Sherman's Travel

There are plenty of truths to travel, but today I’ll focus on just two. First, traveling to a warm, sand-fringed island can help a bad day, week, month, or even year seem inconsequential. Second, traveling anywhere that requires a passport undoubtedly causes headaches – just how big the headache varies widely on your destination. The good news for U.S. citizens, however, is that there are plenty of islands within reach that boast an international vibe, yet don’t require a passport. Below, I’ll share a few of my favorites for those itching to burn a few vacation days without dealing with immigration lines. Read more

Situated roughly halfway between St. Thomas and the main island of Puerto Rico is the picturesque island of Culebra. Even the most seasoned of Caribbean travelers shouldn’t be ashamed if they’ve never heard of it. It remains one of the best kept secrets in the region, and particularly for Americans who don’t want to fiddle with a passport in order to reach paradise, it’s a destination worth discovering.

Accessing Culebra isn’t exactly easy, per se, but it’s hardly complicated. If you’re on the main island of Puerto Rico (that’s the one with San Juan), you’ll need to point your rental car to Fajardo. That’s on the eastern edge of Puerto Rico, and it’s the primary ferry port on the island. For intrepid travelers, you can show up at the docks and buy yourself an inexpensive (under $10) ticket for the ride, which lasts right around an hour each way. If the ferry is sold out (which was the case when our editor, Mike Barish, visited the island), you can book a quick puddle jumper flight at the airport in Fajardo and land on Culebra in about 10 minutes – though a one-way flight can start at $35 per person, so consider taking the ferry back. To make life easy, however, I’d recommend reaching out to Kayaking Puerto Rico. Read more

After making a splash with our recent flight and hotel etiquette miniseries, we wanted to turn our attention to the pool – an area just barely treading water in the travel manners department. I’m not sure if we should blame chair hogs, the invention of cell phones, waning social graces, or a combination of all three, but over the past few years, pool etiquette – be it at the Ritz or the Holiday Inn – has floated off the edge of the infinity pool. Whether you’re planning on escaping to a palm tree-studded all-inclusive, a romantic retreat, or a family Disney extravaganza this winter, there’s bound to be some serious pool or beach time, so here’s a poolside protocols refresher.

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Indulge in Miami’s white sand beaches and eclectic culture on a three-night stay at a 4-star hotel for $125 per night. This special rate from the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove saves 30 percent on current rates.

Travel over the following dates for the best nightly rates: July 26-August 2, August 6-14, or August 18- September 28. The 30 percent discount only applies to stays of three nights or longer.

Stay in a Deluxe City View Room with panoramic views of Coconut Grove and the Miami skyline. Furnishings include a king bed with Egyptian cotton linens, a kitchenette with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, cable TV, a stocked mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a private balcony.

The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel is situated on the coast of Biscayne Bay, adjacent to Coral Gables in trendy Coconut Grove. Explore the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene, quaint cafes, and lively nightlife. The excitement of downtown Miami, and picturesque South Beach are only a minutes-drive away.

To book, visit the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel’s website by clicking here. To reserve over the phone, call 800-766-3782.

See our Miami destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our TravelSearch price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.