Lazy beach days

Surrounded by the green verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes, and the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm-fringed white beaches, the island Oahu is an incredibly idyllic holiday destination. With an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of the vibrant and buzzing metropolis Honolulu, Oahu is sure to please all those who plan and come to visit, providing every experience, from beach bum to culture vulture.

Although Eilat existed already in ancient times, the modern town dates back to 1949. It is Israel’s premier winter sun resort and the heart of the Red Sea Riviera. Thrilling landscapes of red-tinted mountains, sheer blue skies and crystal clear waters give an exhilarating sense of adventure, pleasure and freedom, with a myriad of things to do and see.

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam are living history museums. The three cities are positioned as corners of a triangle in the Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fishing harbour, stretches 15 miles along the waterfront and is the perfect area for water sports. Marsa Alam is found by the Red Sea coast and tourism is just starting to make an impact. The city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands of ancient craftsmen, lies 150 miles inland on the banks of the River Nile.

With its unique mix of Creole culture and European cosmopolitanism, the French overseas territory of Martinique, and in particular the capital of Fort-de-France, has just the right blend of tradition and sophistication. First-class shopping and dining combine with a fascinating artistic legacy in a quickly developing city, where modern construction projects are reinvigorating urban life. But the main draw remains the surrounding natural beauty of the island, which, with its looming volcanic peak, lush tropical rain forests and picture-perfect beaches, has captivated visitors for centuries.

Often called the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Deauville has been the go-to destination for the upper crust of French society for decades. Today it is a spectacular seaside resort town sporting grand promenades, glamorous casinos, a pair of thoroughbred horse race tracks and plenty of chic visitors.

“Bula!” or “Welcome!” is the greeting you will most commonly hear throughout Fiji. It comes as an unreserved invitation to enjoy the hospitality of the Fijian people. Whether staying on one of the country's numerous resort islands or exploring Fiji's towns and cities, the visitor will encounter this legendary hospitality at every turn.

Chosen as a winter refuge by Thomas Edison at the turn of the last century, Fort Myers sits away from busier and more opulent Florida centers, maintaining the carefree, low-key atmosphere of a sea town. Assuming beach life is Fort Myers's only attraction would be a mistake - the town center boasts a vibrant street life, with a plethora of indie art galleries and interesting spots for history and science lovers. The area's natural beauty continues inland, where protected animal species take shelter among mangroves and narrow bayou bends.

Fort Lauderdale of today is a destination that will keep the well-traveled with a discriminating taste satisfied. The year-round mild temperatures make the sandy beaches an ideal relaxing spot during daytime. At night, however, the long boulevards turns into a vibrant party mile with clubs, bars and pubs as far as the eye can see. With some of the best restaurants, shops and boutique hotels in the state, this city is a hip explorers paradise.