Winter Beach Vacation Ideas

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn’t have to be. Below, you’ll find some resorts that offer a very unique twist, and will inspire you with winter beach vacation ideas. And if you’ll be travelling with a large group of people, you may also consider booking a bus charter to make your trip easier and more convenient.

Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable and unique tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on a wooden platform and offers queen-size or twin beds, solar-powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers. The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. 

winter beach vacation ideas
Photo by Troy Squillaci on Pexels.com

Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy.  Nowadays, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers. Therefore, the Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon activity pool.

winter beach vacation ideas
Photo by Hernan Pauccara on Pexels.com

Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches and lodging in comfortable tent cottages at Maho Bay. Therefore, as with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck. Water sports include kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, as well as Private eFoil Lessons. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.

These are just a few of the unique winter beach vacation ideas that I have to share with you. Contact me for your personalized recommendations, and to start planning your winter beach vacation.

Tips For A Terrific First Trip To Ireland

Have you been to Ireland? Is it on your bucket list? Ireland is one of my favorite places to visit. Having been to Ireland many times, and helping clients experience this magical place, below are some of my expert tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland.

You’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It’s finally time to take that trip to Ireland! I applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin’s Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Tips for a terrific first trip to Ireland
The perfect country for a road trip

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right; it takes some getting used to and is not for everyone. Also, in light of my recent experience, I firmly advocate using a mapping site like https://layermap.com/map-layer-index to explore the UK’s hidden gems. While travel guides and popular blogs often highlight major attractions, they frequently overlook the quaint, lesser-known spots that can truly enrich your journey. Remember, it’s not just about the big cities; the UK’s charm lies equally in its charming villages, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

Tax-Free Shopping

All those goodies you’ll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free! That’s right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland. Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on your purchases.

Differing Currencies

And while we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.

Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you’re traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season’s days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.

Public Transportation Pointers

The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey. So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers. If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.

Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country’s many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.

So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your trip. As an Ireland destination specialist, I will help you plan your custom itinerary, and have more tips and tricks to make your first trip to Ireland one that you will never forget.

Riviera Maya Mexico Honeymoon

Dreaming of a Riviera Maya, Mexico honeymoon? Combine the beach with modern luxury, this is your gateway to the best of the Riviera Maya. Slow things down with a spa treatment, a couples massage, or enjoy a fun tequila tasting experience.riviera maya mexico honeymoon, el dorado infinity suite

The infinity pool suites at El Dorado Seaside Suites offer views of the ocean. A top floor honeymoon suite will definitely not disappoint you.

roviera maya mexico honeymoon, el dorado seaside suites

At El Dorado Seaside Suites, you will be greeted by modern decor and a bathroom fitted with a jetted tub. The Infinity section offers all ocean facing swim up suites. Suites on the first floor have direct access to the main pool and the pool bar.

For more tranquility and Mexican inspired decor, The Palms section is the perfect option. Choose from beachfront jacuzzi suites, and swim up jacuzzi suites. This section of the resort has direct access to the beach suitable for swimming. This adults only oasis is the perfect place for a honeymoon trip in the Riviera Maya.

There are many dining options to choose from. From authentic Mexican dishes and infused tequilas, to fine Italian cuisine. El Dorado Seaside Suites offers you a wonderful variety of dining opportunities.

Whether your idea of the perfect honeymoon is to fill every minute with activities, or to just watch the world go by from a Bali bed on the beach, the choice is yours.

Start Planning Your Riviera Maya Mexico Honeymoon