34 Inspirational Travel Secrets: From The Top Travel Bloggers On The Internet Today

2010
34 Inspirational Travel Secrets

From the Top Travel Bloggers on the Internet Today
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Front Cover Main Index
Foreword
Congratulations on downloading your Best Kept Travel Secrets
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The Best Kept Travel Secrets project was initiated with just one
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most talented travel bloggers and writers across the globe have
contributed more than 500 inspirational travel secrets.
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Best Kept Travel Secrets 2010

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Main Index
Africa Middle East

Morocco 5 Turkey 23
Mozambique 6
North America
Asia Mexico 24
East Timor 7 United States 26
Malaysia 8
Thailand 9
South America
Brazil 30
Australia & South
Pacific Contributing 31
Australia 12 Authors
New Zealand 13
Central America &

Caribbean
Dominican Republic 14
Europe
Croatia 15
Greece 16
Italy 17
Malta 20
Netherlands 21
Spain 22
Above photos by: Cessna 206, skyseeker, notsogoodphotograp hy, baxterclaus,

Wolfgang Staudt, paalia, Nicholas_T, CURZU@

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It'll really just be you, a couple stray tourists, some fisherman with
their donkeys, and the sandstone arches that thrust red earth into blue
water
Photo by: Inaam Hamdoune
Main Index Africa
Morocco
Legzira Plage, Atlantic Coast

The most deserted and beautiful beach I've ever been to is Legzira Plage, Morocco.
Talk about tucked-away! From Tiznit, take an hour bus ride, hop off at the faded roadside sign, and hike
down 20 minutes. It'll really just be you, a couple stray tourists, some fisherman with their donkeys, and
the sandstone arches that thrust red earth into blue water.
Among the handful of pink buildings that cascade down the cliff into the main beach, there are two hotels
that offer relatively cheap rooms. I went high-class and got one with my own shower, squat toilet (doin'
Photo by: Lauren big things), and a window that opened onto the ocean view - for under $20.
Another bonus is the Moroccan street harassment factor, and the fact that Legzira Plage doesn't have one. After a couple weeks of solo
backpacking, sweating in long sleeves and fending off the barrage of "bonjours," it felt pretty damn sweet to strip down to my bikini and wave-hop
in peace.
. Lauren, Lonely Girl Travels
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This is the exact spot where I first realised that those images in the
glossy magazines portraying hammocks, hand-made Pina Colada's and
the sound of the wind in the palm trees do in fact exist
Photo by: F H Mira
Main Index Africa
Mozambique
Baobab Beach Backpackers, Vilanculo

This is the exact spot where I first realised that those images in the glossy magazines portraying
hammocks, hand-made Pina Colada's and the sound of the wind in the palm trees do in fact exist. It's
not easy to get to, with a nine hour, no-stop bus ride from the country's capital, Maputo, to the town of
Vilanculo, where these shores await. But the bathwater-warm seas, the dhows just down the road
offering a bit of Caribbean-style exploring on the water, the Pina Colada's and the hammocks all make it
very, very, worth the time and effort you put in to get here.
Photo by: runfreefall

. Richard, Where the Road Goes
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Timor Leste boasts acres of unspoiled reefs and a friendly local
population eager to share their country with the rest of the world
Photo by: Matthew Winterburn
Main Index Asia
East Timor
Diving in Dili
Timor Leste has a troubled past, and the instability in 2006 led to travel warning advisories most
governments have yet to lift. Excited to go yet? If you are a scuba diver, or you are someone who wants
to see a young country before it is transformed, then you should be. The travel advisories mean there
are few tourists but plenty of facilities catering to the peacekeeping and development workers helping
Timor Leste to recover. Located in the coral triangle, Timor Leste boasts acres of unspoiled reefs, world
class underwater walls stretching miles into the distance and a friendly local population eager to share
their country with the rest of the world. Dili is the main base for diving and most dive spots are off shore,
Photo by: yeowatzup just a few meters from the secluded beaches lining the coast. Of course you need to be careful and
watch your security, but this is not Afghanistan folks!
. Todd, Todd's Wanderings
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Lined by brilliant, white sandy beaches, the waters that lap its shores
are home to some of the most stunning marine life on the entire east
coast of Malaysia
Photo by: keithusc
Main Index Asia
Malaysia
Lang Tengah Island

I visited this island for the first time last year and I was absolutely blown away by its beauty from the
minute I stepped onto its pure white, powdery shores. The best part is that not many Malaysians even
know about this little gem in the South China Sea. A 45-minute boat ride from Merang, this tiny hamlet
lies in the state of Terengganu, north-east of Kuala Lumpur. The island is rather small. Lined by brilliant,
white sandy beaches, the waters that lap its shores are home to some of the most stunning marine life
on the entire east coast of Malaysia. The island's core is covered with virgin rainforests inhabited by a
large variety of wildlife. Another great bonus is that most tourists choose to visit Lang Tengah's larger
Photo by: Keith neighbours, Perhentian and Redang islands, which makes Lang Tengah wonderfully secluded. You can
laze on the beach under the swaying palms with a good book, or you can head out into the waters with your snorkelling or diving gear to explore th
e waters teeming with life. I had my very first shark encounter just ten meters off the beach and it was an adrenaline-infused experience that I shall
never forget.
. Keith, Velvetescape
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The beaches are whiter than white and the only things on the island
are a ranger hut and a small fishing community
Photo by: Dennis Wong
Main Index Asia
Thailand
Camping on Bamboo Island

This little beauty is my favourite place in the world...that I've visited so far. It's a small island about 45
minutes away from Koh Phi Phi by longtail boat. The beaches are whiter than white and the only things
on the island are a ranger hut and a small fishing community. The tourist boats stop coming after 3pm
and for a small fee you're allowed to camp (twice we camped over and twice we had the whole Island to
ourselves).
Three reasons to camp on Bamboo Island: 1. It's a paradise Island with nobody else there. 2. The coral
reef just offshore offers some of the best snorkelling I've ever done. 3. It's right under the nose of the
Photo by: Aaron and Georgie
tourist trail but most people still opt for camping on MaYa Bay (THE Beach from the movie "The Beach").
. Aaron and Georgie, Happy Time Blog
Ko Wai
I visited Ko Wai in 2007 and it was paradise. We were tipped off by a local barman who had visited the
island and I am thankful to this day for his recommendation. Ko Wai is located just off Ko Chang in
eastern Thailand close to the Cambodian border. Three reasons to go to Ko Wai, Thailand: 1. To
experience a tropical island with white beaches and vodka clear water. 2. You can snorkel from the
shore as the reef starts a couple meters from the beach. 3. To get away from it all (there is no electricity
at night, no roads or cars and when I stayed there was only two resorts to choose from -- although this
has probably changed).
Photo by: Vourneen
. Vourneen, The Travel Nerd

This small cove has it all - cheap beach huts, great food and the
feeling of being deserted on a paradise island
Main Index Asia
Thailand
Thong Reng Beach, Koh Phangan

And finally, yet another place that is within spitting distance of the backpacker trail. It's so close to Haad
Rin you can almost see the lights, but that's what makes it such a quiet place. Just around the headland
no more than 10 minutes by longtail boat, this small cove has it all - cheap beach huts, great food and
the feeling of being deserted on a paradise island. Thong Reng beach is one of the few places that as
I've arrived I've thought, I could live here forever. Three reasons to find your way to Thong Reng:
1. It's too close not to go and Koh Phangan has so much more than just the party.
Photo by: Aaron and Georgie 2. It's home to a beautiful resort called Treehouse, with huts right on the sand.
3. When you get there, you'll want to throw your passport into the sea and never leave.
. Aaron and Georgie, Happy Time Blog
Koh Tao
Thailand is no longer a travel secret and, even if it's not everybody's style, we all know about the full
moon party islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in the gulf of Thailand.
However, nearby there is a little island worth discovering: Koh Tao. Its beauty is starting to quickly catch
the attention of travelers, yet it has such a great relaxing atmosphere and it feels like you are miles away
in a tropical paradise -- especially when you avoid the main beach of Sai Ree. Whatever your style of
holiday in Koh Tao may be, you will never get bored. Thre's the buzz at night on the main beach, you
can spend a day kayaking around the island exploring its beautiful beaches or baking in the sun in
Photo by: Marta and Chris
complete relaxation as most visitors go diving. Of course it's great for snorkelling too and if you don't
mind getting out your hiking boots, you can find your own private beach to unwind on. Plus, budget wise, it's still a great backpackers' destination.
. Marta and Chris, A Travel Around the World

If you're willing to head beyond Ko Phi Phi and Ko Phang Nga, you'll
find that there really are some fantastic islands left in Thailand
Main Index Asia
Thailand
Islands of Trang Province

The story goes that all of Thailand's islands are already too commercialized, the sand boarded over with
discount beach bars filled with tacky Western backpackers. But if you're willing to head beyond Ko Phi
Phi and Ko Phang Nga, you'll find that there really are some fantastic islands left in Thailand, like the
islands of Trang province. I was lucky enough to visit the islands on an assignment that required me to
go to each and every one. Of these, I gathered a few favorites. There was Ko Libong, a wild island
inhabited by hornbills and encircled by dugongs; isolated Ko Kradan, with one incredible place to stay in
a palm encircled clearing right in the middle of the island, perfect for nurturing Robinson Crusoe
Photo by: Alexander fantasies; and Ko Sukorn, with its pastoral allure of rice paddies and quiet villages. But perhaps best of
all was Ko Lao Liang, an unbelievably secluded island, hours from land by boat, so small that it can only fit one place to stay, an encampment of
simple tents right on the beach. In short, everything you've ever dreamed of in a Thai Island.
. Alexander , Primative Culture
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The pure white sand, vibrant blue water, and stunning surrounding
scenery make this my favorite beach in all of Australia
Photo by: judepics
Main Index Australia & South Pacific
Australia
Thistle's Cove, Esperance

Thistle's Cove is a beach situated in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance in southwest
Australia. Often overshadowed by the more famous Lucky Bay, Thistle's Cove is in my opinion far more
beautiful, and (more importantly) secluded than the more well-known and nearby Lucky Bay. The pure
white sand, vibrant blue water, and stunning surrounding scenery make this my favorite beach in all of
Australia.
Photo by: Jane

. Jane, Runaway Jane
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Lie on the beach kissed by a warm sun with no one around and only
the sound of the birds and the waves breaking ashore
Photo by: PhillipC
Main Index Australia & South Pacific
New Zealand
Matapouri Coast and Whale Bay

We never imagined that New Zealand could have such a tropical setting and the Northland, while we
visited it, surely justified its reputation as being winterless. The Matapouri Coast is really the place to be
during the kiwi winter. Lie on the beach kissed by a warm sun with no one around and only the sound of
the birds and the waves breaking ashore. This coastline is scattered with quiet, charming fishing villages
and secluded bays. On a trekking expedition along the coast while the sun was shining we stumbled
across Whale Beach, utter bliss where we lazed the day away.
Photo by: Marta and Chris

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I was treated to a delicious lunch under waving palm trees
Photo by: Corey Ann
Main Index Central America & Caribbean
Dominican Republic
Isla Saona
I discovered this beautiful little island on a cruise. I had been to the Dominican Republic before and
heard others talking about it so when I got the chance to go, I grabbed it. And it was one of my loveliest
experiences. I went there with a speed boat, which was a first for me! Before you go ashore, the boat
makes a stop at a natural swimming pool. You can snorkel and have some 'vitaminos' (well, it's actually
rum...but shhh...) and enjoy this amazing place! I was treated to a delicious lunch under waving palm
trees. Go for a swim or snorkel. There was a catamaran ready to take us back to the ship. The
catamaran made the whole experience complete!
Photo by: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
. Isabelle, Isabelles Travel Guide
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Check out the EastWest Club in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo by: 29cm
Main Index Europe
Croatia
EastWest Club, Dubrovnik

EastWest Club in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Yes folks, those are beds on the beach.
Photo by: db*Photography

. Nancy, Nancy the Gnomette
A Secluded Beach in Hvar

Mustacho is a restaurant and a beach along Hvar's coastline. It is not really a secret, but it is less
frequented because it's farther away from Hvar town and people (tourists) are too lazy to walk up to this
one. We decided to go in search of it on our first evening. The walk to the beach was very beautiful as
the houses thin away, leaving behind the trees and natural greenery of the island. The first sight of the
restaurant (at night) was a blaze of lights amidst a crescent of dark waters. We were its only dinner
guests and it was gorgeous to sit by the open sea, hear the sound of the waves and dig into our food.
The walk back was even better, as we stumbled our way through the dark with nothing but the stars for
Photo by: Neeraja some light. The temptation in Hvar is to jump to the famous islands of Bol and Brac. But if you keep your
eyes open, you will see smaller signs for not so popular beaches. I can't speak for all of them, but our gamble on one proved to be the best!
. Neeraja, As I See It

A beautiful beach on the east coast of Crete has palm trees and soft
sand reminiscent of Miami
Photo by: Wolfgang Staudt
Main Index Europe
Greece
Crete's Eastern Beaches

Quiz question of the day: where is the only place in Europe you'll find palm trees? Oh, yeah, you
probably read the heading, didn't you? Well, it's true. A beautiful beach on the east coast of Crete has
palm trees and soft sand reminiscent of Miami. Now you know I love Greece, but, folks, when you go to
the islands for the beaches, you are barking up the wrong country -- those beaches are mostly rocks and
pebbles. Not at Vai. And when you think about it, the next stop south is Africa -- just across the Libyan
Sea, so of course there are warm waters and palm trees.
Photo by: Crete TourNet

. Vera, A Travelers' Library
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Set along the less developed West Coast, Alghero has so much more
to offer than swaths of sand and aquamarine waters that are perfect for
boating
Main Index Europe
Italy
Alghero, Sardinia
Surrounded on three sides by the sea and ringed by defensive Genoese watchtowers, Alghero makes
for a picturesque town -- especially given its fortified ancient quarter. Yet, many of those who visit
Alghero with its fortified quarter never seem to leave their beach blanket. Set along the less developed
West Coast, Alghero has so much more to offer than swaths of sand and aquamarine waters that are
perfect for boating. A sense of history pervades the old quarter that's still surrounded by Genoese
watchtowers. On a self-guided audio tour, I climbed to the 20-meter-high terrace of the 16th century
Porto Terra Tower for the panoramic views.
Photo by: Jeanine
Though the beaches lining the coast of this resort town as well as those in nearby Fertilia get all the
tourist attention, there are an array of day trips (many within cycling distance) sure to delight those who care little about sunning on Sardinia's
sands. For example, I picked up an audio-guide at the Palmavera Nuraghe and meandered these ruins in this prehistoric village, one of the most
complete of these Bronze Age complexes. Drive or bicycle through the little-visited Regional Forest of Porto Conte and you'll quickly understand
why the protected land of oaks and pines is dubbed Noah's Ark. Unique white donkeys, small horses and Tibetan goats are just a few of the
curious creatures wandering about. Though most visitors sign up for a boat tour to reach the famous Grotto di Nettuno with its cave network, a
more memorable journey is to take the 654 steps of the Goat's Stairway down the cliff face. Not far away at Porto Ferro, three Genoese
watchtowers guard Sardinia's longest beach, where surfers flock to take on the crashing waves. Bird watchers often drive or bike to nearby
pine-fringed Lake Baratz, Sardinia's only natural lake, where you may spot grebes and mallards.
. Jeanine, J The Travel Authority
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I had to battle goats on the road in, but reaching Scivu on the
southwestern coastline of Sardinia was worth it
Main Index Europe
Italy
Orisei Gulf, Sardinia

We discovered Sardinia few years ago and fell in love at first sight. Sardinia is not much of a secret for
the Italians, yet it holds some pleasant surprises even for us. First of all, wherever you might be, in
Sardinia you have a myriad of delicious foods to taste, the people are as friendly as the New Zealanders
(although you might have some trouble getting it because of the language barrier) and it has stunning
beaches. What we discovered on our second trip to this magnificent island is the Gulf of Orisei, 40km of
pristine coastline dotted with white powder, sand beaches and aquamarine bays. Luckily, some of those
bays are still off the beaten track (even for the Italians) as some are accessible only by a few hour hike
Photo by: Marta and Chris along the rugged coastline or by boat, in which case you can drop the anchor in a "cala" and have the
beach blissfully all for yourself. A hint: avoid travelling in the months of July and August at all costs because it's too expensive and crowded.
Scivu Beach, Sardinia

I had no idea when I set out for Sardinia I would randomly stumble upon this secluded beach. No one
had told me about Scivu. No guidebooks showed me the way. My only guide was a small little brown
sign labeled "Scivu" pointing to the left. I took the turn with the risk that this beach was nothing special,
nothing to write home about. I had to battle goats on the road in, but reaching Scivu on the southwestern
coastline of Sardinia was worth it. At the time, I really did have that sensation that that this was all mine.
The rusty rose-colored rocks surrounding the coastline closed off Scivu from the rest of the world. The
water was in fact the perfect shade of blue-green. I can count on one hand the number of people around
Photo by: Suzy me as I sat on Scivu's fine sandy shore. There was this lone bright orange tent camped out on Scivu's
sands. I started wondering who was inside, who had found this before me, but I stopped. My mind centered on being in the moment, for I knew this
landscape was truly out of this world yet not.
. Suzy, Suzy Guese

They feature dramatic cliffs and warm blue-green waters that kiss the
numerous caves and grottoes that dot their coasts
Main Index Europe
Italy
Amantea, Calabria
Any town whose name derives from the Greek word "lover" can't be too shabby, and Amantea, located in
the province of Cosenza, certainly lives up to its name. In addition to its glistening Tyrrhenian Sea
beaches and caves, Amantea's imposing fortress, an ancient Byzantine castle and nearby monastery
are worth a visit.
Photo by: Salpe

. Cherrye, My Bella Vita
Pietragrande and Caminia, Calabria

OK, so regular readers have heard of Pietragrande and Caminia, but these beaches rival any I've seen
in the Bel Paese and thus ... are worth mentioning again. Pietragrande and Caminia are located about
15 minutes from Catanzaro Lido and overlook the Ionian Sea on the Gulf of Squillace. They feature
dramatic cliffs and warm blue-green waters that kiss the numerous caves and grottoes that dot their
coasts. The lack of restaurant options near the beaches adds to their charm and makes visitors feel like
they've discovered a private slice of Mediterranean. In the summer months, the beaches are filled with
locals and nightclubs are open on both beaches.
Photo by: Cherrye
. Cherrye, My Bella Vita

I will never understand why more people don't visit Malta
Photo by: MacUK
Main Index Europe
Malta
Malta
I will never understand why more people don't visit Malta. It is one of the most incredible spots I've ever
visited - and it has something for every kind of visitor. Check out pre-historic temples that pre-date the
Pyramids of Giza. Enjoy outdoor adventures and gorgeous beaches. Eat until your belly hurts. Explore
the many facets of this wondrous island. But go. Yes, I'm talking to you. Go. The sooner the better. It
won't remain this perfect forever.
Photo by: Kayt

. Kayt, Travel Savvy Mom
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The tongue-twisting but lovely islands of Texel and Terschelling are
only a short drive and ferry ride away from Amsterdam
Photo by: bslmmrs
Main Index Europe
Netherlands
Texel and Terschelling Islands

The tongue-twisting but lovely Dutch islands of Texel and Terschelling are only a short drive and ferry
ride away from Amsterdam, but they're very laid back, very Dutch and very nice for a beachy getaway.
Settle in, get some bikes for everyone (of course - it's the Netherlands) and relax. If you can figure out
how to pronounce the island of Schiermonnikoog, more power to you.
Photo by: roevin

. Sheila, Why Go Family Travel
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It astounds me that this stunning and pristine area, perhaps the
prettiest in all of Europe, is empty even in the summer high season!
Photo by: Reinante El Pintor de Fuego
Main Index Europe
Spain
Galicia in Summer
It astounds me that this stunning and pristine area, perhaps the prettiest in all of Europe, is empty even
in the summer high season! It is truly breathtaking and not to be missed, but few see it except those that
make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. As great as the pilgrimage experience is, Galicia is a
large area and all of it is spectacular. Even most pilgrims see little of it. The food is also delicious.
Photo by: Jeanne

. Jeanne, Soul Travelers
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This tiny island off the west coast of Turkey is one of only two
inhabited Turkish islands in the Aegean amidst a sea of Greek Isles
Photo by: urbanlegend
Main Index Middle East
Turkey
Bozcaada Island
This tiny island off the west coast of Turkey is one of only two inhabited Turkish islands in the Aegean
amidst a sea of Greek Isles. It is a dry, yellow-hued scrubby little island with picturesque wine vineyards
blanketing its sunny slopes. It has a charming cobblestoned main village that is filled with mostly locals
and thankfully isn't a big stop on the tourist trail. The main industries are fishing, tourism, and wine
production. The population is mostly Turkish but there are still about 30 ethnic Greeks living here.
Photo by: Lisa

. Lisa, LL World Tour
Lycian Coast
The Lycian Coast of Turkey is teeming with tourists, especially from Europe and particularly from the
U.K. But Turkey, in general, has yet to take off as a destination for Americans, which is why I'm including
it on my list. This ancient coast is the Mediterranean of my dreams, with dramatic cliff-framed beaches
(the beach above is Kaputa? Beach) and ruins from ancient Greeks, Romans, and Lycians (an ancient
tribe native to this region) strewn about. In the off-season, from about October to April when it's not
blazing hot, you can hike the Lycian Way, a 500km trail from Fethiye to Antalya. For a beach holiday,
consider staying in Ka? where you'll find a lively, walkable downtown with bars, fish and meze
Photo by: Melanie restaurants, and organic textile boutiques.
. Melanie, Miss Adventures

Best known as a jumping off point for swimming with whale sharks, a
once a year phenomenon that will knock your socks off
Photo by: Wonderlane
Main Index North America
Mexico
Isla Holbox
This small island off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula is relatively undiscovered. No huge resorts, no
theme parks, no timeshare salesmen, just small palapa style hotels on an unbelievably gorgeous stretch
of beach. Holbox is best known as a jumping off point for swimming with whale sharks, a once a year
phenomenon that will knock your socks off. It's also a great place for bird watching, with a population of
flamingos and other birds gathering on the "Isla de Pajaros" off the west side of the island. To get to
Holbox, you have to make your way to the small pueblo of Chiquila, about 2 and 1/2 hours from Cancun.
Once in Chiquila, make your way to the docks and catch a small boat for a 20 minute ride to the island.
Photo by: Kelly Be sure to bring cash as there are no ATM's or banks -- it's a truly rustic retreat. There are some "high
end" palapa hotels like Sandra's, but reasonably priced hotels can also be found. To really get into the rustic groove, bring a tent and camp out at
Ida y Vuelta's campground. For a fantastic meal, you must try the famous lobster pizza at Edelin's, heavenly! This is truly a place to get away from
it all and one of the best kept secrets around.
. Kelly, Cancun Canuck
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A mere $750 got us five days at a house that sleeps eight with a patio
opening onto the beach
Photo by: Wonderlane
Mexico
Rocky Point, (Puerto Penasco)

Anyone who's ever lived in Arizona wouldn't call this place a "secret," but being from the Deep South, it
was quite a secret to us! When we lived in Phoenix, we followed the herd and crossed the border to
vacation in Mexico at a place called Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco). It's the only town I can think of that
Americans actually translate into English instead of just bastardizing the pronunciation. Back to the
secret, a mere $750 got us five days at a house that sleeps eight with a patio opening onto the beach.
Three Tips if You Plan to Go Here:
1. Eat at La Curva restaurant -- it's one of the popular places to eat but for good reason. Authentically
Photo by: Melissa
yummy Mexican food with a just-as-authentic mariachi band. The band had the whole place dancing.
Well, except us. We were busy eating fried ice cream, which I guess isn't so authentic. 2. Beware the dry, hot sand: The sand is brutally hot in
summer. I don't remember sand being so dang hot at any other beach I've been to. Gotta wear shoes. If you have furry friends, you may want to
make them wear dog boots until they get to the wet sand. Our dog ended up burning his pads and so this became the way he got to the beach
from then on 3. Know how to cross the border: "Drive across it" is one smarty-pants answer that comes to mind, but seriously, did you know you
needed Mexican auto insurance to drive in Mexico? It's only temporary and pretty cheap though.
. Melissa, Adventuroo
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Because no one has yet forged a coastal road through the intensely
rugged terrain, The Lost Coast has remained undeveloped and untamed
United States
The Lost Coast, California

You might find it hard to imagine that crowded California could possibly have any "undiscovered" places
left, but it does!
And one of the most isolated and rugged of those is The Lost Coast, a 90 mile stretch of northern
California coastline between Ferndale and Rockport.
Because no one has yet forged a coastal road through the intensely rugged terrain, The Lost Coast has
remained undeveloped and untamed - the last of the Last Frontiers. And it couldn't be more dramatic or
Photo by: Vanessa more beautiful!
Inhabited by a few scattered ranchers, a handful of retirees, and some aging Hippies who grow a crop which isn't legal in the State of California
except with a doctor's prescription, the Lost Coast provides wild landscapes - shipwrecked steamers, battered Sea Stacks, jagged cliffs, pristine
beaches, talus pipes - and tons of solitude to go with your hiking, fishing, backpacking, beachcombing, and camping.
Visit the little village of Shelter Cove, explore the Siskyone Wilderness and King Range National Conservation Area, check out Cape Mendocino
(most westerly point of California), or hike the Lost Coast Trail . . .
But don't be surprised when you discover that the wildlife inhabitants - mink, bear, elk, river otter, deer - outnumber the human variety, and there
are more cows lying on the beaches than there are people!
. Suzi, Discover Northern California
Apalachicola, Florida
This lazy beach town gets me back to my southern roots. Apalachicola is also part of what's called
Florida's "Forgotten Coast" because it's largely undeveloped, in that it is lacking in the over-the-top,
on-the-beach high-rise resorts that characterize much of Florida's shoreline. Apalachicola is also the
Oyster Capital of the United States, so you can get the fattest, freshest oysters here, either on the
half-shell or fried up for a po-boy.
Photo by: Melanie

. Melanie, Miss Adventures

A short walk takes you to pristine and gorgeous white sand beach that
is perfect for shelling and swimming
United States
Best US Beach, Caladesi Island, Florida

I have never before felt closer to paradise. This beach and island is so beautiful. My family discovered it
three years ago and every time we are in Florida we make a point of going there.
It topped Dr. Beach's (Stephan Leatherman) list of the best beaches in the U.S. It starts on the ferry,
where you see a mangrove-covered shore just before entering the Island. A short walk takes you to
pristine and gorgeous white sand beach that is perfect for shelling and swimming. The only negative part
of this trip is that you have to leave after four hours and you need to board the ferry to get back to the
mainland. If you sail in Florida or have a live aboard boat, you can sleep over on the island and utilize
Photo by: Kari Marie
some of the cheapest docking fees (shore power and water included) in Florida. But you have to be
careful -- you might not want to leave. On the mainland, it's worth a stop on Honeymoon Island, which used to be a resort for honeymooners but
now is part of the Florida State Park system. At Clearwater you will find many hotels and B&B's.
. Kari Marie, Active Kids Club
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Here are some of my favorite picks for blindingly white sandy
beaches and where I've found sections with more shorebird tracks than
footprints
United States
Florida's Panhandle
Florida's Panhandle sometimes gets a bad rap, often because over-developed Panama City gets so
much attention as a haven for spring break revelers. But there's that other Florida Panhandle, the
authentic one that presents so many opportunities to explore pristine beaches that you might have
difficulty choosing which ones to spread your beach towel on. In fact, over the past few years, some of
these beaches have made it on to Dr. Beach's Best Beaches in America list -- a list with some 50 key
criteria, including water color, scenery, urban development, sand quality and more. Here are some of my
favorite picks for blindingly white sandy beaches and where I've found sections with more shorebird
Photo by: Jeanine tracks than footprints.
Nine miles of dunes make St. Joseph Peninsula State Park particularly appealing. Shallow waters also make it ideal for novice kayakers and a
haven for migratory song birds, though it's also possible to spy hawks soaring overhead. St. George Island State Park is blessed with miles of
sugar-white sands bordered by salt marches and oak and pine forests. Off the beach, there's also good fishing for red snapper, mackerel and
pompano. At Grayton Beach State Park, you can swim in emerald green water, gaze at sea-oat covered dunes, and hike through a lovely pine
forest. St. Andrews State Park gives you the choice of swimming in the gulf or in a quiet tidal pool. From the beach, snorkelers are treated to
multi-colored fish among the granite boulders of the jetty.
. Jeanine, J The Travel Authority
Hit a Hawaiian Beach at Sunset

Hit any beach at sunset in Hawaii and you'll most likely find it deserted. Can you believe it? Even the
bustling Waikiki Beach becomes a semi-private beach at sunset. I still find it hard to believe myself. My
theory on why the beaches are deserted is that folks are either in a restaurant hoping to have a table
with a nice sunset view or they're preparing to go out to dinner. My advice is to use this secret to your
advantage and plan a sunset picnic. I'll bet that it will end up being your most memorable and possibly
one of your cheapest dinners in Hawaii.
Photo by: Go Visit Hawaii

. Sheila, Go Visit Hawaii

Unlike other parts of the Outer Banks, Corolla has remained immune
to extraneous development and dirty, fickle crowds
United States
Corolla, North Carolina

Corolla is home to the beaches of my childhood. Somehow, unlike other parts of the Outer Banks, it has
remained immune to extraneous development and dirty, fickle crowds. I consider it a magical place - and
one I wish I could return to more often to swim in the sea, dolphin watch or just walk miles of
uninterrupted white sand.
Photo by: Corey Ann

. Kayt, Travel Savvy Mom
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The South may lack the popular beaches and blue waters of the North,
but it makes up for it in rich, diverse culture, amazing food and natural
paradise
Photo by: Kopfj
Main Index South America
Brazil
Ilha Do Mel, Paraná

When visiting Brazil, head South. Past Recife, Bahia, Rio and Sao Paulo, all the way to the southern
state of Paraná. Brazil is an incredibly diverse country -- much more than I ever knew before living there
for the past two years. The South may lack the popular beaches and blue waters of the North, but it
makes up for it in rich, diverse culture, amazing food and natural paradise. There are plenty of beaches
to relax on, but the island also has landmarks to visit such as a lighthouse, fort and ecological reserve (if
you choose to do a little hiking during your visit). When you get hungry, stop at Toca do Abutre near
Braslíia. Enjoy the view while you snack on camarão frito (fried shrimp), casquinha de siri (stuffed crab)
Photo by: Lori and ice cold cerveja. Plan ahead if you travel there during the South American summer. especially
around Carnival time, as there is a daily limit for the number of persons who can visit and stay on the island.
Ilha do Mel (island of honey) is located about a 2.5 hour drive and 30 minute boat ride East of the capital city of Curitiba. An island free of
motorized vehicles, this natural wonderland is by far one of the best kept secrets of the locals who live in the area. Beaches around the island are
separated with rocks and vegetation just screaming to be hiked and climbed. I did just that on my 30th birthday last year.
. Lori, The 3 Star Traveler
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Contributing Authors
This Travel Secrets eBook is the result of a unique collaborative project, the first of its kind to take place on the Internet. It would
not have been possible without the amazing community spirit and unrivalled travel knowledge of the talented writers and bloggers
listed below. Take a virtual world tour around their inspiring travel blogs.
What are your Best Kept Travel Secrets? Join our team of travel writers and become a Travel Secrets Author.
Marta and Chris A Travel Around the World Vera A Travelers' Library
Kari Marie Active Kids Club Melissa Adventuroo
Neeraja As I See It Kelly Cancun Canuck
Suzi Discover Northern California Sheila Go Visit Hawaii
Aaron and Happy Time Blog Isabelle Isabelles Travel Guide
Georgie
Jeanine J The Travel Authority Lisa LL World Tour
Lauren Lonely Girl Travels Melanie Miss Adventures
Cherrye My Bella Vita Nancy Nancy the Gnomette
Alexander Primative Culture Jane Runaway Jane
Jeanne Soul Travelers Suzy Suzy Guese
Lori The 3 Star Traveler Vourneen The Travel Nerd
Todd Todd's Wanderings Kayt Travel Savvy Mom
Keith Velvetescape Richard Where the Road Goes
Sheila Why Go Family Travel

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Best Kept Travel Secrets 2010

Africa Middle East

Central America &

Above photos by: Cessna 206, skyseeker, notsogoodphotograp hy, baxterclaus,

Best Kept Travel Secrets 2010

Photo by: Inaam Hamdoune

Main Index Africa

Legzira Plage, Atlantic Coast

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Main Index Africa

Baobab Beach Backpackers, Vilanculo

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Main Index Asia

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Main Index Asia

Lang Tengah Island

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Main Index Asia

Camping on Bamboo Island

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Thong Reng Beach, Koh Phangan

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Islands of Trang Province

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Main Index Australia & South Pacific

Thistle's Cove, Esperance

Photo by: Jane

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Main Index Australia & South Pacific