Best Beaches in the World

The world is cooling down, so you might want to start thinking about heating back up. Fall is just beginning and it is the perfect time to kick back and head to the beach. Whether you are in the north and are not quite ready to let go of the dog days of summer or if you are in the south and want to continue on the summer lifestyle, a white sand beach is the perfect place to go. Take a vacation to recharge and definitely take advantage of the off-season prices. This is the optimal time to go to catch some rays and surf while avoiding crowds.

Maybe you are already in one of the countries listed below on a study abroad, work abroad, intern abroad, or volunteer abroad program. No idea where to go for your next weekend excursion? Follow this list and you will not go wrong. 

Come back sun-kissed after a day of surfing, wakeboarding, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and paragliding on the beach as you admire the top five pristine beaches in the world.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia

This eco-friendly beach has won awards for being the cleanest beach in Australia. Its pristine white sands do not retain much heat so you can walk comfortably barefoot. If you are looking for clear waters and a spectacular view, then Whitehaven Beach is the place for you.  

2. Baia de Sancho, Brazil

Baia de Sancho won TripAdvisor's 2014 Travelers' Choice Award for top beach. Its golden sand merges with turquoise waters and is a great place for snorkeling. It is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and stunning green vegetation. Try to stick around and watch a spectacular sunset. Be sure to bring your camera for some long exposure shots because this is a trip that you will definitely want to remember. 

3. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay took TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Choice Award for top beach in the Caribbean. Another white sand gem, the water here is a brilliantly bright blue that almost seems to glow. While you are here, you might want to drop in on Potcake Place, a non-profit dog rescue and adoption center for potcakes, the mutts of the Provenciales. Volunteer your time and spend the day playing with adorable puppies on the beach. 

4. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent is famed for its pink and white sand beach. The beach is surrounded by granite boulders and the water is shallow enough for young children and families. This is a perfect getaway destination for those who enjoy seclusion. You may even consider bringing your laptop for the most picturesque office away from home. 

5. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

The area of Palawan has some of the most pristine and picturesque islands in the world. Of these, the El Nido area has some of the best. Be sure to book a resort with beachfront cottages or bungalows on the water. You cannot go wrong with white sand, warm water, and plenty of island hopping. This is also an optimal place to go scuba diving or snorkeling since the water is rich with sea life. 

Other amazing beaches to check out: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia; Sun Island Beach, Maldives; Bora Bora, Tahiti; Boracay, Philipphines; and Nai Harn Beach, Thailand