World
Top 10 beaches in world to consider for summer vacation
It’s summer again — a perfect time to relax and explore. During this season, many seek out serene escapes, and few destinations rival the allure of a breathtaking beach. With its soothing sounds, gentle ocean breeze, and warm, sun-kissed shores, the beach offers the perfect haven to unwind, reflect, and rejuvenate.
To help you make the most of your summer vacation, here are the top 10 beaches worldwide in 2024 — according to Tripadvisor, the prestigious American travel agency — where you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Praia da Falésia in Portugal
Praia da Falésia — which means beach of cliffs — is located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is known for its stunning cliffs and expansive golden sands.
The beach also boasts clean, soft sand and calm and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. It was awarded Blue Flag recognition for its cleanliness.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
Spiaggia dei Conigli or Rabbit Beach, is located on the island of Lampedusa, Italy. It often wins awards for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with its shallow, crystalline waters and soft golden sand.
The beach is also peaceful, perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming. It houses different marine life also.
La Concha Beach, Spain
La Concha Beach is located in San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain. It is one of the most famous urban beaches in Europe.
It became quite popular when Queen of Spain Isabel II’s doctors recommended she bathe in the sea for skin health benefits.
The beach is known for its calm, clear waters and huge sandy shore. It is suitable for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the views. It is also a great place for families due to its lively atmosphere.
Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii
Ka’anapali Beach is located in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
It is easy to spend all day relaxing at the beach due to its gentle waves, and soft, golden sand. Its crystal clear waters also make the beach perfect for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
One of the standout features of this beach is the Black Rock. The Black Rock is a popular spot at the beach for cliff diving and snorkeling, where you can see a variety of colorful fish and even sea turtles.
Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands
Grace Bay Beach is located in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. This waterbody is known for its powdery white sand that stretches for about 12 miles. Its clear, turquoise waters are calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Grace Bay Beach provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and comfort.
The gentle waves, combined with the stunning views, make this beach an ideal destination for families, couples, and anyone looking for a tranquil beach experience.
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
This beautiful beach is located on Praslin Island, Seychelles. Anse Lazio is a dreamy beach with soft, white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters surrendered lush tropical vegetation and palm trees.
Manly Beach, Australia
This iconic beach is located in Sydney, Australia; right at the center of the city, and is surrounded by trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is iconic for hosting the first-ever world surfing championship in 1964.
The beach is divided into three sections: Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne, each with its appeal.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach, located in Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba, is known for its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere.
The beach features incredibly soft, white sand and the clear, turquoise waters are perfect for several water activities.
One of the beach’s unique highlights is the iconic Divi Divi trees. These trees are twisted and windswept so they tend to get bent and provide natural shade.
Siesta Beach, Florida
Siesta Beach which is located on Siesta Key, Florida. The beach provides the perfect space for sunbathing, playing beach games, and enjoying a picnic.
The beach is well-maintained and has a range of amenities making it family-friendly.
The amenities it offers include wheelchair access, plenty of parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach has a stunning natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
The warm, gentle waves make it an ideal spot for a relaxing dip or for enjoying various water sports.
World
10 dead, 30 injured after vehicle drives into crowd in US
At least 10 people have been killed after a vehicle drove into a large crowd in New Orleans, a city in Louisiana, United States.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the French Quarter, a popular tourist area, when a car sped down Bourbon Street.
Witnesses told CBS News that the driver reportedly got out and began shooting at pedestrians. Police returned fire, and two officers were injured in the exchange.
Anne Kirkpatrick, the city’s police superintendent, described the attack as “very intentional”.
“This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could,” she said.
Kirkpatrick said attack began at 15:15 local time (21:15 GMT), adding that most of the victims appeared to be local residents, but the identities of those killed or injured are still being determined.
She said numbers could change, but confirmed 10 people were killed and at least 35 others injured.
She said it is unclear how many victims are tourists and how many are locals but added that she believed that the majority are local to New Orleans.
The superintendent said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will take over the investigation into the incident.
Althea Duncan, FBI agent, clarified that the shooting was not a terrorist incident, but noted that “improvised explosive devices” were found on scene.
Duncan said the FBI is working to find out if they are “viable” devices and urged the public to stay away from the area.
Jeff Landry, governor of Louisiana, described the incident as a “horrific act of violence”.
Landry said he is praying for all the victims and first responders at the scene.
World
South Korean court issues arrest warrant for impeached president
A Seoul western district court has issued an arrest warrant against impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol following his botched martial law declaration.
It is the first time authorities have sought to detain a sitting South Korean president.
It is unclear when authorities would attempt to take Yeol into custody. January 6 was given as the deadline to execute the warrant.
“The arrest warrant and search warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, requested by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, were issued this morning,” the Joint Investigation Headquarters, which includes officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), police, and the defence ministry, said in a statement on Tuesday.
The warrant comes after Yeol, who is being investigated for power abuse and inciting an insurrection, ignored three summons in the last fortnight.
The president’s legal team has called the warrant “illegal and invalid” and said they would challenge it in court.
World
Biden declares January 9 national mourning day for Jimmy Carter
United States President Joe Biden has declared January 9, 2025 as a national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter.
Carter, the 39th US president, died on Sunday at 100. He was the first ex-US president to become a centenarian.
Biden described Carter as an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden said in a statement following Carter’s death.
“He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together,” he added, referencing Carter’s wife of 77 years who died in November 2023.
Biden ordered that flags be displayed at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels for a period of 30 days from Carter’s death.
The president said similar arrangements applied to US representatives in foreign countries at embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad.
“I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States,” Biden added.
The president urged Americans and people around the world who share in the grief to honour Carter’s memory on the said day.
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