Beaches and Islands

A line-by-line cost breakdown for a week in Hawaii for two, covering airfare, lodging taxes, rental cars, food, park fees and a realistic weekly budget.

How to read sunscreen labels for reef destinations like Hawaii: banned ingredients, mineral filters, and the front-label claims that mean nothing.

Six planning mistakes, from skipped tide charts to ignored surf forecasts, that turn a beach day into a washout, and how to schedule around each one.

A step-by-step plan for beach travelers: when hurricane season peaks, what forecasts to watch, when to cancel or rebook, and how to protect your money.

What to expect from a first surf lesson: how to pick a certified school, what gear is included, and how to prepare for your first session in the water.