Beach Vacation Plans

Planning on a beach vacation? Its important to select the right place to visit. All beaches are not created equal. There are public and private beaches, nude beaches, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, white beaches, black beaches. You get the picture.

Not every beach is appropriate for every traveler. Be sure to ask yourself what type of beach you are looking for before you begin planning your trip. Would you prefer a boardwalk and a playground for the kids, so they can keep themselves occupied? Or, are you looking for a quiet, pristine, romantic beach where you won't be disturbed by anything other than the soft lapping of the waves and occasional seagull overhead? Don't assume the beach you are considering for your beach vacation offers all or any of these, and always do a little research (or at least try to talk to people who've visited themselves) before you go.

Beach Safety

• Swim a safe distance from the beach
   

• Be sure there is a lifeguard on duty
   

• Swim horizontal to the shore
   

• If there is an undertow warning, stay out of the water. Undertows can be extremely strong and sudden; even a powerful swimmer can be swept out to sea helplessly.
   

• Avoid diving off rocks or cliffs; there could be rocks hidden under the water, or the water could be more shallow than you expected.
   

• Stay out of the water during storms, particularly lightning storms.
   

• Drink plenty of water
  
   

• Remain alert for any danger. In some places, jellyfish, crabs or other marine life may be sharing your space, and they were there first!