8 Beaches To Hit Up As Your Next Summer Vacation Destination
Summer is finally here! Now, I know it's not the same summer break we enjoyed during our grade school and college years, but that doesn't mean we can't cash in those earned PTO days and plan our next trip. CNBC notes that American companies are giving us less paid time off, so I can understand why using those days for leisure might feel overindulgent.
But, science proves that travel is good for our overall health, especially for women, as a lack of vacationing is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and death from heart disease. Dr. Oz said so. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I want to share the eight beaches that can assist you in your mission of operation: summer vacation.
1.Church Bay
Located on the on Bermuda's South Shore, Church Bay is ideal for beach lovers that enjoy a little adventure with their sun. Snorkeling on this part of the island is a breeze since you don't have to dive deep or swim too far out to see the parrotfish and marine life.
2.Sugar Beach
St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. From the people to the Pitons, you'll feel both grounded and small taking in the beauty this island has to offer. My favorite beach was Sugar Beach, located in between the mighty Pitons located near Soufrière. While you're there, don't forget to stop by La Petit Peak for the red snapper and the Sulphur Springs for a mud bath.
3.Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos are one of the most beautiful, sought-after spots for beach vacations. If you plan your trip far enough in advance, airfare is reasonable, especially during April and May. I booked in August and found that time of year to be reasonable as well. Once you get airfare out of the way, accommodations can get a little pricey, but again with a bit of early planning and possibly a stay at an Airbnb — you'll be able to plan a luxe, budget-friendly vacation.
4.Tulum, Mexico
Visiting the airy resort town seems to be on everyone's list for obvious reasons. Tulum is about a two-hour ride from Cancun, which is the best airport to fly into if you're planning a vacation in the small beach town. While Tulum is a great place to get your beach time and yoga classes in, its proximity to the Mayan ruins makes the city special. Since the town is bike-friendly, you can take a bike ride over to the ruins or hire a tour guide.
5.Thailand
Thailand is known for its beautiful coastline, street food, and wellness retreats. We say you should take in everything! Planning a trip to Thailand is pretty easy to do solo with all of the information at our fingertips, but if you want to experience the Southeast Asian country with a little help, groups like Black Girls Travel Too and Up In The Air have pre-planned itineraries.
6.Palm Beach, Aruba
Since Aruba doesn't have to worry about hurricane season, this Dutch island is an ideal vacation destination any time of year. If you're traveling with kiddos, you're in luck! The island, unlike many hot spots, welcomes families with many of the all-inclusive resorts participating in the "One Cool Family Vacation" offering discounts from July 1 - August 31.
7.Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI
You won't need your passport for this one. Trunk Bay boasts high marks for its white sandy beaches and its 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail, but there is one downside to its popularity. The beaches can become crowded during peak travel times. But, don't let that stop you from planning your next trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as they still need our support post hurricanes, Maria and Irma.
8.Inkwell Beach
The Inkwell or Oak Bluffs has been a safe haven for the black elite for over 100 years. The Shearer Cottage was the first black-owned hotel that allowed black vacationers to stay on Martha's Vineyard without issue. The town of Oak Bluffs is still thriving, so if you're inclined to take a day trip or spend a long weekend there, be sure to take a tour of the African American Heritage Trail. I hear it is not to be missed.
Featured image by Masego Morulane/Getty Images
Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
