Since being back home and settling into somewhat of a normal existence we have been busy planning our next long haul. When we speak of our plans to travel from Eastern Europe and into the Middle East the majority roll their eyes and with a puzzled expression say ” That sounds great, but I have no interest in that area of the world”.
I am brave enough to generalize and say the majority of Canadian tourists fall into two categories; the Western Europe traveler and the all inclusive beach destination traveler.While I may be slightly prejudiced towards the all inclusive experience I understand that it may be just what some people are looking for. On the other hand I have met many people who seem to envy the freedom an independent trip can offer and for those people I have written my recommendations based on ease of travel and the rewards which come with venturing away from the typical all inclusive resort.
3. East Coast, Australia
Difficulty – Extremely Easy
While the flight may be a deterrent for many of my country men, what awaits on the far side of the pacific is a friendly nation with some of the cleanest and pristine beaches on the planet. For those who fear living without their creature comforts of home, East Coast Australia is a great destination as everything from restaurants to hotels are exactly what one would expect in a developed nation and for those who speak fluent English communicating with locals is not an issue. Australia is surprisingly easy to travel with efficient public transport options or even better, amazing roads which make a self drive the optimal choice for beach hopping. There are next to no cultural obstacles to overcome with Aussies being extremely hospitable although for those looking for a budget trip, Australia is just about on par with Canada in terms of costs. Our recommendations include Byron Bay and Fraser Island although depending on the season can be overcrowded with Australian domestic tourists seeking a little sand and sun of their own.
Difficulty – Easy
Ever close your eyes and imagine sand so white it looks like its been bleached, surrounded by the calmest, warmest, turquoise water imaginable? If that sounds too good to be true its not. Boracay is like something out of a dream and is certainly a place both Lianna and I still continually fantasize about on a cold day. Sure its getting a little over developed but for someone used to an all inclusive resort the ridiculous selection of international food will certainly keep them in their comfort zone.
With shockingly friendly locals and a host of activities from SCUBA diving, sailing, kite surfing or just kicking back on the beach no one could ever describe the place as boring.
The beach itself is MASSIVE and accommodation choices range from top end to bungalows set back a bit from the beach for less than 15USD a night. A short flight from Manilla and a quick ferry make getting to the island not as simple as an airport pickup from an all inclusive but still very hassel free if a little time consuming.
Difficulty – Moderate ( need a little sense of adventure)
For anyone who may have wondered what the Caribean might have looked like had the massive resort companies like Sandals and Club Mead had just stayed away. Big Corn and Little Corn lie just off the coast of Nicaragua and may require just a little effort to reach but the rewards are so breath taking it may just be the most inspiring place you ever reach in your life. Big Corn has more development but still retains that laid back island vibe but the jewel is really Little Corn. A small village of tin houses is located in one corner of the island while a handful of cheap accommodation options and restaurants serving up plates of rice,beans, plantations and fresh lobster are located near the jetty.
The rest of the the island is a tangled network of foot trails leading to a few truly isolated beach side bungalows inlcuding Derek’s Place, a seriously chilled out place with family style meals and bungalows made of coconut palms. The island feels completely untouched and the days or even weeks can pass with wandering to a new beach each day or undertaking something a little more active such as inshore fishing and some really great SCUBA diving.
Of course if gorging yourself on cheap lobster, fresh fish, cheap rum or spending your days self driving from breath taking beach to breakt taking beach doesn’t sound like that something that may interest you, by all means book that resort and head off on another all inclusive holiday but for those looking for something with a little more independence, try it, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Now that’s living!
I am really glad Boracay have made on your list. I was a constant reader of your blog when u had your journey here in the Philippines. Upon reading some lonely planet blogs, i stumble again with your site. When you plan to come back, i would greatly suggest Coron and El Nido in Palawan. Coron is only an hour plane ride away from Manila. Both has the best landscape, beaches, lakes and lagoons can offer. Possibly the best sights you can see. Happy travels!
Actually, there’s another great beach here in the Philippines – Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. The sand is as white and as fine (if not finer) than Boracay’s. You might say difficulty level is high because you would need to travel by plane to Naga and then take a 2-3hour outrigger boat ride to the island, and then you would have to camp and prepare your own food. I have been to both Coron and El Nido and they’re both great, but Calaguas is pretty awesome
Cheers!
Thanks for the advice Kristel..I wish I could have visited this amazing sounding island.
Boracay is great if you want a typical resort beach, but the Philippines has a plethora of gorgeous beaches for people who don’t want to be constantly bumping elbows with foreigners. My favorite is the southwest coast of Siquijor Island, which is a short fastcraft ride from Dumaguete on Negros Island. It’s quiet and still retains some local charm, although I would view the Holy Week medicine-men rituals with skepticism. (And I see you actually wrote about Siquijor already.)
On the north shore of Luzon, the town of Pagudpud has long white beaches that are just as pretty as Boracay’s – and has only a small fraction of the tourists. I wrote about it and posted some photos here There are some pricey resorts (2000php+, or about 40usd), but the municipality also runs an efficient homestay program. I paid about 4usd per night to stay with a lovely local family whose house was only a short walk from Saud Beach.
In fact, of the many beaches I’ve visited in the Philippines in the past two years, Boracay is one of my least favorite.
I just got back from my first trip to Australia and I totally agree with you! It’s a lot like Canada so it’s not much of a culture shock when you get there. The beaches are the best! I went to Bryon Bay, Surfer’s Paradise, Cairns and Melbourne. Even though the flight is a little long, it’s worth it. I recommend snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. The only downside, I found, was that the food was not that amazing, but still it was good.
I think you forgot about Diani beach in Africa, Kenya. The immaculate beaches are a favorite – that’s not the word, hot-spot is more like it. Find out more and I bet you will agree with me.