There are more than 700 islands in the Caribbean, many of which will offer you all the sun and sand you could ever dream of for your relaxing beach vacation. For Americans looking for an easy trip that provides island views without much risk of culture shock, your best bet might be Turks and Caicos. The most popular island there is Providenciales — but is it the perfect spot for your relaxing beach trip?

This Caribbean Island Is One Of The World's Most Spectacular Beach Destinations

Mexico sometimes garners attention for all the wrong reasons. Headlines often spotlight crime, gang activity, or even natural dangers like intense waves — so much so that those considering a trip to Mexico might decide against it. But like many locations, some areas are harder hit by criminal activity than others. Mexico is a huge country, after all — in fact, it's the 14th largest in the world when measured by size and 10th in population. So, while it's worthwhile to be vigilant in your planning, if you want to play it safe and enjoy a Mexican vacation that provides peace of mind, consider its safest town, Merida, and all it has to offer travelers.

One Of Mexico's Safest Cities For A Stress-Free Vacation Is Near The Best Gulf Coast Beaches

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, there are likely a few things you already have on your list of "musts," whether it's visiting the trendy and underrated beach town of Samara or turning your Costa Rican vacation into an adventure by whitewater rafting, scuba diving, or even learning to surf. However, considering that Costa Rica (despite being such a small country) contains a whopping 6% of the world's biodiversity, it would be a shame to visit the Central American paradise without stopping by a national park.

This Overlooked Costa Rican National Park Has A Jungle Waterfall And Relaxing Hot Springs

If you dream of joining the jetsetters vacationing on Italy's famous Amalfi Coast, you're not alone. The area gets almost five million tourists each year (via Euronews), and it's easy to see why. The Amalfi Coast has beautiful beaches and plenty to see and do. Of course, along with that comes the cost. According to Champion Traveler, a solo traveler visiting the area for a week will spend around $1,701. However, there is a less expensive and absolutely gorgeous spot to check out instead. It has fewer tourists and will set you back a lot less: Cefalù.

This Gorgeous Italian City Is A Cheaper, Calmer Alternative To The Crowded Amalfi Coast

Oregon State

Waldport, OR

Waldport, Oregon, bills itself as where the forest meets the sea, and that's more than just a catchy slogan. Waldport is squished between the Pacific on one side and the Sisuslaw National Forest on the other. Dense forests grow up to the water's edge, and freshwater meets salt water in the center of town. While this area is rarely recognized as the most stunning beach in the Pacific Northwest, there's a unique feel here that most of the world hasn't caught on to yet. How many other beach towns offer free bike rentals? Waldport provides everything you need for a great beach trip, minus the crowds.

This Quiet Town On The Oregon Coast Is A Secret Spot For A Laidback Beach Vacation

Maine State

Florida State

FinanceBuzz

Not every retiree dreams about Florida. Here are some beloved beach towns outside the Sunshine State that retirees love to call home.

15 Most Beloved Beach Towns for Retirees That Aren’t in Florida

Charlevoix, MI

Undoubtedly you've heard of the Great Lakes, including the recreation mecca of Lake Michigan. There's no shortage of ways to enjoy this massive body of water. For example, you can explore Lake Michigan from the shores of Chicago at the city-connected Oak Street Beach or head to one of the more underrated state parks for the best views in the region. But if you'd rather approach from the coast of a charming city with much smaller crowds, head to Charlevoix, Michigan. Never heard of it? That's not too surprising considering it only has just over 2,000 permanent residents.

This Underrated Michigan Beach Town Is A Charming Gem Situated Between Three Lakes

Hampton, VA

If you're an American history buff, you may have visited Washington, D.C., the seat of the government. Perhaps you've also stayed at the oldest U.S. inn in Concord, Massachusetts, which is supposedly haunted, or gone to see the Civil War sites at Harpers Ferry. However, there is another town you should put on your list. In fact, it's one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 1610: Hampton, Virginia, once called Point Comfort.

One Of America's Oldest Cities Is A Coastal Vacation Destination Full Of Beaches And History

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Alabama State

Gulf Shores, AL

When you think of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Alabama probably isn't the first place to come to mind for most. But along the Gulf of Mexico, you'll find a place that matches this profile, offering a coastal escape catering to every member of the family with its comprehensive state park and recreation options for visitors of all ages. Welcome to Gulf Shores, a community of around 16,000 people located on the southern tip of the state.

One Of Alabama's Most Underrated Cities Is A Coastal Escape With A Pretty State Park

Nevada State

Zephyr Cove, NV

Zephyr Cove is one of those summertime destinations that can give you deja vu all over again. Does it remind you of your honeymoon in St. Barts? Or that girls' trip to stunning Trinidad and Tobago? Why does a beach on a high alpine lake remind you so much of the tropics? The answer to these questions is because Zephyr Cove's sandy bottom reflects the light in just such a way as to give the shallow, placid waters that signature turquoise Caribbean glow.

This Beach Destination In Nevada Is A Budget Alternative That Feels Like A Caribbean Island

Travel + Leisure

You should consider Almuñécar for retirement.

This Is the No. 1 Spot to Retire in Spain — and It's Got Amazing Weather, a Low Cost of Living, and No Wealth Tax

South Carolina State

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Colleton County, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

Some beachgoers were in for a surprise this week when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore in Colleton County along Edisto Beach at Edisto Beach State Park. It turned out to be an atlantic sturgeon.

Rare Atlantic sturgeon washes ashore on South Carolina beach

Georgia State

Savannah, GA

Waking up in a maritime forest, the sun rising over the salt marshes with the sound of birdsong all around you: This is Skidaway Island State Park. Less than half an hour away from bustling Savannah, Georgia, this park offers a secluded escape into nature. The most popular way to explore this park is the easy Sandpiper Trail Loop, which you can do along with the Avian Loop (pictured) to get a good look out at the water and the swaying reeds. These sandy trails and little wooden bridges make for an easy stroll, so there may be other visitors there, but if you come early enough in the morning, you might just have the whole trail to yourself.

Savannah, Georgia's Best Secret Vacation Spot For Outdoor Lovers Is This Island State Park

Milford, CT

You can find plenty of national parks on islands and beaches, but there are gorgeous state parks (which are different from national parks) where you can admire the waves and put your toes in the sand, too. If you're looking for a relaxing and beautiful stroll along the water, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Connecticut is one of the best options on the East Coast. The landscape, and the many water birds that inhabit it, make it a truly special place.

Head To This Iconic State Park To Explore One Of The East Coast's Most Beautiful Beaches

Panama City Beach, FL

Florida is the perfect spot to enjoy a day, or night, at the beach. Now, one Florida beach vacation is being recognized as a very inexpensive summer beach vacation, and it’s still amazing. That’s great, because when cutting corners, you often lose quality. Not here. Experts are saying this Florida beach vacation spot is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s pretty cheap to experience. I’m in.

This Florida Beach Vacation is Amazing and Less Than $100

Flying takes you to breathtaking places that you can happily check off your bucket list. However, it can also be one of the most challenging experiences. If you're dealing with awful, stressful airports, extra-long travel times, and sleepless nights during travel, for instance, the joys of jet-setting across the world can dull.

Should You Arrive At The Airport On Time After Your Flight Is Delayed? Here's What To Know

New Jersey State

Cape May, NJ

The Garden State's Jersey Shore is home to notable destinations like Ocean City and Atlantic City, considered some of the best East Coast beach towns to visit. Travelers might not realize that there are other overlooked yet extraordinary places along the Atlantic, such as Cape May. Located only about an hour from Atlantic City, Victorian-era buildings fill this quaint town that dates back to the 1700s. As such, it's known as the oldest seaside resort in the country. Cape May is the complete package as far as coastal getaways go. It features an array of gorgeous beaches renowned by travelers on Tripadvisor for its white sand. As one reviewer put it, "It's a serene escape for beach lovers seeking tranquility."

Head To This New Jersey Beach Town Full Of Unique Shops For An Underrated Seaside Escape

San Diego, CA

There's no doubt about it, Americans and cars go hand in hand. While public transportation thrives in other countries like France and Japan, in the States, not so much. According to Forbes, over 91% of American households owned at least one car as of 2022. With that in mind, having a car in this country will get you far, both literally and figuratively speaking. However, there are plenty of disadvantages to this car-centric lifestyle. For one, gas prices are expensive. In addition to the economic impact, cars produce pollutants, which are having an effect on climate change.

The 5 Worst Cities For Finding Parking In All Of America

Whether we're talking about a short layover or a long layover, most people tend not to love having their travel plans delayed — no matter how much overbooked flight compensation cash an airline might offer for the trouble. But depending on the crowds, service, and food offerings at the airport you happen to find yourself stuck at, some layovers can be much worse than others. When you're stuck hanging around a terminal for an extra four hours, a good coffee shop and decent seating can go a long way in terms of misery mitigation.

The Absolute Worst Airports For Layovers In The US, According To Research

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This One-Of-A-Kind Bubblegum Pink Lake Is A Must-Visit On A Trip To Spain

Paella, tapas, late-night merriment, and afternoon siestas make Spain a unique place to visit. Your vacation there might even be affected by Spain's siesta culture. Their...

This One-Of-A-Kind Bubblegum Pink Lake Is A Must-Visit On A Trip To Spain

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