Ask ten people about their ideas of an ideal beach holiday and you will get ten different responses. Some beach-goers want nothing more than a view of the beach from their hotel and the convenience of a pool. While others want a fully developed beach area, complete with sand, beach, a beach bar and a short walk away. There’s no correct or incorrect response for either beach-goer. However, knowing what you prefer will save you the heartache of disappointment when you book your vacation.
How to decide, pool or beach
When it comes to your vacation spot, pools and beaches serve different purposes and solve different problems. A pool has no surprises and you have no worries about the changing of the tides, of seaweed, and the currents of the water. Beaches also have something pools will never have: space, changing scenery, rockpools, and the feeling of actually being somewhere instead of the resort that could be anywhere.
If you are traveling with small children, the convenience of a pool tends to win, as a pool has a shallow end for small children and you can see the whole thing at once. However, if your kids are older or you are not traveling with kids, the beach tends to win as there tends to be more to do and see.
The ideal option is an accommodation that features both a pool and a beach that is a short walk away; these options are good for those lazy days. This option is not the most affordable, and is not available all the time, but it is a perfect combination that results in the best compromise.
Beach Vacation Types
All beach vacations do not need to look the exact same. Some people prefer the self-contained resort style vacations because they offer convenience instead of the need for exploration. Everything is planned for you, you don’t have to drive anywhere, or research restaurants. All the amenities you need are at the resort.
The opposite style of vacation is found in a quiet coastal town. They often offer a more local and less packaged style experience. They may be a longer walk away from a good restaurant, but generally you are less surrounded by tourists.
Don’t stay put for an entire week at only one destination if you prefer a more varied experience. For this more logistically challenging option, you have to pack and unpack several times, think about ferry schedules, and plan more thoroughly. This will be more rewarding in the end, as you will actually see multiple new places rather than the same beach for an entire week. This option is good if you prefer to have a fun, varied vacation with multiple stories to tell, rather than a relaxing, one week beach vacation.
The last style of vacation focuses on surf, and are more geared towards the surf conditions rather than relaxation. You have to think about your destination based on whether there are good surf waves. Surf vacations are a more challenging option because for these vacations, you have to prioritize the surf first and lodging second.
All-inclusive vs self-catering
All-inclusive removes most hassles from a beach holiday. You no longer have to walk off the beach to look for lunch or keep tabs on your bar tab. Many families on a budget will find the convenience justifies the premium. But, you are at the mercy of your choice of restaurant. The best beach restaurants will be out of reach.
Self-catering or half-board gives the option to eat out and find better shore-side restaurants, instead of the one next to the hotel. It is also a better option for the budget as long as you are not eating out all the time. The real trade off is convenience for a meal vs the satisfaction of eating at a good restaurant.
Best beach holidays by area
No two coastlines are the same, and neither is the ideal beach holiday. The Mediterranean is perfect for short flights when you want to experience a bustling culture in a warm climate, and all within a blend of beach and city. The Caribbean is also a beach holiday, but for a larger budget with genuinely breathtaking views and a different culture. For a low cost, Southeast Asian beaches enable long stays. It’s ideal for the switch off that we all want, instead of the one week holiday.
These don’t need to be specific enough to a particular resort to be helpful. This is about identifying the right type of coastline and trip, then going from there.
Packing and Practicalities
It is easy to underestimate packing for a beach trip. Reef shoes are great to have on rockier coastlines. You won’t regret having a dry bag with you if you get surprised by a wave and wet your belongings. Sun protection that can withstand the water is a worthwhile investment because no amount of planning for shade can compare.
The Bottom Line
No trip is better than another. You have to make the right choice for how you want to spend your vacation. There really is no right way to spend your time on vacation. Once you figure that out, it is easy to make the rest of your trip.