Sherman's Travel

As you might have noticed, we’ve been a bit obsessed with the beach lately thanks to the East Coast heat wave. We’ve looked at the worst people at the beach, the crazy things that beachgoers do, and The Definitive Guide to Going to the Beach. This all started a few weeks ago when we asked you to share your favorite underrated beaches with us. We put the call out on Twitter and Facebook, as well. It’s clear that you all have firm opinions on the best beaches in the world that don’t get enough attention. With summer in full swing and everyone looking for ways to beat the heat without dealing with obnoxious crowds, traffic snarls, and boring routines, it’s time to take a look at some of your favorite underrated and lesser-known beaches. Read more

There’s something about the beach that simply makes people act differently. Seemingly normal, well-adjusted adults suddenly lose all sense of right and wrong. There’s a social contract to which we all adhere the vast majority of the time. It’s what keeps us from yelling obscenities on the bus and wiping our hands on other people at BBQ restaurants. At the beach, however, that social contract is shredded, set ablaze, and cast into the ocean as ashes. People rationalize just about any behavior at the beach. That’s why I wrote The Definitive Guide to Going to the Beach. Because, when you’ve seen some of the things that I’ve seen at the beach, you realize that people need help.

Here are some examples of actual human behavior that I have witnessed at the beach:

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Summer is all about escaping the office and enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. A trip to the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re enjoying some cold drinks with friends, swimming with your kids, or rubbing sunscreen on someone special, you expect the beach to be relaxing. Sadly, not everyone got the memo about proper beach behavior. From coast to coast and all around the world, miscreants and yahoos are mucking up our tanning time. It’s difficult to narrow down the list of the worst offenders, but I managed to pick out the beachgoers who annoy me more than the sand in my bathing suit does. Here is my list of the Top 10 Worst People at the Beach. Read more

Perhaps the worst thing about a trip to the beach is sharing that trip with hundreds (if not thousands) of other people. A day at the beach should be a serene, relaxing experience. Hearing other people’s radios and conversations, dodging their frisbees, and avoiding the sand that they kick up turns a pleasant day by the shore into a nightmare. That’s why it’s best to avoid the popular, mainstream, famous beaches for lesser-known plots of sand that provide more privacy with just as much sun and fun. Finding those underrated beach destinations isn’t always easy. If you’re visiting a new city, you might only know the popular beach spots listed in guidebooks or made famous on television.

That’s why we want your help. ShermansTravel readers are spread out across the world and have traveled the globe. We want to know your favorite underrated, unknown, and better beaches. Where should we go in Sydney if we want to avoid the hordes at Bondi? Where can we go in Miami to relax on a blanket rather than be part of the scene on South Beach? What’s a peaceful alternative in Los Angeles to the wacky world that is Venice Beach?

Tell us about your favorite lesser-known but totally awesome beaches in the comments below. Share them on Twitter with the hashtag #betterbeaches (and include @ShermansTravel in your tweets). Post them on our Facebook page. No matter where they are in the world, we want to know! We’ll compile the best suggestions and include them in a future blog post.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

Memorial Day marks the start of summer in most of our minds (if not officially on our calendars). For many of us, it means the first trip to the beach, a road trip adventure, or a weekend in the country. For others, however, it’s just a long weekend away from the office with no getaway plans. That doesn’t mean that that those folks don’t have travel on their minds, however. Now, I’m not advocating calling something a “staycation;” I’m just suggesting that you use Memorial Day weekend to plot, scheme, and organize a trip that you can take sometime this summer. Use the holiday as your launchpad and start your own countdown to the trip that you deserve.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel. Love your RV? Plan an epic drive through to a national park. Prefer more luxury on your trips? Find a deal on a hotel that will cater to your every need. Summer is perfect for adventure and Memorial Day weekend is the right time to get yourself ready. Read more

Escape to sunny San Diego, California this holiday season and stay at the Omni San Diego Hotel, linked to Petco Park stadium, located on the edge of the bustling Gaslamp Quarter.With the “Say No to Snow” package guests can have the best of both worlds with sunny weather and holiday cheer. Room rates start from $139 per night, a savings of 35%! Included in the package is complimentary valet parking, margaritas for two at McCormick & Schmicks, a guide to all the holiday happenings in the city, a 10% off Macy’s gift card for holiday shopping, and of course, sunscreen for enjoying the year-round sunshine. Reinvent the holiday season by relaxing and catching some rays at a nearby beach or exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Travel November 20 through January 5, 2012.

THE VALUE: Save 35% on accommodations and receive over $60 in added amenities.

THE CATCH: Book soon, rooms are filling quickly!

THE DETAILS: Visit www.omnihotels.com to book your stay.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to San Diego.

Peruse our San Diego Travel Guide for more trip planning advice!