Ogunquit, Maine

The majority of the world's best beaches can be found in Earth's southern hemisphere. As we have seen in my previous posts, many of the best beaches are located in or near the Caribbean.

Well, what if the Caribbean isn't for you? Or, what if you do not have the time to acquire a passport before your next trip? Then I would suggest you check out Ogunquit, Maine. Yes, Maine.

According to TripAdvisor.com, Ogunquit, Maine was ranked number 15 in the Travelor's Choice awards for the Top 25 Beaches - United States. As you can imagine, the top 10 include destinations like Hawaii and Florida, but why not discover one more hidden gem? I have never been remotely close to Maine, so I thought this would be fun!

Ogunquit is located in the southernmost part of Maine, only an hour and 20 minutes driving from Boston.

If you are traveling to Maine from somewhere else in the United States, then you will not need a passport. Most travelers fly into Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine. You will then need to travel 45 minutes to Ogunquit.

Ogunquit, which means "beautiful place by the sea", offers three and a half miles of sheltered, sandy white beaches.

In addition to the beach, Ogunquit also offers a lot of activities. Travelers can take a walk along the Marginal Way, a path that winds along rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean, or explore the town center on the local public transit - an old fashioned trolley. With art galleries, fresh seafood, and the summer stock at Ogunquit Playhouse,“America’s Foremost Summer Theatre", the town of Ogunquit has something for everyone. 

The best time to visit Ogunquit is from June to September, when Maine is enjoying its summer weather.

Nevis, Caribbean

I am sure that many of you have either heard of or traveled to one of the beaches I have discussed in my first seven posts, but today we are truly going to discover the unknown.

Every year the travelchannel.com releases the Best Beaches Awards chosen entirely by the votes of the people. The beaches are separated into different categories, some of which include: Best Family Beach, Best Party Beach, Best Romantic Beach, etc. The Travel Channel also features a category named Best Beach You Haven't Heard of... Yet.

So today, we are going to explore the winner of the Best Beach You Haven't Heard of... Yet aware. Let's 'sea' Nevis.

Nevis is a 36-square-mile island that lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This secret island is only seven miles long and five miles wide.

If you are flying to Nevis from the United States, the easiest way is to first fly in to San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there you can get a direct flight in to Nevis. You are required to show your valid passport.

According to nevisisland.com, "Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoilt places and proudly carries the name, 'Queen of the Caribees'."

The small Caribbean island boasts crystal clear seas and white sandy beaches. In the distance there are beautiful green hills in which you can hear monkeys chattering.

According to travelchannel.com, "Most of the hotels have been transformed from 200-year-old plantation homes and estates. The entire island is eco-friendly, with the goal of making all fossil-fuel electricity extinct (currently, wind turbines can produce up to 20 percent of the island's power). There's hiking, sulfur springs and intimate beaches. But it's the accommodations, all very unique, that give Nevis character."

If you are lucky enough to stay at the Four Seasons when you visit Nevis, you will get to claim bragging rights to a sublime beach, steps away from Sunshine's, an iconic beach bar known for its signature drink, Killer Bee.

I am sure you will agree with me when I say that that Nevis just climbed to the top of my list of places I want to go. I hope I get to 'sea' it in person!

Cancun, Mexico

Welcome back, fearless travelers! I know it has been a while since my last post, but we are going to get right back at it today.

Here in wonderful Illinois we are just a few inches shy of setting a record for most snowfall (inches) in season. While that may sound pretty cool, I assure you it is not. If I see one more snowflake, I might have a breakdown. The first day of spring is one week away and I am hopeful that warmer weather is on its way. In the meantime, why not day dream about somewhere warm? Somewhere with margaritas and Coronas? Somewhere like Cancun, Mexico.

I am sure many of you have heard of Cancun, Mexico before. It is one of the most commercialized destinations in Mexico, but people continue to go back, so that must be a good sign. 

Cancun has a tropical wet and dry climate, according to Wikipedia.com. This means that it generally is hot but does have specified rainy seasons. The tropical storm season lasts from May to December, and the rainy season extends into January with peak precipitation in September. February to early May tend to be drier with only occasional scattered showers. 

Cancun is located in southeastern Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea.

The green arrow points to Cancun's location.

If you are thinking of traveling to Cancun, you will want to fly into Cancun International Airport. Please have your passport ready!

According to AllAboutCancun.com, the city features a ton of different accommodations. In my opinion, I always enjoy the all-inclusive resorts, as I feel you get more bang for your buck. Currently, AllAboutCancun.com shows Riu Caribe as the featured hotel.

The all-inclusive resort overlooks gorgeous Caribbean waters and offers three swimming pools. There is nightly entertainment for adults and daily activities for children. The resort features fancy restaurants and swim-up bars.

So who wants to take me? On second thought,  I'll 'sea' you there!