Lazy beach days

Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean view sunset. Either way, the Beach is calling.

A gem of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is a vibrant city that doubles as a paradise for vacationing families from all over Europe. The coast is sprinkled with enticing beaches, a myriad of budget-friendly and upscale hotels, and restaurants aplenty. And for those wanting a break from the all-inclusive poolside days, a wealth of intriguing ancient sites awaits nearby.

There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. Vanuatu is the only place on earth where you can officially post your mail from an underwater post office and from the ash plain on the summit of a volcano.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the once secluded area of Los Cabos has transformed itself into a popular international resort destination. Tourists flock to the region for its stunning beaches and the Corridor, a 33 km strip connecting the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, both of which have a reputation for captivating visitors from all corners of the globe. Los Cabos is also the host of several well-known international events such as the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin tournament and the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

Liberia, both the capital and largest city of Guanacaste province, is — despite its lower profile — the country's major centre for tourism, as well as a regional hub of Costa Rica's northwest. The town attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings, interesting architectural heritage, and a rich culture.

The Palm Beaches are an exciting collection of 15 distinct districts with luxury resorts, hotels, innovative culinary landscapes, trendy shops and designer boutiques of world-wide fame, and where nightlife thrives year-round. Beautiful beaches stretching 47 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, lakes and Everglades coupled with year-round warm weather attract visitors from around the world, and recreational pursuits are unmatched.

Murrells Inlet channels the charm of South Carolina with undertones of its colonial past and a menagerie of modern vacation amenities. As “The Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet welcomes visitors to explore its fishing enterprise. Not only is the seafood widely renowned, but so is the area’s collection of golf courses. But perhaps most spectacularly, Murrells Inlet is a nature lover’s paradise: Spanish moss drapes grand oaks that have stood for centuries, and seabirds glide over the sparkling waters of the Atlantic.

Asturias is a region of splendid beaches, unspoiled nature, dotted with rich architectural, industrial and cultural heritage. Apart from the region’s uncrowded beaches, there are lively inland cities and areas of great natural beauty. There are several major destinations in the Asturias region, including the cities of Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles, along with the scenic village of Ribadesella. Our guide includes tips and information concerning these four key Asturias locations.