North Carolina Beach Named One of the World’s Hidden Gems
Summer is starting to wrap up, but there’s still plenty of time to get to a beach, especially if it’s not too far away. Experts have named one North Carolina beach one of the world’s hidden gems and most underrated beaches. It’s pretty awesome to know that this popular beach is considered one of the best in the world, and we don’t have to travel too far to get to it.
North Carolina Beach Named One of the World’s Hidden Gems
The travel experts at TheManual.com have a new feature out about the most underrated beaches, which are hidden gems, in America. They also note that these spots are the best not only in the U.S. but when you factor in beaches around the world. “To find the perfect beach to have fun in the sun, it’s easy to assume that you need to head to some brand-name (and expensive) international tourist destinations, like Fiji, Bora Bora, and the Maldives,” they note. “Sure, you can’t go wrong with any of these, but some of the best beaches in the world are right here in the U.S.”
Before we hit our state, the first beach TheManual.com recommends is Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo, California. So, that would obviously take a big trip to visit, but it might be worth it. This area in California’s Central Coast has some of the “most pristine coastlines in the entire state,” the experts rave. They also note that tourists often overlook this area, so it’s not too busy and definitely qualifies for being a hidden gem.
So, which North Carolina beach has been named one of the world’s hidden gems? It’s Ocracoke Island in Outer Banks, North Carolina. What do they love about this spot? Well, they note that if you head south of Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks, all of the beach spots are breathtaking. But, their favorite is Ocracoke Island, partly because it’s difficult to travel to, so you don’t have to worry about too many people being there and ruining the beach experience. Getting to the island means you have to drive for a long time or take a ferry ride, but that’s okay, because it’s worth the trip. They call this one of the best beaches in the world, and I have to agree. I don’t want summer to end, so I’m grabbing my bikini and heading to as many of these hidden gem beaches as possible. They also highlight South Carolina’s Folly Beach as a great choice, by the way.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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