If you think Florida is just for visiting Disney world, think again. Since living here the last few months, I have discovered what the sunshine state has to offer and I simply cannot get enough.

One of my favorite spots to explore is Key West, you do not need a passport when visiting this island paradise, but it will feel like you are in the Caribbean.

Famous for its beautiful beaches, romantic venues, and spectacular views, Key West should be on everyone’s vacation list.

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The easiest way to get to the Keys is through the Florida interstate, you will pay tolls along the way via ticketed booths.

I suggest buying a Sun Pass to get a discount on the tolls. You can buy the passes in any Publix supermarket.

If you decide to stay in the Old town or historic district of Key West you will not be needing your car very often since everything is walking distance.

By Sea:

There is only one ferry option to Key West that leaves from Ft. Myers and is a full day sail with overnight options available.

You can check out the trip schedule at the Key West Express ferry.

By Air:

If you want to get to Key West fast, you’re in luck cause there are numerous daily flights from major airlines that can get you to this island paradise.

The following airlines are currently flying to Key West:

• Delta has direct flights available to/from Atlanta (ATL)
• Silver Airways  has direct flights to/from Orlando (MCO), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW)
• United has direct flights to/from Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD)
• American has direct flights available to/from Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Washington DC (DCA), Charlotte (CLT)

For most or all of your flights, you will likely be transferring to a smaller aircraft to get to your final leg to Key West.

Where to stay:

Luxury: Sunset Key Cottages

Want to get pampered and eat the most incredible seafood while feeling the ocean breeze?

Take a short trip to Sunset Key, a private island that is only a short ferry ride from Key West.

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Stay at Sunset Key Cottages to experience the luxury of island living. Be sure to reserve a cottage with an ocean view and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.

Take advantage of the island by doing some star gazing at night and wake up to the beautiful sunrise while enjoying the private beach all to yourself. The water is so warm that it’ll be hard to get out!

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Craving some amazing seafood? Make a reservation at Latitudes where every dish is mouth-wateringly delicious.

Any seafood on the menu is a must try, when it comes to dessert make sure to order the mango creme brulee and the key lime pie, I guarantee they will be some of the best desserts you will ever eat!

If you are planning to visit the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation beforehand otherwise, you will not be permitted to go aboard the ferry (unless you are staying at Sunset Key Cottages). So plan ahead.

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Ferry schedule to and from the island:

The ferry leaves Margaritaville Key West resort for Sunset Key at 15 minutes before and after the hour.

From Sunset Key to Margaritaville on the hour and the half hour. The ferry trip is approximately 10 minutes.

Resort: Margaritaville Key West Resort

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If you are looking to stay in the historic district of Key West, then Margaritaville Key West Resort is the perfect place!

You will be spoiled by the fresh margaritas they serve daily and be sure to take advantage of the luxurious pool on the property!

You do not need to go far to get some amazing dishes, just walk over to their restaurant Bistro 245. Try the Maine lobster Mac and Cheese, I guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

You can experience the most epic sunset by heading to the Sunset Deck above Bistro 245, then order those margarita’s while you enjoy the view.

Margaritaville Key West Resort is conveniently located and walking distance to all the incredible shops and sites. So park that car and explore by foot.

6 best things to do on your next Key West holidays:

Going on Key west holidays is a must if you are a visitor or a local, so here are the top 7 things to do when you are on the island.

Go for a neighborhood Stroll

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One of the best ways to see Key West is to go for a walk around the old town or the historic district of the island.

You will see the most beautiful and colorful homes. Every single street corner is so photogenic that it’ll make you want to take photos for hours!

If you are looking for some history, make sure to check out Ernest Hemingway’s home. Find out more about this iconic writer and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

See a movie at Cinema Tropic

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One of the hidden secrets of Key West is their vintage feel movie theaters. Our favorite is Cinema Tropic, an independent theater created with art deco design to represent old Hollywood and contemporary cinema.

Make sure to say hello to Marilyn Monroe before you enter the theater.

Swim with the sharks

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Up for a little adventure? Try shark diving with Keys Shark diving. They will take you on a heart-stopping experience viewing and diving with sharks.

Don’t worry, they guarantee the cage to be 100% shark proof.

It takes 10 minutes to an hour for the sharks to show and then they deploy hook-less baits which allows you to see the sharks up close and personal.

Make friends with the chickens

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This may sound strange but the Key West chickens and rosters are a staple in the island. You’ll find them roaming around while you shop and will even join you for lunch and dinner.

Make friends with these charming creatures who will make your stay more fun and livelier with their morning and honestly all day crowing.

Enjoy live music

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Key West is not just a lot of fun in the sun, although there is a lot of that, the night-life is definitely something to experience.

There are a ton of night clubs and amazing live events happening around downtown. You can check out a list of all the live performances here.

Enjoy a bar-hopping at Duval street where you will find the best music performances on the island and enjoy more of those margaritas!

Take a ghost tour

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Want a unique nightlife experience? Go on a haunted walking tour with Key West ghost and mysteries tours.

Enjoy a night stroll around the neighborhood and visit spooky locations that will make your hair stand on end!

Your guide will take you off the beaten path and share the hidden side of the island that most visitors will never get to see.

Are you ready for your Key West holidays adventure?

Tell us your favorite spots and any hidden gems that you discover while you are on the island.

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England is one of my favorite countries to visit, because not only will you get the convenience of the city in London, but a day trip can take you to lovely coasts and scenic hikes.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

An unforgettable day trip that you won’t want to miss is The Jurassic Coast. Situated on the English Channel coast of Southeast England,  it is an easy day trip from London.

You can take a train from the city center to Wool (London Waterloo to Weymouth Line) and take a bus straight to the site.

I opted to do a Bus Tour with Discover Dorset Tours, there are also 3 bus services to West Lulworth for Durdle Door (numbers 30, X55 and 104).

The bus tour company was great since they pick you up from the train station and also bring you back at the end of the day without having to wait for the public transport bus.

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If an easy hike and if beautiful coast is what you are looking for, this is the place for you. Lulworth Cove is located near the entrance.

You will hike up a hill and take in the breathtaking view of the ocean, the curving rock formations as well as the pool that has formed in between the hill and ocean.

Continue your walk to the Stairway Hole where you will find fishing boats and other visitors taking in the sun along the beach.

The hike to Durdle Door is much longer. You will pass the parking lot and hike up a hill where you will be welcomed by the beautiful scenery of the Jurassic Coast’s  crystal clear blue waters that will make you want to take a plunge, but don’t be fooled.

Even in the summer the water is still chilly, however don’t be deterred – take a plunge and cool off from that hike.

As you get closer to Durdle Door you will immediately see the famous arch. You can walk down the stairs and relax on the beach or continue the hike further out to see more of the coast. Either way you wont be disappointed.

The Jurassic Coast with Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is a definite must as a weekender trip when in England. So the next time you’re in town, make sure to visit!

More England day trips:

Seven Sisters

Seven sisters is located in East of Sussex on the coast of the English Channel.

A short train 50 minute ride from Victoria Station in London it is a wonderful place for a hike and to get a bit of sun on warmer days.

You can expect gorgeous views of the coast and a scenery to die for! It’s a great place to re-charge and enjoy a few hours hike.

You can even visit the beaches that are below the cliffs and stay a bit longer.

Cambridge

Traveling to Cambridge from London may take a bit more time. By train you can hop on to the Great Nothern/Thames Link Railway which takes you to Cambridge Station from London Kings Cross.

The trip can take between an hour to an hour and a half depending on the speed of your train.

If you want to get there faster, there is also the option of renting a car. Sites like rentalcars.com, skyscanner and autoeurope.com are great places to search for the best deals.

Keep in mind that you are driving on the other side of the road. So, make sure to be careful.

Once you arrive in this incredible city, you can immerse yourself in the rich history.

Cotswolds

If you want to discover the beauty of the English country side, make sure to head to the Cotswolds. It’ll feel like you have gone back in time and been placed in a story book fairy tale.

A few ways of getting to the Cotswolds is by train, car or through a tour company like getyourguide.com.

They will give you several stops to visit this quaint town and appreciate the beauty. They even have a Downton Abbey village tour!

Bath

Bath is one of the most appealing cities in England. With its Roman and Georgian architecture and world-renowned spas, it will be hard to resist visiting this incredible place.

If you are looking for a change of scenery and a relaxing weekend getaway, then Bath will be the perfect spot.

Getting there by train you can hop on the   Great Western  trains which runs from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station  that ends at Bristol Temple Meads Station. The ride takes around an hour and a half and if you buy your tickets a month in advance you will be able to save on your trip.

If you want to get there by bus you can take the National Express Coaches from London to Bath take about two hours 20 minutes and again if you purchase your tickets a month in advance you will be able to save.

Stonehenge

The world famous Stonehenge is located only 90 miles from central London, so a day trip is a must!

There are a ton of choices in getting to this renowned spot, from guided tours, trains, and car rentals your options are limitless.

There are trains running directly from Waterloo stations to Salisbury, which is the nearest railway to Stonehenge.

You can also catch the Stonehenge tour bus which goes directly to visitor center. There are currently no public bus services to the site so going with a tour bus will be your best bet, if you are planning to go via bus.

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Summer is almost here in New York and if you have been here during this season, you will know that the humidity can be unbearable. I wake up every morning wishing I can just jump into a pool.

The problem is, unless you live in a penthouse, join an expensive gym or know someone who has an awesome kiddie pool in their backyard, you aint‘ gunna have that refreshing feeling.

This summer I promised myself that I would find the most beautiful swimming spots near and around New York City and guess what?!

I was able to find them folks! I didn’t have to sneak into a luxury apartment building, check in a swanky hotel or blow up a nice kiddie pool in the backyard to do it either.

Before we get to the fun part, I just wanted to give a little reminder that if you do visit these amazing spots, please be respectful of the environment.  Carry out what you bring in, be respectful of the locals and others visiting the area.

So here we go! Below are my top 5 favorite swimming spots. If the refreshingly cool water won’t get you there, the views will!

Kaaterskill Falls

Location: Catskill Mountains, Hunter (town), New York

Highlights: Tallest 2 tier waterfall in New York.

I stumbled upon this beautiful 2 tier waterfall over 10 years ago.

I had to crab walk my way up and down the falls since they did not have any built- in stairs that would take you to the cascades.

Today, you will find many visitors clamoring to get to these falls and luck is on your side because there is now easy access to the falls.

Make sure to bring your hiking shoes and get ready for a little work before you arrive to the picturesque swimming spots under the falls.

Peekamoose Blue Hole

Location: Grahamsville, New York

Highlights: Clear blue waters that is perfect for diving.

Peekamoose Blue Hole is as unique as its name, a short walk from the parking lot is this crystal clear blue water, as cold as it is refreshing.

It is the perfect place to cool off when the temperature is high.

Park at the large parking area with a sign for the Peekamoose Mountain area, then cross the road and  walk down a short path to the creek.

Get there early because this incredible pool can get crowded during the summer.

Split Rock Falls

Location: Elizabethtown, New York

Highlights: Multiple steps of cascades where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Split rock falls is a unique swimming destination. It has multiple tears of cascades that you can enjoy.

Go to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the calmer water or if you are up for an adventure, head up a little further and dive into the upper cascade.

Be aware of the water current, make sure that it is safe before diving.

Warren Falls

Location: Warren, Vermont

Highlights: Unique rock formations and perfect diving spots for the more adventurous.

Warren Falls is the only non New York State swimming spot that I included on this list.

First, because I wasn’t able to make it to the others  due to time constraints and second,  it is one of the most beautiful spots that I have been to and I had to share with you!

We arrived in Vermont and was immediately welcomed by torrential downpour. We got there early before more heavy rain came in, which gave us this whimsical effect.

However, it came with extremely strong current and heavy cascades. Make sure to visit this incredible spot, but check the weather before you go!

High Falls Conservation Area

Location: Philmont, New York

Highlights: This hidden gem is still a bit off radar so no huge crowds of people is a win win! 

The High Falls Conservatory Area is still a hidden gem, so there will be a lot less people compared to the others featured above.

It is a nice  and easy stroll to the  main waterfall and you will also be met by the smaller waterfall along the way.

If you want to get up close to the waterfall, make sure to hike along the stream, or you can continue to the higher ground where you can have a birds eye view of the falls.

Although I listed this area as a swimming hole and there are people who do swim here, I prefer to sunbathe instead of swim in the area.

The water is a bit more cloudy and the algae from the falls creates brown bubbles that may not be too appealing.

If you are more adventurous, you can climb up into the upper falls and there are beautiful pools that are more suitable for a nice cooling dip.

Check it out and decide for your self if you would like to swim here. Even without the swim, it is still an incredible site to see and looks beautiful any time of the year!

Please use caution and common sense when swimming and diving in these locations. It is not uncommon for injury or even death to happen. So be aware and keep safe everyone!

Hope you enjoyed this list and visit them this summer.

Comment below and let me know how your visit goes!

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