Part of our Travel Tips guide.
Explore coastal travel tips and beach guides through 14 TouristSecrets guides, practical answers, comparisons, and trip-planning ideas gathered in one collection.
Related travel guides: Practical Travel Advice and Trip Ideas, Travel Style And Packing Tips, Pre-Trip Checklists and Travel Activities, and Tourism Impacts and Travel Trends.
East Coast Vs. West Coast: The Battle For USA Supremacy
Choose the East Coast for dense history and colonial-era charm, or the West Coast for dramatic cliffs and a laid-back vibe; the right pick depends on whether you prefer the Atlantic's salty, storied shores or the Pacific's rugged, sun-soaked coastline. The East Coast offers the nation's founding landmarks, from Boston's Freedom Trail to the mansions of Newport, while the West Coast delivers iconic drives like the Pacific Coast Highway and the casual surf culture of California. For a beach trip, the East Coast's warm Gulf Stream waters and sandy barrier islands contrast with the West Coast's cooler currents, tide pools, and dramatic sea stacks. Both regions have fierce sports rivalries and distinct culinary scenes—think lobster rolls versus fish tacos—so your choice hinges on the atmosphere you seek, not on any objective superiority.
I Despise Sunny Beach. Here's Why You Should Not Visit There
Skip Sunny Beach on Bulgaria's eastern coast if you value quiet relaxation, because its promise of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife collapses under overcrowded sands and non-stop club music. As an SEO expert and seasoned traveler, my personal experience there was defined by aggressive timeshare touts, overpriced sunbeds, and a beachfront lined with construction sites. The nightlife may appeal to hard-partying crowds, but for anyone seeking a genuine Bulgarian coastal escape, the nearby town of Nessebar offers far more charm without the chaos. If you do go, expect to pay tourist prices for everything from water to parking, and know that the beach itself gets packed shoulder-to-shoulder by mid-morning. My advice is to choose a quieter Black Sea resort like Sozopol or Balchik instead, where you can actually hear the waves.
A Local's Guide To Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, on Aquidneck Island, is a coastal city where you can tour Gilded Age mansions in the morning and sail on the bay by afternoon; the "City by the Sea" has been a summer resort since 1639. The opulent Newport Mansions along Bellevue Avenue date from the 19th century when wealthy elites built summer "cottages" that are now open for tours. For beaches, head to Easton's Beach for family-friendly facilities or the quieter Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) for surfing. Walk the Cliff Walk for a 3.5-mile public path with ocean views on one side and mansion lawns on the other. Local food spots include the clam chowder at the Black Pearl and lobster rolls at Flo's Clam Shack, but arrive early to avoid lines. The sailing culture is everywhere, so book a harbor cruise or rent a kayak to see the coastline from the water.
Bentota-Beach
Bentota Beach on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast is a tropical paradise where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean, offering golden sands and calm waters for swimming. The beach is split by a rocky promontory; the southern side is quieter, while the northern end near the river mouth has more boat traffic. You can take a river safari to see monitor lizards and kingfishers, or try water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing. The nearby Brief Garden, designed by architect Bevis Bawa, is a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride inland. For accommodation, the Bentota Beach Hotel (designed by Geoffrey Bawa) sits right on the sand, but budget guesthouses line the access road behind the shore. The best time to visit is December through April when the sea is calm and the weather is dry.
Beaches And Bodies In Buenaventura
Buenaventura's body culture is a unique blend of Afro-Colombian heritage and Pacific coastal traditions, expressed through dance, ritual, and community celebration; the town itself sits on Colombia's Pacific coast with dark-sand beaches and mangrove swamps. The body culture here is not about fitness but about how people use movement to tell stories—from the currulao dance, which mimics the waves, to the annual Fiesta del Mar in July, when locals decorate boats and parade in masks. Visitors can watch drumming circles on the beach at sunset or join a community-led tour to learn about the region's history of slavery and resistance. The nearest beaches like Juanchaco and Ladrilleros are reachable by a 45-minute speedboat ride from Buenaventura's port. Be prepared for high humidity and rain year-round; bring insect repellent and quick-dry clothing.
The New England Coastline
Walk the secret pilgrim paths along the New England coastline to step directly into the region's 17th-century history, where rocky shores and salt marshes hide the routes early settlers used. The most accessible of these trails is the 1.5-mile Pilgrim Path in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which connects the harbor to the site of the original settlement. Farther north, in Maine, the Marginal Way in Ogunquit offers a 1.25-mile cliff walk with benches for whale-watching. For a longer hike, the New Hampshire coast has the 18-mile Rockingham Recreational Trail, though it is more rail-trail than pilgrim path. The best time to go is late September when the crowds thin and the fall colors begin to appear. Pack sturdy shoes because the rocks are slick with seaweed, and bring layers—the ocean breeze stays cold even in summer.
Easter Island Insider Tips: How To Easily And Affordably Plan Your Trip
Plan your Easter Island trip for the shoulder months of October and November or February and April to get lower airfare and fewer crowds; the island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean has one main town, Hanga Roa, where all hotels and restaurants are located. The Moai statues are scattered across the island, but the most accessible site is the quarry at Rano Raraku, where you can see the unfinished figures still embedded in volcanic rock. To save money, rent a scooter for around $30 per day instead of booking a tour; the island is only 15 miles across, and the main roads are paved. The entrance fee is $80 per person (as of 2023) and covers all archaeological sites. For the sunrise at Tongariki, arrive by 6:30 AM to secure a spot on the platform. Book your accommodation at least three months ahead for the summer season, and bring cash because many small eateries do not take cards.
Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases To Know Before Visiting The Islands
Start with "Howzit?" as a greeting and "Mahalo" for thank you; these two words will open doors with locals who appreciate the effort. Hawaiian Pidgin is a creole language that blends English, Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Japanese, reflecting the islands' plantation history. Other useful phrases include "da kine" (used in place of any noun you cannot recall), "pau" (finished), and "ono" (delicious). When you order food, say "I like one plate lunch" instead of "I would like a meal." If someone calls you "brah," they are using a friendly term for brother. Use "bumbai" for "later" or "or what?" as in "You coming, bumbai?" Practice these daily, and you will find that even a little effort changes the tone of every interaction.
Villingardalsfjall Hike: How-To And Travel Guide (Faroe Islands)
Start the Villingardalsfjall hike from the trailhead at the end of the village road in Viðareiði, and allow 3–4 hours round trip for the 844-meter ascent. The path is steep but well-marked with cairns; the first 30 minutes climb through grassy slopes, then you reach a rocky ridge with sheer drops on the north side. On a clear day, you can see the neighboring islands of Kalsoy and Borðoy. The summit plateau is flat, but stay behind the fence at the cliff edge—the drop is over 300 meters straight into the sea. Bring a windproof jacket because the wind at the top is strong enough to knock you over, and check the forecast; if the clouds are below the summit, visibility drops to near zero. The trailhead is a 10-minute walk from the village church, and you can park at the community center for free.
A Guide To Cousin Island In The Seychelles
Cousin Island is a 27-hectare nature reserve where you can see giant tortoises and the critically endangered Seychelles warbler; the island is open only to day visitors, and you must book a guided tour in advance. The boat from Praslin takes about 20 minutes, and the landing fee (around $50 per person) goes directly to conservation. The island has no beach facilities, so bring your own water and a hat; the walking paths are sandy and shaded by takamaka trees. You will see nesting seabirds from March to October, and the resident tortoises often block the path—wait for them to move rather than stepping around. The guided tour lasts about two hours and covers the island's history from a coconut plantation to a protected reserve. Snorkeling is allowed only in a small bay near the jetty, and you must stay within the marked area.
A Guide To La Digue Island In The Seychelles
La Digue Island is best explored by bicycle, which you can rent at the jetty for about $10 per day; the island is only 5 kilometers long, and the main road is flat and car-free. The top attraction is Anse Source d'Argent, a beach with giant granite boulders and white sand, but the entrance fee of $10 is paid at the L'Union Estate farm. For a quieter swim, cycle to Grand Anse on the south coast, where the surf is stronger and there are no lifeguards. The island has no traffic lights, no high-rise hotels, and only a handful of restaurants; most serve Creole food like grilled fish and breadfruit. The Veuve Nature Reserve protects the rare black paradise flycatcher, and you can walk the 1.5-hour trail through the palm forest. Book a guesthouse in the village of La Passe for easy access to the jetty, and bring cash because the only ATM is often out of order.
Coastal Towns: Where A Cruise Might Stop
Cruise itineraries typically stop at coastal towns that can handle large ships, so expect a mix of historic ports and purpose-built docks; the best stops offer a short walk from the pier to the main attractions. In the Caribbean, towns like Cozumel and St. Thomas have shopping plazas right at the dock, while European ports like Dubrovnik and Santorini require a tender boat to reach the old town. When a cruise stops, you usually get 8–10 hours in port, so plan a half-day excursion and keep the other half for wandering. Check whether your ship docks or anchors; if it anchors, the tender ride can add 30 minutes each way. For a hassle-free day, book a tour through the ship for the first stop, then go independent for the second. Bring a small backpack for swimwear and a change of clothes, because you may not have time to return to the ship before dinner.
The One Packing Tip Stylish Travelers Use On Every Beach Vacation
Pack versatile clothing in a single color palette so that every top pairs with every bottom, and you can create a week of outfits from just five pieces. Choose a lightweight linen shirt that works as a cover-up, a dinner layer, or a towel on the sand. Neutral shorts in beige or navy match everything, and a cotton wrap dress can go from beach to bar with a change of shoes. Include a wide-brimmed hat that you can crush in your bag, and polarized sunglasses to cut glare off the water. Roll your clothes instead of folding to save space, and use packing cubes to keep dirty items separate. For shoes, bring one pair of sandals that can get wet and one pair of sneakers for any hiking or evening walks. This system leaves room in your suitcase for a small souvenir, and you will never be stuck without something that matches.
