Category: Beach Exploration

Beautiful beaches in the U.S. and abroad.

How We Saved Big on Hawaii Activities with a Multi-Day Oahu All-Inclusive Pass

It's been a few weeks since our family left and I'm still just glowing with joy that we had such a fantastic trip with them! They were here on Oahu for two entire weeks. Yes, Americans who take trips longer than one week do exist and they are thriving because of it.... Read more

Points Trip to Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island (+ Things to in Waikoloa Hawaii!)

Budget travel and Hawaiian resorts don't often go together … ever. Unless you use travel points, then you may be surprised how cheaply you can get away with visiting a hotel you'd never dream of booking. We recently took a points trip to Hilton Waikoloa Village... Read more

How to Plan a Hawaii Island Hop Day Trip

With a birthday coming up, the travel bug sinking its teeth in, and whale-watching in full swing, I was determined to get over to Maui from our home on Oahu to go on a tour in the best spot for seeing whales in Hawaii. The only problem was our commitment to stick to a... Read more

10 Months in New Zealand: Highlights of Our Unexpected Extended Trip

It's strange how our perception of a place can change with time. Upon arrival, New Zealand felt like a check in the box – a place we wanted to see before moving on to the next destination. Now, looking back at our time there, it feels like another home. It's a... Read more

Pleasantly Surprised by New Plymouth, NZ

Our original plan for visiting the New Plymouth area was to explore Mount Taranaki, but we really enjoyed this area much more than we realized we would and (due to weather) ended up seeing far more of it than we realized! Staying at Oakura Beach Although the New... Read more

Mangawhai Heads Cliff Walk – A Favorite NZ Hike

In New Zealand's Northland area, there are some fantastic hikes and beach walks. But the Mangawhai Heads Cliff Walk combines both, which makes it so wonderfully special. You'll just have to check the tides to make sure you will be able to walk on the beach! Mangawhai... Read more

Cathedral Cove Beach Walk in the Coromandel, NZ

One of the most gorgeous coastal areas of New Zealand, the Coromandel Peninsula is a must for beach lovers – especially the multi-hour walk to Cathedral Cove beach (or water taxi). It's a (sometimes overly) popular track, but we loved spending a sunny summer day... Read more

Northland New Zealand Road Trip: One Week of Beaches, Backpackers & Beautiful Views!

Trying to decide on a first destination in a place with hundreds of amazing options is a challenge. Luckily, we were celebrating my birthday a few days after landing in Auckland and I only wanted one thing: sunshine. GLORIOUS SUNSHINE! After six weeks of winter in... Read more

The Rock Overnight Cruise in Bay of Islands

We don't always plan to splurge for birthdays and other special occasions … but when we do, we tend to really go all out (like learning to cook in Rome or hot air ballooning over Colorado Springs). So, when we decided to go to New Zealand for my big 3-0, I... Read more

3 of the Best Dubrovnik Beaches Right Outside Old Town

No trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, would be complete without visiting, and taking a dip in, at least one beach. So, we have listed the best beaches in Dubrovnik right outside of the Old Town walls. You won't need to rent a car, take a bus, or hire a taxi to get to these... Read more