Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze

The Maldives

A perfect destination whether  your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a  four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet  underwater.

  Seychelles

One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.

Bora Bora, Tahiti

This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.

The Hamptons, New York

One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.

Fraser Island, Australia

Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.

St. Bart’s, Caribbean

One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.

Langkawi, Malaysia

The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.

Kauna’oa Bay, Hawaii

Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.

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Top Ten Places to Live in the World

There are many factors that make the place we live the place we love to call home. Environment, weather, history, politics, economy, infrastructure, social climate, and entertainment all play a part. When choosing a place to live, your decision should be based on what issues are important to you. Finding the right combination of features is the key to loving where you live.

Meuse River, The Netherlands

Healthcare and Tolerance – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

In 2009 the Netherlands was named as having the best healthcare system in Europe by the Euro Health Consumer Index. Six criterion examined were patient rights and information, e-health, waiting times for treatment, outcomes, range and reach of services provided and pharmaceuticals. The Netherlands is additionally praised for its minimal bureaucracy and patient empowerment.

 The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has become infamous for its tolerance of the taboo. The Dutch believe that people should make moral decisions with little interference from government. Marijuana is legal. Tattoo parlors, sex shops, and the red light district draw tourists. Hostels are packed during the peak summer season.

As far as culture, there are famous museums where you can see work by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. One can learn the story of Anne Frank, relax in beautiful parks and ride a bike almost anywhere. According to Claudio.Ar, “It is said that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, more cafes than Vienna and more bridges than Paris. The tours let you discover them and other secrets of the city.”

Best Place for Singles – New York City, USA

Hudson River, New York

 In the mood for love? Although the cost of living is still high in New York, it has become slightly more affordable due to the recent economic downturn. In fact with many singles now unemployed, unmarried folks are taking advantage of their severance packages and enjoying all the city has to offer. With 35,000 restaurants, 3,800 bars, and 734 museums there is definitely plenty to do in New York City. The popular dating site, Match.com, has more active accounts in the NYC area than any other locale. Living in New York does, however require a high tolerance for crowds of people.

 “The City That Never Sleeps” comes by its title easily. From piano bars to jazz lounges (and a few dozen dives of course), New York’s nightlife keeps the city hopping until early morning hours. Nightclubs like the Marquee feature world famous DJs for the partiers who love to dance. Other locals favor the Gotham Comedy Club, which Frommer’s guide declares New York’s “trendiest and most sophisticated comedy club.”

 Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find it in New York City – day or night.

Mild Climate & English Speaking – Malta

Maltese islands 

The island nation just 60 miles from Sicily, Republic of Malta, is a repeated winner of Quality of Life Index awards for best climate. With a daily average of over five hours of sunshine, mild winters, and hot summers – Malta is considered ideal by many. Diving, sailing, and colorful festivals abound. Golf and horseback riding are popular pastimes.

 There are few sandy beaches and yes – sometimes it does rain on the Maltese islands. If it’s raining you can head indoors for opera, theater, music, and ballet at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. The Manoel is the second-oldest theater in Europe.

 The government is politically stable in Malta. Cost of living is low. Crime is minimal. Locals are hospitable. Travel is not difficult, despite island status.

 If you lived in Malta you could check off each item on list, 101 Things to do while on Holiday in Malta.

Family-Friendly – Virginia, USA

 Virginia Beach

 The state of Virginia has beautiful shorelines and beaches. Virginia is very family and community oriented, with plenty of fairs, festivals, and community events. The people are diverse and friendly. Many of the schools are highly-ranked and offer plenty of extracurricular activities and elective courses to choose from.

 Virginia takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. According to the official Virginia government website, $515,405 was awarded to 17 projects that support youth substance abuse and violence prevention programs for 2010.

 Low Cost of Living & Retirement – Brazil

 Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is the largest country in South America and therefore offers a broad range of opportunities for travel and diversity. From the Amazon jungles, to famous beaches, you will find the inhabitants friendly and hospitable. Although the nightlife is well known in Brazil, few are aware that Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the cheapest cities to live in (according to the Economist Intelligence Unit).

 Want to pay off debt? Brazil is a good place to retire. Retirement visas are available with proof of income. It is common and legal for permanent residents to apply for Brazilian passports and keep their current citizenships and passports. Brazilian health care is very good. You do not need to be a citizen to use the national health care system. Patients pay nothing out of pocket for most care. For the highest quality health care private market providers are also available – for a fee. Even so, the fees are much less than purchasing independent health insurance in the U.S. In general, you get more for your money in Brazil.

 Due to the well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service industries, the economy of Brazil outweighs other countries in South America, and is quickly expanding its presence in international markets.

 Simply Beautiful – Belize

Belize – Central America

Belize, considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, has it all. Belize touts great beaches, subtropical climate, diverse wildlife, and a low cost of living. The scuba diving and snorkeling is fabulous. The gorgeous waterfalls underneath the Maya Mountains are rivaled only by the hundreds of colorful species of birds flying the skies. Rent of a large house in Cayo district is only $300/month. Food at the local markets is very reasonably priced. The official language is English. The Retired Person’s Incentive Program starts at the ripe young age of 45 and allows tax free living.

 Consider a snowbird lifestyle when it comes to living in Belize. The wet season is May to October. It rains all the time and there is a chance for hurricanes. But I’d stay November through April in this beautiful land, which is just where I’d like to be rather than the cold snowy land I call home that time of year.

Stunning Scenery – Cape Town, South Africa

 Table Mountain, Cape Town

 Cape Town features some of the most beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions in all of Africa. Families enjoy swimming in the warm waters along the False Bay coast, where whale watching is also popular. Kids swarm to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and for a small fee, even swim with them. The hallmark of Cape Town is Table Mountain, a gigantic slab of sandstone with breathtaking views, trails for hiking, and paragliding for the adventurous. (Cable cars are available for the not-so-adventurous.)

 The second most populated city in South Africa; Cape Town is known for being socially tolerant and culturally diverse. This coastal city is mild and rainy during the winter months, but dry and very warm the rest of the year. The bistros and restaurants offer a variety of world class cuisine to satisfy every palate, and are famous for their delicious wines. Clubs, lounges, and other entertainment venues make Cape Town ideal for the musically inclined. Thanks to the 2010 World Cup, business is booming in Cape Town. The real estate market is also on the upswing as more people relocate to this beautiful coastal city.

Economic Opportunities – Frankfurt, Germany

 Frankfurt, Germany

 Those looking for a certain quality of life find their high standards met in Frankfurt, the economic capital of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is the largest in Germany, and one of the world’s most important. According to the Mercer Quality of Living survey, Frankfurt has the highest concentration of jobs in Germany, with 922 jobs per 1,000 residents.

 Frankfurt inhabitants enjoy their city for more than its economic security. The museums, historical sites, and shopping districts are popular with the locals as well as tourists. Frankfurt is easy to travel in and out of, with one of the busiest airports in the world. Frankfurt Central Station is one of the biggest train stations in Europe, and few can resist the allure of the Autobahn. The views along the Main River are lovely, and Frankfurt is home to a number of beautiful landmarks such as the Imperial Cathedral, and the 50-acre Palmengarten flower garden.The cost of living is high, but is compensated with a low unemployment rate, easy transportation for business trips, and the fact that it is an industrial and financial powerhouse.  Germany’s businesses are booming.

Most Romantic – Paris, France

Paris at Dusk

 The air in Paris simply breathes romance. Not only is the enchanting ambience the perfect setting for romance, (who can see the Eiffel Tower without thinking of L’amour?) the cozy bistros and dimly lit restaurants are ideal for couples in love. Paris is not just for lovers; its rich heritage and stunning architecture draw millions. The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, and Notre Dame are just a few of the beautiful buildings that grace the Paris skyline. An incredible array of paintings and art are sure to please museum goers.

 As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is home to some of the most popular designers. Those looking for a career in fashion couldn’t find a more fitting place to study or work. The drawback for Parisians is a high cost of living. The good news is- Paris features some of Europe’s largest corporations, and researchers expect an increase in employment opportunities in the future. So for those who can swing it, the comfort and quality of the French life is a truly unforgettable experience. Not to mention, absolutely delicious.

 Sizzling and Sexy – Miami, Florida USA

 Miami, Florida

 Miami is known as the “Magic City” for good reason. With the sensual Latin flavor combined with its tropical location, Miami is home to an eclectic group of fun-loving people. Singles flock to Miami for the beaches and exciting nightlife, and then discover attractions and career opportunities that offer more than they were expecting.

 As the “Gateway to Latin America”, Miami is a city of diverse ethnicities. This sunny city is bursting with new developments, has surprisingly low rent and taxes, and an exceptional education system at the University of Miami.

 Miami ranks highly with the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network, which rates each city’s importance to the international economy. Professionals work in a number of fields including tourism, trade, and international banking. Sports and recreation enthusiasts adore Miami for the wide variety of watersports and boating activities. Everything from snorkeling to sailing, kayaking to kitesurfing; Miami’s beaches offer it all. For landlubbers, Miami features rock climbing walls, golf courses, and tennis courts. Wherever you travel, wherever you call home, remember to make the best of where you are. The people you meet, friends you make, experiences you acquire – those are the things that make life worth living.

 By: Terra L. Fletcher, owner Fletcher Freelance

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My Thai friend Seerung was telling me recently about her compatriots’ attitude towards food. “I think we are obsessed,” she admitted. “If we’re not eating food, we’re talking about food. We’re asking our friends what they have been eating. We plan lunch while we’re eating breakfast. We plan dinner while we’re eating lunch. It’s crazy.”

I know how she feels. I too spend an inordinate amount of time either eating food or talking about eating food. Particularly when I’m travelling.

I only realised this the other day, when I decided to tally up how I spend my time while I’m travelling.

Taking a trip is easy – you jump on the plane, mess around for a few weeks, and before you know it you’re back at work and it’s like the whole thing never happened. But it’s interesting to think about what you actually do during those couple of weeks away.

Going by the information most guide books give you, you’d think you’d spend about 10 per cent of your time on trains and planes, 20 per cent sleeping, 20 per cent eating, and 50 per cent wandering through churches, temples and museums.

But I reckon the reality is a bit different, so – using an average two-week block of travel – I decided to figure out exactly what I do on these overseas jaunts. Here goes …

Sleeping – 29 per cent
Holidays seem to be about the one time in my life when I don’t want to sleep a lot. The way I see it, it’s time wasted. It’s like when I was a kid playing Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiago – it’s frustrating when you have to sleep instead of getting out there and enjoying life (or catching loose-lipped, globe-trotting supervillains). So it’s a bit disappointing to realise that’s what I do the most of.

Eating and/or drinking – 25 per cent
That’s right, like Seerung and her Thai friends, I reckon I spend a solid quarter of my holidays either eating food, or planning where next to eat food, or talking about where we last ate food, or sitting in bars drinking. And probably talking about food. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Travelling – 22 per cent
This includes everything – planes, trains, buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, ferries, rickshaws, camels and elephants. It also includes waiting around in airports, train stations etc. It’s amazing to think that you shell out so much cash to visit these incredible places, but what you spend the bulk of your holiday doing is the actual act of travelling.

Wandering aimlessly – 8 per cent
I seem to dedicate at least an hour or so a day to just tramping around on foot with no particular destination in mind. Sometimes I come across amazing things I never thought I’d see. Other times, I just get lost. Which leads me to …

Finding my way home again – 3 per cent
Being a bloke, I’m morally obligated to attempt to do this by myself, without asking for anyone’s help. So I need to devote a bit more time to it than others might have to. (Hint: always carry a card with your hostel’s address on it.)

Looking at churches/temples/museums/art galleries – 4 per cent
Only 4 per cent? Am I some uncultured heathen? Maybe. But I maintain that there’s only so much you can learn about a country from inside four walls. Get in, look at the famous painting/archway/sculpture/pottery, and get out. Maybe grab something to eat?

Sitting in internet cafes – 2.5 per cent
Sorry people, but these comments don’t moderate themselves …

Shopping – 2 per cent
I don’t like shopping at home, so it stands to reason that I wouldn’t want to do it while I’m overseas. And I reckon a pretty solid chunk of this 2 per cent could be put down to “being dragged around shops by certain other people”.

Going to sporting events – 1.5 per cent
I’d devote a lot more time to this if I could, but it’s not the easiest thing to organise while you’re travelling. Still, if there’s a football/ice hockey/cricket/sumo wrestling match on, I’ll be there.

Standing in line – 1.5 per cent
For banks, for money exchanges, for visas, for art galleries, for toilets, for food, for buses, for taxis, for food again … Granted, some countries’ approach to queuing is a bit more physical than others’, but you still spend a fair amount of time waiting in line when you travel.

Lying in the sun – 1 per cent
What can I say, I have a pasty white complexion – devote any more time than this to lying around under than big yellow orb and I’d spend the rest of my holiday shedding skin like a snake.

Swearing I’ll never drink again – 0.5 per cent
That’s about 15 minutes every morning. Not sure what happens after that.

Everyone’s different – what do you devote your time to while you’re on the road ?

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