Tropical Travel Tips Archives

March 3, 2020March 3, 2020

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

With our vacation just around the corner (during flu season), and now the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus, we started doing a little research to get some tips for staying healthy while traveling. We specifically wanted info on airline travel, but the tips we found are really good guidelines for staying healthy everyday – and everywhere!

*Before making any changes to your health plan – be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare professional. * Our posts may contain affiliate links to products that we use or think you would like. If you click the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support in helping us to continue providing rumlicious, tropical recipes and island destination posts!

Wash your hands

The first tip is commonsense (and something most of our mother’s have been telling us forever…), but WASH YOUR HANDS. This one is probably the most important tip of all. There are millions of germs on surfaces that we touch and proper handwashing can remove many of them and should be your first line of defense from…uck, those nasty bugs. Check out this article from the CDC on handwashing, the science behind it, how to properly wash your hands and when and how to use hand sanitizer.

avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Even with proper handwashing, we can transmit viruses and bacteria that still lurk on our hands to our body by touching or rubbing our eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid touching these areas as much as possible during travel – and flu season!

avoid close contact with anyone displaying symptoms of illness

This can be especially hard while traveling (think airline seating arrangements), but keep your distance from anyone who is coughing, has a runny nose or doesn’t look like they’re feeling well.

Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing

Did you know that germs from a sneeze can travel 6-8 feet? If at all possible, be sure to cover your mouth with at least a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you’re caught without a tissue, bandanna or handkerchief, use the crook of your elbow.

Strengthen your immune system

We’ve always heard that the flu and other illnesses are hardest on those with compromised immune systems. What are a few ways you can support your immune system?

Try eating more of these foods that boost the immune system:
Citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, kiwi, poultry, sunflower seeds,
Consider adding more of these vitamins to your diet either through foods or supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D
Get sufficient sleep.
Eliminate stress.
Drink more water.
Get enough exercise – especially out in the sunshine.

check current travel restrictions and advisories

For health related travel restrictions, check with your airline to make sure there are no restrictions to the area you will be traveling. For travel advisories, you can check your intended destination here.

Don’t panic, drink rum

While we have no scientific basis to recommend drinking rum to stay healthy while traveling (aside from a few articles like this one), a good glass of rum (or a tasty cocktail) could at least help you relax and enjoy the moment!

Cheers! Stay healthy and enjoy your vacation!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019

Best Reef Safe Sunscreens

Recently, lawmakers in the US Virgin Islands passed a bill that prohibits the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. The ban is set to go into effect in March of 2020. Although these chemicals are probably not the sole cause of reef and coral damage, the US Virgin Islands is taking steps to slow down any damage that sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate may be causing. A study done in 2015 highlighted the effects of one of these chemicals, oxybenzne, on reef health. Florida and Hawaii have already passed similar bans.

FYI, Rum Therapy may receive a small share from purchases made via links on this page.

So, how do we protect ourselves from the damaging effects of too much sunshine while doing all we can to help protect our oceans? Suggestions include increasing the use of rashguards and sun protecting hats, limiting our exposure to the sun during the times of greatest UV exposure (10am-4pm), and finding reef-safe sunscreens, such as these brands listed below. These brands are zinc oxide and titanium oxide based and deemed safer alternatives by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Badger Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Caribbean Sol Guard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50
Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30

There are other brands that have developed a “reef safe” sunscreen that you may run across. Be sure to read the labels, because the ingredients vary, even within a brand. AND, be sure to find a sunscreen that will not only protect our beautiful oceans, but will protect you!

May 10, 2019June 26, 2019

Best Beach Bags of 2019

In our line of work, a good beach bag is as important to us as a good briefcase is to many professionals. We’re always on the lookout for a good beach bag, and those of you who might be planning a tropical vacation may be embarking on the quest for the perfect beach bag too. The following is a list of our Best Beach Bags of 2019 compiled from research we’ve done for an upcoming beach trip based on these features:

Large enough to accommodate 2 good sized beach towels, cameras, books, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
Can get slightly wet (and sandy) without ruining anything inside.
Has a zippered pocket for small items.
Has a zipper close top.
Attractive style and color.
Can fold to fit easily in a suitcase.
Can hold a water bottle on the outside.

Pros: beautiful color, mesh on the top for ventilation, solid bottom, 2 zippered pockets, cooler on the bottom for water bottles or cans, reasonable price, large enough for two plush beach towels, lightweight and can be folded to carry in your suitcase.
Cons: It says that it has a “zipper top”, but there is no zipper on top. Instead it has a strip of velcro which, so far, seems to work pretty well.

Find the Blue Sky Basics Mesh Beach Tote Bag here.

Pros: large size, fits 2 plush beach towels, water repellent inside lining, comes with a bonus waterproof case for phone, wallet, etc., pockets on outside can hold water bottles, built in keyholder/bottle opener, also comes in a smaller size.
Cons: magnet closure at the top instead of a zipper.

Find the Shylero XXL Beach Bag here.

Pros: sturdy, large enough to fit 2 plush beach towels, outside pockets for water bottles, small inside zippered pocket, great price.
Cons: no zipper closing on top.

Find the Odyseaco Baja Beach Bag here.
Find the same bag in a different color here.

Pros: Made of neoprene, so it should be durable. 2 inside zippered pouches, lightweight, folds flat to pack in a suitcase, comes in a variety of colors.
Cons: Snaps on top instead of a zipper, may not keep inside contents dry if it gets wet, no external pockets.

Find the QOGiR Neoprene Multipurpose Beach Bag here.

Ok, although not as functional or roomy as the other beach bags featured, this one holds 2 bottles of wine or 1.5 liters of your favorite beverage (painkillers or rum punch?) and has a handy dispenser built in! It also has a zippered pocket inside and the top zips shut. Hmmm. We may have to do a little more “research” on this one!

Find the PortoVino Beach Wine Tote Beach Bag here.

Do you have a favorite beach bag? What features do you look for in choosing a new bag? Tell us about it!

This post contains affiliate links. We only link to products that we think may be of interest to or benefit our readers. If you do click on the link and make a purchase, we’ll earn a little bit of money from the sale, which we’ll use to buy rum! And we promise to share any new recipes made with that rum with you! Cheers!

December 30, 2018July 25, 2019

The 10 Best Caribbean/Bahamas Beaches of 2018

A well known travel company recently published a list of their favorite beaches in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Unfortunately, many of our favorite beaches, and evidently yours too, were not on their list, so we asked our beach loving readers for their input. The following is a list of the 10 best (or at least favorite) Caribbean/Bahamas beaches of 2018 compiled from the responses of Rum Therapy readers. There are SO many gorgeous beaches in this region that inevitabley there will be some deserving beaches left off any “best of” list, but the following 10 (and the honorable mentions at the end) are definitely worthy of a visit if you love beaches as much as we do!

10. Treasure Cay Beach, Abacos, Bahamas
A 3.5 mile stretch of sugar-soft white sand set against the powdery blue hue of the beautiful Abacos waters. During low tide, a large sandbar emerges towards the eastern edge of the gorgeous beach. Accomodations available. Looking for a beach bar? Coco Beach Bar & Grill sits on the white sand with stunning views of the water.

9. Sandy Spit, BVI
More of a spit of sand than a beach, Sandy Spit and it’s larger neighbor, Sandy Cay, are two small uninhabited islands in the British Virgin Islands. Situated between the island of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, these two islands have become popular stops for boaters and day excursions. Sandy Cay has a small trail through the middle that will take you to the rougher north side of the island. Both are worthwile of a stop to walk around, enjoy the beautiful sand, sun and scenery. No beach bars here, but you can find B-Line Beach Bar close to Sandy Spit on Little Jost Van Dyke and a number of excellent beach bars not far away on Jost Van Dyke!

8. Tropic of Cancer Beach, Little Exuma, Exuma, Bahamas
Tropic of Cancer Beach (also known as Pelican Beach) is the longest beach (about 1 mile) on island of Little Exuma in the Bahamas. The Tropic of Cancer meridian runs along the beach and is notated onto a step leading down to the beach (good photo op). No ammenities here, so bring some food, water and snorkeling gear. Although the beach is stunning, it’s not the easiest to find and you will most likely have this gorgeous beach to yourself!

*Orient Beach, St. Martin (before the hurricanes of 2017)*

7. Orient Beach, St. Maarten
Unfortunately, the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin was hit hard by the hurricanes of 2017 and much of Orient Beach was destroyed (including all the beach bars…). Although we haven’t personally visited again since the hurricanes, there are reports that the beautiful mile+ long beach is recovering and businesses are returning. The Bikini Beach Bar reopened in July and Kontiki is scheduled to open this month.

6. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
One of the most unique Caribbean beaches you will ever see, The Baths on the British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda is something to explore. Take the trail through the large boulders surrounded by white sand and shallow pools of clear blue water and end up on beautiful Devil’s Bay. Looking for a snack and a drink after exploring? The Poor Man’s Bar sits across from the entrance to the trail – but if you like your rum with a view, don’t miss the Top of the Baths Bar and Restaurant across from the visitor’s center and parking lot. From the Top of the Baths, enjoy sweeping views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola, a swimming pool and shops – in addition to delicious fresh food and cold drinks!

5. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Jimmy Buffet mentioned this British Virgin Island beauty in his song Mañana – ” I hear it gets better, that’s what they say, as soon as we sail on to Cane Garden Bay.” Located on the northwest side of Tortola, this palm tree fringed bay is a haven for boaters and the long, sandy beach and calm waters are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Showcasing some of the prettiest sunsets we’ve seen, Cane Garden Bay has some dining and beach bar options. Tortola was hit hard by last years hurricanes and even though the rebuilding is ongoing, it’s a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy. Catch a sunset here if you can.

4. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Actually not quite 7 miles long (but even at 5.5 miles it’s an incredibly long beach!), this stunning expanse of white sand is a beach lover’s paradise. There are several dining options along the beautiful sandy expanse as well as beach bars and shopping and no shortage of water based activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing and parasailing to enjoy!

3. Jolly Beach, Antigua
Located on Antigua’s calm, west coast, Jolly Beach is a mile long white sand beach, fringed by the turqouise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Although it can be very busy when cruise ships are in port, it’s worthwhile to visit for the sheer beauty. Plenty of watersports are available as well as beach umbrellas for rent. Several beach bars and restaurants are just yards away from the beach.

2. Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Ahhh, Shoal Bay. Frequently ranked as one of the top Caribbean beaches, this lovely two mile beach has water so beautiful that it could be described as an “electric blue”. A soft sndy shoreline and normally calm water make this beach a great one to spend the day enjoying the gorgeous sand and water. Several popular beach bars dot the pretty beach such as Gwen’s Reggae Bar & Grill and Uncle Ernie’s.

And the #1 Choice of Rum Therapy Readers?
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
On the northeast part of Providenciales, the most populated island in the Turks & Caicos chain, lies an amazing stretch of sand and clear, blue water that is usually calm due to a barrier reef about a mile offshore. Frequently listed as one of the top beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is truly a beach lovers dream. A variety of hotels, timeshares and villas dot the long beach and there are many options for food, drink and watersports.

As with any “best of” list – not all deserving beaches that received a vote from our readers made the list. Here are the honorable mentions – each one worth a visit too!

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
Cinnamon Bay, St. John
Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
Druif Beach, Aruba
Playa Los Tainos, Cuba
Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
Playa Flamenco, Culebra
Paradise Beach, Carriacou
Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Rendezvous Beach, Anguilla
Coki Beach, St. Thomas
Jack & Issac Beach, St. Croix
Grand Anse, Grenada
Meads Bay, Anguilla
Morne Rouge Beach, Grenada
Little Bay, St. Maarten

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

July 24, 2018June 6, 2019

Skip the Straw and Save a Turtle

Skip the straw and save a turtle? Keeping one single straw from making it to the ocean won’t fix the problem, but imagine if everyone said “No straw, please”!

The problem has been highlighted recently by a video of scientists pulling a straw from the nose of an unfortunate sea turtle. The video is hard to watch, but you can view it here: The Story of the Sea Turtle with a Straw in its Nostril.

I’m sure you’ve heard some of the facts on plastics, including plastic straws, and how plastics are impacting our oceans and marine life.

1. Of the 260 million tons of plastic the world produces each year, about 10 percent ends up in the Ocean, according to a Greenpeace report (Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans, 2006).

2. Research has found that 70 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of sea turtles have some amount of plastic in their systems. (NBC News)

3. As plastic debris floats in the seawater, it absorbs dangerous pollutants like PCBs, DDT and PAH. When animals eat these plastic pieces, the toxins are absorbed into their body and passed up the food chain. (Center for Biological Diversity: Ocean’s Plastic Pollution)

4. Plastic straws and stirrers can take up to 200 years to decompose. (https://4ocean.com/blogs/blog/how-long-does-it-take-trash-to-biodegrade)

5. Americans use 500 million drinking straws every day. (National Park Service – The Be Straw Free Campaign)

What can we do to limit the amount of plastic that makes its way into the ocean? Well, a lot actually. Much of it takes a conscious change in our routine or preferences, but given that plastic can do so much damage to marine life and our oceans in general, it’s really worth making the change.

In an effort to do our little part, we’re asking our readers to consider enjoying your beach beverages without a straw, and if possible, without a plastic cup. Glass containers are usually not allowed on beaches, so plastic cups may be necessary while enjoying the sun and sand, but we can make sure they get into a trash or recycle bin after finishing them. Some establishments are already forgoing the use of straws in an effort to curb the number that end up in the ocean and hopefully more will get on the “no straws” bandwagon soon.

(Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.)

Are you one that just needs (or wants) to use a straw? There are some safer options such as Stainless Steel Metal Drinking Straws, Reusable Silicone Drinking Straws (BPA free), Wheat Stem Straws (gluten free), Biodegradable Paper Straws, and Pasta Straws! We’ll be testing different ocean safe straws out in upcoming cocktail recipes and will let you know which ones work best for us.

In the meantime, won’t you join us in saying, “We’d like our cocktail without a straw, please!”

Cheers to less plastic – and more turtles, in our oceans!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

October 10, 2017June 6, 2019

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Itineraries

With the recent catastrophic hurricanes in the Caribbean, our thoughts have been laser focused those impacted by the storms instead of what we usually (constantly) focus on – vacation. Ok, and rum. Rum and vacation.

But, with a Windstar cruise on our horizon, thoughts began to cross our minds about the impact of the storms on our cruise (and many others), as our original itinerary was scheduled to take us from Puerto Rico to Culebra, Montserrat, St Barths, St Martin, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke… With almost all of these islands taking such an awful hit, are cruise lines cancelling, rescheduling or rerouting upcoming cruises?

Truth be told, we would love to have continued with the original itinerary. As soon as it is humanly possible and we aren’t getting in the way of recovery, we want to take our vacation dollars back to the islands and islanders that have sustained such damage. They will need the tourism dollars and, well, we long to spend time again on those islands. We want to see the progress and experience every new little beach bar and re-built restaurant and go sailing again. The beaches are still beautiful and the foliage is starting to regenerate, so as soon as we aren’t using resources needed for re-building, we are there. But…in the meantime, cruise lines have made changes to their itineraries necessitated, I’m sure, by the safety and enjoyment of their guests, and that includes our upcoming cruise.

Where will be be stopping now? From Puerto Rico we will sail off to Martinique, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St. Barths! We’ll be stopping at two islands that we have not had the pleasure of visiting yet and are excited for the opportunity to tell you about the experience of sailing on a small luxury cruise ship.

So for now, our changes in latitude will include changes in itineraries, but the changes will widen our tropical experiences and open our eyes to other tropical treasures.

Have the hurricanes caused you to make changes in your vacation itinerary? Tell us about it!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

August 8, 2017June 6, 2019

5 Reasons to Book a Virgin Islands Sailing Vacation

Have you been dreaming of exploring the gorgeous Virgin Islands? Have you ever thought of a sailing vacation on a beautiful catamaran in the Virgin Islands? Well, here are 5 great reasons to book a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands now!

1. You can experience a sailing vacation without knowing a thing about sailing!

The internet is full of gorgeous photos of sailboats and catamarans skimming the beautiful blue water of the Caribbean… Have you ever wished you could experience that but don’t know a thing about sailing? Well you can! There are several options available when chartering a sailing vacation, including a full charter with a captain and cook, a half-board, which includes a captain and cook and half of your meals (for those that want to enjoy more of the local cuisine) or a captain only charter, in which the guests provision the boat and do their own cooking. Your charter broker can discuss the options and help you decide what is best for your group!

2. You get to experience multiple islands

There are literally hundreds of locations to visit in the Virgin Islands. Exploring this area on a sailing vacation means that everyday you will get to see something new, beautiful and exciting!

You will probably visit at least one new island a day which gives you the chance to see more than a land only vacation.

3. You can go where bigger ships can’t go

On a chartered sailing vacation, you can get to places you won’t be able to reach by a much larger vessel, which means you can see many of the best attractions minus the cruise ship crowds.

You can enjoy your own private beach or cove for the day, snorkel an isolated reef – or, start your own party at a secluded beach bar!

4. Flexibility

A sailing vacation offers a lot in terms of flexibility. Need a catamaran that sleeps 4 or 20? Do you want to snorkel everyday? Do you like to sleep in or get up early? Do you want to check out as many beautiful beaches as possible? Do you have special dietary needs? Do you really want to try a Roti, or a Painkiller?

Are there certain locations you’ve been reading about (perhaps on the Rum Therapy website!) that you’d really like to experience? Are you looking for a quiet family vacation or do you have a group of close friends that likes to find a party? Your charter broker will help to match you with the perfect crew and vessel to maximize your sailing vacation experience.

5. It’s a good vacation value

Regardless of which charter option you choose, a sailing vacation offers a lot in terms of vacation value.

Many things are covered in the price of a charter, including mooring fees, fuel, and cruising permits, as well as meals & beverages (depending on your charter choice), water toys and a crew with extensive knowledge of the area so that you will get to sample the best of the islands!

Ready to go sailing?

This article was sponsored by Certified Charter Broker Laura Jagielski of Denison Yacht Charters. There are many advantages to using Laura as your charter broker. Because Laura lives in St.Thomas, she can provide an extra level of concierge service. She knows all the must see spots throughout the Virgin Islands and will arrange your transportation to and from your yacht. She will be there to personally greet you at the dock when you begin your charter, ensuring a great send-off. In addition, she will meet you at the end of your charter to answer any questions and assist you with your departure. NO detail is too small. She is dedicated to ensuring that your trip exceeds your expectations.

Contact Laura to help you set up your Virgin Islands Sailing Vacation!
Email: laura@denisonyachtsales.com Office Phone: 340-473-0073

The Denison family has been trusted in the yachting community since 1948 when Frank Denison founded Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Denison landed a United States Navy contract, with the first flight of four, 144′ wooden minesweepers, for the Royal Dutch Navy under a NATO contract. Since then the Denison family has manufactured and sold more yachts over 70 feet than any family in the industry. The Denison company is not only a powerhouse when it comes to yacht brokerage but also a trusted name in the charter yacht world. With offices all over the world from Hong Kong to California to Florida to the Virgin Islands, the crew at Denison would be honored to show you how three generations of yachting expertise can be an asset to your yachting experience.

This is a sponsored post. Although we were compensated by the company who sponsored it, the views are solely our own and we only recommend products or services we believe our readers will enjoy.

July 5, 2017June 6, 2019

4 Reasons to Travel to the Caribbean During the Summer

Summer vacation in the Caribbean? Once the weather gets warm in our neck of the woods, our thoughts don’t drift quite as much to the Caribbean – but should they? Summertime can be a terrific time to take a break in the Caribbean and here are 4 reasons why!

Less crowded – high season in the Caribbean is generally mid December to mid April. By traveling to the Caribbean during off season, you are far more likely to enjoy quieter beaches, restaurants and resorts. Enjoy your piña colada in peace!
Clearer, warmer water – during the summer months, there is a slight chance you can encounter a tropical storm or hurricane (see Should You Travel to the Caribbean During Hurricane Season), but most people experience warm, calm weather, which translates into warm, calm and clear water – perfect for snorkeling and diving!
Temps may actually be cooler than some places back home – yes, the tropics can be warm during summer (especially inland), but the temps may actually be cooler than some of the southern states during the summer! And if you get really hot, just jump back into the ocean!
DEALS! – many hotels, condos and resorts slash their prices 20-50% in the summer over their high season rates. Have you been longing to stay at a beautiful resort but find the price too costly during the winter? Check out the prices during the summer months!

Are you ready to head to the islands? Do you like to vacation in the Caribbean during the summer? Tell us about it!

Find more Tropical Tips at our Tropical Tips & More directory

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

May 25, 2017June 5, 2019

5 Excuses Not to Travel and 2 Reasons Why You Really Should

Whether you dream of exploring the Alps, finding the prettiest, most secluded beach in the world or just taking a weekend away with the family, it often feels like there are more reasons NOT to go than TO go.

Have you found yourself weighing the reasons to go or not to go on vacation, or have you ever felt that because of your life circumstances that you will NEVER get to experience some of the wonderful locations you read about or see on the web? Have you ever heard the saying that if you wait for just the right time to get married or just the right time to have a baby or just the right time to see the world that it may never happen?

Yes, there are certainly good reasons to consider. Being a single parent, not having a stable job, health reasons, taking care of a parent or other family member, etc., are all very valid (and responsible!) reasons to consider putting off a vacation – but should you let it hold you back forever?

Here are 5 of the excuses we hear the most when someone talks to us about wishing they could take a well deserved getaway:

1. It’s too expensive.

Yes, it can be – especially if you have champagne tastes and a beer budget, but if you really would like to experience something you’ve always dreamed about, here are a few tips.
a. Look for vacations closer to home. Do you long for time in the sun on a beautiful beach? Check out coastal regions close to home. It may not be Bora Bora, but just walking in the warm sand while enjoying the sunshine and a cool beverage may be just what the doctor ordered.
b. Take a long weekend instead of a week or longer.
c. Search the web (or talk to a travel agent) about destinations that are not as popular, but still beautiful. The more popular a location, the more likely it will be pricey.
d. Start saving your pennies now. It may take a while to save up for that time away, but if it’s important to you – start now!

2. Flying has become too complicated.

Flying has become a bit more difficult with baggage fees, overbooking and crowded flights – but, if you want to vacation in a destination that you can’t drive, or take a bus or train to, you may have to board that plane. A few tips:

a. If you like to fly with a specific airline, look into getting a credit card with that airline that not only builds points when you use the card to book your travel on that airline, but will offer you a free baggage allowance on flights billed on the card.
b. Book your flights for days and times that are usually less busy. Although there’s no doubt that flights we’ve been on lately have been more full, we usually find mid-week flights not only less busy, but sometimes a bit cheaper. Busiest days to fly (besides the holidays)? Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
c. If you haven’t already spent every last dollar, consider upgrading to a priority seat that offers more legroom. We struggled with this for a long time, but now make sure to leave room in the budget for this little luxury – especially on longer flights.

3. It’s too short.

We’ve been there. You work hard and save all year for that well deserved vacation and suddenly it’s there – and then it’s gone. Tip:

a. Instead of one long vacation, take a few shorter trips per year. Even if they’re not all at a 5 star resort, just getting away can be exciting.

4. I’m too scared to go to a foreign country.

You’re not alone. Even seasoned travelers may feel some angst about language barriers, customs and food when considering travel to a foreign country. Tips?

a. Look into locations that are more like the country you’re familiar with. If you’re a US citizen and you want to go to a beautiful tropical location without too many surprises, there are many to choose from. Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Hawaii are either part of the US or US territories and, for now at least, don’t require a passport!
b. Research a location that is part of a different country. You can glean so much information on different travel destinations today that can help you decide to go, or not to go to a particular location. Find out what other travelers have reported about their travel there to decide if it’s right for you.

5. I’m to young or to old or to single to travel.

Although understandable concerns, age, marital status or physical disabilities should not preclude you from experiencing travel! Tips?

a. Find a travel agent that can find a vacation to suit your needs. In recent years, there are resorts and locations that absolutely cater to senior travel, solo travel and accessible travel – so you can find the vacation and location that really appeals to you. If you have a special need or request – don’t be afraid to ask!

Now that we’ve discussed the 5 top Excuses Not to Travel and given you a few tips on how to overcome those hurdles, here are a 2 Reasons Why You Absolutely Should:

1. Life Is Short.
If you want to see some of the world, start making plans to do it now. Even if you start small by taking a day to go hiking or a weekend to check out a National Park near you – do it soon! Don’t wait until the “time is right”.

2. Experiencing Something Outside of Your Daily Life Can Be Enriching, Invigorating and Life Changing.
We all get stuck in a rut from time-to-time, but taking time away from the grind of daily life makes us grow as people. We may learn more about others, learn to appreciate the beauty around us, and learn to appreciate what we have.

Do you have other travel tips to share? Tell us about them!

January 25, 2017June 6, 2019

Taking the Sea Plane from St. Thomas to St. Croix

“Port to port with no airport” is the phrase used by Seaborne Airlines representative Angelia when spoke to her about the short flight on a sea plane from Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Christiansted Harbor in St. Croix.

And sure enough, we conveniently boarded the sea plane from a dock in Charlotte Amalie, received our flight safety information from the pilot while in the cockpit, then skimmed over the water of the harbor, passing boats and buoys, taking off on our way to St. Croix.

20 minutes later, after a smooth and scenic flight, we descended into Christiansted Harbor, gently touching down on the water and then pulling up to the dock to de-plane.

No airports – no fuss and there we were, just feet from the boardwalk in Christiansted! How convenient is that?

From there, we were able to walk right down the boardwalk to our hotel in Christiansted without having to rent a car or get a taxi – although both are available right at the Seaborne Terminal as well, if needed!

Check out the Seaborne Airlines website for more information on the Sea Plane flight from St. Thomas to St Croix and other flights available.

A special thanks to Seaborne Airlines for providing our flight from St. Thomas to St. Croix!

To see more posts on St. Croix and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory