Slather on sunscreen and hit the beach in ultra-chic Cannes. (Photo by marcovdz)

Luxury cars & a high-rolling casino. It must be Monte Carlo. (Photo by RGT3 Pics)

Get lost on the winding streets of seaside towns & cities. (Photo by Yousef AlSudais)

Hop aboard a boat cruise to see the calanques near Cassis. (Photo by marcovdz)

Stroll across the checkerboard sidewalk in Nices' main square. (Photo by Rodrigo_Soldon)

Dive into the crystal clear waters off the coast. (Photo by Frank Wuestefeld)

Hit the market for cheese, baguette & other goodies. (Photo by Jean-François Chénier)

Rent a car and cruise along the coastal roads that hug the ocean. (Photo by marcovdz)

Pops of color are a trademark of Cote d'Azur towns, like here in Mougins. (Photo by nicsuzor)

Kick back at the waterfront in Cassis. (Photo by Ophelia photos)

Feeling the urge to visit a villa in the south of France? Contact us! We’ll be happy to help find you your piece of paradise.

For most visitors to Mexico, coastal living is king. But gorgeous beaches are just the tip of the iceberg for waterfront fun. With a little help from our hosts, you can also find plenty of unique ways to play in and around the ocean.

Tail of the Whale: The worlds’ only natural island green

The folks at Punta Mita Luxury Rentals love welcoming guests to this stunning region on the west coast. Golfers find the area especially appealing, thanks to the Jack Nicklaus Signature courses at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita. Take a swing on the Pacifico course, where you can play hole 3 nicknamed the “Tail of the Whale” — and land on the only natural island green in the world.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Underwater adventure: Diving with whale sharks

Instead of merely driving a ball alongside the ocean, dive right into its crystal clear waters! Here in Mexico, adventure enthusiasts enjoy swimming with the largest fish in the world: the whale shark. With whale shark season ramping up now, host agency Journey Mexico enlightens us about these impressive creatures of the deep.

Each year, these mammoth sharks migrate from tropical waters around the world to certain feeding spots, of which Mexico’s Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are two favorites.

Although these giants of the fish kingdom can grow to be over 40 feet in length, they mainly feed on plankton and pose no threat to humans. This makes swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat a must-do for every true adventurer’s bucket list.

Thousands of whale sharks migrate to Mexico each year. Their distinctive patterns of pale-yellow spots and stripes make them a truly beautiful sight. In fact, they photograph so well, we’ve made them the star of our Mexico web advertisement dedicated to the nature of Mexico. You can also view the whale sharks of Mexico in action in the video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out Journey Mexico’s full blog post to learn more about what it’s like to swim with these massive fish!

Would you love to sink a hole-in-one at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita? Or make a splash with whale sharks in the Yucatan? Let us know! Our advisors and hosts are ready to help plan your Mexican adventure.

1. East Hampton, New York

Watch the sun rise on the dunes in elite East Hampton, NY. (Photo by shoebappa)

2. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario

Everyone loves to play at this provincial park on Lake Ontario - even the pup. (Photo by skevbo)

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The number one attraction at this vaction hot-spot is the white sand beach. (Photo by Jason Barnette Photography)

4. Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec

Enjoy a serene family holiday at this well-loved Quebec beach. (Photo by Olivier Bataille)

5. Hulopoe, Hawaii

This Lana'i beach is considered one of the most perfect streches of sand in the world. (Photo by Andy Beal Photography)

6. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Soak up the simple life on this family-friendly island. (Photo by kate e. did)

7. Long Beach, British Colombia

Surfs up on this Tofino beach, on Canada's west coast. (Photo by pat_ong)

8. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Watch the sun set from the pier at this white sand haven on the Gulf coast. (Photo by rmrf)

Ready to book a beach vacation? Let us know! We’re happy to help!

5. Las Vegas

Canadian star Celine Dion returns to Caesars Palace this summer. (Photo by Patrick Rasenberg)

Whether it’s a flashy headliner or a DJ pumping up a club, Vegas delivers tons of tunes on a nightly basis. Nearly every hotel/casino on the strip has a theater, showcasing regular performers, musicals, and big one-night shows.

What’s on this summer?

• Celine Dion belts out her hits at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace
• Evil Dead The Musical is a hilarious production complete with a splatter zone at The V theater in Planet Hollywood
• DJs – like Tiesto, Deadmau5, and Ben Harper – take the city by storm for Labor Day weekend parties

4. New York

Music under the stars in Manhattan at the Midsummer Night Swing. (Photo by I. M. Bitter)

Classical at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Sleek jazz and piano bars. Hole-in-the-wall rock and alternative joints. Belting it out on Broadway. A city with a population as diverse as New York certainly has a music scene to match.

What’s on this summer?

• Ricky Martin takes the stage in Evita (the story of the glamorous first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron) on Broadway
• Lincoln Center festival frenzy: Mostly Mozart, Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, and more
• It’s outdoor concerts galore and street performers aplenty throughout the five boroughs

3. Austin

Party-hardy concert goers at the Austin City Limits Festival. (Photo by Thomas Hawk)

Iconic TV show Austin City Limits set the stage for the hotbed of indie rock and alt country that the city has become. Ask locals where you should head for tunes or you can stick with the classics like Antone’s, the Continental Club, and the Broken Spoke.

What’s on this summer?

• Big names like Foster the People, Snoop Dogg, Meatloaf, and Crosby, Stills & Nash
• Chicken fried steak and true Texas honky-tonk at The Broken Spoke
• Extend your summer at the Austin City Limits Festival in October (2012 Headliners TBA but 2011 included Stevie Wonder, Kayne West, and Arcade Fire)

2. Nashville

Gold records line the walls at the Country Music Hall of Fame. (Photo by afagen)

A cornucopia of country music, it’s a safe bet someone will be showing their chops at every joint in town (even spur of the moment celebs like Ke$ha, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow). You’ll see execs and struggling artists schmoozing at the classic Bluebird Café.

What’s on this summer?

• Carrie Underwood, Kenny Rogers, and other country stars headline at the CMA Music Festival
• Autograph signings and performances pepper the Country Music Hall of Fame
• BBQ battle and riverside tunes at the Music City Festival & BBQ Championship

1. New Orleans

Dance the night away on Bourbon Street. (Photo by prayitno)

Music is everywhere in the The Big Easy: blues, reggae, zydeco, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Head to Bourbon Street or lesser visited areas like Riverbend or Frenchman Street to catch local acts any night of the week.

What’s on this summer?

• Join the fun (or just people watch) on Bourbon Street where patio parties and music flood the street every night
• Catch Cajun-Zydeco music while gorging on Louisiana seafood and Creol tomatoes at the 3-in-1 festival Vieux To Do
• Boogie down at the Bayou Boogaloo and celebrate Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong at Satchmo Summerfest 

Head over to T+L‘s full post for more of Americas’ music cities.

Vibrant cultures, towering peaks, thundering surf and intoxicating cuisine… It’s no wonder Mexico captivated Zach Rabinor on his first visit. A few years later, with some experience as a tour guide and a couple degrees under his belt (including ecotourism at Cornell), Zach started Journey Mexico to share his passion for the country with travelers from around the world.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dive into an authentic experience with Zach and the Journey Mexico team.

Zach set out to open the world’s eyes to the unexpected cultural, natural, adventure and luxury experiences that Mexico offers. That explains why Journey Mexico is no cookie-cutter all-inclusive. They offer unique travel experiences to discerning travelers in search of authenticity. From exploring Mayan ruins and market shopping to adventures in Copper Canyon and relaxing on the beach, they know what makes Mexico memorable. And with villas all over the country that range in style from historic haciendas to modern designs, they’ve got plenty of selection when it comes to both activities and aesthetics.

Since opening up shop in 2003, Zach has turned Journey Mexico into a leading travel company that continues to grow along with Mexico’s reputation as a world class international destination.

Lounge on the patio and enjoy the view at Casa Yvonneka in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica

Their high quality villas capture some of the most revered destinations and astounding views around the country. Backed away from the beachfront, Casa Yvonneka is a favorite of Journey Mexico travel planner Karina. We asked her…

What makes the villa special? 

The location up on in the hill offers the most incredible view of the Bay
The staff – It has an amazing team!
Beautiful architecture and design

What’s the best restaurant nearby? 

Vista Grill (it’s within walking distance!) 

What’s your favorite time of day there?

Sunset

What’s your favorite thing to do in the area? 

Visit downtown, located 5 minutes driving or 10-15 minutes walking, and dining in one of the great restaurants in town

Sip you morning coffee or afternoon margarita in the sun room at Casa Yvonneka

We’re thrilled to have Zach, Karina, and the rest of the team as hosts in this beautiful, exciting, and enchanting destination.

Ready to start planning your Mexico trip? Contact the folks at Journey Mexico for advice on locations, villas and more.

Lucca, Italy

Photo by espresso marco

Rothenburg, Germany

Photo by Anosmia

Avila, Spain

Photo by José-María Moreno García = FOTÓGRAFO HUMANISTA

Québec City, Canada

Photo by David Paul Ohmer

Carcassonne, France

Photo by jtrant

York, England

Photo by PnP!

Griona, Spain

Photo by ToniVC

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Photo by VGonPa

Rhodes, Greece

Photo by MarcelGermain

Obidos, Portugal

Photo by joriavlis

Have you been to any of these fortified towns? Which are on your travel bucket list?

1. London, UK

Photo by JohnGoode

Why go? Between the Queens’ Jubilee and the summer Olympics, it’s no wonder London is on top this year. It’ll be busy, but the excitement and energy will make it worthwhile. You can check out iconic sites like Big Ben while you’re there and, if you need a respite, take a drive out in the British countryside.

2. New York, New York

Photo by andrew c mace

Why go? If you’ve never been to NYC, it’s always the perfect time to go. If there were ever a city with “must-sees”, this is it (think Empire State Building and Central Park). Once you’ve done the sightseeing circuit, delve deeper into an area of the city that interests you. You’ll get more by focusing your attention than trying to bite off more of the Big Apple than you can chew.

3. Rome, Italy

Copyright by Moyan Brenn

Why go? If the history, art and architecture aren’t enough to keep you busy, eating your way through the city certainly will. Pizza, gelato, and pasta just scratch the surface. If you’re a first timer, you’ll want to hit the major sites, but carve out some time to relax. After all, there’s nothing like cooling off with gellato outside the Colosseum on a sunny day.

4. Paris, France

Photo by Anirudh Koul

Why go?  Yes, there are a number of quintessential sites to be seen in Paris. But if you’re looking for something different, skip the line at the Eiffel Tower and climb to the top of L’Arch de Triomphe instead. And unless you’re a museum buff, you might not love the Louvre. Whatever you do, be sure to spend some time people watching from a Parisian cafe.

5. San Francisco, California

Photo by idleformat

Why go? From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz, you won’t have trouble filling your days in this fog-covered city. Kids get a kick out of riding the cable cars (OK, we admit it: grown-ups love it to!) and it saves your breath with all those hills. Gorge in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Chinatown or go all out at a 5-star Michelin joint. You’re guaranteed good eats!

6. Marrakech, Morocco

Photo by Zanthia

Why go? The Medina in Marrakech is an onslaught to the senses in the best way possible. Spicy aromas fill the air and vibrant colors surround you. Try to find a bargain in the souks where stalls line up with stunning fabrics, jewelry and a thousand other items. Savor a cup of coffee on a rooftop cafe while the sun sets and sample delicacies from street vendors in the square.

7. Istanbul, Turkey

Photo by Félix Polesello

Why go? Your head will spin at the variety of architecture in this culturally eclectic city, with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman examples around town. Its’ location on the boarder of Europe and Asia adds to the diversity. Explore the history but don’t discount the more modern attractions, like the Modern Museum, restaurants, and club scene.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Copyright Moyan_Brenn

Why go? Gauid’s infamous architecture is alluring and intriguing, with his still unfinished Church of the Sacred Family (Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia) igniting the most fascination. For those more inclined to shopping and dining than sightseeing, Barcelona won’t disappoint. You’ll find everything from flagship designer shops to one-of-a-kind artisan works and some say the restaurant scene rivals Paris.

9. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Photo by by Stuck in Customs

Why go? Just outside the city, the massive temple complex of Angkor Wat is the big attraction here. For a prelude to your time exploring the grounds, you can check out the Angkor National Museum. Want to see more? Check out the intricately carved stones at Bayon or the overgrown trees engulfing the stonework at Ta Prohm. For a dose of relaxation, check out a day spa or one of several reputable massage and reflexology parlors (which are often run by ex-pats).

10. Berlin, Germany

Photo by Werner Kunz

Why go? Germany’s capital has a tumultuous past that history buffs can’t get enough of. Remnants of the Berlin Wall, museums and monuments remind visitors of the communist era.  Delve into the history of WWII at the Topography of Terror, which gets great reviews. Three permanent exhibits shed light on this dark period of the country’s past, along with spotlights from temporary exhibits.

Want more? Check out their full list!

But there’s another growing group that might benefit from some holiday health advice: the post-50s crowd. Between health conditions and medications, sometimes things can get confusing (especially when there’s a long flight or passport required).

Enjoy the Caribbean sunset in a no-stress trip. A little planning can go a long way. (Photo by neilschelly)

Traveling in your 50s and beyond can take a little extra planning but a memorable, stress-free vacation is more than possible. In their Huff/Post50 section, Huffington Post offered up these 6 health tips for post 50s travel:

1. Review your medications. Some can lead to blood clots which are more likely to occur on long flights.
2. See a travel medical specialist. They can tell you if you need vaccines or if there are other pre-trip precautions.
3. Get a dental checkup. You want to know about (and fix) any issues to avoid emergency care while you’re away.
4. Bring updated medical data. A list of medications and any medical conditions can help in an emergency.
5. Stay hydrated. Especially if you take a diuretic while flying or if you’re visiting hot areas.
6. Know your limits. Don’t let a group pressure push you past what you’re capable of. Stop, sit and relax when you need to. After all, it’s a vacation!

Read their full post for details and advice. Do you have any must-know travel tips? Share them below!

Some places were made for travel photography, even if they weren’t intended to. Of all the places in all the world, National Geographic picked 10 iconic destinations to photograph and we’ve rounded up 20 traveler-taken shots from that list.

1. Antarctica

Photo by wili_hybrid

Photo by Anne Froehlich

2. Venice, Italy

Photo by shapour bahrami

Photo by wanderlasss

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Photo by danieldoan

Photo by romanschuster

4. Stonehenge, UK

Photo by denovich

Photo by brentbat

5. Taj Mahal, India

Photo by rAmmoRRison

Photo by Stuck in Customs

6. Easter Island, Chile

Photo by OneEighteen

Photo by MattJP

7. Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

Photo by CX15

Photo by shapeshift

 8. The Serengeti, Tanzania

Photo by Noel Freans

Photo by Kylefoto

9. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Photo by WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com)

Photo by WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com)

10. Papua New Guinea

Photo by tarotastic

Photo by kahunapulej

To see photos from the pros and to learn why these destinations are deemed most iconic, check out the full post.

“People are recognizing what Demeure saw early on: there’s a better way to experience worry-free villa vacations, one that doesn’t require paying membership fees or limiting yourself to a small selection of homes,” explains Greg Martin, Demeure’s CEO. “The travel industry is seeing huge demand for this type of vacation, but renters can face enormous complexity, cost, and uncertainty. Demeure is making the process simple, so you can travel confidently.”

The selection in Demeure’s portfolio will continue to grow through 2012, as it adds new destinations and additional options in home size and format. Each home meets a high standard of quality and offers host services from owners or managers with a proven ability to make the rental experience a success. Most offer concierge services as well, such as grocery shopping, restaurant and excursion booking, chefs, babysitters, and more.

“What surprises people most of all,” says Martin, “is that travelers get all these benefits at no extra cost. We’re paid by property owners, who also agree to make their best prices available through Demeure. It’s free to join, but our members get incredible value!”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Demeure.com: http://demeure.com
Demeure Villa Travel News: http://demeure.com/news
Vacation Homes at Demeure: http://demeure.com/properties/start

ABOUT DEMEURE

Demeure is a growing community of vacation home owners, professional managers, and discerning travelers. Demeure provides access to a fully-curated portfolio of homes, villas, flats, and condos in sought-after vacation destinations around the world. Demeure is free to join and its members pay only for their travel — no initiation fees or annual dues are required. Demeure simplifies the villa rental experience with benefits such as secure online payment with major credit cards and free insurance that eliminates the need for guests to pay security deposits to home owners.