Seven years ago we got on a flight to Dumaguete City (Doo-mah-ge-teh) down south and unto a ferry bound for the enigmatic island. Its laid-back charm, friendly people, postcard-perfect white sand beaches, turquoise waters, old churches, cool waterfalls and fiery sunsets overcame whatever trepidations we had about touring Siquijor. It was such an enjoyable experience that we went back for a second visit just before the Covid pandemic hit.

Siquijor wasn’t as popular when we first toured the province as it is now – to Filipinos at least. When we first set foot on the island and made our way to a resort on quiet Sandugan Beach in Larena (Lah-re-nah) it seemed we were the only Filipino visitors. Most of the other guests were Americans and Europeans. It was obvious that stories about the supernatural in Siquijor were scaring off local tourists. A friend who had visited the island even warned us not to look at local residents in the eyes – a long-held belief for dealing with sorcerers.

The beauty of the island’s pristine attractions, however, trumped over any apprehensions we had about visiting Siquijor. In particular the island is surrounded by a large number of white sand beaches spread out evenly among its 6 towns.

The town of Maria on the eastern coast of Siquijor is home to two beautiful beaches including Salagdoong (Sa-lag-doe-ong) Beach, a public beach managed by the local government. An irritant in the form of an unsightly-looking water park that according to Lonely Planet “has seen better days” stands atop karst rocks in the center of the beach. Despite this Salagdoong charmed us with its white sand and crystal-clear aquamarine and turquoise waters where we swam and snorkeled to our hearts’ content. A lesser-known but no less stunning beach is Kagusuan (Kah-goo-soo-anh), a deserted beach that we had all to ourselves the first time we visited 7 years ago.

On the western coast of Siquijor past Larena is San Juan with a string of white sand beaches. While this town contains the most number of resorts on the island – and where we stayed during our second visit – the beaches have been kept clean and pristine. The beach in front of Coral Cay Resort is typical of the long line of white sand beaches that begins here and ends somewhere near the Coco Grove Beach Resort. There’s plenty of good diving here as well, especially at Maite (Mah-ee-teh) Point and at the Tubod (Too-bod) Marine Sanctuary in front of Coco Grove. Because they face west, San Juan’s beaches are known for spectacular sunset views.

Our favorite beach in the whole province during our first visit was Paliton Beach in the northern part of San Juan. At that time no resorts or tourist establishments existed at Paliton (Pah-lee-ton) which has been declared a marine sanctuary with its excellent dive sites. The beach was practically unheard of when we first arrived in late 2013 and we were the only ones in the area. Fast forward 6 years later and we would encounter a sizable crowd and lively food stalls on the palm-fringed beach. But still no resorts.

South of San Juan is the capital town also named Siquijor with its own collection of white sand beaches and old churches. The most interesting view here is the port which is situated on a stretch of blindingly white sand beach at low tide. At high tide the views are just as magnificent with a maze of aquamarine and turquoise waters offshore which makes this port the cleanest and most beautiful we’ve encountered so far. How often does a commercial port turn up as a tourist attraction?

The last town on this list is the southernmost municipality of Lazi (Lah-zee). Easily the most popular natural destination here is the three-tiered Cambugahay (Kam-boo-gah-hai) Falls with its cool spring water, surrounding verdant forest and gorgeous turquoise-colored catch basins. It is situated just beside the road and the 136-step walkway going down the falls is no problem – except when you have to go back up. But there are no long hikes to get here and just a little exercise won’t hurt. The more adventurous can play Tarzan at Cambugahay’s lowermost tier by using a swing to catapult themselves into the water.

Lazi is home to two historical sites – the San Isidro Labrador Church, built mainly of coral rock and an excellent example of local baroque architecture, and the adjacent San Isidro Labrador Convent, one of the oldest and biggest convents in Asia. The church was closed on both occasions when we visited but we did get to tour the convent’s interior. Nina had an eerie feeling about something supernatural inside this convent – the same sensation she felt when we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia which locals say are haunted by ghosts of victims of the Khmer Rouge. This was perhaps the closest thing we’ve had to a spirit encounter in two visits to Siquijor.

Another destination here that often prompts talks about the supernatural is the Centuries-Old Balete (Bah-leh-teh) Tree also in Lazi. Sometimes known as the strangler fig tree, the balete starts off by attaching itself to a tree, growing hanging roots, then encircling the host tree before suffocating and killing it. Many Filipinos have associated these trees with the supernatural, believing that the balete harbors creatures from the underworld such as dwarves, kapre (Kah-preh – a tree demon) and tikbalang (Teek-bah-lang – a horse demon). One look at this huge balete with its numerous hanging roots and you begin to appreciate the superstition ascribed by locals to the mystical-looking tree. And since Siquijor has long been associated with the occult, the Centuries-Old Balete Tree takes on an even more sinister reputation.

Besides Nina’s eerie sensation at the convent in Lazi, however, we had no other such encounters elsewhere on the island. The friendliness of the locals – we believe many are actually offended by Siquijor’s reputation as a center of occultism and sorcery ­– partly served to dispel notions of the province’s notoriety. And on our second visit the island had a different and obvious festive vibe with places where we used to be the only visitors now filling up with tourists, resorts and dining areas. This probably explains why the island is now popular with Filipinos who were very hesitant about visiting the province years ago.

Getting There

There are no direct flights to Siquijor from Manila or Cebu but there are daily flights on Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines to Dumaguete City, the nearest commercial airport. From the port at Dumaguete there are several ferries bound for Siquijor town or Larena. The fast ferries can make the trip in 45 minutes or so. On Siquijor itself travel is mainly by motorbike (there are motorbikes for rent), trikes or small 4-wheeled vehicles called multi cabs.

For the moment travel to Siquijor and other places in the Philippines are restricted due to Covid-19 although the provincial government is looking to reopen its tourism industry as part of the local government’s recovery plan amid the pandemic.

The post Siquijor: Beyond the Supernatural in the Island of Fire appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Philippines often lies in the path of typhoons in the western Pacific which means we’re often prepared for the worse. But a month ago three consecutive cyclones struck the country within a span of 18 days, one of them the strongest in the world this year and among the strongest in recorded history, a streak of calamities unparalleled in the country’s history.

The 3 typhoons registered maximum sustained winds of 130 kph (85 mph) to 225 kph (140 mph), with one of them – Super Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) – recording catastrophic 1-minute sustained winds of 315 kph (195 mph), making it the most powerful recorded storm to hit land. Those winds carved a wide swath of devastation and caused widespread flooding across the southern part of the large island of Luzon.

Somewhat safe although still affected by winds and flooding in the nation’s capital, we immediately thought about the provinces of the Bicol Region, particularly Catanduanes, the province hardest hit by Typhoon Rolly (Goni). An island-province, Catanduanes juts out into the Pacific from the Bicol mainland. Its location often makes it the first province to feel the wrath of an incoming cyclone. This means it would get hit with typhoons at their peak intensity. Not surprisingly Catanduanes was given the moniker “The Land of Howling Winds.” Until recently it has been largely untouched by tourism. Two years ago we got to sample some of the island’s rolling hills, breathtaking cliffs, majestic coasts, golden sand beaches and pristine waterfalls.

Coming on the heels of the first howler, Typhoon Quinta, Typhoon Rolly initially made landfall in Bato town destroying several houses and leaving residents without shelter, clean water, power and livelihood. We made a short stop on this town on our first and only trip to Catanduanes. Passing by Bato on our way to the north we visited the Maribina Falls and Bato’s 19th century church while relishing its peaceful coastal scenery. (The latter also includes beautiful Cagraray Islet and the 7 islands of Carorian Wonders with its huge white rock formations, turquoise lagoons and seaside falls.) Today it is hard to imagine what became of the houses and other structures along Bato’s coast.

Past Bato heading north is the town of Baras, a municipality that became a favorite among international surfers for the perfect barrel waves at Puraran Beach. The latter helped place Catanduanes on the tourist map. We’re non-surfers but we still enjoyed Puraran’s golden-sand beach, interesting rock formations and tranquil seascape while enjoying lunch at one of its resorts. Sadly the resorts would later be devastated by the winds and huge waves of Typhoon Rolly (storm surges reached as high as 5 meters along the eastern coast).

See photos of the devastation caused by Typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes.

In recent years more travel destinations have opened in Baras including Binurong Point with its rolling hills and rugged coastline and Balacay Point, another upland location that offers panoramic views of the Catanduanes coast. During our visit here we chatted with locals whose livelihood depended on tourism and fishing. Covid-19 effectively negated the former while the typhoons wiped out several fishing boats leaving many residents without their primary assets for a livelihood.

Virac, the capital town of Catanduanes is often used by visitors as a base for touring the province. It’s a relatively small town but has several excellent beach destinations on its southern coast including Igang Beach which houses the Twin Rock Beach Resort – our home for our 2018 visit. Spread out all over the southern coast are golden sand beaches with names like Mamangal, Balite, Marilima, Batag and Bosdak. Most of these beaches feature powdery soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters and coconut palms that are almost untouched by mass tourism. Marilima is probably the best beach for swimming and Batag the most scenic.

Adjacent to and just west of Virac is the town of San Andres and Amenia Beach, another golden-sand wonder which features sand ripples in near-perfect alignment during low tide. Although not located on the eastern coast which made them less susceptible to Typhoon Rolly’s massive storm surges, Virac and San Andres were still battered by strong winds. Twin Rock Beach Resort’s Facebook page showed trees and other vegetation ravaged by the winds but the resort was somehow still open for incoming guests.

Just a few days after Typhoon Rolly another typhoon ravaged the region passing just north of Catanduanes, further hammering a province still recovering from Typhoon Rolly’s rampage just 10 days earlier. The rest of the Bicol Region suffered similarly from the 3 typhoons. Albay province also took a direct hit from Typhoon Rolly, albeit at a “slightly weakened” state which still meant winds somewhere in the region of 175-190 kph. Another disastrous effect of these typhoons were the heavy rains that washed away homes and bridges and caused landslides that buried houses and roads in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon. The rains also induced disastrous lahar flows from Mayon Volcano in Albay that swamped everything in their path.

It would probably take a while before much of the damaged infrastructure in the Bicol Region is restored. Up to now many towns are still without electricity and telecommunications. We’re seriously considering re-visiting Catanduanes to hopefully do an outreach to those affected by the typhoons when travel restrictions are lifted. We’d also like to visit the beautiful Palumbanes Islands in Caramoran on Catanduanes’ western coast as well as the Cagnipa Rolling Hills and Tuwad-tuwadan natural pool in Pandan, plus waterfalls and beaches in both towns and elsewhere.

Travel Tips

Travel to places like Catanduanes (and even to the Philippines in general) is still restricted as of this writing due to the Covid pandemic. Ordinarily Cebu Pacific airlines flies to Virac from Manila and back every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. An alternative to air travel is to take a bus to Tabaco, Albay from Manila, then take a ferry to Virac port. Total travel time for the second option will practically take a whole day due to this province’s remote location. Within Catanduanes transportation is not yet that convenient. We had to rely on trikes and motorcycles to get us to several of the destinations mentioned here. Tourism infrastructure in Catanduanes is not that developed but the trade-off is a province with pristine, almost untouched destinations.

The post Beauty and Tragedy in the Land of Howling Winds appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill-fated attempt to shut down a white supremacist rally in Lake Oahe, South Dakota.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

The Bikini

Evidence of bikini-style women’s clothing has been found as early as 5600 BC, and the history of the bikini can be traced back to that era. Illustrations of women wearing bikini-like garments during competitive athletic events in the Roman era have been found in several locations, the most famous of which is at Villa Romana del Casale.

Although two-piece bathing suits were being used by women as early as the 1930s, the bikini is commonly dated to 1946, when partly due to material rationing after World War II. The French engineer Louis Réard introduced the modern bikini, modeled by Micheline Bernardini on July 5, 1946. The was borrowed from the Bikini Atoll, where post-war testing on the atomic bomb were taking place. Réard wanted to make his sensation as spectacular as an atomic blast.

The Art of Swimming

De Arte Natandi (‘The Art of Swimming’), by Sir Everard Digby, published in England in 1587 but written in Latin, was the first treatise on the topic published in Britain. Written in an age when many people could not swim and drowning was a regular cause of death, it features advice on different swimming techniques, detailed information on how to enter the water safely and advice on what kinds of water were safest to swim in.

People claimed that they regularly saw dead bodies being retrieved from the New River in London, which sparked an interest in the resuscitation of the apparently drowned. The Royal Humane Society was founded in 1774 to aid resuscitation of the near drowned, and still exists today.

Nation with Highest Level of Skin Cancer

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year more than 400,000 Australians are treated for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. More than 12,000 Australians are diagnosed each year with invasive melanoma, which is the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Queensland researchers have launched the world’s largest ever genetic study of skin cancer and are calling on more than 20,000 Australians to take part.

QIMR Berghofer Senior Scientist Professor David Whiteman said the research team wanted to collect DNA samples from the 20,000 adults – including people with and without skin cancer, and with a range of skin types – to better understand the role genes play in the disease.

That Sinking Feeling: 10 Cities Could Disappear by 2100

Global temperatures and sea levels are rising. Low-lying coastal cities are already experiencing devastating floods and working to come up with creative solutions to combat rising tides.

Some cities are sinking due to increasing sea levels slowly encroaching on their coasts, while others are sinking because of excessive groundwater pumping that creates a change in pressure and volume that causes land to sink.

Here are 10 sinking cities that are in danger of disappearing.

Chloe McCardel: Swimmer Beats Men’s Channel Record and Quarantine

A swimmer has broken the men’s record for the number of cross-Channel crossings – and been assured her fears of falling foul of the UK-France quarantine rules are unfounded.

Australian Chloe McCardel took 10 hours and 40 minutes to complete her 35th Channel crossing, after setting off from Kent on Saturday evening.

The Currach: The Aran Islands

With a population of 831, Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands. If you have just a day, this is the island you must see. Its principal village is Kilronan where you’ll find tour guides, horsedrawn carriages and bicycle rentals waiting as soon as you get off your ferry. Before you depart on your tours, stop by the tourist office, which provides a good introduction and guided tour taking you back more than two thousand years in the life and times of the Aran Islands. The tourist office demonstrates the art of currach making – a traditional island boat made by stretching a fabric over a sparse skeleton of thin laths, then covered in tar. The currach has been used on the islands for thousands of years and is designed to battle the rough seas that face the open Atlantic Ocean. Aran fishermen would not learn to swim, since they knew they could never survive any sea that swamped a currach, and would sink without a struggle like a stone.

Known around the world as a ‘fisherman sweater,’ the Aran Islands are actually the birthplace of the sweater referred to as the ‘Aran Island Sweater.’ The sweater is usually made with undyed cream-colored “bainnin” sheep’s wool, and is even occasionally weaved with unwashed wool that still contains natural sheep lanolin, making it water-repellent. There is debate about when island residents first started making the sweaters, but the popular story is that each family had a sweater with a unique design, so that if a fisherman in the family drowned and was found later on the beach, the body could be identified. In other seafaring nations, sailors and fishermen wore a gold ring in their ear, and if washed up to shore in a foreign land, the gold ring would pay for the funeral.

Cliff Diving: Ka’anapali Beach

The history dates back nearly 250 years to the legend of the king of Maui — Kahekili II — who would demonstrate his bravery by diving 400 feet into the sea from a cliffside Black Rock. Kahekili would force his warriors to do the same; showing him that they were fearless, loyal, and bold. The very same iconic Black Rock still stands at Ka’anapali Beach. The feat is emulated once a day when a diver stands at the top of the rock, recites a Hawaiian chant, offers a torch and lei to the ocean, then leaps into the sea without making a splash. I was impressed how the Ka’anapali Beach Resorts embraced traditional Hawaiian history and culture. And, after a day of activities, there was no better way to enjoy cocktail hour while marveling at the man’s heroic dive.

6 Destinations with Sunscreen Bans

The U.S. Virgin Islands recently announced a ban on chemical sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs, outlawing all imports and sales of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The bill was signed into law in July 2019, and its terms will go into effect in March 2020.

Famous Hawaiian Quotations

Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace. — Paul Theroux

The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean. — Mark Twain

Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there. — Bruno Mars

Hawaii is the only place I know where they lay flowers on you while you are alive. — Will Rogers

That greeting is Aloha – love, I love you, my love to you. Good day — what is it more than an impersonal remark about the weather? How do you do – it is personal in a merely casual interrogative sort of way. But Aloha! It is a positive affirmation of the warmth of one’s own heart-giving. My love to you! I love you! Aloha! — Jack London

Drowning

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths. This issue is truly a matter of life and death for children and adults around the world.

On the Beach at Fontana

by James Joyce

Wind whines and whines the shingle,
The crazy pierstakes groan;
A senile sea numbers each single
Slimesilvered stone.

From whining wind and colder
Grey sea I wrap him warm
And touch his trembling fineboned shoulder
And boyish arm.

Around us fear, descending
Darkness of fear above
And in my heart how deep unending
Ache of love!

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Most Popular Beach Vacation Activities Worldwide

Walking: 70%
Swimming: 65%
Sunbathing: 53
Reading: 48%
Napping: 47%
People-watching: 45%
Listening to music:39%
Drinking alcohol: 39%
Getting a massage/spa treatment: 30%
Partying: 25%

— Statista Research Experts.

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin: American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father and swimmer. Franklin was an avid swimmer throughout his life and an early advocate for the benefits of the sport. As a result of this passion, he invented swim fins when he was just 11 years old; they are regarded as being his earliest invention. He wrote, the exercise of swimming is one of the most healthy and agreeable in the world. His advocacy for swimming was recognized by his induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968.

Captain Webb: The First Person to Swim the English Channel

On August 24, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb of Great Britain becomes the first man to successfully swim the English Channel without assistance. After the feat, Webb became an international celebrity, admired for both his prowess in the water and his penchant for risk-taking.

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Earliest Snorkels were Hollow Reeds

The earliest free divers can be traced back to 3000 B.C. and they were the sponge farmers in a Greek island called Crete. The modern snorkel was developed later but the earliest snorkels were just hollow reeds.

Embracing Solitude & Other Beach Quotations

To go out with the setting sun on an empty beach is to truly embrace your solitude. — Jeanne Moreau

To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me — Isaac Newton

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. — Mother Teresa

Even castles made from sand fall to the ocean. — Jimi Hendrix

Coconuts Kill More People Than Sharks

“Coconuts kill around 150 people worldwide each year, which makes them about ten times more dangerous than sharks,” says Brent Escott, managing director of Club Direct.

The news follows reports from Queensland, Australia, that coconut trees are being uprooted by local councils fearful of being sued for damages by people injured by coconuts.

Scuba Diving

In 1942, during the German occupation of France, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan designed the first successful and safe open-circuit scuba, a twin hose system known as the Aqua-Lung. Their system combined an improved demand regulator with high-pressure air tanks. This was patented in 1945.

The Sea

The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides, and in its depths it has its pearls too. — Vincent Van Gogh.

The Dylan Thomas Trails and Wales Coast Path

Spread across South West Wales, the Wales Coast Path showcases quaint small towns, and the remarkable land and seascapes which inspired Dylan. The Gower Peninsula features the fishing village of Mumbles and the stunning beach of Rhossili, where Dylan would camp and often walk the Gower cliffs. Two of his best loved short stories, ‘Extraordinary Little Cough’ and ‘Who Do You Wish Was With Us?’ are set in ethereal Rhossili. If you’d like to hike further, the 870 mile long Wales Coast Path spans the length of the Welsh coastline.

Origin of Polynesians

There is no definitive answer to the origin of Polynesian people, though everyone seems to offer an opinion. Many believe the Polynesian cultures descended from a single proto-culture established in the South Pacific by migrant Malayo-Polynesian people, while others point to the Easter Islands. Everyone seems to agree that these ingenious explorers were ultra-sophisticated sailors, with a highly complex navigational system based on the observation of the stars, ocean swells and flight patterns of birds. Their primary vessel was a 50 to 60 feet long canoe, consisting of two hulls, connected by lashed crossbeams. A precursor to the modern catamaran, the sails were made of matting drove. Long steering paddles enabled the mariners to keep it sailing on course. The canoes could accommodate roughly two dozen people, food supplies, livestock, and planting materials, essential for the long expeditions and the eventual founding of new island colonies. Like athletes they would go into vigorous training prior to voyages, even conditioning their bodies to deal with less food and water. — EB

10 of the Most Popular Topless Beaches Around the World

The most popular topless beaches are nice and well-kept, and mainly found over North America, the Caribbean Sea and in Europe. But, as most of us can assume, being at a topless beach definitely isn’t for everybody. But here are the ten most exclusive topless beaches:

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Pearl Hunting & Diving

Pearl hunting, also known as pearling, is the activity of recovering pearls from wild molluscs, usually oysters or mussels, in the sea or fresh water. Pearl diving began in the 1850s on the northern and north-western coast of Australia, and started in the Torres Strait, off Far North Queensland in the 1870s.

Pearl hunting used to be prevalent in the Persian Gulf region and Japan. Pearl diving began in the 1850s on the northern and north-western coast of Australia, and started in the Torres Strait, off Far North Queensland in the 1870s.

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Predicting the Future of Travel in 2040

Allianz Partners’ Futurology Report Predicts Airline Passenger Numbers will Double, ‘Faces’ via Facial Pattern Recognition Systems Will Replace Passports and Boarding Passes

Courtesy Allianz Global Assistance

By the year 2040, international travel will be a faster, easier and more ecologically sustainable activity than ever before, according to a report commissioned by Allianz Partners to help prepare for the travel-related needs of their customers in the future. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C assistance and insurance solutions, delivering global protection and care, and offers dedicated travel insurance services through the Allianz Travel brand.

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The post A Dozen or So Things About Beaches & the Sea appeared first on Traveling Archive.

As the brutal heat of summer assaults our lives as if we were a roast in an oven, FAVORITE BEACH DESTINATIONS has been selected for our new T-Boy Society of Film & Music’s poll. Research revealed that the origin of the word “beach” is somewhat ambiguous, ranging from the Old Norse bakki (bank, as of a stream) to the Old English baece (stream) to “beach,” a mutation of “bleach” (as stones are bleached by the sun and water). In the period of King Henry VIII, the English used the word specifically for a pebble beach because ‘strand’ sounded more like a sandy beach. The modern-day definition is simple: an expanse of sand or pebbles along the shore of an ocean, sea, large river, lake, etc. I did further research and found that tourists’ second favorite activity while on vacation is going to the beach. Yes, shopping is number one. Indeed, tourism is the main source of income for smaller nations, particularly those in the Caribbean, renowned for their charm and enchanting beaches. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, tourism has been brutally impacted, and we wait for better days to come. But, until then, let’s take a journey and experience our FAVORITE BEACH DESTINATIONS from the past. — EB

A favorite beach is very much in the taste of the beholder. For some members it meant basking in the sun, water sports or a simple dip in the water, while other preferences included colder, windswept beaches like Washington State’s NW Pacific coast.

Favorite Beach Destinations and its Players

Richard Carroll — T-Boy writer:

• Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman — Seven Mile Beach on the west shore of the island just north of George Town is a glorious strand of soft coral sand though not quite reaching seven miles (5.5 miles), is a setting offering a marvelous opportunity to walk the entire length of the beach greeting visitors from throughout the world. At dusk, as the sun drops below the horizon, the beach changes from a seaside stroll to a warm sensuous waltz as the sparkle of each new light is reflected in the glassy Caribbean. Ranked among the world’s best beaches and a starting point for more than 150 classified dive and snorkeling sites, a Grand Cayman highlight.
• Honeymoon Beach, Turtle Island, Fiji — A small secluded beach seemingly tucked away in it’s own world of towering coco palms with a gentle surf, accompanied by the songs of unseen birds and the rush of a gentle offshore breeze, is a sensuous beach with passion to share.
• The Beaches of Los Cabos — The coastline at the tip of Baja, Land’s End, stretching from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas and miles further, has a collection of beaches unlike anywhere in the world with unusually diverse personalities thanks to the mighty Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. On the Pacific side many are unswimmable due to unpredictable strong waves, undertows and rip tides. My favorites, dating to my first media trip in 1978, is Divorce Beach, Playa del Divorcio in Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side. Located behind Lover’s Beach which faces the Sea of Cortez, accessed by boat, greatly secluded, and also unswimmable, Divorcio is a beach to enhance the strength of nature and the beauty of Baja. A long-lasting Cabo favorite, Palmilla Beach is overseen by the One&Only Palmilla Resort in San Jose del Cabo on the Sea of Cortez. Palmilla is swimmable, a Baja beauty and a popular beach for fashion shoots.
• Ka’anapali Beach, Maui — Ka’anapali in West Maui catches the eye with a wide swath of deep sand 1.5 miles long, bordered by a walkway that is often filled with joggers and strollers. The all-encompassing beach with views of both cloud-draped Molokai, and Lanai which appears like a large whale up for air, are soothed by the Maui trade winds that flow east to west on the Ka’anapali side of the island. The channel is tagged “Whale Soup” when December 15th to mid-April visitors can lounge on the beach and enjoy the acrobatic humpbacks breaching and slapping the water as they mate and birth. Ka’anapali is ideal for families, swimmers and water play. The north end of the beach at Black Rock you can spend the day snorkeling.

Stephen Brewer — T-Boy writer:

• Red Beach Matala, Crete — If you want a beach that dishes up some mythology and history along with sand and sun, the Greek island of Crete is a good place to be.  In the south coast settlement of Matala, about 12,000 years ago early fishermen and farmers dug caves out of cliffs that rise on one side of the beach to shelter from the sun and elements. A little later the beach gained renown as the place where the Zeus had his way with the princess Europa. Minoans made the caves into warehouses, and Roman legions under Brutus camped out in them. So much for ancient history. Jump forward to the 1960s, when Matala became a troglodyte mecca on the hippie circuit and Joni Mitchell sang, The night is a starry dome, And they’re playin’ that scratchy rock and roll, Beneath the Matala moon. These days Matala is a laidback resort with some simple hotels and waterside restaurants, and the beautiful beach is a little too crowded with beach umbrellas and day trippers. For a scenic getaway, follow the well-marked path over the headland to so-called Red Beach, a paradisaical slip of sand where goat bells mix with the sound of surf.
• Capri, Italy — The island of Capri has been associated with hedonism ever since the Emperor Tiberius tossed lovers of whom he’d tired off the sea cliffs in front of his palace. These days, seeing all the chain-bedecked Lotharios and glamorous Milanese models strutting around might evoke the words of onetime visitor D.H. Lawrence, who called this beautiful isle in the Gulf of Naples “a gossipy, villa-stricken, two-humped chunk of limestone.” Even we glamor-challenged visitors can partake of one of the great pleasures of an Italian summer and join celebrities, minor royalty, software billionaires, and just plain folks at La Fontelina, a beach club at the foot of the famous Faraglioni rocks. The best approach is the path from Capri Town through pine-scented forests to sky-high Punta Tragara, and from there down hundreds of stone steps cut out of the cliffs to the seaside. The routine is to swim from one of the platforms perched above the remarkably blue water, then to take a seat beneath bamboo awnings for a simple meal of insalata Caprese (invented here on the island) and grilled fish, washed down with the house sangria, followed by a nap on a lounger in the shade. As the sun sets and this memorable beach experience draws to a close, a motor launch will whisk you back to civilization and reality — well, as real as life ever seems to be on Capri.

Richard Frisbie — T-Boy writer:

I’m not a beach person, really — I’m a swimmer. Beaches are for walking across to get into the water. That being said, I’ve seen some fabulous beaches on my way to an invigorating swim.

In no particular order:

• Aguas Blancas Beach in Ibiza, Spain — With a laidback hippy vibe and gentle waves lapping the golden sand, it is a sweet little place to watch the sunrise as you recover from the disco nights (or so I’m told).
• Knip Beach in Curacao, where the cliffs break and a soft white sand beach spills into clear, cerulean waters. Pure swimming, cliff-diving, and beer-drinking hedonism.
• Buzios Beach, Rio de Janeiro (the state not the city) — Copacabana and Ipanema are nice enough, but an hour or so outside the city is a small fishing village with a cosmopolitan European vibe and the sweetest crescent beach. I could move there. (Brigitte Bardot did.)
• Gulf Breeze, Florida — The beaches of Gulf Breeze, especially the white talcum powder sand one where you have to shuffle into the water to avoid stepping on the rays. But they are all beautiful!
• Los Cabos — And finally — for beaches meant for walking, not swimming, go to Los Cabos. The beaches are beautiful stretches of endless sand with, for the most part, dangerous undertows and rough surf. Pretty to look at, but dangerous!

Allan Smith — Artist & T-Boy writer:

• St. Pete Beach, Florida — White sand, relaxing sound of surf crashing on the beach, incredible sunsets, pelicans, sandpipers, beach bars with cocktails and popcorn shrimp.

Tom Weber — T-Boy Writer:

• La Città Bianca, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy — For the 26^th consecutive year, the 20km length of Italy’s Adriatic coastline just below Ostuni, La Città Bianca (The White City), in southeastern Puglia — my adopted hometown — has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation by the Federation for Environmental Education (FEE). From Torre Canne in the north to Torre Guaceto in the south, this unspoilt stretch is dotted with a series of long beaches, small inlets, rocks, dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. Only a 20-min. drive from my house to the coast, I can’t really favor one spot of sand or rocky crag over another. They are all so breathtakingly beautiful in their own unique way, regardless of the season. If your travels ever take you to La Città Bianca, make it a point to venture down to the coast and admire the Adriatic Sea. Why, you might even see me waving a blue flag.

Deb Roskamp — T-Boy photographer & writer:

Try as I might, it is not possible for me to come up with a ranking of my favorite beaches. I am someone who loves the beach and don’t recall one yet that hasn’t given me pleasure. Therefore, my list is not a ranking, but rather, a list of beaches experienced, in chronological order, that inspire vivid memories of the occasions that added meaning to my life.

• Unknown name, northern coast of Haiti — On a rare excursion from volunteer ‘duties’ one college summer, we scrambled down a tall scruffy hill to reach the sand and the waters which teemed with life I hadn’t realized existed. My first snorkeling and swimming in the raw experiences. I can still feel the freedom of the warm waters enveloping me and see the vivid colors of the creatures around me…
• Naples Beach, Florida — On an early winter trip to Naples with a UW college friend, we jogged and swam along the beach with the pier in view every morning. Coming from Washington state, I couldn’t believe the luxury of heat in December. I don’t know now if they remain, but the sands then were filled with varied shells so bountiful, one could have scooped them up and filled a bucket, easily.
•  La Push, Washington State — The opposite of tropical, this beach has such rugged beauty, with its sands ‘littered’ with trees & driftwood, to a backdrop of sea stacks, crashing waves, blisteringly cold winds, and (of course) rain.  I stayed with a friend from my first job as an RN at University Hospital, Seattle in a little cabin.  We warmed ourselves with an indoor fire and potato soup (which I still have the recipe for).
• Na Pali Coast, Kauai — Back to tropical. With another nursing friend — this one from my first job in LA, at the County Hospital. After deciding to hike the long Kalalau trail there, we got a late start and ended up literally running the last miles to try to beat the sun, which we could see rapidly falling towards the ocean in front of us. We arrived in the dark and awoke to a garden of Eden. It felt like the 60’s (I won’t describe why!), and we slept in the open on the sand, ‘showered’ in the waterfall. If we’d had food, we could have stayed forever. We didn’t, but the stains on our clothes from the soil on the hike were permanent reminders of that experience.
• Golfo dei Poeti, Lerici, Italy — There are many beaches in Italy that could have made my list, but this one is special for a number of reasons.  The history — dating back to Etruscan times.  The Shelleys, Byron, DH Lawrence.  The architecture — two castles on either end of the bay, the ‘usual’ churches, villas, shops in between. The fishing boats. The promenade.  The food. The Saturday flea market. The ferry to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere. My visit there was with my best friend from UCLA graduate school days and was too short.  I long to return and explore more.

James Boitano — T-Boy writer:

• Pacific Coast Beaches, Olympic National Park, Washington State — Incredibly beautiful and rugged coast line, sea stacks, tidal pools and giant logs of driftwood on the beach.
• Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands — Turquoise waters at a perfect temperature in a sheltered bay makes any tropical dream come true.
• Black Sand Beach, Vik, Iceland — Volcanic sand as black as night in front of basaltic columns meet the dramatic waves of the open ocean.

Annie Brouwer — T-Boy writer:

• Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
• 1,000 Steps Beach, Laguna Beach, California 
• Lincoln City, Oregon
• Ruby Beach, Washington State

Ed Boitano — T-Boy editor:

• Monterosso, Cinque Terre, Italy — The Cinque Terre is a string of steep, hillside towns on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, each with its own majestic setting of colorful houses and vineyards clinging to the terraces.  The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the five towns and offers sweeping, almost unimaginable vistas of the sea – and you must try to experience each of the towns!  Monterosso, the first and largest of the five towns, is the only one with an expansive sandy beach, and is the best place to choose as your home base, with a recommended stay of a minimum of five days. After a day’s hike a refreshing swim is in order, followed by a Sciacchetrà, a liquored white wine from the vineyards’ slopes, a plate of fried anchovies (acciuga) caught that very day, and a bowl of Pesto alla Genovese at one of the many trattorias on Monterosso’s pulsating promenade.
• Concón, Chile — Like a Hitchcock film, an armada of unknown species of birds blanketed the sky as violent waves crashed along the rocks.  My Italian-Chilean uncle Rinaldo said it was his favorite beach in Chile, where he and his wife would often visit from their nearby home in Viña del Mar. He had gone to great lengths to make my Seattle family’s time in Chile a monumental occasion; adding later that we were the only relatives who had ever visited him.
• Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, Arctic Ocean — With towering glaciers bearing down on me, I waded out into the icy waters and took a headfirst plunge. As I came up for air, I rallied my senses trying to comprehend what I had just done. My instincts told me that I should hurry back to the shore, but noticed many eyes upon me, so I faked a stoic composure and gallantly waded back to the applause of the Hurtigruten Expedition Vessel’s  passengers. And for this, I was awarded Hurtigruten’s Arctic Swimming Certificate. Was it worth it? Well, with or without the esteemed certificate, it’s something I shall never forget.
• Brownes Beach, Barbados — The coast of the island nation of Barbados ranges from beaches with powdery sand and protected Caribbean waters to the powerful swells on the eastern Atlantic coast, good for surfing, but dangerous for swimming. Brownes Beach is conveniently set near the capitol city of Bridgetown, and serves as the perfect venue for a serious dose of Bajan flavor with nearby tropical bars and grills, local music and dancing, crowds of people swimming and snorkeling; and yet you can still find your own place in the sun. And all this from a former English colony; today a fascinating cultural fusion of the descendants of plantation owners and slaves, who serve elegant high tea and play cricket.
• English Bay Beach, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC — A mandatory pilgrimage for me is to stroll down Robson Street in downtown Vancouver to Stanley Park, my favorite urban park in the world. In the days of my honeymoon, we knew it as Robsonstrasse, due to the number of its German and European delis and bakeries. Today, I continue further west towards the bay, and soon I am at Stanley Park’s English Beach. With the exception of a kayak trek, I’ve never once set foot into its waters; for the cool of the evening is my desired time to visit. Locals after work congregate on the beach or at nearby bars and grilles. Bicyclists and rollerbladers traverse the lanes along the shore, and I simply take a place on a piece of driftwood and bask in the beauty of what is Vancouver today.

T.E. Mattox — T-Boy music critic:

• Cannes, France — The beaches on the Mediterranean are pristine. Off season is spacious and restaurants and bars ring the sand. Beware-lots of naked people eating and drinking around you! It’s Europe!
• Moonstone Beach, Cambria, California — This central California stretch of sand is located between the tourist crowds of San Luis Obispo to the south and Carmel and Monterrey to the north. Perfect small town vibe, ideal for turning off your electronics and unplugging.
• Venice Beach, L.A., California — The Strand is iconic. Skaters, chainsaw jugglers, musicians, and bodybuilders for miles. So much activity that the beach becomes the perfect option to stroll and explore.
• Dog Beach in Del Mar, California — It’s got miles of sand and dogs, Happy Dogs… everywhere!
• Gulf of Fonseca, Tiger Island — This body of water is surrounded by Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua and the beaches are inviting. Albeit, I was there in the military and used this area for R&R. But I remember vividly how relaxing and safe I felt.

Rourke — Musician & composer:

When traveling I usually prefer walking in cities versus beaches, but here are my favs based on my limited experience:

• Kapalua Bay, Maui — Years ago, I was fortunate enough to be assigned Hawaii as a sales territory, which meant I would get sent there for a week at a time. So, what could be better; renting a car and driving to all the beaches and getting paid for it. My boss decided to come on the first trip, a total workaholic whose idea of fun is reading How to Win Friends & Influence People. While driving along the Maui coast to appointments, he suddenly had me pull over so we could watch the sunset. I had never seen a sunset in Hawaii and I had never seen my boss stop working. Years later I married my wife in front of that same sunset.
• Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica — The rainforest meets the ocean.
• Mui Ne, Vietnam — White pristine sands, not too far from Saigon.
• St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands  — Any beach, on any of these islands could easily be on this list.
• Black Sands at Waiʻanapanapa, Maui — Pictures are better than words.

Alex Brouwer — T-Boy writer:

• Muizenburg, Cape Town, South Africa
• Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, California
• Islas Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico
• Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
• Huanchaco, Ica, Peru

Ringo Boitano — T-Boy writer:

• Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands — Perhaps it’s due to being my first Caribbean beach, Magens Bay will always reign as my favorite beach on the planet. Stretching for nearly three quarters of a mile, the waters are calm, pristine and warm, and the beach is tropical, serene and spacious. As I waded out into the water, I noticed there was not a soul around, except for a Yoga class barely seen in the distance. Suddenly, a man charged through the beach path and dove into the gentle waves. Over his shoulder he shouted, I just flew from England to swim in this very beach. It made complete sense to me. It was a paradise worth sharing.
• La Push, Washington State — La Push is a mere seven miles from Twilight’s film location in Forks, close to the Olympic National Park. It’s sweater weather in the summer, and heavy clothing during the other three seasons. While sitting on aged driftwood with stories to tell, watching unforgiving waves assault rock formations in the sea; La Push is a place for deep contemplation with one of the world’s most magnificent seascapes before me.

Greg Aragon — T-Boy writer:

About 72 percent of earth’s surface is covered with water, which means there are a lot of beaches out there and most of them are beautiful spectacles of nature. A few of my favorites include the island of Lanai in Hawaii, Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, and the Cook Islands.

• Lanai, Hawaii — This tropical paradise can be reached by plane or ferry from the neighboring island of Maui. If you take the 14-mile voyage by across the Auau Channel to tiny Manele Bay Harbor the views of the Hawaiian Islands are incredible. A highlight on Lanai is mysterious Shipwreck Beach, known for a sunken, WWII oil tanker just offshore. The beach is only accessible via four-wheel drive vehicle. On my last visit, a friend and I rented a Jeep and drove up a mountainous road lined with volcanic rock and red clay. In a few miles we came to a narrow turnout, where the road became a tunnel of trees, paved with deep sand and bumpy rock.
• For the next 1.6 miles we bounced along the northeast coast with intermittent views of the ocean and an outline of Maui. The road ended at Big Rock, where we parked and continued on foot to find the sunken vessel. We then climbed over black volcanic rock and sand, then waded through warm tropical water until we saw the rusting vessel, leaning in a reef about 100 yards off the shore. Built in the 1940s, the ship was once a ferrous-concrete oil tanker that the navy unsuccessfully tried to sink after WWII. Today, it provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to Lanai.
• On my visit to Lanai I stayed at Lanai Hotel that was originally built as a retreat in 1923 by pineapple pioneer James Dole.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, Northern California — Another memorable beach location is the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This tiny postcard village of shady, tree-lined streets, charming hotels and inns, unique shops and gourmet restaurants, also boasts Carmel Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches around. Located at the end of the town’s main drag, Carmel Beach welcomes visitors with giant Monterey Pine and cypress trees, and gorgeous, rolling sand dunes leading to the water. The beach is great for surfing, dog walking, relaxing strolls and viewing sea live such as sea otters, which love float and roll on the surf just offshore.
• One of the best times to visit Carmel Beach is at dusk, when people from all over the world come to sit on the sloping sand dunes and watch the sun fall into the Pacific Ocean. It is an unforgettable nightly experience, similar to a concert in the park. But the stars of this show are the sun and ocean. On my last visit to Carmel I stayed at Hotel Carmel, a cozy, boutique hotel a few blocks from the beach.
• Rarotonga, Cook Islands — These enchanting islands below the equator are lost in time. They are that remote island paradise pictured on old postcards and posters from the 1950’s, when the South Pacific was a faraway dream. Located in the Tropic of Capricorn, the 15-island archipelago is spread out like stepping stones across the water, about 2,000 miles from New Zealand. The capital and largest island is Rarotonga, where a tiny international airport with a single runway connects the Cooks to the outside world.
• Rarotonga is surrounded by a large emerald lagoon. It has one main road and a jagged rock mountain known as “the needle,” which jets 650 ft from the interior. The island has a 22-mile circumference and is essentially one big beach!  On my last visit, I stayed at Rarotonga Beach Bungalows, where I found Polynesian paradise on the sand, steps from a turquoise lagoon with coral gardens. The bungalows boast coconut thatched roofs, woven bamboo walls, exotic wood furniture, native paintings, large bedrooms, kitchens and dining areas, and big wooden porches overlooking the lagoon. The bungalow’s best feature is its proximity to the crystal-clear lagoon, close enough to see and hear the water splashing on the sand.
• Because Rarotonga is encircled by a lagoon it is great for snorkeling. The water is filtered clear turquoise so you can see a rainbow of thousands of fish and you don’t have to worry about sharks. The reef is such an imposing boundary that one morning I walked two hundred yards into the water and it never reached my shoulder. It’s like a gigantic fishbowl. A great way to see Rarotonga is by the Island Bus, which runs every 20 minutes and can circle the island in about one hour.

Harrison Liu — Atlas Ocean Voyages:

• Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill, St Kitts & Nevis — My favorite beach destination? Hands down, the idyllic Island of Nevis. Beautiful, uncrowded beaches; delicious, fresh seafood; and kind and welcoming Nevisians make this my Caribbean jewel. In fact, Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis, but this island’s history goes further back to the earliest days of colonialism. And there is no place better place in the Western Hemisphere to see the most glorious sunsets at Sunshine’s Beach Bar, with his delicious, world-famous rum punch in hand. Located just a short walk from the Four Seasons Resort, the colorful Sunshine’s Beach Bar was not named just from its brilliant surroundings but also from its proprietor, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines. He acquired the name from his grandmother when he was born with a sunny smile lighting up his face. When work started on the Four Seasons, Sunshine catered to its hungry construction workers, and slowly expanded — by adding a few picnic tables and a thatched palm-leaf roof for better shade.  The luxury Four Seasons resort opened in 1991, and Sunshine’s small, humble shack on the beach became a popular hangout for well-heeled tourists, locals and world-renowned celebrities.

Fyllis Hockman — T-Boy writer:

I’m one of those bizarre people who actually love the brutal August heat! And I am very much a beach person (shopper not so much… meaning not at all) and one of my favorite activities in the world is diving into waves; any waves anywhere (Caveat: the water has to be warm enough to actually approach.) The problem is that I haven’t been able to find any in the places I’ve been the past few years.  So yes, I have on past occasions enjoyed them in Ocean City, MD and the Outer Banks, NC and very infrequently, on the Atlantic side of a Caribbean island but no luck recently. So I’m still lusting after them.

• Ocean City, Maryland
• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Atlantic side of a Caribbean island

John Clayton — T-Boy writer:

• One Foot Island, Aitutaki, The Cook Islands — Have you ever had one of those dreams where you’ve fantasized about a gorgeous South Seas Pacific island beach that’s surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters so beautiful it makes you wonder if such a beach might REALLY exist somewhere in the world? Well, dear friends and fellow adventurers’ let me assure you that YES, a beach like that DOES exist. With its breathtaking and idyllic landscape, powdery white sand, warm azure waters, and the gently swaying palm and coconut trees, the intriguingly named One Foot Island is my all-time BEST BEACH in the world. One of the 22 islands in the Aitutaki atoll of the Cook Islands, it is only 2,000 feet long and about 689 feet wide. One Foot Island was, in June, 2008 in Sydney, Australia, named, by the World Travel Awards Organization, the title of “Australasia’s Leading Beach.”

Brent Campbell — Musician and composer:

• Lake Chelan, WA at Campbell’s — I went there at least 25 times in my first thirty years).
• Hanalei on Kauai. — When the tide is right this is the best body surfing beach in HI.
• Cannon Beach, Oregon — Just spectacular natural beauty.
• Golden Gardens, Seattle — Until it was taken over by homeless and criminals, it is simply not safe to visit these days.
• San Blas, Mexico — I went there 40 plus years ago and it was an untouched gem. Probably not anymore.

Roger Fallihee — T-Boy writer:

• Secret Beach, Maui — We heard about this spot from friends. It’s called Secret Beach, also known as Pa’ako Beach. As you drive there you need to watch for a stone wall with a narrow passage. Park on the road just south of the more popular Big Beach, and continue walking south until you find a break in the wall – that’s the beach’s unofficial entrance.  Walk through the passageway and about 30 yards to the beach. When we were there it was just us and a family. There are no restrooms or food. About 1/4 mile before you arrive there’s a food truck.

David Erskine — T-Boy VP of advertising:

• Kailua Beach, East Oahu, Hawaii — Obama’s vacation home is there.
• Crane’s Beach, Plum Island, Ipswich, Massachusetts — Where I got engaged.
• Sharks Cove, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
• Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
• Bellows Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
• Lifeguard Tower 28, Santa Monica Beach, California
• Laguna Beach, California
• Magnolia by the Sea, Magnolia, Massachusetts
• Good Harbor, Gloucester Massachusetts
• Stinson Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

Raoul Pascual — T-Boy writer:

• Dalipuga, Mindanao, the Philippines — The most beautiful beach I’ve ever experienced were the beaches in Dalipuga, on the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Our grandmother owned a whole stretch of sandy beach which was so clear and had coral reefs some 20 feet away from the shoreline. It was always nice and warm. I never saw so many exotic fishes in such pristine waters. But that was over 50 years ago. Now, civilization, industries and pollution have done their destructive deed. Construction companies actually harvested the sand and left the beach with nothing but barren corals. There are still several virginal beaches in the Philippines (a few you’ve seen in the reality TV show Survivor) but Dalipuga is no longer the paradise I remember.

• Nice, France — This was back in the 80s. I was traveling via Eurail and decided to visit a beach in France. Nice was a convenient stop. I walked towards the beach and I was shocked to see a few obese ladies with their tops off. Walking a little further the crowd started to get younger and I had my lunch on the cemented breakwater wall. Along comes this stunningly sunburned goddess who decided to take a shower right in front of me. I think she enjoyed me ogling at her because she really took a long shower. I may not have gone down to the sand and I may not have waded through the water but I will always remember my brief encounter with the topless beauty.
• Long Beach, Southern California — The beaches in Southern California are all too cold even in the summer. People go there more to sunbathe, to watch the sunbathers, to exercise and for the activities alongside of it.  Perhaps the one that I frequent the most is Long Beach. We don’t go for the water but we go to window shop.

• Laguna Beach: The Artist’s Beach, Southern California — I’ve been curious about Laguna Beach ever since I heard about the Pageant of the Masters — a 90-minute performance where live actors in costumes bring famous paintings to life on stage. My wife wanted to go to a beach where she could bring our dog for a stroll. We decided to finally go there. I did not expect to see so many art galleries. What was amazing was the variety of art.

• Robert Wyland, the conservationist painter of huge whale murals lives there on top of his gallery. I was unaware that he created furniture sculpture. I liked those better than his murals. There were other 1st class novelty shops like Art for the Soul that sells paintings, mixed media collages.  Elena Bulatova Fine Art  sells kitsch sculptures (similar to Jeff Koons) and nostalgic posters and crafts. The displays were excellent – they would fit well in a museum. No wonder the prices were in the tens of thousands for some of them. There was even a gallery where the artist was actually painting his masterpiece for the tourists. There was a gallery of huge nature photographs that blew me away with the composition not unlike Ansel Adams.

• By far my favorite gallery was Edward Bobinski’s Narrative Gallery who carried original art by the famous Dr. Seuss. He said this was just one of the many galleries that carried Dr. Seuss’ official artwork. He bragged it was a 40-plus million dollar business. The COVID scare did not slow down his sales. He just had more online business. Some of the limited edition serigraphs were priced as much as $50k. His cheapest piece was $300.  A little-known fact was Dr. Seuss also created sculptures and some of those are also in display. When asked why a pencil sketch costs more than some colored pieces, Edward said, “It is what that artwork means to the individual… if a child grew up reading the Cat in the Hat, that poster would mean more than this other more elaborate pieces.” He’s right.

• Despite the virus, there was a good enough crowd in some restaurants. You could tell which were the favorites by the crowd eating in the patio. There they were in their beach attire and alongside their family dogs.
• Laguna beach’s shoreline is a nice and cozy cul-de-sac compared to other beaches. I didn’t get to see the Pageant of the Masters because that was called off due to the pandemic. But what I saw more than impressed me.

The post T-Boy Society of Film & Music’s Favorite Beach Destinations appeared first on Traveling Archive.

We were about to explore a tidal pool just a short distance from the beach when our boatman hurriedly motioned for us to join him up a flight of steps carved into the rock surface of a limestone cliff. Halfway through the rugged pathway we stopped at a view deck and stared below into the Blue Lagoon, the shallow tidal pool that plunges abruptly down into a subterranean hole, forming a deep blue-green color at its far end. We stood there in a long collective gasp before the obligatory photo shoot.

But we weren’t finished yet. Or at least our boatman-turned-tour guide thought so. He was soon leading us up another steep flight of steps towards the apex of the cliff. It now became a dangerous climb as we had to literally crawl on our hands and feet to balance ourselves on the uneven rock surface with a fall down a precipitous cliff not a distant possibility. We were beginning to think whether the risky effort was worth it but it was too late to go back. Once we reached the top however, we were rewarded with a view that made us momentarily forget the precarious climb we had just made.

A little-known island province, Dinagat has countless deserted coves and lagoons, immaculate white-sand beaches and verdant islands wrapped in seemingly impenetrable jungle foliage and mammoth rock formations. It possesses an abundance of minerals such as nickel and chromite yet it is also one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. And despite being a neighbor to internationally famous Siargao Island, it rarely gets visited. So when we toured this underrated province last year we were looking forward to relishing relatively undisturbed natural destinations while having many of them practically all to ourselves.

One day after arriving in the capital town of San Jose by ferry boat, we were off to an island-hopping tour of the western side of Dinagat. Just off the pier at San Jose is Unib Island, more popularly known as Lalaking Bukid, translated as “male mountain” in the local dialect (we never found out the reason for this interesting moniker). Unib Island alone has 5 gorgeous white sand beaches and although it’s difficult to select the best from among them, Bitaog Beach with its fine white sand, towering karst cliffs and crystal-clear waters is often touted as the best of the lot. Duyos Beach is classified as a public beach which means it’s often brimming with local visitors out for a picnic. But it’s as clean and stunning as any in the country.

Two other beaches – Gealan Beach and Pagkawasan Beach are located close to Bitaog and to each other. One of our boatmen narrated the story of a local treasure hunter who discovered a cache of gold on the island – some say it was part of the fabled World War 2 Yamashita treasure – and who subsequently built the grotto on Pagkawasan Beach as a thanksgiving. We would have wanted to treasure a visit to fascinating Cabacungan Cove instead with its imposing karst cliffs and a lush forest which sea eagles and horn bills had made their home. But it was off-limits at the time either due to questions regarding its ownership or the beach manager’s violation of government regulations.

The boat ride back to the main island of Dinagat took us along a coastline studded with magnificent rock formations and into tranquil Babas Cove. This cove features a picturesque beach and lucent aquamarine and turquoise waters revealing corals and marine life underneath. We climbed up another karst cliff – thankfully a less perilous climb – and had a grandstand view of more beaches and coves in the peninsula jutting out from the mainland (see also top photo).

To a first-time visitor Babas Cove and beach look to be the main attractions of this part of Dinagat known as Basilisa town. But the beach is just the starting point of a trek to enigmatic Lake Bababu, an emerald body of water nestled in the forest inland. The trek to this lake was certainly no walk in the park – at least for us. The demanding hike required negotiating steep 45-degree inclines and sharp coral rocks scattered along a large portion of the trail, at times made slippery by ground soaked from previous rains. After 45 minutes of an arduous trek we arrived at the edge of the lake – a body of dark green water framed by a lush forest and white limestone walls.

Lake Bababu is a unique lake with a combination of fresh and salt water with the former occupying the upper 20 feet layer. The two layers do not mix. Our tour guide encouraged us to drink directly from the lake – the waters are said to be that clean. And it did look very clean. But we stole a glance at another group of visitors playfully gliding along the water near us and politely declined. We could also see several colorful reef fishes in the water – proof of the 650 meter long underwater tunnel that connects the lake to the sea – the longest underwater cave in the country.

The following day another island-hopping expedition took us to a cluster of islets northwest of Babas Cove. Part of our itinerary included Sundayo Beach at Hagakhak Island with its long white sand beach and beautiful rock formations but it was disappointingly closed to visitors that day like Cabacungan Cove. But with a profusion of natural attractions around us we simply headed off to Little Hagakhak Island to explore its colossal sedimentary rock formations and later to Isla Aga, a cluster of karst cliffs with a small white sand beach on its western face. You can actually spend a whole day just touring the cluster of islands, beaches and coves around Isla Aga but there are more destinations further north that clamored for our attention.

These islands and coastal spots are part of the town of Libjo. The collection of numerous coves and white sand beaches, karst cliffs and islets in this town is very much similar to the landscapes of Coron and El Nido in Palawan, destinations that are now quite popular outside the Philippines.

We could have explored the largely unspoiled coastal landscape of Libjo at leisure but we could only pass by the stunning scenery and head straight for Pangabangan Island and its Blue Lagoon that we described earlier. From there our little party sailed back towards the shores of Libjo town and into Punta Villa. This resort is better known locally as the starting point for the trek to Quano Cave, a massive cave housing a large number of bats within its limestone formations. But with a limited amount of time on our hands we just chose to enjoy the sights around the resort – its fine white sand beach, several karst islets lying just offshore, beautiful corals easily visible through crystal-clear waters and a panoramic view of nearby islets from a villa on a hill that was open to visitors.

Two other destinations in Libjo are worth mentioning even if we did not get the chance to visit them: Jelmar Resort which is often called the Maldives of Dinagat for the stunning colors of its crystalline waters and Punta Buena Suerte for its remarkable marine life including sea turtles. And on the eastern side of the island lies the town of Cagdianao with more beaches including the sprawling, powdery white-sand Hinabyan Beach and beautiful Sayaw Island.

Our tour of the province was restricted to its western coastal areas and only later did we learn about a worrisome reality that has hovered over Dinagat for some time now. The province, as previously mentioned, is rich in nickel and chromite. Consequently there is widespread mining in the province resulting in environmental damage involving wide swaths of formerly green areas. Some of the mining operations were ordered closed 3 years ago but using Goggle Maps’ satellite view one could easily see scarred surfaces on the northern and southern sections of the island province as well as in the town of Cagdianao on the east coast. The situation at the northern portion of Dinagat is particularly alarming since it holds several environmental gems including a bat sanctuary and the largest bonsai forest in the country. We could only hope and pray that the province would be able to limit the environmental destruction already inflicted and preserve the beauty of its natural wonders for generations to come.

(At the time of this writing the Philippines remain closed to most foreign travelers. Filipino nationals, spouses or children of nationals, and residents returning from abroad are exempt from the ban, and may be subject to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days or COVID-19 testing upon arrival.)

The post Dinagat, Philippines: Underrated, Unheralded appeared first on Traveling Archive.

1. Question: Why do you enjoy going to the beach?

Answer:

Visiting the beach has always been a social hour for me with close friends. (It has also been a test of how fair skinned people can outmaneuver sunburn. 🙂 )

2. Question: What is your favorite beach?

Answer:

Dauphin Island, Alabama. This hidden gem is a remote out-of-the-way location, has very limited services and not as heavily populated as other Gulf Coast beaches. To be an adventurer, I believe the best time to visit is off season when it is  quiet, peaceful, less people and a great chance to meet locals or fishermen strolling the beach. There are only a few tall condos unlike other gulf coast beaches, but you can find a few smaller condos or house rentals along the coast line to snuggle into and enjoy the incredible ocean view from your own balcony. A sunny off-season day will show you plenty of spring and fall migrating birds or watch the comical local gulls, plovers, pelicans and porpoises.

3. Question: What’s something interesting about this beach?

Answer:

This beach area is a great “home base” to explore so much in the area! Walk or picnic along the miles of shoreline with beautiful rolling dunes. The local Native Tribes of Seminoles, Creek and Choctaw used this traditional area during the Mississippian period, 1100-1550, to collect oysters and shellfish. These early Native Americans discarded their oyster and clam shells into “mounds” that still exist today and can be viewed at The Indian Mount Park, also called Shell Mount Park, on the north side of the Island. These mounds were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Also nearby, discover  historical Fort Gaines and Sand Point Lighthouse (decommissioned), or drive to the City of Mobile’s many incredible attractions and boat cruises.

The post Three Things About a Favorite Beach Destination appeared first on Traveling Archive.

For decades the province of Masbate has been the cattle capital of the Philippines with its well-stocked ranches spread out over gently rolling hills. Cattle-raising here is so extensive that an annual rodeo festival in the provincial capital of Masbate City was launched beginning in 1993. But during our two visits to this province we discovered that Masbate offers so much more.

Three major islands make up this province – Burias, Ticao and Masbate Islands. The latter has the lone airport in Masbate with only one scheduled flight per day. The other two islands could only be accessed via ferries from Masbate City or the Luzon mainland and from experience many of them don’t exactly offer comfortable rides. It is not surprising therefore that Masbate has such a small profile on the tourism radar. But this feature was essentially why we first visited this place.

Burias Island

Our first trip to Masbate brought us to San Pascual town in the island of Burias and it took something like 13 hours of combined land and sea travel not counting the waiting times between transfers. By the end of our first day of travel we were thoroughly whipped. Burias had better be worth the hassle, we thought. Fortunately it was.

The main attraction in Burias is a group of small islands with pristine white sand beaches and peculiar rock formations. The first island we visited – Animasola Island – contains interesting rock formations and a natural swimming pool. Sombrero Island where we docked for lunch has a white sand beach with a shallow lagoon and a hat-shaped rock outcrop. Both islands are deserted except for a lone resort on Sombrero.

But perhaps the most gorgeous island in Burias is Tinalisayan with its white sandbar, crystal-clear turquoise waters and rust-colored sandstone cliffs. After our island tour we hopped into San Pascual town for a visit to the Balinsasayaw House that 80,000 swiftlets have turned into their nesting home. Rather surprisingly, we found out that we could view the birds in their nests up close without disturbing them. These nests are abandoned by the moms after their chicks hatch and fly away. These in turn are sold to make birds’ nest soup and can fetch up to $10,000 a kilo.

Ticao Island

We were in this island just last year primarily for a mission trip to help needy families in San Fernando town. But with Ticao hosting so many natural attractions, we’d be fools to pass up an opportunity to visit them.

Just like Burias this island has the usual plethora of white sand beaches, rock formations and crystal-clear waters. But two extraordinary features set it apart from most island destinations in the Philippines. First is the huge stack of monolithic rocks on the white sand beach of Burubangkaso Island off the town of Monreal. These curious-looking rocks which look as if they were stacked by giants may actually be the handiwork of tectonic activity which is prevalent on this side of the Pacific.

Not too far away from Burubangkaso are the Catandayagan Falls which appears like an ordinary waterfall until you realize that the 100-foot cascade plunges straight down a vertical cliff right into the azure waters of the Masbate Pass. The falls were reduced to a trickle during our summer visit but had we visited during the rainy months the views would have been more dramatic.

Also in Monreal is Halea Nature Park which probably best represents the raw beauty of Ticao. Situated at San Miguel Island in Monreal town, Halea offers gorgeous white sand beach coves, interesting rock formations and crystalline turquoise waters that contain rich and colorful marine life. There are even more rock islands and white sandy beaches scattered on the approaches to Halea from Monreal town that we didn’t have the time to visit.

Wildlife encounters? Besides observing the rich coral reefs around Ticao, dive enthusiasts can also venture into the Manta Bowl at Ticao Pass to see huge manta rays and other pelagics such as whale sharks and hammerheads among others. Another intriguing wildlife encounter is at Minalayo Islet just off the coast of Batuan town. Known popularly as Snake Island, Minalayo is a breeding place for venomous but shy and reclusive banded sea kraits.

Masbate Island

The island that bears the name of the province is the more commercialized of the 3 major islands but still has wide swaths of practically untouched natural attractions. The provincial capital – also named Masbate – is the site of the annual rodeo festival. We just missed this festival by 3 weeks when we checked into one of the hotel resorts in town last year. Even then we could have toured the cattle ranches in the island such as Sese Brahmans Ranch in Balud where you can learn how to crack a bullwhip, ride a horse and lasso and drive livestock.

Masbate City itself has very few attractions to offer but just a 15-minute boat ride away from our resort hotel is Buntod Reef with its marine sanctuary. Damaged by illegal fishing methods in the past, Buntod Reef has since been rehabilitated and visitors can now enjoy its rich marine life, beautiful white sandbar, crystal-clear aquamarine waters and prolific mangroves.

Just like the rest of the province, Masbate Island has a proliferation of beaches. Just a 40 minute drive from Masbate City proper is Bituon Beach in the town of Mobo. And then there is Porta Vega Beach Resort in Dimasalang with its dwarf coconut trees and Roman Catholic chapel, one of the most stunning beaches we’ve seen in a while. Less than an hour’s boat ride away from Porta Vega are the islands of Deagan and Hamorawon, the latter known locally for its pink sand beach.

The destinations mentioned above form just a tip of the iceberg that makes up Masbate’s tourism potential. Further south from Dimasalang are the towns of Placer, Pio Corpuz and Esperanza with gorgeous islands and beaches. South of Masbate City is the town of Balud with beautiful, powdery white sand Palani Beach and Jintotolo Island and Lighthouse. But perhaps the most intriguing destination is the western town of Aroroy with a large collection of relatively unknown beaches, coves, sandbars and rock islands. We would have been in this town this month for another mission trip had it not been for the Covid19 pandemic.

The sheer volume of attractions that Masbate offers makes it a location we can keep coming back to, with its relative anonymity (for the time being) providing an added incentive.

Oh, and by the way, we’ve never been to a cattle ranch in Masbate.

The post Masbate, Philippines: Eden Off the Tourist Trail appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy July from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Ignorant Yankees: Two Fifths Of Americans Do Not Know The Official Language Of Brazil

New research has revealed that 42% of Americans do not know the official language of Brazil, with Spanish and Brazilian thought to be the most common alternatives. Nearly one in five are also unaware that French is spoken in Canada, and one in ten think Australian is a language.

These Smart Bags Comply with TSA Regulations

The Transportation Security Administration in 2018 banned smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries, but travelers don’t have to completely give up on smart luggage technology, writes Madhurima Nag. Options that will get through airport security include Kabuto Xtend Smart Carry-On Luggage, Genius Pack Supercharged Carry-On Luggage, the Salsa Deluxe Multiwheel Electronic Tag Suitcase, Samsara Smart Aluminum Suitcase and NoviConnected Smart Luggage Travel Roller by INCASE.

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

British Airways has used facial-recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for more than 250,000 passengers traveling internationally from US airports. The airline worked closely with US Customs and Border Protection to implement the technology.

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

The future of airport travel is happening now with more than 250,000 British Airways passengers using biometric tech on international flights from the US.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Courtesy Ed Perkins

The U.S. State Department issues two versions of a passport: a traditional passport book vs. a passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrival/departure stamps; the passport card is a one-piece credit-card-sized ID card. Which you should get, passport book vs. passport card, depends on how you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

It’s a dilemma for many travelers: You want a better photo than you can take with your smartphone, but you don’t want to lug around a big camera. Sony’s Cyber-Shot RX100 VI solves your problem by putting a high-quality camera into a tiny, pocket-sized package. Upgrade your travel pictures without adding a big camera.

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

In a big win for Britain’s consumers, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told big online travel agencies that they must include any mandatory charges like hotel “resort” fees (which are often applied by non-resort hotels in big cities, as well) in the up-front listed price. It’s ok, says CMA, for hotels to break the full price into a base charge plus a mandatory fee, but all mandatory fees must be included in the initially displayed cost.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

For better or worse, tourist traps are part of the American landscape. Countless overhyped, colorful, quirky, and sometimes downright mystifying spots draw sightseers nationwide. Whether an attraction qualifies as a tourist trap is often in the eye of the beholder, and some are still beloved by locals. Travel blogger David James of The GypsyNesters has his own test: Visitors usually leave feeling a little swindled.

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

A Letter to British Airlines from Traveling Boy’s Brom Wikstrom

Dear British Airlines,

My wife and I recently returned from a 13-hour flight from Stockholm, transferring in Heathrow and continuing home to Seattle. Flight B049. I seek clarification of issues that have caused us both a great deal of distress and hope that you can help.

MORE

India’s First Cruise Line Arrives in Dubai

Courtesy Logistics Middle East

Karnika, the first cruise ship to be operated by Jalesh Cruises, itself the first-ever domestically owned mainstream cruise line in India, has made her maiden port call in Dubai, marking the start of her Arabian Gulf cruise season. Karnika will operate 29 cruises in total from Dubai (15 4-night roundtrip cruises, and 14 3-night roundtrip cruises).

MORE

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

When flying, the following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that there are increasingly more inhabitants and endangered species whilst the forests and animal populations decline, based on estimates by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

MORE

Mexico and the Caribbean Dominate the 10 Most Popular International Summer Destinations for American Travelers in 2019

Travel to Cancun Declines, While London and Paris Disappear from Top International Destinations List, Shows Travel Data by Allianz Global Assistance.

MORE

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

New research has revealed that as many as 14% of Americans have lied to someone about going on holiday, with the top reasons being because they’re embarrassed, they’re wanting to seem well-traveled and they may be wanting to impress someone.

Along with one in seven lying about the destinations that they’ve travelled to, two thirds of Americans who have been on holiday have also lied about their experiences, with the weather, quality of accommodation and amount of sightseeing done found to be the most common untruths.

MORE

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

If you know what you’re doing, cruising can be an enriching form of travel. But plenty of people swear off the big ships because of some terrible experience that ruined their first time out. To prevent yourself from becoming yet another cruise hater, take note of these rookie mistakes—and don’t make them.

MORE

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

It’s officially train season at Nevada Northern Railway. Nevada Northern Railway is offering train rides now through Oct. 2019. See highlights for this year along with new offerings in the release below.

MORE

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

MORE

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

MORE

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

MORE

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

MORE

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

MORE

The post Ignorant Yanks, India’s First Cruise Line appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy May from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this spring season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Facial-Recognition Technology Streamlines Boarding on British Airways

British Airways has used facial-recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for more than 250,000 passengers traveling internationally from US airports. The airline worked closely with US Customs and Border Protection to implement the technology.

Courtesy Christian Tolentino

The future of airport travel is happening now with more than 250,000 British Airways passengers using biometric tech on international flights from the US.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Courtesy Ed Perkins

The U.S. State Department issues two versions of a passport: a traditional passport book vs. a passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrival/departure stamps; the passport card is a one-piece credit-card-sized ID card. Which you should get, passport book vs. passport card, depends on how you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Will you be visiting Holland in spring? Then be sure to visit Keukenhof, where you will experience the gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers for which Holland is famous. Keukenhof is the most famous and largest flower park in the world and lies not far from Amsterdam. In 2019 Keukenhof will be open until May 19th. This comes down to a total of 59 days to visit, compared to 53 last year. So you’ll have one week extra to visit the spectacle of 320.0000 square meters full of flowers.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

It’s a dilemma for many travelers: You want a better photo than you can take with your smartphone, but you don’t want to lug around a big camera. Sony’s Cyber-Shot RX100 VI solves your problem by putting a high-quality camera into a tiny, pocket-sized package. Upgrade your travel pictures without adding a big camera.

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

In a big win for Britain’s consumers, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told big online travel agencies that they must include any mandatory charges like hotel “resort” fees (which are often applied by non-resort hotels in big cities, as well) in the up-front listed price. It’s ok, says CMA, for hotels to break the full price into a base charge plus a mandatory fee, but all mandatory fees must be included in the initially displayed cost.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

MORE

7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costello

When flying, the following seven behaviors should be avoided at all costs.

MORE

Loro Parque’s World Population Clock

The Loro Parque Foundation warns that there are increasingly more inhabitants and endangered species whilst the forests and animal populations decline, based on estimates by the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

MORE

Mexico and the Caribbean Dominate the 10 Most Popular International Summer Destinations for American Travelers in 2019

Travel to Cancun Declines, While London and Paris Disappear from Top International Destinations List, Shows Travel Data by Allianz Global Assistance.

MORE

Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

New research has revealed that as many as 14% of Americans have lied to someone about going on holiday, with the top reasons being because they’re embarrassed, they’re wanting to seem well-traveled and they may be wanting to impress someone.

Along with one in seven lying about the destinations that they’ve travelled to, two thirds of Americans who have been on holiday have also lied about their experiences, with the weather, quality of accommodation and amount of sightseeing done found to be the most common untruths.

MORE

The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

If you know what you’re doing, cruising can be an enriching form of travel. But plenty of people swear off the big ships because of some terrible experience that ruined their first time out. To prevent yourself from becoming yet another cruise hater, take note of these rookie mistakes—and don’t make them.

MORE

What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

It’s officially train season at Nevada Northern Railway. Nevada Northern Railway is offering train rides now through Oct. 2019. See highlights for this year along with new offerings in the release below.

MORE

What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

Furusato Sushi: Furusato Sushi reopened its doors following an extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior of its restaurant. The restaurant serves traditional and contemporary styles of sushi using the finest and freshest ingredients. Furusato Sushi is located on the 1^st Floor, Diamond Head Tower fronting Kalakaua Avenue.

MORE

The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

MORE

11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

MORE

10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

MORE

10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

MORE

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

MORE

Being on the ground in over 180 countries means you get the full story.

The post Plane Facial-Recognition, World Population Clock appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Happy Spring from the Staff at Traveling Boy

We have designated this spring season to think of those who suffer from great sorry and misfortune. Here are some of our favorite charities.

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Extends Dates

Will you be visiting Holland in spring? Then be sure to visit Keukenhof, where you will experience the gorgeous views of blooming Dutch tulips and other flowers for which Holland is famous. Keukenhof is the most famous and largest flower park in the world and lies not far from Amsterdam. In 2019 Keukenhof will be open until May 19th. This comes down to a total of 59 days to visit, compared to 53 last year. So you’ll have one week extra to visit the spectacle of 320.0000 square meters full of flowers. If you want to witness the beauty of the tulip gardens first hand, make sure to plan your visit in advance.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Becomes the First City in Latin America to Be 100% Sustainable

Inkaterra, Peru’s leading hotel group in sustainable tourism and hotel development, has succeeded in making Machu Picchu Pueblo the first city in Latin America to manage 100% of its solid waste.

The Night Before

The White House Correspondents Dinner Celebrate Freedom of the Press

“In the First Amendment the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
– Justice Hugo Black

On behalf of the director and the executive producer of Mosul, Dan Gabriel we would like to extend an exclusive invitation to Embed, a celebration of War Correspondents. On Friday, April 26, 2019 we will honor the First Amendment to the United States Constitution by bringing together the most influential and celebrated leaders in our American communities of journalism, entertainment, public service and politics.

Star Struck: Half of the World’s Star Rated Hotels Located in Europe

• Number of European 5-star hotels have doubled in three years
• Asia’s star is rising with almost 5.000 new star hotels in three years
• Falling stars in the United States: decline in 5-star hotels

10 Secret Beaches to Visit Before the Crowds Do

If you want a jaw-dropping shoreline without the sunburned tourists and splashing masses, head for one of these lesser-known gems that are just as dazzling — even if you’ve never heard of them.

A Compact Camera that Will Crush Your Smartphone

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

It’s a dilemma for many travelers: You want a better photo than you can take with your smartphone, but you don’t want to lug around a big camera. Sony’s Cyber-Shot RX100 VI solves your problem by putting a high-quality camera into a tiny, pocket-sized package. Upgrade your travel pictures without adding a big camera.

Hotel Resort Fees and Other Hidden Charges

Courtesy Ed Perkins

In a big win for Britain’s consumers, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told big online travel agencies that they must include any mandatory charges like hotel “resort” fees (which are often applied by non-resort hotels in big cities, as well) in the up-front listed price. It’s ok, says CMA, for hotels to break the full price into a base charge plus a mandatory fee, but all mandatory fees must be included in the initially displayed cost.

Overtourism Has Travel Advisors Telling Their Customers to Please Go Somewhere Else

Allan Leibowitz, Skift

Overtourism, the result of having too many visitors show up to a place at the same time, is becoming such a problem for popular destinations that both the United Nations and the European Union have recently issued guidelines to reduce tourist overcrowding.

Cheaper international airfares, the growth of the cruise market, and the emergence of cheap accommodation options such as Airbnb are fueling the overtourism phenomenon. Europe, in particular but not exclusively, is feeling the effects, with cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice struggling to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Courtesy, Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

After paying $15 to have an awkward photoshoot in the aisle of a CVS, only to have my passport photos rejected twice (once for being too dark and once for being too bright), I decided there had to be a better way to take your own passport photo. Turns out, snapping your own passport photo is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a “professional” (a.k.a., the cashier at your local drugstore). Here’s a few tips:

Countries That Require Visas for Americans

The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

Together in Spirit – The Best Friends Animal Society

At the core of Best Friends Animal Society’s work is the dream that one day animals will no longer be killed in America’s shelters.

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Nearly One In Seven Americans Has Lied About Going On Holiday

New research has revealed that as many as 14% of Americans have lied to someone about going on holiday, with the top reasons being because they’re embarrassed, they’re wanting to seem well-traveled and they may be wanting to impress someone.

Along with one in seven lying about the destinations that they’ve travelled to, two thirds of Americans who have been on holiday have also lied about their experiences, with the weather, quality of accommodation and amount of sightseeing done found to be the most common untruths.

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The 9 Worst Decisions You Can Make on a Cruise

If you know what you’re doing, cruising can be an enriching form of travel. But plenty of people swear off the big ships because of some terrible experience that ruined their first time out. To prevent yourself from becoming yet another cruise hater, take note of these rookie mistakes—and don’t make them.

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What’s New at Nevada Northern Railway in 2019

Signature Weekly Departures and Specialty Themed Events Await

It’s officially train season at Nevada Northern Railway. Nevada Northern Railway is offering train rides now through Oct. 2019. See highlights for this year along with new offerings in the release below.

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What’s Happening at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and Pualeilani Atrium Shops

Newly Renovated and Now Open

Furusato Sushi: Furusato Sushi reopened its doors following an extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior of its restaurant. The restaurant serves traditional and contemporary styles of sushi using the finest and freshest ingredients. Furusato Sushi is located on the 1^st Floor, Diamond Head Tower fronting Kalakaua Avenue.

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The Latest for a Summer in Québec City!

There’s always a good reason to come to Québec City!

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11 Luxury Destinations That Are Cheaper Than You Think

Courtesy Ashley Rossi

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10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

Courtesy Jamie Ditaranto

As the relentless crowds flock to major tourist sites in cities like Paris and Venice, travelers need to face the truth — we’re wearing each other (and the cities we’re visiting) out. It’s a struggle common across Europe, but that doesn’t mean all of Europe has been overtaken by legions of tourists. There are plenty of exciting destinations that may not be new, but they are emerging as exciting destinations worthy of a visit. Plus, the crowds haven’t gotten to them yet.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

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10 Winter Outfit Necessities for Travel

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

These performance pieces will keep you warm from head to toe — but still look so good you’ll find yourself wanting to wear them no matter what the temperature.

Ministry of Supply 3D Print-Knit Sweater Dress

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The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Courtesy Sarah Schlichter

You’re crammed into a middle seat at the back of an airplane, with neighbors encroaching on your armrests and an endless chorus of flushing sounds from the lavatory nearby. Alas, you’re stuck in one of the worst seats on a plane, and you have to ask: How did you end up here, and how can you make sure it never happens again?

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

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Watch Out for These Tourist Traps in All 50 States

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