Travel Destinations Blog Posts | The Keys to Travel

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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Tips for Visiting Savannah

July 1, 2019/in United States

Savannah, Georgia has become one of my favorite cities USA. It is beautiful and romantic, has an unbelievable history, and is exciting to explore. Here are my top tips for visiting Savannah, Georgia.

When to Visit Savannah

Summer in Savannah is incredibly hot and humid. August is the rainiest month along with the second hottest month (July being the hottest month). In July and August, prices for activities and hotels are pretty reasonable because most people are heading to the beach to get a break from the Southern summer heat.

Winter in Savannah is “cold”, and by cold I mean in the mid-60s and not humid, which is perfect for some people. Temperatures can get close to freezing, though, so be prepared if you run into some icy, cold conditions. Prices of hotel rooms are significantly lower than the summer.

Fall and Spring is a great time to visit Savannah. The temperatures are mild, room rates are reasonable, and it isn’t too crowded with most kids being in school. During spring time you can see plenty of blooming flowers all over the city.

If you want to avoid the crowds, heat, humidity, and high prices, my suggestion is visiting Savannah in late October through March.

Window on a Savannah home — Photo provided by Justin Key Photography

What to Do in Savannah

Visit Jones Street

You can’t visit Savannah without seeing one of the prettiest streets in America. Yes, Jones Street has officially been named one of the most beautiful streets and for good reason!

Located in the heart of the Historic District of Savannah, most of the homes were built in the mid-1800s on Jones Street. The extra wide street and sidewalks are paved with brick. The trees lining the street have hanging moss, which makes it a very romantic and peaceful location. Make sure to take a leisurely stroll down the brick paved sidewalk and dream of a life in one of these homes!

Stairs to a home on Jones Street in Savannah — Photo provided by Justin Key Photography

Enjoy One (or all) of the Historic Squares

Savannah has 22 historic squares spread throughout the Historic District. The first squares were designed in 1733! These mini parks are a great break among all the historic homes and buildings. They provide shade and a comfy place to sit and read (and possibly visit with some ghosts).

Do a Haunted Pub Crawl

Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the country… or so they say! Whether or not you believe in ghosts, doing a haunted tour or haunted pub crawl is a great way to learn the history of Savannah. On most of these tours, you walk around the Historic District of Savannah with a tour guide sharing stories of the most haunted squares, homes, and buildings. And of course, you end at a cemetery!

Get Lost in a Book at The Book Lady Bookstore

If you are a book nerd like me, finding a good bookstore is like visiting the candy store. The Book Lady Bookstore is Savannah’s only full service independent bookstore. They have all types of books, including brand new, slightly used, out of print, and rare finds. I can guarantee you will find some hidden gems in this tucked away oasis.

Stroll Around Forsyth Park

When visiting Savannah, Forsyth Park is a must-stop. It is one of Savannah’s most well-known and largest parks. It’s iconic feature, the Forsyth Fountain, is at the north end of the park. There is almost always an event going on, and you can often see a wedding group taking photos near the fountain.

Forsyth Park Fountain at night in Savannah

Walk Savannah’s River Street

River Street is supposedly one of the most haunted areas in Savannah. If you are willing to battle the ghosts, River Street is a great area to explore at night. There are pubs and restaurants up and down the river. One of my favorites is Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub. They have live Irish music each night. With a glass of Guinness, it almost felt like we were back in Ireland!

Stairs on River Street in Savannah, Georgia

Where to Eat and Drink in Savannah

Brunch at Clary’s Cafe

Visiting Savannah without stopping at Clary’s Cafe is not an option. Clary’s Cafe is a classic cafe with a basic menu, but the food is so good I’ve eaten there multiple times! Oh, and they serve breakfast all day!

Visit the Olde Pink House

Fun Fact: The Olde Pink House hasn’t always been pink! In 1771, the mansion was built with bricks and covered in white stucco. Over time, the red of the brick faded through the white of the stucco to give The Olde Pink House it’s pink hue!

The Olde Pink House is now a restaurant, but be careful of the ghosts that are said to roam the halls!

The Olde Pink House Exterior of the Restaurant in Savannah

Drink and Walk Around Town

One of the many wonderful things about Savannah is the open-container law. This means you can take your drink to-go and explore Savannah with a drink in hand. Make sure to head to Wet Willies to get your frozen alcoholic drink to-go!

Drinking alcoholic slushies in Savannah, Georgia

Where to Stay in Savannah

There are plenty of places to choose from when looking for a place to stay in Savannah. We chose to stay near Forsyth Park so we had easy access to all the hot spots in the Historic District. One great thing about Savannah is their free trolly system. The dot connects you (for free!) all around Downtown and the Historic District. They even have a free water ferry shuttle! This free shuttle system makes it very easy to find affordable lodging and get to where you want to go around Savannah.

Day Trips from Savannah

If you have extra time when visiting Savannah, make sure to check out these four place just a quick drive away.

Wormsloe Historic Site

You may have already seen photos of Wormsloe Historic Site without even knowing what it was! The iconic road surrounded by rows of live oaks is what I am talking about.

Wormsloe Plantation drive with trees — Photo Provided by Justin Key Photography

This estate is only 15 minutes from Savannah. There is a lot more to this Historic Site than the beautiful tree-lined road, though. It holds the ruins of the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built in 1745. Head there yourself to see this beautiful estate!

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

When I was in Savannah with my family, we got the chance to go on a kayak tour with Savannah Coastal Ecotours in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kathryn and Fran helped us navigate the marsh and educated us along the way. I would highly recommend Savannah Coastal Ecotours for water excursions in and around Savannah. We didn’t see any alligators, but maybe you will!

Tybee Island

Tybee Island, also known as Savannah’s Beach, is the closest beach to Savannah. It is only about a 20 minute drive from the city, but is worth the drive, especially on a hot, humid summer’s day. If you want tips on what to do on Tybee Island, head to my friend Bree Pair’s blog. She created a really great Travel Guide to Tybee Island!

The Crab Shack

On the way back from Tybee Island, make sure to stop at The Crab Shack. It has a really laid back, beach feel with delicious seafood.

When you sit outside, the tables have a hole and trash can in the middle where you can throw the shells of your discarded seafood for convenience. Make sure to have a Captain Crab’s Sampler Platter for me!

Have you visited this beautiful city? What is your favorite thing to do in Savannah?

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UNICO All-Inclusive Hotel

June 13, 2019/in Hotels, Mexico

As a travel advisor, I have toured quite a few all-inclusive resorts. I am always looking for something unique to share or a ‘wow’ factor that gives travelers a reason to visit. UNICO 20*87* is the resort to visit if you are looking for unique and authentic. Before I visited this resort, I followed their Instagram account closely. It’s hard to not want to visit with a feed as beautiful as theirs. Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic honeymoon destination or a group of friends wanting a girl’s getaway, UNICO offers a unique adults-only, all-inclusive retreat unlike anything else I have seen.

UNICO All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya night pool view

Design

The meaning behind the design aesthetic at UNICO is based on local, cultural immersion. UNICO takes hints from the local Riviera Maya community and implements them into the resort with major design details like the entryway lobby (below) all the way to small details like local artists’ work on the walls.

Lobby of UNICO all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya.

Rooms

There are multiple room options and sizes at UNICO. The one below is the traditional Alcoba Ocean View room, which has the option of a king size bed or two queens. These rooms are very spacious, and I never felt tight on space while sharing a room with a friend.

Alcoba Ocean View room at UNICO all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The rooms below are swim-up suite rooms. These rooms have direct access to your own private pool area!

Swim-up suites rooms at the all-inclusive resort UNICO in Riviera Maya, Mexico

All rooms without a swim-up pool include a hydro spa tub on the balcony that your local host can prep for you.

Balcony with hot tub and ocean views at UNICO all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

With the slippers, robe and hat UNICO provides in each room, I could have relaxed on my balcony all day long.

Sitting on the hot tub on the balcony at UNICO

Food

The food is delicious at UNICO. They take local inspiration and use it in all their restaurants and bars. There are five restaurants, three bars, and in-room dining.

Mussels at UNICO an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The in-room dining options are endless. You can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late night snacks. With room service this good, I had to order it a couple of times!

Room service at UNICO, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

At the 20*87* Restaurant you can even get a mini ice-cream truck for the table! How cute is that?

Mini ice-cream truck at UNICO, Riviera Maya

Pools

There are three different pools at UNICO, one for whatever type of mood you are in.

La Unica Pool’s atmosphere is a mix between relax and party. In the morning you can do water yoga and then relax with a drink in hand all afternoon.

La Unica Pool at UNICO with water yoga mats

2. 20*87* Pool is the party pool. There is a swim-up bar, a blow-up
volleyball net and a live DJ. If you want the party vibe, head to the
20*87* pool.

3. La Escondida Pool is for those who want to relax and enjoy some quiet
time. There is peaceful music playing and always a very chill vibe.

La Escondida Pool at UNICO. The quiet, relaxing pool.

Sometimes at all-inclusive resorts you have to wake up before the sun to claim your spot at the pool. I did not feel this was the case at UNICO. There is plenty of seating options around every pool, so even if I didn’t show up to the pool until mid-afternoon, I could still find a comfy chair to relax in.

Activities

There is always something going on at UNICO. If you like to have something to do all day and night on vacation, UNICO has it all. There is a UNICO app you can download on your phone that has the full schedule of activities. There is an activity for everyone from fitness classes to tequila tasting classes to live music and salsa lessons.

Volunteer

Another aspect of UNICO I love is their “Vacation for a Cause” program. It is a very simple volunteer program. They provide a list of needed items on their website and all you have to do is bring those items to UNICO when you visit. The staff then brings the donations to local non-profit organizations in their community. I don’t have children yet, so it was fun to shop for some coloring supplies to donate! See what types of things you can bring to donate when you visit UNICO here.

If you would like to learn more about visiting UNICO 20*87*, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com, and we can start planning your vacation!

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?

When to Visit Savannah

What to Do in Savannah

Visit Jones Street

Enjoy One (or all) of the Historic Squares

Do a Haunted Pub Crawl

Get Lost in a Book at The Book Lady Bookstore

Stroll Around Forsyth Park

Walk Savannah’s River Street

Where to Eat and Drink in Savannah

Brunch at Clary’s Cafe

Visit the Olde Pink House

Drink and Walk Around Town

Where to Stay in Savannah

Day Trips from Savannah

Wormsloe Historic Site

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Tybee Island

The Crab Shack

Design

Food

Pools

Activities

Volunteer

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