Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Tips

Did you know that the Margaritaville brand of restaurants and resorts, now has a cruise ship?

The Margaritaville-at-Sea Paradise is the only 3-day and 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. 

On this floating island vacation, you can relax, unwind, enjoy the entertainment and frozen concoctions, soak up the sun, and cruise for a quick & easy escape!

Keep in mind that this is not a luxury liner and it doesn't claim to be. You get what you pay for and the value for what you pay is really good and cheaper than a staycation at a hotel for 2 nights, plus food, and travel. Even the ferry to the Bahamas is over $200 round trip, and for $599 a couple can take a cruise ship instead with a beautifully renovated room and have way more fun. It's what you make of it, so why not have a great time? Yah, mon! 

Below is what you can expect on board and tips to make your sail more enjoyable!

Travel Tips for Sailing on the Margaritaville Cruise 

Get the Express Boarding Pass & Chill Packages

This is literally your "License to Chill" right from the start of your trip at embarkation. The lines at the Port of Palm Beach were long to check in, however, with our Express add-on we got to not only skip the line outside but go straight inside the customs area to a separate check-in section. This saved us at least an hour and eliminated the stress and annoyance of waiting in line when you just want your vacation to start. The same VIP express experience applies for disembarkation too. 

Now, I'm not big on doing paid upgrades, but this one is worth it. Some of the Chill packages come with WiFi for 2 devices and other fun additions like the JWB Steakhouse dinner for 2, which is my next tip and recommendation. 

My friends also splurged for the Champagne Breakfast and raved about their Huevos Rancheros, pastries, Bloody Mary's and overall experience. We regret not doing this since the breakfast buffet was crowded and basic, similar to a setup at a Spring Hill Suites setup or something similar at a comp hotel breakfast. 

Dine in the JWB Steakhouse

I was really impressed with our meal at the JWB Steakhouse. We had a package for two to dine at the specialty dining restaurant and chose to dine there on our first night onboard. I ordered the Ribeye and my husband had the filet, which both of us enjoyed. 

You can make your reservation for either night of your stay in the port, just after the check-in area. Look for the dining table before boarding the ship and do try and request a window seat if you're able. 

If you didn't book a steakhouse package at booking, you can still do so once on the ship and they will charge to your folio.  

Fins Dining Room

If you'd rather not pay the extra $55 for the specialty dining per person upgrade, you won't be disappointed with the main and complimentary dining room - Fins. Our group ate there on the second night and also enjoyed our appetizer, entre and dessert there too. No complaints and the dining room was nicely designed too. 

To dine here there are two seatings at 6:00 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. on each night of the cruise. We had no problem sitting at 6 p.m., but saw a long line for the later seating. We chose the earlier one though so we wouldn't miss the entertainment that night. 

Don't Forget about the Coffee Shop

Regular coffee is provided at no extra charge in the mornings in the Port of Indecision Buffett, but if you're looking for a more Starbucks-like experience there is a Margaritaville Coffee Shop counter where you can order a latte or cappuccino at an extra cost, but it wasn't too expensive. I did this the morning before disembarking. 

Bring Your Own Lanyard

I wore dresses or bathing suits the whole time without pockets and I didn't want to carry a purse, so I was glad I had packed my own lanyard to attach my room key and charge card. 

After receiving our key, I went to the Guest Services area and they kindly punched a hole in mine to attach to my lanyard clip, or you can buy a lanyard with a clear sleeve to slip your key in. My husband was fine putting his in his short pockets. 

Cabins are Spacious & Newly Renovated 

Although it's an older ship (small pools, low ceilings, no balconies) and you'll have some Love Boat episode flashbacks, I was very impressed with how nicely the rooms were redone and how spacious and modern they were with a flat-screen TV and bright furnishings. 

You can view our Ocean View Room Tour in my Instagram highlights here.

It's been a while since I sailed without a balcony room, but honestly, I didn't miss it. The window in our Ocean View cabin was large and with how limited your time is on the ship, we didn't spend much time in our room just to shower and sleep. 

Meanwhile, our friends had an interior room, which had even more space than we did, and they were quite impressed with it too. 

Toiletries 

Shampoo, condition, body wash, and soap are all provided in your bathroom. We also had two robes hanging in our closet, which I took advantage of. 

Plugs and Hairdryers

There are even two USB ports and a USB C port too. A hairdryer is provided specifically for their voltage, so do NOT bring your own because it will blow a fuse. Trust me, I know! 

Boat Drinks are not to be missed

Honestly, how disappointing would it be if a Margaritaville cruise had bad margs? Well, no worries, because the drinks were great, especially their blended concoctions like the infamous margarita, pina colada and painkiller, after all, as Jimmy Buffett sings "it's five-o-clock somewhere."  

I also appreciated that they carried bottles of Josh Cellar wines, which I had with dinner. The by-the-bottle price was reasonable too.

You can purchase before sailing or while on board a drink package of 5 or 10 drinks per person, which includes drinks up to $12. There is another package for higher-end drink options too. We both had a 5-drink package and then charged the extra two drinks we ended up ordering to the room. 

You will need to pick up or purchase your wristband for your drink package once on board the ship in the Euphoria Lounge. Some folks had multiple wristbands - more power to them. 

Explore Your Shore Excursion Options

The cruise line offers several shore excursions for your day in Freeport, Bahamas from swimming with pigs to dolphin encounters or resort day passes. There isn't much to do at the pier except a few stalls for shopping, so you'll either want to stay on board or book a shore excursion. 

But unlike other cruises that I've been on, you can't book your tour ahead of time only once you check-in. If you're a type A planner, this part is a bit frustrating. I didn't like the uncertainty, but two of our friends were able to book the excursion they wanted easily at an all-inclusive resort once they got there. 

We wanted something more adventurous though and booked through Trip Advisor for a day of Kayaking and more. It was more expensive ($160 each) than the Margaritaville shore excursions, but this island experience was amazing and made our entire trip!! Instead of being with a big group, it was just four of us, so it felt like we were getting a private tour. We were picked up at the pier in a lovely SUV, then took a boat ride out to the kayaks on Sweetings Cay, spent time on a private beach, went to a Turtle Park and had lunch too. The water was so clear we saw sharks, stingrays, sea stars, and more without goggles even. We still had time to get back on board and do some shopping too. 

Catch the nightly live entertainment show

There is a 7:45 and a 9:45 nightly show in the theater. One night it's the fun Margaritaville musical and the other night is a comedian/magician. We enjoyed both a lot. The theater itself is adorable too with tables and comfy chairs by the stage making it more cabaret-style. 

On the first night we went to the late showing since we were enjoying the piano bar out in front of the theater first, and the second night after a busy day in the Bahamas we went to the earlier show time. 

Pre-Sale Spa Credit

Save 10% on Spa and Salon services when you purchase before you board. If you plan on pampering yourself with a spa treatment during your sail, you might want to take advantage of the $90 Pre-Sale Credit worth $100. I did and my credit was applied to my Sweedish Massage service, which was excellent. 

You can book your spa time and treatment before boarding at the Spa area kiosk as well. I chose a late afternoon appointment on the second day after our shore excursion, which was perfect. 

BOGO for Cops, Teachers & First Responders

Active and veteran military, first responders, law enforcement officers and educators sail free on Margaritaville-at-Sea, they just have to pay for the second guest, taxes, gratuities, and port fees. If this applies to you claim your cruise offer here.

Thus, you'll spot a lot of cops and teachers gone wild ;) Other friends who went on a previous sailing said the teachers were hooking up with the cops, not that I can blame them, lol.

Travel with Friends 

Since it's such a short trip, there isn't time to make friends, which is why I'm thankful we traveled with two other couples making a fun group of six. The best part of being with a group is that you can eat together, and take in a show, but still do your own thing too - dancing, casino, etc. 

But Leave the Kids at Home 

Granted this is just my personal parenting recommendation, so take it with a lost shaker of salt ;)

While there were a couple of kids on board (maybe like 20 total), the activities are geared toward adults. And frankly, many of the guests are there to party. You'll see bachelorette parties, girlfriend trips, and singles looking to mingle, etc. This is why I'm glad we were there for a couples' getaway and that my boys stayed behind. 

The ship does have a kids camp though, but it looked small and boring and there is an hourly charge per child that would add up costing you. And as I said before, the pools were tiny with no lifeguards. Plus, the women that were by the pool were scantily clad and everyone is drinking it up, so again I'm very glad I didn't have to worry about what my kids would see or having to entertain them too. 

Oh, and we could hear the bass of the music in our cabin until midnight, which was when we were heading to bed so that was fine, but again not for little ones. 

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Tips for Sailing on Princess Cruises with Kids

While Princess Cruises may not especially be geared with kids in mind like a Disney Cruise, it's still a great option for families and less overwhelming than Royal Caribbean's massive ships too. 

We've been on four Princess trips so far with my twin boys since they were five years old. The ships they've sailed on include the Royal, Sky, and Caribbean Princess ships doing 5 to 14-day sailings. 

Below is what you can expect traveling with kids and toddlers and some tips for a great Princess Cruises vacation for everyone.

Princess Kids Camp - "Camp Discovery" 

Explorers ages 3 to 12 will make friends and learn at Camp Discovery™, while teens 13 to 17 have their own space to socialize at The Beach House. 

Don't worry though, the ages get broken up further with kids ages 3-7 in the "Tree House" with age-appropriate toys and activities. 

We would put my twins in the kids camp in the evenings, so we could have an adult dinner out. One night they had a PJ and Pizza Party, which they loved. So, plan to pack pajamas that your child is comfortable wearing out of the cabin too. 

There is usually a pirate-themed night for the kiddos, and although they will provide further accessories like the buccaneer hat eye patches, and balloons, but I was still glad I also packed their pirate t-shirts for the occasion. 

Kids cannot leave without an assigned adult picking them up along with providing a personal code you set when you register them on the first day. 

Meanwhile, "The Lodge" room is for kids 8-12 and has a video game center featuring a large collection of Nintendo Switch and PS4 games, Skee ball machines, air hockey, and more. They still have theme nights, crafts, and competitions. 

Register Your Kids Before Boarding

Register your kids for Camp Discovery ahead of time in the Cruise Personalizer website. Also, on the first day, there is an open house where you can tour the kids area facilities and register, which you won't want to miss.

Even after you register them ahead of time, on the first day of the sail there is a Camp Open House that you need to attend to check them in the first time. Don't miss this because it's also your chance to check out this kids area, because after that you're regulated to staying at the door. It's during the open house you'll set your pin and meet the counselors. 

Kids Dining Options

Princess Cruises offers Gerber® baby food and pureed fresh fruits and veggies so you can indulge in award-winning dining, knowing your loved ones are taken care of. Simply order in the Cruise Personalizer online. 

However, the first time I went with my little ones this service wasn't offered and we were always able to find fresh fruit, cereal, kid dishes and soup on board for our toddlers. 

The new medallion ships offer room service from your phone with a kids menu. I ordered PB&J, Pizza and Grilled Cheese several nights when my boys were still hungry even after the buffet. No additional fee for the kids menu items.

Also, if your kids would like to join you in the dining room for a fancy family experience, they also offer crayons and a kid's menu there. 

Now, my boys' favorite part - FREE ICE CREAM!! There are soft-serve ice cream machines at the "Swirls" station up by the pool. My boys helped themselves every day! It got to the point where the lady there knew them by name and would try to guess which twin which, lol. 

The Reef Family Splash Zone

A kids splash zone was recently completed on the Caribbean Princess called the Reef Family Splash Zone. The interactive splash pad features a giant whale that shoots water out of its spout. There are also slides, large outdoor games (Jenga and Connect Four). There are also shaded canopies and lounge chairs for parents to relax while kids play. 

Sky and Royal did not have this area, unfortunately, but of course, there are still pools. 

Princess' Key Kids Camp and Playground  

If your cruise includes a stop on Princess' own island, you'll be pleased to learn there is a playground on the sand that kids can be checked into as well. It's essentially an extension of their camp onboard. 

I actually wasn't planning on signing them up for it, but once we played on the beach together they were bored and were eyeing the playground area, so we ended up registering them for an hour in there after all. 

Bunk Bed Cabin Setup

My family of four has stayed in a balcony room and a mini-suite. 

In our regular balcony room, they had a pull-down bunk from the ceiling that the steward put down each night. The boys wanted to take turns going up there. 

While the benefit of booking a mini-suite is that it comes with s a separate area for the kids to sleep. Including a privacy curtain separating where the adult bed is, so you can stay up a little later. Plus, mini-suites have a bathtub, which is great for younger tots. They also have their own flatscreen TV on their side with on-demand kids movies to stream. Thankfully, during the day they put the top bunk and ladder away and returned it to the couch setup for all of us to use. 

Easy to Keep Track of Your Kids 

Once you set sail, the Princess app allows you to track your fellow cruise mates, which is especially helpful for your kids. They do not need a device either, their medallion, which is your key to your room too comes with a built-in tracker. 

Even if you left your phone in your room, you can simply tap your medallion to any of the screens near the elevators to access the current itinerary of events as well as where everyone is. My kids would use this often to meet up with us too. During our adult dinners, I'd look to make sure they were still in the kid's camp and it would put me at ease. So helpful! 

Go on a Duck Hunt

Have you heard of Cruise Ducks? It's a fun activity that many cruisers do, even adults who hide rubber ducks around the ship to be found. You then can choose to keep or rehide them. So, if you see someone looking through a planter, they aren't odd, they are duck hunters! 

Sometimes people will attach a tag to the rubber duckie with instructions on how to share a photo or with the ship's name, etc. 

Since one of our cruise itineraries had several at-sea days, we packed our own ducks to hide. I purchased a package of 20 pirate ducks on Amazon along with pre-made cards to fill out and attach with my boys' names on them. We had a blast hiding them throughout the ship and my boys got to practice their handwriting by filling out the cards too. 

Decorate your Door

While more popular on Disney Cruise Line, passengers still decorate their doors on Princess Cruises too. The doors are magnetic so bring some fun magnets. You can even order a custom Princess family magnet like we did. 

Along with displaying the different crafts and kids club art that we made while on board, we had a dry-erase board magnet up and someone even wrote on it that they liked our decorations :) 

Another advantage to decorating your door is that it makes it easy for kids to spot their room down the long hallways. 

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Perfect Jewelry Pieces to Gift to Your Life Partner

If you have a special someone in your life, it's time to spoil them with the perfect gift. Whether you're shopping for an anniversary, birthday, or Christmas present, you can choose from plenty of beautiful pieces. Maybe they want a ring to celebrate their love? Perhaps they want something more subtle, like a bracelet or necklace? Whatever their preference, there are many different jewelry options for any style and price range.

A Teardrop-Shaped Earring Studded With Swarovski Crystals 

Earrings are an excellent gift for women. They come in different colors and materials, so you can find something that suits your taste and budget. Teardrop-shaped earrings are classic, but there are other shapes to choose from if you want something more original. The most important thing is that the earrings must be delicate enough to fit the person's style, but at the same time, they should have some weight to them too.

Go ahead if your heart is set on teardrop-shaped earrings studded with Swarovski crystals! Having such a piece will make any woman feel like a princess – not only because of its beautiful design but also because of how much time you spent choosing it for her! Swarovski crystals have gone on to become a huge name in jewelry. There are many instances where celebrities have worn their crystals. For example, The 2020 Oscar performer Janelle Monae wore an outfit with Swarovski crystals. Moreover, Jennifer Lopez wore a dress studded with Swarovski crystals during the after-party on her wedding day.

A Diamond Solitaire Ring 

A diamond solitaire ring is one of the most classic and timeless gifts you can give your partner. Known as a diamond engagement ring, this piece symbolizes love and commitment. In addition, diamonds are the hardest gemstone on Earth and have many symbolic meanings. A diamond solitaire ring will surely be appreciated by your partner whenever they see it or wear it because of its beautiful appearance and symbolism. So if you want to make an impression with a gift that will last forever, go for a diamond solitaire ring! Diamond solitaire rings are trendy among fashion enthusiasts, especially celebrities. You can see Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things actress, wearing them all the time. This ring is so associated with love and marriage that when Millie wore it, people started spreading rumors that she was going to get married to her boyfriend.

A Silver and Pearl Charm Bracelet 

The silver and pearl charm bracelet is a perfect jewelry piece to gift your life partner. The most important reason is that it symbolizes love and commitment. It shows how much you care for the person you give it to and how much they mean to you. Another reason why this type of jewelry is the best choice is that it can be worn on any occasion, whether it's an important business meeting or an intimate dinner date with just the two of you. It also allows you to show off your creativity by creating a personalized design for each necklace that will represent something unique about your relationship. You can also choose from different styles, from simple ones with just one diamond at the end of the chain to more elaborate designs with multiple charms hanging down from each link in the chain.

A Sapphire Ring for the Apple of Your Eye 

If you are looking for a ring that will show your partner how much you care, look no further. Depending on the color of the sapphire stone and its size, you can also get matching earrings or pendants for your partner. The most important thing is that it has to be real and not fake. The ring's setting should be such that it makes her feel special when she wears it on her finger. If you don't want to go with the white diamonds, you can show your love even in blue with sapphire stones. Sapphires are September birthstones, but you can gift them to your partner regardless of his or her birth month.

The blue hue of sapphire stones makes them memorable. You would know the most famous sapphire ring of Princess Diana, which was then passed on to Kate Middleton when Prince William proposed to her. However, if you want to go with the birth month, rings are available with gemstones for each month.

Gemstone rings are trending, with many celebrities using them as engagement rings. From Megan Fox to Jennifer Lopez, many celebrities have ditched the traditional white diamond rings and started their marriage journey with an alternative stone.

A Statement Necklace 

Statement necklaces are a great gift to give your partner because they're not just jewelry but symbols of your love. This is because statement necklaces are usually made of gold or silver, which means they're precious metals that have been used as currency for thousands of years. They can be picked up at most jewelry stores, but the best ones come from fine jewelers who specialize in crafting these types of custom pieces.

Giving your life partner a piece like this means you want them to know how much they mean to you. When they wear their necklace every day, it's like constantly reminding them what you mean to them, which will make you feel better about yourselves and your relationship as time goes on.

While statement necklaces became less popular for a few years, they are now back. A HuffPost article highlights how bold accessories are coming back, and statement necklaces are no exception.

A Heart Pendant

A heart pendant is a classic gift for any occasion. It's simple and elegant, and you can get one made in gold or silver. You can also have it engraved with a special message. This is an excellent option if you want to give your partner something they can wear as an everyday reminder of how much you love them—it doesn't have to be expensive, just meaningful!

Conclusion 

If you're looking to spoil your partner with some beautiful jewelry, these ideas are sure to do it. They're all unique and thoughtful, so even if your life partner has everything in the world already, they might still appreciate a piece of fine jewelry as a gift from their loved ones.

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Her

Looking for gifts for her? Or yourself? 

Look no further, these are all products that I love, own and have gifted to my loved ones. Bonus, I have discount codes for you too and all should arrive before the big day. 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas 

GELIN Fine Jewelry - Evil Eye Collection 

She'll love these travel-inspired, good luck charms from GELIN fine jewelry online. I personally have their Diamond Sapphire Open Evil Eye Necklace in 14k Solid White Gold and Red Heart Evil Eye. 

Each beautifully designed piece is available in 14K rose, yellow and white gold options to compliment her taste too. 

Save 30% with my code TARAMETBLOG. You're welcome :)  

Cozy Earth Bamboo Waffle Robe & Bath Sheets

What do Oprah and I have in common? Besides being rich and famous, obviously. Seriously though, Cozy Earth's new waffle bamboo bath sheets are among our favorite things. I've already been addicted to their bamboo pajamas and luxurious sheets. I especially love how soft the bamboo fabric is and it's cooling abilities. It makes it hard to get out of bed. 

This is actually the 5th year in a row that Cozy Earth’s products have made her coveted list including their bamboo sheets, socks, joggers, pjs and more. Trust me and Ophra, she'll love the pajama set or waffle robe below. 

Save 40% with code CETARA on all their products!

Champagne Cream-Filled Chocolate Beavers

Yes, you read that right. You can never go wrong with chocolate, but why not chocolates that are also funny, playful and mouth-watering from Liquor Whaaat?!' These creamy beavers are filled with champagne and rum (lol). The name alone will bring a smile to anyone's face, but they'll love the rich, decadent milk and dark chocolate flavors of these creamy beavers too, promise! Price: $17.69 per box 

Wine Condoms

Both funny and useful, Wine Condoms protect your Pinot! Packaged and applied like a condom, this spill-proof solution to storing an opened bottle of wine is the safest and most effective product for preventing unplanned spillage. Unlike corks or decorative stoppers, Wine Condoms seal flush with the rim for easier fridge shelf storage. They are made from 100% food-grade latex rubber and can be used more than once. Plus, takes up less space than a traditional heavy stopper. $14.97 for a set of 6 but obviously pair these with her favorite bottle of wine or one to pop open together. 

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What to pack for a trip to Iceland

Whether you are coming from the hot or cold, Iceland averages around 33-35 F (1-2 C) in wintertime and about 54 F (12 C) in summer, so come prepared! 

Also, the island country feels like you're on a different planet and you'll soon see why, but don't worry it's a good thing! 

Travel Packing Tips for Visiting Iceland

Electric Hand Warmer

Obviously, you'll want gloves too, but this handy rechargeable pocket Electric Hand Warmer can take the bite out of the cold air when you're out exploring the amazing natural sights. It also acts as a flashlight too, which can be great in the winter since the sun is only up for four to five hours. I loved having this little gadget and plan to use it for skiing too. 

Moisturizing Tissues

Two out of the three 5-star hotels that we stayed at didn't have any tissues in our room, so we had to use toilet paper. This would normally be fine, but with how much my nose was running from the cold I wished I had some tissues with lotion. Even though the fancy Retreat at the Blue Lagoon provided tissues, they were rough and aggravated my skin too 

Fair Isle Sweaters

While you'll likely buy one of Iceland's famous handmade wool sweaters, socks, or hats during your stay, it's much cheaper if you come already dressed in Islandic threads. I found these two affordable options on Amazon and loved having them on in my photos :) 

Saline or Vicks

At night, the heat in your accommodations can really dry your skin and nose. I went to bed most evenings with a very stuffy nose and wishing I had backed a saline spray or jar of Vicks. 

Heattech Pants 

UNIQLO has a HEATTECH line of clothing meant to capture your heat better so you can stay warm in the cold better. I bought their jean leggings and they did the trick.

Also,  Costco sells a similar warm pant option from 32 Degrees. 

Wool Socks

I soon found out that regular socks wouldn't do, not even thick ones. I had to buy wool socks at the recommendation of a local who assured me he wears the same. I gave it a shot and purchased them and they made a big difference. So, don't be like me, come prepared and get yours ahead of time.

Water Bottle

Icelanders drink straight from the tap, and often from springs and streams in nature since Icelandic water is among the cleanest and healthiest in the world. Icelandic tap water is not treated with chlorine or any other chemicals. It's simply not necessary. This is why residents will look at Americans and tourists like they are crazy buying one-use water bottles. 

Iceland is also considered one of the greenest countries due to their use of renewable energy and eco-friendly consciousness, so don't piss locals off with disposable bottles. Instead, look like a pro by traveling and refilling your own bottle. I usually always travel with a water bottle, but I didn't on this trip and regret it. 

A Good Camera / Latest Phone to see the Northern Lights

So, this came as a shock to me. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are viewed and seen better through a camera lens or phone screen. To the naked eye it looked more like a dusting of clouds at night, but then when you hold up a camera then you'll really see what is right there in the night sky. Having the newest camera phone will help. For example, my iPhone 12 captures were nothing compared to my husband's iPhone 13 Pro. 

If visiting the Blue Lagoon:

Flip-flops 

If you have the space in your luggage, slip in some dollar-store cheap flip-flops as many guests prefer to wear them while walking in and around the water. If you would like to wear flip-flops, you may bring them with you or purchase them at the Blue Lagoon reception desk. Water shoes are allowed too, but they don't offer them for sale.

Conditioner & Hair tie 

Although this geothermal spa is rich in microalgae, silica, and minerals, it will turn your hair to straw unless you put it up and add a lot of conditioner to it before going in. I'd recommend not submerging your hair and piling it up high on top of your head. It can be especially drying for lighter hair types. It took three showers and several hair masks for mine to recover, so I wish I'd done a better job of taking care before dipping into this beautiful oasis. 

A full-piece bathing suit

While a bikini might look sexy, you might want to opt for more coverage. Also, don't back your favorite suit either unless you want it covered in Silica salt. Even once I washed it in the shower and dried it, there was still traces of white salt. Here is a list of Fashionable One-Piece Bathing Suits Under $30 available on Amazon. 

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4 Of the Best Weekend Getaways Within Six Hours of NYC

It’s not challenging to see why New York City is one of the most desirable getaways for tourists all around the globe, with its bright lights, never-ending entertainment, dazzling shopping experiences, iconic tourist traps, drool-worthy All-American cuisine, and much more. Yet, when you’re lucky enough to call one of the most prominent bucket-list vacation destinations home, where do you go to escape? With three international airports nearby, the options are endless.

Fortunately, whether you’re a beach-lover or a city-lover through and through, The Big Apple is close to various travel destinations for New Yorkers to choose between. All within six hours of the city, prospective holiday-goers can treat themselves to a shopping spree in Washington DC by catching an NYC to DC train in less than three hours or exploring a Mayan ruin in Tulum, Mexico, by hopping on a four-hour flight.

Yet, if you’re not a born and bred New Yorker, you might wonder which weekend getaways are the most popular for inspiring relaxation, comfort, and family time. Therefore, we’ve created this blog post outlining several of the best holiday destinations for New Yorkers without having to stray too far from The Big Apple itself. Covering The Bahamas to Iceland, keep reading to find out the top destinations on our list.

Rainbow Street in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland 

So long as you book far in advance, you can find direct flights to Reykjavik, which can get you out of the city in less than five and a half hours. Although Iceland might not be top of everyone's holiday bucket list, it is one of the most unique destinations you could ever hope to visit, so long as you’re willing to trade the New York weather for even unrulier weather!

If you’re looking at getting down on one knee or want to get out of the city for a while, Iceland is an excellent getaway experience for New Yorkers since you can explore just about a little bit of everything. Whether you’d like to visit one of the many Game of Thrones filming locations or take in some of the natural wonders of the world, like the Northern Lights or the Blue Lagoon hot spring – there is something for all kinds of travelers in Iceland.

A five-and-a-half-hour flight will feel like nothing when the natural beauty surrounds you that Iceland calls home. And it will undoubtedly give you a much-deserved break from the heavily populated New York streets! Come to the end of your trip; you will be dragging your feet as you board your return flight or sitting in a local beer house toasting ‘skål’’ because you’ve extended your trip!

Washington DC, United States

If you’re a city-lover through and through, you need not look very far from The Big Apple itself – only three hours by an NYC to DC train to be exact! Just three hours from NYC lies Washington DC, another of America’s most recognized cities.

Much more than a political powerhouse, Washington, DC, is a city vibrant enough to (almost?) rival NYC with its jaw-dropping history, fascinating culture, mouth-watering food scene, splendid arts scene, iconic attractions, and much more.

Whether you’re drawn to Washington DC for its vibrant brewing scene and would like to tour one of the many distilleries, or if you’d like to gawk at some of the state’s top-rated tourist attractions like the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument – there is no shortage of things to do in this city.

Another benefit of having a weekend getaway in Washington, DC, is that if you’re from New York, all travel will be inter-state, and you can choose from various transport options from bus, plane, or train to get there. To keep costs down, you could pass on the plane tickets and consider catching an Acela train from NYC to DC using travel metasearch engines like Wanderu. With tickets starting at as little as $22, catching an NYC to DC train can take much stress off your journey since it offers more flexibility (and cost-effectiveness!) than plane rides.

The Bahamas 

If you’re a beach-lover and want your next weekend getaway to be a tropical paradise, the next time you want a break from New York, consider heading to one of the seven-hundred islands in The Bahamas. For many potential tourists, the Tiffany-blue waters and golden sandy beaches are enough reason to head to one of the many isles and crays of The Bahamas. But don’t let its stunning appearance fool you! The Bahamas has much more to offer than it looks, with loads of walking trails, national parks, swimming pigs and some of the best diving spots in the entire world.

Whether you’d like to soak away the stresses of day-to-day life while lying on one of the many beaches that The Bahamas calls home, or if you’re a foodie and are dying to get your hands (and mouth!) on some of the country’s delicious Bahamian food – you can find many activities to do.

Fortunately, in just a short three-hour plane ride from New York to Nassau, you could be doing one of the many activities that The Bahamas offers, and with flights starting at $103 for a one-way trip, you’d be wishing that you’d realized how close the sandy beaches of The Bahamas was from New York City ages ago! If you do go, here are Six Things To Do In Exuma. 

Tulum, Mexico 

Keeping with our last weekend getaway suggestion (because who doesn’t love tropical getaways?) and featuring Tulum, Mexico, on our list. When you think of Mexico, you instantly think of white-sand beaches, fascinating Mayan ruins, exotic wildlife encounters, gorgeous climates, cenote caves, and much more.

Cenote Diving in Tulum, Quintana Roo

Like The Bahamas, Mexico offers much more than just aesthetics, whether you’re always thirsting for your next adventure and would like to spend a couple of days exploring the most-popular Mayan ruins in Tulum or are more laidback and would like to spend your time (quite literally!) laid back on the beach – we guarantee that Tulum has something for everyone to enjoy.

And with it being only a four-hour flight from New York to Cancun, then a one-hour drive down south to Tulum, it isn’t far from New York. So, you needn’t have to worry about being too far from home, and instead enjoy your weekend getaway knowing that it won’t take ages to get back home when your time to return comes!

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