Advantages: Great original story, and nothing like I've read before.
Disadvantages: You have to find it before you read it!

...I know the title sounds like it would be another version of the Beach, but this story is addictive and compelling. Although not actually a book, I found it on the internet and it's not actually very long at all, you can find it if you look up Alex Garland on Yahoo. It's nothing like The Beach, and is based around two characters, one of which is the Beach Guru. Everyone loves the Beach Guru, and follows him around, but don't realise that he's only out for himself and doesn't really care about anyone else. So find this story, it's great and really original!... Read review

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Advantages: It's where the cool dudes go
Disadvantages: Not much else around if you are not into sitting on the beach or surfing.

...As you enter Newquay you are advised "Some of Europe's finest beaches", but which beach to go to? All the beaches in Newquaqy are sandy and large, here I take a look at Fistral. Fistral - obviously great for surfing why else would they hold the surf competitions there? Car Parking: There is a car park 'on the beach' but it obviously fills up quickly. There is quite a lot of parking areas close by. Parking is pay and display mostly, although some are free. You can get to Fistral without going through the town - head for Pentire, where there is on-road parking overlooking the beach. Shops: There is a small shop on the beach selling burgers/sandwiches/sweets/ice-creams and assorted beach goods. The Headland Hotel is right by the beach and has a small surf shop and (so long as you are smart and clean) a bar and restaurant. Misc... Read review

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Advantages: too many to mention
Disadvantages: none really

...Positives: We stayed here in 2006 for our honeymoon. It is the best holiday we have ever had! We upgraded to an oceanfront penthouse appartment. We had 2 floor 2 balconys a huge bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, lounge and kitchen (even though it was all inclusive!) The staff were all really friendly, it was right on the beach (golden sandy beach and beautiful clear blue sea) The food was gorgeous, the best restaurant was the one on the beach side overlooking the sea and beach. Negatives: The pools were small (but who needs one with such a gorgeous beach and the sea) The sellers on the beach could be a bit of a pain, usually if you said no thanks they would go away, but one in particular was a bit pushy. I would go here again if i could x x... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, accesible, for those in a hurry
Disadvantages: becoming too developed! not all beaches are with fine white sands

...Went to Puerto Galera twice already and had the chance to visit all the beaches last time I was there. Puerto Galera in Mindoro is perfect for foreigners staying in Manila who does not have much resources and time to go to Boracay but still wants a place to go snorkeling, diving, bar hopping, and yes just plain swimming. A good 3-4 hour travel via bus and boat from Manila (a number of hotels already offer 2 to 3 days packages for Puerto Galera), Puerto Galera is perfect for a quick weekend trip away from busy Manila. Most of the places to stay also have their own websites. There are a number of beaches to stay but the most popular would be the stretch called "White beach". This is the place to go to when you want clean fun, open night sky, and plenty of affordable food! Other beaches are more famous for other things like diving... Read review

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Advantages: Brill lyrics
Disadvantages: none

...elbow beach is the best album Louise had recorded. She has written most of the tracks herself and it is about hef own life. If you listen to the lyrics I think they describle life very well. If you are a louise fan then this album is a must because there are some very personal tracks in it. (ie. first kiss) The name of her album Elbow beach is where she and Jamie Redknapp got married. Some of the track in the album are especially good: beautiful inside, city boy fix, first kiss and eqyptian queen.... Read review

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Advantages: Good Characters, exotic locations, fast-paced
Disadvantages:

...I read the book a couple of years ago when Mr DeCaprio was still messing around on a sinking ship. I enjoyed it immensely, Garland writes about the exotic locations with an expect eye and fantastic attention to detail. I also found the 'dark' side to the book unsettling yet compelling, the way the Beach society slowly collapses with deadly consequences. The Beach is very fast-paced with a quick narrative that carries the reader along. I'd recommend the book to anyone, especially people who've seen the film cos it really is a lot better.... Read review

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Advantages: Not expensive
Disadvantages: Not the cleanest beaches

...Galveston is an island draped with long beaches, some of which are quiet and uncrowded. Driving to the east from Galveston will send you through some particularly nice beach and channel-front communities. Jamaica Beach and Indian beach are popular and if you drive further down the island, the more remote, more private beaches can be found. These are excellent for the surf-fisherman. Many of the beach-houses and condos her are rented out in the summer months. The beach-houses are ON the beach and I mean walk-out-the-door on the beach houses. Cheaper, are the pole houses built on the channels giving access by boat to the water. A ferry trip to Bolivar island will take you to some very secluded beaches if you wish to get away from it all. Galveston is a fun island. Three large pyramids can be seen from all angles, these being Moody... Read review

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Advantages: FUN FUN FUN
Disadvantages: How could there be?

...Where do I start? This is one of my favourite places in the world. Paradise Beach is a cool beach located on Mykonos. There are regular bus services from Mykonos town and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get there. You can also get a boat to the other beaches such as Super Paradise from here. Down at the beach there is accommodation at Paradise Beach Camping if you choose to stay there also. The beach is 80% covered with sun loungers and umbrellas (cool straw - but solid) ones so there is no problem finding somewhere to sit. They do cost of course, cant remember how much exactly but it was pretty much on par with most places. The beach itself as in terms of water etc is ok but nothing fantastic. Yes, the water is clear and lovely but there are a few rocks just as you enter the water that kind of get in the way.. As you come... Read review

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