Tips & Tricks to Better Enjoy the Beach

Here’s a list of twelve tips, tricks, things to do and bring to the beach this summer to help you have fun, keep the sun at bay, and most of all, relax and enjoy!

1. Sunscreen. Plain and simple. No one wants to have his or her relaxing day at the beach ruined by massive sunburn. And make sure to reapply regularly, especially if you're going the water!
2. A book to read. Crossword to ponder over. Sudoku puzzle to complete. A good way to unwind and enjoy the beach is to just sit back and do one of your favorite activities—reading or puzzles—whilst in a scenic area like the beach! This is great because you can lounge in your chair in the shade or lie on your stomach in the sun—tanning and reading at once!
3. A spare towel or beach blanket. You’re going to want to dry off with something that isn’t covered in sand. And if you drove to the beach, you also might want something to sit on for that drive back.
4. Snacks! Even if you’re not spending the whole day at the beach, you’re bound to get a little hungry! Make sure to pack a cooler full of snacks, and mix it up! A variety of chips, granola bars, and veggies make for a good beachside mix. And don’t forget to bring drinks too, if you know what I mean.
5. Beach toys. If you have kids, these next couple might apply to you. When you pack your bag, it’s always a good idea to bring a Frisbee or a beach ball of some sort to keep the kids busy and for them to throw around while you do your own relaxation routine.
6. Bags. A couple of spare Ziploc bags or jars can’t hurt, either. Surely your little ones will want to collect every seashell they see and it bring it home. They would literally bring the whole beach home with them if they could! Just don’t forget to rinse them off if you plan on keeping them, you don’t want that sea scent to linger.
7. A spare pair of sunglasses might be a good thing to bring along too. You never know if a big wave will knock you over and if your precious shades will be lost in the ocean forever. And if you wear prescription glasses, try using a cheap pair of regular sunglasses in the water, if you can see, just in case.
8. Headgear. Aside from the sunscreen, another cool way to beat the heat is to wear a hat or bandana. For the ladies, a sunhat is both stylish and provides you with a little bit of extra shade. For the men, you can’t go wrong with a ball cap, especially if it’s made of lightweight sport material.
9. Phone case. Everyone takes pictures nowadays. For most of us, we don’t want the extra hassle of lugging a camera about. So if you plan on using your phone to capture all those wave-worthy moments, think about investing in a waterproof phone case. Seriously, two things that simply do not mix are smartphones and saltwater. Another important consideration is protecting your phone from the sun. A few hours of direct sunlight can deplete even the most robust battery, but there is a convenient and ingenious solution. 
10. Potable water. Speaking of water…remember to drink lots of it! This can’t be stressed enough. Even if you hang out in the shade for the whole day, the heat will still take its toll on you. And if you decide to enjoy other drinks too, then really remember to stay hydrated.
11. Chairs and umbrellas. Sure, towels are great to lie on, but if you want to sit in the shade and cool down a bit, definitely make sure you don't forget to pack these two essentials. If you really want to step up shade game, consider getting one of these. (Fun fact: The word "umbrella" is derived from the Latin words meaning "little shade". True story!) 
12. Cash. Even though you’re at the beach to release some stress, calm down, and catch some rays it’s still a good idea to have some cash handy. Sure, you’ll bring your own cooler with food and drinks, but you may get hungry for some stuff you just don’t have. And if you have kids: ice cream. And even if there are no kids around, who says adults can’t enjoy a summer ice cream cone?

A little bit bit of shade can provide a lot of relief from the mid-day sun. 

Whether you prefer the East Coast or the West, a travel specialist at Fifth Meridian Travel will arrange a beachside getaway to suite your needs and budget. Here are two of our favorite summertime destinations!    

The Setai, Miami Beach
Luxurious rooms allow you to stay cool and comfortable for your time indoors, while your beach time can be enjoyed watching the sunset or lounging in a magnificent pool. From now through December 17, 2017, book with Fifth Meridian Travel to receive a complimentary fourth night, among many other amenities!

Ventana Inn & Spa
For something a little more relaxing, check out this hotel’s soothing spa that will surely enhance your stay. With world-famous Californian views, you don’t even need to leave your room in order to relax and enjoy the vacation you deserve.
Don’t forget to contact Fifth Meridian Travel for all of your travel and hotel needs! We offer unbeatable pricing, exclusive amenities, and hands on service you won’t get anywhere else!

Five Tips For Taking The Stress Out Of Planning Your Honeymoon

Ask anyone who's tried it: Planning a honeymoon can be extremely stressful, especially if you intend to begin your honeymoon directly after your wedding, which most couples do. With so many things to take into account and so many options to choose from, the task of planning your honeymoon can quickly become overwhelming, so here we offer a few simple suggestions for de-stressing the process of planning your honeymoon:

1. Call a professional, preferably one of ours. Getting the help of a qualified, professional travel specialist is the single best thing you can do to eliminate the stress of planning your honeymoon and to ensure that all the relevant details have been considered and taken care of.  
2.  Be flexible. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you're more likely to get the best deals on airfare and hotels. Also, consider traveling during low season or "shoulder season", which is the time between low season and high season. A lot of couples prefer to get married in the months of May, June, and July, which are in the middle of the low season for many destinations on the Gulf (or Atlantic) Coast of Mexico, and during which hotel and resort prices drop considerably. Those peak summer wedding months are also a perfect time to visit the stunning island of Mauritius (not that there's ever a bad time to visit Mauritius).  
3. Consider an alternative airport. Sometimes switching from your home airport to one a little further away can amount to big savings, so be sure to check out airfare from a few different airports before booking your flights. And if you're driving to the airport and intend to park your car there, be sure to factor that expense into the overall budget.
4.  Ensure passports and other travel documents are up-to-date. In the U.S., it can take the State Department up to six weeks to process your passport application, and if you're traveling outside the U.S., a valid passport number is required to book the airline ticket, so make sure that's taken care of well in advance. Your travel adviser will be able to tell you if the destination you have in mind requires a visa, and if so, she will help you obtain it, but that process, too, takes time, so make sure you file the application at least a few months before your departure date.
5. Work as a team. Planning your honeymoon can be a great way to collaborate with your fiancé on a project and also helps ease the stress of travel-planning by reducing the workload. Making sure you set dates by which things are to be done is a great way to keep each other accountable and to ensure that everything is completed when it needs to be. And keep in mind that planning a honeymoon doesn't have to be stressful. With sufficient time, realistic expectations, and the help and guidance of a qualified travel specialist, planning your honeymoon can be an exciting and enjoyable project. Contact one of our travel specialists today to find out how we can help make your honeymoon the trip of a lifetime.        

The ruins at Tulum are just one of the many attractions near Cancun, Mexico, whose low season happens to correspond with the peak season for weddings in the U.S. (May, June, and July), making it an excellent choice as a honeymoon destination.