Should Your Next Vacay Be to the Lake or the Beach?

As summer finally comes to a close and school obligations take over our schedules, it becomes a force of habit to count down the days until the next vacation. Planning your next escape from books and demanding schedules is a fun way to take a breather from your piles of work so take a look to find out whether you should book your next AirBnb at the beach or the lake.

We tend to glamorize the stereotypical summer beach vacation, highlighting destinations along the East Coast such as Myrtle Beach, Cape May, Virginia Beach, Nantucket, the Outer Banks and Hilton Head Island.With this vacation expectation at the forefront of our minds, we sometimes forget about our lakes! There are many beautiful lakes around the country, especially in New York and the Midwest. While both beaches and lakes have loads to offer, one destination may be calling your name more than the other! Keep reading below to find out if you should be making s’mores at the campfire or sunbathing to the sound of the waves.

Beaches

First things first, let’s talk about palm trees. They’re the perfect symbol of the highly-anticipated beach vacation — serenity begins as soon as you spot the first palm tree along the side of the road! If you’re a sucker for all things tropical, the beach is the way to go!

Views are similarly as impactful in your vacation experience and the potential for maximum relaxation and serenity. The views at a beach are breathtaking no matter where you’ve got your toes in the sand. The horizon line melts into the sky as the ocean runs on into what seems like oblivion. When it comes to ocean water, it will seem brighter as you move south along the coast, so if you’re searching for the most pristine waters, look for some Florida stretches like Hollywood Beach!

If you’re a fan of building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball and searching for seashells, the beach has your name written all over it. But if pouring sand out of every bag and crevice for weeks doesn’t sound like your ideal break, it’s time to head to a lake!

Lakes

These fresh waters oases offer a more private and relaxed atmosphere to bask in the sun. Most houses that are up for rent on the water give you and your guests your own private beach, as well as a dock — perfect for sunbathing. For people who love inflatables and tubes, the lake is a much more conducive environment to chilling on the water without being swept away by big waves. Cross your fingers for good weather because you don’t want to miss a day basking in the sun!

No matter which lake you decide to visit, the sunsets and sunrises will always be breathtaking. Secure a northern spot on the lake to be treated to awesome views from morning ‘till night. Just like at beaches, the waves of the lake add to the ambiance of a relaxing vacation.

If you love to keep busy on vacation, watersports are an awesome way to take advantage of your time on the lake. Rent a boat, some tubes and a set of jet skis and you’re set for the week! While water sports are definitely possible in the ocean, that also means salt water in your eyes and waves that make falling off more likely.

Though there are many things to consider when deciding whether the lake or the beach is a better destination for your vacation, both scenes ensure a relaxing and refreshing time to press the pause button on your busy life! Here’s to hoping your next break comes sooner rather than later.