Travel throughout the U.S. this summer is in high demand, and one of the hottest locations is the Florida Keys. As a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, I have access to inspiring articles and travel resources including 2,000 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and more. I’m able to use these connections, as well as my personal ones to craft bespoke trips for my clients that includes unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment and rare access. And one of my specialties is seeking out the best restaurant experiences. Let’s see the best of the best in the Florida Keys.
Bridge-hopping your way on a Miami to Key West drive is one delicious endeavor.
Less than one degree above the Tropic of Cancer, strung like splinters of shipwreck between the Atlantic and the Gulf, the Florida Keys are as far south as you can go in the continental U.S. For this reason, the archipelago has always been an escape, for pirates and poets, hermits and hedonists, and, during the pandemic, American travelers shut out of much of the Caribbean. Since last year, the adorable Key West airport has grown its airline partners (from four to five), nonstop destinations (from 13 to 16), and flight frequency, making it more convenient and affordable than ever to bypass the four-hour drive from Miami and arrive directly in the Conch Republic.
But that misses the point. Key West is a magical place – in some spots, scruffy and mystic; in others, as pastel-manicured as a box of Ladurée macarons – and if you only have a couple of days, by all means take the flight that gets you poolside by noon. If you have time, however, this iconic drive really rewards dawdlers and dilly-dalliers, lollygaggers and lazybones, particularly hungry ones. Some might think a four-hour ride doesn’t qualify as a road trip. The teeming, flooded cellar of Florida, where time is more a suggestion than an absolute, begs to differ.
Read the Rest – The Best Roadside Restaurants in the Florida Keys
The world is opening back up. Where would you like to go? I have a few destinations in mind…Key West, St. John USVI, Slovenia, Morocco, Maldives, Croatia, Costa Rica, Argentina or Turks & Caicos! In fact, anywhere sounds amazing right about now!! :>
As you continue to dream about traveling, remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
The stamps in my passport are very interesting. Some are big and bold, others are multi-colored and others have neat symbols or pictures, all representing the countries I have visited.
Every stamp means so much more to me than just a puddle of ink on sturdy printed paper. Every one of them reminds me of how fortunate I am to be able to travel the world. As an American citizen, it is easier for me to gain entry into most places in the world.
What’s in the details!
Not only are the stamps interesting, so is the rest of the passport. Have you noticed what’s inside? Well, let’s take a look.
The opening begins with the Secretary of State requesting that the passport holder be permitted to pass without delay or hindrance to another destination. That’s pretty powerful!
Then there is the Preamble…which is a brief introductory statement of our Constitution’s fundamental purposes and guiding principles. It’s often referred to as our Founding Father’s intentions regarding the Constitution’s meaning and what they hoped the Constitution would achieve.
There are also thirteen quotes from past presidents, poets, activists, scholars and writers that line the top of each spread.
There are iconic patriotic scenes and American icons that are imbedded behind the collage of overlapping stamps. The Statue of Liberty, a bald eagle, and Mt Rushmore, are some of the examples.
American landscapes are reproduced in the backgrounds; cacti of the southwest, wide, open plains of the Midwest, and tropical palms of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s a wonderful document that shows a little bit of what represents America.
I’m sure it will be no surprise that I have saved my old passports. Something about these documents, the ones that literally enable us to ‘pass’ through the ‘ports’ of the world, seem too valuable to casually discard. They unlock history—our travel history, so to speak.
The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences. -Mark Paterson
I have carried this essential document with me through airports around the world, largely unaware of its weight in my hand. It has provided me access to so many destinations. It’s like a magic key that unlocks the door to different destinations! That’s pretty remarkable. As I look closely, each page not only shows creative and colorful stamps, but it holds so many fantastic memories that I love to relive over and over again.
Here are my favorite passport stamps!
Machu Picchu – Peru
Among all the passport stamps, my favorite one – I just love the visual appearance – is probably the one I got when I traveled to Machu Picchu in Peru. Visiting this remarkable site had been on the top of my bucket list for a long time. I have vivid memories of passing through the entrance and turning the corner only to catch my first glimpse of Machu Picchu. I was speechless. I just stood still looking at the beauty that was before my eyes.
When you travel with children you are giving something that can never be taken away…experience, exposure and a way of life. -Pamela T. Chandler
Madrid, Spain
Spain is another destination that brings back many fond memories. In 2011, I hosted my first group of students on an international adventure through Spain. We touched down in Madrid and explored many towns, cities, museums, cathedrals and historic sites in Spain. This was a trip of many firsts for the students…first time traveling abroad, first time experiencing a new culture, first time trying traditional Spanish cuisine, first time practicing their Spanish with the locals and for some the first time on an airplane. It’s so neat to hear that many of them have continued their love of travel by studying abroad as a part of their college career.
Entebbe, Uganda
Uganda, to me…is the “Happiest place on Earth”. I love this stamp because it brings back many happy memories. I had an opportunity to travel to Nebbi, Uganda with 3 friends to serve at “Acres of Hope”, a non-profit organization that provides HOPE and a future to orphans and vulnerable children. Pastor Goffrey Keronga and his staff provide children with basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care and an education. Their goal is that the children will mature and become productive, generous citizens who will pay it forward and be bright lights in their community.
While there, we taught 30 house moms entrepreneurship skills…specifically how to start a business from having a vision, to writing a business plan, accounts payables and receivables, paying themselves a salary and more. At the end of the week, the ladies felt so empowered and were ready to move forward with an action plan. They received certificates of completion and we celebrated their successful journey with a wonderful meal, dancing and the best African music!
Republic of Nicaragua
The Republic of Nicaragua is another stamp that brings back wonderful memories. I was invited by NC State University and the Cary-Page Rotary to partner with the Fuller Center for Housing to build 4 houses for families in a small fishing village called Las Peñitas, Nicaragua just outside of Leon. There was a team of 16 that went on the journey!
The Fuller Center for Housing is a faith-driven and Christ centered organization that promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all people in need worldwide.
We laid the foundation for the 4 houses, made vats of cement, placed the rebar in position and built the cinder block walls…basically framing the houses.
I also enjoyed teaching the children in the village while their teacher was in town attending a workshop.
The best part was getting to know the families in the village and learning about their love of life, family and community!
Now it’s your turn – what stamp do you want in your passport next? I’m sure you have one or two places you want to explore. I’d love to hear about them!
And by the way…last week I challenged you to check the expiration date on your passport. I’m so glad some of you noticed that yours needs to be renewed! Don’t delay! The world is opening back up and so many destinations can’t wait to see you in person!
What’s on your bucket list? Let’s plan it together!
Remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
Many of us are itching to travel again after being cooped up for a year of Covid-19 lockdowns. And based on my bookings, the demand for international travel has started to rise significantly. Just this week, I waved goodbye to a group of XOOM Tours’ travelers going to Dubai and the Maldives, along with another group heading to Croatia. And next week I’m leaving for a trip to St. John and a couple days after I return, I’m off to Morocco. The one thing all these trips have in common – passports.
Very Important!
Not only do passports expire, but there are other very important conditions that may make your passport invalid.
Pre-Covid-19, I was working with a client who wanted to travel internationally and leave the following month.
Everyone was excited until I found out her spouse’s passport expired in three months. She thought it would not be a problem since they’d be back in the U.S. before it ‘officially expired’.
Unfortunately, the countries they wanted to travel to, like most countries, require passports to be valid 6 months BEYOND your dates of travel in order to guarantee entry.
Four very important things to confirm on your passport!
Six-Month Validity Requirement – Let’s take a closer look at this detail. What is your passport’s “Date of Expiration”? Most countries require a passport to have six months of validity, BEYOND the dates of your travel. Also, many airlines will not let you board if you don’t meet this requirement. You can renew at any time, but it is recommended you do it nine months to a year before it expires.
Blank Pages – Many countries like Canada, Mexico, Peru, the United Kingdom, Italy and Iceland require at least one blank passport page for valid entry. Several others like China, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, and India require two full blank pages. If you show up without the required empty pages, you can literally be turned away. Keep in mind the last two pages of a U.S. Passport do not qualify as visa pages. So if you need a visa, make sure you have an empty page with “visa” at the top.
New Passport, New Visas – When your passport expires, even if your visas are still valid, many countries won’t recognize a valid visa in an expired passport. China, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil are the exceptions, but you’ll have to carry both the new and expired passports.
Face Tattoo or Face Surgery – This applies if someone has been in an accident resulting in major facial surgery that alters their appearance, or those that may have added facial tattoos or piercings that significantly alter their appearance. You’ll need to renew your passport and passport photo.
Did you know your passport has a tiny microchip inside?
Most people are surprised to learn there’s a tiny microchip in their passport. The chip is embedded inside the cover of all U.S. Passports issued since 2007. It holds a copy of your personal contact information found on the photo page of your passport. It’s used by an immigration official to read the data and confirm it matches with the information that’s inside. The purpose of the chip is to prevent someone from altering the picture or forging any of the information.
Other fun facts about passports!
Most of the world’s passport covers are RED. There are many different shades, but red is the most common for passports. Other common colors are blue, green and black.
Citizens of the Vatican state in Italy (smallest country in the world) have their own country passport. You will not be able to have your passport stamped there because they do not have immigration or border control points.
There was once an Iranian man who lived in an airport in France for 17 years due to failing to present a passport to French immigration officials. This story was the inspiration for the Steven Spielberg film, The Terminal.
The only person in the world who is not required to carry a passport when traveling abroad is Queen Elizabeth II. The British Passport is issued by ‘Her Majesty’, the Queen. Therefore, the Queen does not carry one that otherwise would have to be issued to herself! All other members of the Royal Family, however, have passports.
Even though passports are valid for ten years, the time can go by quickly, and you may find your passport is expired when you need it most. If you’d like to travel but discovered your passport is expiring or expired, I can help.
The world is opening back up. Where would you like to go? I have a few destinations in mind…Slovenia, Morocco, Maldives, Croatia, Costa Rica, Argentina or Turks & Caicos! In fact, anywhere sounds amazing right about now!! :>
As you continue to dream about traveling, remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
There’s a reason that Oahu, Hawaii is known as the definition of paradise. The tropical weather, active volcanoes and iconic beaches combined with the rich Hawaiian culture make it seem like its own little world out in the Pacific. A Hawaiian get-away is unlike any other beach vacation. Known as the Aloha State, the “spirit of aloha” is what makes Hawaii so magical.
Oahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place”, is a popular vacation destination. Once you visit this island paradise you’ll quickly see why. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to over 125 beaches, many hiking trails, endless natural beauty, the bustling city life of Honolulu, and famous world-class surf.
Oahu’s diverse population is a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable.
Just imagine picturesque waterfalls, pristine beaches, soaring waves, hopping nightlife, crafty eateries, and an abundance of shopping! That’s Oahu!
There’s no shortage of things to do on Oahu. You can join in on a surfing competition on the North Shore, venture out on a whale watching expedition, experience the thrill of skydiving, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, swim for hours on end, or simply relax and sip a Mai Tai on one of the many picture-perfect beaches.
While many visitors spend most of their time in Honolulu and Waikiki, there are hidden treasures of Hawaii’s past and present waiting to be discovered throughout the island.
Let’s explore a few of those treasures.
The Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction. It has 6 island villages representing the unique island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga.
Set on 42 acres along Oahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a lagoon that hosts daily canoe tours and an exciting cultural Canoe Pageant.
Their award winning Ali’i Luau takes guests on a journey to learn about Hawaii’s royalty while enjoying traditional Polynesian food and entertainment.
You can also enjoy their immersive cinema presentation “Hawaiian Journey”, which is a tribute to the splendors of Hawaii.
Ha: Breath of Life show:
The symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani, punctuated by Polynesian dance, music and blazing fire knives, is told in “Hā: Breath of Life,” their stunning evening show featuring over 100 Polynesian natives, special effects, animation and surround sound. It is a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy, and triumph.
Oahu’s North Shore
If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners.
Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
A few stops along the way…
Haleiwa Town
Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikiki. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings.
Rich with island history, Haleiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors winding down with a shaved ice after a day in the sun or shopping at boutiques filled with unique gifts that will allow you to bring back a piece of Hawaii with you. Haleiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
North Shore Food Trucks
North Shore Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing surf and epic sunsets, but it is also famous for its delicious food trucks. Offering everything from tacos and Thai food to pizza, to shrimp and local Hawaiian cuisine, there are so many tasty delights to enjoy!
Here are some of the top-rated food trucks along the North Shore:
North Shore Tacos in Pupukea
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck along Kamehameha Highway
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp Truck
The Elephant Truck
Impossibles Pizza
Leonard’s Malasada Truck
Mike’s Huli-Huli Chicken
Hiking Diamond Head
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.
A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior.
The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater.
At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.
Hawaii is a magical destination filled with adventure, beauty, history and a “spirit of aloha”! If you are considering traveling to Hawaii, then I suggest you bookmark this site to obtain the most recent COVID protocols, island by island.
The state of Hawaii is made up of counties, however in this case, each county (basically each island is its own county with Lanai and Molokai falling under Maui County) has been allowed to create its own COVID requirements which has presented some challenges for inbound and inter-island travelers.
There is legislation being considered in Honolulu currently that would require all islands/counties to abide by the same laws and protocols concerning COVID. Hopefully it will pass so this can all get simplified, but it is VITAL as a Travel Advisor that you stay up to date.
Better yet use a Travel Advisor! I work hard to stay on top of the latest requirements, so you don’t have to.
If you are considering traveling to Hawaii, please drop me a line at: [email protected].
Let’s put HOPE on your calendar!
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