As I’m typing this, it is taking 18 long weeks to get your passport, either new or renewed. Even if you expedite the process, it will still take 12 weeks to receive your passport. (Click here to check on the current processing time.) Many times, you need a beach vacation ASAP and don’t want to wait 4.5 months to get your passport back to travel. That is where I got this idea for this blog post. There has to be great beach vacations that don’t require a passport. I compiled my 5 best options outlined below. So instead of putting off yet another vacation, pick one below and pack your bags!

Top 5 Beach Vacations to Visit without a Passport

1. Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is continually rated as one of America’s Favorite Islands. If you’re looking for a beach vacation that has a lot more to offer than just sunbathing, this island is a great option. And no passport required! Some highlights of this island include more than 33 championship golf courses, 12 miles of pristine beaches, 60 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, running or biking, shopping, water activities, and so much more. From luxurious resorts to boutique hotels or beachfront villas, this island is a great escape for couples, families, and groups that want a beach vacation without the restrictions of a passport.

2. The Florida Keys – Beach Vacations that Don’t Require a Passport

Although The Florida Keys isn’t well known for having the best beaches (there are a few!) this is the closest you will get to a true Caribbean Island Vacation vibe in the continental USA. if you want the true Caribbean Island vacation vibe, the Florida Keys is the perfect spot. I would recommend this beach destination that doesn’t require a passport for those that love the water. The Florida Keys is famous for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and all the water sports. It is also a great destination for travelers looking for a scenic road trip. Start in either Miami or Key West and start driving to explore all 5 keys, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, The Lower Keys, and Key West. Each key has something unique and fun to offer vacationers. Which Key will become your favorite?

3. Hawaii

If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, beach relaxation, and unique culture, the Hawaiian Islands would be a great vacation that doesn’t require a passport. One of the many things I love about Hawaii is that you can go visit multiple times and always have a new experience. Each island is unique enough to really give you an option for 5 completely different vacations. Click here for my romantic itinerary on the island of Maui. Head here for tips on things not to miss on the island of Oahu. For customized itineraries and help booking your dream vacation to Hawaii, fill out this form to get started on the planning process!

4. Puerto Rico – A Beach Vacation that Doesn’t Require a Passport

Are you looking to leave the USA without needing a passport? The next two Caribbean islands allow for that. First, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a US Territory, meaning US Citizens do not need a passport to visit. If you are still waiting on your passport to process or you just haven’t gotten one yet, you can still visit the Caribbean without a passport. Puerto Rico is well known for beautiful beaches, local culture, natural beauty with protected parks and nature preserves, a rich history, and delicious authentic local food. WIth 7 different regions to explore, Purto Rico has a little bit of everything for each type of traveler.

5. US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands is another US Territory, meaning US Citizens do not need a passport to visit. The main islands that make up the US Virgin Islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. This is a great destination for island hopping, boating, or spending your days searching for the best beach. There are plenty of spots to discover to get away from the crowds. If you’re looking to truly relax and recharge in peace, US Virgin Islands may just be your sanctuary.

Which beach vacation are you ready to visit without a passport? 

Let me help you plan your next dream vacation. Wondering why it would be a good idea to work with a travel advisor? Read more here. And when you’re ready, fill out this form and we will start the planning process!

---

What’s it like to travel during a pandemic? Well, I decided to find out! At the end of July 2020, my husband and I traveled from Colorado to Antigua to celebrate my birthday and see what it’s like to travel right now in 2020. This was our first time traveling since February before the pandemic hit. Although quite a few policies and protocols have changed, traveling right now wasn’t as drastically different as I thought it would be. 

Here is an overview of what it’s like to travel right now (summer 2020). 

**Note- Policies are continually changing, so if you have questions about travel when you’re reading this, please reach out and I’ll be happy to share what I know.**

Domestic Air Travel

• 

• 

At the start and end of our trip, we flew domestic flights, so we were able to see what it is like to travel right now domestically. From Colorado to Antigua, we flew on American Airlines with a 23-hour layover in Miami. From Antigua back to Colorado, we flew Delta Airlines with an overnight in Atlanta.

Parking

When flying, we normally park our car in long-term parking at the airport. A few days before our trip, I realized that most of Denver International Airport’s parking lots are shut down due to social distancing issues on shuttles from the parking lots to the airport. We ended up riding Lyft to the airport instead. All Lyft drivers and passengers are now required to wear masks and most Lyft drivers now have partitions between the front seat and the back seat to protect everyone.

Airports

The airports were not as busy as normal, but busier than I anticipated. We flew through Denver, Atlanta, and Miami, which are normally some of the busiest airports. There weren’t many lines at all. Most restaurants were not open. If they were, they spaced out the tables and chairs to make for social distancing. Throughout the airports, everyone was doing their best to social distance and wearing masks. 

Airlines

American Airlines currently does not have any seat restrictions. When we boarded our flights, there were three people to a row. Luckily, our flights were not full, so once everyone barded, we were able to spread out and it was just my husband and myself in a row. 

Delta Airlines is restricting all middle seats on all flights, which is only putting their flights at max 60% capacity. 

Both American Airlines and Delta Airlines are not doing food/beverage services in the main cabin. When you board American Airlines, they hand you a baggie with water, snacks, and hand sanitizer wipes. When you board Delta Airlines, they hand you hand sanitizer wipes, and then when in the air, they walk around with baggies with water and snacks inside. 

Biggest Changes to Domestic Air Travel Right Now

• Restrictions on parking at airports.
• Masks required in the airport and on planes.
• Scan your own ticket at TSA.
• Delta Airlines is restricting seating to no middle seats.
• American Airlines flights were not full, so we were able to spread out.

Biggest Challenge

It’s always difficult to get from Colorado to the Caribbean. During normal times, most flights leave Denver at 1am. With the pandemic and way fewer flights happening, our biggest challenge was finding decent flight itineraries that got us to Antigua and home. This is why we ended up with an overnight in Miami on the way to Antigua and an overnight in Atlanta on the way home. 

International Air Travel

Antigua was one of the first Caribbean islands to reopen for tourism after the pandemic shutdown. At first, they weren’t requiring negative COVID tests upon arrival, but now they are. 

Biggest Changes to International Air Travel Right Now

• Before boarding the plane, travelers must show a negative COVID test, passport, and Antigua entry form.
• No food/beverage service. You receive a baggie when boarding with water, snacks, and hand wipes. 

International Travel

Obviously, each country has its own new policies on reopening for tourism. Antigua was one of the first Caribbean islands to reopen after the pandemic shutdown and although they have made slight changes to policies along the way, the process has been going smoothly. It is wonderful to see these islands (safely) accepting tourism again to help the local economy. 

For Antigua, they are now requiring negative COVID tests taken within 7 days of arriving. Also, they are reopening resorts in phases and each resort must pass a certification process to reopen. Land and water-based excursions are reopening in a phased approach similar to the resorts. You can go on excursions with approved vendors that have passed appropriate inspection, training, and certification y the Ministry of Health and Tourism Officials. 

Biggest Changes to International Travel Right Now

• Must show a negative COVID test upon arrival.
• Fill out an additional entry form.
• Temperature checks upon arrival to airport and resorts.
• Masks required in all public places.

Overall Biggest Changes to Travel Right Now

There really isn’t much of a difference from what you are doing at home to stay safe than what you would do while traveling.

• Where a mask.
• Social distance.
• Sanitize.
• Wash hands.

Overall, we felt very safe traveling. Airports, airlines, customs, and resorts are going above and beyond to keep people safe and everything clean. I was very happy we were able to travel to Antigua for my birthday. It was great to celebrate a new milestone while supporting the locals during what has been an incredibly difficult year for a country that relies on tourism for income.  

What have been your experiences traveling right now in 2020?

---

[mailerlite_form form_id=2]

This blog post includes affiliate links for travel books – which means I earn a small commission if you use purchase through them. It doesn’t change the price on your end, but rewards me for sharing with you!

---

I love to read. I think it boils down to my love for travel. Both reading and travel bring me to a different place. I get to experience a different life, a different story when reading and traveling. So when I am not traveling and find a good book that combines a good story with travel, I am in my happy place. Since we can’t be traveling right now, it is the perfect time to dig into a lot of good travel books. I put together a list of seven travel books you should read, but I’d love to add more to my list. Let me know what travel books you love to read in the comments. 

Here are the best travel books to read during the COVID-19 isolation! 

Travel Book #1
The Yellow Envelope by Kim Dinan

This may be one of my favorite travel books. It’s definitely a feel-good book about the power of travel and giving. A couple decides to pack up and sell all their belongings and go travel the world. Before they leave, a neighbor gives them a yellow envelope with money inside. Their instructions are to give the money away to those they encounter on their journey. The story is about learning money isn’t always the most important thing you can give another person. The Yellow Envelope is a story about how travel stretches and pushes a person and the power of giving more than just money. It will definitely give you a different perspective on the world and those around you the next time you travel.

Travel Book #2
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Ok, this is my second favorite travel book. Instead of the normal self-help and research books out there, this one is written by a journalist. Eric Weiner takes on a different perspective when searching for what makes someone happy. He travels through many different countries, that are all on different parts of the happiness scale. It’s interesting to see what makes people happy in Iceland is completely different than what makes people happy in Switzerland. Is there really a “right” answer to finding happiness? This book makes me want to go on my own journey around the world of finding out what makes each country’s people happy!

Travel Book #3
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett

This one is darker and a heavier read than the first two I recommended. It is based on a true story of a woman’s experience being captured and held hostage in Somalia for 460 days. It is amazing to read of this woman’s true experience and what helped her get through an incredibly horrific experience.

Travel Book #4
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

You have probably heard of this book and/or seen the movie created based on the novel, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I actually read the book and then watched the movie on the plane ride to Italy! This book is a memoir of the author’s trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia after her divorce. Travel is an incredible gift that can help anyone going through a difficult time or change in their life. Read this story to see the journey Elizabeth Gilbert goes on while searching for her own true happiness. It will also probably make you want to go visit at least one of the three countries she visits throughout the book!

Travel Book #5
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

This is another book that has been turned into a movie and another book about going on a personal journey after great loss. Wild is a memoir about Chery Strayed’s journey of losing her mother, then her marriage and family and going on a trek on the Pacific Crest Trail to heal. It’s a pretty good book filled with suspense, sorrow, and laughter and makes you feel like anything is possible. After reading this book, you will feel like you can overcome any obstacles thrown your way

Bonus! Travel Book #6
The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, Amanda Pressner

I haven’t read this book yet, but I have heard so many good things about it that I had to add it to my list. This is a story about three girls coming up on their 30th birthday and decide to leave everything to travel the world for a year. They travel to four continents and push themselves out of their comfort zone in hopes of finding inspiration and direction. Traveling and exploring the world with some best friends sounds like an amazing book to me. I can’t wait to read it! 

When we can’t physically be traveling, books are a great way to be taken to a new place and a new world. What books have you read that inspires you to travel or visit a new place? I’m always looking for new books to add to my list.

Travelers, if you’re like me, you’re wondering how to take better videos while you travel. Well, Annabelle Needles with Evergreen Lane Productions is here to help us! In her guest blog post below, she explains 5 easy ways to take better videos on your travels. Thank you, Annabelle!

---

If you’re like me, you love that your smartphone has made taking photos and videos of your travels super easy and accessible. However, on the flip side, this means that often we take hundreds of photos and video clips on our travels but they end up just disappearing into the digital void, never to be seen or enjoyed again. So how can we be sure that we’re taking great videos on our epic vacations (the family reunion where multiple generations are all together, the epic honeymoon you splurged on, the precious girls weekend after you’ve all become mothers)? I’m here to help, with 5 easy ways to take better videos on your travels. Yes, even with your iPhone!

5 Easy Ways to Take Better Videos on Your Travels

1. Choose a camera orientation and stick to it

Smartphones can take video in two modes, landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical). Social media videos like Instagram stories are training us to hold our phones vertically to take and watch videos. That being said, I highly recommend that if you’re going to want to watch your videos on a computer or a TV later, shoot your videos in landscape orientation. This is especially the case if you’re wanting to edit them together afterward into a mini-movie of your trip. As a video editor, I often see clients send me videos in both landscape AND portrait, which makes it more difficult to actually integrate those videos together. The most important thing to consider here is consistency – choose one way to hold your camera while recording video and stick to it throughout your whole trip.

2. Capture a variety of types of video clips

We all have a favorite type of photo or video to take on trips. For me, that’s wide shots of scenery or close-ups of flowers. My husband likes to take selfies upon selfies. The important thing to remember while taking video on your travels is to capture a wide variety of types of videos and not get stuck in one “style.” A video full of pretty views is going to be beautiful but won’t tell much of a story. Same with a video with just flower close-ups or just selfies. Think of it like this: to make interesting writing, you need nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Mix it up and your final video will be able to tell a more complete story of your vacation.

3. Get as stable as possible

This strange thing happens when we’re watching back video clips later – we could have sworn our hands were so steady but in reality, we were moving all over the place and the video isn’t very fun to watch! Here are some quick tips to increase the stability of your video footage. Don’t hold your breath – sometimes we do this without thinking when we’re concentrating, but slow, even breaths will help your hands stay steady. Keep your hands close to you; the further you extend your arms away from your body, the shakier they get! If possible, use a prop like a wall or a chair as a makeshift tripod and rest your camera on top while you’re filming. I know not everyone has space or budget to invest in video-taking tools, but if you do, I highly recommend a smartphone gimbal. You can see all my gear recommendations here!

4. Count to ten when filming

It’s true that I often use only 2-3 seconds of a video clip in a final video, but few things are worse than when I want to show something for a little bit longer…and the clip just stops! You can always trim video clips in editing later, but you can’t go back in time and film something again, especially if it’s halfway around the world. I recommend simply counting to ten while you’re recording.

5. Focus on the five senses

When you’re taking video, you’ll be focused primarily on the things you can see. Smell-o-vision doesn’t exist yet, of course. However, the things that will trigger your memories best when watching a video later are elements that engage your other senses too – like the sound of the sea waves, the taste of that delicious street food, or the smell of the flowers outside your hotel window. When I was editing an heirloom travel film of a client’s family reunion in Provence, simply watching the videos she took in the lavender fields took me right back to my own trip there many years ago, and I could almost smell the abundant purple flowers through my computer.

For more video-taking tips, monthly prompts to help you capture your adventures on video, and a free guide to smartphone video, sign up here.

If you’d like to get a custom heirloom travel film edited by Evergreen Lane Productions, message Annabelle today to get started.

---

Annabelle Needles is a video editor and owner of Evergreen Lane Productions, on a mission to help memory makers get their videos off their phones and into their lives. With more than 10 years of experience in video production, she believes in demystifying the process and making documenting your life as accessible, easy, and meaningful as possible. She also loves to travel, having visited all 7 continents before 30 and spent 13 months living that RV life road-tripping around the US with her husband. They had a destination wedding in Belize. Now, the videos from all these experiences are some of her most valued possessions. Follow her wonder-seeking adventures on Instagram @evergreen_lane.

Being a travel agent who travels quite a bit, I have learned a lot about travel. I’ve learned travel hacks, the best time to visit destinations, packing tips, money-saving tips, and so much more. I thought I would break down my top 10 travel tips that I think will get you far in the traveling world. I’d love to hear what your favorite travel tips are! Comment below.

Top 10 travel tips from a travel agent.

1. Plan your trip sooner than later

My number one travel tip is to plan your trip sooner than later. There are many benefits to planning your vacation in advance. Often times resorts will have early bird pricing in hopes to book up their rooms. There are a lot more options for airfare, hotels, and excursions early on because you are looking ahead of everyone else. Also, when working with a travel agent, if you book in advance, you are able to pay in installments, instead of paying the trip all at once. It can really help financially to plan and book your vacation sooner than later.

2. Travel during shoulder or low season

Traveling during the off-season is my favorite time to visit a destination, for example, Aruba during hurricane season! 

One of the main reasons I love traveling during the low season is to save money. When you visit a destination when it isn’t peak season means hotels, flights, and activities can be less expensive. 

Click here to find out more reasons why it is the best time to travel during off-season and also see great destinations to visit during the off-season. 

3. Use a credit card with great travel rewards

If you’re not using a credit card with great travel rewards, you’re throwing money away. First, obviously don’t spend more than you have, but if you are able to use credit cards responsibly, then make sure you are taking advantage of all they have to offer.

Some benefits offered by credit cards that focus on travel are access to airport lounges, free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, free and discounted travel, and so much more. Two of my favorite credit cards that give amazing travel rewards are Chase Sapphire Reserve and Venture.

4. Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Before I got TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, I didn’t think I needed them. But now that I have both, I will never NOT have them! The convenience and time saved is worth every penny.

TSA PreCheck is used when traveling domestically in the USA and Global Entry is used when re-entering the USA from traveling internationally.

For TSA PreCheck, you get to go through an expedited TSA line where you don’t have to take off shoes or belts or take out anything from your carry on/personal luggage. If you live near a busy airport, this will save you so much time and energy! 

Global Entry is basically a fast pass lane through Customs when coming back into the USA. You don’t have to talk to a customs agent or stand in those long lines. You just walk up to a kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few questions, take a picture and you are good to go. After a long international flight, it feels so nice to just breeze through this tedious process. 

When you purchase Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck. That is the route I suggest going. Currently, it is $100 for a 5-year membership, and that included TSA PreCheck. If you purchase TSA PreCheck without Global Entry, it is $85 for a 5-year membership. If you are planning on traveling internationally once or twice in the next five years, get Global Entry. 

Another benefit to some credit cards that have great travel rewards is your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck costs are paid for! Then it really is a no brainer to get both if they are free.

5. Know what flight category you’re purchasing

With budget-friendly airlines, like Frontier, now showing up more than ever, other airlines are looking for ways to compete. Most major US Airlines are now offering Basic Economy airline tickets. There is a big difference between Basic Economy airline tickets and Economy airline tickets. Make sure you know the difference before clicking “purchase” or you could be kicking yourself down the way.

Before purchasing your next airline tickets, click here for the details on the differences between basic economy and economy airline tickets.

6. Get travel insurance

Since being a travel agent and working with many families and couples on various different types of vacations, I have learned that travel insurance is crucial. You just never know what is going to happen before or during your vacation that you will need to be covered for. 

Different travel insurances cover different things, so make sure you are purchasing exactly what you need. Travel insurance can cover anything from having to cancel a trip for unexpected health reasons, death in a family, jury duty, medical and dental issues while on the trip, lost luggage, and so so much more. When you are investing a good chunk of money on a vacation, it is a good idea to protect that investment as well as your health and belongings while traveling. 

If you have questions about travel insurance or need to purchase some for your next vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

7. Notify credit card company of travels

If you plan on using a specific credit card while on vacation, make sure the company knows you will be traveling. When credit card companies see charges on your card in an area you normally a not located, they will put a lock on your account. If you are traveling internationally and don’t have an easy way of approving your charges or proving you are located where you are using your credit card, you could be without money while traveling.

The good thing is that a lot of credit cards know when and where you will be traveling depending on what you purchase with your card. For example, Venture One and Chase cards will make note that you are traveling if you purchase your airline tickets with their credit card. Then when they see you are making other purchases within that time frame in the location your airline tickets are for, they won’t put a hold on your card.

It is always a good idea to double-check with your credit card company that they know you will be traveling and to expect charges on your card from that location. 

8. Share your travel itinerary with family or a friend

It is always a wise choice to share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member. You never know what could go wrong or when you will need help, and having someone know where you are in the world can come in handy.

9. Renew or get a passport early

If you are planning on traveling internationally this year, or hope you will be, renew or get your passport now. The processing time for getting passports has extended from 4 weeks to now an average of 6-8 weeks. Don’t wait longer than you have to and risk having to pay more money to expedite your passport to get it in time for your international vacation. If you are getting your passport for the first time, follow these easy steps to make the process easier.

If you already have your passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid six months AFTER you return from your trip. That means, if you are going to Mexico in January, your passport must be valid through July. If it expires within the 6 months after your trip, you will not be let on the plane.

10. Contact a travel agent for help!

Travel agents are experts in travel and many specialize in specific types of travel, like honeymoons, family vacations, destination weddings, or locations, like Hawaii, Caribbean, or Europe. To save yourself time and money, talk to an expert! It is so helpful to be able to ask your travel questions to an actual human, and not just a Google search. Travel agents can answer all your travel questions, plan your vacation, book your vacation, coordinate all the travel, recommend the best excursions, and so much more. 

Some types of vacations are more worthwhile working with a travel agent than others. Click here to see when you should work with a travel agent. 

When you are ready to plan and book your next vacation, email me! I specialize in honeymoons, couples trips, and group trips, but I have also helped many families travel all over the world. Simply put, I am here to help you travel more and stress less. Email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com to get started on planning your next vacation.