TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community, recently released its World’s Best Beaches for 2011 list and when it comes to the best beach in the United States, users ranked Myrtle Beach as number one. The website describes Myrtle Beach as having, “panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm waters and white sand,” and continued saying this East Coast beach is family-friendly because of the family attractions, swimming and sunbathing opportunities.

Congrats, Myrtle Beach! You were always tops with us!

When it comes to the other top 25 beaches in the U.S., Florida boasts seven in the list including one of our favorite beaches, Naples located in Southwest Florida. Our other favorite beaches, Virginia Beach and Hilton Head made the top 25 list, too.

Providenciales in Turks and Caicos topped the World’s Best Beaches list with another one of our international favorites, Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba, ranked as number 3 in the world!

Rankings were based on reviews and comments by the millions of TripAdvisor sites. When planning a beach vacation, book with Resort Rentals because we have connections to the world’s best beaches and will have you tiptoeing on soft sand in no time.

Image Source: Myrtle Beach Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau

Looking for a good time this spring, eh? Then travel to Myrtle Beach where the Grand Strand will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the area’s annual Canadian-American Days March 12 – 20, 2011, and will be welcoming both Canadian and America visitors.  The week includes concerts, events, giveaways and discounts.

Myrtle Beach visitors can choose from a variety of events and activities, many free, including band concerts, the festival celebration expo, St. Patrick’s Day parade and dance and much more. Discounts and special offers are also available for area attractions, restaurants, golf and services.

“Can-Am Days celebrates our snowbird visitors, who escape the cold and snow for the moderate climate and wealth of attractions in the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Many of these visitors have been traveling to our destination for decades, and we strive to create new memories for each generation with each festival and event.”

Canadian-American days began in 1961 and was called Canada Days. Introduced by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, it was a way to attract Canadian families during their spring school break. In 1963, the name was changed to Canadian-American Days and is regarded as the first international festival organized in South Carolina. Today, Canadian-American Days attracts an estimated 100,000 Canadian visitors and snowbirds.

For the complete schedule of activities, visit www.grandstrandevents.com/CanAmDays and check with Resort Rentals for affordable Myrtle Beach accommodations.

Image Source: Myrtle Beach Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau

May is a fabulous time for a Myrtle Beach vacation because of the annual Mayfest celebration. Each weekend during May, fabulous family-friendly entertainment (and mostly free) is happening. Expect: Beach Music Festival, Military Concert Series, Beach Blast! Christian Music Festival and Memorial Day Weekend Parade and Festivities. This year, Family Circle will be Myrtle Beach MayFest events presenting sponsor.

Highlights of Myrtle Beach Mayfest include:

Sat., April 30
C’mon everyone! It’s time to do the Twist when South Carolina native Chubby Checker takes the stage along with the Spinners, The Embers, The Catalinas, Atlantic Groove and The Craig Woolard Band. Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. and wraps up at 10 p.m. following fireworks.

Every Friday in May
Held in conjunction with the city of Myrtle Beach’s month-long Military Appreciation Days promotion is the Military Concert Series. Every Friday in May between 8th and 9th Avenues North will be a free concert, starting somewhere between 6 and 9 p.m.

Sat., May 21
Taking place between 8th and 9th Avenues North is Myrtle Beach’s largest Christian music festival featuring performances by Toby Mac, Skillet, LeCrae, Disciple, Anthem Lights and speaker Bob Lenz. Evening caps off with a fireworks finale. This is a ticketed event and should be purchased in advance.

Sat. May 28
The annual Memorial Day Weekend Parade features U.S. Senator John McCain as the parade’s grand marshal. The parade will begin at 27th Avenue North at 9:30 a.m. and end around 12:30 p.m. at 9th Avenue North and will feature fabulous floats, giant helium-filled balloon characters, marching, military and high school bands, nonprofit and veteran walking groups, and cars with celebrities, beauty queens, and dignitaries, as well as military and static displays.

Need any more reason to plan that Myrtle Beach vacation? Check out the great value Resort Rentals International is offering for the the Grand Strand. And visit the Myrtle Beach Mayfest website for additional activities and details.

Image Caption: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce