Taking time off gives your brain and body the chance to recuperate. While "staycations" can be nice, there's nothing quite like traveling to somewhere new. Visiting different attractions can expand your perception of the world and give you a greater appreciation for it. For instance, spending time near the ocean can give you a renewed respect for the sea and all the creatures in it.

Beach lovers can maximize the time they spend down on the shore by staying in a beach hotel. Some beach hotels are conveniently located near research institutes that specialize in studying marine life. These are three of the things you can do when you stay at a beach hotel near institute for marine mammal studies:

1. Enjoy fresh ocean air.

Many people spend the majority of their time in cities and suburbs. These are fine places to live, but they're often filled with pollution from cars and nearby factories. Breathing in stale, polluted air can get you down, but there's nothing quite like the scent of an ocean breeze. When you stay in a beachside hotel, you'll be able to enjoy the clean ocean air. As you breathe deep, you may find that the stress of your life back home simply melts away.

2. Learn more about marine mammals.

The ocean is home to many types of animals. While it's true that fish and invertebrates like jellyfish live in the ocean, many mammals live there as well. Marine mammals are fascinating creatures who are especially well-suited to life in the ocean. They often possess a thick layer of blubber that allows them to regulate their body temperature in the water. Marine mammals can hold their breath for long periods of time since they lack the gills that allow other marine animals to breathe underwater. When you stay at a hotel near an institute for marine mammal studies, you can visit the institute to learn more about marine animals yourself.

3. Educate your children.

It's not only adults who can benefit from marine mammal education. Children can also benefit from learning more about the mammals who call the ocean home. When kids learn more about marine life, they can better understand the importance of ocean conservation efforts. Some marine mammal institutes offer summer programs that allow kids to spend up to a week participating in educational programs. Sending your child to marine mammal day camp will give you the opportunity to enjoy some kid-free time relaxing at your beach hotel.