Maybe it’s the salt in your eyes or the sting of the sun on your shoulders. Either way, a surf trip is never just a holiday. It’s a ritual. You pack light because wetsuits take up space. You chase tides instead of time. You learn how to wait, how to paddle, and how to wipe out with pride.

But before you even get to that board, you need a plan.

Below, we'll help you plan the best surfing holiday of your life.

 

Know Your Level Before You Book

Some people dream of riding giants in Hawaii. Others just want to stand for three seconds without face-planting. There’s no shame in either. You just need to be honest.

If you’ve never surfed before, don’t head straight to places like Nazaré or Teahupo’o unless you fancy drowning. Instead, look for beaches that break gently, where surf schools sit in vans and instructors wear wide smiles.

For intermediates, you’ll want beaches with a bit more bite. Not dangerous, but not baby waves either. These spots usually have a consistent swell and enough space to try new moves without annoying the pros.

For experts, well, you already know where to go.

 

Choose the Right Time of Year

Waves aren’t always there just because you are. Some beaches go flat in summer. Others get too wild in winter. You need to check the swell charts for each destination before booking anything.

In Europe, autumn is perfect. Crowds leave, the water stays warm, and the waves become clean and punchy. For the Southern Hemisphere, think about Australia or South Africa from March to August. Of course, New Zealand is the best. Go between June to August for the best waves of your life.

 

The Best Places in the World to Surf

There are spots that every surfer dreams about. Some are famous for a reason. Others stay quiet because those who go don’t want the secret getting out.

You’ve got Uluwatu in Bali, where waves peel like butter. You’ve got Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, where right-handers run for miles. You’ve got the North Shore in Oahu if you’ve got guts and a solid insurance plan.

But then there’s Comporta. Quiet. Chic. Portuguese magic. Just a short drive from Lisbon, Praia do Carvalhal is where you want to be. It’s not packed with egos or influencers. It’s raw. It’s clean. The beach breaks there are perfect for anyone from cautious beginners to confident cruisers.

After your session, you can grab seafood from Sublime Comporta Beach Club or sip white wine with sand still on your toes. The luxury houses Comporta located nearby are the cherry on top of the cake.

In New Zealand, Raglan, Taranaki, and Kaikoura are some of the best surfs.

 

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Your board matters. Your leash matters. Your wax matters. But there’s more.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen because you don’t want to burn or poison the sea. Pack a few rash guards because chafing ruins the vibe. If you’re heading somewhere remote, throw in fin keys, ding repair, and maybe a spare leash because shops don’t always exist.

And always check in your board before you get to the airport. Some will charge you like it's made of gold.

 

Make Time for More Than Just Surfing

You’ll surf for a few hours a day if you’re smart. That leaves a lot of daylight.

Explore. Eat. Sleep well. Stretch in the evenings. Chat with strangers. Watch the sunset instead of scrolling. A surfing holiday is not just about waves. It’s about rhythm. It’s about finding stillness in between the chaos.

Once you return home, it’s never really over. You’ll start watching surf cams during meetings. You’ll plan your next trip before your board has even dried.