When it comes to family beach time, the key is that the beach can't be the only draw. Lets face it, sometimes kids get bored. Sometimes they get antsy. Sometimes one child wants to hang on a beach chair all day while another wants nothing more than to be in the surf. You can argue if you want, or you can look for a family spot that has plenty to do, and if you're lucky, even some kid –specific programming. A good family beach can mean a great family vacation. From resort playgrounds to beachside rentals here are some of my favorites.

1. Balboa Peninsula Beaches - Newport Beach, Calif. Balboa Pier tends to be the main draw on the peninsula, and, because the beaches surrounding the pier aren't officially named, the locals refer to this area simply as "the beach at Balboa." A great spot for families of all ages, you can rent boogie boards, bikes, skates, blades, towels and chairs at the pier, or experience the quieter spots along the harbor as well as a calm beach along Bay Avenue. You'll also find a playground with swings and a jungle gym on the south side of the pier. There are plenty of places to get food and drinks, cookout areas, and lifeguards on duty. Take a short walk from the Balboa Pier on the ocean side of the peninsula to The Fun Zone on the harbor side, where you can check out the Ferris wheel and bumper cars or rent jet skies to rough-up the calm waters of the bay.

2. Bethany Beach – Bethany Beach, Del. The great thing about “The Quiet Resorts”, a.k.a. Bethany Beach, is that it’s much better suited for a family’s stay than the rowdy Rehoboth just 12-miles away. The Bethany boardwalk is nearly one-mile long and is lined with shops, ice cream stands and restaurants. Families come here to create memories of relaxing on the beach, building sandcastles and strolling the boardwalk. Another plus is that, as East Coast beach communities go, Bethany remains affordable. Bethany becomes the perfect base for a shore vacation. On a rainy day, shop at nearby outlets and stores, or for a change of scenery, go a few miles north to Rehoboth to explore everything from the bumper cars and video games to volleyball and bicycling. Afterwards, return to Bethany for some peace and quiet.
3. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Ore. This natural paradise hosts a flowing seasonal array of bird populations year-round, along with periodic Gray Whale sightings as they migrate past the Oregon Coast. Protected by the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the majestic Haystack Rock is the focal point of the beach. This massive rock hosts thousands of birds throughout the year. (Look for our national bird, the Bald Eagle.) While the water is too cold for most swimmers, the beach is a great spot for a picnic, bonfires and kite flying. Whether you're a family of naturalists or just enjoy a walk along a rugged beach, this spot is a treat. The ocean spread, massive rocks and mountainous backdrop all offer incredible views. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars or maybe a few.
4. Chatham Bars Inn Beach - Cape Cod, Mass. Chatham is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and a ritual summer home to many a New England family. It's no wonder this picturesque town has charm galore and a regal heritage. Here at the Chatham Bars Inn, there are 25 acres with a quarter mile of beachfront to enjoy. You can also bike, play bocce, build sandcastles, swim or play volleyball. Recline at the inn by the pool, get a nibble at the grill overlooking the ocean, or take advantage of the activities center – parents of youngsters will be especially interested in their range of age-appropriate programming. Another plus is that if it's not sunny here on the Atlantic side, you can explore a beach on the bay side which is often sunny in contrast or go into town for shopping, world-class New England seafood and entertainment.
5. Hilton Head – Hilton Head, S.C. Hilton Head is the most famous (and most visited) part of the Carolina Lowcountry. Boasting well-manicured resorts offering championship golf, tennis galore and dozens of miles of well-maintained leisure trails on top of miles and miles of golden sands, is there any wonder why? Come to rest, relax, and rejuvenate or to bike, walk, jog, roller blade, or sail. Try horseback riding, a tennis clinic, mini-golf, or kayaking. Take a ride on a catamaran, don water skis, windsurf or parasail. You can ride down a waterslide. Watch dolphins in this natural habitat. Go crabbing, or take a guided nature walk. The first eco-planned destination in the U.S. means no neon and no lights at night, so take advantage and stargaze from the beach. Hilton Head offers southern charm, fine fare and activities for all.
6. James Lee Park at Crystal Beach - Destin, Fla. Along what's known as the Emerald Coast of Florida, with miles of sugary white sand, is Destin, a great launching point for beachside fun and exploration. The sand is made of Appalachian quartz, which is said to reflect the sun rather than heating it up, making a beach walks more enjoyable. The calm waters are inviting, and families come from all over to enjoy this charming resort town with ample amenities. At Crystal Beach, you can dine seaside at the Crab Trap, eat ice cream along the boardwalk or rent an umbrella and chair just to lounge. The emerald waters are also perfect for swimming and surfing, all done under the watchful eye of lifeguards during the summer months. Visitors can find great food, shopping, and of course, plenty of seaside activities year round, such as swimming, sailing, sunbathing, volleyball, picnicking and numerous water sports. Destin is also a fishing hot spot, so grab your gear and try to snag a Blue-White Marlin, Red Snapper or Grouper. Or, if golf is more your speed, take advantage of the numerous courses…
7. Jetties Beach – Nantucket, Mass. Although harder to get to than many other domestic beaches, Jetties Beach and the other Nantucket spots are very accessible once you're on the island. If you stay relatively central, most everything is within a short walk or a bike ride away, or you can pay a small fee to take a shuttle during the summer months. Nantucket is an old whaling community that has managed to preserve some of the look and feel from the old days. Meandering the streets in bright colored flip-flops and Lilly Pulitzer outfits, it feels like a throw back in time. Perhaps it's because Nantucket lacks the same-old souvenir shops that dominate so many tourist sites these days. Part hideaway, part family town, part beachside resort, this community comes together in a wonderfully quaint and hospitable way. Jetties beach has very gentle waters, an especially big draw for the younger kids, a food pavilion, umbrella and chair rentals, lifeguards, volleyball, changing rooms, showers and a playground. The season stretches from May through to October when it's prime time for a festival, a picnic, or simply a relaxing getaway.
8. Wildwood-by-the-Sea - Wildwood, N.J. Wildwood, near the charming (but less kid-friendly) Cape May, offers great summer family beaches. The two-mile boardwalk from 16th Ave. to Cresse has a long history of family-fun. Stroll the boardwalk to find three amusement piers, games, movie theaters, souvenir shops, restaurants, and candy shops . Some say that the best way to view this beach is in the early morning on a bicycle as the sun rises. The stunning view is well worth the early wake-up call. Throughout the summer there are festivals, concerts and everything from wrestling matches to beauty pageants. Of course some families come for the hobie cat regatta (Aug. 21-22), to charter a boat, or even venture on a whale watching expedition. At Wildwood-by-the Sea, the choice is all yours.
9. Cavendish Beach West - Prince Edward Island, Canada. Preserved by Prince Edward Island National Park since the 1930s, this site has long been a favorite spot with white sand beaches and all the amenities needed. It's an educational opportunity for a family interested in beach programs such as ecology, geology, history, evolution, wildlife, and archaeology. But it's also a fun spot on the Gulf of St. Lawrence with temperate waters that reach 70 degrees during the summer, perfect for frolicking in the surf or for boating. Canoeing and kayaking are also available, and if that isn't enough, try deep sea fishing or parasailing. Oh, and if you're bored of the beach, take the Dune Land Trail system from Cavendish Beach West to Cavendish Beach East. Explore the wetlands along the trail, stop at one of the playgrounds along the way or hike to the Green Gables House.
10. Paradise Lagoon - Paradise Island, Bahamas. A family paradise is found just over the bridge from Nassau at the massive (and recently renovated) Atlantis, Paradise Island resort. Here, the soft white sand and aqua waters of the Bahamas please, and at Atlantis, the seven-acre Paradise Lagoon will become your base camp for fun. Lifeguards watch over guests enjoying the many water-sports and swimming activities. Try a paddleboat, take out a kayak, or go snorkeling. Dine surfside at Shark Bites. Test slide all five waterslides. Daredevils will especially want to try the “Leap of Faith.” The 60-foot almost-vertical drop sends riders through a clear tunnel that winds through a shark-filled lagoon. When you decide to try your luck in the casino, send the kids to Discovery Channel Camp for the day so they, too, can hunt for hidden treasure.

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The masses are heading out of town this summer. More people are going to Europe than have over the past few years--and it's not just because of the Olympics. I'm part of the trend, but I'll be steering clear of the crowds in Greece and visiting another part of the Mediterranean altogether: the Croatian Islands. I travel a ton for work, but like everyone else, my vacation days are limited. I don't want anything to happen to spoil my precious vacation, so it's imperative to have the right coverage.

And no, I'm not talking about beach cover-ups! Whether you're on the shores of the Mayan Riviera or the French Riviera, in a tiny village on the Amalfi Coast or a thriving Grecian metropolis--even if you're at the Acropolis--the fact is that you need to think about travel insurance.

Insurers say the further away from home you go; the more likely you are to buy travel insurance. That makes sense, as international trips tend to cost more, so there’s a greater need to protect your investment. But whether you’re headed to Paris, France or Paris, Texas, it’s important that you get the right kind of coverage.

First, find out whether your health insurance will cover you outside of the US. Many policies don’t, and some only do with limitations. Find out what your options are. Buying comprehensive coverage could save you a bundle, should anything go wrong. For only a few bucks more, comprehensive coverage includes some medical benefits, which wouldn't be included in a trip cancellation policy. When you're in a foreign country that may not have the kind of medical care system that the US does, you want to be sure you're covered to get enough care to get you home.

Remember, you don't buy insurance expecting to use it. To me, it’s sort of like carrying an umbrella on a gray day; carrying it around means I won’t need it. With insurance, should I have an incident with a moped, I'm covered. Caught a funky stomach bug and need a doctor? With a good company, I've got an 800 number to call for a referral. If I need it, I've got 24/7, global operator assistance to help ease my worries and translate if necessary.

Anyone who knows insurance a little knows the importance of reading the fine print. You have to make sure all of the aforementioned items are included and see what else is listed. Be sure to look for a worldwide company with a B+ rating or higher. Make sure you have medical evacuation coverage (generally it starts at $20,000-25,000, which is generally going to cover 90% of your needs in a worst case scenario). Remember, the trip cancellation and interruption will reimburse you the time and cost of those lost days if your vacation is curtailed for a claimable reason. And if you're worried about Terrorism, many providers, but not all, will insert a related clause into the trip cancellation, so check yours.

Vacations are about relaxation and putting mundane anxieties on the back burner for a while. Comprehensive travel coverage is a good way to put your mind at ease. It’s a lot easier to relax when you know that, should anything from lost luggage to sickness threaten your escape, you're covered. This summer, go abroad feeling self-assured, and sightsee with ease.

Insurance Tips for Traveling Abroad

• Find out if your health insurance will cover you outside the U.S.
  
• Buy comprehensive travel coverage.
  
• Look for a worldwide company with a B+ rating or higher.
  
• Make sure you have medical evacuation coverage.
  
• Always read the fine print.
  

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Action beaches, to me, are sandy spots where activities and people come together, and there is a palpable vibe. Action beaches don't have to mean adventure, though sometimes they do. Action beaches don't have to mean it's a scene, but of course, they often are. What an action beach must be is action-packed in some way or another. A word to the wise: Most of these spots are crowded all the time, but that's the price one pays to get a piece of the action. And don't let that stop you – there's a reason these beaches beckon. I like these beaches because they offer a particular window into the culture of the place (and in most of the cases below, a slice of Americana that is rarely seen). Ranging from the highbrow to lowbrow, sexy to seedy, these beaches often feature people who are more evocative than the views. Below, you'll find my selection of 10 beaches in the U.S. or nearby where you can find action--and a lot of it.

1. Atlantic City Beach - Atlantic City, N.J. What you may not know about AC is that it's one of America's oldest, seaside-resort communities-- its history is longer than its famed four-mile AC boardwalk. Given the millions that Atlantic City churns out annually, the beach has only just gotten a piece of the action, which was more than overdue. A $24 million replenishment plan is underway to add sand, dune grass, and fencing to protect it. Many hope it will turn the tide and popularity of this spot too. Just steps from the sand, adults can test their luck in the casinos. Although visiting card-sharks might not know it, during the summer, the beach offers volleyball, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and surfing. (Supposedly the best waves are found at Delaware and Raleigh Avenues, particularly in late August and September.) Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So if you're looking to mix it up this summer, Atlantic City is one place to try your luck.

2. Herring Cove Beach - Provincetown, Mass. P-town, as it's affectionately known, has long been the landing spot for the proud with a capital "P." Anything goes in this charming New England fishing village with faded paint on clapboard, salt-sprayed houses. The place is a-buzz all summer by a vastly diverse crowd ranging from drag queens to preppy urbanites that come for food, fun, and festivities. Herring Cove, part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, with its high dunes and moors. You'll feel the undercurrent here as you slowly make your way from Route 6 passing bikers and those ambling through the narrow streets of the tightly built town to Herring Cove. The crowded Inns, cafes and shops teem with eager tourists who overflow into the streets. Also a thriving center for the arts, it's home to potters, writers, and filmmakers also making their way, enjoying the wildflowers, sipping coffee and padding the Herring Cove Trail to the beach.
3. Hollywood Beach – Hollywood, Fla. Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, the scene at Hollywood Beach is very different from the Californian spot with the same name. However, it is a perfect setting for people watching. There’s a 27-foot wide "Broadwalk" that extends for two and a half miles. Park yourself on a bench at dawn and let the fun begin. In the span of a day you can see the multitudes of walkers, joggers, roller bladders, bicyclists, unicyclists, jugglers, and skateboarders pass along the Broadwalk. Outdoor cafes, Segway rentals, parasailing, and miniature golf are also available. Along this six-mile stretch, you'll find, among others, O'Malley’s bar made famous by Rupert Holmes in his "Pina Colada" song titled “Escape.” During summer the water is calm as a lake, but as soon as the winter winds pick up, the surfers descend. Year round, at 6 p.m. when the beach patrol leaves, folks gather for concerts at the band shell, and the Broadwalk is converted into a starlit dance floor.
4. Laguna Madre - South Padre Island, Texas. Although South Padre Island isn't actually attached to the state, it's purely Texan. If the Longhorn State prides itself on the theory that bigger is better, take off your cowboy boots because South Padre kicks it Texas-style. Don't even think about dressing up here--ties are illegal in South Padre, need we say more? The play-hard culture dominates the beaches, and Laguna Madre on the bay side is no exception. Go sailing, parasailing, power boating, windsurfing, and kite surfing. You'll need strength, balance, and coordination for that last one, but there's no harm done in trying. Hey, you can always belly up to the bar when you're done. Though a bit busy for naturalists, you can bird or dolphin watch here too. At night, grab a flashlight and go crabbing. Take the test and see -- how many sand crabs can you grab?
5. Magen's Bay – St. Thomas, USVI. Each year, beach tourists flock to the Caribbean for picture-perfect beaches with warm, turquoise waters, soft white sand that stretch endlessly beneath your feet, and gentle breezes to keep you cool, even on the hottest of days. Magen's Bay beach offers all of that and more. The beach is crowded with both locals and tourists because it doesn't disappoint. The gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for visitors to sail, scuba, fish, kayak, paddleboat, Jet Ski or simply lounge (preferably in a rental chair). It tends to be crowded though, so arrive early to stake out your spot along the mile-long, crescent-shaped beach. The views are stunning throughout the day. Although, there is only one restaurant and bar here, Magen's bay remains the place to sunbathe on St.Thomas. Good for families, couples, and singles alike, it's long been a very hot spot.
6. Playa Centro - Sayulita, MEXICO. This old fishing village boasts a casual, authentic Mexican vibe. Don't expect too much from Sayulita, as you might be disappointed. Here, you're likely to see chickens roaming in the cobbled streets on your way to the beach. So, if you're wondering why it's on the action list, it's because of the surf--the surfing action to be exact. Twenty-five miles north of Puerto Vallarta, surfers have put Playa Centro beach, in the otherwise sleepy Sayulita, on the map. The surfer-cool gives the town a funky, unique feel, but they haven't overrun the place. Local food stands make edibles cheap and easy to obtain from the beach, as are handmade crafts too. The beach is long and "swoosh" shaped and the waves reportedly have long, consistent breaks. Also popular here are boogie boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The village also offers horseback riding, whale watching, and fishing excursions. If you're in search of great waves, visit Sayulita while it's still officially a find.
7. Seven Mile Beach – Negril, Jamaica. Seven Mile beach is a bustling stretch of soft white sand in Jamaica's hotspot, Negril. Sip a Red Stripe brought to you by one of the beach-hawkers who will also happily braid your hair or sell you a souvenir to bring home. You can even have a cold one while sitting in one of the many open-air restaurants that line the beach. Anything and everything goes because it's all no problem, mon. Some sections of the beach are clothing optional. (Perhaps the nudity was a draw to the flower power set who made this beach popular in the 1960s.) To this day, the vibe remains very chill and is open for enjoying, relaxing, and indulging. If you can motivate, you can check out the coral reefs or go snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, or even deep-sea fishing. The clear water and palm trees make it a perfect beach for lounging, but it’s also a great place to explore.
8. South Beach – Miami, Fla. "Sobe," as enthusiasts lovingly refer to it, is the beach of the pretty and proud. A strong Latin influence inspires the food, music, and even the fashion. Here you'll see beachgoers parade in bright and bold colors to match the lifeguard stands. Both men and women sport skimpy suits and hard, bronzed bodies. The flashy view is in sync with the Miami mood that pervades, where it's all about the people and the pulse. Not surprisingly, it's home to many a celebrity, including J-Lo and Ricky Martin. Sit in a street-side cafe and overlook the beach. If you can forget the people, the beach is quite a treat. The soft, pale-yellow sand rivals the glow of the year-round sunshine (hottest in July and August). The boardwalk along the beach is good for walking, especially with a small pooch on a stylie leash, but neither is a requirement. (Oh, it's also good for jogging, blading or biking.) In a style-pinch, the nearby Collins Avenue boutiques can save you, should you feel the need to keep up with the fashionistas.
9. Venice Beach - Los Angeles, Calif. The Ocean Front Walk, known also as the Venice Boardwalk, stretches for three miles alongside one of the finest beaches in Southern California. It's a destination in itself, but beachgoers love the wide stretch of sand for walking and picnicking, as and also for swimming. In summer, the average water temperature is a cool 66. The colorful boardwalk beckons all kinds. Blade, bike, or boogie board and bring your own equipment (or rent it nearby), and you won't have to sit down all day. Children will enjoy playing in the park and spotting fisherman who catch Pacific mackerel, bonito, barracuda, and stingrays on the pier. Be sure to check out the boutiques, the famed "Muscle Beach" where body-builders pump-iron in the sand, and the artists who sell original works. Forecast your future by sitting with one of the many fortunetellers, palm, or tarot card readers. Venice Beach delights, amuses, bewilders, and entertains every minute of every hour, all day long throughout the year.
10. Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii. As one of America's most famous beaches, Waikiki is stunning because it’s a hopping beach at the edge of a major city. At parts near the eastern end, one side of the beach is a bustling thoroughfare with heavy motor traffic and business types dressed in suits (or at least Hawaiian shirts and khakis) that dodge throngs of international tourists. The other side is why you've come: It's the most astonishing beach and rolling blue surf. The place is littered with sunbathers, surfers, and party seekers. Where else can you find such a contrast? Not just city though, this one and a half mile stretch of sand is also the home to many hotels and resorts. There isn't a water sport you can't do here. Take a morning afternoon or sunset sail. Swim, boogie-board, bodysurf, sail, dive, snorkel, canoe, play volleyball, dine, or shop. Perhaps just plant yourself and watch the scene as daylight wanes and the magnificent Hawaiian sun sets around you while tiki torches blaze and the parties get started. ...

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