Buzz
Many often ask: Which season is best for a beach vacation? The common answer is summer. When it comes to the beach, it's about the crystal-clear water, the fine sand, the beachside bars lining the shore, or the girls flaunting their youth in eye-catching bikinis. But for me, every season is beautiful by the sea, so there's no reason not to visit the beach whenever possible, in any season.
Luxurious Maui
Ranking third on TripAdvisor's list of 100 islands chosen by travelers in 2015, Maui stands distinct from the bustling Honolulu. The most luxurious island of the Hawaiian archipelago sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, welcoming us on a sunny day at the end of April.
A series of resorts and large golf courses line the Wailea beach. Many visit Maui for its renowned surfing activities. Just a quick Google search reveals countless images of this sport, with robust individuals skillfully riding massive boards through silver waves. Of course, engaging in this sport entails some risk, and one of its challenges is encountering sharks.
Skipping the lengthy coastline, we drove northwest on the island. Passing through tropical forests, the town of Lahaina, once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, stretches along the bay, shining brightly in the afternoon sun. Lahaina is also the first stop for some Japanese individuals who were brought to the United States during World War II, following the Pearl Harbor attack.
When talking about Hawaii, one cannot ignore the rainbow, even on license plates in this state, there's a sparkling rainbow. Driving through Maui, passing lush rainforests, chasing after dark clouds or crossing through a curtain of white rain reveals a sun-drenched scene, surely with a rainbow awaiting.
If lucky enough, you might catch sight of a complete double rainbow emerging from the glistening sea, stretching across the highway and vanishing into the mountainside. No camera could capture the beauty of nature like the human eye.
Vibrant Yokohama
There's not much to say about a true coastal industrial city, but there's plenty to explore if it's Yokohama. In past visits to Japan, I found every reason to avoid returning to Yokohama, as my first impression in 2008 wasn't pleasant despite being just an hour from Tokyo.
But this time, driving back to Tokyo from the coastal city of Kamakura, I decided to stay a night in Yokohama. The port city of Yokohama is now vastly different, completely transformed, especially the bustling Minato Mirai district that once seemed lackluster now shines brightly with colorful lights at night and bustling with young people all day long. Minato Mirai, meaning the port of the future, embodies the vitality of a civilized, modern Japan, rich in tradition and sophistication.
We had to be quite 'flexible' to navigate through the interconnected shopping centers from one building to another, starting from the Minato Mirai train station extending all the way to the waterfront. Our destination was the Orbi Museum, a collaboration between Japan's leading technology name SEGA and the BBC Earth television channel.
The Orbi 3D Museum brings visitors surreal experiences of a vast and incredibly mysterious natural world. Interactions that seem unreal, moments when humans are immersed in nature, even if imagined, are priceless experiences, enough for everyone to feel deeper and appreciate the nature around them.
Leaving the Orbi Museum, we slowly head towards the coast, where there are countless recreational and sightseeing spots for all ages. And once again, we cannot overlook the Instant Noodle Museum. Japan is known for many innovations that changed the world, and most notably, instant noodles, a common presence in every household regardless of wealth.
The museum is elegantly arranged and organized, with a collection of all the instant noodle brands representing every country in the world. And you'll surely be amazed to see the first-ever instant noodle packet dating back to 1954. If you book in advance through the museum's website, you'll get to experience 45 meaningful and fun minutes to make your own instant noodle box. One day is not enough to explore the vibrant city of Yokohama, and that's why we'll return to Japan next year.
Enchanting Boracay
They say the weather on the island is extremely unpredictable, and this is entirely true for Boracay. Unlike a too-commercialized Cebu or a still-untouched Palawan, Boracay Island is a blend of the natural beauty of white sandy beaches with bustling light-lit stalls and lively night-time singing.
We chose to visit Boracay for a special occasion in mid-October. Contrary to all weather forecast apps on smartphones predicting heavy rain for all 5 days of our stay, Boracay only had golden sun on the pale white sand and calm beach.
In Boracay, we had no specific plans, no itineraries like all our other trips. Simply because the beach here deserves lazy lounging all day long.
White Beach is divided into 3 distinct areas: Station 1 for boutique resorts and upscale shops; Station 2, the island's bustling center, always lively and bustling; and finally, Station 3 for budget travelers.
In fact, many tourists, especially from Europe and South Korea, come to Boracay for the allure of underwater diving. This island boasts magnificent coral reefs that even non-divers can't resist, even just seeing through images.
Besides professional diving forms like diving and scuba diving, non-professional divers can try snorkeling, and especially underwater walking. At a depth of 8 – 9 meters, the diver's feet can touch the seabed, with a round, fishbowl-like helmet on their head, a breathing tube connected to a boat above, and they will walk merrily among colorful shoals of tiny fish.
Whether you can swim or are scared to death, don't miss an afternoon of sailing offshore to watch the sunset. Some have exclaimed that it's only in Boracay that you can fully appreciate the sunset at sea. The sun, like a round, radiant fireball, begins to sink into the water around 4 PM. By about 5 PM, the entire sea surface is orange, gradually fading to purple, brown, gray, then darkness swiftly envelops.
Tourist boats, each seating about 5 people, are manned by a local fisherman who uses all his strength, skillful hands, and feet to control the sails billowing in the wind. The waves crash against each tourist, both a challenge and a tease, and on every face is a look of wonder at the breathtaking sunset.
You might be surprised at how one person can travel to so many places in a year. For me, it's entirely possible, no matter how vast the world may be. Perhaps traveling is a therapy to relieve stress from dealing with numbers, chasing opportunities, or struggling with unfulfilled calculations.
Travel to experience and enjoy life. Heading towards the sea, listening to the breeze filled with the scent of sand, sun, and the taste of the salty sea will be a brief respite to recharge and contribute better.
According to Saigon Entrepreneur
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Reference: Travel Handbook from Mytour
MytourApril 4th, 2016
