Quick Island Getaways

After another round of snowmaggedon, it seems like the warm weather might never arrive. But you really need to get out of the house and stop freezing, maybe even see solid ground. Fortunately, with these island getaways just a few hours’ nonstop flight from the major airports on the East Coast, you can get yourself to the warmth without too much trouble.

Bermuda

Leave in the morning and by afternoon find yourself stretched out a long pink or white beach. Hit the links at one of the island’s many top-flight golf courses. Try your hand at sailing in the waters that were to last year’s America’s Cup races. Fish for all manner of species in the clear waters off the beach, over the reefs or out in the deep sea. Or just get an eyeful of the colorful aquatic life by diving or snorkeling around the more than 350 shipwrecks offshore.

There's so much to do in Bermuda and it's very family friendly with activities. My family and I have a vacation planned in Bermuda in a week and a half and we cannot wait! We are going to do a Glass Bottom Boat Tour that stops at a shipwreck and a beautiful beach with an awesome coral reef to snorkel around in. Of course, since I'm an advisor, I will be doing many site tours at our preferred hotels on the island and then will blog about each of them to give you more information from a personal perspective.

Bahamas

Jump on a nonstop flight to Nassau and you’ll be soaking up the sun in no time. There you’ll find a treasure trove of nautical and colonial history best explored on a tour of the defensive forts that ring New Providence island and in the Pirates of Nassau museum. Kids of all ages will enjoy the wonders of Aquaventure, Dolphin Cay and marine habitat at Atlantis on Paradise Island. Those of legal age will equally enjoy the gaming at casinos and sportsbooks, as gambling is legal throughout the islands for nonresidents ages 18 and older.

If you don't care for the Atlantis and want something a little less loud and lively with kids, then may I suggest Grand Hyatt Baha Mar or maybe Rosewood Baha Mar. If you enjoy the finer things in life, you might want to opt for the Four Seasons One & Only Ocean Club, where you will feel like never ever leaving. Be sure to email me, because I can get you many of the complimentary amenities added onto your stay for many of these properties.

If you want to experience an all inclusive resort on the island there are a couple of those, as well, but to be honest, I think you'll want to check out the culinary experience of Nassau instead. If you want to go to any of the many other islands in the Bahamas, you can take a quick flight to Eleuthera for some nice privacy or maybe go swimming with the pigs in Exuma, (not kidding!). Check out this link to see the cool experience of swimming with the pigs - http://whenpigsswimexuma.com/ The kids and the adults will get a kick out of it.

Jamaica

Fly into Montego Bay in the north of the island, and you’re right in the middle of an array of great resorts. The northern coast of the island, especially the 120-mile stretch from Oracabessa in the east to Negril on the western tip, is a playground of white-sand beaches, lush forests and rushing rivers. Rafting on the White River or the Martha Brae is a must. Reggae music and the smell of jerk chicken and pork fill the air, while smooth Blue Mountain coffee gets you energized for another day of adventure.

There are many things to do while on the island like taking a Bob Marley Tour or visiting Dunn's River and doing a tour of actually walking up the river - bring your water shoes. If you dare, you can try taking your best dive off of the cliff at Rick's Cafe. It's a pretty awesome sight to see. I have some other amazing experiences to share with you, if you're interested in traveling to Jamaica. Experiences that many people don't even know about.

Turks and Caicos

Having avoided major damages when Hurricanes Irma and Maria came through last fall, Providenciales and the Grace Bay area are still a top destination for beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. The Columbus National Marine Park off Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and the coral reef right there in Grace Bay are a few of the great dive spots home to all kinds of marine life. If you prefer to keep your head above water, Provo Ponies has morning and afternoon horseback rides along trails and across Long Bay Beach.

Turks and Caicos, I have to say, is one of my favorite islands to go to. The people are friendly, the beaches are gorgeous, especially Grace Bay and Sapodilla Bay. The water is perfectly calm making it great for little ones to roam to the beach and dip in the water. There's a lot of history about the island and you can learn more by taking some of their short tours. There's a very cool conch farm and of course the restaurants are pretty amazing.

There's an array of great hotels and resorts to choose from, from villa style resorts, to reserving homes for a few families to share or great hotels like Grace Bay Resort or West Bay Resort, (Grace Bay's boutique, sister property), the Gansevoort, The Shore Club and more. There are now four all inclusive resorts on the island, but again, please venture out, support the island and eat at some of the amazing choices for dining. Be sure to check out Bugaloo's Conch Bar, where Rihanna booked the entire restaurant for her friends and family. They also play live music in the evenings. If you're interested in Turks and Caicos I'm happy to help you find your perfect accommodation and again, many of the resorts and hotels I can get you complimentary amenities during your stay.

Dominican Republic

Jet into Punta Cana and you’ll find yourself just a few hours removed from home but in an oasis of all-inclusive resorts straddling the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. While the beaches are great for lounging, activities abound, from ATV rides to horseback riding to day trips to nearby Isla Saona. Work with your travel advisor to pick the resort that’s right for you and you’ll find a haven of relaxation, entertainment and dining all within easy reach.

Once again, an island with so much to offer and do. There are endless tours that you can book to make your stay even more amazing. Learn about the culture of the Dominican Republic and it's history or learn to make cocao and bring some home for your friends and family. You can go horseback riding, ATV'ing, snorkeling and more. Here is one website that I like to book through for clients, because they're reliable and vetted and I know that every client will enjoy their tour every time, without any complaints. You can take a look here at, http://www.islandroutes.com?referral=33C7869D&agent_id=67925

Chase away the winter blues in just one flight. Maybe it’ll warm up by the time you get home....