Surf Holidays in the Sun

While surfing is practiced in virtually every country that has a coastline, not all surfers are fortunate enough to surf in warm, sunny temperatures. If you are tired of wet suit rashes, ice cream headaches (caused by cold water) and numb feet, it is time to plan a surf holiday in the sun.

North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

• Known internationally as the "seven mile miracle," the North Shore of Oahu is the original surf mecca and the ultimate proving grounds for advanced to expert surfers. Water temperatures stay in the mid-70s year-round and the winter swells can exceed heights of 30 feet. The North Shore begins at Velzyland and ends at the world famous Waimea Bay, and is home to Rocky Point, Sunset and Pipeline. If you are not ready to tackle the giant winter surf, there are less-treacherous breaks scattered along the North Shore, such as Monster Mush, Puena Point and Kammieland.

Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico

• Located at the southern point of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos includes the beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo. The average year-round air temperature is in the upper 70s, while summertime temperatures can often reach 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The stretch of beach known as Costa Azul offers a great variety of surf breaks, including Zippers, The Estuary and The Rock. Locals are friendly and helpful towards "gringos," as many American expats live in Los Cabos full time.

San Diego, California

• Known for its sunshine and relaxed, casual coastal vibe, San Diego is a great destination for surf travel. Summertime is an excellent time of the year to sample San Diego's reef, sand bottom and point breaks, while water temperatures exceed 70 degress Faranheit. Beginning at the border of Tijuana, Mexico, and stretching all the way to San Onofre State Beach, San Diego offers playful waves for surfers of all levels.

Tavarua Island, Fiji

• Tavarua, located in the South Pacific islands of Fiji, is a true example of tropical surf paradise. Tavarua is every goofy footer's dream, consisting of two world-class barreling left-hand waves that reel for hundreds of yards across a colorful reef. Cloud Break and Restaurants, the two main surf breaks, can be reached by paddling from the resort or by catching a quick ride on a boat. Tavarua island is tiny and only has one resort, so be sure to plan your trip well ahead of time to reserve a spot.

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The Best Places for Beach Holidays

If you are searching for a beach holiday, consider your parameters. Many of the world's best beaches require a flight or two to get there, and flight costs add up quickly. If you are planning a family vacation, you might want a bay beach, where kids can swim. And while beaches in southern Florida offer perfect weather in spring and fall, summer might be too hot. If you require an active beach vacation, choose a resort with water sports.

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

• Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos, in the Caribbean, claims to be "Best Beach in the World." It is easy to see why. The island, just two and a half hours from New York, and now reachable by Jet Blue, has sparkling white sand, turquoise water and small resorts right on the beach. If you have small children, the water right off shore is calm, but you can go just beyond the bay for adventures like scuba diving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing.

Maui Beaches

• Maui, Hawaii has 30 miles of beaches, with warm weather year round. You can find family-friendly swimming beaches with lifeguards and bathroom facilities, or remote beaches known only to surfers. The white sand beaches of Kaanapali Beach have five hotels, plus condos, and a shopping complex with restaurants within walking distance. You can visit the whaling museum or see whales swimming in the crystal clean Pacific Ocean.

The Hamptons

• The Hamptons, on the eastern end of Long Island, attracts New Yorkers and Hollywood moguls. While the Hamptons, which stretch from East Quogue to Montauk, only offers beach weather June to September, the "season" starts Memorial Day, and officially ends Labor Day. But the beach is only part of the attraction here. The Hamptons have fine dining, luxury shopping and nightclubs. Spotting celebrities is a local sport.

Fort Lauderdale

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida had a large spring break culture, but luxury hotels like the W now cater to a wealthier clientele. And the family-friendly beach on the Altantic Ocean has miles of clear blue water, with a boardwalk. Across the street, find restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The southern Florida beaches are warm most of the year, though swimming in January and February is iffy. For fine dining and shopping, head a few blocks inland to Las Olas Boulevard.

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