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6 Zika-Free Beach Destinations to Visit This Winter

By U.S. News & World Report

Is the threat of the Zika virus affecting your vacation plans? If you’re expecting or planning to become a mom or dad-to-be soon, you’re right to be concerned. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website highlights, the mosquito-borne virus poses a specific threat to pregnant women. An array of countries throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean have been impacted by the virus, and some cases have been reported in Florida as well. While this news leaves certain tropical beach destinations off-limits, there are plenty of sunny, sandy locales that aren’t currently impacted by the outbreak. Explore these beach retreats across the globe, which are currently Zika-free, and monitor the CDC’s website for travel alerts.

[See: The 15 Best Places to Go This Winter.]

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal may not come to mind when you think of a classic beach destination, but the capital city has plenty of golden sands and alluring waters to satisfy any sun seeker. Relax under a palapa on the famous Guincho Beach, take a windsurfing lesson or meander into the historic city to explore its ancient treasures. And if you want to splurge, stay at the five-star Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel for stunning beachfront views.

Bermuda

Known for its pink-sand beaches, impressive snorkeling spots and unique culture, Bermuda beckons to outdoorsy types and culture vultures alike. Visit the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach, the Bermuda National Aquarium or the island’s fantasy caves for an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers an affordable all-inclusive option, and features its own spa where guests can get treatments among 500,000 year-old stalagmites.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

With a prominent spot along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia offers its share of beautiful beaches. Zr?e Beach, the Hvar Islands, Kandarola Beach and Brela Beach are just a few popular beach destinations, plus there are plenty of hidden coastal spots draping the country’s coast. In Dubrovnik, consider Adriatic Luxury Hotels and specifically cliff-side Villa Agave, an ultra-luxurious three-bedroom villa that was formerly the residence of famous archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. The villa boasts five outdoor terraces with breathtaking views across the bay to the Old Town of Dubrovnik and Lokrum, an island that’s served as a film location for the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

[See: 7 Cheap European Destinations to Visit This Winter .]

California

As you plan your Zika-free beach getaway, don’t forget about the Golden Coast. From San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area, there are endless miles of beach options to explore. Long Beach, California, offers 5.5 miles of sandy beach along its coast, inland bays and waterways. Book a whale watching cruise or catch the Catalina Express to enjoy exploring Catalina Island and ample opportunities for snorkeling and hiking. Stay at the Hilton Long Beach for close proximity to restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and, of course, the beach. The newly revitalized city of Huntington Beach also offers a host of perks for beach lovers, along with year-round surfing and plenty of high-end dining. Stay at the new Paséa Hotel & Spa for modern accommodations, outstanding Pacific views and proximity to Huntington Beach Pier.

Florida’s Paradise Coast

While there have been reported cases of Zika in the Miami area, the Gulf Coast has remained untouched for now with no locally transmitted cases. The coastal cities of Naples and Marco Island offer some of the best beach retreats in the entire state with miles of white sand, great shelling and calm, warm waters. The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa (soon to be the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in 2017) offers the area’s best beach, 810 guestrooms and a rooftop restaurant with a celebrity chef.

Hawaii

You don’t have to leave the U.S. to get an island experience. A trip to Hawaii includes all the ingredients of a relaxing beach getaway — spectacular scenery, laid-back vibes and natural beauty — without the threat of Zika. Hike to the peak of an ancient volcano, surf on the island’s famous waves or soak up the sun with dramatic mountain scenery in the backdrop. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa sits on the Ka’anapali coastline and has its own private beach for resort guests. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing or sunning on the beach or at one of the resort’s two free-form pools.

[See: 10 Bucket List Winter Family Vacation Experiences.]

The Bottom Line

If you’re angling for a beach getaway, don’t let the threat of Zika stand in your way. But before you plan your trip, make sure to check with the CDC for updated information on new Zika cases worldwide and take extra precautions before, during and after your trip to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and affecting others.

More from U.S. News

What You Need to Know Before Visiting a Zika-Affected Destination

9 Underrated Winter Vacation Ideas Under $1,000

8 Great American Winter Road Trips

6 Zika-Free Beach Destinations to Visit This Winter originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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