Great Asian Beaches and Their Closer-to-Home Body Doubles in the Caribbean Dhinesh Manuel August 10, 2017 Travel Guide Okay, so maybe you’ve always wanted that exotic beach getaway on the other side of the globe…so you can chill out in some of the finest, untouched beaches in the world…in Asia. But unfortunately, you may have hit a snag when it comes to finding cheap international flights and saving up for accommodation for such an escape. So why not look closer to home? Asia may have some amazing beaches BUT the distance (and cost) to get there may have deterred you from making the trip. But have no fear — there are some beaches in the Caribbean that can play stand-in (depending on what your mood is), for a much cheaper trip. When You Want to Get Away From It All Ideally… Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam When you’re in the mood to give the urban bustle a miss and get lost completely, it can’t get any more beautifully isolated than Bai Dai Beach. There are hardly any tourists on the beach stretch — not to mention restaurants or resorts — but the occasional eatery or guest house with a hammock will be more than happy to provide you with a cold beer and some delicious grilled prawns. Oh, and did we mention the peaceful blue water and the soft white sand? Realistically… Salt Cay, Turks & Caicos If Vietnam is just too far to go, why not try the tiny island of Salt Cay in Turks & Caicos? The sparsely populated island may lack some modern amenities, but the only others you may find in its emerald waters are avid snorkelers and whale watchers — perfect company, one would think. Looking for cheap international flights for you next getaway? Check out these amazing deals that can save you a ton! When You Want to Chill With Your Special Someone Ideally… Amed, Bali, Indonesia With its black volcanic sand, beached traditional fishing boats, and lack of Western hippies, this may be one of Bali’s most unconventional beaches. But what it lacks in tourist intrusion and activity it makes up for with breathtaking sunsets perfect for long walks on the beach and a beautiful coral reef that’s worth exploring as a twosome. Realistically… Long Island, The Bahamas The turquoise waters and white sands don’t get any better than on the beaches on Long Island. Renowned as one of the most spectacular beach stretches of the Bahamas, you can also check out Dean’s Blue Hole — the world’s second deepest underwater sinkhole. When You Want to Party Hard Ideally… Patong Beach, Phuket Island, Thailand As one of the most popular party beaches in Thailand, this beautiful stretch is lined with bars that serve up amazingly affordable drinks. It’s also favored by surfers, so you’re guaranteed to have a pretty gnarly time. Say hello to your hangover! Realistically… Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica There’s no shortage of reggae and rum on Seven Mile, and its bars and clubs right on the beach add more fire to the nightlife with themed parties, boozy pub crawls, thumping dancehall clubs, and energetic live music. RELATED: There are some truly under-the-radar escapes in the Caribbean. Find out more by reading about the Caribbean Islands You’ve Never Heard of But Need to Visit! When You Want to Swim With the Wildlife Ideally… Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia The only oceanic island in Malaysia, Pulau Sipadan’s rich coral reef, which rings around its white sand beach, is home to a wide variety of marine life that includes more than 3,000 species of fish. It’s also one of the most highly rated dive spots in the world and gives you the chance to swim alongside green and hawksbill turtles, barracuda, manta rays, and whale sharks. Realistically… Isla Mujeres, Mexico You only have to travel south of the border to get to this Island in Mexico’s Caribbean, whose dreamy beaches are enchanting, while the reef surrounding it is full of friendly dolphins and is home to a large number of sea turtles. So, the next time you need a little fun in the sun, you don’t have to start frantically looking for cheap international flights to take you halfway across the world. Just follow this useful guide and you’ll be splashing around in huge holiday savings in no time at all! What other Caribbean beaches are your favorites? Share them with us in the comments!
