The Beach Bum
Travel the globe in search of surf, sand and sun
By Brent Stoller
Contiki Vacations
Why relegate yourself to one beach? The Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line delivers plenty of sun and fun on its seven-night, round-trip sailings from Honolulu. Refine your tan on the Big Island, go snorkeling off Maui at Wailea Beach and enjoy surf sessions in the calm waters of Poipu at the southern tip of Kauai. Per-person prices for an April 11 departure start at $1,449.
Want a longer vacation? Preface your cruise with a two- or three-night hotel stay and land tour of Oahu. Relax on Waikiki Beach while gazing out at Diamond Head State Monument, then go to the island's North Shore to take in some of the finest surfing on the planet. Rates for these Norwegian packages start at $1,799.
Road-tripping Down Under
Keep your shades handy on "Sunsets & Surf" a 13-day Contiki tour that meanders along Australia's eastern coast, hitting many of the area's best beaches along the way.
Soak up the rays on Manly Beach outside Sydney, with its busy restaurant scene, then roll out of your seaside cabin in Coffs Harbour for a lesson in one of the continent's greatest pastimes: surfing. You'll be dominating the breaks in no time.
The beaches of Byron Bay afford dolphin and humpback whale sightings, while Surfers Paradise on Queensland's Gold Coast offers the chance to showcase your newly acquired wave-riding skills. Round out your adventure with a trip to Fraser Island, the largest sand isle in the world.
Dominican Republic dreamin'
Tropical fantasies become reality at Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa on the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic. Set amid towering palm
trees and tranquil green gardens, this all-inclusive resort boasts top-notch accommodations, six a la carte restaurants and one of the country's largest free-form swimming pools, which winds its way from the front lobby
to the beachfront.
This retreat is ideal for families and couples, and there's no shortage of
sun-filled activities to pack the daily schedule. Snorkel among sea life in crystal blue waters, navigate white-capped waves in a catamaran or engage in a spirited match of beach volleyball -- each is included in your vacation package. Need some downtime? Relax beneath thatched umbrellas while wavefront waiters serve your favorite Caribbean beverage.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in January/February 2015.
Please visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925 for current rates and details.
