Escape to Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos, an island chain just south of the Bahamas, is made up of nearly 40 islands and cays, but only a few are inhabited. The result is a secluded Caribbean paradise with some of the world’s most pristine beaches and unspoiled nature. One of the country’s most beautiful beaches is Grace Bay, 12 miles of sugar-white sand stretching from the small town of Leeward to Thompson’s Cove. It’s not surprising that magazines such as Sports Illustrated have chosen to photograph their swimsuit edition in this idyllic setting. Home to the third-largest coral reef system on Earth, Turks and Caicos is a haven for honeymooners looking to sail along the coast in a catamaran, snorkel in the transparent aqua-blue waters and canoodle alfresco over a candle-lit dinner.
Have you Full Moon-ed?
Something to add to your party bucket list….Each month, when the moon is full, some 20,000 international fun-seekers find themselves at the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin for this infamous all-night party. Hip travelers from around the world pound back buckets of cheap potent booze, watch fire-eaters, and dance to the beat of throbbing techno.Hopping from bar to bar blasting a cacophony of electronica, you’re guaranteed to lose your shoes somewhere along the sandy white beaches and — if you consume too much of the locally brewed Sangsom whiskey — you might also lose your mind. Have you survived a Full Moon Party? Share your experiences with other Travel Junkie Julia readers in our comments section…
Get Your Beach’ On in Santorini Greece
While this charming Greek island has many beaches, the crescent-shaped Red Beach is one of the most unusual. Due to special geographical features and ancient volcanic activity, the shores are red and black. Soaring scarlet lava cliffs and iron-rich sedimentary rocks jut into the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea. Here you’re likely to find topless bathers sprawled out on sun-chairs under bright umbrellas, likely recuperating from last night’s debauchery. In the party-heavy summer months, many people rage until sunrise, then come here straight from the clubs.
Punta del Este Uruguay – The St. Tropez of South America
Dubbed the St. Tropez of Uruguay, Punta del Este draws an upscale crowd of models and millionaires, looking to escape the sweltering heat of summer — which begins in December and ends in March — and hit the beautiful beaches in style. On the southern tip of this underrated South American country, this coastal resort town is where the Buenos Aires elite go to see and be seen. In La Barra, Punta’s trendiest neighborhood, a glamorous crowd flirts and flits from beachside chaise lounges at upscale resorts to yachts, chic casinos and nightclubs complete with velvet ropes. Here at the sexy seaside playground of Punta del Este, there’s a unique beach vibe for every kind of traveler. Check out the fashionable Bikini Beach, where you’ll find sun-kissed, bronzed bodies dressed in the latest swimwear, or Jose Ignacio Beach, where international DJs set up turn tables and tiki torches for “chill-out” sessions in the sand.
Winter Getaways: Where to Go and How to Save
If the weather outside is frightful, just bundle up in that warm, wooly parka, because even though it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t still get out there and enjoy the winter weather. If you’re looking for a snowy getaway this holiday season, here are a few fun winter activities:
36 Hours in Vegas
With its extravagant showgirls, gluttonous all-you-can-eat buffets and hedonistic hot spots featuring celebrity DJs, there really is no place like Vegas! If you’re looking for a gambling getaway with the girls, or just for a relaxing impromptu vacation away from ‘real life,’ Sin City is a fun, affordable choice for a weekend escape. With so many entertainment and restaurant options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are a few tips from my recent trip to Vegas.
Scoring Free Upgrades: Travel Tips You Need to Know
It’s everyone’s favourite four-letter F word. Free. There is something inherently satisfying about getting something for nothing. When it comes to travel, it is possible to score upgrades, perks and privileges at no additional cost…you just have to know some tricks of the trade. For those looking to cut back expenses without cutting back on the experience, here are a few tactics on how to score a free upgrade:
The Lost Island of Pygmy Mammoths – Kayaking in the Channel Islands
Dressed in a skin-tight wet suit, a blue helmet and a bright red life jacket, I clumsily paddled my way into the pursed mouth of a narrow limestone cave. Snarls of foamy saliva-like waves lapped up against the rock’s jagged jaws, and – as a tidal surge swept over my sit-on-top kayak shoving me towards a serrated stucco cave wall – there was nothing left to do but duck limbo-style and hope for the best.
