If I don't travel, am I not me?

At the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
I haven't traveled out of the country in about two years. I just haven't had the means. Well, that's not entirely true. I never really had the means to travel, but I did it anyway. I always found a way even if I didn't have the money as long as I had the time. I'm worried that my interest in traveling is going away and that I'll never get it back.


I'm worried that I'll become one of those people who tells stories of how I traveled around the world when I was in my twenties when I am in my 60s. The feeling that I'm out of touch with the world is beginning. I don't really dream about going places like I used to.
When I see pictures of travelers on beautiful water, islands, boats, adventure I say to myself, "Hmm, that looks nice. Lucky them." Then I rationlize it and say, "Well, I've already done that. Let them have their turn." Then I freak out thinking to myself, "Wait! What if they catch up to how many countries I've been to! What if they have more fun than I did!" Lastly, I think to myself, "Well, Jerri, this is the life you've chosen for yourself. It's time to be stable and begin saving up for your retirement." Really! Who am I?




Antigua, Caribbean

Entertainment: Shirley Heights, Antigua

Sometimes it can get a little boring in the Caribbean just lounging around on the beach, drinking Pina Coladas, occasionally getting off your towel to jump into the water, eating out at restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Some ole, same ole.

Well, suppose you are in Antigua and a little bored with it all and looking to get out of your boring vacation routine. If this sounds like you, maybe you should check out Shirley Heights.

Shirley Heights on Sunday nights is the place to be in Antigua. People from all around the world gather at the peak of this lookout located in a National Park to experience magical sunsets, Antiguan food and drinks (Beware the punch! Don't say I didn't warn you!) and excellent steel bands and reggae music!

There is an $8 entrance fee, but they give you a ticket for your first drink free. In addition, the food there is excellent, so come with an empty stomach! It's usually a little slow around 5 pm but it's perfect light to see the beautiful island and yachts down below in English Harbour. As the sun sets, the crowds pick up and things get exciting! Ask your hotel or tour guide about Shirley Heights while you are in Antigua. You will have an amazing time!

Budget Travel: Featured Caribbean Inn

The Pineapple House is quite popular in the Antigua yachtie scene, but it's not just yachties that stay there.

Built along the side of a hill amoungst beautiful landscaped trees and flowers, the open air cottages have a million dollar view of multi million dollar yachts docked in Falmouth Harbour.

The cottages are open and breezy, you'll never need air conditioning. The most beautiful beaches on the island are a five minute walk in one direction and the best nightlife and shopping on the island are five minutes away in the other direction.Rates start at $1,100 a week in November. The Pineapple House is only open November 15 to May 15.

Life as a Chef Aboard a Private Yacht

I found another yachtie out there on the web. Niall's site, The Life of a Private Chef has a lot of video footage of St. Martin, Antigua and other some places in the Med. Looks like he's retired from yachting like me, but you can still follow his adventures in the archives!

easyCruise in the Caribbean

I get e-mails often from people wanting to know how to travel around the Caribbean. In the past, there really hasn't been an easy and economical way to travel from island to island-until now!


I just read a New York Times article that easyCruise now has a cruising itinerary for those looking for an affordable way to travel the Caribbean islands! I thought this was new, but I just called my friend Kristina to tell her about it and she already knew from reading it in Budget Travel. How did I miss this?

Here's what the website has to say

easyCruise returns to the Caribbean with a new itinerary taking in the island paradises of St Maarten, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts, Nevis and Antigua. From 8th December, complete with a stylish new look, easyCruiseOne will take to the seas from as little as £98 per person per week.

Arriving at some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive islands, our new itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse mixture of cultures, stroll along numerous white sandy beaches, dive in and explore the depths of the clear blue coastal waters or simply visit the islands chic boutiques or enjoy an espresso in one of the continental-style cafés.

Unlike any other cruise, on easyCruise you have freedom to explore each destination at your leisure. Sailing early each morning, easyCruise arrives in a new port by late morning so you can enjoy the day and nightlife in some of the Caribbean’s best destinations.
easyCruiseOne has a stylish new look!

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of traveling as a tourist. You know, where people jump off at port, buy overpriced yet worthless souvenirs, see a "local" on the street and think they're experiencing the culture, eat hamburgers at a restaurant that was designed just for tourists, take a few pictures and then leave again. But, from what I have heard and read, at least easyCruise passengers do seem to have a little bit more freedom and independence to experience the islands. And the best part about it is that it's cheap. I would do it. I am seriously considering it! I think that would be an awesome Spring Break! I'm sure that the cruises are mostly full, but they do have some last cruises in April, I guess before they head to the Med.

I'm sure the people in St. Barts with with their million dollar homes overlooking million dollar views of the ocean love looking down at the easyCruise ships! I wonder what kind of impact this will have on the islands-especially the exclusive ones like St. Barts.

I'm a travel writer...sort of!

I submitted an article entitled, So You Want to Work on a Yacht?, to eZine.com and it was accepted. If you are one of the three regular lurkers on my blog then you'll recognize it as basically just an article I've posted on here. I'm just crossing over...to where I'm not sure. I am also listed as an expert author in the cruising and sailing category. Me? I'm just waiting for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to overtake me. Maybe the true experts are actually out doing something productive like cruising or sailing as compared to me just sitting here at my computer. Either way, it's out there for your viewing pleasure or displeasure...

Travel Essentials

****One Girl's Travel Essentials****

-Ear Plugs: Even if you do not normally use them, a seat near the engine or a crying baby will make you glad you had them.

-Eye Mask: This can block out a bright movie screen and let you have a good night’s rest. Also can come in handy in your hotel.

-Flannel Pillow Case: Makes that airline pillow a little more like home. Also can be used at your hotel in lieu of that starchy white pillowcase.

-Toothbrush/Toothpaste: If you have a flight with meal service or when you will be going to sleep, this can instantly give you a wave of freshness, especially if there is a cute boy sitting next to you.

-Slippers/Socks: Depending on what type of shoes you wore on the plane, bring slippers and/or socks to keep your feet warm. Slippers will also make that walk to the bathroom that much more sanitary.

-Entertainment: Be sure to bring magazines, books, music players (CD or MP3 players), paper and a pen, and other items to entertain yourself. Never rely on the in-flight movie!

-If you wear contacts, bring your glasses, contact solution, and your contact case with you on the plane. As unglamorous as it might seem, your eye will thank you for sparing them of the dryness and pressure.

-Zippered Carry On Bag: Nothing is worse than when you are flying and your carry on spills under your seat or in the overhead compartment with all your belongings inside.

-Water! Especially when flying, anything else you drink will either dehydrate you or make you sick.

-Layer your clothes. If you are wearing a tank top, t-shirt and have a sweatshirt you add/subtract as needed. Sweatshirts are sometimes even better than pillows!

-Lotion: Traveling dehydrates your skin and you’ll smell better after that 14 hour flight!

List of Major Islands in the Caribbean

I've made a list of the major islands of the Caribbean. Keeping the islands straight can be a bit confusing.




Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands (BVI-Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada)
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Dominica (not the same as the Dominican Republic)
Dominican Republic (on the island of Hispanola)
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti (on the island of Hispanola)
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Puerto Rico
Saint Kitts
Nevis
Saba (pronounced Say-buh)
St. Bart
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Trinidad
Tobago
Turks and Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix)

Caribbean Packing List

When I was working in the office at a hotel in St. Maarten, our guests would often e-mail me pre-arrival asking what they should pack for their trip. For first time visitors to the Caribbean, it's hard to imagine that when you're visiting the Caribbean you really don't need long sleeves at all, unless maybe you're going to the movie theater then you might need a light sweater, but that's it! So, I've made a list of items and clothing you should pack when traveling to the Caribbean. Depending on what your itinerary is you can modify this list as you see fit. If you are staying at a low key hotel, you probably won't need anything fancy. Ladies-maybe bring one nice dress, guys-sports coat or nice button down shirt and slacks. Just remember to make it simple. One other suggestion that I have-Remember that you are visiting another country where people live and work. If you are going into a town don't dress as if you are at the beach such as wearing board shorts and no shirt or a bikini with just a sarong. It's inappropriate and disrespectful to the locals.

Women's Packing List

• socks
• camisole/slip
• purse and bag for the beach
• belts
• scarves
• walking/tennis shoes
• walking sandals
• rubber sandals for reef walking and beach
• evening shoes
• costume jewelry and extra (preferably waterproof) watch (leave expensive jewelry at home)
• swim suit
• swim suit cover-up/pareo/sarong
• thongs/flip flop shoes
• work out clothes and jog bra
• tank tops, t-shirts
• shorts
• capri pants
• slacks
• 1 light sweater
• light rain coat (or you can go without and just run for shelter)rains is usually light and short
• blow dryer (check with your hotel, you may be able to save space in your bag)
• comb/brush
• hair gel
• shampoo
• conditioner
• shower cap
• body wash
• deodorant
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• dental floss
• mouthwash
• tweezer
• make-up and make-up bag (you really don’t need heavy makeup)
• make-up remover
• cleanser
• moisturizer and freshener
• nail polish and remover
• nail clippers and file
• razor and shaving cream

Men's Packing List

• underwear
• undershirts
• pajamas and robe
• exercise/walking socks
• black dress socks
• belts
• walking shoes
• walking sandals
• rubber sandals/shoes for reef walking and beach
• evening or dress shoes
• "docksider" casual shoes
• sport jacket (depending on if a restaurant you’re going to requires it)
• regular tie
• dress shirts
• swim suit
• swim suit cover-up
• work out clothes/T shirts
• shorts
• casual shirts
• slacks (casual and dress)
• light rain coat (or you can go without and just run for shelter)rains is usually light and short
• comb/brush
• shampoo and hair products
• bar soap in plastic container/body wash
• deodorant
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• dental floss
• mouthwash
• tweezers
• nail clippers and file
• razor and shaving cream

Where I've been

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From Antigua to Ft. Lauderdale

From Antigua to Ft. Lauderdale
We left Antigua today for Ft. Lauderdale. Today was supposed to be our day off before we left for FLL on Monday. Big plans to go to the beach today (for the billionth time since we've been here). I'm crushed. Ok not really. I'm sick of Antigua. I've been sick of Antigua since we got here. Nothin doin here. There's always a party here it's true. But it's the same people at every party. It's always the same venue, either Skull Duggery, Mad Mongoose, or Abras. Occasionally, we'll mix things up on Thursday night with Karaoke at The Anchorage or Tuesday at the Leming there's a live band that sucks. But it's still the same people, night after night, after night, and then during the day as well.

Anyway, we left Antigua today and hopefully I'm not leaving my reputation. I have to say, that I was not a good girl in Antigua and I'm not proud of it either! It's just to easy to get drunk and act stupid. Which I did, on a nightly basis. My job isn't rocket science so waking up with a hangover and working the day through won't hurt my on the job performance much.

It should take us about a week to make to Ft. Lauderdale. Civilization! See you then!