There are almost as many different types of holidays as there are holiday makers – you have package trips that don’t require much planning, and city breaks that are little more than a flight and a hotel booking. There are skiing holidays that take you into a mountain resort area and driving breaks that put you at the wheel with a map and let you decide your next step. But one of the most enduring types of holiday getaways is the beach trip – whether you’re there to sunbathe, swim or enjoy the nightlife, there’s always something to do.
Below, we’ll look at a few very different locations that offer holidays by the water. Each of them has its own charm, but what they all have in common is the chance to breathe fresh air, enjoy fine food and drink, and live a relaxed lifestyle that makes for a perfect holiday.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a country like no other, and its remarkable vistas have made it the place to go for everyone: from TV show directors looking to press the “dramatic landscape” button, to extreme sports fans seeking the thrill of a lifetime. Reykjavik, the capital, is considered one of the coolest cities on the planet right now, where fishermen in woolen jumpers rub elbows with some of the most renowned club DJs. The seafood is plentiful and mostly delicious, but a word of warning: if you are offered hakarl, think very carefully before accepting. And if you want beer, it’s not difficult to find, with establishments like RVK Brewing and Icelandic Craft Bar serving up the suds.
Lake Champlain, Vermont, USA
A different kind of shore awaits you in the verdant state of Vermont, with the welcoming banks of Lake Champlain offering the perfect break away from the big crowds and noise of the cities. The lake is replete with bass, pike and muskies, giving you an excellent opportunity to fish freshwater in the day, take a walk in one of the nearby state parks in the evening and enjoy its many bars and restaurants to round the night off. The state of Vermont has plenty of opportunities for day trips to interesting locations, one of which is the Ben & Jerry’s factory, a couple of hours’ drive away in Waterbury. Craft beer is plentiful, too, and there are a multitude of breweries within a minute or two from the lake. Some noteworthy examples on the Vermont side are Switchback Brewing and Simple Roots Brewing and on the New York side, Ausable Brewing and Valcour Brewing.
Brittany, France
While France has its own cultural wonders, heading for the north-west coast will bring you to a part of the country that marches to the beat of its own drum. From Rennes to Brest and further afield, the residents here consider themselves more “Breton” than France, and the food, drink and entertainment is of a different order than what you’d find in Paris. Take the chance to visit some of the area’s old castles, such as Fort Lath, and do a spot of wild camping in some of the most breathtaking seaside locations you’ll see anywhere, and make sure you visit a local boulangerie – the traditional baked goods of the region, from clafoutis to galettes and more besides, are well worth sampling. Then, for a nightcap, consider a visit to a local brewery such as Brasserie de la Paumell or Etablissement Guillou.
The above are just three beachside breaks of different kinds you can take, in radically different locations you might not have considered before. These, and others like them, are well worth checking out the next time you’re planning a holiday getaway.
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