Fantasy Fest: Key West’s Crazy Street Festival

Fantasy Fest in Key West

Key West, Florida

Want to learn about the best-kept secret for street celebrations? It’s a wild 10 day costume party in October called Fantasy Fest in Key West, Florida.

Fantasy Fest is Burning Man meets Mardi Gras for Halloween on a tropical island. Except in a place where you can also stay in a beautiful B&B with a pool in its courtyard surrounded by ancient banyan trees.

A place so diverse that gays, bikers, pirates, artists, strippers and entrepreneurs are the norm, living a motto “One Human Family.” A place where you can watch the sun both rise and set over the ocean every day.

After knowing about the festival for years living in South Florida, I finally made it down to see what all the hype was about with my blogger friend Steph from Travel-Break.net.

Our week was incredibly fun, absurd, and liberating all in one.

Shiver Me Timbers!

The Conch Republic

Key West is America’s own little Caribbean island, known as the Conch Republic to locals who fancy themselves a separate country.

With certain laws being a bit more lax (like allowing “open containers” on the street) and such a unique blend of people and styles, you actually do feel as though you’re in another land.

Spend an afternoon walking past Key West’s pastel colored homes or browsing some of its 50 art galleries while still never more than a dozen blocks from the sea in any direction.

The whole island’s 1 x 4 miles is navigable by quaint lanes bordered by tropical flora, feeling a bit like a secret garden which you can navigate by foot, bike or moped.

Steph is Attacked by Sexy Spartans

Fantasy Fest Parade

Fantasy Fest Vibe

This magical little island gets even wilder when it celebrates Halloween for 10 days at the end of October in an incredible wonderland known as Fantasy Fest… where almost anything goes.

Bring out any piece of your character (or a different one every night)!

During the festival venues host their own special events. These celebrations create an entire world within themselves, worlds that you are encouraged to join in! They pull together a combination of local cuisine, talented artists, and fundraising for various local charities.

This collaboration makes each event take on a life of its own, feeding everyone’s creative inner-child that you’ll leave the festival feeling closer to.

There are costume competitions, AIDS fundraisers, family-friendly parades, drag-queen contests, and more.

Pirates

Intergalactic Alien Invasion

Intergalactic Freak Show

The theme for 2015 was the All Hallows InterGalactic Freak Show, and it certainly lived up to its name. This small town welcomed 60,000 freaks, free spirits, and aliens from all over the country.

People spend months planning out their costumes (or lack thereof) for the multitude of themed parties that happen throughout the week. I got into the spirit of things by packing 3 different costumes myself — Greek God, Pirate, and an intergalactic Alien complete with full-body paint job.

One night Steph and I found ourselves at Irish Kevin’s annual Fantasy Fest 80’s party when who should crash the stage but Mr. Margaritaville himself!

Jimmy Buffett picked up a guitar and played along with the band for a few songs as the rest of us danced on like everything was normal.

Just a typical evening at Fantasy Fest in Key West.

Jimmy Buffett!

King & Queen of Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest Events

Some of the highlights of Fantasy Fest include The Coronation Ball where the Conch King and Conch Queen, winning by having raised the greatest amount of funds for AIDS Help. In 2007 they raised over $200,000 and since 1989 almost $2.6 million has been donated.

Goombay is a two day street party held in Key West’s Bahama Village neighborhood. It’s named after the goatskin drums that generate the party’s rhythms and celebrates the heritage of Key West’s large Bahamian population with food, art and a lot of dancing.

Other popular events include the Zombie Bike Ride, Pet Masquerade, Anything But Clothes Party, Rum Barrel Pirate Bash, Airbrush Expo, Sloppy Joe’s Toga Party, and much more.

You can find a full listing of events on the Fantasy Fest Website.

On the last day, the festival culminates with the Fantasy Fest Parade down the town’s main Duval Street spanning the 1 mile cross-stretch from the Atlantic to the Gulf shore.

Parade Guys

Arrrrrgh! Rum Barrel Pirate Bash

Festival Tips & Advice

As this was my first ever Fantasy Fest experience, I came away with some tips and advice for other first-timers who are preparing for a possible visit.

While basically an extended adult costume party at the end of October, Fantasy Fest doesn’t always fall on Halloween itself. It did this year (2015), but that’s not always the case.

There’s some nudity at Fantasy Fest, but that’s not all it’s about. You’ll find people of every race, age, body type, sexual-preference, and career here too. A celebration for judgement-free and open-minded people.

With only 75 taxi cabs and 60,000 people during the event, finding a taxi isn’t always easy. Renting a bike might be a good option for getting around, provided you don’t drink too much.

No Fantasy Fest experience is complete without some body paint. Airbrush artists from around the country set up shop to make your dreams reality. Prices range from $100 to $800+ depending on how intricate the work is.

Need a cure for your killer hangover the morning after? Grab a bite to eat at Blue Heaven or some strong cuban coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen.

Crazy Clowns

Getting There

How do you get down to Fantasy Fest in Key West? Fall down a rabbit hole? Hope a tornado picks up your farmhouse in Kansas? Fortunately you can drive 160 miles South from Miami on Highway US 1.

It’s a beautiful road trip over endless bridges across the Florida Keys, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

A quick 45 minute puddle jumper flight from Miami or Ft Lauderdale airport directly to the island is also possible.

More Information

Location: Key West, Florida [Map]
Accommodation: Casa Marina Resort
Costume Rental: Crazy About Costumes
Useful Notes: The theme for Fantasy Fest 2016 will be “Political Voodoo & Ballot Barbarians”. Dates for 2016 will be October 21st – October 30th. You can learn more about the festival at FantasyFest.com.
Recommended Reading: The Key West Bucket List

READ NEXT: Ultimate Key West Road Trip

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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10 Things You Should Never Forget Before a Trip

So you’ve got your flights and hotel booked and you’re leaving in a week or less. Exciting! But wait–don’t put away that to-do list just yet.

Here are 10 things you should never forget before a trip- from my firsthand experience!

– Travel Insurance –

Travel Insurance is one of those things you don’t realize you need–until you do. There’s always a chance that you may cancel or cut your trip short, and you don’t want to be paying out the nose on cancellation fees or unforeseen medical expenses!

My general advice is, when you make the first payment on your trip–whether it’s nonrefundable airplane tickets or a hotel deposit–get insurance to cover it. Sure, you may not end up using it, but you’ll rest all the more easy knowing you have a backup plan.

Read Next: Ten Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for your Next Trip

– Money, Money, Money –

I have a few pointers when it comes to traveling with money- most of them come from mistakes I’ve made!

First of all, make sure your credit card has an electronic chip on it, because most European shops don’t accept cards with just the strip. If it doesn’t, ask your bank to issue you one, although most major cards are now making it standard.

Second, tell your bank where and when you’re going- if you don’t, they might flag your card when you try to use it and deactivate it while you’re overseas!

Finally, don’t exchange any money- currency exchange centers usually charge a hefty fee. Instead, use an ATM upon arrival or get a card with a 0% foreign transaction fee. This will cut on costs in the long run!

– Research –

Read up on the destination! Top places to go, day trips, local dishes, historic attractions, everyday phrases, and even the exchange rate.

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the city and the public transportation- knowing this stuff beforehand can reduce the stress later on.

I always suggest making a list of your must-sees and plot them out on the map, so you have an idea of how far away things are in relation to others, and you are the most efficient with your travels!

– Visas –

Most countries allow travelers to visit for up to 90 days visa-free. Most, BUT not all.

You will need to check online whether or not you need a visa BEFORE traveling because some countries have a process that could take a few hours, or in rare cases, a few months.

Do you need a paper visa arranged well beforehand (China)? Can you get it on arrival (Turkey)? Can you issue it online (Argentina)?

Know before you go and save yourself the stress!

– Email –

Make copies of your travel documents, including your passport, itinerary, travel insurance policy, emergency phone numbers, any tour confirmations, and leave them with a friend or family member back home.

Scan and email copies to yourself so you always have an electronic copy in reach in case you lose your hard copies.

Be careful with alcohol on flights!

– Get Healthy –

Staying healthy and hydrated is the most important tip I can give! On long flights, avoid alcohol and coffee, these can both dehydrate badly.

On a travel day, eat a good meal before you fly, as you may not eat for a few hours, and stick to simple, easily digestible foods and you’ll avoid the worst of jet lag.

Buy bottled water once you clear security or bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at the fountains near the gate.  Pack any medications you need and, if you’re traveling in third world countries, imodium for traveler’s diarrhea.

Lastly, check the CDC for any required or recommended vaccinations for your destination.

– Pack Right –

Read up on airport and airline regulations while your packing for your trip, because so many items are now prohibited to bring on your carry-on. 

Use a clear plastic bag to contain any liquids or gels you want- and remember, the limit for each bottle is 3 oz!

Read Next: The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide

– Dress Comfortably –

It’s such a pain to be stuck on a flight with tight clothes that cut off your circulation. So dress right!

Ditch the high heels and skinny jeans and opt instead for breathable fabrics and comfy shoes. I always dress in layers- you can keep warm if the A/C is on full blast, and you can strip off a few layers if you need to.

– Plan Your First Day –

I get it- you want to be spontaneous. You like to live freely and that’s why you’re embarking on this awesome trip!

But that first day can be a real pain: arriving in an unfamiliar country with heavy luggage, jetlagged and trying to reorient yourself. Do yourself a favor and have a plan for the first day.

Ask your hotel to pick you up at the airport, so you can check in and dump your bags right away. Once you have time to freshen up and get settled, you can hit the cobblestones and go a-wandering in your new city.

Read Next: Ten Itinerary Planning Tips for a Trip to Europe

– Relax –

Remember- it’s your vacation. You’ve done all the reading and planning that you can. Now sit back and relax!

Try to get a good night’s sleep before you travel, and try not to stress out and overthink it- you’ll be fine!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

 

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The Best All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya: El Dorado Casitas Royale

Riviera Maya is a coastal area about 86 miles long, located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Largely a resort and tourism destination, surrounding towns like Tulum, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have plenty of outdoor activities for all types of crowds.

You can find many Spanish and Mayan influences in the area, not limited to the delicious food and the ancient Mayan ruins that are scattered throughout the rainforests.

A stay at the El Dorado Casitas Royale in Riviera Maya was nothing short of a dream, and is the ideal seaside getaway for your next romantic getaway or honeymoon.

Here’s why the best all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya is El Dorado Casitas Royale!

– – The Hotel – –

The El Dorado Casitas Royale resort is one of many resorts that Karisma Hotels & Resort has in the Mayan Riviera and, by far, surpassed all expectations of a seaside, all-inclusive resort.

Just a short drive out of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the property is ideal for a couples getaway, and especially an amazing honeymoon destination!

As an adult-only and 4 diamond property, you can expect top notch service, and a worry-free vacation away from reality.

The property sits right on the beach with countless cabanas available for day use, multiple pools with swim up bars, and gourmet restaurants and health bars to satisfy your hunger any time of the day!

The resort offers daily activities at their sister property, El Dorado Royale, which is connected by a beach pathway, as well as a nightclub, and nightly entertainment. There is something for everyone, and amazing food and drink to be had- this resort is a must for your next romantic getaway!

– – The Rooms – –

The El Dorado Casitas have quite a few different kind of suites available, all which include your own private swim up patio or infinity pool. All suites have king-size, luxurious beds, a Jacuzzi tub, and a beautifully expansive bathroom.

Depending on your casita, you may have an outdoor shower, which is heavenly, as well as premier butler service 24 hours a day. Champagne, room service, fresh seafood, and an outdoor shower- what more could you want?

 – – The Spa – –

The Naay Spa, within the Casitas, offers traditional and alternative treatments that truly relax and soothe you. From the warm and accommodating massage therapists and staff, you are given the royal treatment from the moment you walk into the door!

From Temazcal soothing rituals that are native to Mexico, a Mayan Chocolate therapy treatment, to Swedish and shiatsu massage – they offer it all. I have no guilt saying I spent a few hours a day soaking in the benefits that this spa has to offer!

– – Dining & Drinking – –

Fresh seafood is my weakness- so you can imagine how much I ate during the 5-day stay! You can start your day with a gourmet, seated breakfast or stop for a fresh smoothie at the Health Bar- all made with fresh fruit and ingredients.

The BEST, fresh salmon and shrimp ceviche you’ve ever had can be found at one of the pool bars, and you can find restaurants ranging from traditional Mexican, Italian, Japanese, International cuisine and seaside grills, throughout the property.

All of the bars offer premium beverages, with an extensive cocktail list to inspire your afternoon “it’s five o’clock somewhere” moments.

Not for one second did I feel like I was at an all-inclusive resort because of the quality of food and drink offered, and diversity of the dining options. I was truly blown away!

Don’t feel like leaving the room? Everything is offered through Room Service as well!

– – Activities – –

From daily lessons, snorkel excursions, to the exercise classes and tequila tastings, there are a ton of activities offered in the Casitas and at the connecting Karisma properties.

Lomas Travel is a partner of Karisma and organizes all excursions and day trips to the surrounding areas from the resort. We were so lucky to be able to use Lomas Travel to explore more of the Mayan Riviera, and visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, as well as the cenote of all cenotes, Ik Kil.

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable of the area, efficient and reliable in getting us around, and even helped to perfect our Spanish skills a bit!

We were also very fortunate to be visiting the resort at the same time as the Kendall Jackson Family Wines Culinary Series was taking place, and was treated to a wine tasting class and a six-course ‘Yucatan Meets California’ dining experience with wine pairings!

There’s something for everyone- and, along with the level of service and accommodation that El Dorado Casitas brings to its guests, it’s easy to see why it’s the best all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya!

READ NEXT: Top Ten Things to Do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

 

More Information

• Hotel: El Dorado Casitas Royale
• Location: Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico
• Accommodation: All-Inclusive Luxury
• Price Range: $$$

Special thanks to Karisma Hotels and Resorts for hosting me and Kiersten as their guests. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Best All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya: El Dorado Casitas Royale is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Tips for Visiting London’s Borough Market

Borough Market—a veritable mecca of food and foodies, where you’ll find everything from black truffle oil to pheasants to top-grade English cheeses.

For 1,000 years, the market has been the center of London food trade, where merchants and farmers can freely ply their wares. Located near the London Bridge and South Bank, you can easily lose a few hours wandering and drooling over the finds at this top gourmet market.

Here are my tips for visiting London’s Borough market!

– When to Go –

As London’s biggest market, the crowds at the Borough Market can sometimes be overwhelming. Though open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s better to go during quieter hours, so the best times to visit the market is early on Saturdays, or weekdays afternoons.

With less people to walk against and squeeze between, you can take your time wandering around, perusing the items and chatting with the local vendors.

– Wander First –

Part of the fun is wandering around, gawking at fresh and strange ingredients, and scouting out prices and quality, so take your time before buying!

There’s no better place to find that odd ingredient—sumac, wild mushrooms, bee pollen to name a few. Sample a few cubes from world-famous Neal’s Yard Dairy or the aged beef from Ginger Pig. Gorge your inner English with artisanal pastries, plum bread and pork pies.

Visit the Backhaus Bakery for the best handmade, German cakes, or the England Preserves cart where you’ll find quality jams and preserves. You’ll find fresh olive oil, paté and biscotti at Sicily in London.

You won’t leave the market hungry!

– Sip Coffee –

Buy some delicious coffee from Monmouth stand, just inside the main gates. During colder weather, this is a heavenly experience, and gives you the perk you need to spend a few hours exploring.

The market is a fun place to sip on a latte and munch on sweet snacks, and people watch, of course!

– Sit Down for Lunch –

After an hour or two perusing the market, grab a bite at one of the sit-down restaurants.

Tapas Brindisa offers some of the best selection of authentic Spanish small plates, or wash down wriggling oysters and fried prawns with champagne at the Wright Brothers.

Kaposein is a local favorite, that stirs the palates with their awesome cheese sandwiches and raclettes, which are melted cheese over potato.

– Grab a Takeaway –

If sitting down doesn’t sound appealing, you can grab a bite of authentic hot meat baguette at Hobbs Meat Roast, or a falafel wrap at the Middle Eastern stand.

For dessert, pick up a creme caramel pot at Real France!

– Catch a Pint –

Get a bottle to take home at Wine Wharf or Brewers Wharf, to the west of the market, or grab a fresh pint at the Royal Oak or Gladstone Arms, both excellent pubs that are walking distance from the market.

– Buy, buy, buy! –

Alright—you’ve been at the market a while, stuffed your face full of samples and lunch—now you’re ready to buy to your heart’s delight.

My advice?

Bring your own shopping bag, made of cloth so it doesn’t rip to shreds form all the goodies you’ll be taking home. Watch that wallet, too—less for the pickpockets—and more for the temptation to buy nearly everything your eyes fall on.

My favorite thing to do is to buy a few picnic delights—lemonade, smoked salmon, cured olives, dried fruit, duck confit sandwich—and a handful of specialities and novelties I know I won’t find anywhere else.

Hello Argentine empanadas. Don’t mind if I do, sea asparagus. Yes please, Calabrian red pepper-spiked pork sausage.

READ NEXT: Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

 

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Travel Jobs Around the World: Housesitter

Travel Job

Housesitter

The Job Description

Housesitters are hired to look after a homeowner’s residence, in exchange for free accommodation or payment, depending on the agreement. 

The responsibilities of a house sitter usually include feeding and playing with the pets, tending to the plants, and keeping things tidy around the house! 

Homeowners will be able to ease their worries while away, knowing that their pets and house are in good hands, and the housesitter will be able to save money on a very comfortable lifestyle in a new location abroad- it’s a win-win situation for everyone!

Housesitting is an amazing, cost-effective option for those looking to explore abroad on a budget, without compromising all of the comforts of home.  You are able to live as a local in a unique and affordable way!

Where I’ve Worked as a Housesitter

I just finished up a housesitting assignment in the sunny, coastal city of Manta, Ecuador.  It was a month-long gig, and I was to watch over a beachfront condo and adorable, toy yorkie while the homeowners were away visiting family.

The apartment itself was gorgeous!  It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, luxury condo, complete with an amazing balcony view, infinity pool and private access to the beach.  The condo was also conveniently located a block from the grocery store, walking distance to a variety of restaurants and shops and just steps from the ocean! 

Lulu, the 1 year old “teacup” yorkie I was taking care of, was a 1.5kg furball of endless love and energy!  We were the perfect companions for each other over the course of the month!

Where in the World the Job Exists

Wherever there is a house, there is a potential need for a house sitter! Housesitting websites are set up so that you can search through available jobs based on location and date.  If you have a specific country in mind, you are able to filter through the listings very easily.

On the site that I use, Trusted Housesitters, the countries with the most housesitting opportunities include the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the US. 

I’ve also noticed that there are many seasonal positions during the autumn to spring months in countries along the Mediterranean, such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece. 

Because residences in these countries are oftentimes second homes that are only used during the summer season, homeowners seem to be on the hunt for housesitters once October rolls around.

Although they may be harder to come across, there are definitely opportunities in places such as Central America, Mexico and other tropical countries as well. 

Many of these homes are mountain retreats, or beachfront properties!

How to Get a Job as a Housesitter

The first step in finding your dream job as a housesitter in a far-away land, is to join a housesitting website.  You will have to pay a membership fee in order to have access to the listings, but in my opinion, if you are dedicated to finding a position, the value of earning free rent abroad will be worth the annual fee!

• Trusted Housesitters – $27.99/month for 3-month plan or $9.49/ month for 12-month plan

• Mind My House – $20/year

• Luxury Housesitting – $25/year

• HomeCarers – $50/year 

Once you are signed up as a member, you will have to create your profile.  In order to come across as a legitimate housesitter, it is very important to fill out your profile in a complete and thoughtful way. Competition can be stiff, and you want to stand out from the crowd! 

Be sure to provide relevant experience and qualifications, as well as personal information as to who you are and why you would make the perfect housesitter. The goal is to provide a complete but concise snapshot of information, which effectively represents who you are on both a personal and professional level. 

Try to imagine yourself as the homeowner while you are writing up your profile- what kind of characteristics would you be looking for in a a perfect stranger who was in the running to watch over your house for weeks at a time? 

After your written profile is finished, take it a step further by adding some photos and even a short video! Try to include photos with pets and, if possible, make a quick intro video to recap and support everything you’ve shared in the written portion of your profile! 

Allow for the homeowner to envision you in their home, with their beloved pets- the effort will eventually pay off!

So now you have finished up your amazing profile, it’s time to focus on building your references!  Each house sitter is able to request “employment” references or “character” references from other people. 

Although I did not have any directly related housesitting experience, I sent character reference requests via email to family, friends and previous employers.  References from others will help to position you as a responsible, trustworthy and qualified housesitter, so definitely try to get as many references as possible!

What Qualifications They Are Looking For

House sitting is a fairly easy job, and if you consider yourself to be a responsible, trustworthy, animal-loving person, you fit the description of an ideal candidate!

Availability & Pay as a Housesitter

Most positions offer free accommodation as the form of payment.  Although you will not be receiving a wage, the value of not worrying about rent in a comfortable home is a pretty nice trade-off in my opinion!   

You can find housesitting positions year-round, although during the holidays, the demand is much higher!  Also, as mentioned before, certain countries in seasonal locations- such as those along the Mediterranean for example- will be more likely to have available jobs during the low-season.

If you would like to see specific examples of what you can expect to find on a housesitting profile and job search, feel free to take a look at my follow-up video!

Watch Ana’s Housesitting Guide here!

If you would like to see an account of my experience as a housesitter in Manta, check out the latest videos on my Day in the Life series!

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