One of the most common questions I get as a travel agent is: are all-inclusive resorts worth it? Like a lot of things in life, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer. Yes, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are worth it and no, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are not worth it. It really all depends on the type of vacation you are hoping to go on. I thought I would layout certain times when an all-inclusive resort may be a good fit for your vacation.
Here are six times when all-inclusive resorts are worth it for your next vacation:
1. You want good food and drink all day long and whenever you want.
At an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy food and drinks 24-hours a day in a restaurant, at a swim-up bar, pool-side, and beach-side. Some resorts also include room service in their all-inclusive price. If you want to getaway and not have to worry about paying for every meal or drink, an all-inclusive resort would be a great fit.
2. You want to know exactly what you are spending.
One benefit of an all-inclusive resort is you pay for your room, meals, and drinks all upfront, so you know exactly what you will be spending on your vacation. If it is important to stay on budget, an all-inclusive resort is a really great option. You will be able to sit back and enjoy your trip without having to worry about counting every penny because everything is paid before you get there. The only thing you would have to consider is any extra excursions, spa treatments or souvenirs you want to bring home.
3. You want to relax with a drink in your hand.
If you are needing a vacation to relax and unwind, go with an all-inclusive resort. You can spend every day sitting poolside or on the beach with a drink in your hand without a care in the world. All-inclusive resorts are perfect for a relaxing vacation.
4. You are honeymooners.
Planning your wedding is stressful enough, your honeymoon shouldn’t be stressful, too. If you are newlyweds, an all-inclusive resort can be a perfect option. It is a vacation where you can go and relax after all the wedding hype and finally be together just the two of you. It is a really great way to kick-off a new marriage.
5. You are going with a big group.
If you are going on a family vacation, a bachelorette party, or a big group of friends, it can be really hard to find a place that everyone will enjoy and will fit everyone’s budget. All-inclusive resorts are great options for traveling with a big group. There are all-inclusive resorts that have family-friendly sides along with adult-only sections. There is something for everyone at every age in the family. If you are going with a big group of friends, all-inclusives are great for every budget and have plenty of things to do so everyone can have fun. ANd it is easier for having everyone in one place.
6. You want some activities and excursions but don’t want to have to plan.
Another great thing about all-inclusive resorts are their activities on-site and their concierge that coordinates excursions off-site. If you want to go on a vacation where you have unlimited options of things to do, an all-inclusive resort is a great option. The resort is always hosting activities throughout the day and night on-site, like fitness classes, art classes, and shows. You can also go on excursions off-site that the resort will coordinate for you. It makes vacationing very easy!
Here are some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts that are worth staying at:
UNICO Riviera Maya Adults-Only Resort in Mexico. Spa treatments and excursions are included in the all-inclusive price. (25%service fee)
Paradisus Los Cabos Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Los Cabos. Option to have a butler in the adults-only section.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Mexico. Water Park included in the all-inclusive price.
Secrets Maroma Beach Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world.
El Dorado Maroma Beach Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world. Known for their delicious food.
Have you had a great experience at an all-inclusive resort? Share them below! What are some of your favorite all-inclusive resorts that I need to check out next?
For help booking your next all-inclusive vacation, email hello@thekeystotravel.com to start planning today!
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Are you like me and find it difficult to pick your next travel destination? There are so many wonderful places on this earth and they are all high on my travel bucket list. How do you pick just one?! So I had to come up with some ideas on how to make this decision process easier because I could spend forever trying to pick the next vacation spot. Here is the list for you!
When you can’t decide where to go, here are three ways to easily pick your next travel destination.
1. Follow the Flight Deals
Airlines are always having flight deals. Just this past week Qantas was celebrating their 100th birthday and was giving away $100 flights to Australia. Over Black Friday weekend every year, I have found some of the best flight deals. I got to Paris and back from London on a nonstop flight for under $500. I got two roundtrip tickets to Maui for under $500. Pretty much everyday Frontier is basically giving away free flights to random small towns in the US. If you are flexible on when you fly and where you fly, you can find flight deals year-round, but especially on Black Friday weekend. If you just follow the flight deals, the airlines will easily pick your next travel destination for you!
2. Go Where Your Budget Allows
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can really help narrow down vacation options. If you are really needing a vacation ASAP, but have a lower budget, you will most likely find options that aren’t more than a half-day flight away. If you have been saving up and have a bigger budget, you can choose a destination farther away. Set a budget and stay intent on keeping to that budget. Then you can easily narrow down your options for your next travel destination.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
3. Strategically Pick A Location Based on Your PTO
If you work full time in a corporate setting, that most likely means you have limited paid time off. It’s important to use that time off wisely! When I worked in a corporate setting, I chose to take a lot of long weekend vacations over one big vacation a year. For you, one big vacation may be the perfect fit. For me, I needed to be traveling as much as possible, so multiple long weekend trips were perfect. Depending on your vacationing style, picking a location based on the PTO you have can be helpful. If you need to have a lot of vacations on your calendar each year, choose destinations throughout the US that you can easily visit on a long weekend, like Seattle, Savannah, and Denver. If you like to look forward to a long extended getaway once a year, save up your PTO and find that destination that will get you far, far away from home!
Park City, Utah
For more ways to help you decide how to pick your next travel destination, head to Waypoint Goods where I listed all ten ways to pick a vacation destination when you don’t know where to go.
Also when you are there, make sure to check out Waypoint Goods travel scarves and travel journals. They are both lifesavers when traveling!
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A lot goes into my decision on where to travel. There are only so many days in a year and dollars in the bank account, so when Belize popped onto my radar, I did a lot of research to see if it would be worthy of a visit.
Belize is still a relatively hidden gem. I have been hearing about more people visiting or wanting to visit, but it definitely hasn’t become as popular a travel destination like Costa Rica or Mexico.
After visiting this past October, I have realized that Belize should be on everyone’s travel list, especially if you are a couple that enjoys tropical heaven with plenty of adventure opportunities.
If you are thinking about traveling to Belize and staying on Ambergris Caye or planning to in the near future, here are all my thoughts and tips in a guide to visiting Ambergris Caye.
Picking a Spot to Visit in Belize
There are many places to pick from when deciding where to stay when visiting Belize. You can go with a beautiful island like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker to coastal havens like Placencia to a jungle retreat like Belmopan. With so many options, it can be hard to pick one spot. I am a beach girl through and through, so I knew I wanted to be on the coast or stay on an island. I heard a lot of great things about Ambergris Caye, so I decided that is where I would stay when visiting Belize.
Where is Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is located on the northeast part of Belize. It is actually so close to Mexico that it looks like you could just hop over the little river dividing Ambergris Caye from Xcalak, Mexico!
How to Get to Ambergris Caye
There are two main ways to get to Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Belize. I chose to take the 15-minute plane ride from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is a beautiful ride flying over the crystal clear blue waters and coral reefs. There are two main airlines that fly to and from the island every hour, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
The other option is to take the water taxi. This boat ride takes about 75 minutes.
The taxi option is more affordable than the air option, but I highly recommend taking the air route at least once for the views and the experience of flying in a 14 seater plane!
What to Pack When Traveling to Belize
I learned about some key packing items not to forget after traveling to Belize. Do not forget to pack these items when visiting Ambergris Caye!
Bug Spray. The bugs do not mess around in Belize. Mosquitos will eat you alive, especially in the jungle. But even if you are staying on an island like Ambergris Caye near the water, dusk and nightfall still brings out the mosquitos. Do NOT forget bug spray!
Sunscreen. Like any tropical destination, do not forget sunscreen!
Light and Airy Clothes. Belize is hot and humid day and night. The less clothes you wear and the lighter weight they are, the better.
Swimsuits. You’re in a tropical paradise with amazing beautiful blue water. Bring all the swimsuits!
Water Shoes or Hiking Shoes. A lot of the mainland excursions include some hiking and wading through streams or cave floating. Having proper shoes will go a long way if you plan on doing some excursions.
Go Pro. If you are a snorkeler or diver, do not forget your underwater camera. Belize has the best snorkeling I have ever done. The reef is the healthiest in the world and the amount of underwater life you see is unreal!
There are many accommodations to choose from when visiting Ambergris Caye. When I visited, I knew I wanted a small kitchen option to be able to make breakfasts and lunches and not have to eat out all the time. I chose Grand Caribe. This resort has more of a condo feel with full kitchens in their rooms. There is a large variety of room types from studio space to 5-bedrooms. There are six pools, a swim-up bar, plenty of water activities, grocery store on-site, and a dock. It is a great resort for families and couples!
Where to Eat on Ambergris Caye
There are a lot of really good places to eat on Ambergris Caye. If you want delicious food at restaurants where the locals eat, stay off the beachfront areas. Most of the authentic, local cuisine is found in the heart of San Pedro away from the tourist spots.
Here are three of my favorite restaurants on Ambergris Caye.
1. Neri’s Tacos
One of the locals recommended Neri’s Tacos to us for breakfast. It is located in San Pedro and is basically a hole in the wall shack. It was the best breakfast we had on the island! And it was cheap. We got a burrito, 5 tacos, two freshly squeezed watermelon juices, and a veggie fry jack all for $10 USD. I highly recommend stopping here at least once during your visit to Ambergris Caye for some delicious authentic Belizean food!
2. Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant
This restaurant is very close to Grand Caribe and was our first dinner stop. We loved it so much we went back a second time. It is located on the western side of the island and has amazing sunsets. They have half-off bottles of wine during happy hour and live music on Fridays. Besides the bugs (remember bug spray! If you don’t, they have some you can use.), this was the perfect evening spot to hang out, drink some good wine, eat great food and relax.
3. The Hungry Grouper
The Hungry Group was another recommendation from a local. It is located in San Pedro. I’m pretty sure the chef is the guy who runs the place and takes your order. Very small place (maybe 5 tables) and a very cozy vibe. The menu is extensive, but we asked for the owner’s recommendation and he whipped us up his best ideas for that day. Very personalized service and delicious food.
What to Do on Ambergris Caye
There are many things to do while on Ambergris Caye, including all the beach and water activities to exploring beautiful local art. Here are some of my favorite things to do on Ambergris Caye:
Relax on the beach or by the pool.
Shop in San Pedro.
Tour Art Galleries.
Visit Secret Beach. (Not so secret anymore… If you want a party vibe and have a few drinks while cooling down in the ocean, check out Secret Beach.)
Scuba the Famous Blue Hole We snorkeled Blue Hole. It was fun but scuba diving would have been way better. On the way back from Blue Hole, we snorkeled Half Moon Caye, which was amazing! And we stopped for lunch on the island. This portion made the 4 hour round trip boat ride worth it. If you get motion or seasick, I wouldn’t recommend this activity.
Snorkel Hol Chan, Shark Alley, and Mexico Rocks I snorkeled Mexico Rocks and it was THE best snorkeling I have ever done. While snorkeling, I saw stingrays, eagle rays, starfish, pufferfish, lobsters, sharks, lionfish and so much more! If you could only choose one location to snorkel, I would highly recommend snorkeling Mexico Rocks.
Visit the Mayan Ruins on the Mainland – Lamanai Mayan Ruins I toured the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. There are plenty to choose from but this one included an hour boat ride to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. I saw manatees, birds, iguana and a lot of wildlife. It was so calm and peaceful. A great start to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins.
Belize is a beautiful and fun country. The locals are so kind and I felt safe the entire time I was there. I was really glad I stayed on Ambergris Caye! Make sure to add Belize and Ambergris Caye to your travel list, you won’t regret it. You better Belize it!
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Traveling with like-minded people can heighten a travel experience to a whole new level. Take wine for example. If you love wine as much as I do, being surrounded by fellow wine lovers traveling through France would be a trip of a lifetime! Luckily, wine can be found around the world, so wine vacations are endless.
If you are a wine lover looking for a wine inspired vacation, here are 5 wine vacations to choose from.
If you would like to look into going on one of these vacations or look into other options, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.
1. Wine European River Cruises
River cruising is a great way to experience multiple cities in Europe all in one vacation. Most river cruise lines now have wine inspired itineraries perfect for wine lovers. One of my favorite river cruise lines AmaWaterways has so many wine cruises to choose from, including in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and so many more.
Each cruise line includes different amenities on wine vacations. AmaWaterways wine cruises include a wine expert, wine tastings, winery tours, private cellar tours, gourmet food, and excursions. Basically everything you could dream of for the perfect wine vacation is included on a wine-themed river cruise.
If you want a unique way to tour Napa Valley, try the Napa Valley Wine Train. There are different tours to choose from, including ½ day winery tours, full-day winery tours, lunch trains, and dinner trains. All provide unique options for experiencing Napa Valley. For example, one ½ day winery tour includes a gourmet lunch aboard the train and a tour and tasting of Raymond Vineyards. They also host special events like a Murder Mystery, Romance on the Rails, Thanksgiving feast on board, and a Santa train in December. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great option to make great memories on a wine vacation to one of the most famous wine regions in the USA.
3. Porto, Portugal for Port Wine Tastings
Portugal is known for its delicious Port wine. This wine comes from the northern region of Portugal in the Douro Valley. If you love wine on the sweeter side, taking a tour of this region in Portugal would be a great option. There are many types of wine tours to take. Depending on the length of time you have and the amount of time you want to spend tasting wine, you can do a 7-day private tour of Porto and Douro, take a Douro River cruise, or take Port Wine Cellar tours. The options are endless! Make sure to set some time aside to walk around Porto. It is a beautiful coastal town with colorful buildings, old-age bridges, and cobblestone streets.
4. Bike Tour in Mendoza, Argentina
For those wine lovers that also love fitness, a bike tour in Mendoza, Argentina would be a perfect wine-inspired vacation. You can take a self-guided bike tour or an escorted tour. There are different wine regions and tour companies throughout Mendoza, which gives you a lot of different bike tour options. Choose a set tour or build a customized route for your group!
If you don’t want to go too far, but want to experience delicious wine from around the world, head to Walt Disney World’s International Food & Wine Festival. This is an annual event that takes place in Epcot from September through November. There are amazing chefs, beverage seminars, food demonstrations, food and wine pairings, and Sunday brunches. And if you are feeling really ambitious, there is a Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend!
Are you as thirsty as I am for some wine right now? For more information on booking your wine vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.
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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.
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. **
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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 here. 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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you from Erin Papworth with Nav.it! I virtually met Erin through Wanderful, an international women’s travel community, and through their Nav.It Podcast. Her thoughts on how travel can strengthen relationships resonated a lot with mine. I wanted to share, and what better way than in her own words! Thank you Erin for sharing your knowledge. I hope you all enjoy her 5 ways travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple.
Couples that travel together, stay together. If some famous person hasn’t said it, let me be the first to make that grand statement.
I have spent the majority of my adult life traveling, and I have had the pleasure of not only traveling as a couple and seeing the joy that it brought to our relationship, but also knowing many couples that use travel as a form of couples bonding (and maybe some therapy).
Here are the top reasons why travel can strengthen your relationship as a couple:
1. You shake up the routine.
Travel is a moment to take yourselves out of your daily routine. This is also very helpful for couples who can connect in a new setting, with new energy. When you are relaxed and the stresses of real life seem far away, it opens space to discuss issues with a new perspective and take your time to explore topics that shouldn’t be rushed.
2. Travel conversations open new lines of communication.
Now, not everyone travels the same, so getting on the same page about the kind of travel that makes you both happy is a good first step. Is he a weekend-getaway type traveler? Are you an international explorer? It’s always ideal to work through your preferences, not only for your relationship, but for your wallet. This is a great way to understand your partner more and to express your needs and desires. Since travel is usually low stacks (you’re not buying a house or having a baby!), it can actually be fun to find your travel cadence as a couple!
3. You get to learn together and see a different side of your partner.
I never would have known my partner had an adventurous palette, and had even eaten snake, if we hadn’t been in a random village in West Africa. At the time he was starving and was offered some fried crickets by our ever-helpful driver. As there was little else to consume in the area, he happily gulped them down. When I protested in disgust, he mischievously laughed and said: “this is nothing compared to the snake I once had!” And so, I learned more about him then, at the time, I wanted to know and decided not to kiss him for at least a day to ensure no random cricket legs got near my mouth.
4. It gives you a chance to talk about money.
Travel is a great and more neutral way to understand how each person in the couple manages money. The amount you’ll spend (or at least the way you want to spend your money on a trip) gives you an opportunity to express your budget comfort zones. Maybe s/he loves food and is willing to splurge, while you’d prefer to stay in a nicer hotel and eat street food. Working those styles out beforehand helps you plan out how much you want to spend and what you want to do before you go. It’s a great way to open a safe dialogue about spending habits in general too. (P.S. Nav.it has a great budget tracking app that can help you both keep track of your goals! It’s free to download and can be found at www.nav.it )
5. You make lasting memories.
When life gets back into a routine. When you have children in school and are beholden to summer holidays like everyone else. When your partner starts a business and she only has time to travel for work. At those points in your life, you will be so happy you have travel memories as a couple. It also gives you something to look back on and forward to. Once you establish travel as a priority within your relationship, you know you will do it again. Maybe not at the frequency of the early years, but you will do it again. If it’s the yearly excursion, or the monthly weekend getaway, the experiences you have exploring the world together will define your relationship and your memories throughout time.
Thank you Erin for sharing your insights on how travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple! To learn more about Erin Papworth and Nav.it head to their website at www.nav.it, listen to their Podcast, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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Getting a passport can be intimidating. Government websites can be a bit confusing and knowing where to go and all you need in order to apply can be overwhelming. We broke it down for you so hopefully, this becomes an easy process, and we can get you on your way to traveling internationally!
Is it an Easy Process?
The process to get a passport is fairly easy, it just takes some time and effort. Follow the steps below, and it won’t be a difficult process! It now takes about 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing, and that does NOT include mailing time. You should start this application process well in advance for any international trip you want to take. Our recommendation is to get your passport at least 6 months prior to travel.
Where Do You Get a Passport?
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you must apply in person. If you are renewing, you can do that by mail. DMV’s are not allowed to issue passports, so save yourself some time (and sanity), and do not go to the DMV to apply for a passport.
To get a passport for the first time, you can apply for one at a local Post Office, Library, or County Court. Click here to find location options near you.
How Much Does It Cost?
For an adult, it costs $165 ($130 application fee plus $35 for the execution fee) to get a new passport book. For adults that want to renew their book, it only costs $130. For a child (16 years old and under), it costs $135 ($100 application fee plus $35 for the execution fee) to get a new passport book.
If you are applying or renewing and need it quicker than 10-13 weeks, there is an extra fee. Expediting the process through the Post Office adds an additional $60.
If you think you will be traveling internationally in the next year or two, we would highly recommend just going to get your passport now. You don’t want to have to pay that extra fee to get it expedited if you don’t have to!
What Do I Need to Get a Passport?
Here is everything you need when you go to apply for your passport:
Proof of US Citizenship, like your birth certificate.
Government-issued ID, like a driver’s license.
Color photo (take one yourself for free with this app and print).
Money for the fee.
For a child, you need proof of relationship to the child and both parents and child must be present.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Passport
Decide between a book and a card. This is pretty important. Depending on what type of international travel you are looking to do will depend on which type of passport you should get. The traditional passport most people think of is the book. This allows you to travel anywhere internationally by sea, land, or air. The card only allows you to travel by land to Canada or Mexico from the US and travel by sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. You cannot travel by plane internationally with a card. The card is less expensive than the book. Make sure you are getting the one that will fit your travel needs in the next ten years (how long a passport is valid for adults).
Apply for a new passport in person. If you are just renewing, you can do so by mail.
What to bring when applying to get a passport: – Filled out Form DS-11 found here. – Proof of US Citizenship, like your birth certificate. – Government-issued ID, like a driver’s license. – Color photo (take one yourself for free with this app and print). – Money for the fee. – For a child, you need proof of relationship to the child and both parents and child must be present.
Head to a post office, library, or county court. Go here to find out where to go in your city.
Wait for your passport to be sent to you in the mail!
Now have your passport, but need help planning and booking your international vacation? We’re here to help! Fill out our travel inquiry form HERE to start the planning process.
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Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It?
/in Hotels, Travel TipsOne of the most common questions I get as a travel agent is: are all-inclusive resorts worth it? Like a lot of things in life, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer. Yes, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are worth it and no, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are not worth it. It really all depends on the type of vacation you are hoping to go on. I thought I would layout certain times when an all-inclusive resort may be a good fit for your vacation.
Here are six times when all-inclusive resorts are worth it for your next vacation:
1. You want good food and drink all day long and whenever you want.
At an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy food and drinks 24-hours a day in a restaurant, at a swim-up bar, pool-side, and beach-side. Some resorts also include room service in their all-inclusive price. If you want to getaway and not have to worry about paying for every meal or drink, an all-inclusive resort would be a great fit.
2. You want to know exactly what you are spending.
One benefit of an all-inclusive resort is you pay for your room, meals, and drinks all upfront, so you know exactly what you will be spending on your vacation. If it is important to stay on budget, an all-inclusive resort is a really great option. You will be able to sit back and enjoy your trip without having to worry about counting every penny because everything is paid before you get there. The only thing you would have to consider is any extra excursions, spa treatments or souvenirs you want to bring home.
3. You want to relax with a drink in your hand.
If you are needing a vacation to relax and unwind, go with an all-inclusive resort. You can spend every day sitting poolside or on the beach with a drink in your hand without a care in the world. All-inclusive resorts are perfect for a relaxing vacation.
4. You are honeymooners.
Planning your wedding is stressful enough, your honeymoon shouldn’t be stressful, too. If you are newlyweds, an all-inclusive resort can be a perfect option. It is a vacation where you can go and relax after all the wedding hype and finally be together just the two of you. It is a really great way to kick-off a new marriage.
5. You are going with a big group.
If you are going on a family vacation, a bachelorette party, or a big group of friends, it can be really hard to find a place that everyone will enjoy and will fit everyone’s budget. All-inclusive resorts are great options for traveling with a big group. There are all-inclusive resorts that have family-friendly sides along with adult-only sections. There is something for everyone at every age in the family. If you are going with a big group of friends, all-inclusives are great for every budget and have plenty of things to do so everyone can have fun. ANd it is easier for having everyone in one place.
6. You want some activities and excursions but don’t want to have to plan.
Another great thing about all-inclusive resorts are their activities on-site and their concierge that coordinates excursions off-site. If you want to go on a vacation where you have unlimited options of things to do, an all-inclusive resort is a great option. The resort is always hosting activities throughout the day and night on-site, like fitness classes, art classes, and shows. You can also go on excursions off-site that the resort will coordinate for you. It makes vacationing very easy!
Here are some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts that are worth staying at:
UNICO Riviera Maya
Adults-Only Resort in Mexico. Spa treatments and excursions are included in the all-inclusive price. (25%service fee)
Paradisus Los Cabos
Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Los Cabos. Option to have a butler in the adults-only section.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica
Family-friendly resort in Costa Rica. Has a Star Club Level for extra benefits and privacy.
Hotel RIU Guanacaste
Family-friendly and budget-friendly resort in Costa Rica.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults-Only Resort in Costa Rica.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Mexico. Water Park included in the all-inclusive price.
Secrets Maroma Beach
Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world.
El Dorado Maroma Beach
Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world. Known for their delicious food.
Have you had a great experience at an all-inclusive resort? Share them below! What are some of your favorite all-inclusive resorts that I need to check out next?
For help booking your next all-inclusive vacation, email hello@thekeystotravel.com to start planning today!
Top 3 Ways to Easily Pick Your Next Travel Destination
/in Travel TipsAre you like me and find it difficult to pick your next travel destination? There are so many wonderful places on this earth and they are all high on my travel bucket list. How do you pick just one?! So I had to come up with some ideas on how to make this decision process easier because I could spend forever trying to pick the next vacation spot. Here is the list for you!
When you can’t decide where to go, here are three ways to easily pick your next travel destination.
1. Follow the Flight Deals
Airlines are always having flight deals. Just this past week Qantas was celebrating their 100th birthday and was giving away $100 flights to Australia. Over Black Friday weekend every year, I have found some of the best flight deals. I got to Paris and back from London on a nonstop flight for under $500. I got two roundtrip tickets to Maui for under $500. Pretty much everyday Frontier is basically giving away free flights to random small towns in the US. If you are flexible on when you fly and where you fly, you can find flight deals year-round, but especially on Black Friday weekend. If you just follow the flight deals, the airlines will easily pick your next travel destination for you!
2. Go Where Your Budget Allows
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can really help narrow down vacation options. If you are really needing a vacation ASAP, but have a lower budget, you will most likely find options that aren’t more than a half-day flight away. If you have been saving up and have a bigger budget, you can choose a destination farther away. Set a budget and stay intent on keeping to that budget. Then you can easily narrow down your options for your next travel destination.
3. Strategically Pick A Location Based on Your PTO
If you work full time in a corporate setting, that most likely means you have limited paid time off. It’s important to use that time off wisely! When I worked in a corporate setting, I chose to take a lot of long weekend vacations over one big vacation a year. For you, one big vacation may be the perfect fit. For me, I needed to be traveling as much as possible, so multiple long weekend trips were perfect. Depending on your vacationing style, picking a location based on the PTO you have can be helpful. If you need to have a lot of vacations on your calendar each year, choose destinations throughout the US that you can easily visit on a long weekend, like Seattle, Savannah, and Denver. If you like to look forward to a long extended getaway once a year, save up your PTO and find that destination that will get you far, far away from home!
For more ways to help you decide how to pick your next travel destination, head to Waypoint Goods where I listed all ten ways to pick a vacation destination when you don’t know where to go.
Also when you are there, make sure to check out Waypoint Goods travel scarves and travel journals. They are both lifesavers when traveling!
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Ambergris Caye
/in Central AmericaA lot goes into my decision on where to travel. There are only so many days in a year and dollars in the bank account, so when Belize popped onto my radar, I did a lot of research to see if it would be worthy of a visit.
Belize is still a relatively hidden gem. I have been hearing about more people visiting or wanting to visit, but it definitely hasn’t become as popular a travel destination like Costa Rica or Mexico.
After visiting this past October, I have realized that Belize should be on everyone’s travel list, especially if you are a couple that enjoys tropical heaven with plenty of adventure opportunities.
If you are thinking about traveling to Belize and staying on Ambergris Caye or planning to in the near future, here are all my thoughts and tips in a guide to visiting Ambergris Caye.
Picking a Spot to Visit in Belize
There are many places to pick from when deciding where to stay when visiting Belize. You can go with a beautiful island like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker to coastal havens like Placencia to a jungle retreat like Belmopan. With so many options, it can be hard to pick one spot. I am a beach girl through and through, so I knew I wanted to be on the coast or stay on an island. I heard a lot of great things about Ambergris Caye, so I decided that is where I would stay when visiting Belize.
Where is Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is located on the northeast part of Belize. It is actually so close to Mexico that it looks like you could just hop over the little river dividing Ambergris Caye from Xcalak, Mexico!
How to Get to Ambergris Caye
There are two main ways to get to Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Belize. I chose to take the 15-minute plane ride from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is a beautiful ride flying over the crystal clear blue waters and coral reefs. There are two main airlines that fly to and from the island every hour, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
The other option is to take the water taxi. This boat ride takes about 75 minutes.
The taxi option is more affordable than the air option, but I highly recommend taking the air route at least once for the views and the experience of flying in a 14 seater plane!
What to Pack When Traveling to Belize
I learned about some key packing items not to forget after traveling to Belize. Do not forget to pack these items when visiting Ambergris Caye!
Where to Stay on Ambergris Caye
There are many accommodations to choose from when visiting Ambergris Caye. When I visited, I knew I wanted a small kitchen option to be able to make breakfasts and lunches and not have to eat out all the time. I chose Grand Caribe. This resort has more of a condo feel with full kitchens in their rooms. There is a large variety of room types from studio space to 5-bedrooms. There are six pools, a swim-up bar, plenty of water activities, grocery store on-site, and a dock. It is a great resort for families and couples!
Where to Eat on Ambergris Caye
There are a lot of really good places to eat on Ambergris Caye. If you want delicious food at restaurants where the locals eat, stay off the beachfront areas. Most of the authentic, local cuisine is found in the heart of San Pedro away from the tourist spots.
Here are three of my favorite restaurants on Ambergris Caye.
1. Neri’s Tacos
One of the locals recommended Neri’s Tacos to us for breakfast. It is located in San Pedro and is basically a hole in the wall shack. It was the best breakfast we had on the island! And it was cheap. We got a burrito, 5 tacos, two freshly squeezed watermelon juices, and a veggie fry jack all for $10 USD. I highly recommend stopping here at least once during your visit to Ambergris Caye for some delicious authentic Belizean food!
2. Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant
This restaurant is very close to Grand Caribe and was our first dinner stop. We loved it so much we went back a second time. It is located on the western side of the island and has amazing sunsets. They have half-off bottles of wine during happy hour and live music on Fridays. Besides the bugs (remember bug spray! If you don’t, they have some you can use.), this was the perfect evening spot to hang out, drink some good wine, eat great food and relax.
3. The Hungry Grouper
The Hungry Group was another recommendation from a local. It is located in San Pedro. I’m pretty sure the chef is the guy who runs the place and takes your order. Very small place (maybe 5 tables) and a very cozy vibe. The menu is extensive, but we asked for the owner’s recommendation and he whipped us up his best ideas for that day. Very personalized service and delicious food.
What to Do on Ambergris Caye
There are many things to do while on Ambergris Caye, including all the beach and water activities to exploring beautiful local art. Here are some of my favorite things to do on Ambergris Caye:
We snorkeled Blue Hole. It was fun but scuba diving would have been way better. On the way back from Blue Hole, we snorkeled Half Moon Caye, which was amazing! And we stopped for lunch on the island. This portion made the 4 hour round trip boat ride worth it. If you get motion or seasick, I wouldn’t recommend this activity.
I snorkeled Mexico Rocks and it was THE best snorkeling I have ever done. While snorkeling, I saw stingrays, eagle rays, starfish, pufferfish, lobsters, sharks, lionfish and so much more! If you could only choose one location to snorkel, I would highly recommend snorkeling Mexico Rocks.
I toured the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. There are plenty to choose from but this one included an hour boat ride to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins. I saw manatees, birds, iguana and a lot of wildlife. It was so calm and peaceful. A great start to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins.
Belize is a beautiful and fun country. The locals are so kind and I felt safe the entire time I was there. I was really glad I stayed on Ambergris Caye! Make sure to add Belize and Ambergris Caye to your travel list, you won’t regret it. You better Belize it!
If you need help planning and booking your Belize vacation, email hello@thekeystotravel.com.
The 5 Best Wine Inspired Vacations Around the World
/in Travel TipsTraveling with like-minded people can heighten a travel experience to a whole new level. Take wine for example. If you love wine as much as I do, being surrounded by fellow wine lovers traveling through France would be a trip of a lifetime! Luckily, wine can be found around the world, so wine vacations are endless.
If you are a wine lover looking for a wine inspired vacation, here are 5 wine vacations to choose from.
If you would like to look into going on one of these vacations or look into other options, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.
1. Wine European River Cruises
River cruising is a great way to experience multiple cities in Europe all in one vacation. Most river cruise lines now have wine inspired itineraries perfect for wine lovers. One of my favorite river cruise lines AmaWaterways has so many wine cruises to choose from, including in countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and so many more.
Each cruise line includes different amenities on wine vacations. AmaWaterways wine cruises include a wine expert, wine tastings, winery tours, private cellar tours, gourmet food, and excursions. Basically everything you could dream of for the perfect wine vacation is included on a wine-themed river cruise.
2. Napa Valley Wine Train
If you want a unique way to tour Napa Valley, try the Napa Valley Wine Train. There are different tours to choose from, including ½ day winery tours, full-day winery tours, lunch trains, and dinner trains. All provide unique options for experiencing Napa Valley. For example, one ½ day winery tour includes a gourmet lunch aboard the train and a tour and tasting of Raymond Vineyards. They also host special events like a Murder Mystery, Romance on the Rails, Thanksgiving feast on board, and a Santa train in December. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a great option to make great memories on a wine vacation to one of the most famous wine regions in the USA.
3. Porto, Portugal for Port Wine Tastings
Portugal is known for its delicious Port wine. This wine comes from the northern region of Portugal in the Douro Valley. If you love wine on the sweeter side, taking a tour of this region in Portugal would be a great option. There are many types of wine tours to take. Depending on the length of time you have and the amount of time you want to spend tasting wine, you can do a 7-day private tour of Porto and Douro, take a Douro River cruise, or take Port Wine Cellar tours. The options are endless! Make sure to set some time aside to walk around Porto. It is a beautiful coastal town with colorful buildings, old-age bridges, and cobblestone streets.
4. Bike Tour in Mendoza, Argentina
For those wine lovers that also love fitness, a bike tour in Mendoza, Argentina would be a perfect wine-inspired vacation. You can take a self-guided bike tour or an escorted tour. There are different wine regions and tour companies throughout Mendoza, which gives you a lot of different bike tour options. Choose a set tour or build a customized route for your group!
5. Walt Disney World International Food & Wine Festival
If you don’t want to go too far, but want to experience delicious wine from around the world, head to Walt Disney World’s International Food & Wine Festival. This is an annual event that takes place in Epcot from September through November. There are amazing chefs, beverage seminars, food demonstrations, food and wine pairings, and Sunday brunches. And if you are feeling really ambitious, there is a Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend!
Are you as thirsty as I am for some wine right now? For more information on booking your wine vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.
How to Spend a Layover in London
/in EuropeJust 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
/in United StatesFall 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 here. 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.
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
/in United StatesTravelers, 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.
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.
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 Drives to See Fall Colors in Colorado
/in United StatesFall 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.
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.
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.
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!
5 Ways Travel Can Strengthen the Relationship for a Couple
/in Travel TipsTravelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you from Erin Papworth with Nav.it! I virtually met Erin through Wanderful, an international women’s travel community, and through their Nav.It Podcast. Her thoughts on how travel can strengthen relationships resonated a lot with mine. I wanted to share, and what better way than in her own words! Thank you Erin for sharing your knowledge. I hope you all enjoy her 5 ways travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple.
By: Erin Papworth, CEO and Founder at Nav.it
Couples that travel together, stay together. If some famous person hasn’t said it, let me be the first to make that grand statement.
I have spent the majority of my adult life traveling, and I have had the pleasure of not only traveling as a couple and seeing the joy that it brought to our relationship, but also knowing many couples that use travel as a form of couples bonding (and maybe some therapy).
Here are the top reasons why travel can strengthen your relationship as a couple:
1. You shake up the routine.
Travel is a moment to take yourselves out of your daily routine. This is also very helpful for couples who can connect in a new setting, with new energy. When you are relaxed and the stresses of real life seem far away, it opens space to discuss issues with a new perspective and take your time to explore topics that shouldn’t be rushed.
2. Travel conversations open new lines of communication.
Now, not everyone travels the same, so getting on the same page about the kind of travel that makes you both happy is a good first step. Is he a weekend-getaway type traveler? Are you an international explorer? It’s always ideal to work through your preferences, not only for your relationship, but for your wallet. This is a great way to understand your partner more and to express your needs and desires. Since travel is usually low stacks (you’re not buying a house or having a baby!), it can actually be fun to find your travel cadence as a couple!
3. You get to learn together and see a different side of your partner.
I never would have known my partner had an adventurous palette, and had even eaten snake, if we hadn’t been in a random village in West Africa. At the time he was starving and was offered some fried crickets by our ever-helpful driver. As there was little else to consume in the area, he happily gulped them down. When I protested in disgust, he mischievously laughed and said: “this is nothing compared to the snake I once had!” And so, I learned more about him then, at the time, I wanted to know and decided not to kiss him for at least a day to ensure no random cricket legs got near my mouth.
4. It gives you a chance to talk about money.
Travel is a great and more neutral way to understand how each person in the couple manages money. The amount you’ll spend (or at least the way you want to spend your money on a trip) gives you an opportunity to express your budget comfort zones. Maybe s/he loves food and is willing to splurge, while you’d prefer to stay in a nicer hotel and eat street food. Working those styles out beforehand helps you plan out how much you want to spend and what you want to do before you go. It’s a great way to open a safe dialogue about spending habits in general too. (P.S. Nav.it has a great budget tracking app that can help you both keep track of your goals! It’s free to download and can be found at www.nav.it )
5. You make lasting memories.
When life gets back into a routine. When you have children in school and are beholden to summer holidays like everyone else. When your partner starts a business and she only has time to travel for work. At those points in your life, you will be so happy you have travel memories as a couple. It also gives you something to look back on and forward to. Once you establish travel as a priority within your relationship, you know you will do it again. Maybe not at the frequency of the early years, but you will do it again. If it’s the yearly excursion, or the monthly weekend getaway, the experiences you have exploring the world together will define your relationship and your memories throughout time.
Thank you Erin for sharing your insights on how travel can strengthen the relationship for a couple! To learn more about Erin Papworth and Nav.it head to their website at www.nav.it, listen to their Podcast, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
How to Get a Passport for the First Time
/in Travel TipsGetting a passport can be intimidating. Government websites can be a bit confusing and knowing where to go and all you need in order to apply can be overwhelming. We broke it down for you so hopefully, this becomes an easy process, and we can get you on your way to traveling internationally!
Is it an Easy Process?
The process to get a passport is fairly easy, it just takes some time and effort. Follow the steps below, and it won’t be a difficult process! It now takes about 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing, and that does NOT include mailing time. You should start this application process well in advance for any international trip you want to take. Our recommendation is to get your passport at least 6 months prior to travel.
Where Do You Get a Passport?
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you must apply in person. If you are renewing, you can do that by mail. DMV’s are not allowed to issue passports, so save yourself some time (and sanity), and do not go to the DMV to apply for a passport.
To get a passport for the first time, you can apply for one at a local Post Office, Library, or County Court. Click here to find location options near you.
How Much Does It Cost?
For an adult, it costs $165 ($130 application fee plus $35 for the execution fee) to get a new passport book. For adults that want to renew their book, it only costs $130. For a child (16 years old and under), it costs $135 ($100 application fee plus $35 for the execution fee) to get a new passport book.
If you are applying or renewing and need it quicker than 10-13 weeks, there is an extra fee. Expediting the process through the Post Office adds an additional $60.
If you think you will be traveling internationally in the next year or two, we would highly recommend just going to get your passport now. You don’t want to have to pay that extra fee to get it expedited if you don’t have to!
What Do I Need to Get a Passport?
Here is everything you need when you go to apply for your passport:
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Passport
This is pretty important. Depending on what type of international travel you are looking to do will depend on which type of passport you should get. The traditional passport most people think of is the book. This allows you to travel anywhere internationally by sea, land, or air. The card only allows you to travel by land to Canada or Mexico from the US and travel by sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. You cannot travel by plane internationally with a card. The card is less expensive than the book. Make sure you are getting the one that will fit your travel needs in the next ten years (how long a passport is valid for adults).
– Filled out Form DS-11 found here.
– Proof of US Citizenship, like your birth certificate.
– Government-issued ID, like a driver’s license.
– Color photo (take one yourself for free with this app and
print).
– Money for the fee.
– For a child, you need proof of relationship to the child and both
parents and child must be present.
Now have your passport, but need help planning and booking your international vacation? We’re here to help! Fill out our travel inquiry form HERE to start the planning process.