapplying doesn't help, and I say bull shi-tak-e. I apply anyway and I feel it does help me.

Chair/Blanket

Sure you could sit on the sand but you might drag more into your car then what is necessary. Bring a chair or blanket with you to so you have something comfy to sit on.

Towel

If you decide to take the plunge into the water you will need to dry off and no better way than a towel. I guess you could stand there and let the sun dry you off, but then you might get everything around wet.

Radio

A radio is good or something that you can listen to music to. I love sitting in the chair on a nice hot afternoon watching the waves crash along the beach while listening to some Jimmy Buffet.

Water

Nothing will dehydrate you faster then sitting in the sun baking away. If the beach you go to allows it carry on a small cooler filled with ice and water bottles. Keep yourself hydrated, it is important for you health.

Books

Actually not just a book but something to read. Sitting on the beach is a great time to relax and nothing is more relaxing than catching up on some reading. Bring a book with you or a magazine, it will definitely make your day trip a lot more fun.

Well there you have it. Here are my must haves when I go to the beach. Sure I bring other things with me but none are as important as these.

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!

Higgins Beach was first homesteaded by a family named Higgins in the 1700's. It was not until the early 1900's that the community became a haven for summer vacationers. Watch the Atlantic Ocean waves come rolling onto Higgins Beach on this Maine web cam sponsored by Higgins Beach Properties. The web cam refreshes every five to ten seconds. You may spot an occasional beachcomber walking along the beach during low tide. The site also has a link to current weather conditions for the area.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, Web Cam

Hampton Beach Village District is another example of an early summer vacation destination. Founded in 1907, the district is part of the larger city of Hampton, New Hampshire. A good time to do some people watching on this web cam is during the busy hot summer weekends and during the annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. The nationally known Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. This web cam is a live stream of the beach and road in front of The La Bec Rouge Upper Deck On Hampton Beach. There is a note on this web site that the web cam may be best seen with Internet Explorer.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Web Cam

The sandy island that came to be known as Martha's Vineyard was given that name in 1602 by the exploration crew led by Englishman Bartholomew Gosnold in honor of his daughter and the abundant grapevines that grew on the island. The island was settled in 1642 and for a time had a vibrant whaling, fishing, and farming community before evolving into its current vacation site. This web cam is on the cupola deck of the Mansion House in Martha's Vineyard. The web cam refreshes every 30 seconds, giving the visitor a view of the marina.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Web Cam

The Coast Guard Air Station was established here in 1970 but the community of Cape Cod dates back to the Wampanoag tribe which originally lived on the sandy spit of land. The Pilgrims chose to settle in the area across the bay instead of at Cape Cod because of the sandy soil. Cape Cod was settled eventually and the first villages were incorporated in 1639. The Cape Cod Coast Guard web cam refreshes every 30 seconds and gives a nice view of the sandy beach and ocean waves. Also on this site is a weather report for Eastham, Massachusetts, a wave watch, and weather for the Nantucket buoy.

Narragansett, Rhode Island, Web Cam

Narragansett was the name of the Native American people who originally populated this seacoast area. In 1658, the first parcels of land were sold. Unlike the seacoast cities mentioned earlier in this article, Narragansett had a thriving economy based, not on fishing or whaling, but on the export of agricultural produce grown on the tracts of farmland. Tourism came in the mid to late 1800's. The Narragansett web cam updates every 10 seconds and gives a nice view of the surf. Warm Winds Surf Shop sponsors this web cam and on favorable days you may even see some surfers swimming out to catch a wave. This site gives a surf report and a four day forecast.

Mystic, Connecticut, Web Cams

Mystic, Connecticut, is divided by the river of the same name. The city of Mystic claims 1654 as the year it was founded. The name Mystic came from the Pequot Native American word describing a big river with waves created by wind or tides. This site has four web cams sponsored by different Mystic businesses (Steamboat Inn, Whaler's Inn, and S&P Oyster Company). Each of these live stream web cams can be controlled by the site visitor. The shots include Mystic's main street, a northern and southern view of the Mystic River, and a view of the drawbridge over the river, a very busy thoroughfare.

New York City, New York, Web Cam

Any visit to the northeastern United States should include a short visit to the Big Apple, New York City. The now busy harbor was first explored in 1524 by the Italian explorer Giovanna Di Verrazzano. It was not until the early 1600's after Henry Hudson explored the area that Dutch settlers established themselves in their "New Amsterdam". Now we know "New Amsterdam as New York City. This web cam on the Orion Building provides a neat overhead view of part of New York City and updates every 30 seconds. From it you can see a very small Statue of Liberty in the upper left side and the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel in the center of the screen.

Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, Web Cam

Monmouth Beach was bought by Eliakim Wardell in 1668 and stayed in the Wardell family until 1842. The town of Monmouth Beach was established in 1906. This web cam shows surf, beach, and nothing else except an occasional ship on the horizon. The view refreshes in under a minute.

Ocean City, Maryland, Web Cam

Ocean City is built on a barrier island, but until the mid-1800"s, was visited only by fishermen. The first inn on the island was built by Isaac Coffin in 1869 and since then Ocean City has been a vacationer's destination. A Boardwalk and an amusement park were added in the early 1900's. This web cam, sponsored by The Kite Loft, shows the Boardwalk and beach. The view refreshes every five seconds to provide lots of opportunities for people watching.

Each of these nine web cams provides the armchair Internet traveler with a different view of the northeastern United States without having to spend a penny for gasoline or lodging fees.

Most surfing spot in the country is still untouched, undeveloped, unexplored and sometimes remote. That's the thing that makes it more exciting to other foreign surfers. Surfers usually tell other surfers of the best sites, I am not a surfer but I can recommend some of the places that Philippines can over good waves.

Most surf schools are in San Juan, La Union. La Union is located north of Manila, the waves here is good for beginners and advanced surfers. La Union also has many places to accommodate you and they also have good food.

Pagudpod in Ilocos Norte is also located in the North of Manila about more than 8 hours of a bus ride but there is a flight by PAL and Cebu Pacific that can take you to Laoag City and then one hour ride to Pagudpod. This place can offer a surfer challenging and heavy waves which is really good for advance surfers. There are also spots for beginners and if you are not surfing, you can just enjoy nature as Pagudpod is still one of those untouched beaches and landscapes.

The first surfing places were in Baler, Aurora. Apocalypse Now was filmed here. Baler has the most challenging waves and the Cementos which is the scariest waves. The beach breaks here is good for both amateur and advance surfers. Samar Island has the richest of waves in the Philippines and at all year. It requires a lot of traveling though to get to those spots but the waves here are heavy, challenging and world class.

Cloud 9 can be found at Siargao Island. Cloud 9 is the most famous, probably world known surfing spot in the country. Waves here are for advance surfers but there are also a few spots for beginners.

Cabugao in Ilocos Sur, Zambales, Lanuza in Surigao del Sur and Daet Camarines Norte has good spots for beginners and advance surfers but you will find one of the heaviest and most dangerous waves called the Majestics is in Catanduanes. Majestics is the Philippine version of the Teahupoo in Tahiti. The big waves here from the Pacific forms a great barreling wave which is recommended for those advance surfers.

So if you have not tried surfing, there are many schools in Baler who charges 500 pesos an hour with a use of a long board. Surfing provides adrenaline rush like no other and that surfing is very easy to learn.

I could spend a lot of time telling you how to get to Europe and do it on the cheap; but frankly, I think most of us, even the Europe travel diehards, are planning to "do America first," this year; and perhaps for the foreseeable future.

Here are 5 spots to visit in our own hemisphere that will provide a pleasurable get-away. These 5 just happen to be in California.

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Whether you are an East-coaster or a west-coaster, a trip to California will provide a variety of vacation categories. If you like crowded freeways, smog and high temperature in summer, then Los Angeles may be your thing. But California is so much more than Hollywood and crowded L.A. beaches. I need to add a disclaimer here; I am a Californian, but there are some beautiful areas to visit, with lots of outdoor activities or city entertainment without having to cross into southern California, at all.

San Francisco Bay Area

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The San Francisco Bay Area is beautiful. The city itself is one of my favorite in the entire world, if I may say so myself. You could spend two weeks in the City by the Bay and never get to see and do everything on your agenda. From Golden Gate Park to world-class shopping, San Francisco has it all.

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I recommend a hotel near or on Union Square. From this point, you can walk to great restaurants, shopping venues, Theatres and more. Hotels here are a bit pricey. Forego the St. Francis; Try the Hyatt on the Square for a less pricey stay. The Hilton on O'Farrell is also not so pricey. Be sure you get a room in the main, or old tower. Some of these rooms offer views of the Bay and/or Golden Gate Bridges. Off-season, (not summer) rooms are reasonable for San Francisco. The Prescott is one of my old favorites in this area and a travel bargain for San Francisco. Wolfgang Puck's Postrio Restaurant is attached to the Prescott's lobby.

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A day spent in Golden Gate Park with a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Steinhart Aquarium is a must. Have a picnic in the park, stroll to the Conservatory of Flowers where rare plants are housed in a glass building that is one of the most memorable of San Francisco's landmarks. The DeYoung Museum features world-class exhibits, visit the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco for information on all of San Francisco's museums.

Wine Country

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Napa Valley/Sonoma, Northern California Wine Country is a fabulous area to visit. From San Francisco, The northern wine country is just a 45-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. We enjoyed our last visit so much that we plan to take the entire family this summer; a cottage rental, perhaps, will be in order...something with a pool because this area can be very hot in summer. The best times to travel to the Napa wine country would be in spring or in fall. But if you like warm weather, summers are very nice but hot.

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Most wineries have complementary wine tasting. The knowledgeable folks who pour will give you a real education in the science and enjoyment of fine wines. The California Wine industry is the world's largest, by value, according to the California Wine Institute. For my money, give me a good California Chardonnay and I'm a very happy girl. The French can keep their whites; except for the champagnes, of course.

Consider the Wine train for an unforgettable wine experience including meals on board, if you wish. Check their website for seasonal rates and event packages.

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Many of the Wineries, tasting rooms and their properties are so beautiful that the whole family will enjoy visiting. Bring your designated driver, however. The local police have very little tolerance for drunk drivers.

As in San Francisco, you can pay just about whatever you want to pay for accommodations in the Northern California wine country. The further you get from the wineries, the more you will spend for a hotel or inn room. Try Petaluma hotels for a bit of a bargain, in Napa, the New Meritage Resort and Spa Terra is very nice for a mid-range Hotel. The spa is fabulous. Check my review here.

The Central Coast

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I live on the Central Coast of California, and I truly believe I live in the most beautiful place on Earth. (It takes a really enticing out of town trip to get my husband and I off of our deck and away from Carmel; why leave when Carmel is so amazing?) Carmel is the focal point of the central coast. Once an artist colony, still an enclave of storybook cottages and a strip of white-sand beach that is drop-dead gorgeous.

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Just on the southern outskirts of Carmel is Point Lobos Preserve. Pack a lunch, hike, cycle or drive in for a small fee and spend the day with your camera shooting some of the most pristine and lovely coastline undamaged by human interference. Watch the sea lions and sea otters at play and hike the trails to get different views of the sea. You can scuba dive here, but nothing is to be disturbed or taken from its natural habitat. Looking only, no touching is the rule at Point Lobos.

Be sure to take a drive through Pebble Beach on 17-Mile-Drive. Stop off at the Lodge for a glass of wine and unobstructed views of Monterey Bay while standing in a landmark building that looks as if it stepped right out of "The Great Gadsby." If you love to golf, The Monterey Bay Area has a plethora of world class golf courses. I don't want to forget about Spanish Bay Resort. While in the "Forest," stop at Spanish bay for a beverage by the fire pits at Roy's at Spanish Bay.

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If you drive along the coast 40 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, you will enjoy spending the day in Big Sur. From high on the cliffs, enjoy lunch at Ventana Inn or Nepenthe. Perhaps not the greatest restaurants, but the views and ambiance make up for it in spades.

In nearby Pacific Grove, a scenic path begins and stretches along the oceanfront for 20 plus Miles northward past beaches, the Monterey Wharf and sand dunes farther north in the Seaside/Marina area. Cyclists and rollerbladers, as well as walkers and joggers can use the path for a good day's worth of exercise combined with sightseeing. Check Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail for information on specific scenic path routes in Monterey County.

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You might also schedule some time to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is no average aquarium. Watch sea otters, penguins, fish native to Monterey Bay and learn why The Monterey Bay is a protected sanctuary. Explore the Aquarium's website for specific information regarding hours and entry fees. Also, you may want to look into a sanctuary cruise or other educational opportunities available to you.

Santa Cruz

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Santa Cruz, about 40 miles North of the Monterey Peninsula, is actually considered part of the central coast but has a flavor all it's own. Santa Cruz and Aptos have warmer summer beach weather than does the Monterey Peninsula. If surfing or other water sports are more your thing, or if you want to sunbathe on the beach, you would have better luck in the Santa Cruz area. You will want to put aside time for a stroll through the little enclave of Capitola, as well.

A trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will afford the entire family with a day of entertainment at an old-fashioned yet modernized, seaside park. There are rides as wild as the Big Dipper Rollercoaster to rides in the kiddy section for children as little as 2 years old. I'm not the theme park enthusiast, but once a year we do make a pilgrimage to the Boardwalk for the kids, and it certainly brings back memories of my own childhood with summer days spent there.

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With all of the first three vacation spots, consider the weather for the best time to visit; San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula can be foggy in summer, especially during years when the central valley of California is scorching hot. Santa Cruz, however, has early morning fog but it lifts for sunny, warm summer afternoons.

The best months to visit San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula are May and early June and also, September and Early October. These are rules of thumb; of course, I've been known to soak up the beach sun in Carmel in February, for instance.

The Sierras

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A summer vacation in Lake Tahoe will never be a disappointment. Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevadas, spans two states, California and Nevada. It is a beautiful lake, clear, blue and seemingly untouched by human destruction. If you love to boat, fish, hike, mountain bike, party or just ride the lawn chair, as I love to do, you will fall in love with Lake Tahoe.

Be forewarned that North Shore and South shore are very, very different. South Shore offers Large Hotels, Harrah's and Harvey's, just to name two, with name talent in the showrooms and 24 hour gambling, or as we like to say, 24 hours worth of chances to lose your money! But, very entertaining as your pocketbook shrinks, I must admit.

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North Shore is much more low-key with little enclaves clustered along the lake from Incline Village to Squaw Valley. For the family who wants a family-style vacation, perhaps in a vacation cabin or a condo, North shore would be more to your liking. Also, consider the VERY quiet West shore. The West Shore is less crowded, more "woodsy" with lots of old "Tahoe-style cabins." If you want a quiet retreat away from crowds and you don't care that there isn't much to do at night but vege, (sounds great to me!) look into the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

I am not a gourmet or a gourmand; however, I love to taste. Being familiar with the areas I've listed, I will give you my favorite restaurant picks in each, if any.

Monterey Peninsula: Carmel: The Rio Grill Located in the Crossroads Center, Mouth of Carmel Valley Rib Eye steak to die for on nights when it is served. The best smoked chicken with baby artichoke hearts and baby red tomatoes. Penne pasta with grilled shrimp and Creole cream sauce ... yum! But, if you don't like really spicy foods, ask them to tone it down a bit!

Bahama Billy's, located in the Barnyard, Carmel Rancho, Mouth of Carmel Valley.

I usually don't care for Jamaican/island cuisine but Billy's food is excellent. Try the Sashimi if you like sashimi, this is served wonderfully different. Lightly seared, blackened and served with a unique wasabi sauce. The Lobster bisque is also fabulous. **Billy's also has a sunny, beautiful patio for lunch.

Tarpey's Roadhouse Located on Highway 68, just outside of Monterey on the highway between Monterey and Salinas. **They get the award for best outdoor lunch patio.
Joe Rombi's La Mia Cucina Located in Pacific Grove. Locals' favorite Italian food. The delicate, light, portabella mushroom raviolis are wonderful.

The Montrio Located in Downtown Monterey is another locals' favorite. If you love prime rib, on Thursdays only, The Montrio serves the most mouth-watering roasted, then fire flamed, prime rib ever. Sauce style and accompaniment s vary but all are excellent.

When in Napa:

Brix in Napa Located on the St. Helena Highway in Yountville. Brix' s ambience is very nice, the food is awesome! We loved the New York steak cooked just the way we ordered it, and the butter leaf salad.

When In Santa Cruz/Capitola/Aptos:

I'm sorry to say that this area is a bit gastronomically challenged, save the pub-style foods that the UC students love. However, Bittersweet Bistro is the exception. Bittersweet is a beautiful little restaurant with fabulous food and wonderful service. They have a fun locals tavern-style bar with a lively crowd on "events" days. Food is also served in the pub for a more casual dinning experience if you wish.

If anyone has other suggestions for this area, I would love to hear them because Bittersweet is the only place we have found that we return to each time we are in the Santa Cruz area. Located on Rio Del Mar Blvd. in Capitola, just off Highway 1.

This newsletter has been in operation since 1983, and with only a subscription, it hooks you up with some of the sweetest house sitting opportunities around the world.

"You can enjoy rent-free living as a property caretaker in desirable locations. Positions on estates, mansions, farms, ranches, resort homes, retreat centers, camps, hunting and fishing lodges, vacation homes, private islands, and any other kind of property imaginable are listed in The Gazette."

Learn how to be a real hardworking hippie. Receive world wide opportunities on organic farms with the help of WWOOF. While volunteering your time, you will get all of your rent and meals for free.

Like Caretaker Gazette, but for free and not as big-time. You make a profile and someone in need of a house sitter makes a profile, and then the website sends you to them. It's much like an online dating service, except for houses and people.

This is a network of people who open up their homes to travelers in need of a comfy series of pillows while on the road of adventure.

Like couch surfing.... I mean, Exactly like couch surfing. To be a part of this you have to be a host as well. If you don't offer your hospitality up within six months you get the boot.

This is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&B, inns, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation (board and lodging).

Their main locations are in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, USA, and others like Zimbabwe.

This is a smaller version of Help index but has several opportunities for pay in Australia and Europe. It is free and has a easy way to find postings.

This is the largest organization of work travel or free loading on the web. Or so they claim.

Just Do It

Alright, get off the couch and transfer your hind end to another couch across the world. Life is an adventure right?

"With every true friendship we build the basis for world peace..."