Travel Destinations Blog Posts | The Keys to Travel

The Best Place to Stay on Ambergris Caye

January 3, 2020/in Central America, Hotels

Belize is a great travel destination for couples and families that love the tropical feel but also want adventure and plenty of activities. Ambergris Caye, just a quick flight or boat ride from Belize City, is a perfect “home base” for your Belizian vacation. You get the laid back island feel with access to amazing snorkeling, diving, water activities and quick access to mainland adventures like exploring Mayan ruins.

When I traveled to Belize, I knew Ambergris Caye is where I wanted to stay. There are plenty of options for accommodations all over the island. I wanted to be a little farther away from the main city, but still with easy access. I wanted a nice pool, beach, and a room with a kitchen, so we didn’t have to eat all our meals out. Once I figured out everything I wanted and my budget, it wasn’t hard to find the perfect hotel!

After visiting Belize, I believe one of the best places to stay on Ambergris Caye is Grand Caribe.

Buildings at Grand Caribe in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Location of Grand Caribe on Ambergris Caye

Grand Caribe is located just outside the main town of San Pedro on Ambergis Caye, Belize. The resort is located 2 miles north of San Pedro. It is easily accessible by a paved road by golf cart (15 minutes) or by taxi (10 minutes).

The best place to stay on Ambergris Caye is the Grand Caribe

How to Get to Grand Caribe

There are quite a few options on how to get to Grand Caribe:

By Airplane
You can take a small plane from Belize City to San Pedro. It is about a 15-minute ride and I highly recommend it! The views are beautiful and it’s a very unique experience to sit on a 14-seater airplane! Once you arrive at the San Pedro Airport, Grand Caribe offers complimentary arrival and departure taxi rides to and from Grand Caribe. Just notify them of your arrival and departure times and they will be there to escort you.
Helicopter Transfer
You can take an even more unique experience to get to Grand Caribe and take a helicopter transfer. Grand Caribe partners with Astrum Helicopters to offer this experience. You can add in a tour of Belize Barrier Reef or the famous Great Blue Hole on your way. Work with the resort to arrange this transfer.
Water Taxi
The most affordable way to get to Grand Caribe is by water taxi. There are regular public water taxis from Belize City. This normally takes 1.5 hours and departs every hour. From the Belize City Airport, you will have to catch a taxi to the water taxi terminal.

Aerial view of Belize and the blue water

Rooms at Grand Caribe

Grand Caribe is a luxury vacation home rental in Ambergris Caye, Belize. The rooms are labeled as condos because they include kitchens, which I liked because then you can cook some meals at home instead of going out for every meal. Some condos are owned by families and others you can rent like a regular hotel room.

Pool at Grand Caribe in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Since this was my husband and my 3rd wedding anniversary trip, I wanted a nice room overlooking the ocean. We went with the One Bedroom Oceanfront room. It was very large with 1000 square feet of living space. There was a kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom with tub, a large walk-in closet, and a large balcony overlooking the ocean. I absolutely loved this room! We spent most of our time on the balcony. They also decorated our room for our anniversary. A very special treat!

Master bedroom in a condo at Grand Caribe

There are a lot of different size condos on this property, from studios to 4 bedrooms to villas. This is a perfect resort for families of all sizes. One thing I really liked is that even though there are a lot of different room sizes and it is a larger property, it was still quiet and peaceful.

Amenities at Grand Caribe

Dock – There is a dock on-site for easy transfers to excursions and San Pedro.
Restaurants – Grand Caribe has two restaurants on-site, Rain and Aqua. Rain is a rooftop restaurant and bar. It is the perfect setting for a romantic sunset dinner or drink to end the evening. They have great food! Aqua is an Asian influenced restaurant. We didn’t get to try it but they do have sushi nights! There are also plenty of restaurants within golf cart driving distance of Grand Caribe. Make sure to definitely check out Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar and Restaurant for half off bottles of wine during happy hour!
Spa
Grocery Store – One very convenient piece of Grand Caribe is the onsite grocery store. Before your trip, you can have them stock your fridge with all the food you want, or you can walk down and pick up what you want throughout your vacation. The prices are very reasonable, too.
Golf Cart Rentals
Water Sports Rentals
Gym on site. It is small but has all the necessities, like weights, machines, treadmill, elliptical and bikes.
Beach
Freshwater Pools – There are 6 freshwater pools onsite.

Pool and ocean at Grand Caribe in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Travel Tips for Belize

Make sure to bring bug spray! The mosquitos are vicious in the very early morning and at dusk.
Get a golf cart rental when staying on one of the islands. That is their main mode of transportation.
Bring USD. They widely accept the USD and the exchange rate is very easy. 2:1 (2 Belizian Dollars for 1 USD)

For a full travel guide on visiting Ambergris Caye, Belize, click here.

Walking along the beach at Grand Caribe where to stay on Ambergris Caye

When you are ready to plan and book your vacation to Belize, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com. I am here to help you travel more and stress less!

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Ambergris Caye

November 23, 2019/in Central America

A lot goes into my decision on where to travel. There are only so many days in a year and dollars in the bank account, so when Belize popped onto my radar, I did a lot of research to see if it would be worthy of a visit.

Belize is still a relatively hidden gem. I have been hearing about more people visiting or wanting to visit, but it definitely hasn’t become as popular a travel destination like Costa Rica or Mexico.

After visiting this past October, I have realized that Belize should be on everyone’s travel list, especially if you are a couple that enjoys tropical heaven with plenty of adventure opportunities.

Grand Caribe Ambergris Caye Belize Beach with Palm Trees

If you are thinking about traveling to Belize and staying on Ambergris Caye or planning to in the near future, here are all my thoughts and tips in a guide to visiting Ambergris Caye.

Picking a Spot to Visit in Belize

There are many places to pick from when deciding where to stay when visiting Belize. You can go with a beautiful island like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker to coastal havens like Placencia to a jungle retreat like Belmopan. With so many options, it can be hard to pick one spot. I am a beach girl through and through, so I knew I wanted to be on the coast or stay on an island. I heard a lot of great things about Ambergris Caye, so I decided that is where I would stay when visiting Belize.

Where is Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is located on the northeast part of Belize. It is actually so close to Mexico that it looks like you could just hop over the little river dividing Ambergris Caye from Xcalak, Mexico!

Airplane ride from Belize City to Ambergris Caye

How to Get to Ambergris Caye

There are two main ways to get to Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Belize. I chose to take the 15-minute plane ride from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is a beautiful ride flying over the crystal clear blue waters and coral reefs. There are two main airlines that fly to and from the island every hour, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.

The other option is to take the water taxi. This boat ride takes about 75 minutes.

The taxi option is more affordable than the air option, but I highly recommend taking the air route at least once for the views and the experience of flying in a 14 seater plane!

Flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye on Tropic Air

Views from the plane on the way to Ambergris Caye from Belize City

What to Pack When Traveling to Belize

I learned about some key packing items not to forget after traveling to Belize. Do not forget to pack these items when visiting Ambergris Caye!

Bug Spray. The bugs do not mess around in Belize. Mosquitos will eat you alive, especially in the jungle. But even if you are staying on an island like Ambergris Caye near the water, dusk and nightfall still brings out the mosquitos. Do NOT forget bug spray!
Sunscreen. Like any tropical destination, do not forget sunscreen!
Light and Airy Clothes. Belize is hot and humid day and night. The less clothes you wear and the lighter weight they are, the better.
Swimsuits. You’re in a tropical paradise with amazing beautiful blue water. Bring all the swimsuits!
Water Shoes or Hiking Shoes. A lot of the mainland excursions include some hiking and wading through streams or cave floating. Having proper shoes will go a long way if you plan on doing some excursions.
Go Pro. If you are a snorkeler or diver, do not forget your underwater camera. Belize has the best snorkeling I have ever done. The reef is the healthiest in the world and the amount of underwater life you see is unreal!

Where to Stay on Ambergris Caye

There are many accommodations to choose from when visiting Ambergris Caye. When I visited, I knew I wanted a small kitchen option to be able to make breakfasts and lunches and not have to eat out all the time. I chose Grand Caribe. This resort has more of a condo feel with full kitchens in their rooms. There is a large variety of room types from studio space to 5-bedrooms. There are six pools, a swim-up bar, plenty of water activities, grocery store on-site, and a dock. It is a great resort for families and couples!

Where to Eat on Ambergris Caye

There are a lot of really good places to eat on Ambergris Caye. If you want delicious food at restaurants where the locals eat, stay off the beachfront areas. Most of the authentic, local cuisine is found in the heart of San Pedro away from the tourist spots.

Here are three of my favorite restaurants on Ambergris Caye.

1. Neri’s Tacos

One of the locals recommended Neri’s Tacos to us for breakfast. It is located in San Pedro and is basically a hole in the wall shack. It was the best breakfast we had on the island! And it was cheap. We got a burrito, 5 tacos, two freshly squeezed watermelon juices, and a veggie fry jack all for $10 USD. I highly recommend stopping here at least once during your visit to Ambergris Caye for some delicious authentic Belizean food!

2. Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant

This restaurant is very close to Grand Caribe and was our first dinner stop. We loved it so much we went back a second time. It is located on the western side of the island and has amazing sunsets. They have half-off bottles of wine during happy hour and live music on Fridays. Besides the bugs (remember bug spray! If you don’t, they have some you can use.), this was the perfect evening spot to hang out, drink some good wine, eat great food and relax.

3. The Hungry Grouper

The Hungry Group was another recommendation from a local. It is located in San Pedro. I’m pretty sure the chef is the guy who runs the place and takes your order. Very small place (maybe 5 tables) and a very cozy vibe. The menu is extensive, but we asked for the owner’s recommendation and he whipped us up his best ideas for that day. Very personalized service and delicious food.

What to Do on Ambergris Caye

There are many things to do while on Ambergris Caye, including all the beach and water activities to exploring beautiful local art. Here are some of my favorite things to do on Ambergris Caye:

Relax on the beach or by the pool.

Shop in San Pedro.

Belize Chocolate Company Boutique on Ambergris Caye

Tour Art Galleries.
Visit Secret Beach. (Not so secret anymore… If you want a party vibe and have a few drinks while cooling down in the ocean, check out Secret Beach.)

Scuba the Famous Blue Hole
We snorkeled Blue Hole. It was fun but scuba diving would have been way better. On the way back from Blue Hole, we snorkeled Half Moon Caye, which was amazing! And we stopped for lunch on the island. This portion made the 4 hour round trip boat ride worth it. If you get motion or seasick, I wouldn’t recommend this activity.

Snorkel Hol Chan, Shark Alley, and Mexico Rocks
I snorkeled Mexico Rocks and it was THE best snorkeling I have ever done. While snorkeling, I saw stingrays, eagle rays, starfish, pufferfish, lobsters, sharks, lionfish and so much more! If you could only choose one location to snorkel, I would highly recommend snorkeling Mexico Rocks.
Visit the Mayan Ruins on the Mainland – La m anai Mayan Ruins
I toured the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. There are plenty to choose from but this one included an hour boat ride to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. I saw manatees, birds, iguana and a lot of wildlife. It was so calm and peaceful. A great start to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins.

Belize is a beautiful and fun country. The locals are so kind and I felt safe the entire time I was there. I was really glad I stayed on Ambergris Caye! Make sure to add Belize and Ambergris Caye to your travel list, you won’t regret it. You better Belize it!

If you need help planning and booking your Belize vacation, email hello@thekeystotravel.com.

A travel guide to Ambergris Caye, Belize

How to Spend a Layover in London

November 10, 2019/in Europe

Just going through my photos and the sites we saw on our overnight layover in London has me itching to go back. When my husband and I went to Italy, there was a direct flight to Paris and London from Denver. It was cheaper (and easier) to take these direct flights to get to Europe and then take small local airlines to get to Italy. Having the opportunity to see two new cities was a no brainer.

On our way home from Italy, we flew from Naples to London. We landed at Gatwick Airport around noon and didn’t leave for Denver until the next morning. If you are going to plan to explore London on a layover, add in at least 2 hours for customs. We didn’t get to our hotel to check in until 3pm, and our hotel was literally across the street from the airport. The customs line at Gatwick Airport is no joke. But an entire afternoon and evening in London was enough to make me realize I need to get back and spend at least a week in this wonderful city!

If you have a layover in London or a day to explore London, here is a travel guide to optimize your time.

Stay at Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport when you have a layover in London

This was one of the most convenient hotels I have stayed at. It is a five-minute walk from inside Gatwick Airport to the lobby of the Premier Inn. The train to get into the heart of London is right at the airport, so transportation is a breeze. Also, when we had an early flight home the next day, we didn’t have to add in time to get a cab to the airport, since we were literally right there. It was a very affordable hotel, comfortable, and clean. I would highly recommend staying here if you have an overnight layover in London or if you need to catch an early flight out of Gatwick.

** If you are flying into Heathrow Airport, the time table, hotel, and train options will be completely different. **

Train – Gatwick Express to Victoria Station

Once you drop all your luggage off at your hotel room, jump on the train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station. It is about a 30-minute ride.

St. James Park

When you get off the train, first stop in St. James Park. This park is so beautiful and big! It has 58 acres to explore with views of Buckingham Palace all the way to the London Eye. I wish we had more time to walk around. I could have spent a day walking around just enjoying the flowers, lake, and views.

Buckingham Palace

You can’t stop in London and not see Buckingham Palace. If you can get lucky and visit at the right time, you can explore inside. In the summer and on specific dates throughout the year, visitors are allowed to see the States Rooms inside Buckingham Palace.

Big Ben

Next stop, Big Ben. Unfortunately, we had no idea we were at Big Ben the first ten minutes we were there because the tower was under construction and was barely recognizable. Next time I go, hopefully, Big Ben will be visible! Fun Fact: Big Ben used to be named the Great Bell!

London Eye

On the walk to Big Ben, you can see the London Eye. If you have time, taking a ride would be a fun way to see the entire city. If you want another 360 view of the city, head to the Sky Garden. Keep reading for details on that!

Red Telephone Box

You can’t visit London and not take a photo of or in a famous London red telephone box. They are all over the city, so make sure to stop at one and play super tourist for a second!

Train to Prosecco House

I honestly couldn’t tell you which train to take to get to the rest of the trip. Yes, the London Underground is very confusing, but there are people to help! We made it around the city without too many problems. It is a fun adventure figuring everything out.

Prosecco House

My husband is my hero. If you know me at all, you know Prosecco is my drink of choice. He didn’t plan too much for our trip to London, Italy, and Paris because I kind of take over…. Ok I really take over! But he did find the Prosecco House that had just recently opened in London. If we could have done one thing in London, it would have been visiting the Prosecco House.

The Prosecco House is right by the Tower Bridge, so it conveniently fell along our walking route. We got to try different types of Prosecco. I discovered I like dryer Prosecco and my husband likes sweeter Prosecco. Make sure to add this to your stop when you have a layover in London or are visiting London for a longer period of time.

Tower Bridge

From the Prosecco House, you can see the Tower Bridge. This is one of London’s most famous bridges and one you would recognize from movies and photos. To get to the Sky Garden, you get to cross the famous Tower Bridge. You can also go inside if time allows. Tickets can be purchased on site.

Tower of London

Continuing on your walk to the Sky Garden you will pass by the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a 1000-year-old castle right in the heart of London. This is when London started to really confuse me. It is like they combined a futuristic city with an old medieval city all in one. I think this is another reason I love London. You get the incredible forward-thinking mentality of present-day plus all the history wrapped up in one beautiful location.

Sky Garden

This was a great find that my husband stumbled across when doing some research. The Sky Garden is one of the tallest buildings in London and it is a public garden! You can see the entire city from the Sky Garden with 360-degree views. It is incredible! You need a ticket to get up, but the tickets are free. There is a bar inside and a live band almost always playing. It is a great place to hang out and relax after walking around the entire city.

We decided to enjoy dinner while visiting the Sky Garden. We made reservations WAY in advance at the Darwin Brasserie. It is one floor above the Sky Garden. The food is delicious, isn’t too pricey, and again, the views cannot be beaten. If you want to have a meal at one of the few restaurants here, I would highly recommend making a reservation. Some days were booked solid months in advance.

Train Back to Gatwick Airport

After a fun-filled day exploring London by foot and train, from street level to 36 floors above, take the train back to your hotel at Gatwick Airport. We risked it and took the last train back, which they canceled and somehow we made our way back. Luckily, you may find some amazingly friendly locals who are willing to help you get back! We would have never gotten back if it weren’t for them. They ran us all over the train station and from train to train to help us find our way to our hotel. Thank you, kind strangers!

London stole my heart in just 8 quick hours. With easy direct flights on Norwegian Air from Denver to London, I will be back!

If you need help booking your trip to London, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

Favorite Things To Do in Colorado to Celebrate Halloween

October 31, 2019/in United States

Fall is my all-time favorite season. It is the start of cooler weather (but not cold), beautiful colorful trees, and weeks of holiday celebrations. After moving to Colorado, I realized fall weather and fall colors can last for more than a day! And with that, means more time to celebrate Halloween.

I recently wrote a blog sharing some haunted hot spots in Colorado for a friend whose blog is all about Halloween. Her blog is called Spooky Little Halloween and you can read the post he re. If you need any Halloween inspiration throughout the entire year, this should be your go-to blog.

If you’re like me and are less inclined to the scary side of Halloween, here are a few ideas of

Non-scary things to do in Colorado to celebrate Halloween.

Pumpkin Nights

Pumpkin Nights is a half-mile walk through different scenes, like a pirate’s cove and a forbidden pumpkin city. Each scene is filled with hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins designed and built by local artists. While on your walk you can enjoy snacks and beverages, including adult beverages. I went with a group of friends, and it was a night filled with Halloween fun without all the Halloween terror.

Boo at the Zoo

This event is especially good for the little ones. The Denver Zoo opens its doors during the day for families to come and enjoy trick-or-treating, entertainment, and zoo fun. It is a unique and fun way to experience the zoo for the whole family.

Glow at the Gardens

One of my favorite winter activities is walking through the Botanic Gardens when they set up their Blossoms of Light show. They now have a similar experience for Halloween, but with pumpkins! A little different than Pumpkin Nights, they use all real carved pumpkins to light up the Gardens. There are elaborate locally carved pumpkins and sculptures spread out throughout the Denver Botanic Gardens. There is also trick-or-treating, fire performances, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and glow-in-the-dark games. Costumes are highly recommended. This is a very popular event and sells out fast!

Pumpkin Festival

The Chatfield Botanic Gardens hosts a Pumpkin Festival every year. It is more than just a place to pick out your pumpkins in a pumpkin patch, though. There is an antique tractor exhibit, pony rides, photo booths, food, beer stations, and a corn maze. It is the perfect event to attend to get you in the fall spirit.

Husband and wife with pumpkins in a pumpkin patch at Chatfield Botanic Gardens in Denver

If you are looking for some scarier activities to do in Colorado to celebrate Halloween, head to Spooky Little Halloween. What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

5 Perfect Places for a Halloween Vacation

October 1, 2019/in United States

Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you by Miranda Enzor with the blog Spooky Little Halloween! I virtually met Miranda through a blogger group I’m a part of. When I learned about her blog and how it revolves around Halloween every day of the year, I had to get to know her more. She was willing to share some of the greatest places to visit for Halloween with us. I hope you all enjoy her 5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation!

By: Miranda Enzor, Spooky Little Halloween

When you think of holiday travel, I’m willing to bet my candy corn Halloween is the last holiday that comes to mind. You’re more likely to think of that fantastic Christmas vacation your family took as a kid or the spring break you spent with friends on a beach, right?

But I bet you’re also not thinking about the thing holidays and traveling have in common: they’re a great way to make memories that last a lifetime.

Both are a way to mark the passing of time, spend time with important people in my life and have experiences together that I’ll always remember.

Plus, traveling during Halloween season (September/October) is a chance to travel in the off-season, as Sarah talks about in this blog post. You’re missing the crowds, spending less on hotels and flights and getting a chance to see more! So why not combine them? Today we’re going to do just that as I share

5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation across the U.S. and the world.

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland and Disney World

Celebrate Halloween in the House of the Mouse! Both Disneyland and Disney World are known for going big when it comes to the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Both parks transform overnight into a pumpkin wonderland. The nightly parade takes on a haunted look, new spooky treats pop up in all the restaurants and one-of-a-kind Halloween merch goes on the shelves of park shops. Plus, this is one of the few chances you have to wear a true costume in the park! Learn more about the Disneyland celebration and the Disney World celebration.

Perfect Places for a Halloween Vacation Disney Not So Spooky Halloween

2. Salem, MA

There is no spookier spot in the United States for Halloween than Witch City itself! Salem’s Haunted Happenings takes place all October and includes something for everyone, from a witch’s market and family movie night to parades, trolley tours and even great restaurants that embrace “eat, drink and be scary”.

Plus, Salem is in the heart of historic New England. Of course, you can explore spots important to the Salem Witch Trials, but the city also has a rich history in maritime, American literature, and is home to the Peabody, one of the fastest-growing museums in the country. Learn more about Salem.

3. Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sleepy Hollow is just a quick train ride north of New York City and a spot that comes alive in the fall. It is home to Washington Irving’s classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Stop by the city cemetery for a peek at his grave, a walking tour of a cemetery full of notable American names, like Rockefeller and Carnegie, or even one of their special events.

Wander the city’s sleepy downtown area for local shops and restaurants (the Bridge View Tavern is a personal fave), then stop by the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for a Halloween experience you’ll never forget.

4. The Stanley Hotel

Here’s one right in Sarah’s backyard! The Stanley Hotel is famous for inspiring The Overlook in Stephen King’s “The Shining”. It sits at the foot of the Rockies just outside Estes Park in Colorado and quietly embraces its connection to one of the most infamous stories in horror. In addition to offering night tours that share the hotel’s paranormal history, The Stanley also hosts The Shining Ball AND a masquerade ball each October. It’s the perfect spot to spend a night or two anytime in October.

5. Bran Castle

Looking to go international with your spooky travels? Bran Castle near Brasov, Romania in the region of Transylvania is one that’s on my bucket list because it’s also known as Dracula’s Castle. Why? Because the 1970s communist government of Romania thought it’d be a great marketing tool for their country!

And it’s one that worked. While the castle was once home to Vlad the Impaler – a blood-thirsty ruler who earned his nickname for his penchant for impaling enemies and criminals, which one could argue is downright vampiric – there is no direct connection between Vlad and the castle and Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”. The vampire myth, however, stemmed from Romanian folklore well before the book was written, and over the years the two have merged together.

To this day, the castle isn’t one to miss out on the fun and hosts an annual Halloween party.

Perfect Places for a Halloween Vacation Bran Castle in Romania

No matter where you go, there is no wrong way to celebrate October 31st – Happy Halloween!

Miranda Enzor is the writer, blogger and Halloween lover behind SpookyLittleHalloween.com, the blog celebrating October 31st all year long. Halloween has been one of her favorite holidays to celebrate for as long as she can remember. These days she keeps her love of the spooky season alive by hosting her annual party, Halloweenie Roast, carving as many jack-o-lanterns and possible and, of course, writing her blog.

The Best Places to See the Fall Colors in Colorado

The Best Drives to See Fall Colors in Colorado

September 25, 2019/in United States

Fall is my all time favorite season and having lived in Colorado for 5 years now, I love it even more. First off, you can actually enjoy a long fall here in Colorado. Temperatures stay relatively warm until November, so you can enjoy being outside! Second, the amount of Aspen trees turning yellow throughout the state are in the millions (or so it seems). I feel like every year I’m discovering a new favorite spot to view the fall leaves.

If you are looking to see the fall colors in Colorado, there are plenty of options that are easy day drives from Denver all the way to weekend long adventures.

Here are my top favorite places to see fall colors in Colorado.

Breckenridge

Guanella Pass is a 22 mile paved road that leads you from Georgetown, Colorado to Grant Colorado. You get beautiful views of Mount Bierstadt Mount Evans, two famous Colorado 14ers, as well as incredible fall foliage.

Red and yellow aspen leaves along Guanella Pass in Colorado — Photo by Justin Key Photography

Guanella Pass fall colors with mountain in the background — Photo by Justin Key Photography

Boreas Pass is a 22 mile gravel road that brings you from US Highway 285 to Breckenridge, Colorado.

One year, I took a “sick” day from my full time job and drove up to Boreas Pass. It was so worth it! Having basically the whole road to myself made for easy leaf viewing, and I could go at my own pace and get some really great photos. These roads get super busy on the weekends, so if you can take some time off during the week to take a drive, I would recommend doing that.

Crested Butte

If I could have a second home in the mountains, it would be in Crested Butte. Crested Butte is my favorite mountain town, no matter what season it is. But fall is a magical time to be in Crested Butte. There are so many roads, passes, and trails you can explore to see the fall leaves. And since it is about a 4 hour drive from Denver, it doesn’t get as busy as places like Breckenridge.

Ohio Creek Pass is an 11 mile gravel road road that connects to Kebler Pass. Along this drive I saw some orange leaves mixed in with the traditional yellow of the aspens.

White Aspens with Yellow leaves and blue sky

Kebler Pass connects Crested Butte with Highway 133 near Somerset, Colorado. It is a 33 mile gravel road that passes through Gunnison National Forest. The amount of times I stopped to take photos and explore made this 2 hour a drive a full day adventure! This may be my favorite drive near Crested Butte.

Girl walking on a fallen aspen tree in the woods during fall

Goldendoodle Dog among yellow aspen leaves

Kebler Pass during fall colors in Colorado

Washington Gulch Road is a dirt road that heads to the mountains right from Main Street in Crested Butte. I didn’t drive too much of this road, but have driven to Horse Ranch Park Loop multiple times and the hike has incredible views with gorgeous aspen groves. It is a 6 mile roundtrip trail.

Aspen

Independence Pass is the scenic way to get from Denver to Aspen. It’s a beautiful highway winding through the mountains full of aspen trees. There aren’t too many places to pull off and take in the scenery, so make sure to be safe. If you do pull off, pull off far enough for cars to pass by!

Lake and old house with fall colored leaves along Independence Pass — Photo by Justin Key Photography

Independence Pass during Fall in Colorado — Photo by Justin Key Photography

The Most Memorable Things To Do in Olympic National Park

September 4, 2019/in United States

If you are heading to Olympic National Park for the first time, the thought of all you can do can be overwhelming. Depending on what season you go, you can hike, swim, camp, fish, snowshoe and so much more. When I visited Olympic National Park for the first time, it was late spring and I only had a few short days, so I couldn’t do it all! Here are my thoughts on the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park. I would love to hear what you think after you visit!

Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is not short on hiking trails. They range from short distances to day long or weekend long hikes. Pick and choose which one fits your hiking preferences and explore! We chose to do the Hoh River Trail (just part of it, since it is 17.5 miles long, one way!) and the Hall of Mosses. Both trails were so vibrant lush with all shades of green I wondered if I was back in Ireland!

Hall of Mosses

The Hall of Mosses Trail is part of the Hoh Rain Forest and is 0.8 miles long. This is a quick beautiful walk through an actual rain forest! I couldn’t believe how tall the trees were and how green and luscious everything looked. Make sure to remember your raincoat. I never knew if it was actually raining or if I was just getting wet from the moisture filled air. When it was raining, I never got too drenched because the trees are a great umbrella for protection.

Girl hiking in the trees on the Hall of Mosses hike in Olympic National Park

Girl looking at trees in the Hall of Mosses

Hoh River Trail

The Hoh River Trail is also a part of the Hoh Rain Forest. This trail is 17.5 miles long one way! We only walked and explored a little ways and then turned around. It was just as beautiful as the Hall of Mosses, but a bit more strenuous. We went on a Saturday and still only saw one other couple on the trail. It’s very secluded and serene. It’s a great trail to get out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be.

Things to Do in Olympic National Park Hoh River Trail girl hiking

The Coast at Olympic National Park

One of the most memorable things to do in Olympic National Park for me was walking the coast at low tide. This could be because I love the ocean and the calm it brings my soul when I’m near the tide or it could be all the starfish we got to see! Make sure you check the time of low tide and go to Kalaloch Beach during this time. Just look at all we got to see!

Purple Starfish at Low Tide at Olympic National Park

Things to Do in Olympic National Park Orange Starfish at low tide at Olympic National Park

While you are here, see if you can find this tree that is basically just hanging in thin air. Some call it the ‘Tree of Life’ and some call it ‘Tree Root Cave’. Whatever it’s official name is, make sure to explore this area and underneath the tree. Technically, the tree shouldn’t be alive with its roots so exposed to the coastal weather, but hey, sometimes we just keep fighting!

Floating Tree in Olympic National Park Beach

Also, the walk down to the beaches (like the photo below on the left) at Olympic National Park are a site to see themselves! There is no shortage of beauty in this park, that is for sure.

Girl walking up from the beach at Olympic national Park

What things do you love to do in Olympic National Park that I missed? I will definitely be getting back here one day!

A Travel Guide to Visiting Olympic National Park in Washington

Best Stops to See on the Road to Hana on Maui

August 7, 2019/in United States

When traveling with my husband, we try to do and see as much as possible in a new destination. With only six days to explore Maui and knowing how much there is we wanted to see on this beautiful island, we knew we had to make the most of our time there. When I asked around about what to do on Maui, everyone said we had to do The Road to Hana. Most people are able to do this drive in one day, but knowing my husband and how long he can take shooting with his camera while exploring new places, I knew I had to plan for two days on the Road to Hana. Lucky for me, this meant that we got to stay at Travaasa, one of my dream hotels, located in Hana!

Planning out our trip, we decided to fly into Maui late on our first night, rent an AirBnb in Paia (right near the start of the Road to Hana on Maui), and get a fresh start on the Road to Hana first thing in the morning.

Here are all all stops you need to make along your journey on the Road to Hana on Maui!

*Side Note* I don’t normally get car sick, but these windy roads did make my stomach a little queasy. Luckily, there are plenty of stops along the way where my stomach got a break from the car. Just be prepared if you are someone who gets car sick! But don’t let this deter you from going. It is definitely worth it!

Stop 1: Fuel up at Colleen’s at the Cannery

We woke up early to start our drive along the Road to Hana. We decided to fuel up at Colleen’s at the Cannery in Haiku, a restaurant I read many raving reviews about. It was so good, I forgot to take a photo of my food to share before I devoured it all, so here is a photo of the outside! Colleen’s opens at 6am every day, so no matter how early you want to start on your Road to Hana journey, Colleen’s will be ready for you!

Sign at Colleen's Restaurant and Bar in Maui

Stop 2: Hike Twin Falls

The Twin Falls area has a few easy hikes to explore. This first photo is a trail that leads past Twin Falls to the river upstream. We hit this spot right at the perfect time to see beautiful sunlight streaming through. These short hikes are not strenuous and are easy for everyone from little kids to grandparents. I enjoyed that this first “hike” was easy, considering my stomach was still very full from the delicious breakfast at Colleen’s!

Waterfall near Twin Falls on the Road to Hana

Here is a photo of the actual Twin Falls, just a short walk from the parking area.

Stop 3: Eat at a Food Stand

We didn’t stop at a food stand since we were still so full from Colleen’s Restaurant, but I read wonderful things about this food stand at Huelo Lookout (another great stop). If you are hungry or thirsty, make sure to stop and grab some fresh fruit and smoothies to fuel you for the rest of the drive.

Food Stand at Huelo Lookout on the Road to Hana

Stop 4: Walk Around Keanae Peninsula

I was really excited for this stop along the Road to Hana because of the history. When you enter Keanae Peninsula, you pass by a stone church that was built in 1856. A large tsunami hit this village in 1946, killing 24 people. The waves topped 45 feet and crashed into the village with no warning. The church was the only remaining building after the tsunami hit. Due to the tragedy of this tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was created, which now sends out tsunami warnings for all of the Pacific Ocean. With such a beautiful stop, it was sad to think about the village and lives that used to be here.

Even without a tsunami, you can see how rough the waves are crashing into the edge of this peninsula.

Waves crashing into rocks on the Keanae Peninsula

Stop 5: Waikani Falls

This is a quick stop you will miss if you aren’t keeping an eye out. As you cross a bridge, this waterfall is right off to your side. It’s a quick pull off to view. It’s definitely worth a stop simply because it’s so easy to see!

Waikani Falls along the Road to Hana in Maui

Stop 6: Visit Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach at Wai’ anapanapa State Park is a beautiful place to stop and see. Oh, and there are bathrooms! We got to this spot late afternoon and the beach was packed with people. Unfortunately, most of the beach is pretty rocky and only a little bit is sand. If you want to lounge on the beach, I’d recommend getting here earlier in the day to get a good sandy spot.

If you are a camper, this is also a great spot to stop and camp for the night.

Stop 7: Rest in Hana at Travaasa

I wish we could have stayed here longer, and I hope one day we will be back. But man, if you can spend at least one night at Travaasa, please do! I will be writing a blog post soon highlighting the hotel and all it has to offer. In the meantime, this pool was one of my favorite spots to relax.

Infinity swimming pool overlooking the ocean at Travaasa Hotel

We also got to see a beautiful rainbow after our morning yoga class! Talk about perfection.

Rainbow with palm trees at Travaasa Hotel

After a night of relaxation at Travaasa, head to your next stop. Normally people turn around and head back once they hit Hana, but I recommend taking the south side back to the main part of Maui. I personally loved this half of the Road to Hana much more than the first half.

Stop 8: Relax at Hamoa Beach

After a morning of yoga, meditation, beautiful rainbows, and a delicious breakfast at Travaasa, we headed on our way to finish up the drive on the Road to Hana. Our first stop was at Hamoa Beach. This beach is consistently rated one of the top beaches on Maui. I can definitely see why. If we could have stayed at Travaasa another night, I would have been sitting on this beach for an entire day! I’m a beach girl, if you can’t tell!

Stop 9: Hike the Pipiwai Trail inside Haleakalā National Park

Our next stop, and where we spent most of the day, was the Pipiwai Trail. If you want to be memorized by the views and the sounds of walking through a bamboo forest, make sure to hike the Pipiwai trail. When we were there, we were one of the few people hiking. It was an odd combination of peacefulness and eeriness. When walking through the bamboo forest portion of the hike, it was nearly silent. Then the wind would pick up and the bamboo would bounce against each other making hollow wind chime sounds. It is hard to explain. You will just have to experience it on your own! The hike is 1.8 miles one way and leads to to he hike leads to Waimoku Falls.

Waimoku Falls at the end of the Pipiwai Trail

After your last stop at Haleakala National Park, continue the drive on the backside of Haleakela. It honestly looks like the hillsides of Ireland.

What are your favorite stops along the Road to Hana on Maui?

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Views of Downtown Seattle from the top of the Space Needle

A Perfect Day in Seattle for Couples

July 22, 2019/in United States

There is a lot you can do in Seattle for a day! My husband and I spent the weekend in Olympic National Park and decided to spend a day in Seattle before flying back to Denver. My list was, of course, way too long to fit into one day. So I narrowed it down to five essentials. A little bit of beer, food, art, and touristy sites!

Pike Place Market

You can’t go to Seattle and not walk around the long halls of the public market, Pike Place Market. We stumbled upon a store that has years upon years of old magazines and newspapers. It was fun to flip through and see all the headlines year after year. There are also rows and rows and rows of tulip and flower shops! If we weren’t flying home the next day, I would have bought a bundle! And finally, if you get lucky, you can see the iconic fish throwers whipping their catch around the store.

Eat (and drink) at Old Stove Brewing

Drinking beer at Old Stove in Seattle, Washington

Head around the back side of Pike Place Market and find Old Stave Brewery. It is right on the water and has beautiful views of the city! The food and beer is delicious, definitely what you deserve from walking around the market for awhile.

Lunch food at Old Stove in Seattle, Washington

Chihuly Garden and Glass

After your stomachs are satisfied, make your way to Chihuly Garden and Glass. We got tickets here in advance that included entrance to the Chihuly Garden and Glass and a ride to the top of the Space Needle that is right next door.

I am obsessed with blown glass. It’s my favorite souvenir to purchase… so far in Hawaii, Italy, and now Seattle. Walking through an entire museum of incredible blown glass work blew my mind. I also really wanted to touch each piece but held back! These artists in my opinion are magicians, and it was a special treat to be able to see so many beautiful pieces of blown glass all in one space.

Space Needle

I could have spent all day at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, but we had tickets to the Space Needle, so next door we went!

Normally, I am not afraid of heights, but it was a bit trippy at the top of the Space Needle! I can’t believe that when they built this, none of the workers were wearing harnesses or protective gear to keep them from falling 80 feet to their death. Miraculously, no one was injured during the construction of the Space Needle! It was insane to see the progress photos and the men just hanging out at the top of the needle doing work with no harnesses.

The view from the top is amazing, but be forewarned if you are afraid of heights!

Optimism Brewery

And finally, end your night with a drink or two at Optimism Brewery. The atmosphere is really fun with outdoor space for games and the beer is delicious. It’s hard to not end your day in Seattle on a high note with cute glasses like this! Oh and don’t worry about tipping- they pay their employees fairl here :)

What is your favorite thing to do in Seattle in a day?

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Staying at Paradisus Los Cabos an All-Inclusive Getaway

July 13, 2019/in Hotels, Mexico

After weeks of non-stop pressure from work and life, my two girlfriends and I desperately needed an all-inclusive getaway. Within a few days of talking about a girls weekend, we had this trip booked. That’s just how bad we all needed it! My requirement was an all-inclusive resort in Cabo. My friends’ requirement was amazing food. We quickly narrowed in on Paradisus Los Cabos, and to really make it a ‘Treat Yo Self’ weekend, we splurged for the Adults-Only Royal Service with a butler. We booked our trip and were all ready for five days of relaxation, delicious food, and girl talk!

Three girlfriends in white tops at Paradisus Los Cabos all-inclusive getaway

Paradisus Los Cabos is an all-inclusive getaway resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico right on the coast of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Something unique about this resort is the family section and adults-only section. There are separate check-ins for both these room categories and a third check-in area for the rest of the guests. It really makes the check-in process go quickly and smoothly.

Hotel Rooms

The rooms are spacious and very comfortable at Paradisus Los Cabos. My two girlfriends and I stayed in a Royal Service Ocean View Suite with two queen beds. There was plenty of room for all of us and our stuff! And we had a beautiful view of the pool and ocean. This is the adults-only side of the resort, so we didn’t have to worry about crying kids in the middle of the night.

View of the pool at Paradisus Los Cabos an all-inclusive getaway at dusk

In the adults only part of the resort, there are swim-up suite room options. These rooms have a king bed and a large hydromassage tub inside the room, perfect for a honeymoon couple!

Swim Up Suite hotel room at Paradisus Los Cabos

Food

My two friends wanted delicious food and they certainly got it! I cannot rave enough about the food at Paradisus Los Cabos and neither could they!

There are seven different restaurants at Paradisus Los Cabos:

Naos is a breakfast buffet with plenty of food options to choose from.
Bana is Asian fusion. We loved the sushi so much we got it multiple times and had fun at Teppanyaki one night.

Restaurant table at Paradisus Los Cabos an all-inclusive getaway

Teppanyaki spelling out I love you at an all-inclusive getaway

Mole is the Mexican restaurant. You can order whatever you want on the menu, but our waiter asked us our meal preferences (I am vegetarian) and brought out the best options for us. It was great to be surprised and all the food was authentic and amazing. Make sure to get the churros!! And bring some back for me. :)

Terraza & Market Grill is an Italian steakhouse
La Palapa is next to the adults-only pool and is only for the Royal Service guests. You can get pool side dining from the restaurant or go sit in the restaurant to eat. Make sure to get the shrimp!! It was so good we got it almost every time we went to the pool!

Poolside food on your all-inclusive getaway

Gastro Bar by Martin Berasategui is the only restaurant that is an extra charge and the attire is very fancy.
Gabi Beach overlooks the ocean and beach and is open pretty much all day
Royal Service Lounge Bar has food and drinks and is only for the Royal Service guests. Their breakfast smoothies are really refreshing on a hot morning!

The food is really worth the hype at Paradisus Los Cabos. They always ask if you have any food allergies or restrictions in order to provide you the best dining experience during your stay.

Swimming Pools

There are two swimming pools at Paradisus Los Cabos, well technically three if you count the swim-up suites! The main one is for all guests. It is large enough that it never feels crowded. It has a swim-up bar and a zero entry making it easy for kids (and adults!) to get in and out.

The second pool is adults only and for Royal Service guests. I personally liked the main pool better because there is so much seating that it feels like you have your own little corner of paradise. It is also entertaining to watch the pool aerobics class happening in the middle of the day! For being a family friendly resort, there weren’t many kids around. We were there in the middle of May, so I’m not sure what the resort will feel like when kids are out of school. It was nice to have the option to go to the adults-only side if we wanted.

Beach

The beach right next to Paradisus Los Cabos is HUGE. It is more of a rocky sand than smooth sand, though. There is a roped off section of the beach for Paradisus Los Cabos guests with towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beach side food and drink service. There is a roped off section in the ocean that is technically swimmable, but the waves were so rough I didn’t want to go in any farther than dipping my toes. I would be nervous to have kids swimming in it.

Family-Friendly

Along with having an adults-only section of the resort, Paradisus Los Cabos is very family friendly. There is a section of the hotel that is meant for families. These rooms have backpacks with beach toys for the kids. At night, you can request milk, cookies and a bedtime story from your family concierge specialist. There is free group babysitting so the parents can have time to themselves. AND while we were at Paradisus Los Cabos, we joined in on a movie showing of Moana with popcorn blankets and pillows.

Poolside dusk movie showing of Moana at an all-inclusive getaway

Activities

We spent five days at Paradisus Los Cabos without leaving the resort and did not get bored once on our all-inclusive getaway weekend! There are plenty of daily activities to do along with plenty of relaxation options. We got a good laugh out of watching the pool time aerobics class (which I should have joined). We got up early one day and participated in a yoga class overlooking the beautiful ocean. One afternoon we took a wine tasting class. It was really fun to learn more about the wine they serve at Paradisus and different notes and flavors to pick up in the wines.

Yoga mat for yoga class at Paradisus Los Cabos

White wine glasses for wine tasting at Paradisus Los Cabos

If you are a Royal Service guest, you are able to use the spa’s hydrotherapy pool without booking a spa treatment. We definitely spent time here!

Hydrotherapy pool with jets running at the all-inclusive getaway

If you want to just spend a weekend relaxing at an all-inclusive getaway, you can do that at Paradisus Los Cabos. It’s also very easy to go explore Cabo and do excursions, we just didn’t want to do that on this trip!

A Perfect All-Inclusive Getaway

With the different sections of the resort, Paradisus Los Cabos is a perfect all-inclusive getaway for everyone including families, friends, couples, weddings, honeymoons, and a girls weekend.

FAQs about Paradisus Los Cabos

Do I need to bring my own beach towel?

No! There are towels on every beach and pool chair and extras spread throughout the resort. There is no need to pack extra towels. Save that suitcase room.

When is the best time to visit?

August and September are incredibly hot and it is also hurricane season. If you want the best rates, this may be the best time to go, but the weather will not be ideal. Cabo barely gets any rain and stays relatively warm throughout the year, so visiting year round is a good idea!

Whale season is November through April. During this time you will see Humpback Whales coming down for the winter and then in spring going back up to Alaska for the summer. You can see whales from the resort itself or take a boat tour to see them up close.

Do I have to tip?

That is completely up to you. I recommend tipping $1-$3 per bag for bellmen, $1 per drink for the bartender, and $1-$3 per person at a meal. If you do get a butler, it is recommended to tip. You can tip each day, or do one large tip at the end of your stay. If you tip at the end of your stay, I recommend tipping $20-$30 per person.

Is there a swimmable beach?

Technically, there is an area of the ocean that is swimmable. It is roped off, so you know where to stay to be safe. When we were there, the water was pretty rough, and I wouldn’t recommend letting children swim in the water.

Can we drink the water?

Do not drink water out of the tap in Mexico. There are water stations throughout the grounds at Paradisus Los Cabos and this is with filtered, clean water. When drinking water at the restaurants, they provide you with filtered, safe water. When in your room, drink water out of the provided water bottles. To be extra careful, brush your teeth with bottled water, too.

Are there activities to do on the resort?

Yes! We did not leave the resort for five days and had plenty to do.

Is the Royal Service worth it?

Yes! I believe the Royal Service is worth it. They treat you well no matter what level of guest you are a Paradisus Los Cabos, but if you want that extra special treatment where you don’t have to worry about anything, Royal Service is where it’s at.

How environmentally friendly is Paradisus Los Cabos

Paradisus Los Cabos is striving to be as environmentally friendly as possible. They have linen napkins and no straws. The resort is trying to get rid of water bottles with water stations throughout the property. They still need to find a way to provide safe drinking water in the rooms without having water bottles. Finally, Paradisus Los Cabos has started to grow their own produce onsite!

Garden beds at a restaurant at Paradisus Los Cabos

Paradisus by Melia champagne with a view of the ocean

Can you get married at Paradisus Los Cabos?

Yes! You can get married on the beach or on the pavilion overlooking the ocean.

Beach wedding in front of the ocean in Cabo at an all-inclusive getaway

How do I book a trip to Paradisus Los Cabos?

If you need help booking your next all-inclusive getaway to Paradisus Los Cabos, email me at thekeystotravel@gmail.com.

All-Inclusive Girls Getaway Weekend three girlfriends

Paradisus Los Cabos All-Inclusive Hotel Stay

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After visiting Belize, I believe one of the best places to stay on Ambergris Caye is Grand Caribe.

Location of Grand Caribe on Ambergris Caye

How to Get to Grand Caribe

Rooms at Grand Caribe

Amenities at Grand Caribe

Travel Tips for Belize

Picking a Spot to Visit in Belize

Where is Ambergris Caye

How to Get to Ambergris Caye

What to Pack When Traveling to Belize

Where to Eat on Ambergris Caye

What to Do on Ambergris Caye

If you have a layover in London or a day to explore London, here is a travel guide to optimize your time.

Stay at Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport when you have a layover in London

Red Telephone Box

Train to Prosecco House

Train Back to Gatwick Airport

Non-scary things to do in Colorado to celebrate Halloween.

5 perfect places for a Halloween vacation across the U.S. and the world.

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disneyland and Disney World

2. Salem, MA

3. Sleepy Hollow, NY

4. The Stanley Hotel

5. Bran Castle

Here are my top favorite places to see fall colors in Colorado.

Breckenridge

Crested Butte

Aspen

Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park

Hall of Mosses

Hoh River Trail

The Coast at Olympic National Park

Here are all all stops you need to make along your journey on the Road to Hana on Maui!

Stop 1: Fuel up at Colleen’s at the Cannery

Stop 2: Hike Twin Falls

Stop 3: Eat at a Food Stand

Stop 4: Walk Around Keanae Peninsula

Stop 5: Waikani Falls

Stop 6: Visit Black Sand Beach

Stop 7: Rest in Hana at Travaasa

Stop 8: Relax at Hamoa Beach

Stop 9: Hike the Pipiwai Trail inside Haleakalā National Park

Pike Place Market

Eat (and drink) at Old Stove Brewing

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Space Needle

Optimism Brewery

Hotel Rooms

Food

Swimming Pools

Beach

Family-Friendly

Activities

A Perfect All-Inclusive Getaway

FAQs about Paradisus Los Cabos

Do I need to bring my own beach towel?

When is the best time to visit?

Do I have to tip?

Is there a swimmable beach?

Can we drink the water?

Are there activities to do on the resort?

Is the Royal Service worth it?

How environmentally friendly is Paradisus Los Cabos

Can you get married at Paradisus Los Cabos?

How do I book a trip to Paradisus Los Cabos?

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