Somewhere on a Beach

First-person point-of-view of relaxing in a rope hammock strung between tropical palm trees on a quiet sandy beach.

Dierks Bentley said it best when he sang, “I went wheels up on a runway…I’m somewhere on a beach”.

We’re all tired of being cooped up, and with widespread distribution of vaccines, everyone is looking forward to a getaway. It looks like many people this year are saying “Beach please!” and with good reason: You spend more time outdoors, where it is easier to social distance.

We’ve all been indoors for too long and the Vitamin D that sunshine brings is even better when mixed with Vitamin Sea.

Two women in bikinis running together into splashing blue ocean waves along a sandy shoreline.

Are you in need of some great beach recommendations?

Get on my calendar now to talk about your upcoming beach vacation!

Here are some tips to make sure you pack like a pro for a seaside escape:

First get organized

Flat lay layout of two open travel backpacks neatly organized with compression packing cubes, electronic cases, and travel gear on a wooden floor.

Streamlined and stress-free: using smart packing cubes and gear organizers to fit everything needed into a single carry-on bag.

With a variety of activities, you need to think about how to organize your bags to make the most of your space. Packing cubes and compressions bags can help you save both space and time. They make unpacking easy as you can just slip them straight into the drawers of your hotel dresser.


Your basic beach list

If your goal is to settle on the beach and just chill. Here is the minimum list of things to bring along:

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Bathing suit

• Swim goggles

• A good book or your e-reader

• Sandals and/or swim shoes

• Tank tops

• Shorts

• Hat

• Cell phone and charger (add a portable one for longer days on the sand)

• A waterproof phone case

• Underwear

• Pajamas

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Other toiletries


Copies of your documentation

A dark blue United States of America passport sitting next to blurred airline boarding passes on a white background

Ready for takeoff: packing the most important travel essential before heading off on an unforgettable trip.

It is always wise to have a photocopy of your passport when traveling overseas.

It is also a good idea to take clear photos of your documents and keep them on your phone (e.g., your COVID vaccine card).

Having a copy has helped many people if they lose their original when it comes to getting a temporary replacement at a local consulate.

In this day and age where proof of vaccination, a negative Covid test, or the existence of anti-bodies could make the difference between entry and denial for various venues, having an extra copy could save the day.

Are you ready to hit the beach yet?

person lounging back-first on a beach chair under an umbrella wearing a white sun hat facing the turquoise sea.

Sun-soaked days and ocean waves: taking time to recharge with a front-row view of the clear blue coast.

Let me help you to get “your toes in the water” and have “not a worry in the world” (according to Zac Brown).

Here’s some good news: not only are several of our favorite beach destinations reopened to visitors, but you can also book any coastal escape now, and if your travel plans change, you can reschedule.

So, without further ado, here are our picks for this year’s top 15 beach destinations!

Two wooden lounge chairs and a white umbrella under palm trees on a pristine white sand tropical beach facing blue ocean water.

Unplugging in paradise—a quiet stretch of white sand, gentle ocean breeze, and the ultimate spot to relax under the palm trees.

CARIBBEAN

1. Puerto Rico

Are you craving a Caribbean vacation without the hassle of a passport? If you’re an American citizen, Puerto Rico is the answer! A territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is a sun-kissed paradise offering pristine beaches, terrific food, and incredibly friendly locals.

Looking out from the dark interior of a coastal sea cave toward crashing white ocean waves and rocky cliffs under a blue sky in Puerto Rico.

Nature's frame—standing inside Cueva del Indio and taking in dramatic ocean views along Puerto Rico's rocky coast.

2. Belize

Chase your bliss to Central America, where you can journey through the natural wonders of Belize. Snorkel the second largest barrier reef, swim among harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays, and get a healthy dose of the Belizean sun.

Palm fronds framing a view of calm, clear turquoise shallow ocean water with wooden posts sticking out of the sea under a blue sky in Belize.

Peaceful, crystal-clear shallows and gentle breezes along the relaxed shores of Belize.

3. Dominican Republic

Relish the beautiful beaches and explore one of the Caribbean's most geographically diverse countries. The Dominican Republic has hundreds of miles of coastline, offering a satisfying mix of white-sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and secluded mangrove lagoons.

A long stretch of golden sand beach lined with tall leaning palm trees leading to clear turquoise ocean water and green mountains in the Dominican Republic.

Pure Caribbean paradise—lush palm trees sweeping across quiet, golden shores lined with calm turquoise waters.

4. St. Lucia

St. Lucia conjures images of beauty, romance, and adventure. From its warm waves and dreamy beaches to its incredibly friendly locals, St. Lucia is as welcoming as it is picturesque.

High-angle view of Marigot Bay in St. Lucia showing white sailboats anchored in a sheltered blue cove backed by steep green tropical hills.

Panoramic views over Marigot Bay—watching sailboats glide across sheltered, palm-fringed Caribbean waters.

MEXICO

5. Cancun

Stretch out on the beach, dive into tropical waters, chase down the best of Cancun's culinary scene, and even explore nearby ruins and hidden islands.

An over-under water shot showing a young snorkeler in a life vest in clear green ocean water beneath a small blue canopy boat.

Above and below the surface: embarking on a coastal snorkeling excursion to explore vibrant local marine life and shallow reefs.

6. Playa del Carmen

Get the best of Mexico's sun, sand, and surf on the Caribbean Coast. Snorkel through the beautiful Garden of Eden cenote, swim with sea turtles at Akumal beach, and feel your worries drift away with the tides.

A woman in a straw hat from behind looking out over a calm, freshwater natural cenote surrounded by green jungle trees in Mexico.

Exploring nature's hidden gems: taking in the peaceful, crystal-clear waters of a freshwater cenote hidden deep in the jungle.

7. Tulum

Known for its laid-back lifestyle, incredible beaches, and world-class dining, Tulum has quickly become one of the hottest destinations on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum arguably has the nicest stretch of beach in all of the Yucatan. Whether you choose to spend the day at a public or private beach, you’ll find only soft white sand and crystal clear water.

Historical stone Mayan ruins atop high coastal cliffs with visitors overlooking a sandy beach and vivid turquoise sea in Tulum, Mexico.

Where history meets the ocean—marveling at the ancient clifftop stone structures and stunning turquoise coastlines of Tulum.

U.S.A.

8. Cape Cod

Rich in history and consistently voted a top destination in the U.S., Charleston is overflowing with southern charm and history. Head out to Sullivan's Island for water activities, great restaurants, and interesting shops.

Timeless coastal charm: discovering historic lighthouses tucked along the picturesque, wind-swept sand dunes of Cape Cod.

A historic white cast-iron lighthouse and a red-roofed keeper's house situated on grassy sand dunes along a sandy beach and deep blue ocean.

10. Maui

This tropical paradise has it all: hundreds of spectacular beaches, cascading waterfalls, flourishing jungles bursting with color and birdsong, dramatic volcanic craters, and charming Hawaiian towns.

Elevated view through dense tropical green trees and palm leaves looking down at a dark volcanic rock beach cove with crashing ocean waves in Maui, Hawaii.

Lush island greenery meeting the dramatic volcanic shores and deep blue Pacific waters along Maui's iconic coastline.

11. Miami

Who can resist the white sand and crystal clear water of Miami? Slather on the sunscreen and lounge in a hammock or head out to windsurf, kayak, or even waterski.

An iconic yellow and blue wooden lifeguard station on the sandy beach in Miami, Florida with palm trees and high-rise hotel buildings in the background.

Coastal Art Deco vibes—iconic lifeguard stands, swaying palm trees, and endless sunshine along Key Biscayne and South Beach.

12. LA

Enjoy fun in the sun at Santa Monica Pier near Los Angeles. Catch a wave at Venice Beach before you stroll the bustling beach town, or drive out to Malibu to see gorgeous oceanfront homes and dreamy sunsets.

A couple walking together along the shoreline of a wide sandy beach bathed in warm golden sunset light near Malibu and Los Angeles coastal homes.

Golden hour magic: a peaceful sunset walk along the wide, sun-warmed beaches of Southern California.

Europe

Portugal's Algarve region is where you'll encounter golden beaches, castle villages, and cliffs offering sweeping views. Watch colorful fishing boats bob in the sea, walk cobbled streets, and sip some local wine. Here, leisure is a specialty.

13. Algarve

Portugal's Algarve region is where you'll encounter golden beaches, castle villages, and cliffs offering sweeping views. Watch colorful fishing boats bob in the sea, walk cobbled streets, and sip some local wine. Here, leisure is a specialty.

A person standing on the sandy beach inside the massive Benagil sea cave beneath a round natural skylight hole in the cavern ceiling in Portugal.

Step inside the famous Benagil Sea Cave, where sunlight streams through a natural cathedral dome directly onto hidden golden sands.

14. Croatia

On the coast of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Croatia is the epitome of seaside Mediterranean bliss. Whether you’re making a beeline for Dubovica Beach, touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hvar, or venturing out to one of Croatia’s secret islands, this is one beach destination that will never disappoint.

High-angle view of the historic stone wall fortress and orange terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik Old Town surrounded by the blue Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

Exploring the Pearl of the Adriatic—walk historic stone ramparts and marvel at orange-tiled rooftops overlooking deep blue waters.

15. Ibiza

The whole coastline of Ibiza is dotted with centuries-old watchtowers which were built to protect the island from raiding pirates. Check out the western side of the island for some of Ibiza’s best beaches: Cala d'Hort, Cala Salada, and Cala Vadella.

High-angle view of a turquoise cove with sailboats anchored in the bay looking out at the majestic Es Vedrà rock island in Ibiza, Spain.

Island magic: watching yachts float in translucent turquoise waters with the iconic silhouette of Es Vedrà on the horizon.

Let me help you find your perfect beach paradise!

Click the button below to start planning your vacation.


ABOUT LAVISHLY TRAVEL

Designing travel packages for busy business professionals and luxury travelers who want to explore and relax in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, Lavishly Travel is a boutique travel concierge focused on providing a one-of-a-kind luxury, white-glove travel experience. Managing all logistics, we focus on maximizing your travel to provide the most valuable and optimal luxury experience.

If you are interested in learning more about experiencing luxury travel or booking your next travel experience like none other, visit https://www.lavishlytravel.com/contact

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