A vacation spent on a white sand beach looking out on warm turquoise waters, is many people's dream getaway. Many people base their vacation destination on where the waters are bathtub-warm, there are swaying palms, and you can kick back and really relax. Every continent in the world boasts some breathtaking beaches; here we will highlight a few.



The Hawaiian Islands in the United States have some of the most breath-taking and enchanted beaches that to welcome you year round. Kauai is an example of the perfect getaway, with its tropical temperatures, romance, and tranquility. It's a lush and green paradise but not overly developed. This gives you a chance to enjoy one of those lovely beaches without intrusion by other people.

When in Kauai be sure to visit Poipu Beach. Its variety of water sports is perfect for the entire family. Since the waters are crystal clear and there are many species of beautifully colored tropical fish, Snorkelling is especially popular here.

Don't miss a trip to the famous South Beach if you are heading to Florida. It has a topless beach and is a playground for adults. This is not the place for a family vacation. The beach itself is actually man made and stretches for miles with clean tropical water. The funky art deco culture that surrounds the beautiful scenery is the draw to South Beach. Many martini bars and live music venues line the waterfront. Be sure to visit some of them for a shot of Latin culture.

We now head south to Brazil, Ipanema Beach to be exact. Located in festive Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach was made famous by a song in the 60s bearing its name. If you are looking to be surrounded by scantily clad beautiful people (both men and women) then Ipanema Beach is the place for you. Miles of white sand beaches equals many days worth of sun, fun, and excellent people watching. A visit to this beach and the surrounding area is a wild ride worth taking.

Going north again, we'll take a look at Long Beach in beautiful Tofino British Columbia, Canada. Most of us don't think of Canada as being beach country, but this is a spectacular exception. The town of Tofino is a unique and charming fishing village populated by lots of eccentrics. The beach is a great place to surf, take long walks, and explore the many tide pools filled with sea life such as starfish.

Finally, we come to the French Riviera of St. Tropez. This is now one of the most popular and hot destinations in Europe. Once it was the hideaway for movie stars. St. Tropez is close to Cannes and filled with those who appreciate the finer things in life and don't hesitate to flaunt it. The bright blue waters make the beach stunning, if you're not in the mood for the beach then there is still plenty to do. While visiting this exciting local, people watching at one of the beachfront cafes are a must.

There are literally hundreds of beaches around the world that draw many visitors each year. Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Bali, Australia, the list goes on and on. People have appreciated the natural beauty of the beach for centuries and they continue to be a hot spot for tourists today.