What Is An English Seaside Holiday Really Like?

Lots of people love to take a vacation as a way to destress and relax. This has been the case for over one hundred and fifty years in the UK. The Victorians popularized holidays on the coast when train travel was invented. Journeys to the coast were made so city dwellers could take in the fresh air and coastal activities their homes lacked. Today, millions of Brits still head down to the coast for a break. So what is an English seaside holiday really like?

Most of us have seen picture postcards of a sandy beach and kids playing with buckets and spades. Much of the English coastline, however, isn’t like this. Instead, the coastal areas can be rocky. They’re wild and rugged. They’re also home to a huge variety of sea life and wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else.

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Many of the sandy beaches in the UK now form part of the seaside resorts that are popular with people on vacation. You can find golden sands and seawater paddling pools in lots of places like Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool. These big tourist hotspots are also home to theme parks, seafront cafes, promenades, and more. The attractions in Blackpool are famed throughout the country and abroad. The famous tower and ballrooms have also enjoyed a popularity revival in recent years.

Beach holidays are something most of us love. We pay a lot of money to visit hot countries with hundreds of miles of white sands and warm blue waters. England isn’t exactly like that. And most Brits will tell you they go to Spain or the South of France for that. But that doesn’t mean that England’s beaches aren’t worth the visit. Many are very clean, and they are guarded, so you and your children are safe.

During the summer months, most beaches are filled with day trippers and holidaymakers wanting to make the most of a sunny day. Deck chairs are often hired. They’re one of the most annoying, yet iconic part of any English seaside resort. You can also find Donkey rides for the kids, Punch and Judy puppet theaters and vendors selling fish and chips served in paper cones. It’s these things that make the English beach vacation so memorable.

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No trip to the English coast would be quite complete without sampling some of the seafood dishes. Mussels and eels continue to be popular dishes around the London area. Both are often served in liquor so they may not be suitable for children. Cotton candy or candy floss is also widely available. Donuts, burgers, and hotdogs can be found in most resorts too.

The UK is a tiny island, which means the coast is never far from you when you visit. You can paddle in the sea, build sandcastles, and even play soccer on the beach. The sound of the seagulls can be heard miles inland, and the scent of the water is alluring. Best of all, the view of the coast of England is beautiful. Much of it is unspoiled, and all of it provides beautiful views of the sea. Enjoy your English seaside holiday.

5 Reasons Why Beach Holidays Are The Best

Ah, the beach. Just writing about it makes me wish I was there. I’d be enjoying the warm weather. Then, playing soccer with friends and family on the sandy beach. I could even take a dip in the water to cool off! It sounds great, doesn’t it?! I don’t really need to tell you how great the beach and beach holidays are, but I’m going to anyway! Maybe if I talk about it long enough, I’ll feel like I’m there!

It’s Sunny

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Going on holiday to the beach normally has a large amount of sun involved. Anyone who’s been to a cold beach in the middle of a UK winter will tell you that it’s not the best of days out. All of the activities that lend themselves to beach holidays are so much better when it’s nice and warm. Bring your sunscreen, obviously, and make sure you stay protected out there.

Choice

Aren’t we lucky?! The world features a vast range of beaches, and we’ve got loads of possibilities at our disposal. There are some truly fantastic ones out there. If you’re planning to spend most of (if not all) your time at the beach, look at renting resort accommodation. Some packages like the ones at cebucation come equipped with private beaches so that you can get away from the rest of the crowd. We are blessed to be able to enjoy these beaches, let’s take advantage of it!

Fun For All The Family

It’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t like at least one aspect of the beach. While some people aren’t so keen on sand, they might love sunbathing. Others who don’t like swimming in the sea, are happy to kick a ball around on the beach. You might just want to take a stroll and enjoy the view. A lot of beaches also have entertainment attractions around the corner if you need a break. The family will love it, as will you.

It’s Relaxing

Going to the beach is such a relaxing activity. When you’re standing there in the sun with your friends and family, there aren’t many worries going around your head. The natural, enjoyable atmosphere is such a relaxing thing. You don’t need to worry about work, school, flights, or anything else that might be on your mind, especially if you’ve prepared properly. This is a time to have fun, so enjoy!

Swimming Is So Much Better In The Sea

Maybe I’m biased here, but swimming in the sea is so much better than any man-made pool. Alright, you’ve got to be wary of the current and anything that might swimming in there, but that’s a case of being careful. Make sure you abide by any rules in place. They are there to ensure your safety.

So there you go! Unfortunately, I still feel like a person sitting behind a computer screen. I guess I’ll be booking a beach holiday in the near future. For now, I’ll just have to daydream.

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Review - Beach Hotel by Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah

Our trip to Ras Al Khaimah was an early celebration of Eid Al Fitr. It was also a nice moment to bond with my mom-in-law who had never set foot in RAK yet. The family had a great relaxing time in  Beach Hotel by Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah. And who knew that a place like that existed if we haven't checked out Booking.com's offers? Good thing my husband saw the deal just in time so we booked few days before we went to RAK and we certainly enjoyed the weekend getaway.

Beach Hotel by Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts is a private beach-front hotel along the caramel-hued sandy coastline of Ras Al Khaimah. It's just few hours drive from Dubai. The property is a part of the Bin Majid Hotels' chain of properties. It has 4-stars rating with 136 rooms to boast.


What I like:

General and Service
It's a quiet hotel and gives me that very relaxing vibes.
The rate came with buffet breakfast.
The pool area is covered with plenty of covered seating areas where you can lounge and get covered. There were enough washing/shower areas so you don't drag the sand back to your hotel room.
There's a coffee shop and the restaurant also serves burgers + beers near the pool area! My husband certainly liked that!
The whole hotel has landscaped gardens and the lush greenery added a calming effect to the vacationers. Even the pool area is surrounded by trees and bushes.
The beach area is well-organized with elevated sun lounges so you really have a space to sunbathe or just sit back and enjoy the view of the sea.
The caramel-hue sand around the beach was so fine and we really enjoyed the beach area. It wasn't crowded in the afternoon towards sunset.
The Concierge agent named Susana was very friendly and accommodating. We were checked in in less than 5 minutes.
There's ample parking space for hotel guests and visitors.

Location
Just few hours drive from Dubai (approximately 45-60 minutes from Al Ghusais where we live to this hotel property on a Friday)
It's located just as you enter Ras Al Khaimah and it's easy to find. There is a signage before the flyover so you have to take the one at the bottom to turn to this property.
It's nestled in lush greenery in a quiet beach community. It's really ideal for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Rooms
Rooms are adequate even for a family of 3. We booked 2 rooms (3 adults in one standard bedroom and 2 adults in the other standard bedroom).
The beds and pillows were so comfortable. This is one of the best sleep I have ever had in an hotel.
There were enough cups and glasses in the room.
The bathroom was spacious with a bidet and separate tub-shower area.
The vanity table is long enough to accommodate mine and my daughter's laptops.
The bathroom amenities were well stocked with enough towels for all of us.
I also like the fact that it has a hair dryer.

Food
The buffet breakfast has a very wide selection and we all loved it. We certainly enjoyed our hearty meals! Of all the places I have had eaten French Toast for breakfast, this is the only hotel where I really ate yummy French Toasts that were not so soggy and oily or buttery.  We had more than 2 slices each. It was that delicious!
We also enjoyed making our pancakes with the pancake machine. So cool!

The hotel also had selections for Arab and Far East Asian guests. You can choose some Indian food staple for breakfast if you prefer that.

What I don't like:
Considering the features in the room, I can tell it's an old one. The thermostat knob of the AC was antiquated that when I turned the knob to a low setting, it fell! I certainly don't know if I returned it properly that the room remained cold throughout even when the setting was high temp. It's because the knob was not properly aligned as I don't know which is which.

There was no rubber stopper in the bathtub so I was unable to soak.

The small mini-bar fridge leaked.

The cabinet sliding doors were hard to slide. They kept jamming at a certain point and they were a bit heavy for a cabinet door.

The rooms given to us were 231 & 232. 232 had a city/mountain view while Room 231 had a very small view of the beach from the side.  We requested for a beach view but since there was a group booking, we didn't get the adjacent rooms with the beach view.

No free wi-fi, not even in the lobby. Wi-fi connection for 24 hours is AED 80.




Facilities:
Olympic-sized swimming pool
Leisure activities such as jetski, windsurfing, scuba diving, beach volleyball, sun-bathing lounges Sports/Fitness centre
Business centre
Restaurants, coffee shop and clubs for entertainment
Landscaped garden around the hotel area


Nearby attractions:
2 kms away is the Iceland Water park
RAK Mall
City centre
beach area


Price: AED 300 per Standard Room per night, buffet breakfast included in the rate from Booking.com

Some snaps in the beach area:

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 (5 being the highest)

I recommend this property to families, groups and business travelers who are looking for a quick weekend getaway away from the city life. This property, albeit an old one, has clean facilities, friendly staff, spacious and clean rooms and a breath-taking view of the beautiful beach area of Ras Al Khaimah. I don't mind booking again as long as they give me a beach view next time!

To know more about the property, please visit the hotel's official website.

Address: Coast Road | P.O. Box 1946, Ras Al Khaimah 1946, United Arab Emirates
Website: http://www.binmajid.com

If you want to book the same hotel or want to search for hotels, please book here using the search field below:

Booking.com

Disclaimer:
I was not compensated to do this review.  This booking was personally paid for by my family for our getaway.  My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Summer Sun and Sand at Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai's temperature is soaring so we decided to have a quick getaway to a nearby town of UAE called Ras Al Khaimah. It's less than an hour drive from Dubai. Sometimes, getting out of Dubai is what you need to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.

We saw some camels along the way. They're really majestic creatures.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a quiet emirate of the United Arab Emirates. It also has it's city centre but it pales in comparison with Dubai when it comes to the fast-paced lifestyle. It is more relaxing and calm in RAK.

We booked an overnight stay at Bin Majid Beach Hotel from Booking.com and got a very good rate with buffet breakfast for 2. The 2 standard rooms we booked for ourselves and our in-laws were facing each other so we got to see both sides of the hotel - the seaview (in-laws) and the mountain/city view (ours). I'll post the review of the hotel later. Meanwhile, let me just soak in the sun and sand for few more minutes before we check out and head home to a busy cosmopolitan city.

And I don't even like going to any beach resorts! But once in a while, it's so nice to unwind, walk on barefeet, smell the sea water and feel the warm breeze on your face. It's all you need to recharge, really...

Ah, it may be the peak of summer but looking at the sea and walking on the beach kind of give me that inner peace I have been craving for. Sometimes, you just have to pack your bag and go... but don't forget your shades and sunscreen!

Beach Accessories Must-Haves

Summer is here and its time to think about the beach.  Here is my check list for a great day or weekend at the beach. Don't leave without them!

• Beach sandals
• Sunglasses
• Beach hat
• Sunscreen
• Big towel
• Lip gloss

Shannon Sandals - Beach Multi - Soft Surroundings

This beautiful flip flop will be nice in and out of the beach area.

Shannon Sandals - Beach Multi - Soft Surroundings - $49.00, 7.95 shipping - Available at Soft Surroundings

Rogers Palm Beach Flat Sandal - 8.5/Orange/Gold

Rogers Palm Beach Flat Sandal - 8.5/Orange/Gold - $77.00, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Beach Read Rhinestone Thongs

Beach Read Rhinestone Thongs - $19.99, Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

Cole Haan C 6035 Fashion Sunglasses (Brown)

Don't go out to the bright sunny beach side without protecting your peepers with any of these gorgeous eyeglasses.

Cole Haan C 6035 Fashion Sunglasses (Brown) - $29.99, Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

PR 17OS 2AU3O1 Sunglasses.

PR 17OS 2AU3O1 Sunglasses. - $149.44, Free shipping - Available at Shop By Us

Sunglasses TY7004 TY 7004 519 12 Brown Shades

Sunglasses TY7004 TY 7004 519 12 Brown Shades - $149.00, Free shipping - Available at Nordstrom

Adult Floppy Beach Sun Hat - White - Personalized with Monogram

A sojourn to the beach is not complete without a nice and big tote bag to handle all your beach wares!

Adult Floppy Beach Sun Hat - White - Personalized with Monogram - $27.00, 8.50 shipping - Available at Etsy

RHX Fashion Black Summer Sun Beach Floppy Hat Wide Large Brim Straw Folding Lady Cap

Wear a wide-brimmed hat too to protect your face and head from the heat.

RHX Fashion Black Summer Sun Beach Floppy Hat Wide Large Brim Straw Folding Lady Cap - $8.83, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Sunscreen Lotion Tube Flask - Easy To Fill Hidden Booze Container

Don't leave without a high SPF sunscreen.

Sunscreen Lotion Tube Flask - Easy To Fill Hidden Booze Container - $9.99, 7.24 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Sunscreen SPF 30 - Cream, Baby, Chamomile & Calendula 2.9 oz

Sunscreen SPF 30 - Cream, Baby, Chamomile & Calendula 2.9 oz - $13.59, 5.95 shipping - Available at LuckyVitamin.com

Abstract yet vibrant, this Carribean Joe Beach towel and its floral silhouettes are sure to become your favorite sun and sand accessory. In aqua/pink.

Bring a soft and big towel for cover up after a good soak in the beach.

Abstract yet vibrant, this Carribean Joe Beach towel and its floral silhouettes are sure to become your favorite sun and sand accessory. In aqua/pink. - $20.99, 4.95 shipping - Available at Bealls Florida

Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint -- 0.15 oz

And also don't forget to protect your lips from the harsh and dry weather while out and about.

Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint -- 0.15 oz - $24.99, See Site shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(188 reviews)

Summer Beach Travel Essentials

It's really summer! The temperature is soaring and kids are starting to enjoy their summer break from school.
All those preparation for the summer getaway has been laid out. Some may already be in their summer destinations but if you're still at home, figuring out what to bring for your summer getaway, here are some nice items to consider if you're all headed to the beach.

Flavor Infuser Water Bottle

A nice way to stay hydrated even while your on vacation is to drink a lot of water and even infused water.

Flavor Infuser Water Bottle - $15.00, 4.95 shipping - Available at UncommonGoods

Samsonite Travel Accessories Windguard Golf Umbrella

The heat can be very bad for your skin. While lounging near the pool or sun bathing in the beach seems to be the "in" thing to do in your summer beach getaway, you may want to take an umbrella with you for added protection against the harmful rays.

Samsonite Travel Accessories Windguard Golf Umbrella - $31.99, 6.48 shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Frozen Olaf Beach Swim Towel

A cute towel like this can add pizzazz on your much deserved break.

Frozen Olaf Beach Swim Towel - $56.90, 11.90 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Super-Brella Outdoor Beach Umbrella

Did the resort run out of cabanas? Fret not! If you have this Super-Brella Outdoor Beach Umbrella, you don't even have to worry about those cabanas. Bring your own!

Super-Brella Outdoor Beach Umbrella - $44.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Extreme, SPF 60, 1.7 fl oz

Of course, soaking up the sun need not be harmful so splatter some sunscreen with high UV protection and you're good to go!

Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid Extreme, SPF 60, 1.7 fl oz - $29.99, 5.05 shipping - Available at Target.com

Mesh Beach Tote Handbag - Yellow

Bring this mesh bag with you to put your gadget, subscreen, hat, towel, fave book and eyeglasses. This bag is easy to clean!

Mesh Beach Tote Handbag - Yellow - $9.99, 5.00 shipping - Available at Target.com

Marc by M.Jacobs Women's Sunglasses Marc Jacobs MMJ 119/S - Brown / Brown Gradient (0AFY/Y

Keep those peepers safe too with these sunglasses.

Marc by M.Jacobs Women's Sunglasses Marc Jacobs MMJ 119/S - Brown / Brown Gradient (0AFY/Y - $60.89, See Site shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(35 reviews)

Black Comfort Flip-Flops - Women 11

It's easier to walk on the sandy beach with these flip flops. Take them with you! It's easy to clean, lightweight and doesn't take much space in your bag.

Black Comfort Flip-Flops - Women 11 - $31.99, 5.48 shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon
(1 reviews)

10603 Waterproof Camera Dive Housing for Sony RX100

Capture those precious moments with a waterproof camera. You don't want those sand and water getting in your camera and destroying all those precious memories.

10603 Waterproof Camera Dive Housing for Sony RX100 - $162.77, See Site shipping - Available at Monoprice, Inc.

So, make your summer getaway stress free and enjoy it while it last. Have fun!

Basking in the Beauty of Newport Beach: Five Must-Do Outdoor Activities

Photo credit: allgoodprovisions.com

Those who visit California not only visit a state; they embark on a plethora of outdoor opportunities.  Florida may be the ‘sunshine state,’ yet California does not pale in comparison.  Additionally, California weather is mild compared to the intense humidity of its east-coast sunshine competitor.  

Those who visit the west coast, specifically Newport Beach, California, encounter a number of fun and engaging activities.  Here are five activities no visitor can afford to miss.

Davey’s Locker Sport Fishing and Whale Watching

 Those who embark on tours outside of Newport Bay catch views of blue whales in the summer and fall and grey whales the other half of the year.  You may have heard a share of ‘whale stories,’ but Davey’s consumers experience a 95% success rate in spotting the mammoth-sized sea creatures.

Game anglers gravitate toward the service, catching hundreds of fish (per trip), which is not difficult when the waters feature over two dozen species, including giant yellowtail, tuna, and halibut.

China Cove Bike and Kayak

Davey’s offers exciting boat tours, but while the ocean and boats are in motion, riders stand still.  The relaxing occasion calls for some exercise.  Burn calories while keeping cool in the water, or take the tour inland, renting and riding a bike along the coast.  What can one expect to see on their tour?  Kayakers and riders stop at Pirate’s Cove Beach for a swim.  Are you ready to let a machine do the driving for you?  Newport Beach vacation rentals are close to many outdoor activities and tours.  Take a ‘hidden’ jeep tour along Southern California’s Riviera.

Balboa Fun Zone

The name says it all; Balboa Park is California’s oldest family amusement area, featuring a grand ferris wheel, an arcade, a nautical museum, harbor cruises, bike rentals and more.  As an associated extension, park goers hitch a ride on the Catalina Flyer to nearby Catalina Island.  The park and associated attractions remain popular year round, but don’t worry about parking.  A public lot is available, juxtaposed to the pier, making this destination fun and convenient.

Photo-walking Tours

Spend the day, but keep your memories forever on a walking tour of Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor.  Don’t be discouraged by your level of photography mastership; professional photography instructors aid goers, directing attention to unbelievable shots while providing photographic insight you can take home.  Those who don’t come equipped with cameras may rent a device from the service.

Pirate Coast Paddle Company

You may have experienced the Pacific Ocean before, but have you done it on a paddleboard?  Don’t worry if wondering if you’re up to the challenge; professionals offer lessons and kid programs, as well as ongoing rentals for those with more experience.  To add to the ambiance of the occasion, elect to take sunset or moonlight paddle tour.

Those who visit Newport Beach, California never come away with a shortage of outdoor activity stories and memories.  Whether catching an eye-full of blue and grey whales, kayaking among millionaire-dollar coast homes, or paddleboarding in the moonlight, you’ll be more than pleased with the relaxing and active synergy offered at this vacation spot.

Marcus Anderson, now retired, travels as much as he can these days. An avid blogger, he likes to write about where he goes on travel and vacation blog sites.