Sandbridge Beach, is the ideal family vacation

Sandbridge Beach Vacation

Sandbridge Beach Virginia, located in Virginia Beach, is the ideal family vacation spot for visitors interested in sand, sun and water based fun. Some of the nearby attractions to make your Sandbridge Beach vacation more enjoyable include the Virginia Science Museum, Ocean Breeze Water Park, Motor World, and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

Sandbridge Beach Virginia offers visitors a variety of overnight and extended stay accommodations, including Sandbridge Beach vacation rentals by the water. Rent an oceanfront home that sleeps 23, or find a smaller cottage with a pool. Check online with the Sandbridge Visitor's Guide homepage to find a listing of available rentals.

A Sandbridge Beach vacation is also ideal for golf enthusiasts. Sandbridge Beach Virginia is less than 25 miles from at least six area golf courses, such as Hell's Point (three miles away from Sandbridge) where you can on a 6,776-yard, par 72, 18-hole course designed by renowned architect Reese Jones. This Virginia Beach course has been voted 'Best of the Beach' by the Virginian Pilot Reader's Poll nine years running.

Sandbridge Beach Virginia also maintains a variety of beach parks and a Sandbridge Beach picnic area for day-trippers. Choose from the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the False Cape State park, and the Little Island State Park, all offering a variety of play areas, educational programs, or Sandbridge Beach picnic area for lunching. For visitors who've just come down for the day and are searching for an ideal Sandbridge Beach picnic area, Little Island State Park offers a host of amenities including: basketball courts, concessions, fishing pier, picnic shelters, playground equipment, restrooms, surfing/swimming, tennis courts & volleyball courts.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day Sandbridge Beach Virginia also offers visitors a chance to surf. You can hang ten all day on your Sandbridge Beach vacation, just not between 11am - 4pm Friday - Sunday when surfing is not permitted due to more intense tourist and family activity on the beaches. You can, however, surf all day Monday - Thursday, just don't forget the sunscreen.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach boardwalk represents the sweeping diversity of one of the most popular beach resorts in the United States. Of course, it's not just the boardwalk that attracts throngs of visitors, but the exciting Virginia Beach boardwalk attractions that draw in inquiring tourists. Teamed with the huge variety of Virginia Beach hotels, condos, beach resorts and villas, an incredible choice in shopping, fantastic dining, and great nightlife, Virginia beach has all fundamentals necessary for creating endless vacation itineraries. Across the bay from Newport News and southeast of Norfolk, Virginia Beach enjoys a prestigious location precisely on the shores of the Atlantic and near Chesapeake Bay.

Originally built in 1888, the history of the boardwalk in Virginia Beach runs deep. In modern times it has received national acclaim from several prestigious publications, often referred to as "America's favorite boardwalk." In a multitude of forms, this bustling artery has seen some of the most interesting times in history. The enduring landmark was constructed in the post-Civil War era Gilded Age, a time when the population snowballed and wealth was reinforced in the upper class. Today the abiding wood-planked walkway still receives the largest number of visitors in Virginia seeking out the best of the Virginia Beach boardwalk attractions and exhilarating atmosphere.

To explore all the Virginia Beach boardwalk attractions in depth, at minimum a few days are needed. With the majority of seaside attractions arranged along the three-mile boardwalk in Virginia Beach, visitors can enjoy the vehicle-free area and opt to bike or walk the wooden stretch. The distinct cycling paths make a bike ride along the Virginia Beach boardwalk a great and earth-friendly way to explore. The three-mile-long, twenty-eight-foot-wide boardwalk is home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, housed in the oldest beach cottage on the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. The Virginia Legends Walk offers a look at some of the most celebrated Virginians of all time including Edgar Allen Poe, Robert E. Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald. From April through October, visitors can take a walk out to the Virginia Beach boardwalk fishing pier for a look or to enjoy some fishing.

The Amusement Park is another must-see for many exploring the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. The screams and screeches of roller coaster riders along with the hum of happy voices makes this one of the best spots on the thoroughfare. The Naval Aviation Monument at 25th Street is one of the most photographed and admired monuments in the area. It is dedicated to the Coast Guard and Marine Corps aviation beginning in the 1900s through to today. Some of the other famous Virginia Beach boardwalk attractions include The Norwegian Lady Statue, adjacent to the aviation monument, and the commanding, 24-foot King Neptune Statue made entirely of bronze is arguably the best photo-op on the boardwalk.

During the summer months one of the leading stops along the Virginia Beach boardwalk is Beach Street USA. This vibrant, high-energy area comprises four waterfront stages offering a wide variety of family-friendly theater performances and live music. Kicking off in mid-June and continuing until Labor Day, fireworks, festivals, and entertainment complete Virginia vacations and offer a good look into one of the most unique and exciting communities in the state. Pair all that excitement with excellent shopping, an enormous choice in dining and fantastic nightlife and you've got a match made in vacation heaven.

Wonderful Beach Vacations for Couples

If you are looking for romanitic beach vacation ideas, take a look at these awesome destinations around the world. Vanua Levu in Fiji is home to Namale, an all-inclusive getaway with fabulous snorkeling, kayaking and diving. Yasawa Island has 11 sandy beaches and 16 romantic bures, perfect for a honeymoon in the tropics.

The renowned golf resort in Maui, Kapalua offers its guests three beaches, spa services and golf. Hawaii is well known for its romantic hotels favored by honeymooners.

CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort in Mexico boasts a variety of beach vacation activities, oceanfront whirlpool and a scenic beachfront location.

Three popular beach vacations in New England include Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod, Hotel Viking in Newport, and Wentworth by the Sea in Maine.

In California, visit Hotel del Coronado, Casa Del Mar or The Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

The Caves in Jamaica is favored by couples because of its unique architecture and attentive service.

Zozi is giving away free travel - $500,000!

Zozi travel web site, Zozi, is a new website that markets discounted activities in 16 U.S. cities, is picking up a $500,000 tab for experiences ranging from kayak trips to bike tours to dance classes for those who register on the site by Friday -- or until the $500,000 limit is reached.  Boooo ya!

 The free-activities deal requires you to register a credit card number (to block spammers) and only one freebie per person is allowed.  Hurry up tho, yesterday they had one new user per second coming on board.  HURRY HURRY HURRY.

The Best Activity Beaches in Florida for You

Where can you find the best beaches in Florida? It depends on what you like to do.
Do you prefer a quiet beach or one with lots of activity? What about diving, snorkeling or surfing?
Do you want bring the whole family, and have everyone enjoy the day?
Come and find some of the best beaches in Florida.

Active Beaches

If you're high energy and like to rent "beach toys" like jetskis and kayaks, Florida has several beaches that would suit you just fine! Two of the more popular are Daytona Beach and Key West. As a bonus, these beaches are great for people-watching!

Quiet Beaches in Florida

Although Florida has developed most of the coasts with condos, beach houses and resorts, there are still some quiet Florida beaches around.
There's a jewel in South Florida most people don't know about, called MacArthur Beach State Park. In the Panhandle there are lots of wide, sandy beaches on the barrier islands -- some of which see very few people.
The Spacecoast, too, as a treasure in the Canaveral National Seashore.

Beaches With Resorts

The answer is there are tons of such beaches! Some of the more popular include Panama City, Sanibel, Ft. Lauderdale and Daytona. There are all kinds of price ranges, although Sanibel and Ft. Lauderdale tend to cost more.

Snorkeling and Diving Beaches

The Florida Keys has myriad beaches where you can snorkel and dive to your heart's content in the warm, clear tropical waters.
South Florida as well as some clear water and interesting reefs. Check out MacArthur Beach State Park for the worm reefs just off the beach.

What Else?
There are beaches in Florida where you can camp, bring your four-legged friend, surf and more. The best beaches in Florida are the ones that fit your vacationing style!

A cool solar travel bag!

This intelligent travel case features patent pending technology that allows its solar panel to charge iPods, PDAs, cell phones and most small electronic devices in approximately two hours all under one setting.  It has a storage capacity of up to two full charges and includes adapters for iPod/iPhone, mini-USB that supports most PDA devices.  It is made of durable ballistic 1680 denier nylon and has extra heavy-duty stitching throughout.  This bag supports notebooks up to 15.4 inches and has two pen loops, a key clip, multiple accessory compartments, and expandable file sections.

  

V-Dimension V-OPT-CORP Corporate Travel Solar Case 

This bag could be super handy while on the road - vacation or not!   Prices start at $65 and when you're out in the middle of nowhere or on the train wishing you had power you'll be glad you dropped a few bucks on it.

The InterContinental New York Times Square

This new hotel just opened up last month and there's nothing shy about this hotel.  Rising 36 stories in the heart of Times Square, the hotel has 607 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows (voyeurism!), 42"-inch HDTVs, walk-in rain showers and plush beds (where the magic will happen.) 

Additional hotel amenities include a Concierge Lounge; 24-hour business and fitness centers; wired and wireless internet in guestrooms and public areas; 42-inch HDTV flat panel televisions and touch-screen computers in all guestrooms; and a courtyard viewing garden in the lobby complete with a reflecting pool and sculptures.

Expect to pay at least $300 a night, excluding New York City taxes.  Their official website, where they have specials from the mid $200's is at :  InterContinental New York

Smooth Girl's Traonne is shot in Jamaica!

Here's another smoking hot model for Smooth Girl Magazine at my favorite spot on earth, Hedo II!  I'm not even sure when these pics were taken but I'm glad that I can share them with you.

(remember to click on the pic to enlarge)

Luxury Laguna Beach Resort Phuket, Thailand

Laguna Beach Resort is situated in Phuket, Thailand and is nestled between a tropical lagoon and the Andaman Sea. The resort features various facilities including; Angsana Spa, meeting and conference rooms, wedding chapel, tennis courts, fitness centre, and a water park.

The hotel accommodation features a choice of views of the private lagoon and of the wide-open sea including sunrise and sunset. Enjoy dining at our four restaurants, offering International and Thai cuisine.

Laguna Beach Resort offers an unforgettable family experience that will leave you and your children

feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

The "GO Pool" at Vegas's Flamigo hotel is no longer topless!

Las Vegas has many topless pools from the MGM, to The Mirage to The Stratosphere.   But one place you can now scratch off that list of topless pools is Flamingo's pool called "Go Pool".

(seen this month at the pool)

You can still go there of course, just make sure your lovely brings her top!  The hours at the pool are from 9am to 7pm daily and the cover charge USED to be $20 for guys, $10 for hotel guests and ladies were getting in free.  Has this changed with the new policy?  

(Happier times in Vegas - click the here, PIC pic for the unedited version)

With 15 acres of tropical paradise, the pool at Flamingo Las Vegas still sprawls and winds, palm trees and grottos provide shade, music provided by live DJs floats on the breeze, and there's even a volleyball court to really bring on the beach atmosphere.   So if you want a nice "kids" free pool where you don't have to worry about the clothing free aspect, it's still a good spot.

Hedonism III aka Hedo 3 is now closed. :-(

As reported by a recent guests at Hedonism III in Jamaica...

"We Just got back last night from Hedo 3 and can confirm the resort did close early, without any real word to the guest until we got there.  Anyone that booked past yesterday was automatically moved to H2, rumor has it some didn't even know until they got to the airport check in.  If your flight left later on Sunday you were transferred to Breezes at 11 am because they would not be serving anymore food after breakfast.

The resort started shutting down while we were there.  They cut the menu down and shipped the rest of the food to Breezes.  They seemed to run out of the top shelf liquor much quicker then normal.  And there was no coconut rum for the 1st 3 days of our stay.  Rumor is a guest went and bought a couple cases."



(peace out from Hedo 3)

So there you have it folks, it was a good run but it's over.  It's a sad day.  :-(

Do you got 4 months and 24k per person?

If so, jump aboard Holland America's 1,380-passenger Amsterdam cruise ship for a "around the globe" cruise!   It's the ship's seventh circumnavigation in 12 years.

Kicking off January 6th, 2011 out of Fort Lauderdale this big boy cruise will take you all around the globe on a 112 day/16 week/4 month cruise and leaving you at least $23,799 lighter in the pocket.  But think about all the money you'll drop in places like:  Brazil, Vietnam, Greece, Italy, Spain and about 100 other stops.  Ports of Call - Holland America.   After all of this you'll be dropped off back in South Florida with a pair of MAJOR sea legs and a new appreciation for the world.

To book YOUR trip click here:  Holland America Cruise.

Ok, this has NOTHING to do with travel, but enjoy!

BONUS VIDEO

This Saturday is "Go Topless Day" all across the US!

A few months back I blogged about Venice Beach, Venice Beach, and touched on the topic of topless women baring all at Venice in an annual event to promote topless equality.  Works for me!   Well that very event is taking place this Saturday the 21st of August all across the US.   Denver, Chicago and Miami and Venice will all be included in this years event.  

(Miami's event in 2008 - click for the real pic) 

It does seem strange that men, even men with very large man boobs, are legally permitted and socially encouraged to walk around shirtless and women are not.  Either way, check out their website at gotopless.org and contribute to the cause, it's appreciated by guys everywhere!  :-D

Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire is a city on the main island (out of a total of five islands) in the Netherlands Antilles. Here is where you find the the Sorobon Beach Resort. The pristine atmosphere on the beautiful island is what makes this place a little haven that welcomes you to swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and to stay nude on the beach 24-7. The average nightly rate is $190.

Top 5 Nude Beaches This Summer

If you love summer, tanning, beaches and the ocean breeze you might also enjoy nudity.

Since the 70s, nude beaches become more and more popular and nowadays the managers of these kinds of resorts are competing in order to bring in more and more tourists that literally have nothing to hide. Here are 5 of the best nude beaches this year:

1. Haulover Beach, Florida

Established in 1991, the entire North side of the beach has a “clothing optional” policy. The beach is extremely popular not just for the nudity, but for the facilities one can find here, as well. Showers, barbeque grills, food & drink stalls, lifeguards, volleyball and surfing games – all these helped Haulover Beach to become one of the most attractive in Florida.

2. Maslin Beach, South Australia

Australia’s first official beach, Maslin Beach is known worldwide for the “Maslin Beach Olympics” – a series of nude and informal sport competitions held around Australia’s Day, in January. Although the cliff-lined beach has more than 3 kilometers, just the southern half is opened to nudists. You can easily get here from Adelaide, since the beach is located about 40 kilometers south of the city.

3. Black’s Beach, San Diego, California

It’s one of the nation’s iconic nude beaches and it lies at the base of the cliffs near the University of California. Black’s Beach is not exclusively nude, since you can see all kinds of tourists here. The cliffs make it one of the most picturesque nude beaches in the world, but also one with the most difficult to access – you can only get here through the northern or the southern side. The powerful currents and high tides make the beach a lovely place for surfing, as well.

4. Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

Bars next to the beach, loud dance music, people dancing and drinking fancy cocktails – that’s what this beach is all about. Nudity is pretty common on this southern beach and you can easily get there from Mykonos city by foot, bus or by renting one of the many scooters.

5. Orient Beach, St Maarten, The Caribbean Islands

Being referred to as the “French Riviera of the Caribbean”, Orient Beach is a place with numerous bars and restaurants that offer so many types of cuisine and beverages. In the southern end of the Orient Beach you’ll find St. Martin’s Club Orient – the most famous nudist resort in the islands. The area is known as a marine reserve and snorkeling between the crystal clear water without swimming suits is pretty common.

Wonderful Hidden Beach Resort – Au Naturel Club, Mexico

Hidden in the Mexican Caribbean just one hour from Cancun, this is an adult-only resort with some of the finest white sand beaches in the world, where you can spend a truly luxurious nude vacation. One of their 42 beach-front suites are waiting for you in this intimate, uncrowded setting. Don’t expect it to be cheap. The average nightly rate is $541 and makes it the most expensive on our list. Looking for a more affordable option in Cancun? Check out these great discount hotels in Cancun.

Wanna fly all month for $699? Call up JetBlue.

JetBlue is bringing back it's "All You Can Jet" program for $699.   The pass costs $699 and allows customers to book a seat on any available flight between Sept. 7 and Oct. 6, 2010.

Here's how it works:



Buy the $699 pass by Friday, or before it sells out and you'll get a month's worth of unlimited flying between any of the airline's 60 international and domestic destinations. The pass covers travel between Sept. 7 and Oct. 6.

JetBlue says pass holders "will have no boundaries -- every available seat on every flight between Sept. 7 and Oct. 6 will be available with no blackout dates -- to travel to more than 60 international and domestic destinations in JetBlue's route network as often as they like."

JetBlue says domestic taxes and fees are included in the price of its AYCJ Pass, though taxes and fees for international flights and flights to Puerto Rico are not included.   

 They also have another plan that's both cheaper but you can't fly on the weekend for $499.  But since I don't work for Jetblue you should visit their site for more details @ All you can Jet.

Family Vacation Planning in The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort-St. Lucia

Situated on Labrelotte Bay, The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is the best family vacation resorts. This makes the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort a great choice as a family vacation resort because of the sheer space in the accommodation. In fact the villas can easily become anything from one to four bedroomed.Equally the privacy of the stylishly decorated villas makes it a great honeymoon resort too, and if not that a good choice for a romantic getaway, with the separate living and dining rooms plus full kitchen also increasing the options in the villas.

There are in fact five restaurants including Papa Don an Italian Trattoria for the pizza and pasta fiends, then Jammer’s Restaurant and Bar is a steakhouse and Grill Bar, and the Dragonfly serves Asian and West Indian food. You can have dinner prepared and served in your villa, make your own meals, or eat in the restaurants. The chefs at the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort are rated amongst the top in the Caribbean, and they are one of the reasons this place is rated a top Caribbean Family resort, plus the fact that only one restaurant doesn’t allow under twelve year olds in for dinner.

One strongly suggested option is to take the all inclusive vacation package if you like to drink alcohol. There is little doubt that the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is a good quality luxury hotel and resort, with a high satisfaction ratio. What guests seem to like more than anything is the friendliness of the staff, the roominess of the villas, the plunge pools at the villas, the food, and the water sports.

All in all as a family vacation resort the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort does well. It isn’t totally a luxury hotel and resort, but it has a pretty good try, and would be a good choice as a romantic honeymoon destination especially if you book one of the very private villas.

Four Mile Beach- Port Douglas Australia

Take a look a sandy beach of Four Mile Beach. This beach is on the East side of Port Douglas, a small tourist town around 50km (31mi) North of Cairns, Queensland. It is a long sandy beach, lined by tropical coconut trees, that starts near the town centre, extending South for close to the advertised four miles. At the North end there is a picnic area with BBQs, hotels and cafes. Further South behind the beach is a mix of residential houses, hotels and resorts.

Facts about the Luxor light in Las Vegas

The tip of the pyramid contains a fixed-position spotlight  that points directly upward and is claimed to be the brightest beam in the world at over 42 billion candle power.  It is visible from anywhere in the Las Vegas valley at night, and can be seen at flight level from above Los Angeles, California, over 275 miles away. At ground level, on clear nights, the beam could also be seen as far south as Laughlin and even as far north as Mesquite or Beatty. The beam is visible straight ahead when driving northbound on US 93 in Arizona, north of Kingman before reaching Hoover Dam. 

 In the spring, the bright light attracts huge numbers of moths into the light beam, creating a phenomenon that has been likened to snow.  Light is generated using 45 Xenon arc lamps of 7 kilowatts each.  When turned on, the lamps heat up to over 800 degrees Fahrenheit.  The hourly cost, including lamps, electricity, and repairs, is US$51.  Hotel engineers, as well as the hotel's own website also claim that the light can be observed from space.



*  The above text is compliments of Wikipedia®.



 BONUS VIDEO

A cool travel product - protect your booze!

So last time we were in Jamaica at Breezes Resort and Spa, the old Grand Lido, a guest gave us a wicked cool bottle of wine that was rather costly.  We could either enjoyed it there or took it home for a special evening.  Well, we did fly it back home but we were worried it could bang into other stuff in our suitcase and break it.  Luckily for us, this didn't happen. 

The solution for next time?

WineHug Self-Inflating Protective Travel Pouch

This bag is sweet.  For $17.50 you can transport around your favorite bottle of spirit without any worries.  This bag offers self-inflatable technology and even the inside reminds you of the easy 6 step process on how to make sure your bottle is safe.