So…how did I choose Vieques?

 
Hey everyone!!
I promise that this week is much more upbeat! I am sharing a bit about our travels and why we chose Vieques. We may not all be able to travel right now, but at least we can dream and maybe start planning for future travels.
So, after canceling and canceling more travel, I was truly distraught on where to book a getaway. If you read last week’s blog, you know I needed it. I needed something that would revive me a bit as well as make me feel safe. We already planned to be in Italy and Greece in September so I figured I would plan something over those dates.
So, the searching began… And, I felt like I looked everywhere in the US! Initially, we wanted to drive somewhere and skip the plane, but after thinking about the hours in the car, rest stop visits, multiple hotels, I felt more anxious and concerned rather than excited! We looked at road trips out West. I researched Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire and the list goes on and on. My other concern was the temperature. I was down and out so I knew I needed warm weather rather than bundling up on vacation.
Safety was also our priority. We wanted to visit somewhere that the cases were very low and where the people took COVID seriously. So, the South was off our list quickly. Then, we realized we would need to fly somewhere. I used to host retreats in Rincon, Puerto Rico so I started looking there and then ended up finding information on Vieques. I have heard about it before, but never did any in depth research. So, I basically started stalking the Island and many of its businesses. Masks are mandatory everywhere. COVID cases are minimal and they want to keep it that way. Restaurants and supermarkets are requiring temperature checks. And, you need a COVID test within 72 hours. I knew I found my oasis.
Then, the real planning began. We chose to rent a house so that we could eat in for the majority of the meals. Much of the Island was still shut down while we were there, but honestly we loved cooking each evening. We only ate out once over our two week stay. Bonus, the grocery store was awesome!
We also wanted direct access to the water so that we didn’t need to goto any public beaches. But, after being there for a few days we decided to explore the Island more and realized the beaches are all pretty much secluded. We often had the entire beach to ourselves no matter where we landed. How amazing is that?!?!? Much of the Island is preserved land. So, there are plenty of beaches available for all. Vieques is also home to the largest bioluminescent bay in the world! We actually did not get there because tours only started a few days before we left and they were sold out. But, now we have a reason to return!
Vieques is the perfect size to explore. It is only 20 miles long and 5 miles wide. So, it is impossible to get lost. However, we were always on the look out for the semi-wild horses. Yes, I said semi…The horses on the Island are branded and owned; however, they roam freely. So, watch out, they are everywhere!
There is so much more to say about this hidden gem of an Island, but I hope this got you intrigued enough to start doing your own research. And, if you want to go back with me, I am organizing private retreats there…Yup, just you and your friends!! (Or, if you prefer to go solo, let me know and I can make some recommendations.) If you want to learn more, simply click here. I am currently booking January, so get on it!!
Next week, I will give you some of my COVID travel tips!! Keep your eyes peeled!
Keep dreaming of palm trees and sunshine!
XO – L