Confession: I Hate Beach Vacations

Most people's idea of vacation heaven is my idea of personal hell.

June 18, 2018

Related To:

As someone who's always marched to the beat of my own drum, I'm very well used to being in the "minority" when it comes to a few things. I absolutely hate fruit in my dessert, I prefer old dogs to puppies and here's the real bombshell: if you ask me if I want to go on a one-week, all-expenses-paid beach vacation in the Caribbean, I would pretty much say "meh."

Cue the zomgz chorus now.

I get that 99.9-percent of you all love the beach. Like more-than-a-friend love. And I completely celebrate and support your ability to sit around in sandy bathing suits, get scorched by the sun and write out your pro/con lists about whether or not you should use the bathroom in the ocean (because the public bathrooms are too far of a walk). Your idea of fun just ain't my idea of fun.

I Get Bored

Couple in loungers on a tropical beach at Maldives

672425798

Couple in loungers on a tropical beach at Maldives

Photo by: iStock/haveseen

iStock/haveseen

Look, I'm not blind. I can happily admit that many beaches are gorgeous to admire. The water is a mesmerizing moody blue, the sugar-white sand is so soft on your feet, snorkeling is a dream...blah, blah, blah.

But here's a typical day for me at the beach:

9:00 a.m.: Arrive with all of my stuff in a bag. The walk from the hotel to the beach was not short, so my back already hurts.

9:13 a.m.: Sit down in my chair underneath the umbrella and start reading my book.

9:28 a.m.: Realize I don't like the book I brought. What I really want to read is the one magazine I decided to leave in the hotel room because it was too heavy.

9:28 a.m. to 9:32 a.m.: Stew over the fact that I don't like my book.

9:29 a.m.: Pull out my phone and try to watch all my friends' Insta Stories. Realize I can't see a damn thing and get more annoyed.

9:30 a.m.: Take one Insta photo so I can pretend I'm having the time of my life.

9:39 a.m.: Make an excuse about why I need to go back up to the hotel room. Once I get there, watch reruns of The Real Housewives (of anywhere), as long as I don't have to go back to the beach.

Burn, Baby! Burn!

Young woman applying sunscreen lotion standing outdoors at the urban location during the sunny weather

811467946

Young woman applying sunscreen lotion standing outdoors at the urban location during the sunny weather

Photo by: iStock/RossHelen

iStock/RossHelen

Usually the lightest color of foundation they offer at your favorite makeup counter is called "Fair." Mine should probably be called "Casper." This means that I can easily get a sunburn after spending, like, 42 seconds in the sun — even with sunblock. So yes, the fact that I can't really ever let my skin be exposed to the blazing, beachy UV rays definitely plays into my general beach malaise.

But also, sun ages your skin! And causes cancer! And is very, very, very bright when it shines in your eyes!

Happy Hour?

Peach daiquiri on wood table against tropical beach background. The glass is placed at the left of the frame leaving a useful copy space at the center-right

510084384

Peach daiquiri on wood table against tropical beach background. The glass is placed at the left of the frame leaving a useful copy space at the center-right

Photo by: fcafotodigital

fcafotodigital

The other thing I can't stand about the beach is that almost everyone there seems to be drunk. I mean, there are fruity, colorful drinks available with adorable names like "The WaveRunner Margarita." How can you say no to that?

Honestly, I don't want you to say "no." I want you to order your white wine slush with raspberries floating on top, and drink it until you think the ocean is sending you personal messages about your life with each crashing wave. I just want to be sitting on a lounge chair at the pool when you do it.

So, if you're thinking of inviting me to your fab, fun and beachy girls' getaway or your island destination wedding, you can probably save yourself the stamp. I'm over here drinking my tall, frosty, delicious glass of "Beach Haterade."

Next Up

South Florida’s Hottest Beach Bars

Here are a few of our favorite watering holes in the Keys and South Florida.

Confession: I'd Rather Travel Without My Family

There's just something magical about being able to leave laundry, grocery shopping, and yes, my family, if only for a few days.

The Best Way to Pack for the Beach

Pack like a pro with these smart tips and tricks.

9 Reasons to Discover Durban, South Africa

Put this beachfront gem on your don't-miss list.

Surfing Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to some of the best waves on the planet, crashing along beaches that are clean and blissfully empty.

10 Bucket List Caribbean Experiences to Book Right Now

It can be easy to spend one day after the next admiring delicious sunsets on any one of the postcard-perfect Caribbean islands, but there's so much more waiting for you.

Summer Gear Guide

View Travel Channel's picks for hot summer gear and gadgets.

Save on Top Caribbean Resorts This Fall With Marriott's Mega Sale

Take advantage of the Caribbean's shoulder season with fewer crowds and amazing deals on resorts.

22 Things to Bring to an All-Inclusive Resort

Take your all-inclusive vacation to the next level by packing these essentials and a few good-to-have items we swear by.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV