Turmoil in the Middle East right now means many travellers are worried about heading to Asia or Australia for a sun-soaked beach getaway, but travel experts have revealed heading west may be the answer to find the perfect secluded getaway.

America, Mexico and the Caribbean offer some of the best beaches in the world, and if you try these 10 hidden locations, you might find yourself almost all alone in paradise. The sand-covered destinations offer everything from secluded coves to wild horses, and even the chance to snorkel with whale sharks or dodge sea lions.

Speaking to the Washington Post,José Antonio Cruz, owner ofSnow & Sand Vacations, said his clients were "looking to relax" and just hit the beach this summer. Mr Cruz gave his 10 top locations to try for beach vibes in 2026.

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Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

Mr Cruz said Grand Anse Beach on the Caribbean island of Grenada offered beautiful beaches which give you the impression you have "all the space in the world".

According to the Grenada tourist board, the beach offers "an idyllic escape of two miles of sparkling white sand lapped by calm turquoise waters on which you can carve out a space just for you under palm, almond or sea grape trees". It was also voted USA Today Readers' Best Caribbean Beach.

The tourist board added Brits may enjoy "a friendly game of cricket being played by locals on the beach" and that the area is considered one of the "most Instagrammable" beaches in the world.

Isla Culebrita, Puerto Rico

Culebrita, or Culebra, is a small island located about 20 miles east of Puerto Rico's main island in the Caribbean Sea.

According to Discover Puerto Rico, it is known for its protected marine ecosystems and uncrowded beaches. Culebra offers some of the clearest water and healthiest coral reefs in the region. Travellers visit Culebra to experience Flamenco Beach, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches.

Mr Cruz said: "It's the closest you can get to a private island."

Treasure Island Beach, California

It might sound like something from a pirate novel, and Treasure Island Beach perhaps should have an X to mark the spot for relaxation and beach vibes.

Local authority City of Laguna Beach describes the location as a great place for swimming, tide pooling, and other beach activities. But it does add that the beach has a lot of sand and can get crowded on weekends or on hot summer days. However, the surrounding dunes and pathways offer excellent hiking trails to get lost in through a natural rock arch on the way to Middle Man Cove and Goff Cove.

Long Beach Island, New Jersey

If you want to mix your relaxing with fun activities, then Long Island Beach could be the place for you, and it's our closest location to the UK.

Visit NJ states that in the north part of the island is Barnegat Light, which encompasses Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and the commercial fishing port of Viking Village. Also in the north are the relaxed towns of Surf City, Loveladies, North Beach and Harvey Cedars.

Head south to find bustling Ship Bottom, Holgate, Brant Beach and Beach Haven, the island's main action centre.

Gleneden Beach, Oregon

Sitting on America's Pacific West Coast, Gleneden Beach is home to incredible wildlife-viewing sites, rugged oceanside cliffs and the impressive Salishan Coastal Lodge, complete with a stunning spa and championship golf course.

According to Oregon State Parks, a short paved trail descends from the parking and picnic area through the shore pine forest to a soft sand beach flanked by crumbling orange sandstone bluffs.

Wetsuit-clad surfers often catch waves here in the mornings. As you hike to the right along the beach, the horizon is dominated by the dark green cape of Cascade Head. In case you decide to venture onward, please don't disturb the sea lions found at the tip of the four-mile Salishan Spit.

Moloka'i, Hawaii

Molokai is Hawaii's fifth-largest island and is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across. The local tourist board says Molokai remains true to its island roots, with a high percentage of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle thanks to their love of the land.

The island hosts Pphaku Beach (also known as Three Mile Beach), which has three miles of soft sand uninterrupted down Molokai's west end. O

One of Hawaii's largest white sand beaches at about 100 yards wide, there's plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the "Friendly Island" ambience.

George Island State Park, Florida

Situated on Florida's so-called forgotten coast, this beautiful area of beaches might be a welcome trip off the beaten track for British holidaymakers familiar with the state's more well-known attractions in Orlando and elsewhere.

Florida State Parks says St. George is a favourite destination for beachgoers, bird-watchers and anglers, offering spectacular Gulf of America sunsets and the best stargazing in the Florida Panhandle.

It adds: "Miles of undeveloped beaches on this barrier island provide the perfect setting for the park, which offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping and nature study."

Playa Balandra, La Paz, Mexico

Go La Paz says Balandra embodies "serenity and relaxation" and was named Mexico's best beach in 2019.

This beach is also home to El Hongo (The Mushroom), an iconic rock formation, and it is part of the Balandra Wildlife Protected Area. There's a 120 Mexican pesos (£5) entrance fee for national and international tourists; locals can enjoy the beach for free.

Shackleford Banks, North Carolina

Wild horses shouldn't keep you away from this stunning coastal location, because they were there first. According to the local tourist site, Crystal Coast NC, for more than 400 years, the wild horses of Shackleford Banks have taken care of their young, frolicked on pristine deserted beaches and foraged for food with not a saddle or fence in sight.

Shackleford Banks stretches 8 miles from west to east. The south side of the island faces Core Sound, and the north side faces the Atlantic Ocean.

The National Park Service states that Shackleford Banks is the only island within Cape Lookout National Seashore that has wild horses. Approximately 100 wild horses call this island home. Visitors can appreciate the horses' tenacity and watch their social behaviours. Respectfully stay at least 50 feet away to avoid disturbing the horses or endangering yourself, your children, or your pets.

The area can be reached only by ferry from Harkers Island Visitor Centre or from Beaufort, NC. Beach driving is not allowed on the island.

Oscoda Beach Park, Michigan

Oscoda Township Government website states that Beach Park is located on River Road on Lake Huron and is a 9.6-acre beach park with approximately 1,000 feet of Lake Huron frontage and a variety of amenities.

In addition to the public beach, visitors may enjoy the basketball court, skate ramps, a wooden band shelter, an accessible pavilion, boardwalk, sunbathing deck, children's play equipment, picnic tables, and grills.

The site has an accessible bathhouse with restrooms. This park is home to the "Dock Reserve," the historic site of a dock predating the Fire of 1911. This Park also hosts the Oscoda Art-on-the-Beach Arts and Crafts Show every summer.