The weather in New York has been so hot! The ‘coldest’ I’ve experienced so far has been 26°C. I’ve been shopping for easy summer dresses and cool blouses to wear to class. I must say, one thing I do miss about Cape Town is the beach! What better way to put the summer rays to good use than by getting a nice tan and showing off your favourite swimwear 😛 Here are some other awesome destinations which, contrary to here in New York, are off the beaten track and still provide near-perfect summer weather and miles of sandy beaches .. plus they don’t have the suffocating crowds!

Barbuda, Eastern Caribbean

Part of the tiny nation of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbuda is a great alternative to the Bahamas. Whilst the island’s beaches stretch for miles, its most well-known spot is the Pink Beach, so named because of its rose-hued sands. Barbuda has only one paved road that runs outside the main population centre of Codrington and it’s possible to while away hours without encountering a single tourist.

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

A tiny island off the Caribbean coastline of the nation of Nicaragua, Little Corn Island can only be accessed by ferries. As such, this laid-back island is relatively free of tourists. It has very little infrastructure and heaps of untouched tropical beaches. And, though you may encounter a handful of locals working or playing soccer, the beaches are usually deserted.

Great Lakes, Michigan

With plenty of quiet beaches, gentle waves and a rustic, woodsy setting, the sandy beaches of the Great Lakes are secluded enough to make you feel like you have your own private seafront. Try the Lake Huron and Lake Michigan shorelines for the best coasts and take a walk into the friendly towns that dot the area, if you actually end up needing more company!

Cartagena, Colombia

Soak up some culture along with some sun on the beaches of Cartagena in Colombia. You can admire its well-preserved 17th-century architecture while you fill your belly with the local cuisine, particularly the Colombian delicacies of Bandeja Paisa and Fritanga.

Cabo Polonia, Uruguay

Uruguayans recommend this laid-back peninsula village for a private beach experience. 4-wheel drive trucks or horses will take you over the dunes to a hidden beach, where you can get settled in a rustic motel or vacation bungalow, before strolling into the rugged and undeveloped areas that surround the beach.