Florida’s Space Coast was once a popular destination in the late 1960s thanks in part to Kennedy Space Center and the excitement of the space race. This destination was famous for many things, including the beaches, rockets, and even lagoons that rivaled the classic Florida sand. But things changed in the ensuing decades, especially as Orlando’s theme parks emerged, and this spot became less prevalent as other regions of the state boomed.

For the last two decades, the Space Coast’s best minds have been working on reconstructing the destination’s image and offerings, trying to bring back its golden glory of yesteryear. While going back in the past is not possible, these efforts have been producing some fantastic attractions that are making it a must-visit location for new generations.

Beachside Hotel and Suites

Hotels are sometimes the things that can make or break a destination, and they don’t always have to be five stars. The Beachside Hotel and Suites is the ideal place to bring your family and camp out. It doesn’t lose itself in frills that the coast isn’t known for, instead embracing its past—albeit with modern amenities perfect for larger families.

The rooms are decked out in 60s vintage-inspired décor, while the wrap-around lazy river is an excellent addition if you want to avoid walking down to the beach. While this boutique hotel isn’t beachfront, it’s only minutes away from the water, and it does partner with organizations like Cocoa Beach Surf Company for private surf lessons. I did a class here and found it perfect since the water was choppy enough to produce some waves but not aggressively tricky, where a beginner like myself would be overwhelmed. The instructors are hands-on and work at your pace, which is excellent for different types of learners.

4th Street Fillin Station

The 4th Street Fillin Station envelopes the new vibe of Cocoa (and the Space Coast) in a way that seems welcoming to anyone. As its name implies, it’s built from an old gas station and is one of the area’s most diverse drinking and gastronomy spots. They have over 26 craft beers available and an expansive menu of plant-based, gluten-free, and other options available.

Some of their highlights are the street tacos and homemade ice cream. The space is partially outside, which makes it fun during good weather moments. Most of the walls are covered in art murals, and there’s a sense of modernity there that feels like a breath of fresh air when you’re around so much history.

Kennedy Space Center

This one is a classic but still an essential part of what makes the Space Coast exciting and relevant. The Kennedy Space Center is the area’s biggest and most popular attraction. Opened in the early 60s, the Kennedy Space Center was and still is an integral part of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Countless explorations started there, and the first crewed ship that landed on the moon launched from here in 1969. Outside of history, there are many things to do if you’re visiting. They have an incredible rocket museum and a revolving list of seasonal programs. There are countless other attractions to discover, but the most popular is watching a rocket take off. Make sure to check their website for a calendar.

Florida-Adventurer

If you’ve ever been to Florida, you know there are many things to do outdoors. One thing folks need to learn more about is its canals, filled with diverse ecosystems and different animals ranging from alligators to dolphins and manatees. Florida-Adventurer is a local company that offers tours of the channels, and one of their most popular is the bioluminescence kayak tour in the Haulover Canal. I did this tour not too long ago, and it was one of the best bioluminescence tours I’ve ever done.

Usually done after the sun goes down, this tour takes you around the canal, as the guide points out different animals and locations. It’s just a short distance from the Space Coast, and the best time to see the water glowing is between June and September. It’s a great activity that everyone should experience at least once. Make sure to bring a lot of mosquito repellent, because the pests are aggressive near the water and after dark.

Brevard Zoo

Any trip to the Space Coast should end at the Brevard Zoo. This family-friendly attraction has been inviting guests to visit since 1994. It is a great way to teach kids about Florida’s natural habitat. They even have a Sea Turtle Healing Center that opened in 2014 (not open to the public) that works with the native sea turtle population, considering Broward’s beaches are the largest nesting area for sea turtles in the United States.

While the Space Coast holds on to its history, it also allows itself to evolve and change with time. The next time you plan a vacation to Central Florida, check out what this destination can offer. It might surprise you.

The post 5 Ways Florida’s Space Coast is Reemerging as a Popular Destination appeared first on Islands.

New England is loaded with alluring destinations, but the region featuring Rhode Island’s pair of gems, Newport and Narragansett, is truly special. These beautiful Ocean State cities are full of big waves, sunshine, shops, and friendly faces, as well as delicious seafood restaurants, locally owned businesses, and especially clean beaches where locals and visitors can swim and surf.

There is so much to do in these towns that planning a first visit can be a daunting task. Here are some tips that might relieve the stress of creating an unforgettable vacation itinerary.

Where to Stay

The Shore House is a Victorian mansion with modern amenities and gorgeous views of the beach. After falling asleep to the sound of the waves, you can wake up and relax in bed as the sun fills the room as the natural beauty of the shore beckons you outside. The King Shore Room has a big bathroom, seating area, and comfortable bed, as well as a coffee station and a fridge to keep leftovers, drinks, and snacks readily available to you.

The location is absolutely perfect, just a short walk from Narragansett Town Beach, but there are also bikes available for guests who want to explore (and beach towels are offered as well, which saves precious space in the luggage). When it comes to dining in and around the hotel, the on-site restaurant Sea Craft is ideal for grabbing a quick, convenient meal to start the day, or enjoying a cocktail after a long day of seeing the town, all while taking in the beachside views.

Where to Eat

Matunuck Oyster Bar  is widely considered one of the best restaurants in the Narragansett area. If you love oysters, a dinner here is simply non-negotiable. They run their own oyster farm on-site right on Potter Pond, with tours available for guests (for an additional cost, and you must sign up ahead of time). The menu covers a wide variety of cooked and raw seafood dishes, particularly featuring oysters, with options like the Passion Fruit Oysters on the half shell with salty salmon roe and crisp brunoise cucumber.

At the risk of invoking Bubba from Forrest Gump, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes and takes on this local staple. Oysters Rockefeller with spinach, pernod, breadcrumbs, bacon, and fresh herbs or Clams Casino with bell pepper, bacon, breadcrumbs, lemon, and parsley. Try the Grilled Oysters with garlic butter and fresh herbs, Bourbon Oysters with bourbon chipotle sauce, and the Oysters Rockefeller. They even have a creamy, rich Oyster Stew with rosemary cream, bacon, roasted sweet corn, onions, bell peppers and poached oysters. Don’t worry, though: there are plenty of New England classics on the menu like a Lobster Roll with chilled lobster meat, a light coating of mayo, and celery on a buttered roll, in addition to dishes like the Stuffed Lobster with plenty of sides as well.

The Nordic is a short drive into Charlestown and completely worth the trek—it’s a destination of its own. People drive from all over to experience this buffet, which is far from your average all you can eat affair. Guests will enjoy a seemingly endless amount of raw bar items, fresh shellfish, chowders, and other New England favorites.

The family-run seafood spot has other options like prime rib, barbecue, a salad bar, pasta, and fried seafood, but they’re known for having a bounty of steamed lobster and clams, crab legs, raw oysters and clams, chowders, bisques, shrimp, and more. Adults pay just $135, which is a steal, especially during tourist season in New England. If you even have room after that for dessert, their entire dessert table is filled with delicacies from local bakeries and fresh treats.

The lakeside property often has live music and entertainment, so visitors can wander the grounds to see the animals, take in the view, and relax before or after their meal. The Nordic is an experience that needs to be on your radar the next time you’re in Rhode Island.

Flo’s Clam Shack has been around for nearly 80 years, serving up some incredible (lightly fried) seafood dishes and chowders. Start with one of their heavy-handed rum drinks (although be careful because they can sneak up on you), while looking out onto the beach while waiting for your food on the upper deck. It’s hard to choose from this menu when nothing misses, like their famous Clam Cakes. They’re crispy, but soft on the inside, with juicy pops of fresh, briny clams. They’re perfect for soaking up chowders or can be enjoyed on their own.

If you’re having trouble deciding, the Flo’s Fisherman Platter is perfect to share. It comes with plenty of their juicy, whole belly fried clams, tender clam strips, calamari, sweet giant scallops, and fried fish, all of which is topped with a clam cake. It’s basically a little bit of everything that you definitely need to try, so this is a solid choice for about $36. The Oysters Rockefeller are also incredible, and the restaurant offers casual options like a spectacular Lobster Roll filled with fresh lobster meat.

Best of all, take in the beautiful views of Easton Beach while inhaling your clam strips. There’s a reason they’ve been in business for nearly 80 years, they know how to do fresh and fried seafood right. The clams are still juicy, the fish is fresh, and you can really taste the seafood without the coating overpowering it, but more enhancing it.

The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar is another great spot in Newport to stop for a delicious evening meal. They have light starters like raw oysters and crudo with fresh scallops, radish, extra-virgin olive oil, citrus, and serrano that you snack on while sipping a cocktail. The Oysters Rockefeller are a must and the Stuffed Lobster with scallops and shrimp is perfect if you’re torn between indulging in a lobster dinner or a seafood stuffed lobster. You get the flavorful stuffing while still having some plain, steamed lobster pieces like the knuckles and a claw. It’s definitely the best of both worlds.

What to Do

Give yourself plenty of time to explore Newport. The shops seem to go on for miles, breaking off into all different blocks of local boutiques, souvenir spots, locally owned businesses, and some larger stores, as well. For a little pick-me-up, swing into Benjamin’s on the strip for their happy hour from noon until 2 pm daily. You can grab a beer and enjoy a few $1.50 oysters and $1.25 topnecks—a great deal for the area. If you’re there specifically on Tuesdays, they have Raw Bar Tuesdays with $1.50 oysters and $1.25 topnecks in addition to $1.75 shrimp, $1.50 Clams Casino, and $1.75 Oysters Rockefeller.

The Red Parrot has incredible lobster bisque and tropical cocktails, and be sure to grab a lavender iced latte (among other flavors) to go from Coffee Grinder. Not only is their coffee high-quality, but the owner is such a wonderful person who takes the time to connect with every single customer, local or not. She ran her coffee shop in Bannister’s Wharf for nearly 25 years and has since moved to the historic Perry Mill between Thames Street and Newport Harbor.

Narragansett Town Beach is just a short walk from the Shore House. The waves can be a little larger, so it’s a great spot for people who enjoy body surfing or boogie boarding (just follow the warnings from signs and lifeguards about potential undertows and currents to stay safe). If you’re feeling up to it, you can even take surf lessons, which are offered by several local companies.

For example, Peter Pan Surfing and SUP Academy is located down the street from the beach and offers lessons, and the instructors are so incredibly patient, kind, relaxed, and work with your level of physical ability. Be sure to have cash on you when you head to the beach to pay for the entrance fee during high tourist season and of course, a Del’s Frozen Lemonade for your walk back.

For about $20 for a round-trip ticket, you can take the high-speed ferry for the day from Point Judith to explore Block Island. Approximately 12 miles off the coast of Narragansett, you’ll find an island full of beautiful bluffs on the ocean, locally owned shops, water sports like parasailing and kayaking, among plenty of beaches to swim and sunbathe at throughout the day.

The post How to Make the Most of Your Newport and Narragansett Getaway appeared first on Islands.

On the west coast of Florida, approximately 45 minutes from the Tampa International Airport—depending on the traffic, naturally—you’ll find the charming town of Port Richey. This Pasco County escape is known for a lot of things, including boating, stunning murals that coat the town center, boating, casual restaurants serving fresh seafood, boating, and plenty of historic architecture, like the soft-coral-pink Hacienda Hotel and the remaining stilt houses. Oh, and did we mention the boating?

In addition to all that this region is known for, there’s one particular thing that locals and visitors come from all over to try: scalloping. This special season runs in the summer during a specific time frame—this year’s ran from July 1 through August 6—but it’s never just as easy as showing up and hitting the open water. There’s plenty you’ll need to know before next year’s big outdoor adventure.

Learning the Ropes

Scalloping is like an Easter egg hunt for adults, but instead of chocolate and candy, you get sweet, delicious shellfish—almost always a better deal. The voyage is only a short one, so visitors should scan the water for dolphins and manatees popping up on the shoreline. Once at the sight of the captain’s choosing, Captains Mark Dillingham and Curt Romanowski will go over how to spot the scallops in the water.

You’ll get snorkel gear and a mesh bag to fill with scallops, before jumping overboard to begin your search. With the targets hiding in sandy areas and seagrass on the ocean floor, you’ll have to dive down to grab the shellfish. If your goal is a significant dinner, your bag will need to be full, especially since these are smaller bay scallops.

After a couple hours diving for fresh scallops, you’ll hop back into the boat to shuck and clean your haul, tasting some raw if you’d like (at your own risk), as these bivalve mollusks are like oysters, mussels, and clams. One cleaned and bagged, they go into the cooler until dinner.

Where to Stay

You always know what you’re getting at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa-Port Richey. With sweltering Florida heat highlighting this scallop season, the incredibly cold AC alone can seem like the most important amenity for those much-needed breaks from the action.

The rooms get incredibly cold with AC and ceiling fans, giving you a much-needed break from the sweltering heat around the time of scalloping season, when temps can feel like they’re in the hundreds. There’s plenty of plugs and working space available, and the suites have full fridges and kitchens. They have a beautiful pool with a waterfall for guests to enjoy during their free time, strong Wi-Fi, and free hot continental breakfast every day.

However, if you’re looking for something less modern and with a history (maybe even a few ghosts), The Hacienda, a Classic 1927 Florida Hotel, is the ideal place. Its salmon pink exterior is something Barbie would approve of, and the hotel is filled with history, having had guests like Charlie Chaplin and  Johnny Cash as guests over the years.

It has always been a popular spot for the entertainment crowd and is officially on U.S. National Register of Historic Places as of 1996. Dating to the late 1920s, the property is simply full of character and charm. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and the staff encourages guests to spend time gathering in the shared spaces, rather than in the bedrooms.

What Else to Do

Although you’re there for scalloping, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water during the day. For example, first-timers will enjoy booking a boat voyage with Windsong Charters to view the stilt houses, which are incredible to view in person, as the concept dates back to the early 1900s. And beyond the scallops, there are plenty of local dining options to enjoy on land.

After a day of scalloping and working with your local captains to learn how to shuck and clean, it’s now time to take your catch to a famous local restaurant for their hook and cook special. You can bring your bag of cleaned scallops to Gill Dawg Tiki Bar & Grill where the chef will prepare them for you (blackened or grilled), served with your choice of two sides. You can relax and have a drink while waiting for your food, overlooking the Cotee River and listening to the live music.

Whiskey Joe’s is more than just a good launching point for the scalloping boats. It’s a casual dining spot to enjoy some quality seafood dishes and BBQ with waterfront views. The Gator Bites (yes, they’re actually alligator nuggets) and Coconut Mahi Nuggets with a coconut rum sauce are incredible. The Strawberry-Guava Rib Basket is another delicious, filling option consisting of slow cooked ribs smothered in a sweet, strawberry-guava barbecue glaze, and served with fries and crisp coleslaw.

The Social NPR is a great place to enjoy the views from the top deck and share some appetizers. They have incredible Shrimp Tacos—that you can have grilled, blackened, or fried with ginger slaw, boom boom sauce, and juicy tomatoes—in addition to a variety of shared plates like their Barbecue Pork Nachos or their Fried Green Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and balsamic.

For dessert, check out Cotee River Creamery & Desserts for homemade ice cream. They offer plenty of classic options like chocolate, strawberry, or pistachio, in addition to some funky flavors like Lavender Honey, Banana Cream Pie, and Key Lime Pie. They even have 21 and over flavors with liquor like Bailey’s Irish Cream & Chocolate Shell, Margarita, and S’mores Kentucky Bourbon Cream.

The post Everything You Need to Know about Scalloping Season in Port Richey, Florida appeared first on Islands.

When you think about the ideal Florida vacation home, what are the most important elements? Beach bums will want to have access to plenty of sand, while boaters will prefer being right on the water. Some Endless Summer enthusiasts will take the setting that gives them the sunset of a lifetime every evening, while others will hope they have enough light to paddle board to the end of the world and back. And as certain people would love to be part of a community where they can wave to neighbors as they pass in their fancy golf carts and e-bikes, some of us just want to feel like the only people on the planet.

To each his own, obviously, but the latest listing from Corcoran Reverie is the closest thing to an “all of the above” residence that any dreamer might find in the Sunshine State.

Set within beautiful North Bay—a hop, skip, and a pontoon boat from Panama City Beach—this 4-bedroom, 5.5-bath palace is a family’s year-round haven for laidback panhandle vibes. With more than 5,100-sq. ft. of living space spread out over three stories, residents and guests can enjoy the privacy as much as the naturally beautiful surroundings.

That’s especially great for multigenerational gatherings, so the kids can take a break from hearing parents and grandparents tell the same old stories.

Every room of this $3.6 million listing boasts views of the water, so fishing and boating mavens will barely spend a moment on the sprawling pool deck. That just means more summer jams and fresh cocktails for those who prefer the resort life, but without all the strangers and noise.

When the crew returns with the fresh catch, the family chefs can show off their talents in the modern kitchen or poolside grill, and simply pass the dishes down the line to everyone gathered by the loungers and hot tub. However, sunset chasers will probably want to grab a plate and head upstairs to the second- or third-level terrace for the best views on this private island.

With a private road and the Gulf of Mexico 10 nautical miles away, there won’t be many aimless wanderers driving or floating by, so the seclusion is off the charts—aside from an occasional wave from the neighbor, of course. Still, it’s not so far off the beaten path that someone can’t drive to town to pick up more steaks, so the surf and turf is as seemingly endless as the amazing views.

The post This Three-Story Private Island Retreat Checks Every Box for a Florida Dream Home appeared first on Islands.

The first time we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, my wife and I instantly declared it our favorite Ritz property in the continental U.S. Clichés be damned, there’s just something different about the look and aura of this property, almost as if it transports guests to another era without sacrificing the creative, spoiling luxuries that travelers have come to covet from this brand. It’s hard to sum it all up with one quick, clever phrase, but here’s what really matters: our son absolutely loves it.

So much so that he’s never stopped talking about that first visit. This is surprising because the average child’s attention span changes to the next thing before I finish this sentence. Just when I think I’ve learned enough about Minecraft to engage with his favorite game, he informs me that it’s all about Pokemon now, and I’m sure that by next week all my Charizard research will be worthless because he’ll be into Yu-Gi-Oh.

It turns out, though, that no imaginary cartoon character can hold a candle to a simple little bass. Two years after that first visit, my son still occasionally shows me his favorite vacation souvenir: a photograph (yes, we still print them) of him triumphantly standing with a fish barely bigger than his own foot. And every time he hands that picture to me, I know what he’s trying to say: “Let’s go back.”

Fortunately, this time, we all agreed. As alluring as our favorite Caribbean resorts may be, sometimes you just need a massive lake, some fishing rods, and an infinity pool. And some fabulous new amenities don’t hurt.

Pump Your Brakes, Parents

What I love the most about The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, is that you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to force the kids to get dressed for the pool and lake, cram breakfast into your mouths without enjoying a single bite, and then race the other families to claim any chairs, let alone the best ones in the house. Pace of play isn’t just for the amazing golf courses here, as everyone is so laid back that there’s no reason to rush.

When my son wanted to bounce on the giant inflatables in the lake, there were always open chairs waiting for us on the sand. If my wife and her sister wanted to escape to the adults-only pool for some of the best cocktails in the Peach State, they didn’t have to search for hours to find new chairs. But the biggest relief was the seating availability at the family pool, which was added shortly after our last visit.

We assumed this would be the busiest spot on the resort property, with families hoarding as many loungers as they could by placing every towel, hat, toy, and Croc across them. We were gloriously wrong. Seating is ample at all times of day, and while kids are splashing in their own pool, parents can enjoy a variety of fun snacks and drinks at the Splash Shack, another terrific addition.

Those Summer Camp Vibes

Watching the kids run wild here reminded me of the vintage ‘80s summer camp vibes from my childhood, aside from today’s children enjoying far more superior and thrilling lake toys. Keeping a cautious dad’s eye on them as they bounced on the pair of massive inflatable trampolines and slide headfirst into the water from the floating platform, I was honestly a little jealous of how good they had it made. And that’s before we gathered at the campfire for s’mores and watched all the younger guests reunite to plan the next day’s adventures.

Now, I realize the phrase “run wild” might give the wrong impression. This isn’t an Orlando theme park hotel, nor is it the bargain Cancun all-inclusive or the deck of a crowded cruise ship. Here, the kids can play for hours and cause nary a distraction, while adults—both parents and childless romantics alike—can have their fun as well. I don’t know how this Ritz pulls that off so well, but it’s truly splendid.

But if we’re focusing solely on the children, there’s no better item to add to the agenda than an afternoon at Ritz Kids. This is a blanket statement for Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide; however, there’s so much adventure and nature to appreciate at Reynolds Lake Oconee that its’ thrilling for both the children and parents to know that the informative, entertaining staff members are providing an educational element in addition to letting the smaller guests win at air hockey.

It’ll be a long time before I forget how much fun my son had on his Ritz Kids retreat, because he’s still talking about it a month later. Especially the fishing. It turns out that when dad struggles to pull the hook from a fish’s mouth but the “camp counselor” (his words) can do it with the flick of a wrist, it means you’ve been surpassed in the pecking order. The criticism is worth it, though, when it means he has a lifelong memory and maybe even a new hobby to build on for many trips to come.

Something New for the Picky Eaters

One thing that always gets travelers worked up when it comes to their favorite resorts is a new restaurant. So, when we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, there was already a ton of buzz for the most recent addition to the property’s dining options: Amore Del Lago. A good Italian joint is always an ideal choice on vacation, especially when the culinary team goes above and beyond in making phenomenal butter noodles and sauceless pizza for a 7-year-old whose palate hasn’t quite yet evolved.

Guests were raving about Amore Del Lago throughout our visit, so much so that we had to be flexible with our dinner times because securing a reservation—at least on short notice—was difficult. Fortunately, there are still other terrific dining options here, including Gaby’s by the Lake, which is already about as perfect as can be, and the Linger Longer Steakhouse as an ideal choice for large family meals or simply celebrating a great round on Great Waters with a mouth-watering filet.

Not long after my visit, a friend took his family to Reynolds Lake Oconee and seemed somewhat unimpressed by what he thought was a lack of variety in the dining options. The key, I’ll tell him and anyone else with ears, is to spread it out and visit places like The National Tavern, which has a pecan old fashioned that pairs well with the best pork chops I’ve ever devoured, and the Great Waters Waterview Pub, where the fish tacos are practically a religion.

And Don’t Forget the Golf

It wasn’t until we’d reached the Florida-Georgia border on our drive home that my son caught site of “Excalibur,” my magical new TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver that was custom assembled for me at The Kingdom. To this point, he’d shown hardly any interest in golf, as his set of junior clubs, delivered by Santa in 2020, still has bubble wrap on the irons. But kids do and say the darndest things, and he suddenly declared: “I think I’d like to learn golf.”

You and me both, kid.

When I visited Reynolds Lake Oconee the first time, I was very intimidated by The Kingdom, as I was under the foolish belief that if I took a lesson here, the experts would rip my game to shreds and make me feel worse than I did shooting 106 on The Oconee. But every golfer I know who has visited and taken lessons has told me that this is as much the place for a scratch golfer to manage imperfections as it is for an average shlub to begin anew.

This was confirmed when I spent time with Sean Cain, whose simple methods instantly reshaped my short game and helped me shave at least 10 strokes off my round the next day. I was so impressed with the patience of these instructors that I’d send my son to them in a heartbeat if he really wants to learn this maddening yet wonderful sport.

And just as the Ritz Kids program blended adventure with education, Little Rippers (ages 4-7) and Rippers (8-10) will enjoy an experience that merges golf with fitness to help them get accustomed to the physical movements us older golfers have been desperately trying to master for years, if not decades. Perhaps best of all is that parents can save money on sending multiple junior golfers to The Kingdom.

They’ll receive the lesson of a lifetime and parents will enjoy a little extra quiet time at the adults-only pool. It’s a win-win at a place that knows how to make guests of all ages feel victorious.

The post Even on the Busiest Days, Time Stands Still at the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee appeared first on Islands.

A recent surge in passport applications has led to significantly extended waiting periods for applicants. New data from Squaremouth, the leading US travel insurance marketplace, confirms these delays come at a time of growing demand for international travel, and offers advice for concerned travelers.

In 2023, travelers are planning their international trips less than 19 weeks in advance. The latest reports from the U.S. Department of State reveal travelers applying for a passport are having to wait roughly 13 weeks to receive their book in the mail.

With wait times likely to increase with demand, travelers heading abroad should confirm their passports are valid for their travel dates and take immediate action if they are set to expire. Keep in mind that some destinations may require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the trip dates.

In May 2023, 89.4% of insurance policies sold on Squaremouth were for international destinations, the most of any month this year. Squaremouth also reports the cost of international travel continues to rise, increasing the financial impact should a trip be affected by passport delays.

Many policies, almost half of the plans found on Squaremouth, offer an optional Cancel For Any Reason (“CFAR”) upgrade, which can provide reimbursement for issues not covered under a standard plan, including any passport issue. CFAR policies average roughly $599 this year.

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The post Passport Delays Straining International Travel Planning appeared first on Islands.

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island has opened as the first Texas beachfront resort in the Margaritaville portfolio. Set on a prime location in South Padre Island, the destination uniquely offers all-ocean view rooms and condos with a fun, relaxed “no worries” vibe.

“We are thrilled to bring Margaritaville to the South Texas coast, allowing locals, guests, and visitors alike to experience a one-of-a-kind oasis,” said Rone Middler, General Manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island. “An easy drive or plane trip from the major metro areas of San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston and convenient access to Mexico, Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island provides the perfect getaway for guests of all ages looking for fun, relaxation, and adventure.”

Highline Hospitality Partners invested more than $30 million to completely transform the Pearl Hotel South Padre into a Margaritaville resort that reflects the quintessential laidback lifestyle.

Guests are immediately transported to a vacation state of mind in the island-inspired design of the resort’s 200 guestrooms and 50 beachfront condos with one, two, or three-bedroom configurations.

Dining options include three restaurants and bars, including LandShark Bar & Grill, which offers indoor and outdoor patio seating overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; the Salty Rim Bar & Grill, a swim-up bar, serving signature cocktails and bar bites; and Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, a grab-and-go destination for bold coffee drinks and quick bites.

The area’s largest hotel pool, heated all year round, is surrounded by private cabanas and a separate area for kids. Nearby Hammock Row allows guests to swing and sway in the gulf breeze under towering palm trees while outdoor fire pits encourage guests to unwind while gazing at the Texas night sky.

Adjacent to the resort is the Sapphire Spa, offering guests the opportunity to rejuvenate with an array of blissful treatment options and a full hair and makeup salon as well as a fully equipped fitness center.

Those interested in beachside adventures can conveniently schedule activities, including windsurfing, banana boat rides, parasailing, offshore fishing, dolphin watching, or wave runner rentals at the resort’s concierge desk.

The resort hosts meetings, special events, Quinceañeras, family reunions, and weddings of every size, offering 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with access to the latest audio/visual equipment and other convenient amenities.

For more information about Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, visit here.

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The post Margaritaville Opens First Texas Resort in South Padre Island appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to setting their summer vacation budgets, Americans aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. The annual Vacation Confidence Index from travel insurance and support company Allianz Partners USA revealed that for the first time, Americans are expected to spend an estimated $214 billion on summer vacations, potentially crossing the $200 billion threshold.

The amount indicates a rise of roughly 10% from 2022, 39% from 2021, astounding 261% from 2020, and remarkable 111% from pre-pandemic spending in 2019.

According to the 15th Annual Vacation Confidence Index (VCI), Americans have doubled their summer vacation spending in just four years. The average American household is projected to spend $2,830 on summer vacations in 2023, exceeding $2,000 for the fourth time since Allianz Partners started monitoring vacation spending patterns in 2009. Average predicted vacation expenditure has climbed by over $1,000 per household three years after the pandemic, which represents an increase of around 7% from 2022, 33% from 2021, 50% from 2020, and 39% from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

“We expect to see a record-breaking number of American travelers this summer, and whether heading near or far, increased traveler numbers can mean an increased chance of travel delays,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “While a devilish mix of inflation and strong demand have kept travel prices elevated, as our survey found, Americans are still willing to pay top dollar for a well-earned summer vacation. Protecting pre-paid expenses with a travel insurance policy that also offers travel delay coverage can end up being one of the smartest investments they can make.”

Since 2009, Allianz Partners USA has commissioned national polling company Ipsos Public Affairs to conduct the Vacation Confidence Index each summer. A vacation is regarded as a leisurely journey lasting at least a week to a location at least 100 miles away from home.

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, please visit the official website.

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The post Families Expected to Spend Record-Busting $214 Billion on Vacays appeared first on Islands.

By now, you have probably already booked your big summer vacation—or perhaps a series of quick beach getaways. Either way, your calendar is set, and your travel budget is probably all used up, with a little set aside in a coffee can for when your friends inevitably call about the annual golf escape. There’s only one thing that’s left to figure out: How on Earth do you spend the rest of your weekends and free days this summer?

If your answer is as simple as mine, you’ll be lounging poolside. Heck, you probably already are and that’s fantastic. I tip my lifeguard hat to you and raise a delicious tropical cocktail in your general direction. Don’t have one? You’re covered with this list of simple, refreshing drinks for those lazy days when your only concern is having enough sunscreen and a playlist that’ll never end.

And the first one comes from The Surf Lodge in The Hamptons, which is the perfect choice for finding summer inspiration.

The Coco Blanco

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Casamigos Blanco
• 4 oz of Vita Coco Coconut Water
• 0.25 oz Agave syrup
• Lime

How to Make It:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill. Strain and serve over low ice. Garnish with a lime.

Mayan Summer

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cenote Tequila Blanco
• 0.75 oz Lemon juice
• 0.75 oz Elderflower liqueur
• 0.5 oz Pineapple juice
• 2 Sage leaves

How to Make It:

Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake it or for about 5 seconds. Serve in a cocktail glass with a sage leaf for garnish.

Oaxacan Hemmingway

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gracias a Dios Mezcal Espadin Joven
• 1 oz Grapefruit juice
• 0.25 oz Maraschino liqueur
• 0.25 oz Simple syrup
• 2 Slices fresh jalapeno

How to Make It:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake to combine and chill. Double strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Overdrive Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Engine Gin
• 0.5 oz Chinola Passion Fruit
• 0.25 oz Lemon juice
• 3 oz Mediterranean Tonic Fever Tree
• Lemon peel

How to Make It:

Build in a glass with ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Motor Beezneez

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Engine Gin
• 0.75 oz Lemon juice
• 0.75 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water)
• 2 Sage leaves
• Mist absinthe

How to Make It:

Shake all the ingredients, double strain into a Nick and Nora glass, and garnish with a sage leaf.

Sorel Americano

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Campari
• 1.5 oz Sorel Liqueur
• 1-2 oz Soda water, to taste

How to Make it:

Combines ingredients, pour over ice, and add a lemon or orange slice—or twist—for garnish.

Sorel Sling

Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz Gin
• 0.75 oz Sorel
• 0.25 oz Cointreau
• 0.5 oz Lime juice
• 1 oz Pineapple juice
• Dash angostura bitters
• Club soda
• Orange slice
• Cherry

How to Make it:

Combine all ingredients, top with club soda, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Sorel Sea Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Sorel liqueur
• 1 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Coconut water
• 1 oz Pomegranate juice
• Club soda
• Sprig of mint
• Lime wedge

How to Make It:

Combine all ingredients and serve over ice, top with club soda, garnish with sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

Owl Smash

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz The Wiseman Bourbon
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 0.75 oz Simple syrup
• 6-8 Mint leaves

How to make It:

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well for one minute. Double fine strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Minke Gin Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Minke Irish Gin
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Sugar syrup
• 1 oz Egg white
• Lemon wedge for decoration

How to Make It:

Add all ingredients with ice to a shaker. Shake hard. Double strain into a glass. Garnish with shaved lemon and serve.

Sweet Summer Heat

Ingredients:

• Straight bourbon Clyde May’s Whiskey
• Sweet vermouth by @thestarlino
• Smoked maple syrup
• Habanero pepper extract

How to Make It:

Combine everything in a mixing glass with ice and stir well for 20 seconds. Strain over new ice and express an orange twist. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet summer heat.

Disaronno Velvet Batida

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Disaronno Velvet
• 2 oz Coconut water
• Garnish: Coconut flakes

How to Make It:

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice. Grate coconut on top and serve with a straw.

Bayou Airmail

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Bayou White Rum
• 0.5 oz Honey syrup
• 0.5 oz Lime juice
• 0.5 oz Sparkling wine

How to Make It:

Shake the first three ingredients over ice and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with lime.

Ballotin Bourbon Highball

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Ballotin Bourbon Ball Whiskey
• 3 oz Club soda

How to Make It:

Pour Ballotin into a Collins glass over ice. Fill with Club Soda.

Knickerbocker

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• 0.75 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz (2:1) Raspberry Syrup

How to Make It:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake. Double strain, using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess pulp and ice shards, into your chilled glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a half lime shell filled with fresh raspberries and serve with a reusable straw.

Bribón Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz Bribón Blanco Tequila
• 0.5 oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• 0.25 oz Lime (half a lime squeezed and dropped in)

How to Make It:

Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Gran Centenario Frozen Melon Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
• 0.75 oz Orange liqueur
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz Simple syrup
• 0.5 cup Cantaloupe (diced)
• 1 cup Ice
• Garnish: Cantaloupe cube and mint sprig

How to Make It:

Place all ingredients in a blender. Pulse blend 3-5 times in 3 second intervals, while checking for consistency. Pour into a rocks glass and add garnish.

Sipsmith’s Summertime Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1.5 part Sipsmith London Dry Gin
• 1 part Lime juice
• 2.5 parts Pineapple juice
• 1 Passion fruit
• Prosecco, to top
• Garnish: Wedge of pineapple

How to Make It:

Add the first three ingredients in an ice filled wine glass with the insides of half of the passion fruit. Stir a couple of times. Top with prosecco. Garnish with the other half of passion fruit or a pineapple wedge, or both!

Maestro Dobel Rosa Mexicana

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Maestro Dobel Diamante
• 0.5 oz Velvet Falernum
• 0.75 oz Liquid Alchemist prickly pear syrup
• 1 oz Lime juice
• 1 Egg white or sub aquafaba, instafoam bitters

How to Make It:

Double shake and strain served up in a cocktail coupe. Garnish with an edible pansy.

Naturally Colored Blue Hawaiian

Ingredients:

• Pinch of blue spirulina
• Barspoon of hot water
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz Kōloa Kaua’i Coconut Rum
• 0.5 oz orange liqueur
• 0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Starfruit slice or pineapple wedge for garnish

How to Make It:

In a cocktail shaker, dissolve the blue spirulina in a dash of hot water and stir well. Add the pineapple juice, rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, then shake well with ice. Strain into a tiki glass filled with ice, then garnish abundantly with tropical fruit and flowers.

Pink Pineapple Fizz

Ingredients:

• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 1-2 tsp pink pitaya powder
• 1.5 oz Kōloa Kaua’i White Rum
• Dash of soda water
• Pineapple wedge for garnish

How to Make It:

In a cocktail shaker, dissolve the pink pitaya powder in the pineapple juice by stirring vigorously. Add the rum and ice, then shake well. Double strain into a tall, narrow serving glass filled with ice, making sure to remove any pink pitaya clumps. Top with a dash of soda water and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Brown Sugar Spice Rum Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients:

• Whole fresh pineapple
• 4 oz Kōloa Kaua’i Spice Rum
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp vanilla
• Oil of choice for grilling
• Vanilla or caramel ice cream for serving

How to Make It:

Cut the top and bottom from the pineapple, then stand it upright and cut off the rind. Lay the pineapple back down and cut it into half-inch thick rounds. In a small saucepan on the grill (or on the stovetop, or in the microwave), heat the spice rum until warm. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves, then stir in the vanilla. Oil the bottom rack of the grill (or, conversely, an indoor grill pan) thoroughly; this is critical for ensuring the pineapple doesn’t stick.

Brush the pineapple slices with the rum, sugar, and vanilla marinade. Grill the pineapple slices over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side until caramelized but not charred, then flip and grill the opposite side. Continue to brush the pineapple slices with the rum marinade as they cook.

Serve while still warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream. Drizzle any remaining rum marinade over the ice cream.

Mojito-Infused Frozen Watermelon

Ingredients:

• Few handfuls of fresh mint
• 2 tbsp Demerara sugar
• 1.5 c Kōloa Kaua’i White Rum
• 0.25 c fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 12 watermelon wedges with rinds
• 12 popsicle sticks

How to Make It:

Combine the mint and sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently. Add the rum and lime juice, then shake well to mix. Lay the watermelon slices on a sheet tray with a rim or in several large containers. Drizzle the mojito mixture over the watermelon. Let the watermelon slices sit in the mojito mixture for at least 30 minutes or for up to several hours (if the latter, place them in the refrigerator). Flip the slices occasionally so that they all have contact with the cocktail.

Carefully cut a small slice into the center of each watermelon rind, then insert a popsicle stick into the watermelon wedge, pushing it through about half-way. Lay the slices flat on a large sheet tray (or several trays) and freeze overnight. Make sure they are not touching, otherwise they will freeze together. Use any additional mojito mixture for cocktails, adding some soda water and/or watermelon juice to taste.

Enjoy the watermelon slices frozen on a hot summer evening or at a holiday BBQ!

The post 23 Recipes for the Most Refreshing Summer Cocktails and Treats appeared first on Islands.

Miami is now the only U.S. gateway with service to the British Virgin Islands. Officials from Miami International Airport, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and American Airlines hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 1 to celebrate the launch of American’s daily nonstop Miami-Tortola route.

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With the departure of American Airlines flight 3989, Miami International became the only U.S. airport to offer nonstop service to the British Virgin Islands for the first time in four decades. The three-hour flight, which eliminates the need for connecting flights, will operate through the summer and then resume in November.

Tortola also became the 43rd nonstop Caribbean route at Miami, the leading U.S. airport for flights to Latin America and the Caribbean. Miami International enters the busy summer travel season with year-to-date passenger traffic up nearly 3% over its record-breaking year in 2022 when the airport served 50.7 million travelers.

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