Here is where you will find travel blog posts highlighting different travel destinations, travel guides, travel itineraries, and travel tips on destinations all over the world.

Tips for Visiting Savannah

Tips for Visiting Savannah

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Tips for Visiting Savannah
Tips for Visiting Savannah

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!

Homes on Jones Street in Savannah

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).

Historic square park bench in Savannah

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!

Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia

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.

Bookstore in Savanah, Georgia

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!

Kayaking through the marsh in Savannah

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!

Tybee Island Lighthouse

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.

Outdoor eating area at The Crab Shack

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!

Seafood Platter at The Crab Shack

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

  • Walking River Street
  • Jones Street
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La Unica Pool at UNICO

UNICO All-Inclusive Hotel

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Swim-Up Suites at UNICO an all-inclusive hotel

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 20*87 an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

UNICO 20*87 an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

UNICO 20*87 an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

UNICO 20*87 an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

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.

  • Lounging on the balcony at UNICO
  • 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.

  1. 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
  • 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.

20*87* Pool at UNICO, the party 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.

Lounge chairs at UNICO pool

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.

  • Activities at UNICO 20*87 all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Mexico

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.

Vacation for a Cause Volunteer Program at UNICO

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!

Best all-inclusive adults-only resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, UNICO 20*87.

Top 10 Things To Do on Oahu

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So you’re heading to Oahu, Hawaii, but you’re not sure what you should do or things that shouldn’t be missed? Here are my top ten recommendations on what to do when traveling to the Island of Oahu!

1. Watch the Sunrise

Inevitably, you will have jet lag waking up the first morning in Oahu if you are flying in from the mainland. When you wake up before the sun, head over to the East side of the island to watch the sunrise. Lanikai Beach is great for this.

Sunrise over the Island of Oahu, Hawaii.

2. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Mai Tai Bar

Check out The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Built in 1927, this hotel has incredible history. It is truly beautiful inside and out… it will be a hard one to miss considering it is a light pink on the outside, sometimes nicknamed the Pink Palace. Outside just steps from Waikiki Beach, make sure to try out the Mai Tai Bar. There are so many different mai tais and taste delicious.

  • Couple photo right outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

3. Cinnamon’s

Eat at Cinnamon’s in Kailua for breakfast. Their guava pancakes are award winning for a reason! Also, try their ginger tea, and let me know if you can find out the secret ingredient that makes this tea so delicious.

Guava pancake and breakfast at Cinnamon's in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii.

4. The North Shore

Drive to The North Shore along the Kamehameha Highway. It is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu and there are plenty of food trucks to pick from along the way. The famous Shrimp Shack was my favorite spot! The North Shore in winter has huge waves with well known surfer competitions, but in the summer the ocean is pretty calm and this is a good floating spot for you and your favorite floatie!

  • Food truck The Shrimp Shack along the highway to the North Shore in Oahu, Hawaii
  • Floating in the ocean in Oahu, Hawaii on a flamingo and swan float

5. Honolulu Botanical Gardens

If you need a break from the beach and sun, head to one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. There are five gardens throughout the island, so plenty to choose from depending where you are staying. We went to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are so many tropical plant species to learn about and see with plenty of walking trails. Also- free admission!

Oahu Botanical Gardens in Oahu, Hawaii.

6. Hanauma Bay

If you are interested in snorkeling, head to Hanauma Bay. It is a very popular snorkel spot, so get there early. They will close if they reach capacity. They provide snorkeling gear and a quick tutorial and safety 101, if you need it. Otherwise, you can head on down to the beach and start snorkeling!

Hanauma Bay from above, a great snorkeling spot in Oahu, Hawaii.

7. Waikiki Brewing Co.

Along the main drag in Waikiki is Waikiki Brewing Co. They have great beer and food and a fun atmosphere with plenty of seating indoors and out.

Beer at Waikiki Brewing Co in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii.

8. Hike

Three of my favorite hikes were Kaena Point, Manoa Falls Trail, and Diamond Head. Kaena Point is super hot and dry, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Fun Fact – It is also the most Western point of Oahu.  For a hike where you are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, head to the center of the island for Manoa Falls Trail, You’re basically hiking through a rainforest, so bring a raincoat! Diamond Head is a touristy hike to do, but the views from the top are amazing. It is also very easy to get to if you are staying in Waikiki.

9. Luau

Experience an authentic Luau.  We went to Germaine’s Luau and had a blast. You will learn the history to the Hawaiian Luau, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, and watch and maybe participate in an authentic luau.

Authentic Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii. Germaine's Luau.

10. Shave Ice

And a final classic Oahu tradition is eat all the shave ice you can! You can find shave ice stands pretty much everywhere you go. There are so many flavors you can mix, and they are especially refreshing when you get hot from being out in the tropical sun! Let me know what your favorite flavor is when you are back on the mainland!

Shave Ice in Oahu, Hawaii.

What are some of your favorite things to do when traveling to Oahu, Hawaii?

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Aruba clear ocean with views of a wrecked ship

Top 10 Things to Do in Aruba

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Photos of the ocean in Aruba and the butterfly farm. Top 10 Things To Do In Aruba

Aruba’s slogan is ‘One Happy Island’ for a reason. There is so much to do on this tiny 74 square foot island, but you always feel relaxed and happy no matter what you’re doing. From relaxing on some of the top rated beaches in the world to exploring the Arikok National Park, here are my top 10 recommendations of what to do when visiting the beautiful island of Aruba.

1. Visit Flamingo Island

Flying into Aruba, you will land in the capital, Oranjestad. My recommendation is to stay two nights at the Renaissance Aruba Hotel and Casino, which is just a quick 10 minute taxi ride from the airport. That way you have time to explore the capital AND you can spend a full day at Flamingo Island! The Renaissance Hotel owns their own private island that guests can visit for free. The Island is technically called Renaissance Island and the Flamingo Island side is adults only and the Iguana Island side is family friendly. There are day passes for non-hotel guests, but it costs $99 per day per visitor and they only give out about 30 guest passes a day. On average, staying at the Renaissance Hotel costs $150 per night. Since I was staying with my husband, it was more cost effective and easier to stay at the hotel. Then we were guaranteed a full day at the island!  

  • Flamingo beach in Aruba, an island in the Caribbean
  • Flamingo beach in Aruba, an island in the Caribbean

2. Explore Arikok National Park

The west side of Aruba is filled with beautiful white sandy beaches, and the East side of the island is considered the “rugged” part of the island, which includes Arikok National Park. Spending time around the whole island, it is hard to believe these vastly different environments exist on one tiny island. Arikok National Park includes a lot to explore, from caves to natural pools. Some parts of the Park require a 4×4 vehicle (the natural pool areas), so make sure you are driving one of those if you want to visit! It does get VERY hot during the middle of the day, so make sure to get an early start. Entrance fee is $11/person.

  • Arikok National Park in Aruba rocky coast views
  • Dark Cave in Arikok National Park in Aruba

3. Yoga at Island Yoga

If you practice yoga, you probably know Yoga Girl, Rachel Brathen. Well, she lives in Aruba and started her own yoga studio called Island Yoga. If you’re lucky and she is in Aruba while you’re there, you can take a class with Rachel! They also offer stand-up-paddleboard yoga classes, have a really cute boutique and delicious cafe with all vegan options. It’s a must-stop while in Aruba.

  • Yoga Girl, Rachel Brathen, in Aruba at the Island Yoga Cafe
  • Island Yoga sign in Aruba

4. Relax on the Beach

Aruba’s beaches are what tropical vacation postcards are made of. Many of the beaches rank at the top in the world, including Eagle Beach, which was in National Geographic’s Top 24 Best Spots in the Caribbean. My favorite beaches with white sand and crystal, clear blue water (my vision of paradise), were Baby Beach on the southern tip of the island, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. In Aruba, there are plenty of beaches to choose from to sit back and relax in the sun!

Baby Beach in Aruba with white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue ocean water.
Baby Beach

5. Snorkel or Dive

Crystal clear ocean blue water with an off shore shipwreck in Aruba

The ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) Islands are well known for their snorkeling and scuba diving thanks to the crystal clear blue waters. There are also a lot of shipwrecks, which is where a variety of fish gather. The ship in the photo to the left is a shipwreck we snorkeled and was my favorite snorkel spot. There were so many fish, it was unreal!

Unfortunately, we forgot to charge our Go-Pro and so we couldn’t capture this moment in photos.

A few other great snorkel spots is Baby Beach where we heard some people saw sea turtles, Mangrove Beach where my husband saw an octopus, and Catalina Cove where the water is crystal clear and very calm.

6. Sand Dune Sunrise

The California Sand Dunes are located on the far north corner of the island, just far enough to see a beautiful sunrise over the east side. It is a quick drive from the Palm Beach area. Like the name describes, it’s a large area of sand dunes, so driving there before the sunrise in the pitch black is a small challenge. It is worth it, though. We didn’t see anyone around for the entire sunrise and were able to explore the dunes on our own before heading back to our hotel for breakfast.

Sunrise over the ocean in Aruba

Also, an extra special treat for watching the sunrise at the California Sand Dunes is once the sun is up the California Lighthouse is visible!

California Lighthouse in Aruba

7. Deep Sea Fishing

Of course this is the part of the trip where my photos decided to disappear, but if you or your partner love fishing, deep sea fishing in Aruba is a must! There are so many types of fish available for catching. This was a special gift for my husband, but we both had a great time. I even caught a Tuna that we had for dinner (proof in the disappeared photos…)! Most of the fishing charters depart from the marina in Oranjestad and there are plenty of great options to choose from!

8. Enjoy Every Sunset

On an island this beautiful, it is no surprise that every sunset is worth watching. Many restaurants in Palm Beach have great views of the sunset that you can enjoy a drink or dinner while catching the last rays of the day. Or just pick a spot on the beach to sit back and relax while the sky puts on a show.

  • Sunset on Palm Beach in Aruba with palm trees
  • Sunset in Mangrove Beach in Aruba

9. Sunset Cruise

Another way to enjoy the sunset is to take a Sunset Cruise. There are multiple companies that offer this, but we decided to go with Red Sail Sports. We loved this group and you can tell the crew really enjoy their job. It’s about a 2 hour sail on a beautiful catamaran with complimentary appetizers, drinks for sale, and music. They depart right from Palm Beach where most of the hotels are located, so it’s very easy to walk to at the end of a day in the sun!

Sunset Cruise in Aruba

10. Hang With the Butterflies

If you need a break from all the sun and sand, head to The Butterfly Farm, which is right in-between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. There are free guided tours throughout the day that share so much about the butterflies. You can freely roam the farm as long as you would like, and they provide you a ticket to come back for free during your stay in Aruba. Make sure to wear breathable clothes, it gets hot in there! Entrance fee is $15.

  • Monarch Butterfly at The Butterfly Farm in Aruba
  • The Butterfly Farm in Aruba with butterflies

Aruba is a beautiful tropical island with so much to offer. These were just 10 of my favorite things! What do you love to do most in Aruba?

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Snowshoeing Trail near Denver, Colorado.

Snowshoeing Trail Near Denver

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Dog running in the snow- Snowshoe Trail Near Denver

Colorado is definitely known for skiing and snowboarding, but my favorite winter activity is snowshoeing. One specific reason is because my dog, Lambeau, can join us. I think he was made for winter. He never looks happier than when he is running and playing in the snow. And yes, he wears dog booties because his paws pile in the snow real quick.

Goldendoodle dog running in the snow while parents are snowshoeing. Brainard Lake near Denver, Colorado.

Avoiding I-70 during winter is something I try to do often. This is the main highway to the mountains and is always jam packed on the weekends. I recently learned about a system of trails that are great for snowshoeing where you don’t have to take I-70. This trail system is Brainard Lake Recreation Area. It is out just past Boulder and takes only about an hour to get to from Denver. A very great option for a quick day hike.

Snowshoe trail near Denver, Colorado.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area has a lot of snowshoeing trail options. is free in the winter for visitors, and has a large parking lot. One snowshoeing trail leads right to Brainard Lake, which I hear is beautiful. However, if you bring your furry friend, you cannot use this trail. Instead, we went off on another trail that allows dogs and for a Sunday morning, it wasn’t busy at all. We basically had the trail to ourselves with some fresh new snow.

Getting out in nature, especially in the winter when the days are shorter and the weather is drearier, is a great way to reset and improve your mood. I would highly recommend this trail system as an easy day trip from Denver, for a snowshoe hike or a regular hike in the summer!

What are some of your favorite snowshoeing trails near your home or that you have tried while traveling?

Snowshoe trail near Denver, Colorado.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

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Forest and ocean view - Where to Stay in Costa Rica

When I visited the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica in December (I highly recommend going to Costa Rica in December!), I was able to tour multiple hotels. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of hotel types in this region. There were all-inclusives, boutiques, and eco-friendly off the beaten path lodging. Costa Rica really has it all for any type of traveler!

Best hotels to stay at in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica
Best hotels to stay at in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica
Best hotels to stay at in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica
Best hotels to stay at in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica

Planet Hollywood in Costa Rica just opened at the end of 2018. If you want to be treated like a Star on your vacation, head to Planet Hollywood. When you arrive, you are greeted with a cool towel and a delicious purple drink. It is all about experience here. You walk the red carpet, have your photo taken and everyone claps for you. It’s a great experience when arriving at a resort after a long day of travel.

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Costa Rica Red Carpet Entrance.

With a great all-inclusive program, you have many options from food and drink to activities. I luckily got to stay as a Star Class member, which I would recommend. You get additional benefits like a private pool and bar area (quieter and more relaxing than the main pool area), complimentary access to the hydrotherapy pool, upgraded room service, and more. You can’t go wrong staying at Planet Hollywood!

Planet Hollywood Costa Rica private pool for Star Class Members.

Hotel RIU Guanacaste

Hotel RIU is another all-inclusive option in the Guanacaste region. The RIU and the RIU Palace are right next to each other and both are great options for group or family travel. This resort is affordable and has the option of connecting rooms. RIU’s are known for their great locations on pristine beaches and this one did not disappoint. This resort is a large one with 3 pools, activities for kids and adults, all-inclusive 24 hours, large beachfront access, and so much more. If you’re looking for an affordable all-inclusive option, RIU is a good option.

View from Top Floor looking at the ocean at the Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Andaz is a lifestyle brand of Hyatt and you definitely feel their slogan “come as a visitor, depart as a local” the second you walk inside. Andaz is not an all-inclusive option, but don’t let that hold you back from visiting. Their unique architecture seems to be one with nature. They have four pools, one being an adults-only pool, and access to three beaches. They also have a private beach house! Being so intertwined with the natural environment, this hotel instantly calms and relaxes you.

View of the ocean and part of the Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica.

El Mangroove

El Mangroove is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. It is a modern hotel right on the Gulf of Papagayo. One of my favorite parts of this hotel was the spa area. The spa is incredible with outdoor spa stations, private relaxation pods, and all the services and treatments you could need to unwind and relax on your vacation. The hotel is surrounded by the forest and beautiful mangroves that Guanacaste is well known for.

Views of the private spa stations at the El Mangroove in Costa Rica.

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

If you want all-inclusive luxury, Secrets is the way to go. Their Unlimited Luxury program works to exceed your expectations of all-inclusive, and they do just that. This is an adults-only resort and is perfect for a couples getaway, honeymoon or destination wedding. Who wouldn’t want to relax with their honey with a view like that?

View of the beach at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.

Drift Away Eco Lodge

If you’re looking for a hotel off the beaten path away from tourists, definitely stay at the Drift Away Eco Lodge. This beautiful eco lodge is located south of Tamarindo and very much in with the locals. The beach is right across the road, just a short 3 minute walk. With no tourists around, the beach is basically your own private beach! I cannot recommend this hotel enough if you’re looking to get away, relax and rejuvenate.

Swimming pool with palm trees at the Drift Away Eco Lodge.

Are you interested in going to Costa Rica and need help deciding where to stay or what to do? Send me a message at hello@thekeystotravel.com, and we can start planning your trip!

Best hotels to stay at in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica
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Drift Away Eco Lodge Pool

The Drift Away Eco Lodge in Costa Rica

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Four photos of the Drift Away Eco Lodge in Costa Rica
Drift Away Eco Lodge in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for off the beaten path and a remote, beautiful stay in Costa Rica, I would highly recommend the Drift Away Eco Lodge.

Sign at the Drift Away eco-lodge in Cost Rica.

Drift Away Eco Lodge is located just 30 minutes south of Tamarindo in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. The closest and easiest airport to fly into would be Liberia. I would recommend renting a car to get around, but there are many delicious local restaurants nearby and easy to get to and the beach is just steps away.

Drift Away Eco Lodge on a Google Map for direction.

While staying at the Drift Away Eco Lodge, I felt like I was really getting a feel for local Costa Rica and supporting the local community. To them, sustainability means being eco friendly and supporting the community. The staff are all local and so incredibly friendly and helpful. They always put a smile on my face. Drift Away works on local projects to help better the community they are a part of. And many of the products used at the hotel are sourced locally.

Drift Away Eco Lodge local sourced coffee and tea in Costa Rica.

One of my favorite parts about staying here (besides the basically private breach we had all to ourselves!) was the laid back, relaxing vibe. It is really a great place to relax and unwind. My life slowed down, and I was able to just enjoy the now. I enjoyed lounging by the pool, playing pool and ping pong, and eating the daily delicious breakfast.

Pool at the Drift Away Eco Lodge in Costa Rica.

I love that this hotel is built into the landscape. Luckily, I went in December right after rainy season so all the vegetation was so green and luscious. It felt like I was in a rainforest! One thing I noticed is how perfect this location would be for a group getaway, company retreat, or health retreat. There are plenty of spaces for breakout sessions, an area for yoga, and there are plenty of different room layouts to accommodate any group. I could see myself going a yoga retreat here… well any excuse to go back!

Drift Away Eco Lodge seating areas in Costa Rica.

Rooms

The rooms are beautiful and simple. Some rooms do have an open concept bathroom (no door!), so make sure you’re comfortable with whoever you are staying with! The furniture is all sourced and made locally along with the driftwood decorations. The memory foam mattresses are incredibly comfortable. It was hard getting out of bed each day… except the beach was always calling my name!

Hotel room at the Drift Away Eco Lodge in Costa Rica.

Beach

The beach is a 3 minute walk from the hotel. Like I said before, it is like having your own private beach all to yourself! I only saw a few people the couple days I were there, and they were all locals walking their dogs or jumping in the ocean for a quick swim. It was incredibly peaceful and a great way to just reset.

Beach in Costa Rica

If you are interested in staying at this hotel or have questions about Costa Rica, email me at thekeystotravel@gmail.com.

Happy Travels!

Drift Away Eco Lodge Pool in Costa Rica.
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Hammock on a beach at the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida

Why Stay at a Disney World Resort

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Four photos of Disney World - Why Stay at a Disney World Resort
Why Stay at a Disney World Property

There are many options when deciding where to stay when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. When my husband and I spent a weekend at Disney World, we decided staying at a resort on the Disney property was the best option, mainly because of the transportation. Disney has a convenient (and free) bus service to and from the Orlando International Airport, Disney Parks and Disney Springs. Having our hotel so close to the Disney Parks and with the convenient transportation allowed us more time at the parks and less time and money traveling each day.

Of course, another reason we decided to stay at a Disney Resort was to experience the full Disney charm throughout our entire vacation. We were only in Orlando for 2 full days, so that meant wanting to get our fill of Disney the whole time we were there.

There are numerous options to choose from when looking to stay on a Disney property from a campground, to value resorts, to moderate resorts, deluxe villas and luxury hotels. Ultimately, we chose Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

  • Moderate resort hotel option
  • Close proximity to the Parks (Epcot and Magic Kingdom) that we were going to go to as well as Disney Springs and the Boardwalk
  • A fun “warm weather themed” resort that I was needing after some cold winter months in Colorado!
Hammock on a beach at the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Even though we were at Magic Kingdom and Epcot for two full days, we were able to explore and enjoy the Caribbean Beach Resort on the two half days we had bookending our trip. If you’re going to Disney World, I would highly recommend staying on a Disney property to fully experience the Disney charm!

Where have you stayed when visiting Disney World? I would love new ideas for our next visit!

Do you need help planning and booking your next Disney Vacation? Message me here to get started!

Palm trees, grass, river, and bridge that connects Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
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Boardwalk Hotel Aruba swimming pool

Where to Stay in Aruba

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Are you heading to Aruba but have no idea where to stay to get the most out of your experience? When I went to Aruba, I chose to stay at two different hotels. Here are my recommendations for where to stay on this One Happy Island! 

I heart Aruba Sign.

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

The first hotel we stayed at was the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. There are two main reasons we chose this hotel to stay at for two nights, with the second one being the biggest driving factor!

  1. This hotel is located in the capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, and is very close to the airport. We landed late at night so easy access to our hotel was a bonus. 
  2. They have their own private island with FLAMINGOS on it! Staying at this hotel gives you free access to this island. So of course we booked two nights here to spend one full day at the island of flamingos! This private island also has hammocks in the water. If you want a unique, perfect island day in the sun, I’d highly recommend staying at this hotel for easy access! 
Flamingo Island in Aruba
Hammock over the water in Aruba

Boardwalk Hotel

The second hotel I stayed at was an affordable, smaller boutique hotel in Palm Beach called the Boardwalk Hotel. This hotel isn’t directly on the beach, but just a short walk across the road will get you to their private part of the beach in between the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott. 

Boardwalk Hotel Beach in Aruba
Boardwalk Hotel Beach in Aruba

The Boardwalk has individual casitas that include a patio, hammock, kitchen, indoor sitting area, room, and bathroom. I enjoyed having the option to cook our meal if I wanted to! It also felt like you were sitting in the jungle with the beach just steps away. 

I think my favorite part of this hotel, though, is the swimming pool. Surrounded by beautiful landscape it feels like your own personal sanctuary in the jungle. 

Boardwalk Hotel in Aruba pool and floatie flamingo.

There are many lodging options, including all-inclusive hotels in Aruba. I think the next time I go, I will try one that is directly on the beach in the Palm Beach area!

How to Book Your Vacation to Aruba

If you need help booking your trip to Aruba, contact me at hello@thekeystotravel.com or fill out our travel inquiry form.  

Where to Stay in Aruba