It may seem like common sense, but all too often, people pack for style and not function. Depending on where you’re going, you may end up doing quite a bit of walking. Even if you are planning on staying at an all-inclusive resort, what happens if you sign up for an all day hike into the wilderness or a major shopping excursion? Packing a great pair of walking shoes or sandals will ensure that you can keep up with the pack and not suffer joint pain or terrible blisters; either of which can literally ruin your trip.

2. A Functional Bag

Travel experts will tell you that a cross-body bag is the perfect choice for travel. Not only are you less apt to leave it sitting somewhere but it is always close to your body and, therefore, more easily protected from potential thieves. Be sure that the bag you choose has plenty of pockets and is large enough to carry a bottle of water or two and any other essentials you’ll need to carry for the family.

3. Travel Credit Card

Credit cards that earn reward miles or even give you cash back are a necessary travel item. Put the cash you have saved for your vacation into an account and use it to pay off your credit cards when you come home. An advantage to credit cards, particularly when traveling overseas, is a lower exchange rate on currency. If you aren’t sure that your credit card is set up for international use, simply phone your provider and ask; they’ll be happy to tell you.

4. Identification

This is another no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people forget their identification. Passports and driver’s licenses should be kept with you at all times. If you are traveling with children be sure to have a current photo in your purse or stored in your mobile device. We don’t like to think about it, but accidents to happen and children do get lost. If you’re children are very young you can order a pet identification tag with your contact information and pin it to the inside of their jacket or coat. It sounds crazy but it wills save you time from having to write on a dozen clothing labels.

5. Layers

Even if you are traveling to a warm weather climate, the temperature can take a turn for the worse. Don’t pack for one temperature! Pack several layers of light clothing for each member of your family and don’t forget socks and a pair of tennis shoes for each. If you get stuck in a rainstorm or the temperature drops in the evening, you’ll be happy that you packed more than you thought you’d need.

Planning for your vacation can be fun but it also needs to be smart. By packing correctly, you are more apt to enjoy yourself and not worry about the little things. From comfortable shoes to lots of layers, packing smart will enable you to have a great vacation and will save you from having to spend extra money when you reach your destination.

Author Jessica Stevens is a financial consultant and content contributor for wisebread.com, a site offering reviews on some of the best travel credit cards and great money tips for living large on a small budget.

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Beaver Creek
This year-round resort offers excellent skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, making it a popular destination for families all year long. If you’re looking for fabulous skiing, no matter your ability, you won’t go wrong by choosing this resort.

Less popular than its big brother, Vail, the resort is less crowded which lends to its popularity. The quaint village is full of boutiques and eateries, giving you the perfect way to spend your time off the slopes. Lift tickets can be a bit pricey so be sure to budget accordingly.

Vail
If you don’t mind crowds, or even luxuriate in them, Vail is a fabulous choice. More than 5,289 acres of ski-able land makes it easy to find trails for both beginners and experts. The terrain is incredibly varied, guaranteeing that you won’t have the same ride twice.

Lionshead Village, located at the base of the mountain, is much like other ski resort “towns”. Shop, eat and socialize with other skiers during your off-mountain time. Because of Vail’s popularity, there are a ton of activities off the slopes to enjoy as a family or couple.

Breckenridge
The slopes, bowls and chutes of the resort draw millions of visitors each season. The town, once home to mountain mining, was almost destroyed by river dredging. Over the past 100 years, the town has been rebuilt and turned into one of the top sports resorts in the state of Colorado.

The ski resort is considered intermediate and may not be as friendly to beginners as other resorts in the state. Those who are sure on their skis, however, will find the Blue-Black trails and exhilarating ride. Dog sledding, gold mine tours and snow shoeing are popular activities off-slope.

Keystone
A seven month ski season guarantees that you can plan you vacation when it’s convenient for you. The resort is sat between three mountains and features tree skiing, five bowls and slow skiing trails. Because of the diverse range of trails and runs, the resort is popular among groups who have skiers of varying ability in their parties.

Guests report that the resort is incredibly family friendly with excellent service and expert staff. Handing off your children to instructors for a day’s worth of lessons will allow you to spend some time together as a couple.

Telluride
This former gold rush town has been one of the most popular resorts in Colorado for over 40 years. A wide variety of runs and spectacular scenery bring tourists from around the world to the area. Long green, relaxing runs are paired with challenging blue runs to make the mountain perfect for anyone.

The pleasant staff brings a positive atmosphere to the resort and will make you feel at home. You’ll find no shortage of great places to eat and shop when you feel like a bit of downtime.

If you’re planning a ski vacation and haven’t decided where to go, Colorado should be number one on your short list. No matter which resort you choose, you’ll find excellent runs, relaxing trails and catering staff. If you don’t yet know how to ski, no worries! Almost every resort has certified, helpful instructors that will have you off of the bunny slope in no time.

Tina Sanchez is a travel writer who also writes for the Aviva Directory, a website search advisor with lists of sites from traveling tools to marketing guidance. You can search by state, such as Tennessee or by categories, like online revenue.

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1. Vallejo, California

The San Francisco Bay Area is an excellent place to invest, given its historic parks, museums, and proximity to tourist hot spots like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and special treats like the Jelly Belly Candy Company. The one-time capital of California is ideal for sailing and boating enthusiasts. Invest and celebrate a great find with an escape into wine country via the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Median home sales are around $350,000.

2. Wilmington, North Carolina

Efforts to make Wilmington more sustainable have worked: the city recently won an award for their ‘go green’ efforts.  A port city, Wilmington features easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, a subtropical climate, and several beach communities. The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts offers a wealth of entertainment opportunities. The city also features a recently-opened convention center guaranteed to draw visitors. Average home cost is $145,000.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Made popular for its nightlife and easy access to casinos and live entertainment, Las Vegas is ideal for investors; homes sell at an average cost of $120,000. There is almost no end of things to do in Sin City, including seeing Cirque du Soleil, visiting the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History, or catching a game at Sam Boyd Stadium.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Steel City is well known for its affordable real estate and wealth of cultural and educational opportunities, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival Gallery and top-rated University of Pittsburgh. The city is a great investment option for young professionals and retirees alike. Homes average just under $100,000, making Pittsburgh a worthy destination for those looking to snap up property. Attractions of interest include the Carnegie Science Center and Andy Warhol Museum.

5. Rochester, New York

Rich in history, this city is filled with cultural destinations like the Rochester Contemporary Art Center and Rochester Museum and Science Center, as well as a plethora of fine dining opportunities. The family-friendly city is around five hours away from New York City and boasts annual events like the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Rochester International Film Festival. Average home cost is $95,000.

No matter where you invest, make sure to do thorough research in places of interest and those that may have flown under the radar. Keep a sharp eye on the future and make that investment work to its best advantage. Kick back in a newly-purchased property with confidence!

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A car might not seem like the ideal office space, but for some people their car is both their transportation and a sort of moving cubicle. Unfortunately, when cars serve double duty they often wind up looking messy and disorganized as their drivers search for misplaced documents, cell phones and other job-related and personal items. If your wheels are also your workplace, here are a few tips to make your day “at the office” both safe and productive.

Get Organized

Front seat organizers can transform a messy passenger seat into an organized office space. These organizers usually strap to the passenger seat and provide you with storage for all your daily work and driving essentials. Front seat organizers usually have slots for file folders, magazines, iPods, cell phones, CDs and cups, and are moderately priced at around $40.

Get A Sticky Pad

Are you tired of thinking you’ve lost your sunglasses or cell phone only to find that they’ve slid under your car seats? If that’s happened to you, then you may want to consider getting a sticky pad. Sticky pads grip to your dashboard and provide a safe, non-adhesive sticky surface that can hold smaller items like cell phones, sunglasses, pens, coins and toll booth tokens. Sticky pads are usually non-magnetic, heat-resistant, removable and reusable. They can usually be found for about $15 at most auto or office supply stores.

Get A GPS

Many newer GPS models have color map displays and audio prompts that will call out your directions. GPS devices designed for automobiles usually have hotels, restaurants and popular attractions pre-loaded so that you can easily locate your destination. Having this easy-to-use, hands-free device will make you more efficient and safer while you drive.

You should also consider getting a GPS holder so that you can re-program routes without becoming distracted on the road. Many GPS holders also have coin and cup holder attachments, too. The price tag for a GPS unit is $150-$300 and holders cost about $10.  Be sure not to leave it in the car or it may be lifted.  If you already have a SmartPhone, just buy the GPS software and a holder.

Get A SmartPhone

One of the handiest devices on the market is the smart phone. Many now come equipped with cameras, video and digital tape recorders so that you can snap work pictures, make video recordings of events or use the audio device for dictation. Thousands of other apps can be purchased inexpensively to help you improve productivity, and many of the best apps are completely free. There are even voice recognition apps that can transcribe your dictation so that notes can later be turned into e-mails or documents.

Consider A Console Vault

If you are frequently traveling with valuables, it may be worth your while to consider a console vault. Console vaults are custom made for your car and allow you to securely transport electronics, confidential documents, cash, medication, firearms and jewelry with the confidence of knowing that it will all remain in a secure location. Most console vaults are pry-resistant and have locks that will even deter someone who attempts to drill it open.

Ah, the Luxury Auto Office

Get An Auto Desk

Auto desks are great for anyone who spends serious hours out of the office and on the road. A more elaborate version of the auto organizer, an auto desk turns your passenger seat into a true work area. Plug your computer and cell phone into outlets that provide electricity through the cigarette lighter. Some auto desks have an additional pullout surface that can accommodate a notepad. Many auto desks are also equipped with hanging file folders and office supply compartments for pens and maps. They usually run $250-$300 and can be purchased at auto supply and office supply stores or from online specialty retailers.

Get A Car Clothes Hanger Pole

Do you find yourself in and out of meetings? A car clothes hanger pole can help if you have suits, jackets or dresses that need to look fresh and crisp. Clothing car bars are great if you’re a sales rep or spend days away from home. While most car clothing poles stretch between the back grab bars, a few models attach to the passenger headrest or backseat travel hooks. Auto clothes racks and hangers start at about $8 and can be easily found online.

Organization is essential if you are using your vehicle both for transportation and as an office. Consider your needs and your car and then look around and see what’s out there. With a bit of research, you’re certain to find products that suit your mobile workspace.

Author Casey Stevens is a salesman for shipping companies and spends tons of time working in his car. He also writes for truckertotrucker.com, a site which has all types of Trucks For Sale, listed and sold by actual truck owners. The choices include all areas of the country, such as these georgia trucks.  Feature photo by jclark/flickr creative commons.

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Take Time to Make Time

I know it takes a little romance out of your sails when you can’t just jump in the car and go, but spending a little extra time can ensure you won’t end up standing by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere waiting on a tow truck—not too romantic either. Regular maintenance should be a first priority.  Be sure that you are up to date on everything your car requires, even if all you have time for is stopping by your local Jiffy Lube on the way out of town for a quick check. A few things to remember are to fill up all the fluids, check your tires and make sure to not over pack the car.

Location, Location, Location

In the age of smart phones and Ipads, chances are you are not without a navigation system. Take the time to go over your intended route before you leave and it will save you making a wrong turn down the road. Some maps may not be up to date so I recommend checking a couple of different sources for accuracy. If you go to www.tripit.com you can plan out your entire route and it will include all of your pit stops as well if you’re on a schedule. Roadtripamerica.com is also a great site that will give you information on road conditions, so you’re not surprised by road closures or unforeseen weather issues.

Gas Up, Spend Down

With the cost of gas being ridiculously high, there are a few ways that you can keep from breaking the bank on your trip. One way to save is to be consistent with your driving speed. Don’t have a lead foot when you’re driving, and avoid stop and go traffic to increase your fuel efficiency. Another way is to not be packed to the ceiling when traveling—keep your as car light as possible. Lastly, take advantage of your smart phone and check out websites like gasbuddy.com or other apps to avoid the “right off the on ramp” price gougers and go a couple extra blocks to get cheaper gas on the trip.

Convenience Store Mayhem

It seems that every time we head out on the road we leave our normal eating behaviors at home—stocking up at every convenience store with roadside goodies. Although it may be part of the experience, your wallet and your waistline can take a hit. Plan ahead of time to take some food with you and stock up a cooler with your family’s favorites, and take along bottled water and drinks. It is important to keep water with you at all times just in case you end up getting stuck somewhere.  Don’t overdo it, after all the occasional stops to eat at a diner are a necessary rest and stretch time for the driver as well as passengers.

Survive the Monotony

Even though you may be enthralled with all of the scenery and new sites, your passengers may not share this simple pleasure. In order to stave off the dreaded phrase, “are we there yet?” keep them entertained with other things. For kids, bring along favorite books, movies, games, pillows and blankets for naps. Books on tape can also be a great way (especially if you’re driving alone) to pass the time, just pick something lively that everyone will want to listen to.  Songs and storytelling can be another way to keep attitudes up and complaints to a minimum.

Road trips can be a great adventure if you plan ahead of time to help the time pass and keep your family safe. The key is getting along with your passengers, which can be tricky after a long and winding trip. Try some of these ideas to keep everyone happy and have a great road trip this holiday season!

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking here for a car insurance comparison; the site also offers taxi insurance quotes.

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1. Broken Urine Bag

Cancer survivor Thomas Sawyer of Michigan has to wear a urostomy, or a bag that collects urine from an opening in his abdomen since his bladder functions are compromised. He wears special clothing to mount the bag and attach it with a seal. During an enhanced pat-down by the Detroit Metropolitan Airport TSA officers, despite Sawyer’s warning, the seal broke and Sawyer was covered in his own urine. He was utterly humiliated but the agents offered no apologies and did not offer to help him clean up.

2. Left With Pants Down

A 71-year-old man with a metal knee, Robert Perry, was ordered for physical inspection in an open, public area. Perry tried to explain his constraints when the metal detector went off but instead of respecting his privacy, the TSA screener grabbed his pants to feel the metal knee. The pant got pulled down and Perry was left in his underwear, looking like a cuckoo. An appeal to the female supervisor only resulted in the ubiquitous and unbelievable statement “I have power”.  Unbelievable but true.

3. Roughed Up Without Apology

Robin Kassner was carrying a bottle of contact lens cleanser in her carryon luggage, when she was checked at the Reagan National Airport.  It’s not clear why this small thing should have caused such a ruckus but the airport security cameras captured the rather brutal physical assault of her by Airport police and TSA screeners. Kassner’s arms were jerked behind her, she was pulled several feet, slammed to the ground and had her head smashed on a table. She protested, was locked up and charged with obstruction of justice. Final justice was hers; she won a 10 million dollars suit against the airport.

4. Woman In Wheelchair Molested Over Applesauce

Nadine Hays, a 58-year-old woman traveling with her 93 year old wheelchair-ridden mother and a caretaker was harassed, charged with battery and arrested. She was also strip searched publicly. Nadine was carrying a small bottle of applesauce for her mother, which the TSA demanded that she hand over. Upon refusal, she was harassed; her old, senile mother was patted down and molested; the caretaker was yelled at. Nadine finally got the charges against her dropped, but it was too late for her mother to see justice done.

5. Woman Forced To Display Prosthetic Breast

Cathy Bossi, a flight attendant, opted out of the x-ray scan since she did not want to be exposed to daily radiation. The TSA enjoyed humiliating her by getting her to take out the prosthetic breast in public, before they let her go. Other women have been made to do the same by the TSA.

6. Child Forced To Walk Without Leg Braces

The 4 year old son of a New Jersey police officer was forced to take off his developmental leg braces and walk through the detector without them. The boy’s muscles weren’t strong enough to walk on his own, supervisor intervention was denied and the trip was soured for the family. The outraged father was told by the TSA screener that as a cop, he should understand why such things are necessary.

7. Indecent Abuse Of Privacy Rights

A woman who favors body piercings, Mandi Hamlin was asked to remove her nipple piercings. The female screener could have handled it on her own, but she called over several male screeners, who had nothing to do but ogle at Mandi’s bare breasts. Mandi was forced to take the metal ring off using pliers while the female and male screeners stood there and grinned foolishly.

8. Unnecessary Pat Down Of A Toddler

Steve Simon, a television reporter was traveling with wife and 3 year old baby girl when an unacceptable incident occurred. The child protested when her teddy bear was put through the scanner and kept setting the metal detector off accidentally. According to TSA regulations, if two detector walkthroughs fail, then a pat down of the individual is mandatory. The young child was already screaming but the stranger’s rough hands patting her all over for 20 seconds created a ruckus. The child kept screaming at the screener to stop touching her, and wouldn’t calm down.

9. 8-Year-Old Suspected Of Terrorism

A 2 year old child’s name somehow got into the TSA’s watch list. When the child was 8, the name was still on the watch list and the child was frisked thoroughly before departure and was subjected to frenetic scans and pat downs upon return. The child was confused and the parents extremely harassed, while the TSA denied that any child’s name ever got into their watch list.

10. Harassed For Objecting To Scan

Meg McLain decided to say no to the mandatory x-ray scan that shows the entire female anatomy on screen. The TSA followed with the mandatory pat down. However, in her case, it became something of a spectacle, with airport police and TSA scanners harassing her off camera, ripping her jacket in two and escorting her outside the airport. Her boarding pass was torn up and she was denied both her flight and ticket refund.

Teena writes for gifts for men company Adrenalin that offers a large range of experiences all across Australia.

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Start planning early, aim to commence preparations for your vacation 3-6 months ahead of time. Having the chance to leisurely plan your holiday will ensure a relaxed and stress-free process and reduce the risk of forgetting something important or making the wrong destination/accommodation choice. Here are 5 basic tips for planning a great holiday:

Agree on a Budget

Deciding on a holiday budget can be a difficult task, calculate flight and accommodation costs first, then decide how much money will be needed for food each day. Think about whether you will be eating out and ask if there is complimentary meals in your hotel package. The remaining funds will go towards sightseeing, tourist attractions, souvenirs, transport and shopping. Plan to stick to your budget but always keep access to extra funds in case of an emergency

Book your flights and Accommodation

Shop around for the best deal on flights, avoid choosing too many connecting flights as this can be both tiring and inconvenient. Research accommodation options before booking, take note of the location of hotels and check out times. Booking ahead will save money and guarantee your place, handy if you are traveling during a busy season.

Plan your Itinerary

For those who aren’t joining a travel group, planning an itinerary is a must. Be sure to include all relevant boarding and check in times for your flights and check out times for your accommodation. Plan each day carefully, list the places you would like to see and transport times for buses and trains. Vacations pass by so quickly, careful planning makes certain no time is wasted.

Organize care for your house and pets

Enlist the help of a family member or friend to keep an eye on your house and pets. Regularly clearing the letterboxes and turning lights on will ensure your home looks occupied, limiting the risk of burglary. For larger animals like dogs and cats, book them into boarding facilities. Plan to visit the facility before the drop off date, ensuring they are up to standard.

Prepare for things to go wrong

Occasionally things don’t go to plan and suddenly we find ourselves in a stressful situation, throwing a foreign country into the mix can cause even more panic. Simply preparing for the worst case scenario will ensure you are ready to tackle any problem that comes your way while holidaying. Check your passport, book travel insurance, photocopy all your legal documents and ensure all of your luggage is clearly named and has new locks. Leave emergency contact numbers with your family back home and with your hotel. Locate your national embassy within the countries you are visiting and avoid any dangerous or high risk areas of all foreign countries.

Written by Jess, a travel blogger for TOP 10 Holiday Parks. They have many NZ accommodation options ranging from motels to camping, and a variety of wonderful Nelson accommodation options to choose from.

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1. Sydney Opera House

photo credit: kcdsTM

Set on a peninsula on the beautiful waterfront of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House is an icon of Australia. Compromising of three interlocking “shells”, they contain two concert halls and a restaurant.  It was formally opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II and was made a world heritage site in 2007 due to it being one of the 20^th centuries most distinctive buildings.  It was also one of the venues for the triathlon during the 2000 summer Olympic Games.

2. Twyfelfontein

photo credit: Pius Mahimbi

Situated in the Huab valley of Mount Etjo, Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa. Over 5000 individual drawings have been recorded dating back the last Stone Age. With drawings of human footprints, giraffe, rhinoceros and ostrich, they give us an insight into the hunter-gatherer lives of people who have lived here over the last 2000 years.

3. Sāmarrā

Sāmarrā Archaeological City is the site of a powerful city that ruled over an area extending from Tunisia to Central Asia for a century. It extends to both sides of the River Tigris and is 43.5km long. It was abandoned early and 80% of the site remains to be excavated. Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, it has been home to multi-national forces as a base for their military commands.

4. Wat Pho

photo credit: swifant

Home to the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest single Buddha figures, Wat Pho also contains more than 1000 Buddha images. Known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, the site was previously a centre for Thai medicine education and statues showing the different yoga positions.

5. Bikini Atoll

photo credit: Badruddeen

Consisting of 23 islands, Bikini Atoll was the site of 23 nuclear device detonations between 1946 and 1958.  These tests included the first test of a practical hydrogen bomb which caused widespread radioactive contamination. The name of the island then gave its name to the two piece bathing suit as this was released days after the “atome” suit and the bikini split the atom!

6. Joggins, Nova Scotia, Canada

photo credit: GOC53

Joggins is a rural community in western Nova Scotia, Canada, famous for its fossils dating back to the “Coal Age” approximately 310 million years ago. The site spans for 14.7km and continues to expose fossils due to the wild tides. The fossil recording mentioned in Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species still happens today.

7. The Poncysyllte Aqueduct

The Poncysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee and into North Wales.  The lime mortar used to construct the aqueduct is made from lime, water and ox blood and once every five years, the canal is closed and drained to carry out inspections and maintenance.

 8. Red Fort in Delhi, India

photo credit: BOMBMAN

The 17^th century Red Fort in Dehli was once the residence of the Imperial Family of India and took 10 years to complete. Parts of the fort are in fairly good condition but some parts have been raided by looters and vandals for the valuable marble.

9. The Longobards

Made up of seven groups of important buildings the Longobards in Italy were places of power between 568AD – 774AD. Buildings include the basilica of San Salvatore, the Sanctuary of San Michele and the Santa Sofia Complex which testify to the impact that the Lombards had when they came from Northern Europe and developed their own culture and the Medieval European Christianity movement.

10. The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

photo credit: Maarten Danial

Minor evidence suggests that vines have been grown here since Roman times although the present terraces can be traced back to the 11^th century. The site stretches from the Chateau de Chillon to the outskirts of Lausanne and covers the lower slopes of the mountainside between the villages and lake. It shows the interaction between people and their environment to optimise their resources to boost the local economy.

­­Some of these heritage sites are also on the danger list so visit them now before it’s too late.

This article was compiled on behalf of Hotel Club; where you can find secluded and beautiful hotels in Genting Highlands.

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Chamarel Waterfall

The tallest waterfall on Mauritius is breathtaking. You can join the other tourists to view it from afar or swim in the pool below it. The village of Chamarel is home to colored dunes made up of undulating volcanic rock. You may even glimpse some tortoises while you’re there. Fields of sugarcane flank the roads that bring you to Chamarel, making you feel like you are truly in the tropics.

Chamarel Panorama

Chazal

In the south of Mauritius lies the garden of Chazal. You can take a zipline tour through the area to get a bird’s eye view. More than one mile of zipline takes you over green canyons and along the Riviere des Galets. You’ll fly through the trees and see unique wildlife. You can even refresh yourself with a swim next to a waterfall.

Sur le chemin d'Aurère - Chazal

Kayaking

You can see the island from the ground up by navigating mangrove forests with a kayak. Kayaking allows you to discover hidden beaches and secret lagoons. You can take a guided tour along various channels that connect a variety of tiny islands off the coast of Mauritius. You can stop to see a volcanic crater that is filled with water, and you will hear the sounds of native birds chirping as you paddle along.

Kayak @ Maritim Hotel, Mauritius

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Because the water surrounding Mauritius is so clear, it’s the ideal place to view the ocean life. The Solar Seawalk in Grand Bay is a guided tour that takes tourists to walk along the ocean floor. You’ll be surrounded by tropical coral, and you can feed or touch the fish. It’s not traditional scuba diving; you wear a helmet that is delivered a constant supply of fresh air through a solar-powered system. You don’t even have to know how to swim. You simply wear the helmet as you walk along the sea floor.

There are several amazing places to go scuba diving or snorkeling. Trou aux Biches is a public beach with calm water that allows you to drift effortlessly as the fish swim in front of you. The reef is close to the shore, so you don’t have to swim far to experience the underwater beauty.

Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius

Hiking

Mauritius is a natural wonderland. The Black River Gorges National Park offers hiking trails that meander through lush, tropical growth to the river that cuts through the gorge. Ile aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve that lies on its own island off the coast of Mauritius. Hike through the Ebony Forest, where the now-extinct dodo bird once nested, and keep your eye out for 20 species of animals that are unique to the island.

On the southern coast of the island, you can experience the impressive rock formations at Le Souffleur. The ocean bursts up through the blowhole, and you can hike over to the natural rock bridge that formed when a sea cave collapsed. A rock shaped like a witch sits atop the cliffs of Gris Gris.

Flying

Board a sea plane and take to the sky to see the sugarcane fields, banana plantations, and lagoons from above. You will get to see more of the island than you could by car, and it’s the experience of a lifetime.

Seaplane visitor - Mauritius

For the true adventurer, skydiving packages are available. You can freefall from the sky and land gently in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Be sure to check out the scenery on your way down.

Most of the amazing things to do in Mauritius involve the outdoors. Why wouldn’t they? With a climate so perfect, a sea so blue, and a natural playground so unique, Mauritius beckons visitors to play outside. Whether you explore the island by land, by air, or by sea, you’ll leave knowing that you had one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

Jenny Southerland is an avid traveler and frequently stops over in Mauritius to enjoy its unique and stylish hotels. If you’re looking for the lap of luxury, check out a four-star gem: the tamassa hotel, mauritius, where every room has an ocean view.

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Sauble Beach, Ontario

Just a two-hour drive outside Toronto, Sauble Beach is a glorious 11km stretch of golden sand along the eastern edge of Lake Huron. The second largest freshwater beach in the world, Sauble Beach which attracts a wide variety of visitors: fishermen drawn by the plentiful rainbow trout, bass and perch; families who want to enjoy the amusement parks, playgrounds and restaurants; and teens and twenty-somethings who just want to party! During the winter months, the beach transforms in a snowmobile trail!

Wreck Beach, Vancouver, BC

Located near the campus of the University of British Columbia, at the western tip of Vancouver, Wreck Beach is famous as Canada’s largest “clothing-optional” beach. Set among mountains, getting down to the 7km long beach involves a walk through a beautiful forest. Each year, over half a million people visit Wreck Beach to enjoy the vibrant hippy culture and carnival atmosphere or simply to get an all-over tan!

Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia

A beautiful, under-populated 5km long white-sand beach located an hour’s drive east of Halifax, Martinique Beach is especially popular with surfers. The beach also offers sanctuary for migrating birds including geese, ducks and the endangered Piper Plover bird. Why not join the birds and check out flights to Canada?

Sandbanks Beach, Lake Ontario

Sandbanks, which covers 7km on the shores of Lake Ontario, is the most secluded of the three beaches to be found within Sandbanks Provincial Park. Sandbanks Beach is famed for its feather-soft sand and its sparkling clear waters are ideal for swimming, canoeing and wind-surfing. The surrounding Park offers more than 500 campsites, hiking and cycling trails and abundant flora and fauna, making Sandbanks the perfect beach for the active holidaymaker.

Basin Head, Prince Edward Island

A tranquil bowl-shaped, white sand cape, stretching 14km along the east coast of Prince Edward Island, the beach at Basin Head is famous for its “singing sand”, which makes a unique squeaking tone whenever you step on it. Once a busy fishing harbour, today, Basin Head is a Provincial Park (including a Fisheries Museum) particularly geared towards family holidaymakers.

Long Beach, Tolfino, BC

Long Beach is a spectacular 10km stretch of golden sands, surrounded by rainforest, on the west coast of Vancouver Island (on the east coast of Canada). Regularly voted among Canada’s most beautiful, Long Beach and its surrounding ecosystem are protected as part of Pacific Rim National Park. A favourite with experienced surfers, Long Beach attracts more than 1 million visitors a year and, yet, somehow, retains a peaceful, relaxing vibe.

Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Covering 14 km of white sand on the southern shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Wasaga Beach is the largest freshwater beach in the world. Very popular in the summer months, the beach is part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, which makes a point of offering something for everyone, old and young. Choose from activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, surfing, paint-balling and even shopping at the Main Street Mall – or just relax on the beautiful Blue Flag beach!

Grand Beach, Lake Winnepeg

Located an hour north of Winnipeg on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg, the 3km long Grand Beach has polled among the top five in all of North America. Offering sand dunes that stand 10 meters high and the shallow, warm waters of the lake, Grand Beach is a perfect destination for families and those who enjoy water sports.

Parlee Beach, New Brunswick

Parlee Beach, measuring on 1km in length, may be the smallest beach included in this list but it’s also one of the most popular. Found on the east coast of New Brunswick near Shediac (the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World”), Parlee Beach offers some of the warmest salt water in Canada and has been known to draw up to 25,000 visitors in a single day during the summer months. The excellent facilities for families at the supervised beach means that the visitors won’t stop anytime soon.

Melmerby Beach, Nova Scotia

Melmerby Beach is one of 5 Class “A” beaches in Nova Scotia. A 2km stretch of fine sand, the “Merb” (as it’s known to locals) offers the warmest water temperatures in the province, plus showers, change houses, picnic tables and lifeguards during summer. Part of a Provincial Park system, Melmerby Beach lies just a few minutes walk from the Sunrise Trail between Antigonish and the town of New Glasgow, which, in turn, offers historic sights, excellent shopping and great places to eat and drink.

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