Sand Between the Toes
A beach or tropical vacation is so often the primary image that comes to our mind’s eye when we think of escape or breaking the drudgery or our daily work and jobs. Warmth, sand between the toes, piña coladas and snorkeling are some of the things we wish we were doing as we sit at our desks and daydream. If you’re from North America, Europe or Asia, you will tend toward certain locations more than others. Let’s get a bit more specific and look at 4 popular places that people from different areas of the world go to for their tropical vacations.
1. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Rich with natural oceanside beauty and ancient archaeology, this region lies on the Caribbean side of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It’s largest and most well know city is Cancun. Here the beaches have silky soft white sand and there are places such as Akumal which are ideal for diving and snorkeling. You can find a range of quiet-life or active night-life which has appeal for those wanting either quiet or parties. The accommodations will vary from simple hotels, private condos rented by their owners to 5 star all inclusive resorts. For at least a million North Americans annually, this is where they go for their best tropical vacations.
See: Riviera Maya.com
2. Malaga, Spain
Southern Spain is know for a region called the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast). It would make sense that this area has some of the highest temperatures in Europe. The area is well known to tourists due to the wonderful amenities and accommodations available there, enhancing the beauty of the coastline and beaches. Beaches are known to offer open air food service, called “chiringuitos”, and serve local fresh fish. Golf is a popular activity in the area and some even refer to this area as Costa del Golf.
See: Malaga.com
3. Phuket, Thailand
One of the many tropical islands of Thailand, Phuket has everything that tropical getaway-goers would want – incredible scenery, warm ocean, soft sand and cheap tropical vacations. Known for its sexy nightlife, the area also has more conservative, family oriented activities such as diving, including dive training, cruises and kid’s diving. Many tours are available which will lead you by land or sea to unbelievable natural and historic sights. One of these is a cruise on a Chinese Junk into Phang Nga Bay.
See: Phuket.com
4. Palau – South Pacific
As far as secluded tropical vacations go and with a rich island 
culture that carries over many traditions to the present day, Palau is known today as a world class snorkeling and diving location. With coral reefs, wrecks, caves and drop offs, there is a huge variety of underwater life to be seen, including giant clams. Inland there’s even a lake which has a population of surreal jellyfish which have lost their capacity for stinging due to the lack of natural predators. Add the beauty of the land and oceans to the warmth of the local people and you have an idyllic destination for your tropical island vacations.
These are just a few ideas…
The world has plenty of tropical locations for us to visit and appreciate! Let’s visit these regions with respect for the locals while soaking up all of the relaxed, tropical lifestyle.