Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen was the perfect fit. I did quite a bit of research and found a package on sale. So now we are all looking forward to a relaxing getaway where hopefully, we can hang out together as a family without the many distractions that always seem to get in the way at home. One thing we won't have to do is get our passports, because we did that last year. Spreading the cost of five passports out over several months was pretty smart of me. But what if you don't have passports? Does that mean you have to stay close to home? Absolutely not!
The passport issue has been in the news quite a bit the last few years and many still find it confusing. Check here for the most up-to-date information.
The bad news is that Mexico and most of the Caribbean is out of bounds for those who choose to remain passport-free. But don't lose hope if you're determined to get out of town to an exotic beach. How about the US Virgin Islands- St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The islands are located in the eastern Caribbean about 1,100 miles southeast of Miami. Temperatures range from a mild 77 degrees in the winter to 83 degrees in summer.
You'll sense a Danish influence on St. Croix with towns named Frederiksted and Christiansted where you'll find quaint shops in pastel-colored buildings. The majority of St. John is a national park. Gorgeous beaches, hiking, camping and much more await visitors to this island. St. Thomas is the most visited cruise ship port in the Caribbean. In downtown Charlotte Amalie you'll find dining, nightlife, duty-free shopping and much more.
ST. JOHN
Two thirds of St. John is a U.S. national park. It's also the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those who frequent the island probably do so because of the beautiful beaches to be found there. There is also a ferry service available so you can stay at one island and travel to the others.
ST. CROIX
St. Croix is one of the top ten eco-friendy destinations worldwide. There's so much available on this island, from touring historic sites, nightlife, scuba diving and of course, great beaches. Take a look at this webcam located at Rumrunners, a local restaurant.
PUERTO RICO
Another choice for those without a passport is Puerto Rico. I've only visited the island once and that was while on a cruise. But what I most remember is friendly people and tiny European-looking cobblestone streets lined with small, expensive shops. We were desperately trying to get to El Morro, a fortress located on the tip of Old San Juan built to protect the town from attack by sea. Learning that the quickest way to get there was by a public bus, we set off. Residents quickly gave us directions relayed through my 8th grader's small vocabulary picked up in Spanish class. While we didn't get to the fort in time, we did meet lots of people along the way and left the city later that night with a very good feeling about the people of San Juan.
One way I like to research different locations is through forums, connecting with other travelers who have been where you want to go. The Caribbean Travel Forum is a massive website offering multitudes of information helpful to anyone planning a trip to this part of the world. Deciding where to spend your vacation dollars is always a big decision, but especially so now. Please choose carefully and I can't stress it enough, purchase travel insurance. I would love to help anyone with their vacation plans. Send me an email at marcia@libertytravelstore.com.
Until next time,
luv2travelwithme
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