10 Quaint European Destinations To Visit Between Trips To Major Cities

Rude Behaviors To Avoid At The Beach

Beach Blanket Battles

Sigh. I'm not sure what it is, but we're all guilty of claiming 'our' space in public. Sometimes it's harmless, but there are those who take things to the extreme by making sure no one gets remotely close to a space they're interested in. We've definitely seen this in parking lots, but it can at the beach too.

If you feel like you don't want someone close to you on the beach, don't be petty by positioning your beach blanket in a way that doesn't leave room for them. You can either verbally express that you'd like space, or you can try to find a spot that's not crowded.

You and other visiting beach goers don't actually own the beach, so try not to act like it.

The Loud Music Hog

I don't know too many people who dislike music. It's something that unites people from all walks of life (hello, have you been to a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert), having an almost transcendent effect.

However, this doesn't mean that people on the beach want to hear your summer playlist when they might be trying to relax. Also, you don't want to be that person who has no regards for kids if you're listening to something that's on the more explicit side. We know that kids will be introduced to a number of things, but don't be an a-hole just for the sake of "living your life."

Unless there's an actual approved beach party going on, it's best to pop in your Airpods to avoid disturbing others.

The Inconsiderate Splashers

Splashing in the water brings out everyone's inner kid, but everyone might not appreciate being splashed if they're trying to sunbathe, read a book, or just...in general. Some people might be forgiving, but it could irritate others.

As a courtesy, move your splash war away from large crowds so that you're not disturbing others.

Heavy Smokers

You're an adult who can do whatever they want, I know. The thing is that people don't always want to smell the residue of someone smoking while they're trying to relax.

Never mind the fact the people may want to smell fresh air, but you also don't know who could have asthma. I'm sure you don't want to be the person who accidentally triggers someone's asthma attack from your second-hand smoke.

Parents Who Let Their Kids Do Destructive Things

I'm a parent who has a busy body for a toddler, so I get that kids need to burn excess energy. However, it doesn't hurt to teach them how to be considerate of others. There's nothing cute or funny about letting your kids disrupt a volleyball game that's not theirs, or smash someone's sandcastle just for fun.

If it helps, try to come up with fun activities the entire family can do together. You can build your own sandcastles, fly kites, or even go on a beach scavenger hunt!

People Who Ignore Their Dog's Poop

Every living thing has to use the restroom at some point, so no one's gonna be mad that your dog has to do their business. The issue is that some people refuse to pick up their dog's poop in public for whatever reason.

If you willingly let your dog go to the bathroom on the beach and pretend like you don't see it, that's pretty annoying. I'm sure whoever's going for a stroll on the sand won't appreciate stepping in a fresh (or old) pile of poop. Just pick it up and toss it out, okay?

Parents Who Leave Their Kids Dirty Diapers On The Beach Or In The Ocean

I don't have much to say about this except please spare everyone. I don't know why people continue to do this, but it's unsanitary and extremely uncool. Find a trash can to dispose of their diapers or see if you can change them in a nearby restroom, but please don't subject others to your child's waste.

Excessive PDA

Freedom of speech is one of those things that people can really try to take too far — especially when it comes to PDA. If you're headed to the beach to have a handsy makeout session with your S.O., don't. No one wants to see (or hear) the two of you getting hot and heavy while they're trying to relax. Leave that for a hotel room or the beach house you're staying at.

Lake Geneva, WI

Venture to the midwest this summer to enjoy the breathtaking greenery and views Lake Geneva has to offer. For starters, book a room at The Abbey Resort which is home to swimming pools, marinas, and live music shows. Want to leave the hotel? Drive on over to Williams Bay Beach or Fontana Beach to relax by the ocean or book a zipline tour at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures to get immersed in nature while spending some quality time together. Plus, we can’t forget to mention that Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the U.S., so make sure to get your hands on a block of cheese too.

Corpus Christi, TX

Add Corpus Christi to your vacation plans if you’re looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a small weekend getaway. Book a hotel room for less than $150 per night at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi Southeast and then head to Whitecap or McGee beach to relax under the sun with a book in hand. For the more adventurous folks, go birding in ‘America’s Birdiest City’ at the Coastal Bend Audubon Society or Blucher Park to see vibrant, exotic birds you won’t see anywhere else. Oh, and Texas has a great food scene so don’t miss out on high quality Tex-Mex cuisine while you’re in town.

Catskills, NY

Head out of New York City to the Catskills to beat the crowds and high prices. In the great outdoors, you can take a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad or go fishing at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center — whatever your heart desires you can find it upstate. When it’s time to head back to the hotel, book a room at Wylder Windham and partake in a pickleball match, unwind in a wood-fired sauna, or explore with on property mountain bikes. Hungry for more? Head on over to La Perche or Baba Louie’s for a slice of pizza and a can of soda.

Omaha, NE

Engage in family fun this summer with a trip to Omaha that’ll keep everyone entertained without spending a fortune. Kick off your visit with a stop to Omaha's Henry Dooly Zoo & Aquarium where you can see giraffes, stingrays, monkeys, and more. For more educational activities, head on over to the Durham Museum or the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to learn about historical events and participate in interactive exhibits. When the hunger kicks in, devour some delicious bites at popular restaurants like Spaghetti Works and Boxer BBQ with options for the whole family.

Marceline, MO

Instead of an expensive trip to Disney World, take a visit to Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Immerse yourself in the magic by staying at Hotel Marceline which has Disney-themed rooms with decor straight from Orlando. To pass the time, stroll along Main Street which inspired Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, and then make a pit stop at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum to learn about the history of Walt Disney and his upbringing. Plus, grab a bite to eat at Ma Vic’s Corner Cafe that has your classic burgers, fries, and sandwiches.

Belfast, Ireland

Ditch the crowds in Dublin and head on over to Belfast where you can enjoy eye-catching greenery and rich history all in one place. Snag a room at Crowne Plaza to relax and unwind after a day of travel, and then head on over to the Titanic Belfast which is filled with galleries and interactive exhibits for those young and old. And when the hunger kicks in, head on over to St George’s Market where you’ll find live music and delicious seafood during its bustling weekend hours.

Aruba

Take a trip to the ‘One Happy Island’ of Aruba to immerse yourself in crystal clear beaches and top-tier hospitality. Hop off the plane and head on over to The West Deck for traditional Aruban cuisine right along the water then check in to The Mill Resort & Suites that’s only six minutes away from Palm Beach. When night time rolls around, hail a taxi and take a visit to Gusto Night Club to dance the night away alongside locals and tourists and enjoy delicious drinks and three-dollar beers.

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo

I was gifted this product a few weeks ago, but I can say that I genuinely have fallen in love with it, and I can't wait to purchase it as it runs out. It's a nontoxic, refillable dry shampoo that comes in powder form. This dry shampoo is incredibly lightweight and blends into my roots seamlessly — so much so, that I forgot I even used it! One of my favorite dry shampoos I've used in recent years. Plus, it's an Allure Best Beauty Product Award-Winner, so you know it's good! Definitely worth the hype!

Vegamour Dry Shampoo

This product is an award-winning dry shampoo, not only because of it's ability to make your hair looks freshly washed, but also because of all the volume it adds to your hair. It makes your roots look fuller and more lifted than before, so you'll get a refreshed do with a little height for the day! It's a great product if you're looking for more volume in your roots alongside a more typical dry shampoo.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is extremely effective and extremely affordable — it's only $6! I've been using this for years because I go through my dry shampoo really fast, so it's nice to have a cheaper alternative that I can go through quickly and not worry about it being too expensive. Plus, it smells amazing! You'll have fresh hair in no time!

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is completely talc-free, so it doesn't have the annoying buildup that a lot of dry shampoos cause. It's designed to completely get rid of excess oil that may accumulate in your hair and on your scalp. It's a great, lightweight option that won't weigh your hair down.

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is designed with lighter toned-hair in mind! It helps to blend in seamlessly with your lighter hair color, so you don't have traces of dry shampoo left behind for everyone to see. An added bonus with this one? It protects against UV damage! This is a huge plus for me as someone who is very sensitive to UV rays — especially on my scalp. The scent of this dry shampoo is just divine, as well! Grab this one to be protected, look fresh, and smell nice while you're at it.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

Not only does this eliminate any oil, smell, or buildup, but it's also silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free — which is very rare in beauty products these days. Add this dry shampoo to your cart immediately to get the job done in a safe and sustainable way, because this product really cleans your hair.

Dryer Detox Dry Shampoo

Anyone can use this product because it works effectively for all hair types! It smells so good, and genuinely cleanses your hair. I love to use it on my blowouts because it helps to make my hair looks clean, but also give it that voluminous, bouncy curls that I'm looking for. This one is a favorite of mine that I savor for more special occasions!

Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo

We've got an option for all my ladies with darker tones as well, don't you worry! Another amazing aspect to this one is that it's infused with Vitamin C oil which is good for shine, making your hair look healthy, and keeping it from appearing too chalky. Lucious locks are on the way with this dry shampoo!