Beach guides — umbrellas, surf, family, dogs & travel
Field-tested, photo-led guides for better days by the sea — pick a theme, see the read time, dive in.
Beach Umbrellas: The Joys, the Rules and the Real Dangers
Why we love them, where you can (and can no longer) plant one in 2026, how to anchor one so it doesn’t fly away — and the beaches where the shade is already there.
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Surfing: The Complete 2026 Guide
How waves really work, the gear and etiquette nobody tells you, how to stay safe in the lineup — and the best breaks to surf on every coast.
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Beach Flags & Rip Currents: How to Read the Water Before You Swim
The same red-and-yellow flag means “swim exactly here” in Sydney and “danger” to most visitors who grew up elsewhere. A country-by-country guide to what beach flags actually mean — and how to spot, avoid and escape the current behind 8 out of 10 lifeguard rescues.
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The Bikini Turns 80: A Scandalous History in 30 Square Inches
Named after a nuclear test site, first modelled by a casino dancer because no professional model would touch it, condemned by the Vatican, banned on half of Europe’s beaches and rescued by Brigitte Bardot: the bikini turned 80 on 5 July 2026. Its outrageous — and carefully fact-checked — story, plus where (and where not) to wear one this summer.
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The Blue Dragon on Spain’s Beaches: Why a 4 cm Creature Is Closing Coastlines
Barely 3–4 centimetres long, the venomous “blue dragon” (Glaucus atlanticus) can raise the red flag and empty a beach in minutes. Why it’s suddenly turning up on Spanish shores, why it stings harder than the jellyfish it eats, and what to do if you find one.
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How to Get Sand Off Your Skin (Fast)
The powder trick that actually works — plus baby-safe methods, the spots everyone forgets, and how to keep sand out of the car.
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Honeymoon & Romantic Beaches: The 2026 Couples’ Guide
How to choose the perfect romantic beach — privacy, sunsets, the right season — and the most beautiful spots for two on every sea.
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Stand-Up Paddle (SUP): The Complete 2026 Guide
Gear, schools, safety, flying with your board — and the most beautiful places to paddle on every continent.
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Family-Friendly Beaches: How to Pick the Right One (2026)
What actually makes a beach good for kids — calm water, easy access, safety — and how to choose with confidence.
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Dog-Friendly Beaches: The 2026 Guide to the Coast with Your Dog
Where dogs are allowed, the paperwork for crossing borders, and how to keep your dog safe on the sand.
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Visas, ETIAS & Travel Insurance: a 2026 Beach-Trip Reality Check
What actually changed this year — EES, ETIAS, Thailand — and exactly what to verify before you fly.
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Digital Nomads at the Beach
Strong signal, a laptop-friendly café nearby and the right power socket — how to actually get work done with your feet in the sand.
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More guides are coming
New themed guides land regularly — best beaches by season, surf-only spots, hidden coves, naturist zones. Get the next one, plus one stunning beach, every Friday.