What could possibly be better than a vacation with sun, sand and the sea? A cool breeze blowing through the trees, the smell of the salty air, and the most difficult decision ahead of you is: do you want to go for a dip or relax on the shore.

The beach can be a perfect place to escape from the rigors of work. It can satisfy both the need for relaxation and a sense of adventure. If your goal is to unwind and do a whole lot of nothing, book a week at an all-inclusive resort where you can lounge on the beach, read your favorite books and enjoy the amenities. On the other hand, if laying-low isn’t your style, seek out some adrenaline-boosting beach activities, like snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing or jet skiing.

Stateside beaches have plenty to offer or consider a trip where you can explore the gorgeous beaches of South America, or Caribbean islands. With accommodations pretty much everywhere you can dream of, you’ll be able to explore the cities and absorb as much of the culture as possible and return home with memories that last a lifetime.

Whether it becomes an annual getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, it may be hard to plan a vacation better than one accompanied by the relaxing rhythms of the surf.

Some helpful tips for a fun beach day:

1. Invest in a waterproof case for your phone or tablet to keep it safe while surfing the web or listening to music. If you don’t want to invest in a new case, bring along a zipped sandwich bag to help keep your phone safe from water and sand while it is stashed in your beach bag.
2. Beach chairs fill up quickly and the early bird catches the worm. Get there early to secure your desired spot in the sun or shade and enjoy some downtime before “rush hour” starts.
3. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Nothing ruins a trip faster than a painful burn. Also reapply, reapply, and reapply. Sweat and the sea can quickly wash away your sun protection.