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Great experience

everything was easy to navigate and use

Date of experience : May 11, 2024

Beachbound is Trash

Worst ever! I advise not to book through beachbound. The customer service agent is not knowledgeable & they're rude. They don't know what they are doing. They said one thing and did something totally different from what was discussed. I will never use them again

Date of experience : April 11, 2024

Beach Bound was so easy to book with

Beach Bound was so easy to book with. It was a wonderful trip from the Amstar transportation, which was wonderful to checking into the hotel. They were also available for any questions that came up. Will definitely book with them again.

Date of experience : April 11, 2023

What an amazing Experience!!

What an amazing Experience!!! From the customer service (Joe) right down to the transportation to and from the resort!!! I highly recommend using Beachbound and we plan on using them again! The ease of it all made for a relaxing vacation one we will never forget we can't thank Beachbound for their service and friendly services we were given!

Date of experience : February 06, 2023

DON'T USE THEM!

Bought the travel insurance - can't use the travel credit without calling to book because their "IT department doesn't know when it will be fixed". Called and spoke with an agent who made an appointment with me to book my trip - she never called. Spoke via email with someone else - the conversation could be summed up with a shrug emoji. This company does NOT care, and now I'm stuck booking a trip through them because they still have my money.

Date of experience : June 26, 2023

Reply from beachbound.com

Hi Jen, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist you. Thanks!

Great trip with no problems!!! Awesome!!!

We had a great trip to Sint Maarteen a few weeks ago using Beach Bound! Everything went great with the travel details and the timing of the flights was perfect! We had one little issue with the AI hotel and it was corrected within a few hours to great satisfaction! I would definitely use Bech Bound again!!!!

Date of experience : February 03, 2023

Less than one star

Less than one star. Terrible customer service from beach bound to the airlines. Over 24 hours without our luggage. Having to buy supplies to make it through the day after getting travel insurance . DO NOT RECOMMEND AMERICAN AIRLINES. NOT ACCURATE UPDATES FOR CUSTOMERS.

Date of experience : October 25, 2022

Hi there! We are so sorry to hear this. Please send us an email to [email protected] so we can best assist you!

Refund not issued

I booked my vacation package with Beach Bound Vacations to Jamaica. My flight involuntarily got canceled three times and I decided to cancel my reservation. I received an email from the airline saying that I will be compensated my full refund. I spoke with several agents from Beach Bound stating that I will receive my full refund and every agent told a different lie on when I’ll be receiving my refund. It’s been 25 days now since I’ve been fighting with Beach Bound and there is no resolution. Frontier has already issued my refund to Beach Bound, I do not understand what it’s taking their accounting department so long to issue it back to me. This company is a scam! Beware of them.

Date of experience : July 27, 2023

Hi Ishan, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist. Thank you!

The customer service has been so…

The customer service has been so helpful as we planned our upcoming trip to Montego Bay. Everything has been so simple and efficient. I am looking forward to my upcoming trip.

Date of experience : March 16, 2023

Terrible. Customer service dept are all new agents and never a supervisor or anyone on staff that can help or answer questions. Eternal hold every single phone call. I’ve called 10 times now with over 15 hours of call time and I still can’t get help with my vacation that I paid for. Spend a couple extra hundred dollars and book directly with the hotel. This company takes your money and will not answer calls.

Date of experience : January 26, 2023

Hi there! Please send us an email to [email protected] with your booking number so we can best assist you!

Overcharging and under delivering …

Bunch of false promises when I booked my vacation. We didn’t noticed until we took our trip that they overcharged us for the flight and the crappy hotel room. Donot use them. The hotel room was on the poor old side of the hotel, overcharged us to provide special seat which was not happening. She charged so much for the hotel and the flight. Everyone was shocked about how we paid for a crappy room and return flight. They lost a good customer. They compromised the delivery of service and charged more than others.

Date of experience : December 29, 2023

Hi Gita, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist. Thank you!

I don’t even think a 1 star is low…

I don’t even think a 1 star is low enough! We booked a trip for 9 people and had to change destinations. While changing destinations one of our party’s name got changed wrongly. It has been a month long struggle our flight is tomorrow and it has not been corrected. One email stating it would be corrected 7 day before flight. Now I am on hold again with a nice lady who doesn’t have any power to do anything to help, you can’t get to anyone who can do anything. If they resolve everything and refunded our money I WOULD NOT EVERY use this sight again!

Date of experience : August 01, 2023

Hi Daniel, we're sorry to hear this! Please send us an email to [email protected] with your booking information so we can further assist. Thank you!

Beach bound under duress.

Please see previous reviews regarding my experience with BeachBound. I emailed Socialteam as per their comment posted to my review. At the last minute, they were very competent at fixing the problem I had been working on for a month. Very nice finally. However, upon arriving at Cabo San Lucas Airport, the inclusive private transportation to and from the hotel indicated on the provided confirmation papers by BeachBound was nowhere to be found. No information was provided about who, when, or where it could be obtained. I had no phone service so I could not call BeachBound so we had to secure our own transportation. The hotel could not provide any information about it either and promised to contact BeachBound to clarify but never did. We are not pleased with the whole experience.

Date of experience : December 08, 2022

Customer service we had hotel issues

Customer service we had hotel issues. Call customer service they said they had to get back to us never did. I would not recommend using Beach Bound travel!!!

Date of experience : July 29, 2022

Hi Gina, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist you. Thanks!

Worst customer service Ever!

Worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. Do not book with this company! We booked a family vacation for 9, you can only have 8 people on one booking, so had to complete two separate bookings. On one, we could only select basic economy for the flight. We had to change our destination and BeachBound could not assist. We could cancel or change destinations and forfeit the entire money paid. A representative told us if we canceled then rebooked within 7 days, we would get the $100 penalty fee back for 4 people PLUS $200 airline penalty for 4. We followed these directions and rebooked the next day. When inquiring about the $1200 in penalty credit, we were then told we would not get anything as we did a change in destination. After explaining the directions given, I was told they would review the call and get back to me. That was6 days ago, no response! Reviewed our new booking and found the agent entered my last name for my future son in law, called to correct the last name - Again, they can do nothing. Explained the agent verified the spelling of first and middle names, but as he could not pronounce my last name, just added it in. This place is a total ripoff!

Date of experience : June 19, 2023

Hi JA, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist you. Thanks!

They delayed making a payment to…

They delayed making a payment to suncountry so we had no confirmation # with suncountry to book seats, so the good seats were taken

Date of experience : January 08, 2024

Hi Marie, we're sorry to hear this. Please send us an email with your booking information to [email protected] so we can further assist. Thank you!

Follow up from October 28th, 2022.

Regarding my post from October 28th. I received an email from BeachBound November 15th advising me to check my itinerary because the reservation was nearing. I responded with an email advising the itinerary (airline tickets) was still in error regarding not only the names on the ticket reservation but also that they were now listing 3 passengers for two tickets. I asked them to correct the names of the two passengers. I received no response. On October 22nd my spouse contacted United Airlines again and was again referred to Beach Bound. I called Beach Bound for the 3rd time and talked to a very pleasant (as always) man who indicated he wanted to help but ultimately told me he was able to do nothing to change what was listed on the tickets. He could not even provide me with verification for United Airlines stating that I have repeatedly appealed to them to fix the error so I would be better able to present my case when and if UA objects to the name discrepancy. He said he could not and repeatedly assured me that everything was going to work despite my name being stated in error.

Date of experience : November 22, 2022

Horrible company run far

Horrible company run far! Tried to make my reservation online got to the payment and put in all my information only for an error message to come back, tried 6 more times to do this and it kept saying technical error please try again. So finally I gave up and called. In the mean time of waiting I checked my bank only to find out they had taken the money each time but I never got a reservation number so they are now claiming they don't have my money and I have until 5 pm today to pay again or my trip will be canceled. I don't have the money to pay again they have left me without a penny in my account that I can't get back from either the bank or them until I file a dispute. This is absolutely horrible I have waited 10 years for this trip and now I have to deal with this. I'm beyond upset and it's nobodys fault they blame the whole thing on me and all they keep asking for is my new payment information to make sure I don't lose trip. Really how is one supposed to come up with $20,000 plus in 1 day to book 1 vacation you already robbed me 1 time today! Stay far away from this company don't do it it is also affiliated with Apple vacation which I didn't know until it was to late and they have horrible reviews too.

Date of experience : November 09, 2022

Great site to book a beach vacation

Great site to book a beach vacation. It has resorts all over the world and is really easy to use. Cool experiences too.

Date of experience : June 02, 2022

Thanks so much Randy! Shoot us an email to [email protected]. We would love to send you a BeachBound Experience Kit!

Beachbound did not disappoint

The whole booking and communication experience was amazing. Our family had a tremendous time at our destination. Easy to booking with step by step communication the entire time.

Date of experience : June 02, 2023

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6 Beaches for Budding Swimmers, Surfers and Castle Builders

For families with children, we found half a dozen beaches in the United States and Mexico, each tailored to a particular summer activity.

By Freda Moon

A family beach vacation is an American classic. But depending on their children’s ages and inclinations, some families may be drawn to different kinds of shorelines: those featuring clear, calm water for snorkeling and learning to swim; or, for shell collectors and young naturalists, sandy stretches carpeted with seashells or bordered by tide pools. For castle builders, fine sand is a must, while would-be surfers need tidy waves, ready to ride. Here are six great beaches in the United States and Baja California for family-favorite summer activities.

For castle builders: Mission Beach , San Diego

San Diego’s temperate climate allows for barefoot beach days year-round. For those who’d rather build with sand than lie in it, Mission Beach has another advantage: San Diego Sand Castles and the sand sculptor JT Estrela. Mr. Estrela, a former math teacher, offers lessons in the art of sand castle construction on this family-friendly Southern California beach, where the sand is perfect for castle building: The grains are fine but not too silty, clean below the tide line, free of shells and rocks, and pack hard.

In his two-to-three-hour sessions (starting at $160 for two people, $20 for each additional person), Mr. Estrela works with families to build elaborate five-foot-tall castles. The goal is for participants to “feel like this insider of arcane knowledge,” he said.

While the best sand in the San Diego area is at the offshore city of Coronado in San Diego Bay, Mr. Estrela prefers working with families at Mission Beach. Known for its boardwalk amusement park, Belmont Park ; historic beachfront swimming pool, the Plunge ; and excellent playgrounds, it’s particularly fun for kids. The smell of cotton candy and hot dogs hangs in the air, mingling with shrieks from the Giant Dipper, Belmont’s 1925 wooden roller coaster, squawking sea gulls and salt spray. Its biggest downside is its popularity, which means parking can be a challenge.

For new swimmers: Onekahakaha Beach Park , Hilo, Hawaii

In an archipelago known for spectacular beaches, Onekahakaha Beach Park , on the rugged, volcanic coast of the Big Island, may seem a counterintuitive choice. At Onekahakaha, with its two large, sandy-bottomed ocean pools enclosed by lava rock walls and backed by palm trees and an expansive grassy lawn, the sand is mostly below the surface.

Separated from the Pacific Ocean’s notoriously powerful waves and rip currents, the seawater within the pools is warm and placid, protected and shallow, which makes it excellent for little kids learning to swim, as well as for older kids to snorkel. It’s also home to nonthreatening marine life (no sharks here), including green sea turtles.

Though the water is only about waist-deep on an adult, there are lifeguards, adding to Onekahakaha’s reputation for safety. And without a wide swath of sand between the pools and the shoreline path, the water is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. There’s also a swing set, picnic tables and proximity to the lush Hilo area.

As long as you’re on the Big Island, the site of several active volcanoes, visit the thermal pools alongside some of its beaches, including Pohoiki Black Sand Beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park , 40 miles south of Onekahakaha. The ocean there may be a bit rough for young swimmers, but it’s a great place to show children a fresh lava flow.

For would-be surfers: Wrightsville Beach , N.C.

Wrightsville Beach is considered by many surf historians to be the home of East Coast surfing and one of the first places outside Polynesia and the Pacific Rim for the sport to catch on .

It also has some of the best beginner’s breaks in the United States , said Sean Griffin, 37, a surfing instructor and the father of a 5-year-old, who started riding the local break when he was 8.

He points out that Wrightsville is the only surfing beach in the state that has clear, blue water. Being able to see one’s hands and feet and the sandy bottom “makes anyone feel more comfortable in the ocean,” he said.

At Surf With Sean , Mr. Griffin offers private 90-minute lessons ($95 to $120) to surfers as young as 3 and into their 80s, as well as surf camps for kids ($425 per week). “There’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to learn or give it a shot,” said Mr. Griffin, who provides all gear in all sizes, including adaptive equipment.

There’s more to the area’s kid appeal than its waves. Mr. Griffin points to Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier , at the center of the beach, where his son “loves seeing all the salty fisherman pulling in fish,” and the big, modern playground at Wrightsville Beach Park .

For tide pool explorers: Carkeek Park , Seattle

Naomi Tomky — a lifelong Seattleite, author of “ The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook ” and mother of two daughters, 6 and 8 — recommends Carkeek Park in Seattle for an immersive experience in Puget Sound marine life. At low tide, Ms. Tomky said, the narrow beach “just goes out for ages,” exposing tide pools filled with starfish, sea snails, anemones and “many, many crabs, from the size of your fingernail to the size of your hand.”

Unlike tide-pooling elsewhere on the West Coast, where the powerful Pacific Ocean requires caution because of dangerous sneaker waves , Puget Sound is rich with life but calm enough for Ms. Tomky to let her daughters explore on their own.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Carkeek is part of the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist Program , which sends naturalists to various shorelines around the area.

Along with the below-the-tide-line intrigue, Carkeek is also known for an annual spectacle: spawning salmon. In the fall, it’s possible to stand over the park’s Piper’s Creek and watch the fish — a sacred Indigenous symbol of the Pacific Northwest — on the run.

“It’s one of the coolest things you can see,” said Ms. Tomky, “to understand how these fish share the city with us as they swim back into their former home.”

For shell hunters: Tigertail Beach , Marco Island, Fla.

Sanibel Island, a barrier island just off Fort Myers, Fla., is one of the most famous shelling destinations on the planet. That popularity comes with a downside: It’s often picked over by enthusiasts who hit the shoreline at dawn. The island is also still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which badly damaged its infrastructure in 2022.

As an alternative, the shelling guide Evan Kuperman (a.k.a. Captain Evan) recommends Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, about an hour south.

Mr. Kuperman, a Florida master naturalist , operates Sand Dollar Shelling Tours . His tours ($125 per adult, $90 per child, and families of up to six people for $650) take guests by boat to places like the Ten Thousand Islands , a mangrove mud flat habitat and National Wildlife Refuge.

For visitors unable to join one of his trips, Mr. Kuperman said that Tigertail, a publicly accessible beach ($8 parking fee), offers exceptional shelling.

Marco Island is more built up than Sanibel, but Tigertail, at the island’s north end, is a county-owned park with a lagoon and a position facing the Gulf of Mexico that lends itself to accumulating seashells, including rare and striking ones, like the spiny ornamented lace murex and reddish brown banded tulip .

But everyone is hoping for a junonia, or Juno’s volute, a sea snail that has to travel far in churning waters to reach the beach intact. “You don’t find it,” said Mr. Kuperman, “it finds you.”

For young snorkelers: Playa el Chileno , Los Cabos, Mexico

About halfway between bustling Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, Playa el Chileno is no longer an undeveloped local secret. Now backed by the sprawling Auberge resort Chileno Bay Resort & Residences , the beach remains public and comparatively tranquil. Awarded the Blue Flag certification for meeting stringent environmental standards, Chileno is exceptionally well maintained.

While catamaran snorkeling tours come and go from Chileno Bay, it’s also possible to reach the reef from the shore, which makes it good for inexperienced snorkelers who might find it intimidating to leap into deep water without easing their way in. High Tide Sea Expeditions offers snorkeling excursions via kayak that start at nearby Playa Santa Maria, hug the coast and arrive at Chileno by water. For younger kids and anyone who prefers more time in the water, there’s a guided two-hour tour that visits both beaches by car ($95 to $130 per person, including equipment).

Among the roughly 50 species of fish that snorkelers might encounter along Chileno’s rocky outcroppings and coral reef, there are large tuna, sea turtles, puffer fish, Panamic green moray eels, Cortez angelfish and blacknosed butterflyfish — among many other colorful creatures. The coral here is less vibrant than some places, but the number and variety of fish are thrilling.

Freda Moon, a frequent contributor to the Travel section, lives on a boat in San Francisco Bay with her husband and two kids. Her upcoming National Geographic book with the coauthor Ashley Harrell, “100 Beaches of a Lifetime,” will be published next year.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Get Out on the Water This Summer

3 6 Hours in Traverse City, Mich.:  Explore the laid-back city loved for its annual cherry festival, unspoiled lake vistas and access to epic dunes .

6 Great Beaches for Families:  For families with children, we found half a dozen beaches in the United States and Mexico , each tailored to a particular summer activity.

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What Super-Travelers Always Have in Their Beach Bags

By Iona Brannon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Enjoying the sand and sun is a quintessential part of summer, whether you’re on a tropical vacation or visiting a local beach . And while there’s always room for spontaneity, a truly enjoyable day at the beach requires a bit of planning and forethought for most of us. (I’m not the only one who’s been burnt to a crisp because I thought I brought sunscreen , right?)

Building a solid list of beach bag essentials requires trial and error as well as time. To save you the stress, we asked beach lovers and those who travel to sandy locales regularly about their tried-and-true essentials. Keep reading to see what dozens of super-travelers are carrying in their beach bags this summer.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kaitlyn Menza.

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon , travel writer and on-air travel expert

“I'm on a plane for my work as a travel writer three weeks out of every four, most often headed to Caribbean resorts . So when it comes to beaching it, I'm an expert. I always have sunscreen, a long-sleeved swimsuit, and a water bottle with me. For my body, my longtime favorite is Supergoop's Unseen body sunscreen, which goes on smoothly and is completely invisible on my skin. The brand's Glowscreen in the shade Sunset makes my face look airbrushed, with a subtle lit-from-within sheen.

I want to protect my skin from the sun, but I want to do it in style. Long-sleeved swimsuits and rashguards are a staple in my swimwear collection , and I'm always drawn to colorful versions. I've had this one from Axesea for several years and it hasn't faded—still looking good as new.

Hydration is key when you're basking in the sun, so I always have my own bottle with me for ice water (and the occasional rum punch to-go). I have 19-ounce and 32-ounce FreeSip bottles from Owala. I love them because they keep drinks cold all day, never leak, and come in bright colors.”

Rani Cheema , founder and travel business coach at Cheema's Travel

“I like to keep it simple when I go to the beach because I despise carrying the whole summer seasonal section of Target with me. I never regret bringing a beach umbrella that sits low to the ground. Not only does it protect me from the sun, but it also protects me from sand that gets kicked up by the wind. I would love to upgrade to a pop-up tent/canopy. Another must-have is my backpack cooler. I love having my arms free and carrying a bulky cooler across the sand is never fun.”

Diana Bernal, communications specialist & travel designer

“I'm all about keeping my beach bag as lightweight as possible while bringing everything I might need for the day. My essentials include a lightweight sheet or Turkish towel, my collapsible HydraPak Stow Water Bottle, a light-colored baseball cap, and a waterproof Aloha pouch to stash my phone, AirPods, and Kindle. I also never leave home without my SPF lip balm, mineral sunscreen, and an electrolyte drink mix, like Liquid IV, for extra hydration. I love to hang out till sunset—my favorite time of day—but golden hour can also bring mosquitoes, so I make sure to pack a stick of natural, lightweight Quitch repellent balm to keep the critters at bay.”

Chris Leavitt , content creator and mixologist

“I tend to be pretty minimalist when it comes to the beach and fit nearly everything I bring into a tote bag . The must-haves are: my favorite Wu-Tang beach towel , sunblock , my go to Ray-Bans, a small Bluetooth speaker, a refillable water bottle, and a book I’m currently reading. If I know the concessions nearby are going to be abysmal, I’ll grab a cooler and stuff it with a hoagie and a local canned six-pack.”

Ava Jules, Hawaiian beauty and lifestyle YouTube and TikTok star

“Every time I go in the ocean I make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen. This mineral option from SunBum is my favorite. My all-time-favorite bucket hats are from Lack of Color, and I can’t go anywhere without a lip balm. Glossier's smells like cherries and has a cute red tint.”

Jennifer Ploszaj , chief marketing officer of WATG

“I love my sky blue Goyard Saint Louis PM Bag as a beach bag—it’s super lightweight, easy to carry, and the attached interior pouch keeps my valuables compact and within easy reach. I never leave home without my waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, Tom Ford Jennifer sunnies, and the Epionce tinted sunscreen. Because I love to swim in the sea, I also pack the Baby Bum conditioning detangler . If I bring Ozzy, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I bring his Chuckit! Ball (which floats), as well as extra treats, a towel, travel water bowl, and his puppy umbrella .”

Ashley C. Ford, New York Times best-selling author of Somebody’s Daughter

“I didn’t learn to love the beach until I realized I was allowed to love the shore more than the water. I pack my bag with a new book—hopefully something compelling—a bottle of water, a wireless waterproof speaker, snacks that won’t get sandy or soggy, a big towel, and I carry an even bigger umbrella. It’s all about comfort.”

Emily Cheng , travel nurse and CEO/co-founder of MedVenture

“Summertime is prime time to soak up all the Vitamin C and D. Some of my favorites for a fun and sustainable beach day include my UST Flexware Mess Kit to keep fresh fruits, hummus, and pretzels, or seaweed salad free from sand; my lightweight yet warm UST Capen 1P blanket to keep me bundled while I watch the sunset; my recycled Sunski sunglasses; and iced tea in my refillable Takeya water bottle.”

Sofia Ancira, founder and co-designer of Sanlier swimwear

“For individuals with fair skin like me, safeguarding that skin is a daily routine. This Colorescience shield is hands down the best face sunscreen and comes recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It doesn't leave me sticky or greasy, has a matte finish, and has no weird sunscreen smell.

For my lips, I use Dior Addict Lip Glow as chapstick. I must have my favorite sunglasses by Illesteva. The Wynwood Ace sunglasses are affordable, comfortable, and super lightweight. For added sun protection, I grab my Summer Romero handmade straw hat .”

Alex Michael May , content creator

“I always make sure my favorite straw visor is in my beach bag to protect my skin and eyes and shade my face from the sun while looking stylish with any swimsuit or outfit. My visor from the small women-run business Caminito Co. rolls for easy packing and won’t fly off in the breeze like many hats. Lugging bulky towels or dealing with a bag full of sand can be a bummer after a lovely beach day, so I’ve taken to packing towels that are highly portable and repel sand, like this one from Venture .”

David Pirrotta , founder of Materiae and host of the podcast Living in a Materiae World

“I love a summer glow, and am pulled toward beaches in the Mediterranean during the European summer months. My tried-and-true bag for travel, work, and the beach and is the Lotuff Leather Working Tote—its interior pockets carry beachside essentials like the UV protecting Sachajuan Hair in the Sun.”

Amanda Gunawan , founding principal of OWIU

“The key to a good day at the beach is a comfortable chair. I love the low beach chair from Japan-based brand Snow Peak. For sunscreen, it’s important to find one that’s over SPF 40, has zinc, and a PA rating of PA+++. The Tizo Ultra Zinc body and face sunscreen checks all the boxes. I always love to pack a film camera to capture special moments—I usually use a ContaxT3 because of the image quality. Lastly, I love the Walden Original Meditation Cushion—it’s those extra items that really enhance your day by the water.”

Laura Liles, founder and creative director of Kinga Csilla

“I always pack a large Kinga Csilla Kantha case; it fits sunglasses, a book, sunscreen, and even my water bottle, and protects all your special items from sand. I have young [kids] so good snacks are essential, too. A small Yeti cooler filled with berries, water, and a cold pressed coffee is standard procedure. If you're out of town, it's a great way to transport local produce to a beautiful location. Muslin or linen wraps work as great alternatives to bulky towels—they look chic and take up way less room.”

Conner Coffin, professional surfer

“One thing I always have with me is a Leus beach towel . They make eco-friendly towels with fun vibrant prints. My go-to sunscreen is Shiseido. It’s the softest, nicest-feeling sunscreen I’ve ever used, and I’ve been wearing it since I was a little kid. A good reusable water bottle is crucial. My go-to is a Hydro Flask; the double walled construction keeps your drinks cold.”

Lauren Williams, cofounder of Will & Bear

“This on-the-go rug comes with a carrying strap so you can bring it anywhere; and it's waterproof, so I’m free to nest wherever I like. A comfortable, sustainably made bikini is an absolute must for me, too.”

Kate Bock, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and chief brand officer at Pompette

“I first discovered Bond-Eye swim on an SI shoot, and the swimsuit I wore was one I knew I had to take home! I’ve been a fan ever since. I love the texture of its fabric, and how flattering the brand's high-rise one piece is on my legs.”

Jordan Salcito, sommelier, CEO, and founder of Ramona canned spritzes

“I love everything about Marysia bathing suits , from the founder's story (she’s a former ballerina who then got her degree from MIT), to the flattering fit, to the gorgeous sustainable Italian fabrics. Celine sunglasses manage to be universally flattering, somehow, and the milky hazelnut acetate coloring is perfect for summer. A cooler bag of ice and Ramona—dry grapefruit is my pick for the beach, but I usually bring an assortment. I'm obviously biased, but Ramona remains the one organic, velcorin-free, ethically sourced canned beverage available.”

Marianna Hewitt, co-founder of Summer Fridays

“I saw this phone case on an episode of Shark Tank and immediately needed it—it is basically a drink Koozie for your phone to keep it from getting too hot and shutting down. It also works in cold temperatures if you’re on a ski trip.

By Jessica Chapel

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For sunny weather, I not only slather on SPF but I get additional shade from a hat. I love the look of a beach hat but it isn’t so convenient to lay down in a beach chair—so now I’m really into visors . For my hair, I’ll apply a leave-in treatment or hair oil like Ouai’s Rose Hair & Body oil [on damp hair] and then I do a loose braid with a skinny Slipsilk hair tie . It leaves me with beautiful, beachy, air-dried hair.”

George Fleck, vice president and global brand leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

“While Neutrogena SPF 50 is a quick go-to to throw in my bag, I do invest in a really great face sunscreen like Biotherm Homme UV Defense . A great vintage classic book like Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile , and a Turkish bath towel from Serena & Lily.”

River Jordan, photographer

“I always have this Leica M10 with a 35mm Summicron lens in the bag. It's a low-key camera that isn't intrusive. I must have filled up 50 Moleskine notebooks over the years. They are a great place to keep travel info, jot down ideas, and sketch my surroundings. [I like] Kiehl’s Super Fluid Sunscreen ; a little goes a long way and it doesn't leave my cameras all greasy.

I love how light and comfy Patagonia's Hydropeak Boardshorts are. They roll up small, dry fast, and last forever. My Filson 48-Hour Duffle Bag fits everything, and the longer I have it the better it looks. It's a perfect carry-on, beach bag, or overnight bag.”

Malu Hilmy, senior marketing executive at Coco Collection in the Maldives

“One of my go-to sunscreens is EltaMD’s wallet-friendly UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum. It’s oil-free, dermatologist-recommended, and great for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Another must-have is TopTote’s Leather Hat Holder . Instead of needing a bulky hat box when you travel, the TopTote clip keeps you hands-free. Basically, you attach one of their clips to your hat's brim, and then hook the carabiner ring onto your bag, carry-on, keychain, or luggage tag.

Viktoria Riley, director of marketing at The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas

“I normally already wear an oversized beach hat, cover-up, and sunglasses (I have Ray-Ban Jackie Ohhs in every color) and I never arrive at the beach without The Ballast beach pillow in my bag.”

David Schottenstein, founder and CEO of Privé Revaux Eyewear

“Apple EarPods—not AirPods, specifically EarPods. I’m a wires guy. I tried AirPods for a while, but the battery kept dying, and I lose patience and forget to charge them. I have the greatest bathing suit from Shinesty —it’s a real conversation starter.

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Preclearance

Learn About Preclearance

Sites and contact information, preclearance expansion.

Preclearance operates at 15 locations worldwide

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance is the strategic stationing of CBP personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights. With Preclearance, travelers then bypass CBP and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections upon U.S. arrival and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.

Today, CBP has more than 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada.

In 2019, CBP personnel stationed abroad precleared 22 million travelers, representing over 16 percent of all commercial air travelers to the United States.

Preclearance Videos

History of preclearance, media assets.

Transcript: https://www.cbp.gov/video/opa/ preclearance/preclearance-history.srt  

Preclearance Benefits

Transcript: https://www.cbp.gov/video/opa/ preclearance/benefits.srt  

Preclearance Experience

Transcript: https://www.cbp.gov/video/opa/ preclearance/preclearance-curb-to-curb.srt  

The History of Preclearance

The preclearance experience, the benefits of preclearance.

In operation since 1952, Preclearance has proven benefits for all major stakeholders in the air travel industry. Click below to learn about the specific benefits for each group.

Traveler Benefits

• No Security or Waiting Upon U.S. Arrival - Skip CBP and TSA inspection lines upon arrival in the U.S and proceed directly to a connecting flight or final destination.
• Easier Domestic Connections - Accept tighter connection windows at U.S. airports and be less likely to miss a domestic connection.

Airline Benefits

• Cost Savings - Access less expensive U.S. domestic gates and more flexible arrival times at airports in the U.S.
• Increase U.S. Market Access - Establish new routes to desirable U.S. destinations that meet growing traveler demand.

Airport Benefits

• New U.S. Destinations - Enable new direct routes to 160+ U.S. airports regardless of whether they have a CBP port of entry. Gain an advantage over competitors for the U.S.-bound traveler market.
• Terminal of the Future - Bring innovative technologies like facial recognition biometrics that expedite passenger processing, and help meet the demand of rising passenger volume to the U.S.

Government Benefits

• Enhance Security – Bolster the safety and security of all travelers while facilitating efficient trade and travel.
• Greater Collaboration - Increase collaboration and coordination between the U.S. and host governments through daily interaction with local law enforcement partners and other government authorities.

Preclearance Sites and Contact Information

Preclearance field operations.

22001 Loudoun County Parkway Mail Stop 1330 Ashburn, VA 20598-1330

Questions & Customer Service

For general CBP inquiries, please call the CBP INFO Center Monday-Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time. General Inquiries: 1-877-CBP(227)-5511 International Callers: (202) 325-8000 TDD: https://www.fcc.gov/trs/

Preclearance Site Locations

Click below to find contact information for any of the 15 Preclearance sites worldwide.

Please use your International Direct Dialing Number in place of the '+' for the country you are calling from. For example, if you are calling from the U.S., use 011; France, use 00; Australia, 0011.

United Arab Emirates

Vostochnaya

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WEATHER ALERT

7 warnings and an advisory in effect for 16 regions in the area

Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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Gaza hostage rescue latest: 210 killed in operation, Hamas says; medics give update on freed Israelis

Israel announced it had rescued four hostages on Saturday in an operation that took place in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says 210 people have been killed by Israeli operations in the area of the rescue.

Saturday 8 June 2024 19:13, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Four hostages rescued by Israeli forces - what you need to know
• Number of Palestinians killed during operation rises to 210
• Some hostages during rescue mission - Hamas
• Israel confirms soldier died during rescue
• Hamas suggests it could take more prisoners
• Who are the rescued hostages?
• Analysis:  Hostages rescue will be cathartic for Israelis - but Netanyahu is under pressure and infuriating the US
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp  and (earlier)  Josephine Franks  

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah says it has fired Falaq 2 rockets at a military command centre in northern Israel.

A security source said it was the first time the group had used that type of rocket after firing the Falaq 1 on dozens of previous occasions, Reuters reported.

Hezbollah said it was acting in retaliation.

Lebanon's state news agency, NNA, said two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese town of Aitaroun. 

The Israeli military said its soldiers identified a Hezbollah militant in the Aitaroun area.

An Israeli aircraft conducted an airstrike that hit the individual, it added.

Thousands of people have gathered in London for a pro-Palestinian protest today. 

Those who marched from Russell Square to Parliament included children, parents, elderly and the disabled.

One speaker on stage estimated at least 150,000 people were there.

Marching outside Downing Street, protesters waved flags and placards and chanted slogans including "free, free Palestine" and "in our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians".

Various speakers, including the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, gave speeches from a stage outside parliament.

"I am running out of words not only to describe the horror we are witnessing every single day, I am running out of words to help me understand how world leaders, how mainstream media cannot see, cannot report, cannot act," he said. 

"I have questions. How do they sleep when they see the pictures of skeletal children shaking with fear?"

Protesters could be heard chanting and clapping in agreement.

The parents of Sharone Lifschitz were both kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October attacks. 

While her mother was freed earlier this year, her father remains in captivity. 

Ms Lifschitz spoke to Sky News after the release of four hostages earlier today. 

She said she was "very, very delighted" by the news, but she was "more concerned" about the hostages left behind. 

"At this rate, the hostages will be there forever if we wait only for military operations to rescue them," she added. 

Speaking about her 84-year-old father, she said it has been hard without him, and she hasn't heard any news about him for "more than 200 days". 

"I'm very concerned for him," she added. 

"My mum was of course very happy for the hostages that have been returned... but it gets harder and harder for you to keep your humanity about you and to keep hope alive." 

Some hostages were killed during Israel's rescue operation, the armed wing of Hamas has claimed. 

In a post on Telegram, al Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said: "The enemy was able, by committing horrific massacres, to free some of its prisoners, but at the same time it killed some of them during the operation." 

He also warned other hostages could be in danger. 

"The operation will pose a great danger to the enemy prisoners and will have a devastating impact on their conditions and lives," he said. 

Cheers erupted on a beach in Israel after the news of four hostages being released reach sunbathers. 

People stood up from their sun loungers, clapped, cheered and through their fists in the air after their release. 

Columbia will suspend coal exports to Israel in retaliation to the war in Gaza. 

The country's President confirmed the move on X, saying exports would be halted "until the genocide is stopped." 

Colombia, the world's fifth-largest coal producer, sent 56.7 million metric tons of coal abroad last year, including 3 million tons to Israel, according to government data.

Israel is a key destination for Colombian coal and shipments there generate about $165m a year in taxes, royalties and other contributions.

One of the hostages released today was Noa Argamani.

The 25-year-old was kidnapped from the Nova festival along with her boyfriend, who remains in Hamas captivity.

She has been one of the most widely recognised hostages, as the video of her abduction was among the first to surface.

After eight months apart, she was reunited with her father at Tel HaShomer Hospital this afternoon. 

In a statement released on his behalf, he revealed today was his birthday. 

"See what a gift I received for my birthday," Yaakov Argamani said. 

"Noa has returned, and therefore I wish to say - Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.

"I want to thank each and every one of you, the President, the Prime Minister, everyone, each and every person. Let us not forget that there are still 120 hostages; we must release them.

"We must make every effort, in every way possible, to bring them here to Israel, to their families. 

"One more thing, Noa is fine, thank God, she looks wonderful, looks excellent." 

By Dominic Waghorn , international affairs editor

Of all the images on 7 October, among the most harrowing were of Noa Argamani being dragged into captivity by gun toting thugs on the back of a motorbike, her face wrought with anguish, her boyfriend led away helpless by other armed men.

Her rescue is hugely cathartic for Israelis, offering hope that their military, despite all its setbacks, can perhaps save more.

Her boyfriend remains unaccounted for, but Noa's apparent good health and that of the other liberated Israelis is reassuring too, though we cannot be sure what mental or other unseen trauma remains from their ordeal.

The rescue is some relief for Israelis after months of unremittingly bad news out of Gaza. 

But, it may make the chances of more being released through negotiations less likely. 

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under unrelenting pressure to be more willing to a ceasefire deal that would bring more hostages home.

That pressure will have been redoubled tonight had his war cabinet partner and political rival Benny Gantz resigned as threatened over the lack of a day after strategy for Gaza. He's decided for now to postpone that move.

But Netanyahu is still infuriating the US government.

President Biden last week said he had every reason to believe that the Israeli prime minster was prolonging the war to save his political skin. Quite the damning indictment from Israel's closest ally.

He is under pressure to make a ceasefire happen. The diplomacy towards that end has failed for several reasons. Hamas has been unyielding in the conditions it has set for agreement.

Israel believes that military pressure is the best way of breaking their enemy. And Netanyahu's far right coalition partners oppose such a deal.

They want the campaign to continue until Hamas is completely destroyed, and many among them also fantasize about the resettlement of Gaza by Israel.

A ceasefire deal could see Netanyahu's governing coalition fall apart. He has wanted to avoid that at all costs. Now that military efforts to rescue the hostages appear to be paying off, he may have less reason to pursue the diplomatic alternative.

The families of the four freed hostages are speaking to journalists in Tel Aviv. 

The mother of 21-year-old Almog Meir Jan thanks the Israel Defence forces for returning her son, saying she was "so excited to hug him today". 

"There are still 20 hostages in Gaza and we want a deal now. We want them to come back home as soon as possible," Orit Meir adds. 

"Thank you for the army, thank you for the government, thank you for everyone." 

She also says it is her birthday tomorrow and her son's return is her present. 

 Photos have started to emerge from the area of Nuseirat in the middle of Gaza. 

Videos, which have not been verified by Sky News, have been shared online showing people with severe injuries. 

The Israel Defence Forces has confirmed it carried out a hostage rescue operation in the area this morning, bringing home four Israelis that were captured during the 7 October Hamas attacks. 

The Hamas-led government has said at least 210 Palestinians were killed during the operation, and a further 400 were wounded. 

Here are some photos of the aftermath: 

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