It's fun to go on a vacation without any agenda, without any plans. For a few days of bliss, you get to live the life of a beach bum. But you have to remember, being a beach bum is an art form. The beach will be your home, and you have got to live it in the best way possible. If you're clueless on how to live the Beach Bum Life, then I suggest you start learning these commandments, because with them, you can't go wrong.
1. Thou shall pick the perfect beach.
It's not that hard really. Baja California in Mexico is one of the most diverse, and beautiful places to beach bum in. The beaches are made of fine white sand, the seafood is divine and there are a multitude of bars and nightclubs to party the night away. It doesn't hurt that it is located near the border, making it extremely accessible for those living in the California and San Diego area. If you're up for more upper-class beaches, then troop over to Hawaii, Ibiza or even in the French Riviera. The point is to pick a beach you can own.
2. Thou shall not peel or burn.
Nothing ruins a perfect day in the sun than badly-peeling, sun-burnt skin. Refrain from looking like a bad paint job, and get thee some sunscreen ASAP! Nothing wrong with slathering on the lotion, you'll thank us years later, when you're not dying from skin cancer.
3. Thou shall pack light.
Really. You're at the beach. All you need are bikinis or board shorts. Whatever else do you need? Okay, maybe you can pack for the nightly party at the bar. But you don't need tons of clothes for that. Pack light. With the heat of the sun, that's all you'll want to wear anyway.
4. Thou shall eat right.
And by right, we mean a lot. Of seafoods. Take advantage of your proximity to the beach. Get in touch with the marina flavor. Try out all kinds of fish, lobster, shrimps, clams, oysters. There are so many tastes and textures and flavors to enjoy from the seas. It doesn't have to be a gourmet dinner. A simple meal of fish cooked over an open fire will provide you with gastronomic delight you never imagined.
5. Thou shall learn to surf.
Oh come on. Don't tell me you can't resist riding the waves. Not even once? When you're atop that surfboard, it will be an exhilarating experience. Plus, all that paddling will help you lose those pounds you gained enjoying the island's fresh cuisine. Try surfing, lots of beaches have shops that offer lessons for beginners. Just don't come after us when you experience wiping out for the first time.
6. Thou shall build a bonfire on the beach.
At least for one night at the beach, build a bonfire, and spend a laid-back night underneath the stars. Gather up your friends, or cozy up to your sweetie. Toast some marshmallows, or toss back a couple of beers. It's a guaranteed activity you'll never forget.
7. Thou shall party all night.
Find the hottest spot on the area and dance the night away! It's a blast meeting new friends, and just letting it all out. Just be careful and you'll have the time of your lives.
8. Thou shall mingle with the locals.
Get some culture in your system. It's fun learning about the local's traditions, their habits and their culture in general. You'll get pointers on living in the area, and you may even get the inside info on the good buys on the island, and save a fortune by avoiding tourist prices.
9. Thou shall take lots and lots and lots of pictures.
You know what they say, “If we don't see pictures, it didn't happen."
10. Thou shall have the absolute best fun possible.
If we need to explain this, then you're too uptight to be a beach bum.
1. Be attentive
Always pay attention. Always check your side mirrors and look far enough to see other cars not just the one in front of you. Be alert when you are near intersections and pay attention to road signals and signs. If the sign tells you it's slippery when wet, don't speed up or else... Pay attention to fast cars because you'll never know if the person driving is drunk or not.
2. Yield and give way.
Yep, you are on the right way and what you are doing is just fine. But if you see one car which is running way too fast it's wiser to give way. Because if you get hit, you may end up dead or injured, too. It pays to be forgiving and calm when you are on the road just to increase your chances of not getting hurt or killed.
3. Don't trust the other driver.
The third rule is another cardinal rule - don't trust the other driver. Because you'll never really know whether the other driver is cautious or not, it's better to pay attention and be alert at all times.
4. No alcohol, please!
Plain and simple don't drive when you're drunk! You need not ask the reason because that's plain common sense and it will not take an Einstein to realize how dangerous it is to drive while one is drunk. Defensive driving is being clean from intoxicating substances.
5. Buckle up for safety.
Yeah, that's right buckle up for safety. Use your seatbelt. Don't worry about your pants or shirt being slightly folded when you wear seatbelt because at least you can do something to fix it because you are still alive. But if you are dead, you'll never really know the difference between a well-pressed and a not so well-pressed shirt.
6. Wear helmet.
For motorists, always make sure that you wear your helmets on because experiences of many people will tell you how many lives were already saved by the mere act of wearing helmets. Defensive driving also means wearing your gears.
7. Never beat the red light.
Simply put, if you try beating the red light for sure you are going to give yourself a headache if are caught doing it. So, as a piece of advice don't.
8. Be cool.
If someone overtakes or somebody honks... be cool. It's not the end of the world anyway. Being defensive is always better.
9. Use signals.
Use your flashers and lights properly to relay your intentions. When you will be turning left it is not hard to turn on the left signal light to alert the other driver.
10. Never Play Chicken with a Train!
If you are in the Hamlet like "to be or not to be" situation, just don't if the train is coming. A few minutes of waiting is better than not being able to experience the next minute anymore. Defensive driving is all about being patient.
Remember all these simple things on defensive driving. By following these defensive driving tips you are sure to enjoy your trips more.
Both Megan Foster & Alex Baumm are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Megan Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Fishing and Travel and Leisure. http://baja.com/. Megan Foster's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Alex Baumm has sinced written about articles on various topics from Build Muscle, Finances and Cover Letter. Alex Baumm, member of a car forum. Join our and find tips on