Forgetting It All At the Beach

As we hustle and bustle buying gifts, making holiday cuisine, and decorating, many of us forget that another important aspect of the holiday season is relaxing. Why not do it at the beach? Escape the phone calls of friends and family and get away with those closest to you.

Turks and Ciacos
One beach spot that is a bit off the beaten trail is Turks and Ciacos. Located southeast of Miami and north of Haiti, this archipelago offers ivory beaches and serene skies that look more like a painting than reality. According to myth Columbus’s first landfall when he was making the legendary journey was on Grand Turk, the capital. The early settlers thought that one of the most abundant flower blossoms resembled a Turkish Fez--hence the name. Things to see are plentiful and include historical sites, limestone caves with underground lakes, Flamingo Pond (a nesting place for the awkward animals), a conch farm that offers tours and, of course, the gorgeous beaches.

Clifton Beach
Most people don’t think of South Africa as the destination for a beach vacation, but Clifton Beach is an international hot spot and, according to the Travel Channel, the best time to go is from November to February. The beach itself is actually a series of four beaches separated by granite boulders. Keep in mind that this location isn’t really for those who want to swim; it’s more the place to see and be seen looking glamorous on the sand. Clifton Beach is conveniently located within minutes of Cape Town, so if you want a break from the laid back beach pace, you can have the all the accoutrements of a large city within minutes.

Ofu
If you indulge in fantasies of being stranded on a desert island, this may be the place for you. Ofu, located in the islands of American Samoa, is accessible only by plane, leaving it unpopulated and almost deserted. As a result, while this beach is perfect for those who want nothing more than to relax and enjoy the scenery, it may not be the best choice for those who want more of a beach town with nightlife. Western Samoa is a neighboring island with all of the resort amenities, so you could easily spend part of your vacation in each place.