This is a sponsored guest post written by Leslie To.

It’s a brisk 78 degree day without a dark cloud in the sky.  The sounds of crashing waves on the warm ocean shore and the cawing of seagulls from above add to Mother Nature’s soothing soundtrack. With a pair of sunglasses and a tall glass of refreshing juice sitting beside me, this is just the type of beach vacation I’d always envision myself having. There’s nothing I love more than being able to just sit, relax and enjoy the sunlight. But before we get to that, let’s figure out which North American beaches deserve a visit from you. We’ve seen the top beaches in Europe and Asia, so here I present to you our list of the best beaches in North America.

1. D.T. Fleming Beach, Maui

Maui’s coastline stretches over 120 miles with over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. Of the many things to do in Hawaii, visiting a beach is definitely one of them. D.T. Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua, Maui was named one of America’s Best Beaches in 2006 in the annual list compiled by Mr Beach. Perfect for picnics and small children, D.T. Flemming Beach has everything you need to make your next Maui beach adventure an exciting, yet relaxing one. Surrounded by ironwood trees and crisp blue waters in the distance, finding a piece of shade or peace of mind will not be difficult.

Flickr photo by Belindah

2. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Straddling the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the tranquil waters of Tampa Bay to the east is Clearwater Beach in Florida. This 3 mile stretch ocean oasis offers a bevy of activities for guests of all ages and vacations of all types. Often, guests find themselves in a mixture of popular beach activities, such as sunbathing, diving into a game of beach volleyball, dolphin-watching, or parasailing. You might find yourself short of energy by the end a gorgeous day, but a shortage of things to do is one thing you’ll never find.

Flickr photo by superwebdeveloper

3. Palm Beach, Florida

Known for its year-round gorgeous weather (an average high of 82.8 degrees and an average low of 67.4 degrees) and endless beach resorts, Palm Beach, Florida is home to some of the most affluent inhabitants in Florida; it was even selected in June of 2003 as one of America’s “Best Places to Live.”  Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a number of other millionaires, Palm Beach is a 14-mile long, half-mile wide of extravagance and wealth. With warm ocean waters and gentle breezes, Palm Beach is the perfect place for a luxurious vacation under the sun.

Flickr photo by Benson Khua

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

As one of the East Coast’s ultimate vacation spots, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has justly earned its name was one of the best beaches in North America. Garnering over 400,000 visitors every summer, Myrtle Beach is teaming with tourists from around the country and all over the world as soon as the summer sun starts to come out. And for good reason too! With a number of amusement and water parks, world renowned restaurants, over 100 golf courses, and unparalleled shopping opportunities, you’d think it’d be easy to overlook Myrtle Beach’s greatest attraction of all: its surf, sand and shine.

Flickr photo by eutrophication&hypoxia

5. Malibu, California

When one thinks of beaches in North America, one of the first pictures that come to mind are the beautiful beaches of the great state of California. Known for a beautiful coastline and ideal weather conditions, California boasts some of the most amazing beaches and unparalleled surfing opportunities. Malibu is home to a number of celebrities:  British actress and singer Julie Andrews; Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, known for his take on 007; Inception and Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio and legendary singer/actress Barbra Streisand. Catch a glimpse of one of these stars while taking in some rays and enjoying the beautiful California weather.

Flickr photo by gibffe

6. Bellows Field Beach, Oahu

If you’re in the mood for relaxing Hawaii vacations and happen to be looking for Hawaii activities, head on to one of Oahu’s famed beaches. Featuring a long and wide sandy beach with shallow sandbar just off the coast, Bellows Field Beach in Oahu provides some of the best waves for beginner bodysurfing and bodyboarding. Often floating amok these waters are jellyfish, blown towards the beach via a prevailing trade wind—so beware. But this aside, this secret oasis under the sun provides just the right mix of relaxation, beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific, and a peak into some of the most colorful and beautiful marine life in all of Oahu.

Flickr photo by Irene

7. Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

When thinking of vacations on the East Coast, it’s almost second nature to think of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. In 2011, it was named one of four “Superstar” beaches in the US for having perfect water quality, coming out with full marks on every test in the last three years. Many dub Hampton Beach as the premier vacation spot on the New Hampshire seacoast, and it’s easy to see why. With a bevy of recreational parks, golfing adventures, shopping opportunities, and most importantly, a beautiful and renowned beach, there’s no doubt in my mind where I will be spending my next New Hampshire adventure at.

Flickr photo by gailf548

8. Manhattan Beach, New York

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Sheepshead Bay to the North and Brighton Beach to the west, Manhattan Beach is one of the most amazing beach locations in all of New York City. Situated in the borough of Brooklyn, it is a prime getaway location for many families in New York. Once the summer heat and humidity sets in, families take their picnic baskets and come out for a barbeque at Manhattan Beach. While there, build some sandcastles by the shore and take a swim in the cooling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. With playgrounds, baseball diamonds and tennis courts abound, Manhattan Beach has plenty of room for outdoor activities!

Flickr photo by Samat Jain

9. Waianapanapa Beach, Maui

Not necessarily known to be a prime surfing location, but definitely a must-see if you happen to be in Maui is Waianapanapa Beach, otherwise known as Black Sand Beach. This unique beach is set among lava cliffs and pebbles. Known for high surf and strong currents, it’s important to be mindful of weather and water conditions before going in for a swim. But even if the current is not safe for you to take a dive, there are a number of hiking trails, picnic facilities, and camping areas that are perfect for alternative outdoor activities.

Flickr photo by xoque

10. Coronado Beach, California

Popular among locals, families and tourists, Coronado Beach in San Diego, California is the perfect location for swimming, surfing, fishing and sunbathing. Surrounded by other parks, Coronado Beach offers a number of other activities for families if hitting the sand and surf isn’t on your radar. Coronado Beach is also known for their upscale restaurants and shops at the corners of Orange and Pomona Avenues. Named as one of U.S. News and World Reports “Most Expensive Places to Reside” in the United States as well as Travel Channel’s fifth best beach in America, Coronado Beach will not disappoint!

Flickr photo by Jeffrey Coffman

Which is your favorite on the list? Are there any other good beaches that we missed out? Leave a comment and let us know!

Kayaking in tranquility, at Yes Bay in Southeast Alaska.

At the sun-kissed Santa Monica Beach in California, USA.

Full moon at the Yosemite National Park, California. Photo shot from the town of Oakhurst.

This is a sponsored guest post by Zoe Sutherland.

A mari usque ad mare – from sea to sea. That’s the national motto of Canada, and you know its fitting once you’re face to face with the Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. The Great Lakes are an enormous collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. More like seas than lakes, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface.

Flickr photo by NASA Goddard

Exploring Shipwrecks

Canadian river cruises are a rather unique way of seeing the Great Lakes, taking on watery oblivion and spooky shipwrecks claimed by the lakes over hundreds of years. Many of the shipwrecks have been forgotten, but through the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society we were told, a wealth of old lake lore has been re-discovered, through sonar technology and digital image-mapping.

Notorious areas of water at Thunder Bay and Whitefish Point were particularly lethal to early voyagers, with wrecks such as the John B. Cowle, the Samuel Mather, and the Vienna (they all sailed their last journey in the late 1800s) having been discovered and investigated for visitors to explore at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. Wrecks which are left in their graves are open for diving charters on Lake Ontario. This is something I’d definitely recommend as a surreal and unique scuba-diving experience.

Flickr photo by Catherine Bulinski

The Thousand Islands

A river cruise puts the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes in their raw, wild context of mountainous valleys, sand dunes, pine groves and rugged coastal scenery. Accomplished old lumber towns of the American Revolutionary War look peaceful over their untamed surroundings. The Thousand Islands – nearly 2,000 islands formed by glaciers milleniums ago – form mazes of channels through which boats float into Upper Canada. While drifting through the lower Great Lakes, yo’u’ll find its coastline littered with romantic farmlands, sand dunes and the occasional lighthouse bathed in glorious sunsets and the ‘lake-effect snow’.

Lake-effect snow occurs on the Great Lakes as cold winds move across the warmer expanses of water, lifting heavy snow showers or ranis across the lakes to leeward shores. This wonderfully ghostly weather really does conjure up images of lost ships sailing out into the mists!

Flickr photo by Chelsey Baldock

Scientific Curios

On the opposite American shore lies the Science Centre in Cleveland, Ohio. This establishment focuses on the environmental, technological and scientific phenomena of the Great Lakes, with hands-on programmes for the curious traveler. From demonstration labs to travelling exhibitions, it feels like the most modern of museums. There is a two-acre plaza from which to view the lakes. The NASA Glenn Visitor Centre is on the same site as the Science Centre, and admission is included with the Centre’s general admission fee, which makes for a great value day out. There is also an IMAX theatre. On our trip through the Great Lakes, we return home with our wanderlust fulfilled and an urge to return for more.

Zoe Sutherland is a trainee human rights lawyer.  When feeling less serious, she enjoys going to the theatre and traveling in South America and Europe. She has a thing for music and plays the guitar often, though badly. Follow her on Twitter @zoe_sutherland.

A native American from the Tlingit tribe in Wrangell, Alaska.

Last autumn, I was on Jeju island, South Korea to attend the first ever World Trail Conference. Trail experts from around the world shared interesting information about their trails, stirring my interest in traipsing these trails. I’ve barely covered any of them, but after talking to these trail experts, I’m pretty sure I’ll be walking them sometime in the near future. Meanwhile, as I plot my plans to walk them, here’s a list of the most well-known trails around the world.

1. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, or St James Way, is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. With over a thousand years of history, this is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. Today, it draws walkers from around the world – not just for religious purpose. There are a few routes to choose from, with the most popular being the 800km-long Northern Trail: starting from Paris and crossing from east to west of Spain.

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 104-km along the southeastern coast of Australia in the Victoria region. From trekking through dense forests to traipsing the edge of coastal cliffs, the walk traverses a wide variety of coastal landscapes. Some of the highlights of the walk include the iconic 12 Apostles, the beautiful and serene Johanna Beach, picnic heaven of Apollo Bay and Cape Otway where koala bears are plentiful. The walk can be done independently – before setting off, it’s best to stock up on camping gear and Australian travel insurance.

3. Bruce Trail, Canada

As the oldest and longest trail in Canada, the Bruce Trail follows the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It runs for 850km from Niagara to Tobermory, with side trails extending out to 250km.  There are many waterfalls, streams and rivers along the Bruce trail, expect to see a myriad of plant and wildlife. Niagara Falls, by far the most famous watercourse in the area, can be reached by a side trail of the Bruce Trail.

Flickr photo by Derek KP

4. John Muir Trail, USA

Running 358km through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the John Muir Trail reveals the wild and primeval nature of North America. The trail starts from the Yosemite National Park and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. The trail was named for naturalist John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club. The best time to visit is from July to September, though snow may still linger on the higher passes.

5. Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

With 1,200 years of history, the Shikoku Pilgrimage (or Shikoku O-Henro) runs through 88 temples and 200 bangais along the coast of Shikoku. The trail not only puts your determination to the test, but also gives a peek into Japan’s history and tradition. As one of the longest trails in this list, it runs for over 1,400km and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. There are a number of shorter imitative trails in Japan, such as the 150km circuit on the island of Shōdoshima, a 3km course in Ninna-ji, Kyoto and a route on the Chita Peninsula.

6. Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

As a newly-developed trekking course on the Jeju island, the Jeju Olle is made up of 22 courses covering a total of 347km in length. The beautiful isle’s craggy coastline is lined with emerald bays and lapping beaches, while further inland hills are studded with oreums (dormant volcanoes), ensconced waterfalls and green prairies. On average, each Jeju Olle Trail is 10-18 kilometers in length and each offers a different side of Jeju. These quick shifts in topography allow walkers to enjoy farmland and forests, grasses and palm trees, fresh water ponds and ocean vistas, waterfalls and cliffs, often all on a single journey.

7. Cotswolds Way, UK

Cotswolds Way is the most famous trail in the United Kingdom, running from Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The course is 162-km long, passing through picturesque villages and scenic views, such as those at the meanders of the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. The distinctive shape of May Hill and the long spine of Malvern Hills can also be seen during much of the route. Some of the higlights of the trail include the Somerset Monument, the majestic Broadway Tower and the site of the Battle of Lansdowne.

Flickr photo by Chen Zhao

*All photos uncredited are taken by myself. They cannot be used without permission.

This is a sponsored guest post by Anthony Haslam.

New York has gained the reputation as the city that never sleeps, and it’s easy to see why. The dense multi-cultural population, vibrant energy and monumental sites make New York one of the world’s greatest cities. The Big Apple caters to a variety of travelers, from the casual holidaymaker to the seasoned globetrotter. Unfortunately, holidays to New York are usually considered to be quite expensive, putting most people off visiting, but New York has plenty of things to see and do, including a few that are very cheap or even free. So if you fancy a trip to New York this year, here’s a selection of what the Big Apple has for less.

Central park

At around 843 acres, Central Park is located in the middle of Manhattan and is the perfect addition to the concrete jungle of New York City. The park is free to enter and can be explored in a variety of different ways, from the leisurely walk and bike ride to a boat trip and a horse-drawn carriage tour.

For something a little different, you could try one of the two ice skating rinks that are available or even some rock climbing on Central Park’s many glaciated rocks. Rock climbing is free, the Lasker rink however has a daily entrance fee of $6.25* for adults and $3.50* for children (*excluding skate and lock rental). It opens from mid-October through to early April. Out of season, Lasker rink converts to an outdoor swimming pool.

Central Park’s theatres present free performances throughout the summer, often featuring well established screen and stage actors. Performances range from music, dance and even Shakespeare productions, all free to view.

Wildlife lovers can indulge at Central Park’s zoo from as little as $12 an adult and $7 a child (under 3’s get in for free). The zoo is open all year round, however it’s worth noting that during the winter months, the zoo closes at 4:30pm daily (5:30pm in the summer). The zoo is home to an indoor rainforest, polar bear pool, chilled penguin house and an aquarium.

Free tour

Composing of only 11 members, the Public Design Commission have been reviewing permanent landscapes, architecture and other pieces of art since 1898. Included in their review is New York’s Tweed Courthouse and City hall, thanks to their review, the Public Design Commission has allowed these places to offer free tours.

Note that there are usually only around 20 places, which are on a first come first serve basis. The majority of the tours start at 10am, however the City Hall does offer a free tour on Wednesdays at noon. The tour takes around an hour, and you’ll have the chance to experience a designated landmark, the buildings rotunda and even the Governor’s room.

The free tour around the tweed courthouse is every Friday at midday; here you’ll be able to enjoy John Kellum and Leopold Eidlitz’s architectural masterpiece. The tour does require some advanced planning however; you’ll need to register your interest at least two days before the tour. The hour tour will tell the tale of William M.Tweed and what he did, which saw him being sentenced in that very building.

Comedy Theatre

If you’re looking for something a little different, then head down to the Magnet Theatre, the improvisational comedy theatre and school. Here you can enjoy a show similar to those seen on Whose Line is it Anyway? from as little as $5. The theatre also offers free introductory improvisation classes for those wanting to try it out themselves.

Go to the Cinema

This little triplex theatre has featured in the Woody Allen movie of The Purple Rose of Cairo and has been showing double features and second running’s for many years. You can enjoy a movie in the cinema for $5 on Wednesdays and for the first showings during the weekends in the Kent Theatre in Brooklyn.

From the monumental Statue of Liberty to the stunning Grand Canyon, the United States is blessed with countless attractions, natural wonders and a mixture of cultures and ethnicities. But most of all, it’s home to some of the greatest cities in the world. Some of these cities are well-known for their urban culture, while some boast the most vibrant beach culture. Whether you’re a culture vulture or a holidaymaker, there is a city for every type of traveler.  Let’s take a look at some of the best cities to visit in the United States (based on my own opinions).

1. New York City

The Big Apple is America’s pride and joy – a massive metropolis chocked full of ethnic districts, charming restaurants and attractions. New York is perhaps the most photographed and filmed city in the world, with its sprawling skyline appearing in thousands of movies and series. Sometimes known as the capital of the world, New York has also inspired countless classic songs. When in New York, the first thing that most tourists do is climb to the top of the Empire State Building for a 360degree view; then wander through the nightlights of Times Square and mourning the loss of lives at Ground Zero.

2. Las Vegas

A city designed for hedonistic pleasures, Las Vegas is a giant entertainment centre packed with the best casinos, resorts, spas and restaurants. Sin City is a fantasy land for many and a perfect weekend escape destination where you can while your time away on slot machines and shopping malls. But Las Vegas is not all about casino games. Las Vegas’ proximity to unique national parks such as Grand Canyo, Red Rock and Death Valley makes it an attractive travel destination not only for party goers but for nature lovers as well.

3. Miami

Boasting rich Latin American flair, Miami stands out for its unique ethnic districts and exotic flavors. Some say that amidst its colorful Art Deco architecture and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the United States. The miles of sandy beaches in Miami are lined with trendy hotels and chic restaurants, making the city one of the sexiest in the country. If you’re looking to party like there’s no tomorrow, you can’t go wrong in Miami.

4. Los Angeles

Best known as the City of Lights, Los Angeles is a multi-faceted metropolis that springs one surprise after another for regular visitors. For first-timers, it may appear flamboyant, flashy and charismatic thanks to the snazzy Hollywood district and Sunset Boulevard. But explore a little more and you’ll find the true Californian spirit bursting out from every corner of LA – the sun-kissed beachside boulevards of Santa Monica and the bohemian enclaves of Venice Beach.

5. San Francisco

Packing both picturesque countryside landscapes and groovy urban culture into one city, San Francisco is a perfect travel destination for everyone, whether you are a city girl or an outdoors-lover. The cosmopolitan city is home to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge and numerous gardens and parks. Let’s not forget the city’s trademark steep hills and vintage trolley cars. What’s best is the city’s dramatic location along the bay. Almost every point along the coast of San Francisco offers astonishing views of the area.

6. Seattle

Charming and aloof, Seattle has an air of mystery and subtle charisma – a characteristic that gives it an edge over its rival cities. Flanked by the Cascade Mountains to the East and the Olympic mountains to the west, Seattle stands at the base of Mount Rainier and is surrounded by stunning landscapes. Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky. Seattle has been voted by many as one of the world’s best cities to live in, it’s easy to see why with its friendly atmosphere and easygoing vibes.

Photo credit: All photos from Creative Commons Flick by Stuck in Customs except Miami (by wmiami) and Seattle (by mtoo).

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As an avid travel addict, when I’m not traveling, I’m dreaming about far-flung destinations and epic journeys. Although I’ve packed the last year with thrilling jaunts and junkets,  I’m always fantasizing about the next sojourn.  With the new year approaching, it’s time to get inspiration from some of the world’s most noble voyages that cross continents and break boundaries. For the dreamers out there, these five epic journeys will surely get you dreaming, and hopefully planning for your next journey around the world.

1. Tour d’Afrique

Tour d’Afrique is a cycling tour that traverses the entire African continent from its top end, Cairo in Egypt to the southernmost tip of  Cape Town, South Africa. Covering almost 12,000 km (7,500 miles) in four months, the Tour d’Afrique is a test of mind, body, and bike. Since its birth in 2003, three more transcontinental tours have been added: the Orient Express, crossing Europe from Paris to Istanbul; the Silk Route, crossing Asia from Istanbul to Beijing and the Vuelta Sudamericana, traversing South America from Rio de Janeiro to Quito.

Photo from tourdafrique.com

2. World Cruises

A dream-come-true for sea-farers, world cruises journey around the world in 100 days. Queen Mary is perhaps the world’s best known world cruise – its 2011 voyage will be setting sail from New York, journeying through Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Cape Town, Sydney, Hong Kong and ends back in New York. For the well-heeled travelers, this brings cruise holidays to a higher level.

Photo from cruiseheadlines.com

3.  Long Way Down: A Journey on Motorbike

18 countries, 2 bikers and 5 shock absorbers: one hell of a journey. Fellow actors and bike fanatics Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set off on their 15,000-mile journey with two BMW bikes loaded up for the trip of epic proportions. Their route took them from John O’Groats at the northernmost tip of Scotland to Cape Agulhas on the southernmost tip of South Africa. They rode their bikes right up to the pyramids in Egypt, visited Luke Skywalker’s house in Tunisia and met former childhood soldiers in Uganda.

4. The One-week Project

The One Week Job Project was created when Sean Aiken, fresh out of college, had no idea what to do with his life. Between Feb 2007 and Mar 2008, he completed a one-year epic journey around North America, working 52 jobs in 52 weeks. How it worked: Anyone, anywhere, could offer Sean a job for one week. Any money he earned for the work, he asked the employer to donate towards the ONE /Make Poverty History campaign. On his inspirational quest, Sean tried everything: bungee instructor, advertising executive, baker, stock trader, firefighter and more.

5. Orient Express Trains

Dubbed as the world’s most exclusive train company, the Orient Express sets the golden standards for global train travel. The Orient Express has an eclectic collection of  luxury trains with special departures across the world from Macchu Picchu in Peru (Hiram Bingham) to the Scottish Highlands (the Royal Scotsman) to the heart of South-east Asia (Eastern and Oriental Express).

6.  Overland Safari Along the Silk Road

An overland safari along the Silk Road conjures up images of desert caravans, lush oases, snow-peaked mountains and colorful markets. The Silk Road was once one of the world’s most significant commercial arteries spanning the entire length of Asia: from Beijing in the far east to Istanbul as the gateway to Europe. Hop onto a safari and follow in the footsteps of early explorers who plied these trade routes linking some of the greatest civilizations in history.

Flickr photo by Irene2005

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