This trip was bookended by crazy events so let’s dive in. Imagine you have a late night event in Jersey City, NJ only to remember that you have an 8 am international flight leaving out of DC. Smart move right? Naturally, I decided it would be best to just drive straight back to DC, grab a short nap and then head out to the airport. So I get home at 2:15 am and was checking in to the flight at 5 am when the uber arrived. I rushed out of the house, leaving my passport on the table.

The result? The next available flight was in 2 days so my exhausted and angry self took a $60 uber back home just to come back to the airport 48 hours later. That being said, Turks and Caicos was the perfect mix of tropical relaxation and fun adventures—here’s what we did:

Where We Stayed

We stayed at The Sands at Grace Bay, which sits right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and the kind of sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Pure paradise (especially after my drama even getting there).

What We Did

• Rode horses in the water – Yes, literally in the ocean. One of the most magical experiences, riding along the shore and then into the sea with the horses gently walking beneath us.

• Local street fair – Got to experience the island vibes and community energy through food stalls, music, and dancing. So much good local flavor (literally and culturally).

• Rented a boat – Cruised around the islands, stopped at an abandoned 30-year-old shipwreck, a random little island with lizards, and sipped rum drinks at a floating bar in the middle of the ocean.

• Jetskiing – Because nothing says vacation like speeding over turquoise waves with the wind in your hair.

And then...real life hit. We came home and had to pack up everything to move out within 3 days (DC to Boston). Absolute chaos. But honestly? Turks & Caicos was the calm before the storm—and it made the whirlwind move a little more bearable.

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

There are people that don’t like destination weddings. I am not one of those people. Sure it’s expensive, but hey a solid excuse for a vacay! I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of one of my best friends on the gorgeous island of St. Lucia.

It is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and indulge. From the stunning Pitons to the delicious food and endless activities, this island has it all. Here's a recap of my unforgettable stay!

Where we stayed

We stayed at Cap Maison, a gorgeous resort that felt like a luxurious escape. The views were unreal, and the service was top-notch. The perfect base for everything we wanted to do on the island! Just keep in mind that the island gets VERY hot and very HUMID for any outdoor activities and not all areas of the hotel will have AC.

Activities

• Fire Dancers at Welcome Dinner – To kick off the festivities, we had a welcome dinner with fire dancers—a perfect introduction to the island’s vibrant culture. The traditional music and energy made it such a memorable experience.

• Street Festival with Music and Beer – We got to experience a local street festival, complete with live music, cold beer, and a lively atmosphere. It felt like a true slice of local island life!

• Beach and Pool Time – Of course, we made time to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and luxurious pools. The beach was just steps away from our resort, and the perfect spot to unwind with a frozen drink.

• Catamaran Tour to The Pitons – One of the coolest things we did was a catamaran tour along the island’s coast. We got up close to the Pitons, those dramatic volcanic peaks that rise up from the ocean. The tour was relaxing, scenic, and gave us a chance to see island history.

Food and drinks

The food in St. Lucia was an absolute highlight. The island is known for its pumpkin dishes, which are native to the island and grown in the rich volcanic soil. From pumpkin purees to savory dishes, everything was delicious. It probably goes without saying, but being on a Caribbean Island, we had the best seafood! Think conch, mahi-mahi, shrimp, and lobster. We also enjoyed amazing cocktails while watching the sunset and celebrating the wonderful couple.

What we missed

• Sulphur Springs & Mud Baths- Known as the “world’s only drive-in volcano”, Sulphur Springs offers a unique opportunity to drive right up to the volcanic crater. You can take a dip in the natural sulfuric mud baths, which are said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin.

• Treetop Adventure Park- For thrill-seekers, the Treetop Adventure Park is an adrenaline-packed experience, featuring zip-lining through the forest, trekking, and swinging bridges. You’ll get a new perspective of the island’s lush rainforest.

• Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens- These gardens are a hidden gem, with stunning waterfalls and lush gardens to explore. You can even take a relaxing dip in the warm waters of the nearby hot springs.

• Snorkeling and Diving at Anse Chastanet- This is one of the best places for snorkeling or diving on the island. The coral reefs are vibrant and home to lots of marine life. You can see everything from colorful fish to sea turtles, making it an underwater paradise.

• Sugar Beach (Jalousie Plantation)- Nestled between the Pitons, Sugar Beach is a picture-perfect spot. You can snorkel, relax on the beach, or indulge in a luxurious spa day. It’s a quieter option compared to some of the busier beaches.

St. Lucia is an absolute gem. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Pitons, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying the amazing food, there’s something magical about this island. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, St. Lucia should definitely be on your list!

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

Fun fact: it was a major goal of mine to visit 30 countries by the time I turned 30. COVID threw off plans of me completing that early, but I ended up going to Aruba for my 30th birthday!

Aruba is the perfect island getaway with its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tons of outdoor activities. From jetskiing to exploring ancient ruins, here’s a recap of my unforgettable time in this tropical paradise.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resorts Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino, a great place with beachfront views, pools, and easy access to all the island activities. The casino also provided some fun evening entertainment. However, if I were to go back, I would choose a different hotel with a more fresh breakfast and better room quality. Positive side (aside from the pools and beach), my massage at the spa was wonderful!

What We Did in Aruba

• Gorgeous Beaches – Aruba’s beaches are absolutely stunning. The white sand and turquoise water make you feel like you’re in a dream. The beach near our hotel was perfect for relaxing or taking a dip in the warm water.

• Jetskiing – This was a blast! The calm waters made for an easy and thrilling ride across the coastline, giving us a new perspective of the island.

• UTV Riding Tour Around the Island – One of the coolest experiences was the UTV riding tour around Aruba with De Palm Tours. We got to visit a few iconic sites:

  • Baby Natural Bridge – A beautiful rock formation that used to be a bigger natural bridge until it collapsed.

  • Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins – An old gold mill that tells the story of Aruba’s mining history.

  • California Lighthouse – An iconic landmark with a breathtaking view of the island’s rugged coastline.

• Conchi Natural Pool – To top off the adventure, we took a (very) rocky bus ride to reach the Conchi Natural Pool—a hidden gem in a cove surrounded by lava rocks. The water was calm and perfect for a swim, even if the ride there was a bit bumpy! Take note: there is a long stairway walk down to the pool from where the parking lot is.

Island Size

Aruba is super small, which made it easy to explore. Everything is just a short drive away, with most destinations being within a 30-minute to an hour drive of each other. It’s only 6 miles at its widest part, making it the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Aruba is a tiny island with big experiences. Whether you’re into jetskiing, exploring historical ruins, or just relaxing on the beach, it’s the perfect tropical destination with the friendliest people. The UTV tour was definitely a highlight, and I’d definitely recommend checking out the Conchi Natural Pool. This island is small but packed with adventures, and I can’t wait to return!

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

If you live in a place with cold winters and looking for a warm escape, the Dominican Republic is the perfect getaway!

When most people think of the Dominican Republic, they picture all-inclusive resorts and endless beaches—but we took a different approach. Instead of staying at a hotel, we booked an Airbnb in a local neighborhood of Santo Domingo, which gave us a more authentic experience and a real taste of local life.

What we did

Santo Domingo is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, and its colonial history is everywhere. We explored:

• Christopher Columbus House (Alcázar de Colón) – A palace built by Columbus’ son, Diego, and a major piece of history.

• Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) – A massive monument to Columbus with an odd, blocky design. It supposedly holds his remains.

• Fortaleza Ozama – The oldest fortress in the Americas, built by the Spanish in the 1500s.

New Year’s Eve

We celebrated NYE in Plaza de la Hispanidad, surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture, lively energy, and delicious food. After dinner, we found a local outdoor club where we danced the night away to bachata, merengue, and reggaeton—such a fun way to ring in the new year!

Island Life

A catamaran tour to Saona Island was a highlight of the trip. Swaying palm trees, soft white sand, and clear blue water—basically, a tropical dream. We enjoyed a delicious beachside lunch, swam in the shallow turquoise water, and relaxed in the sun with a drink in hand.

Food

One of the best parts of the trip? The food! We tried so many local dishes, and everything was packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients:

• Mofongo – Mashed plantains with garlic, pork, or shrimp.

• Plantains – Served fried (tostones) or sweet (maduros).

• Avocados – Huge and buttery soft, served with almost every meal.

• La Bandera – The classic Dominican lunch of rice, beans, and meat.

What We Missed

We really wanted to visit Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos, a series of stunning underground caves and blue lagoons, but there was no availability while we were there. Definitely on the list for next time!

The Dominican Republic is so much more than just resorts—it’s full of rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible food. Whether you’re dancing in Santo Domingo, sailing to Saona Island, or exploring ancient forts, there’s something for everyone.

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.