Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Historical Sites to Visit in Key West

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For people wanting to vacation to beautiful spots within the US, there are a large number of places to check out. One of the vacation hot spots in the US is the Florida Keys, and it attracts many tourists and travelers from around the world each year. There are a lot of different things to see and do when you visit Key West, Florida. Some of which are fun outdoor sports including, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and many more.

The great thing about Key West, Florida is that there is so much to see and do that is not only outdoors and water-related, but it also offers so much history to be explored. Let’s take a quick look at five of the best places to check out when you plan your next vacation to Key West.

Harry S. Truman Little White House
Harry Truman came to Key West during the winter months and utilized this spot as his vacation home. Because he worked extensively during those vacations, they named it the “Little White House” like a home away from home. The structure was initially built and used as naval command headquarters in 1890 during the Spanish-American war as well as World War I and II. Truman wasn’t the only president who vacationed here. In fact, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter also used this spot during their time in the Keys. Tourists can visit The Little White House and check out the history that has gone into it.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Many people already know that Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West is a historical landmark and will come to the island just to check it out. He is a well-known literary icon and was not born in Key West, but he had a house in which he lived in for less than ten years. Tourists can take tours of the house and the grounds and check out the space in which many believed he wrote some of “A Farewell to Arms” as well as “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Key West Cemetery
The Key West Cemetery is a spot you don’t want to miss out on seeing during your trip. It is very different from many other cemeteries you will find anywhere else in the world. In the authentic Key West quirky style, tombstones are left with quotes that are the typical inscriptions you would think. A very famous quote from a tombstone reads, “I told you I was sick,” and another, “I’m just resting my eyes.” On each burial, spot resides quite a few people piled on top of one another because it is a spot many want to be buried and remembered.

Top Rated Diving Locations of 2019

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Each year scuba divers from all over the world rate the best places and destinations they’ve been during the previous season. One of the greatest things about this is that other divers can read all about the best places to scuba dive and plan for their next vacation based upon these reviews. Of course, everyone takes into consideration divers with real in-person experience from each of these spots, so it’s no wonder these types of articles are so well received.

Scuba Diving Magazine takes a poll from its readers to gauge the best scuba diving spots around the world. The list goes into detail and shares each of the destinations based on diver choice and what the place offers in regards to visuals and what you will be diving for. The vote was taken from over 5,000 readers which gives it a significant edge to be as accurate as possible. The great aspect of this list is that it is also broken down by the type of diver you are. Let’s “dive” into some of the best destinations.

One of the most significant ways to look at scuba diving destinations is to review the best overall and all around dive locations by the different regions. Within the Atlantic and Caribbean region, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Bonaire, as well as Turks and Caicos are among the top five. The Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea include Hawaii, Indonesia, Galapagos, the Philippines, and Fiji, to name a few. If you’re looking for places a little more local where you may not have to spend all the travel money to go abroad, here are the top five locations within the United States and Canada that include the Florida Keys, California, the Great Lakes, Florida Panhandle, and Washington. If you live close to any of these places, you already know you are in prime diving territory.

In reviewing some of the other relevant categories, Scuba Diving Magazine breaks each region’s top five into the follow which includes, big animals, macro life, wreck diving, cavern, cave and grotto, shore diving, beginner diving, advanced diving, underwater photography, and the best value. This yearly recap of destinations serves as a great way to get the best out of your next diving adventure and make sure you experience precisely what you came for.

Water Sport Destinations Around the World

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People who love water sports, understand there are certain places you must go in order to surround yourself with the best conditions. Water sports are in other words, any sport you practice out on the water. This includes scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, wake boarding, and sailing, just to name a few.

When you’re an avid water sports enthusiast, you understand the importance of doing your research to find the best spots to travel to in order to practice your chosen sport. Luckily, theSports Daily has been able to put together a list of the best places to vacation that provide perfect locations for water sports.

El Puerto de Santa Maria
In El Puerto de Santa Maria, located in Spain, is home to some of the best wind conditions for Windsurfing. Anyone who is a dedicated Windsurfer understands the need for perfect conditions, which is why competitions are held all over the world. This is one of the hot spots to check out when deciding on an adventure vacation in Europe.

Brisbane and Honduras
If you are planning on traveling to Honduras or Australia for vacation, it’s best to check out what all they have to offer when it comes to scuba diving. Brisbane provides some of the most beautiful underwater sites, including secret treasure and interesting wreckage and tragedies in the oceans. The marine life is a site not to miss while diving in Honduras. Each of these destinations also has more affordable options when it comes to scuba diving while getting to experience some of the most beautiful oceans in the world.

Galapagos Islands
If you plan on visiting Ecuador for your next vacation, the Galapagos Islands is the place to be in order to see a vast array of marine wildlife. Because they are so well known for their diverse wildlife population, it is one of the best places to venture to and enjoy an adventure under the sea while snorkeling.

There are many destinations within the United States and all over the world that offer up the best spots to enjoy the water sport of your choice. Each of the cities listed has affordable options for any budget so that you don’t miss out on a once in a lifetime travel experience. As springtime rolls around, it may be a great time to start looking into your summer vacation destinations to ensure they include your favorite water sports!

2019 Spring Travel Destinations

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Since we are starting to get into some of the coldest months of the year, it’s never too early to start planning your spring vacation. Right now you can see a lot of great winter discounts depending on where exactly you want to travel to. Your destination choice will also be contingent upon the activities you want to participate in and the type of weather you want to enjoy. Each travel spot offers different sites and activities for a vacation by yourself, with friends, a significant other or for the entire family. Now is the time to start looking forward to your spring vacation. Let’s take a look at some of the hot spots for 2019.

Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico offers a vast array of marine life. It also houses one of the largest protected national marine parks in the world, which make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to add some wildlife to their vacation plans. Los Cabos offers many different experiences including the chance to pick your produce and prepare a meal with one of the visiting Chefs who own the local restaurant, Los Tamarindos.

Belize
Palencia, Belize is very different from other areas you would visit that include an extensive amount of resorts. Palencia is known as a fishing village with many beautiful styled homes that has become more and more popular. The new luxury resort, Itz’ana is making waves and creating a vibrant and cultured atmosphere for travelers. The resort uses Mayan artifacts to add to that culture and give visitors a piece of history.

Australia
Australia, specifically Brisbane, is becoming one of the most sought after cities to visit. With many historical sites and beautiful new architecture, there are so many things to do and see. The Brisbane river is one of the top attractions for locals and tourists alike. Labeled as the “river city,” they offer river cruises overlooking the beautiful city and landscape, restaurants, and tons of local culture spots.

Florida Keys
Since Hurricane Irma, the Florida Keys have been able to revamp and re-open a large amount of their best tourist locations and create updated and new hotel openings that are urging travelers to come vacation from all over the world. If you’re looking for a beautiful destination without traveling outside the US, Key West is an excellent spot for you. Key West also offers historical attractions in being the home of the novelist, Ernest Hemingway.

Fall Travel Destinations for 2018

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We are coming to the end of the summer season which means the weather is getting a little cooler and it could be time to plan that perfect vacation for the fall season. Whether you are traveling during a fall break, or when families are back in school, fall can actually be one of the most relaxing and cozy times to travel and go sightseeing. Whether you are just passing through, or prefer taking the cooler temperatures with smaller crowds, check out some of these fall travel destinations for 2018.

 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

There is typically never a bad time to visit Montreal, however, the fall season is probably one of the best times to experience the Canadian gem. One of the most stunning views is of Mount Royal Park, located on a hill in the center of the city. Another ideal spot for visitors is the Montreal Botanical Gardens which is well worth the price of admission during this time. The best times to see fall colors are between mid-September and early November.

 

Damariscotta, Maine

When it comes to the fall season, anywhere in New England is an ideal travel destination as each state and mountain range comes with their unique scenery and fall activities. Plus, no matter where you go, you are probably only two or three hours from a major airport or Amtrak station. Now, if you have the time, you might want to consider visiting several of the New England states to enjoy their fall splendor. However, if time is not in abundance, a great place to start would be Damariscotta, Maine. This city is best known for its Maine Pumpkinfest and Regatta held every Columbus Day weekend. During this event, you can enjoy many activities such as pumpkin boat races where the participants must carve out pumpkins that weigh over 6,000 pounds.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

During the fall season in Asheville, North Carolina, the hills come alive. You have access to the Blue Ridge Parkway which is great for driving tours along with many hiking travelers for the adventurous traveler. Aside from its mountainous beauty, Asheville is also best known for the Biltmore Estate which is America’s largest privately owned estate. The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family during the pinnacle of the Gilded Age. Visiting this estate is a great way to take in hints of European glamour and elegance without even having to cross the ocean.