There’s rarely a tropical destination I have visited that doesn’t make me think, “Yeah, I could live here,” but it wasn’t until the first time I visited Mayakoba that I really meant it. Set in arguably the most beautiful area of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this 600-acre oasis is, first and foremost, an ideal vacation choice, as each of the four spectacular resorts offers an essential travel element, from family-focused amenities to the most romantic sunsets you’ll ever witness from a private plunge pool. And don’t even get me started on the food.

Where would a dreamer live in Mayakoba, though? Well, the luckiest among us can purchase the last remaining three-bedroom luxury penthouse at Fairmont Residences Mayakoba and hope to step out onto the balcony and nod at Leonardo Di Caprio as he lounges nearby. But the clock is presumably ticking, so let’s look at what has made these units so incredibly desirable.

Listed at $2.2 million, Penthouse 12B boasts 3,200-sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space, which means it is basically a resort within a resort community. With three bedrooms and an open floor plan, this is an exceptional choice for families that vacation several times a year or perhaps a party host with an open door, welcoming friends and loved ones for years to come.

Anyone who has visited Fairmont Residences Mayakoba knows that this property puts an emphasis on subtle luxury, as the interior design and décor plays off local culture and regional natural beauty, all while fostering a sense of serenity that we seek on sabbatical. The earthy tones flow throughout this penthouse, inspiring tranquility while also making guests wonder, “How did they come up with something this spectacular?”

The cherry on top is a private swimming pool that will provide exceptional solitude after a day spent exploring the region or playing a round or two at the iconic El Camaleón golf course. And while Penthouse 12B comes equipped with high-end appliances and a kitchen that’ll make Gordon Ramsay grin, Mayakoba offers 30 restaurants that will cover just about any occasion.

After all, a property like this will make anyone want to celebrate every day.

The post Inside the Last Available Luxury Penthouse at Fairmont Residences Mayakoba appeared first on Islands.

As a frequent visitor to the resorts of Los Cabos, I was looking forward to my first vacation in Mazatlán, located about 200 miles across the Sea of Cortez on Mexico’s mainland. The town also offers sandy beaches, luxe resorts, fine restaurants, and convenient flights, and it didn’t take long before I wondered why I hadn’t planned a visit much sooner.

We arrived at the small airport and breezed through passport control and customs to meet our driver for the half-hour ride to Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort, our home for the week. An all-inclusive, all-suite resort located along Mazatlán’s Zona Dorada—or Golden Zone of hotels—Pueblo Bonito features an expansive white sand beach with gently lapping waves, perfectly positioned for stunning sunsets. Two large pools overlooking the sea are surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, with a snack bar nearby. For beach lovers, thatched cabanas and lounge chairs are set on the sand.

The resort’s sister property, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, a secluded upscale beachfront resort with an elegant spa, fitness center, and several dining venues, features architecture reminiscent of old-style Mazatlán. Guests at the Pueblo Bonito resorts have access to restaurants and amenities at both properties, and a scheduled shuttle operates between them.

A visit to the site of the future Mazatlán Aquarium was enough to make me plan my return trip. Expected to open in spring of 2023, it will be the largest aquarium in Latin America, featuring outdoor plazas, walking trails, a restaurant, and exhibits with jellyfish, seahorses, rays, turtles, reptiles, and marine life of the Sea of Cortez. A tide pool, touch tanks, an aviary, interactive educational exhibits, and a tunnel where guests will feel as if they’re under the sea will make this a spectacular attraction for residents and visitors.

Things to Do in Mazatlán

Hop into a pulmonia—my new favorite mode of transportation—for some sightseeing or a ride to the seaside malecón. The most popular form of public transportation in Mazatlán, the cars are open with soft tops, kind of like a golf cart, but with a driver and a bit more space. You can flag one down along the street, but you’ll probably find several near your hotel waiting for passengers.

The malecón is a 12-mile seaside promenade with food and souvenir vendors, sculptures, monuments, cliff divers, and a colorful Mazatlán sign of huge block letters that is probably on every tourist’s Instagram. Statues dedicated to family, fishermen, sea lions, pulmonia taxis, Pacifico Brewery, and others tell the story of Mazatlán. The wide promenade is perfect for a bicycle ride, a romantic sunset stroll, or a place for an afternoon of people watching.

Take a funicular ride to the hilltop Observatorio 1873, once a military observation post, and today a nature preserve, museum, gift shop, cactus garden, and bird sanctuary. At El Nido, colorful parrots, toucans, macaws, and flamingos live happily among lush trees, and if you look up, you might see a huge iguana resting on one of the branches. Relax and enjoy the view with a cocktail at Sky Bar 360.

Get your workout and take in the view from El Faro Lighthouse, one of the highest in the world. A hike to the top involves more than 300 paved steps, but once you catch your breath, you’ll appreciate seeing Mazatlán from above. Another bonus is the glass-bottomed lookout, for a thrilling perspective of the city and sea below.

We visited the town of El Quelite, a few authentic blocks of historic Mexican buildings, shops, horses, street vendors, and famed restaurant El Meson de los Laureanos, a colorful, rambling building with indoor and outdoor seating and delicious traditional dishes. 

Spend some time in the downtown Historic District, where you’ll find Plaza Machado, with gardens, palm trees, a gazebo, and benches for relaxing and taking in the atmosphere. The gorgeous Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción is the area’s crown jewel, interesting for the Star of David designs on its stained-glass windows, created in gratitude for the donations from Mazatlán’s Jewish community that helped to complete construction of the cathedral. 

While you’re downtown, treat yourself to a marvelous dinner at Casa 46, a historic restaurant serving exquisite cuisine in an old-world atmosphere. We sat at a table on the outdoor veranda overlooking the Plaza Machado and enjoyed attentive service, delicious cocktails, and traditional dishes.

The Angela Peralta Theater, named for the beloved Mexican opera singer, dates to the late 19th century, and it has been restored with plush seating and elegant mezzanine and balcony boxes. Ballets, operas, and concerts fill the theater’s schedule. 

While time didn’t allow during my recent visit, Mazatlán is known for sport fishing, golf, and day trips to nearby islands like Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) and Isla de Venados (Deer Island).

When to Go to Mazatlán

The weather is warm and sunny all year, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees during the rainy months of July through September. Hotel rates are generally lower during summer, and the beaches and pools are there for a cooling swim. The months of January through March are the busiest, with visitors escaping the winter up north.

Carnaval de Mazatlán is an exciting time to be in the city. The five days before Ash Wednesday (dates vary in February and March each year) are celebrated with music, dance, parades, cultural activities, fireworks, and parties. Along the malecón, bands perform and huge crowds enjoy the lively atmosphere. 

Dia de los Muertos, the first two days of November, is celebrated in Mazatlán with a huge parade of floats, dancers, fireworks, and catrinas with elaborate makeup. Families visit cemeteries and create altars to honor their deceased relatives. Special performances take place at Plaza Machado and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Baseball fans will want to plan a visit during the sport’s season in Mazatlán. The Mazatlán Venados of the Mexican Pacific League play from October through January. In their newly rebuilt 16,000-seat stadium, the atmosphere is lively with cheerleaders, a mascot, and lots of pre-game activities.

The post A Visit to Mazatlán Offers the Perfect Combination of Mexico’s Past, Present, and Future appeared first on Islands.

Have you ever wanted an entire island all to yourself? (Yes, please.)

It’s the reason why private-island resorts are so appealing, but then you run into other guests throughout your stay. One place you can always have to yourself—literally—is Gladden Private Island, an ultra-exclusive resort accommodating a maximum of four guests. And you certainly won’t be roughing it: the island has all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort, including a dedicated staff.

The project was spearheaded by Chris Krolow, CEO of Private Islands Inc. and executive producer and host of HGTV’s Island Hunters, and his business partner David Keener, CEO of Vision Properties. We caught up with Krolow to ask what makes Gladden stand out above the rest.

Q. What made you decide to open a private-island resort?
A: I’ve been selling islands for 20 years as my main job and I’ve been all over the world hosting Island Hunters on HGTV, so I’ve been very immersed in the business for a long time. I own a few private islands around the world but none were the right fit for the concept I had in mind. With Gladden, the stars aligned. I found the perfect islands to build on, and David [Keener], who I worked with on another island project that was very successful, was able to secure all the permits we needed quickly and handle the construction side.

Q: How did you choose these two islands for the resort?
A: When I saw these islands 20 miles northeast of Placencia right on the reef, I knew they were perfect. They had been on the market for a while and no one wanted them because they were so remote. They’re also too small for someone to build a large resort. But for this concept, they’re just right.

Q: What makes Gladden Private Island unique?
A: Gladden is the culmination of all the good things I’ve seen, and solves all the problems I’ve seen. Ultra-private islands are awesome: the location is amazing, but they’re hard to rent out because they don’t have any level of service.

On the flipside, you’ve got all these amazing private-island resorts with impeccable service. Some of them have villas and are very exclusive, but it’s almost the anti-private island. Even if it’s a small resort and you’re only there with a few other couples, what if you don’t want to see those couples?

With Gladden, I had the solution: we built a single modern-Mayan-style villa for just one or two couples on the main island and housing for staff on the smaller island. The chef, manager, and concierge are a two-minute boat ride away when signaled and completely out of view the rest of the time. We even installed a “privacy meter” to indicate if you are alone or if a member of staff is visiting the island for any reason. All support structures on the smaller island are hidden from sightlines of the main house, and there are no neighbors to be seen in any direction.

Q: What’s included in the room rate?
A: At resorts, there’s always an upcharge, but we do out very best to make sure everything is included. And because we only accommodate one or two couples, our onsite concierge will reach out ahead of time to find out their preferences. We plan meals and ship in whatever we have to. We discuss privacy level: do you want the staff to be as minimal as possible or do you want someone serving daiquiris by the pool?

We also schedule any activities. If you want to go out for dinner at Hatchet Caye or one of the neighboring islands, we will arrange it. Diving is included, and our managers are PADI-certified instructors. We have a full-time massage therapist on staff, so you can have as many massages as you want.

Q: How do you get there?
A: One of the best parts about Gladden is that it compares to Tahiti, the Seychelles, and the Maldives—but it takes half the time to get there from the U.S. and Canada. From Miami, it’s just a two-hour flight to Belize City. I leave Toronto at 9:30 a.m. and I’m on the island by lunch—and no jet lag!

Once guests arrive in Belize City, our concierge takes them from customs to the resort’s helicopter, and then it’s a 35-minute flight to Gladden. Plus, the ride flies over the Barrier Reef, one of the most amazing experiences you could imagine. And then you land on your own island with the staff is waiting with a welcome drink and a snack. After you’ve had some time to absorb everything, they come back, give you a tour and show you how things work.

And you’re not just tucked into some destination where you’re in the middle of nowhere. The snorkeling around Gladden is amazing. Boats don’t really go out as far as the island, and the fish don’t really know what people are, so they’re not scared and will come right to you. Other parts of Belize don’t offer that kind of experience. Plus the island is a five-minute boat ride from the Gladden Spit, where the whale sharks congregate, and 45 minutes from Placencia.

Q: What will guests love most about staying on Gladden?
A: When the staff leaves the island, you’ll feel like the only people on the planet. Usually when you have that feeling, you’re camping somewhere really remote—there’s no air conditioning, Wi-Fi (that really works), or flat-screen Apple TVs.

At the end of every evening, you’re on your own. It’s such a feeling, when you see the staff light go off, the sun is going down, you’ve just had a meal prepared for you, martinis are waiting—you’re just being completely pampered. It’s pretty incredible.

The post You Can Rent the Most Private Island in the World appeared first on Islands.

Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport offers direct access to the following destinations—just don’t forget to pack a jacket for when you return.

Cancun

Delta offers direct service from Minneapolis to Cancun International Airport, as does Sun Country Airlines, which will have travelers’ fingers and toes much warmer in just over four hours.

Cozumel

Sun Country Airlines also offers direct service to Cozumel, a much more laidback setting than Cancun. The flight to Cozumel International Airport last approximately four hours.

Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is calling and Delta and Sun Country Airlines are answering with the only direct flights out of MSP. The flight time is approximately five hours.

Cayman Islands

Sun Country Airlines undoubtedly made a lot of Minnesotans happy in 2018 when the company announced nonstop service to Grand Cayman’s GCM airport. When available, the flight is very affordable and lasts approximately four hours and 20 minutes.

Turks and Caicos

In 2018, Sun Country Airlines also announced new direct service to Turks and Caicos, which absolutely spoils Minnesotans since many flights to Providenciales from other major U.S. cities require connections through Miami, Atlanta, or Charlotte. These very affordable flights will have passengers at Providenciales International Airport in just under five hours.

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Because Philadelphia International Airport offers a good amount of direct flights to tropical destinations, take advantage of this and put the Caribbean on your radar. Need some inspiration? Read on.

Jamaica

American Airlines can have travelers trading cheesesteaks for jerk chicken in just under four hours.

Need some activities for your itinerary in Jamaica? Here are some of our favorite things to do. Looking for a room that is just steps from the beach? Start with any of these Jamaican resorts.

Aruba

An American Airlines flight will last approximately four hours and 40 minutes, which means you have enough time to watch two movies before you’re at the resort pool, Aruba Ariba in hand.

Travelers in need of fun ideas for a vacation in Aruba, look no further. And while this island has plenty of great resorts, these are some of our favorite choices.

Cancún

American Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier all offer nonstop service from Philadelphia to Cancún, with the flight time at approximately four hours and 10 minutes.

Grand Cayman

American Airlines will have passengers at Owen Roberts International Airport in just under four hours. That means plenty of times for fun and entertaining activities, after checking in to one of the best resorts on Grand Cayman.

Dominican Republic

An American Airlines flight will last just under four hours, allowing visitors to swiftly navigate the lines at Punta Cana International Airport before hitting the beaches for rest and relaxation or some underwater exploring.

Puerto Rico

Spirit, Frontier, and American Airlines each offer affordable, nonstop flights, at just under four hours, to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Once settled, we highly recommend visitors grab a pina colada.

St. Thomas

Leave the passports in the safe and board an American Airlines flight to Cyril E. King Airport. At approximately four hours, the trip will be over before you can say, “Let’s book a tee time.”

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Because ATL is Delta‘s southwestern hub, it is also considered to be a gateway to the Caribbean, which means it offers more direct flights than almost any city in the United States. And, if your city has few or no nonstop options, there’s a good chance you’ll pass through ATL to get to your special paradise. The hardest choice is deciding which island to visit, so take your time and consider each destination since they’re all worthy of your vacation hours.

Aruba

Delta flies nonstop to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport at just under four hours. be sure to grab some Hot Delight papaya hot sauce before your return flight.

Bahamas

Atlanta to Atlantis? It’s one of the quickest and easiest direct flights you’ll find, at just under two hours on Delta. In fact, if you close your eyes, you might even be able to hear the slot machine bells ringing through out the massive lobby at Atlantis Paradise Island. It’s better to hear them in person, though.

Cancun

This popular Mexican destination can be reached nonstop with multiple airlines. Delta is one, of course, but Frontier and Aeromexico also offer direct service from ATL, all at approximately two and a half hours.

Cayman Islands

A Grand time awaits in the Cayman Islands, especially at the famed Seven Mile Beach, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the Caribbean. Delta will have eager travelers at Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman in approximately two and a half hours.

Dominican Republic

Golden beaches, amazing golf, and luxurious resorts with fabulous amenities all await in Punta Cana and surrounding cities. Delta gets from ATL to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in just over three hours. Be sure to schedule transportation to the resort ahead of your arrival.

Puerto Rico

Great food and a festive atmosphere await in San Juan, where visitors can learn about the history of this beautiful city, from the buildings and culture to the places that claim to be the birthplace of the piña colada. Delta arrives at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in approximately three hours and 20 minutes.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands has the advantage of allowing American travelers to leave their passports behind (also a huge bonus when you forget that whole six-month renewal dilemma), so the only stress here is choosing which island to visit. St. Thomas is the most popular because of its big, beautiful resorts, but don’t sleep on St. Croix when it comes to delicious food, amazing people, and fun nightlife. Delta arrives at both Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas in approximately three hours and 40 minutes.

St. Lucia

Considered by many travelers to be the Caribbean’s version of Hawaii, at least in terms of diverse natural beauty and romance, St. Lucia is home to resorts that are popular choices for honeymoons and anniversaries. Several airlines will get you there, but only Delta does it direct, landing at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in four and a half hours.

St. Maarten

Just as Atlanta is a gateway to the Caribbean, St. Maarten is sort of like a gateway within a gateway, since you have to land at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) before traveling to neighboring islands like St. Barth and Anguilla, among others. But it’s also a wonderful place to visit, offering immense diversity unlike any other Caribbean island, which is why it is known as The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Delta will have travelers there is approximately four hours.

Jamaica

Montego Bay has long been a favorite choice for families looking for all-ages fun and couples seeking tropical romance—it is the ultimate “does it all” destination. Delta and Frontier make it incredibly easy to get there, as a flight to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) takes less than three hours.

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The good news for people living in and around Kansas City is that Kansas City International Airport offers plenty of direct flights to cities all over the continental United States. Looking to spend a weekend enjoying the best of Austin’s celebrated culinary scene? There’s a flight for that. Ready to take the crew to Las Vegas for a weekend of debauchery that, of course, stays there? There’s a flight for that. Kids been begging to get down to Orlando for a few days of theme park hopping? A flight from KCI can have you there in under a few hours.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Caribbean. Kansas Citians with their passports in hand have only one option for a direct flight to fun in the sun: Cancun, Mexico. That’s obviously not a bad thing, as this beloved vacation destination offers everything for every type of traveler, from amazing food and drinks to off-the-beaten-path adventure and an electric nightlife scene.

At just over three hours, American Airlines service from KCI to Cancun International Airport (CUN) is as good as it gets for Midwestern beach bums. However, if you prefer to leave the passports at home, KCI also has direct flights to the Sunshine State’s best cities, including Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, and Miami.

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Heading off on an island vacation? Lucky you! Here’s one piece of advice to start off your trip right: pack only a carry-on bag. You’ll save on checked bag fees, won’t waste precious vacation time waiting at the luggage carousel, and never have to worry about your luggage getting lost. Plus, if you need to fly standby or your flight gets cancelled, you’ll be able to hop the next available flight.

What’s that you say, you’re going away for a week? No problem! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting everything you need into one portable bag, all without having to shell out for expensive packing accessories. Let’s go!

Pre-Packing

The key to packing light is getting organized before you place even one flip-flop in your roll-on.

• First, consult the weather forecast for your destination. Only sunshine during your trip? Leave the raingear at home — one secret to packing light is to only bring what you need, without adding “what ifs” to the bag.

• Next, check with your accommodations to see what in-room amenities and toiletries they offer. Hairdryers and irons are standard at most properties, so need to pack them (and if they don’t have them, leave items that need to be ironed at home).

• Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry on luggage (one, 1-quart bag with liquids no more than 3.4 ounces). Avail yourself of your lodging’s toiletries when you can (many luxe spots even offer poolside suntan lotion). Do, however, throw in some individual Woolite packs or a small container of detergent so you can wash clothes on the go.

• Now, before you put anything in a bag, make a list. Overpacking happens when you start grabbing drawers full of shirts and dropping them into your open bag (for a packing check list, see below). Write down every item you’re going to bring on vacation.

• Stick to a color scheme. A neutral background — think black, white, tan — with a few colorful accessories, such as a scarf or a sweater, will help limit what you’re packing.

• Wear your heaviest items on the plane. For example, if you’re planning on hiking, wear your hiking boots on the way to your destination. For casual trips, wear sneakers and layers, including whatever outerwear you’re bringing with you for cool evenings, such as a jacket or sweater. Basically, anything bulky that will take up a great deal of suitcase space should be worn (leave the sandals and shorts to pack in your bag).

Pro tip: When making your list, you should figure out what kind of bag suits you best. If you’re not checking luggage, that means one in the overhead compartment and one below the seat. Look for a good, durable duffel bag or dependable roller that goes up top and a stylish backpack that stays with you. And be sure it is perfect for your laptop or tablet and headphones.

Pack it Up

Okay, you have your list and you know what you’re wearing on the plane. Now it’s time to pack your bag.

• Consult your list and lay out everything where you can see it. Do not add anything to this. The secret to traveling with a carry on bag is to not overstuff.

• Roll it up. T-shirts and shorts should be rolled to both save space and cut down on wrinkling. Start with a shirt face down flat on a flat surface. Fold the arms back so you have a perfect square. Fold in half vertically. Now roll up from the bottom to the top — voila, a perfect cylinder.

• Fold and go. Heavier materials, like khakis and sweaters, should be folded into squares.

• Bag it. For lingerie and delicate items such as bathing suits, use mesh lingerie bags (you can find these at most drug stores), which will allow security to see your items without actually touching them and keep small items organized.

• Dress up. For dresses, skirts, blouses or dress shirts, place each item on a hanger, and place in individual plastic drycleaner bags. This keeps clothes wrinkle-free (the plastic reduces friction) and organized.

• NOW you’re ready to pack your bag. Stack square shapes first, then rolled items around those. Tuck shoes and flip flops into corners (and remember that shoes don’t need to travel next to each other). Socks can be placed into shoes, or into empty spaces. Place your toiletry bag on top of your perfectly folded clothes so you can reach it easily for separate screening. Then lay your plastic wrapped dress clothes on top and fold over to fit into the bag. Zip and go!

Pro tip: Even with just a carry-on bag, you should consider purchasing and using a set of packing cubes. By putting your clothing and accessories in these, packing is as easy as playing Tetris.

Packing List for a Seven-Day Trip in One Carry-On Bag

• 5 shirts

• 3 shorts or skirts

• 2 dressy options (mix and match with accessories and outerwear)

• 1 outerwear — sweater or jacket

• 1 pair sneakers

• 1 pair dressy shoes

• 1 pair flip-flops

• 1 hat

• 2 bathing suits

• 1 cover up

• 1 athletic outfit

• Pajamas

• Socks

• Underwear

• Accessories (scarves, jewelry)

Remember:

• Write everything down before you start packing

• Lay out everything where you can see it

• Do NOT add anything else to your suitcase once you have it packed

The post How to Pack for a Seven-Day Vacation in Only One Carry-On appeared first on Islands.

Avast ye, hearties: Tuesday, September 19, is National Talk Like a Pirate Day and you don’t want to look like a scallywag. Captain Syntax shares a few useful phrases in this video so your pirate lingo will sound like that of an old salt, matey. And don’t forget the rum… er, grog.

Pirate Phrases:

Abandon Ship: An order to leave the vessel immediately, usually in the face of some imminent danger

Ahoy: Hello

Avast Ye: A command meaning pay attention or listen

Aye, Aye: Yes, I understand

Batten Down the Hatches: When everything on a ship is tied down to prepare for an approaching storm

Booty: Refers to any ill-gotten goods swiped from another party

Bounty: The reward for capturing a criminal

Briny Deep: The ocean

Carouser: A reckless person who drinks too much

Chantey: A song that sailors sing in unison while working

Clap of Thunder: A strong alcoholic beverage, usually referring to a shot

Davy Jones’ Locker: Graveyard at the bottom of the sea for those killed or drowned

Dead Men Tell No Tales: An expression that means dead people will not betray any secrets. Used as a threat to kill someone, or a way of saying there were no survivors.

Doubloons: Types of gold coins

Fire in the Hole: A cannon is about to be fired

Grog: Diluted rum, but can be used to refer to any alcoholic concoction

Hang the Jib: To pout or frown

Hearties: Friends, comrades

Hornswaggle: To swindle something, usually money, out of someone else

Jolly Roger: The name for the iconic black pirate flag featuring a white skull and crossbones

Lad, lass, lassie: A child or young person

Landlubber: Someone without sailing ability

Loot: Stolen money or possessions

Marooned: To be abandoned with no food, drink or possessions

Me: My

Old Salt: Experienced pirate or sailor

Plunder: To steal

Run a Rig: Play a joke on someone

Scallywag: What an experienced pirate would call a newbie

Scurvy: A derogatory adjective meaning lowly or disgusting

Seadog: A veteran sailor

Shiver Me Timbers: An exclamation of surprise

Sink Me: An exclamation of surprise

Son of a Biscuit Eater: An insult

Thar She Blows: A whale sighting

Three Sheets to the Wind: Someone who is very drunk. One sheet is mildly drunk, and four sheets is passed out.

Walk the Plank: When someone is forcibly ordered to walk off a wooden board into the sea, resulting in drowning

Wench: A woman

Ye: You

Yo Ho Ho: A jolly expression

The post 40 Useful Pirate Phrases for International Talk Like a Pirate Day appeared first on Islands.

When it’s time for that long-awaited tropical vacation, the last thing we want is to spend a lot of time in multiple airports waiting for connecting flights and praying that they’re not canceled. Direct flights are typically more expensive, which makes this a much tougher decision for a lot of travelers, but if you ask anyone who has ever had to sprint from one terminal to another to make the next flight, price suddenly might not matter as much.

If you live in or near Washington D.C. and you’re dreaming of escaping to the Caribbean, you have some great options for direct flights. It’s all a matter of which island you prefer and how much you can afford for airfare, and the latter might actually help you choose the former if you’re traveling to this region for the first time.

Here are the direct flights offered by major airlines from Dulles International Airport (IAD), Reagan National Airport (DCA), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

21 Cheapest Flights to the Caribbean | Best of the Caribbean

United Airlines

DC travelers can enjoy nonstop service from IAD to Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay (Jamaica), Nassau (Bahamas), Turks and Caicos, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (USVI), and St. Maarten.

JetBlue

Direct flights are available from DCA to San Juan (Puerto Rico).

Southwest

Take off from BWI for nonstop trips to Aruba, Montego Bay (Jamaica), Nassau (Bahamas), Punta Cana (DR), and San Juan (PR).

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