St. Thomas is a large island, and while part one of this three part series explored the capital of Charlotte Amalie, this installment is all about the natural wonders of the island.
There’s a reason why the Caribbean is touted as home to the best beaches in the world. The crystal clear waters, the island life, it’s the perfect vacation. Maybe less accessible because of the whole cruise ship issue now, but I highly recommend spending a week in the USVI to max and relax.
life’s a beach
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and is located on St. Thomas, the second largest island of the USVI. Known for its history of attracting pirates and other colorful characters, St. Thomas is now one of the most popular cruise ship destinations of the region. And it’s no wonder, there’s gorgeous white sand beaches, renowned bays, natural wonders, and of course, treasures to be found in duty free shopping.
It seems like there are more jewelry and perfume stores on this island than people to buy them, which is why I guess it’s good that there are up to 11 (!) cruise ships stopping daily filling the streets with tourists and potential money spenders.
Despite that fact, I highly recommend staying longer. There’s so much to see and do in the region that a few hours doesn’t do it justice. There are many Airbnbs and resorts across the whole island, so why not enjoy more R&R here, where time runs a little more languid? Everyone loves an island vacation, and spending a week here was just what this doctor ordered. And the best part is that it’s all in our own backyard, negating the need of a passport or a change in your cell phone plan.
be like the pina colada song, come with me and escape
Honduras.
Not a region of Mexico.
There’s been plenty of news out of this country in regards to the dangerous conditions and crime, but what doesn’t get as much press is that it is a culturally rich country abutting the Caribbean sea that has white sandy beaches, temperate surf and colorful, friendly people.
Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free, this is where I long to be…
The long anticipated Southwest to Hawaii routes just went on sale, and man were there some good deals (especially if you have flexible schedules). I’m definitely going to have to take advantage of a random Tuesday flight one of these days –worth it for < $100 from LAX. The departure cities are mostly from Northern California and the destinations are three airports for now: HNL (Oahu), OGG (Maui) and KOA (Big Island), with the hope to expand to more destinations and inter-island flights.
Often times overshadowed by it’s flashier sister Oahu, a Big Island adventure is actually Hawaiian must. So much vast, natural beauty. Volcanoes National Park, Waipio, Akaka Falls and black sand beaches are just a few delightful destinations on this very large island. Throwback to my 5 day itinerary, which is a perfect amount of time to spend hanging loose in the Hawaiian tropics.
Ellison Onizuka (in honor of Challenger astronaut and hometown hero) Kona Airport is the Big Island’s larger airport (the other being Hilo ITO) and it truly looks like a Polynesian village when you taxi towards the main cluster of buildings. It really reminds me of the Siem Reap airport in Cambodia, too. The bulk of the structure is outdoors, because it is so temperate and gorgeous in Hawaii.
There are technically two Terminals 1 which has gates 1-5, and 2 which houses gates 6-10. It only has one runway, and still uses ramps to board and deplane passengers from planes. I love these kinds of airports, it makes you feel like you’re flying Pan Am in the 60s or something. Southwest joins Hawaiian, Japan, United, Delta, Alaska and American.
Remember: ✈️ = go Big Island or go home to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = Bigger the Island, the better
Distance from city: ✈️✈️✈️ (about 7 miles from Kona Village, 25 miles from the resorts on the Kohala Gold Coast — give yourself time if you’re renting a car, it can take a long time)
Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (could probably walk from one side to the other in 5 minutes)
Convenience of check in/security lines: ✈️✈️✈️ (a lot of families, one security area, you do the math)
Dining: ✈️ (there’s not much, so highly suggest picking up something from Pine Tree Cafe nearby — the chicken karaage and mac salad, mmm so good)
Bathrooms: ✈️✈️ (not many, but not usually crowded)
Charging stations/wifi: ✈️ (no wifi set up yet)
Amenities: ✈️✈️ (you can definitely get lei’d here, and that’s a plus right?)
Happy Lunar New Year! Yes, it’s not only Chinese people who celebrate the lunisolar calendar, so show a little love to your friends who are celebrating the start of year of the pig/boar today!
In Vietnam, the new year celebration is called Tet, and it is HUGE. Lots of festivals, lion dancing, fireworks, fashion, bestowing of li xi or lucky red envelopes, and feasting. If you’re ever looking for nonstop partying this time of year, book your trip to Asia to join the revelry.
A throwback to my favorite city in Vietnam today, happy new year!
Hawaii’s been in the news lately, due to Kileaua’s eruption, so it’s not the best time to visit, but when things settle down, start planning your trip to the beautiful Big Island…
Aloha…
Hoi An was easily my favorite stop in Vietnam. It was a colonial trading post, and has a completely distinct feel from any other city in Vietnam. One, the Old Town architecture preserves the history of this port city and adds to its charm. Two, foreign influences laid the foundation of international sophistication since Hoi An was a stronghold for the Cham people in the spice trade centuries ago.
I only spent a very short day here while traveling through Vietnam, but that was more than enough time to enchant me and make me want to plan my trip back to this coastal town.
Traveling docs 