When you say “The Most Accessible Tropical Beaches”, what does that actually mean? Well, some of them are four hours away. Some are twelve. But what they all have in common is the fact that they are all connected by a single flight.
Traveling abroad from the United States doesn’t have to require a string of potentially missed connections or prolonged layovers in remote airports. From exotic locations like New York, Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles, major cities may be accessed in just one flight from these exotic locations.
We present to you a list of the most accessible tropical beaches you will enjoy.
The Most Accessible Tropical Beaches – Tahiti
This stunning place is surrounded by a magnificent azure lagoon. Beautiful, sandy beaches are lined with trees of coconut palms. All the luxurious bungalows in Tahiti rise above the great, blue sea. You probably know from the pictures all over the Internet that most of these bungalows have glass floor panels. This way, you can see the sea below your legs. Tahiti has a lot to offer – from water activities to kayak excursions to islands, to shark dives and hiking trails. A nonstop, overnight trip from Los Angeles will take you here in around 8.5 hours. Get on board, put the kids to rest, and wake up in a paradise on another planet.
Barbados
Barbados is a family favorite and is only a nonstop flight away from cities like Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale. It has a British flair and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. When you’re not chillin’ on the beach, spend your days with the family on snorkeling excursions, sunset catamaran sails, or go deep sea fishing. If you have any young board riders in your group, they might want to take lessons from the local Bajan board riders since Barbados is also recognized for having good surf.
Bonaire
The desert-like island of Bonaire is a part of the Dutch Antilles. This place is unique for a variety of reasons. As in Amsterdam, the primary language spoken here is Dutch. While other Caribbean islands have big rainforests and palm trees, Bonaire has iguanas and cactuses. The island is a scuba diver’s dream, and the reefs offer “fish and coral” fairytales for families who enjoy snorkeling. Pink flamingo sightings and a visit to the donkey sanctuary, which houses rescued animals, are two other island highlights. Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Newark, New Jersey all have nonstop flights to this location.
Azores
Although the isolated Azores islands in the North Atlantic belong to Portugal, their untamed, windswept, and verdant good looks resemble a cross between New Zealand and Hawaii. You’re in a really exotic part of the world, and getting to the Azores is surprisingly simple thanks to nonstop flights from Boston and New York. Exploring the archipelago will be easy for brave families that enjoy hiking and whale watching and don’t mind frigid ocean temperatures. The Azores are among the most fascinating islands.
Grenada
Despite humble tourism, Grenada continues to be one of the Caribbean islands with the most exotic and unspoiled landscapes. You can take the kids on tours of cocoa, nutmeg, and coffee plantations while visiting this spice island, where anything you drop on the soil can grow. Due to the island’s volcanic nature, here you can find many black sand beaches. One of the prettiest locations for swimming and water sports is Grand Anse, a long expanse of White Beach.
Maldives
If a crystal-clear, warm sea is everything you’re looking for, then the Maldives is the perfect choice for you.. Did you know that water accounts for 99 percent of the Maldives? Unfortunately, this is very dangerous because the island is low-lying, so it can cause problems with the shores. The capital city of the Maldives is Male, but most tourists go straight to the luxury resorts with white sand beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine water. The most popular activities in the Maldives are snorkeling, surfing, and diving. You can also swim with whale sharks and manta rays. A cruise vacation is another option you have when visiting the Maldives.
The Most Accessible Tropical Beaches – Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island, is actually closer to Miami than it is to France. You must admit – really exotic. Guadeloupe, which resembles a butterfly, has beautiful beaches and a lot of lush rainforest areas. Take the kids to the Pointe-a-Pitre fish market and schedule time to sample more than one of the coconut ice creams being offered from unassuming shops on the beach. Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale are the U.S. cities from where nonstop flights to Guadeloupe are available.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
The Cook Islands’ Aitutaki is a paradise for tourists. Aitutaki checks all the boxes for the ideal exotic tropical vacation, including a brilliant aqua lagoon, verdant peaks, magnificent beaches teeming with palms, and some of the kindest locals in the South Pacific. Rarotonga, one of the largest Cook Islands, serves as the major entry point for tourists, but Aitutaki, which is 45 minutes away by plane, is the crown gem in an archipelago of 15 gorgeous tropical isles. The Cook Islands are a popular destination for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The island offers a peek into the laid-back village life, which comes to a complete stop on Sundays for church services.
Kaua’i, Hawaii
Kaua’i, also known as the Garden Isle, is a tropical sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts from all over the world are attracted to the stunning rainforests, waterfalls, and breathtaking green coastline peaks. The island, a lava-sculpted natural gem, has a more pleasant atmosphere than its well-known sister islands, Maui and Oahu. Turtles and tropical fish can be seen swimming in the vibrant coral reefs that are underwater. On land, you may relax on golden beaches, take in the view of Hanalei Bay’s cloud-covered cliffs, go hiking among the amazing velvety peaks, or discover the forest. And if you want to fly to Kaua’i, you may be able to fly nonstop from many cities like Chicago, New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Sacramento, etc.
The Most Accessible Tropical Beaches – Cancun, Mexico
It comes as no surprise that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most well-liked vacation destinations with its stunning ocean, pristine white-sand beaches, and vivid coral reefs. Cancun is an extremely popular West Coast destination in the Caribbean. There are non-stop flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. No matter whether the coast is home, Cancun is the connecting point for the close-by islands. Stay on Isla Mujeres to escape the grid while taking a day trip to Cancun. No other location offers a better chance to witness up to 400 whale sharks going by simultaneously from July through September.
You are here because you are interested in the best Beach Destinations in Asia, right? Now, just hear us out. It is amazing to be surrounded by tropical beaches and sparkling blue seas while you feel the warm wind in your wet, salty hair and listen to the sound of the waves. We must agree with you and say it’s really a dream.
So, where can you find that kind of fantasy?
It’s difficult to say which continent has the world’s nicest beaches, but Asia is undoubtedly at the top of the list. This mystic continent features some of the softest, whitest sand and unspoiled, clearest blue oceans on the planet. From the Indonesian islands to the shallow reefs of the Philippines, the well-traveled beaches of Thailand, and everything in between, we can say that the best beach destinations lie in Asia.
Many of the stunning Asian beaches offer activities like scuba diving, coral conservation, snorkeling, and swimming with whale sharks, so prepare your sunglasses and swimming equipment. There are so many possibilities available to you if this is your first time traveling. In Asia, there are several beaches where a whole new world is waiting for you.
Best Beach Destinations in Asia – Our Recommendations
We’ve listed the best beaches in Asia in this guide, and they’re all sunny, family-friendly and truly one of a kind. So prepare yourself a nice cup of coffee and let’s start!
Maldives
If a crystal-clear warm sea and beautiful, sandy beaches are everything you’re looking for, then the Maldives is the perfect choice for you. Definitely an earned place on our Best Beach Destinations in Asia list.
Located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean is well-known for its unreal beauty. Did you know that water accounts for 99 percent of the Maldives? Unfortunately, this is very dangerous because the island is low-lying, so it can cause problems with the shores.
The capital city of the Maldives is Male, but most tourists go straight to the luxury resorts with white sand beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine water. The most popular activities in the Maldives are snorkeling, surfing, and diving. When it comes to some special adventures, we must mention swimming with whale sharks. Plenty of beaches make the Maldives a top-notch beach destination in Asia.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
There are only seven beaches in the world with pink sand, and Pantai Merah (or Pink Breach) in Komodo National Park in Indonesia is one of them. Foraminifera, single-celled organisms that live on the nearby coral reefs and have a scarlet pigment on their shells, are what give the water its amazing, pink color.
When it comes to activities, Pink Beach is a place where you can find amazing underwater life. From tropical fishes to stunning, colorful corals and beds made of seagrass, you will enjoy every moment of your vacation. Some experts say that this is one of the best places on Earth for snorkeling.
Now you probably wonder where Pink beach is located? As we mentioned before, this beautiful place is a short flight away from Bali, near the Komodo National Park. Yes, this park is home to the world’s biggest lizards. Actually, the whole island has more lizards than people.
El Nido, Philippines
If you’re looking for the largest beach paradise, El Nido in the Philippines is the one. This beautiful place is actually a protected natural area because it is surrounded by old caves, mangrove forests, and limestone cliffs. El Nido is best-known for its nickname “Philippines’ Last Frontier”. When it comes to beaches in El Nido, they are all covered with white, powdered sand. The coastline is open mainly over Bacuit Bay, where you can find many small islands and islets.
The wildlife on these islands is very rich because there are no people there. If you want to visit some of these stunning islands and be totally alone on the beach, you must get a ride to them. If you want to enjoy something unusual, you should go across from El Nido, to Cadlao Island. This place hides one of the biggest beaches in this part of the Philippines and Makaamo Lagoon – a saltwater hidden inlet. However, there are no beaches in the world that compare to the one on Matinloc Island, which can only be reached by diving underwater through a crevice in a sheer rock wall.
Pom Pom Island, Malaysia
Pom Pom Island is located in the Celebes Sea in Malaysia. From Semporna, Borneo’s shore, Pom Pom Island Resort is reachable by boat in about 45 minutes. It has one of the highest marine biodiversity on Earth; although the Pom Pom is really small, it’s home to over 500 species of coral. When it comes to endangered species, this island is a nesting location for sea turtles called Hawksbills. If you’re fortunate, you might be able to see the turtle eggs hatch during your holiday and watch the young turtles being released into the water.
Pom Pom Island is a place famous for its amazing diving. In some areas, the reef reaches a depth of 130 meters. How amazing is that? Of course, you should be an experienced diver because there are strong currents which make this place a difficult location. Anyway, you should know that visibility is perfect and you can take beautiful photographs there.
Miyako Island, Japan
The beaches of Miyako Island are some of the most beautiful ones in the world because of their diverse biodiversity, remote position, and lack of inside rivers that would destroy the soil and harm the coral reef. This is not a crowded place—you won’t find many people on the beaches—so you can expect a truly peaceful vacation. Turquoise-blue waters, soft sand, and the beautiful, calm sound of the waves are something worth visiting. Did you know that a lot of tourists who visit Japan don’t know about this place?
When it comes to the largest stretch of beach, it is certainly Maehama. Stunning and breathtaking, this place is top-notch for swimmers and sunset lovers. If you are looking for a smaller beach, go to Yoshino Kaigan. Perfect for snorkeling, this destination is popular for its huge coral reef and beautiful, colorful underwater life.
2022 is lining up to be the year the world remembers how to travel. Borders are opening, masks are dropping, and aircraft are filling up the world over.
The burning question is, what are the Must-See Beach Destinations of 2022?
The world is (almost) officially our oyster again – where will you escape to next?
Let’s feed our need for wanderlust and take a look at 10 must-see beach destinations of 2022.
Grace Bay Beach: Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach: Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach was named after the wife of Hugh Houston Hutchings, Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos from 1933-to 1934.
This fameworthy beach is located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales. This immaculate beach is characteristic of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This pristine beach has been awarded many times with accolades for its outstanding beauty.
Currently, Grace Bay is ranked World’s Leading Beach Destination, by the World Travel Awards. It is also number 2 in Trip Advisor’s World’s Best Beaches.
Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
Spiaggia dei Conigli claims a place on the list of the World’s Best Beaches announced in February 2022. It is currently the highest-ranked beach in Europe. Formally a part of Italy, the island of Lampedusa is actually closer to the African mainland. The beach can be reached by bus from the local airport in under half an hour. There aren’t many facilities around it for eating and drinking, so it’s best to come prepared with provisions for your day out.
Varadero Beach – Cuba
Varadero Beach: Varadero, Cuba
Varadero Beach is also known as Playa Azul – Blue Beach. It is one of the best-known beaches in Cuba. Interestingly, Playa de Varadero is a collection of six beaches, the three largest being Varadero. Its crystalline waters and fine sand stretch for more than 20 kilometers. Its balmy temperatures are retained throughout the year, making it a perfect year-round destination.
This paradise lost boasts thousands of both national and international sun worshippers each year.
Playa de Muro Beach – Playa de Muro, Majorca
Playa de Muro Beach – Playa de Muro, Majorca
Playa de Muro is an incredibly beautiful beach that is officially divided into two sectors. Sector 1 is the most popular as it is most central, and it encompasses a three-kilometer stretch of beach.
The beach boasts white sand and transparent waters. The water is shallow and is aware that the risk of high waves is present in Playa de Muro. This beach is well equipped with amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, showers, and toilets.
Tour boats operate from the jetty, and it is also popular for adrenaline junkies as a catapult for jumping into the sea. Playa de Muro is very child-friendly as the waters are shallow, making it popular with families.
Turquoise Bay: Exmouth, Australia
This beach is infamous in the snorkeling world. It boasts a rich diversity of coral, fish, and other marine life. Uniquely, all of these marvels are quite close to the shore, so you don’t need to be an expert snorkeler to uncover these treasures. Be mindful that there can be strong currents. Read the signs installed at beach entry points, for up-to-the-minute updates.
Turquoise Bay is one of Western Australia’s best-known beaches and is the perfect spot to spend the day relaxing and swimming if you’re not into snorkeling. Dive into the unspoiled waters at Turquoise Bay and be in awe of the beauty of Ningaloo Marine Park.
Currents can be strong at Turquoise Bay, especially around the sandbar located at the southernmost point of the bay loop, so please take care.
Praia da Falesia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
Praia da Falésia has been likened to the Grand Canyon sitting on a beach. Incredible red cliffs are visible from the beachfront. Praia da Falesia aptly translates as Beach of Cliffs. The beach stretches for just over six kilometers long. It begins in Vilamoura, right down to Albufeira in the West. The sand is silky soft, and the water is sparkling. According to Tripadvisor, Praia da Falésia is one of the best beaches in the world.
The beach towards the Albufeira side is dotted with red and orange sandy cliffs, decorated with pine trees on top and striking flowers at the bottom. The contrasting natural colors of orange rocks with green pines make this one of the most remarkable beaches in Portugal. Praia da Falésia has consistently earned the Blue Flag Beach title.
Quarta Praia: Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Quarta Praia: Morro de Sao Paulo is a beach about four kilometers long. It is somewhat of an isolated less explored beach, full of coconut trees. At low tide, the beach boasts natural pools – one of the best attractions on the island. It has a great barrier reef and during low tide, there are beautiful fish to marvel at. Accommodations such as eco-resorts and inns can be found here, adding to the authentic and undiscovered vibe of the area. There is a landing strip here, should you decide to fly in on a helicopter!
Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Nissi Beach is a popular beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The strand stretches for 500 meters and the beach has been awarded a blue flag designation. The name is taken from the small islet of Nissi, which is located close to the coast. The islet is uninhabited. You can reach it on foot via shallow waters. The islet boasts local vegetation.
Nissi Beach is a popular destination for party seekers. Music plays throughout the day. Two volleyball courts are available and water sports such as water skiing and windsurfing are available.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach in Aruba is considered one of the best on the island. TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards ranked as the third best beach in the world in 2019. The white shoreline marries turquoise waves, creating a paradisical scene. Eagle Beach is unique boasts a western direction, making it ideal for sunset. Eagle Beach’s trademark is the Fofoti tree. The Fofoti trees on Eagle Beach are some of the most photographed in Aruba. This has aided the notoriety of the beach. Sea turtles frequent the shore. Four different varieties of these sea creatures are found in the sands of Eagle Beach.
Kleftiko Beach – Milos, Greece
Legend says that the caves in Kleftiko were once a hideaway for pirates and their hidden treasure. The crystal-clear waters at Kleftiko attract sea jumpers and hordes of tour boats.
Kleftiko is located on the southern coast of Milos, which is one of Greece’s Cyclades islands. The Aegean Sea lies here and is transparently clear. The landscape has volcanic elements, adorned with rock formations. Tunnels and caves are carved into the cliff edge. Tunnels and caves are carved into the cliffs and landmark rock formations, just offshore.
If the makeup of my personality was a recipe, it would be an eclectic mix of ingredients. Start with equal parts digital nomad and travel lover. Add a dash of being a foodie, a few shots of confidence, and a sprinkle of seeking out new adventures. Follow that with a 50/50 blend of my love for being surrounded by others and being in quiet isolation and you’ll find me where I am today.
Previously, I wrote about finding your fuel. I touched on my formula for creating more significant moments and today I wanted to share one of the best tricks for quick getaways.
All you need is a Google Sheet and Hopper (or another travel notification service) and you’re set.
Spending a full 24 hours in a different city is like a hard reboot for your system, much the same as pulling out the power cord from the wall. When you plug it back in, you’ll only see whatever previous activity was there when you choose to push the power button.
Start by looking at different destinations that are within a few hours’ drive or train, as that can be great for quick mental breaks. In Vancouver, we’re lucky to have Whistler, the Okanagan and Seattle. Include the ferries and you’ve got Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Getting on a plane can totally change things, but the wrong flight itinerary can quickly eat up those 24 hours. Start with Google Sheets and your local Airport name/3-letter code.
Look at every destination that consistently offers a non-stop flight. Based on check-in (most YVR flights being USA/international) and security adding 90 minutes, I’ve limited the flight time to 5 hours. This can get us from Vancity to JFK. The best bets are routes with daily flights. This way you can count on the itinerary being available anytime you want to travel and adding a day won’t completely screw up your transportation plans.
If you have specific days of travel or need to plan ahead, set each location you’re interested in with the days you want to travel in an app like Hopper that will notify you of the trends for prices and let you know when the ticket prices have dropped. Booking the same flight for less is always a win.
Last-minute getaways also work with your handy Google Sheet. Since you have a regularly scheduled flight, feel free to jump on and book the day before because, I don’t know, maybe you just got tickets to a game the next day in California? Done.
Booking hotels can be a little trickier, and Airbnb is terrible for one-night stays (as the cleaning fee is hard to justify), so be flexible on accommodations and don’t let the hotel throw you off. The flights fluctuate more than accommodation. Getting to your destination is the key.
I hope this quick travel hack can help relieve some stress, create some new ideas, or start your next project. For me, the airport, the plane and the new scenery are really worth it.
