If you’re a fan of the water and have always been someone that enjoys riding the waves rather than soaking up rays, you’ll be pleased to know that there are tons of aquatic sports that you can enjoy in gorgeous Barcelona. With a coastline that stretches for 4.5km, there’s a wide variety of excellent beaches to try out these activities.

Whether you’re looking to try a water sport out for the first time, or you’re already a seasoned pro, there are plenty of great clubs and schools peppered along Barcelona. Below we’ve got a list of some of the best watersports in Barcelona to get you started. 

Windsurfing in Barcelona

Windsurfing is essentially a form of sailing that involves a board being powered across the water by the wind. It’s not for the faint-hearted as it requires an immense amount of strength, stamina and of course, courage. 

If you’re looking for an adrenaline kick, however, it’s one of the best water sports to try out. You’ll start out on a bigger board with a small sail when you’re learning the basics before moving to a smaller board as your skill increases. The best thing about windsurfing is that it can be enjoyed at any age. In Barcelona, you can check out classes or rent equipment along the Mar Bella beach. 

Paddleboarding in Barcelona

Known as SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), this water sport is a great way to have fun playing in the water while also providing a full-body workout. Since you’re standing upright on the board, you’ll also get to admire the views.

While paddleboarding isn’t as fast-paced as some of the other water sports out there, it’s great for your core, and there’s also a growing trend of individuals doing yoga on their paddle board – talk about intense! In Barcelona, there’s no shortage of schools available and there’s plenty of places for you to rent boards or even practice SUP yoga.  

Surfing in Barcelona

While the Barcelona area may not have the biggest waves in the world, it’s still a great place to get your surf on. If you’re a beginner, Barcelona’s also a fantastic starting point and there are plenty of great spots along the Catalonian Coast. 

Garraf is one of the most picturesque surf spots in Barcelona with old fishermen’s hut on the beach along with houses peppered all over the cliff for a unique appearance. Another popular spot just north of Barcelona is Masnou. There, you’ll have access to the longest waves of the area. There are plenty of surf schools in Barcelona such as Pukas Surf School that’s great for beginners that are just starting to ride the waves. 

Renting a boat in Barcelona

While it may not be a sport per se, it deserves a brief mention. When you’re in Barcelona, you’ve got to rent a boat as it’s a great way to enjoy the open seas. Head on board as a family or gather a group of friends and you’re sure to have a wonderful afternoon or evening.

From medium-sized yachts to luxury superyachts, there is plenty of options to cater to everyone. On a budget? No worries, in Barcelona you can rent license-free boats and have fun exploring the waters on your own. 

Renting Jet Skis

Feel like you’re flying on water thanks to the high speeds you’ll experience on a jet ski. As you zoom across waterways, you’ll also get to take in the stunning coastal views. 

In Barcelona, you can choose to rent a jet ski for 30-minutes to a couple of hours for some fun. Alternatively, book an excursion that’ll take you a little further to areas such as Costa Brava or Garraf. 

Hoverboarding & Flyboarding

If you want to take it to the next level, give hoverboarding and flyboarding a shot. This relatively new water sport is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping. You’ll be propelled into the air thanks to the two powerful water jets that are attached to a pair of special boots. 

You’ll feel as free as a bird and it’s an incredible feeling. Hoverboarding is not difficult to learn, but it’s important to have the right balance. You’ll soar up to 10 meters into the air, and you can even enjoy this activity with your friends or family and have an amazing time together. 

Similar to hoverboarding is flyboarding. Instead of the water jets being attached to a pair of special boots, however, the water jets will instead be strapped to your feet. Feel free to do somersaults, jump and create whatever shapes your heart desires over the water. With flyboarding you’ll reach a height of up to 30 feet in the air – an exhilarating adrenaline experience that’s an absolute must. 

Crazy Sofa & Banana

You’ve probably tried the banana boat, but have you tried the crazy sofa? For something fun and exciting to do together with your friends and family, you’ll want to try this out. In this exhilarating activity, you’ll be sitting on an inflatable sofa and get dragged around by a tire that’s attached to a speedboat. 

As you whizz around the ocean, you’ll get to see who ends up being the last one sitting. It’s an exciting activity that’s sure to get everyone laughing. Best of all, there’s no previous experience required and anyone above the age of 10 is welcome to join embark on a crazy sofa adventure. 

Flying Fish 

This new unique water sport is something you absolutely need to check out when visiting Barcelona. Here, you’ll be sitting on an inflatable rubber boat that takes the shape of a flat fish while being pulled by a speed boat. As the boat accelerates, you’ll get lifted above the ocean for a heart pumping experience. 

As you take in the views of the coast, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea as you look out over Costa Brava. The Flying Fish can take up to six people with the minimum age being 18 years old. This is an activity that you wouldn’t want to miss in Barcelona. 

There you have it, some of the best water sports in Barcelona! Either than water sports, there’s also plenty to do from visiting the La Sagrada Familia to admiring other modernist landmarks around the city. Finding comfortable accommodation in Barcelona is also key to a fantastic vacation. Why not check out some of these vacation rentals in Barcelona, Spain for a memorable trip unlike any other.  

One of the most recognizable islands in the world, Santorini is a symbol of Greece. Known for its whitewashed Cycladic houses, ancient archaeological sites, and the fact that it’s built on the remnants of one huge volcano make it a pretty spectacular place for a holiday. And we haven’t even mentioned the spectacular sunsets! It’s one of the most memorable places you could visit – though it’s probably not the first place you’d think of taking your family. Nevertheless, there are lots of things to do for all ages on the island. 

Of course, one of the most popular draws is its white, red, and black beaches. Each has its own personality and character, but after a few lazy days on the beach, you might start to crave something that will get the adrenaline flowing a little more. How about trying some watersports? 

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best family-friendly watersports in Santorini. Hopefully, it’ll make it easy to plan and make the most of your trip! 

Stand up paddle boarding in Santorini

Santorini’s waters are known for being calm. So, unfortunately for some, that means surfing is off the menu. However, if you feel at home on a board you could try stand up paddleboarding instead. The fastest-growing watersport in the world, it’s a great workout for your core – and who wouldn’t want to say they’d SUPed in the remains of a collapsed volcano?!

Try it at sunrise or sunset, and if you have plenty of SUP experience, you could even have a go at yoga on your board. The ability to do SUP at a slow and relaxed pace means that it’s an ideal way for the family to see the scenery of Santorini together.

There are several different paddle boards depending on what you want to use yours for. So, if you’re wondering which paddle board do I choose? You can either get some expert information at the link there, or find a reliable rental service on the island who will find the best board for you!  

Swimming in Santorini

Something that can be very off-putting when deciding which watersport to do is the need for equipment. Thankfully, with swimming, all you need is a swimsuit. And perhaps a pair of goggles. With swimming spots all over the island, you’re sure not to be disappointed with Santorini. 

Kamari black sand beach is the most popular beach on the island, and there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to rent for breaks between swimming. The black sand beach at Perissa has a water park where children can swim safely, while Red Beach has an awesome swimming spot amongst impressive rock formations.  

Snorkeling in Santorini

One way of exploring the fascinating waters and the underwater world of Santorini is through snorkeling. Snorkeling in Santorini is one of the best ways to see colorful sponges, groupers, snappers and many schools of fish. Book your tours with SeaBookings and explore the treasures under the sea in safe conditions.

Sea Kayaking in Santorini

Another great way to take in the caldera of Santorini is by kayak. Like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking gives you a great core workout but you’ll be sat down instead. You’ll be able to enjoy some of Santorini’s most famous sights, including rock formations, the Akrotiri lighthouse, while also ducking into sea caves for a bit of shade from the relentless Mediterranean sun. 

Of course, while you kayak you’ll have the opportunity to stop off at a number of beaches that are inaccessible to the busloads of tourists you might find on other parts of the island. 

Parasailing

Maybe one for families with older kids here – and definitely not for anyone scared of heights. Parasailing will see you dragged along behind a speedboat attached to a parachute. You’re likely to reach heights of up to 100 metres! It’s an incredible activity to tick off your bucket list and the views of the caldera below will be etched into your mind forever! 

Water-biking

Shaped like Volkswagen Beetles, water-bikes are basically just fancy pedalos. You might not think of the Beetle as a family-sized car, but there’s space for four on one of these cute little vessels and the good news is it’s very difficult to fall off one!

Scuba Diving in Santorini

If you enjoy diving, Santorini boasts its beaches as it offers great chances for scuba diving due to its volcanic geological background. For people who have experience in scuba diving, this should be one of your highlights during your stay in Greece. Many diving centers and tours have opened over the last couple of years offering diving courses for all ages and levels. Just rent the necessary equipment for your scuba diving experience and your experienced guides will take you out for an amazing time in the underwater world of Santorini. There are also options available for first-timers.

Jet Skiing

Another activity that may be more suitable for families with older kids. Jet-ski safaris are a popular way to see Santorini’s collapsed volcanic craters. Thanks to the high speed of a jet ski, you’ll see what you would in a whole day on a kayak in just a couple of hours. And it really gets the adrenaline pumping! The only issue here is that it’s more difficult and expensive to do as a family. 

Flyboarding

Have you ever wanted to fly above the water before diving down to the depths of the ocean? Okay, maybe not the depths. You want to give flyboarding a go. You’ll be strapped to a jetpack which will enable you to fly more than 10 metres in the air – all you need to do is keep your balance. This unusual activity is just 10 minutes long and it’s available on many of Santorini’s beaches. 

Catamaran Cruise

Okay, a catamaran cruise isn’t exactly a watersport, but after all of the high adrenaline activities on this list, it might be time to do something a little less taxing. With a range of options, you could enjoy a sunset dinner cruise or a full day exploring the caldera and beyond. A cruise as a family may be a little pricey, so make sure to find something all inclusive.

A panel of travel experts at Clickstay.com has voted the Algarve as the best destination for British tourists this summer.

52% of the in-house travel pros voted in favour of the Algarve, the South of Portugal, citing successful control of Coronavirus as one of the key factors.

“Local government has done fantastic work in limiting the spread of the virus and put in sensible measures to ensure people can enjoy their holiday safely”, said Tom Hughes, founder and MD at Clickstay.

“Their use of technology, such as the Info Praia app where tourists can real-time information about the level of occupancy of the beach, is a great example of how the government is being innovative in its approach”, he added.

The article about this study mentions that Portugal recorded a considerably lower number of Covid-19 cases than the UK, so is considered low risk by the UK government. On the other hand, the Portuguese government considers that the UK has got the virus ‘under control’ and is calling for a so-called ‘air bridge’ between the two countries, which would allow British tourists to go on holiday to the Algarve, and the rest of Portugal, without having to quarantine on arrival.

According to these travel experts, there’s a wide range of activities which you can enjoy safely, making the Algarve is the best holiday destination this summer, above other destinations in Europe.

During your stay in the Algarve, you will be able to visit the vast range of beaches without worrying about overcrowding, thanks to social distancing and hygiene protocols and dedicated beach surveillance.

“I usually go on a beach holiday during the summer but was a little anxious having seen some photos of very crowded beaches in the UK,” said one of Clickstay’s holidaymakers, “If social distancing is properly enforced on the beaches in the Algarve, I will definitely consider making the trip”.

Outdoor activities like swimming, kayak tours, SUP tours, and surfing are permitted and most boat tours are already running, all with hygiene and safety protocols in place. In fact, these tours and activities are all recognized by the Portuguese «Safe & Clean» seal. This is surely another big boost for the region’s tourism prospects. According to Tom Hughes, “Many of our customers love to go surfing in their summer holidays, so being able to do that in a safe environment would be a massive attraction’.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, restaurants, hotels, museums and galleries are also already open, with social distancing protocols in place. So yes, you can enjoy some of the local fresh seafood and terraces in under the blue sky are abundant for a safe food-experience.

The research shows that the geography of the Algarve has also been a factor. In the Algarve, there are many relatively quiet places to rent a villa compared with the busier coastlines of France and Spain, which make it a good destination for those wishing to keep their distance and enjoy a relaxed holiday. 

What do you think? Would you consider the Algarve for your holidays this summer?

‘Safe Travels’ is a special safety and hygiene mark to provide consistency and reassurance for consumers to speed the Travel & Tourism recovery. Portugal is among the first destinations to adopt private sector protocols and stamp.

 The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp. The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and businesses around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

The landmark move by WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, has also received the backing of the influential United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented.

Rita Marques, Portugal’s Secretary of State, said: “Portugal has been committed in reassuring our tourists they will always have the best experience in our country. This stamp, together with our “Clean & Safe” program, is one step further in reassuring everyone that we care, our destination is focused on recovery, and trust is at the core of our business.”

WTTC and all its Members from around the world have the safety and hygiene of travellers as their top priority.

Last week WTTC’s launched the first of range of new worldwide measures that were part of its Safe Travels protocols to rebuild consumer confidence and encourage the restoration of the global Travel & Tourism sector. They provide consistency to destinations and countries, as well as guidance to travel providers and travellers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing, in the post COVID-19 world. 

The protocols are also being defined following the experience of WTTC members in dealing with COVID19 and based on the best available medical evidence. It also follows guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What do you think about this initiative? Does it influence your decision about where to travel to?

Turismo de Portugal creó un sello para distinguir las actividades turísticas que aseguran el cumplimiento de requisitos de higiene y limpieza para prevención y control del COVID-19 y de otras posibles infecciones, reforzando así la confianza del turista en el destino. En un momento en el que se está preparando la recuperación del sector, los proyectos turísticos, las empresas de entretenimiento turístico y las agencias de viajes, pueden solicitar la declaración de establecimiento “Clean & Safe”.

Este reconocimiento es válido por un año, gratuito y opcional y exige la implementación en las empresas de un protocolo interno que, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la Dirección General de Salud, asegura la higiene necesaria para evitar riesgos de contagio y garantizar los procedimientos más seguros para el funcionamiento de actividades turísticas.

El sello “Clean & Safe” se obtiene online en las plataformas digitales de Turismo de Portugal: RNET (Registro Nacional dos Empreendimientos Turísticos), RNAAT (Registo Nacional dos Agentes de Animação Turística) y RNAVT (Registo Nacional dos Agentes de Viagens e Turismo) y estará siempre asociado al número de registro de la entidad.

Después de enviar la Declaración de Compromiso por parte de las empresas, estas pueden utilizar el sello “Clean & Safe” físicamente en sus instalaciones o en sus plataformas digitales.

Turismo de Portugal, en coordinación con las entidades competentes, realizará auditorías aleatorias a los establecimientos adheridos.

Los alojamientos y restaurantes locales también podrán próximamente solicitar este sello, respectivamente, a través de AMA (Agência para a Modernização Administrativa, I.P.) y DGAE (Direção-Geral das Atividades Económicas).

Con esta medida, la autoridad nacional pretende no sólo transmitir a las empresas información sobre las medidas mínimas necesarias de higiene y limpieza de los establecimientos, sino también promocionar Portugal como destino seguro desde el punto de vista de los cuidados a la propagación del Virus, con una acción coordinada por parte de todas las empresas del sector.

Paseos en barco y deportes acuáticos «Clean & Safe»

En SeaBookings, nos asociamos con los mejores proveedores de tours en barco y deportes acuáticos en cada uno de nuestros destinos. De hecho, en Portugal, casi todos nuestros socios ya han obtenido el sello «Clean & Safe», mientras que otros todavía están ajustando sus protocolos internos para poder presentar su Declaración de Compromiso.

En SeaBookings, puede ver si una experiencia se ha comprometido con el sello en la página de cada experiencia, donde mostramos el sello.

Si desea obtener más información sobre el sello «Clean & Safe» o sobre cómo los proveedores turísticos locales se aseguran de que Portugal sea un destino de vacaciones confiable, no dude en contactarnos en cualquier momento. Nos complace ayudar y esperamos darle la bienvenida de forma segura y limpia para disfrutar del mar portugués.

On average, there are over 2 million weddings in the U.S. each year. That means there are a lot of weddings to plan! While some people opt for a simple courthouse ceremony or a backyard event with family and friends, others go all-out. Things like barn weddings, country club weddings, and even traditional church weddings are all still popular in their own right. 

But many people opt to have a beachside wedding due to its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and uniqueness. It’s easy to think about a walk along the beach at sunset for a romantic date or getaway (no matter where you are in the world!), but when it comes to planning your wedding around the beach, there are some pros and cons to consider. 

Your big day shouldn’t be stressful because of the location you choose. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of a beachside wedding before you decide whether it’s right for you. 

Pro: A Naturally-Beautiful Backdrop for Any Season

One of the biggest draws to having a beachside wedding is the natural beauty. It takes very little decorating or “preparing” the space to make it look great. With that, you can save money, since you’ll have to worry less about creating a big budget for decorations. You can also use the beach as both your ceremony and reception area by utilizing a large tent; no need to have your guests travel to another venue for food, drinks, and dancing!

Plus, if you get married in a more tropical location or in a Mediterranean climate such as Greece or Portugal, you can have your wedding any time of the year. There are plenty of ideas regarding the best month to get married, but if you don’t want to wait, you can enjoy warm, beachside temperatures even during the winter when you choose a warm destination. 

Con: The Risks of Being Outside

Unfortunately, you can’t control the weather. Weddings take an average of 13-18 months to plan, and the one thing you can’t plan for is harsh sun, rain, wind, or even a higher tide than you expected. On bright, sunny days, you might be putting yourself and your guests at risk for UV exposure. 

It’s a good idea to have both a backup plan for inclement weather and a way to keep your guests safe. A tent or enclosed location is a great solution for rain or wind. Having sunscreen and sunglasses available for both UV protection of the skin and protection for the eyes would be a good idea, and they can also serve as cute party favors for guests to take home. 

Pro: Many Theme Options to Choose From

You don’t have to limit yourself to standing on the shoreline when you’re considering a beachside wedding. There are plenty of location options you can choose from: 

• A long dock/pier
• A lighthouse
• A boat/ship
• Further away from the shore
• A rental property facing the beach

Don’t limit yourself to your idea(s) of what a beachside wedding has to be. When you choose the location that fits your needs, you can also choose the “theme” and style that works for you. Beachside weddings are often more casual and less formal, so guests can enjoy everything from feeling the warmth of their feet in the sand to appreciating a romantic beachside sunset as the backdrop to your reception. Get creative with your seaside locations!

Con: Not All Beaches are Private

Beach weddings can be very intimate, private things if you choose the right spot for your ceremony, but keep in mind that not all beaches are private. If you choose to get married on a public beach, you run the risk of a lot of noise, other people nearby, and even “beach rules” in place that everyone needs to follow. 

Obviously, the best way to avoid this is to rent out a block of time on a private beach. If that isn’t an option for you, be prepared to share your wedding day with other beachgoers who might be curious enough to look-in on your ceremony. That even includes animals, wildlife, and bugs that create their natural habitats on the beach and may crash the party when you least expect it!

Pro: An Instant Honeymoon Spot

Because the beach itself is so naturally romantic, you can transform it into your honeymoon location after the reception is over. Rent a small beach house for a few days and do nothing but relax. If you do decide to have a destination wedding in Greece or Portugal, you’ve already set the stage for the honeymoon of a lifetime!

Beachside weddings are beautiful, romantic, and almost always popular with guests. With a little planning and preparation, you can have the wedding of your dreams with your feet in the sand. 

The many golf resorts across Portugal provide numerous opportunities for families to enjoy themselves not only on the golf course but with a host of activities for the entire family. Along with the first-class golf courses, there are waterparks, beaches, and kid-specific activities can be found at several resorts across the region.

Additional Read: Top 10 blog posts about Portugal

Below are a few of the more popular resorts along with information about their family-friendly features and activities.

Amendoeira Golf Resort

A favorite among many family travelers, the Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve features apartments and villas available alongside 36 holes of Championship golf, with the Christy O’Connor and Nick Faldo courses. There is also a very popular 9-hole course that is perfect for beginners, while still an enjoyable play for low handicappers. A full 27 holes that will put that new GPS watch to its test.

In July and August, the resort’s “Kiz Club” is active. Designed to entertain the younger crowd, it’s a place where children can engage in age-appropriate activities and make new friends. There are also nearby activities for the entire family, like boat tours and fun watersports in Armação de Pêra.

As hosts to the World Kids Golf Championship, the Amendoeira Resort attracts juniors from across the world to compete in a supportive environment, stimulating growth and development as golfers. In an effort to create a true family experience, it is encouraged that parents serve as caddies for their players. After the tournament concludes, a Parent-Child Par-3 contest is held.

The Amendoeira Resort is a prime example of what makes the Algarve region such a great destination, with nearby proximity to the beautiful beaches of southern Portugal. Views of the magnificent Monchique Mountains are at every turn through the two championship courses, and the resort is home to the region’s only floodlit par-3 course.

Recently awarded the honor of being the Best Course in Portugal by the World Golf Awards in 2016, the Faldo course is consistently ranked as a top 100 course in Continental Europe.

Penina Hotel & Golf Resort

The original home of golf in the Algarve Region, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is set within 360 acres of perfect grasslands and natural beauty. Three golf courses, including the Algarve’s first 18 hole championship course, accompany the five-star hotel and leads the way in high-class service.

For the kids, the Penina’s Kangaroo Club is a securely enclosed and fully supervised area that provides quality entertainment for children. Daily programs balance entertainment with education, to ensure that every child gets the most out of their holiday experience. A swimming pool, climbing area, football pitch, bicycle track, and a sandpit are all at the kids’ disposal, and . during the summer season a supervised bouncy castle is also set up. There is a Kangaroo Club Restaurant, a state-of-the-art crèche with baby changing facilities, a designated toddler area, and a fully stocked game room.

The Penina Resort welcomes dogs up to a weight of 7 kilos, at an extra charge so don’t forget to pack the doggy toys and their favorite food. No other pets are accepted, with the exception of guide dogs.

Penha Longa Resort

With two golf courses set across the beautiful slopes of the natural landscape near Lisbon, the Penha Longa Resort is a spectacular place to play golf. The stunning forests and rocky mountains rise around the grounds, giving an isolated experience and perfect place for a high-class golf escape.

Two golf courses, the Atlantic Course and the Monastery Course are located at Penha Longa. The Atlantic Course is the resort’s main attraction, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and is ranked as one of the top 30 golf courses in Continental Europe. The 6,786-yard tract features many dramatic holes cut through the resort’s sloping landscape. The course features two distinct sections, with six holes running through a valley, and the remainder straddling the hillside. The Atlantic Course has twice served as host for the Portuguese Open in the mid-1990s, as well as the Estoril Open in 1999.

While the Atlantic Course remains the star attraction at Penha Longa, the 9-hole Monastery Course also deserves a look. A less challenging course, with fewer undulations throughout the tract, the views of the nearby Sintra Mountains are spectacular and make for a nice, relaxing round for players of all skill levels.

There is fun for the entire family, as children can enjoy the Penha Longa Kid’s Club where they can enjoy a host of toys and games to play and learn. With Pirates, Treasures and camping, painting and cinema, cooking classes, and pyjama parties, a continuous choice of activities will fill their days while enjoying their stay at Penha Longa, with even more activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. 

There is no need to find a dog-sitter for your holiday. Pets are welcomed at the hotel with a reservation of a Junior Suite, but additional charges apply.

Vale do Lobo Resort

The renowned Vale do Lobo Resort sits on the magnificent coast of southern Portugal and is one of Europe’s best all-encompassing golf resorts. Two golf courses, the Royal and the Ocean, provide an epic layout and rank among the best golf courses in Portugal. Vale do Lobo is an ideal combination of two contrasting courses to make it a truly unique venue among its peers.

Thanks to a huge choice of activities, Vale do Lobo is an ideal location to spend quality time with family and friends. Throughout the year there are a host of activities in the various different areas of the resort, from enjoying the restaurants and live music in the Praca to relaxing on the beach or by the pool or just spending time on the courts or the golf courses.

The Tennis Valley section of the resort features a children’s playground area. The newly refurbished par tee mini-golf course includes fantastic new elements, holes, and challenges, including plenty of water features, tricky holes, and oversized entertainment.

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes its course around the globe, we find ourselves staying at home as part of a lockdown designed to keep the disease at bay. While we are glad that we can limit the spread, we are also limited on fun things to do. But like all uncertain times, this too shall pass. When it does, it will be time to celebrate.

Why not let loose with a fun seaside getaway? While most of us are stuck at home, we are presented with the perfect chance to plan our next big vacation. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste. Use this time to choose the ideal destination, save your money, and plan your itinerary, so you and your family can enjoy the perfect post-coronavirus adventure.

Research Your Dream Location

Whether you are planning to visit the gorgeous landscapes of Madeira or take in the sites of Algarve, Portugal, this is the perfect time to research your destination and get your plans in order. Take the time to search online for popular seaside hotspots and choose which you would like to visit. In addition to picking the fun places to see, you also want to flesh out the logistics of your trip, like how you are going to get around once you are there, whether it be public transportation or your own vehicle.

There are other considerations to make, as well. If you are planning on going hiking or boating, will you need to rent specific equipment? If you are going to a different country, are you able to speak the language? If not, take this time to bone up on some popular phrases. Is there cell phone service where you are going? If not, then you may have to make alternate communication choices or stay at a hotel close to the attractions you want to see.

Dogs love to go on seaside adventures, too, because they can feel their ears flap in the wind as you cruise along in a rented speedboat. Use this time to think about the details of bringing a pet. If you are flying, make sure that the airline allows pets. Make a list of all the pet supplies you will need, including treats, a good leash, and a collapsible water bowl. You will also want to research your destination to see if your pet needs any special vaccinations and bring this paperwork on the trip.

Take the Time to Save Money

Whether you are planning to visit your local beach or the coast of another country, you will want to save money so you can have a fun and comfortable trip. One benefit of having social distance and stay at home orders is that you are now presented with a good time to save the funds that you need. Of course, the first step is to make an itinerary of the places you will want to visit and check out the cost of each, in addition to the price of your lodgings. 

Once you have a number in mind, start saving. If you are the type of person who struggles with saving cash, then consider turning it into a game with a no-spend challenge. Essentially, this involves hiding your credit and debit cards, creating a budget for only the necessities (food, utilities, gas), and obtaining the support of your family as you attempt to go at least a month without spending unnecessary money. Put all of your extra cash in a “vacation fund” that cannot be touched until your trip.

Since just about everyone is currently banned from going to parks, movie theaters, and restaurants, this is the perfect time to be a cheapskate. Set a savings goal and take this time to research high-interest savings accounts, where you can gain even more extra cash off of interest. If you are currently working from home, you can also try a side hustle like online tutoring or taking surveys to save even more.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Even after the social distancing measures come to an end, it will still be prudent to stay away from large groups, and a road trip along the seaside will give you that independence while you enjoy the gorgeous sites. If you are taking your own car, this is the perfect time to get your vehicle checked out and road-ready. Luckily, mechanics are considered an essential business, so they are open and willing to help.

When it comes to getting your car road trip-ready, be sure to check your tires and get an oil change. Wherever you are going, create a vehicle emergency kit filled with essentials such as first aid supplies, granola bars, and necessary maps. Speaking of maps, this is also a great time to figure out your routes so you know when you have to leave and how long you’ll be traveling each day.

It is always smart to practice defensive driving, meaning that you must drive without distractions while anticipating issues on the road. So, if you are going to a new seaside destination that you haven’t visited before, check out images of the streets you will be driving on. If you are driving along the coast, you may encounter many winding roads, so use this time to take a drive on a similar road near your area so you can get some practice. If your destination is famous for rain, then read up on how to drive in these conditions.

As the coronavirus takes its toll, we are living in some not so fun times, but these dark days will one day be a thing of the past. Use the time to plan the dream seaside getaway and be ready to go when the time is right.

It’s important to take precautions and measurements in times of the coronavirus, also when the lockdown comes to an end. According to the World Health Organization, there are some tips to take into consideration, both during and after lockdown. In this article, we’ll focus on the tips that apply to travel after the Coronavirus lockdown.

Here are some tips to take into account when traveling after the Coronavirus lockdown:

1. Destination 

The first thing to consider is your destination. It’s recommended to only consider countries where the coronavirus contaminations are controlled. It’s also important to inform yourself about the quarantine requirements, both upon arriving at your destination and also when coming back home. Imagine a 14-day quarantine is required at your destination, then you might consider another place. 

2. Airline vs. car

Make sure to pick an airline that assures to have the best health and safety practices in place. Some airplanes are planning to test all their passengers before boarding, for example. And have you already considered traveling by car? Maybe now the time is there!

3. Protect yourself and others 

You should wear a mask to avoid being contaminated and also to diminish the risk of contaminating others. There is a big debate on which type of mask we should wear. The uncomplicated answer is the surgical mask which is single-use and is rather affordable. However, there are reusable masks available too and we think it’s a very personal decision.

You can also protect yourself by using surgical gloves to protect your hands from being infected with viruses or germs during your travels.

4. Stay hydrated

Bring a thermos type bottle or other reusable bottles to stay hydrated while traveling. Several studies show that drinking (warm) water can help to flush out the virus down to the stomach. 

5. Bring sanitizer

Using sanitizer is also trending worldwide. The sanitizer has alcohol that kills germs and reduces the number of bacteria or microorganisms on our skin. While traveling, we can’t always wash our hands, so then sanitizer is the best thing that you can carry in your handbag or pocket. Other than that, when possible, don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

6. Keep social distancing

Wherever you go, try your best to avoid the crowd. Pick beaches with fewer people, avoid going to the markets at the busiest hours, etc. You can also pick your destination based on this tip. You might prefer an area with nice empty beaches or forests rather than a crowded city.

Avoiding crowds also means being careful with public transport. If you have the chance, we recommend renting a car or using Uber or similar services. And in case you rent a car, or travel in your own car, be sure to wash or sanitize and keep the car clean.

In sum, for the coming months, even after the lockdowns, we need to take care of our health because we don’t know if the virus is still around. 

For now, let’s keep on reading and dreaming about travels. And plan for when we’re free again.

Till then, stay safe.

About the author: Laraib is a professional content writer, travel blogger, with a creative bent of mind. I have authored and published a number of articles in the niche of travel, health & fitness, entertainment and technology domains. Here is my blog.

Hola,

Esperamos que estén todos sanos y salvos. Nos gustaría hablar sobre viajes. Sabemos que puede ser que viajar no esté en su mente en este momento, ¡pero somos positivos y creamos que pronto podremos viajar por el mundo nuevamente!

Confiamos en que, juntos, podamos superar esto. En primer lugar, en términos de salud, pero también en términos de negocios. ¡Vendrán tiempos mejores!

Sólo queríamos darles un breve aviso de SeaBookings. Somos afortunados de ser un servicio online y estamos trabajando mucho para preparar una temporada alta retrasada este año. 

Mientras todas las experiencias en el mar están cerradas actualmente, no estamos «a la sombra de un árbol de plátano» (dicho en portugués por no hacer nada). Nos estamos preparando un barómetro turístico después del aislamiento. Por lo tanto, nos complacerá recibir comentarios sobre cómo se siente con respecto al futuro del turismo. Puede hacerlo simplemente completando esta encuesta anónima de 3 minutos. ¡Eso sería muy apreciado!

Esperamos que no pase mucho tiempo hasta que todos volvamos a experimentar el mar al máximo. Hasta entonces, cuídense. Y si tienen alguna idea o pregunta, no duden en llamarnos o mandar un mensaje en cualquier momento. Estamos aquí para ayudar.

¡Hasta pronto!

Tu Equipo SeaBookings