Looking for a real taste of elegance and luxury? There’s no better way to go about it than hiring a private yacht! It gives you a chance to explore a destination in a different way, you get the freedom of being out on the water but with all of the luxuries of a high-end hotel. Here are some of the best destinations to consider if you want to pop on your captain’s hat and spend time on a boat exploring the oceans.

Dubai

If you’ve ever seen photos of Dubai, you’ll notice that many snapped of the gorgeous cityscape are taken from the water. The architecture in Dubai really is something special. From glittering hotels to the world’s tallest building and epic malls- hiring a boat or going on a boat tour allows you the best views of all of this. It will be no trouble finding a yacht for rent, as exploring the waters around this city is popular with tourists. 

Miami

Whether you want a relaxing cruise in the sunshine or a full on yacht party, Miami is the place to do it! Known for its vibrant party scene, you won’t feel out of place with plenty of drinks on ice, music, and dancing from the comfort of your boat. White sands and clear blue waters really do make the destination feel like heaven on earth. 

Croatia

If you’re looking for rich history and breathtaking scenery, then a boating trip in Croatia won’t disappoint. Picturesque stone white buildings with terracotta roofs show a Mediterranean life from a whole other era. The natural harbors, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters make for a spectacular yachting experience. 

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef is something that lots of people have jotted on their bucket list, and for a good reason. And what better way than to see this natural wonder than in an incredible yacht. If you get lucky, you might even see whale pods migrating for deeper waters while boating in Australia. There are lots of places where you can snorkel and dive here, it really is the trip of a lifetime. 

The Baeleric Islands

The four islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera make for an incredible boating adventure. The golden sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and delicious Spanish cuisine make this a popular area in the world for tourists But it's the clear blue surrounding waters that you really want to make time for on your trip. There are beaches and bays that you can only access by boat, so be sure to include this on your itinerary to see these stunning, secluded areas!

Turkey

Another destination which is rich in history and culture, but the serene bays, idyllic harbors and beautiful waters make it an excellent place to sail and explore the oceans. Expect to see mountains, craggy gulfs, and other dramatic scenery while you’re out on the waters. 

Have you ever been on a sailing holiday? Which one of these destinations most catches your attention?

This post contains affiliate links and was contributed by Alice Fontaine. 

Millions of people visit Australia every year, and for excellent reasons. The weather can be incredible, even during the winter months. And there is plenty to see and do, from roughing it in the outback to loving life on a sandy beach. 

But let’s not forget, Australia is an enormous country that spans across five different time zones. And if you only have a two-week breakaway, it is an impossible task to see more than a couple of areas unless you want to spend half your vacation traveling. 

So, where you base yourself is essential, and a little knowledge of the best cities Australia has to offer will do you an excellent service. With this in mind, here’s my rundown of the best Aussie cities worth your time - let’s get started straight away. 

Darwin

Darwin is a quiet and beautiful city located in the north of the country. It is an idyllic place renowned for its incredible orange sunsets and superb sightseeing opportunities. The Northern Territory remains relatively untouched and is very sparsely populated, which makes Darwin and a perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone that wants to learn more about the aboriginal culture. 

Tasmania

Australia has a reputation for being a little rough around the edges - and for a good reason, given the vast expanses of the outback and desert that make up much of the country. But in Tasmania, you see a different side. It’s chock-full of natural landscapes and beautiful wilderness, and there is an understated atmosphere about the place that is completely unique. Make sure you check out the waterfalls that surround Dove Lake and take part in the beautiful Overland Track walk if you have six days spare. 

Sydney

Sure, most first-timers to Australia head to Sydney, but that’s no reason for you to avoid it. Far from it, in fact. If you can pick up cheap flights to Sydney, there is a lot to enjoy, from the vibrant nightlife to the bustling beach at Manly. Located on the southeast coast, it’s an incredible place that is full of atmosphere and history, and the surrounding areas of Newcastle and Central Coast are also worth a visit. 

Cairns

Cairns is a spectacular place of great beauty, and a big pull for travelers to Australia. You will often find yourself talking with people from all over the world on the golden beaches of Cairns - or out snorkeling amongst the incredible Great Barrier Reef. It’s an adventurous place regarding activity, too, with all kinds of water sports, skydiving, and bungee jumping opportunities available.

Alice Springs

For those that want a real taste of the Australian outback, head to Alice Springs. It’s located in the north, and is somewhat remote - it takes you a cool seventeen hours to drive there from Darwin. But for those that make it, it’s a terrific experience, and the sight of Uluru - also known as Ayers Rock - is an incredible thing that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. 

Have you been to Australia - if so, which are your favorite cities? Let us know and join in with the conversation! 

Is there any better vacation than a beach vacation? The sand between your toes, soaking up the sun, the cool refreshing sea air filling your lungs. For many people, a beach destination is just about synonymous with paradise! The challenge is deciding where actually to go! There are so many amazing beach destinations around the world that it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. After all, no two people want the same thing from their vacations, and no two beaches are the same either. With that in mind, here is some of the greatest beach destinations in the world.

Thailand

There's a good reason that Thailand is considered one of the premier travel destinations in the world. It's the kind of country that really seems to have it all, and one thing it definitely has is beautiful beaches. Well you're getting away from it all in Railay, or you want to find somewhere nearer to the nation's capital, Thailand's beaches have something to offer for everyone. Pattaya has enough beaches by itself to keep any beach bunny happy for weeks! Make sure you check out this guide to Pattaya beach to find the perfect spot for you.

Brazil

It's hardly a coincidence that bikini waxes are called "the Brazilian." Brazil is a country that is inescapably connecting with the sunshine and white sandy beaches. If you're looking for beaches with a little something extra then Brazil is the place for you. Places like Ipanema Beach is the perfect place for a seafront party, with plenty of local vendors offering fantastic drinks to help get you in the party mood!

Mexico

If you want somewhere genuinely extraordinary to visit then, you simply have to check out the hidden beach in the Marieta Islands. Rumored to have been created by test bombs detonated by the Mexican military in the early twentieth-century, this beach is not only extremely cool, but it looks incredible! Surrounded on all sides, the beach is actually underground, and you need to go through a water tunnel to access it. If you're after something unique that you can boast to your friends and family about, this is the perfect place.

Australia

If you don't want to limit your beach destinations to purely relaxing then, you'll have to get yourself to the land down under. Australia is home to some of the best surf in the world. So if you're in the mood to hop on your board and get ahead of the rip curl, then there's nowhere better in the world. Of course, if the waves aren't your scene, the beaches themselves are still absolutely beautiful, offering you the chance to soak up some of that fabulous Aussie sunshine at your leisure!

Whatever you want to go for a beach vacation, there's somewhere out there that's perfect for you. It's just a matter of looking for it. And, of course, don't forget your sunscreen!