Travel Anticipation: Creating New Vacation Traditions

Traditions are always nice as they are dependable and you know what you are getting. This is particularly the case when taking family vacations to the same trusted destination or resort. I know for a while an annual ski trip to Whistler or the much anticipated beach getaway to the Outer Banks was something I could not wait to experience.

But, there is something to be said for creating new traditions. So, today I am preparing to try a new tropical family destination with Bill and Kylie. We are in the midst of last-minute travel preparations to escape to Duck Key (about 30 miles North of Key West) via car and we are staying at the family-friendly, luxurious (yes, family and luxury in the same sentence) resort, Hawks Cay for a quick getaway during the business of the holiday season.

Hawks Cay Resort has been on my “wish” list of places to travel to for quite some time. In fact, Bill booked this resort for a Tropical Latitudes Travel client a few years ago and they had two young children and raved about the offerings, not to mention the location. They Keys in general are the closest to that crisp crystal blue and green Caribbean water in the United States you can experience. What is even better is that this destination is within reach via car (a couple of hours South of Miami, Florida) and does not require a passport. In these tight economic times, drivable vacations offer their appeal.

I am in the huge anticipation phase right now. Hoping that the resort is all that I hope it will be and that the location exceeds my expectations. I hope that it chalks right up there with other family tropical vacations we have taken that would be part of our vacation tradition repertoire, such as Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.

When trying a new resort or location, I always attempt to get a true sampling of its offerings including its fitness center, variety of restaurants, spa treatments, yoga/fitness classes, kids program, and more. With Bill’s business and my travel writing, we also tour the facility to get a behind the scenes tour of the different accommodation offerings so we know what type of client or traveler this resort will appeal most to.

Something unique at Hawks Cay that I am especially intrigued by is its Dockside Dolphin program, which does not have an age requirement so Kylie will be able to see these amazing creatures up close and personal.

I will certainly reveal my favorite vacation elements, which not to be missed, will be part of the drive to Duck Key. If you have not driven from Miami to the Keys, it is some beautiful scenery. Crossing over the bridges is some of the most spectacular tropical views you will ever see!

Do you get as excited as Christmas morning when preparing for your vacation?