This review is for the Park City and Salt Lake metro-area during the summer. Utah is one of the treasures of the American west. We’ve all heard stories painting this as some uber religious dry state, however my experience was quite the opposite. SLC is incredibly clean and modern. The downtown isn’t exactly ‘lit’ but there is a beautiful modern indoor/outdoor mall and entertainment complex called City Creek thats a good place to stock up (I’m not even a mall fan but this was different ). If you like hoops and they’re in season, go to a Jazz game, Vivnit arena is great place to watch a game with passionate fans. Park City is awesome. Take the 35 minute drive from SLC and get lost in this western town with tons of personality. As you drive in you’ll notice the US winter Olympic training center. Stop and check it out, they have a museum, and tons of activities during the summer (bobsled runs and an awesome zipline). Food: Go to Chimayo for inventive Southwestern fare. Silver Star cafe for creative diner fare. We also liked Blind Dog Restaurant, Wasatch Brewery, Freshies Lobster and High West Saloon. Activities: Hike Mt Timpangos. It’ a 3 mile paved hike with incredible views in a well maintained state park. The hike also has a cave tour that was pretty interesting. Visit Deer Valley for incredible views. There is also an outdoor concert series that features the SLC orchestra, check the schedule. Listening to music in the basin of a mountain is one of the cooler venues I’ve ever been to, regardless of what you’re into. Lodging: Stay at Stein Erickson or the Chateaux in Deer Valley. Their are also some impressive AirBnB options. Take a drive out to Kamas and visit State Road Tavern. Along the way you’ll be treated to incredible views of Jordanelle State Park and the massive reservoir. Everywhere in Utah seemingly has a breathtaking view. Ok, about the people. Utah is not a very diverse place but we found the people friendly and kind. I’m from NY and I grew up spending summers down south, this is different. We we’re pleasantly surprised, don’t let someone else’s opinion cause you to prejudge. I will be back!

This review is for Vieques, small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico. I’ve been all over the main island and Vieques is a vastly different experience so listen up. This is a great post pandemic trip for Americans. If you are vaccinated just provide proof when you land or get a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior. The island was very diligent about covid precautions/contact tracing so be prepared to answer some questions and fill out forms. There is no currency exchange or passport needed but you will feel like you’re in a different country. Overall, this is a quieter place than mainland PR or other Caribbean haunts. No touristy gimmicks but plenty to keep you engaged. We stayed at a home in Isabelle Segunda on the northern coast, blocks from the ferry and the better on-island grocers. Tips: -The ferries (from Cieba) is cheap but can be inconsistent so fly (30 mins) from San Juan if you want to save time. -I suggest renting a car. We stayed on the north coast of the island, most of the nicer beaches are on the south side (a 20 minute ride away). We had a Jeep for a few days and a golf cart subsequently due to booking. The cart worked but the Jeep was a much nicer/efficient experience. -Our favorite beach was Sun Bay. We also liked Las Chivas (try field 10-14). The Black Sand beach is ok for lounging but not for swimming. For a real private beach feel, look for Coconut Beach on the south coast. It’s unmarked and off a dirt road but is beautiful(albeit a bit rocky for swimming) -The mosquitoes are lively and abundant, bring repellent. -Gas runs short and only one station on the island was open during our stay. Don’t let your tank get past half full or bring an extra can when you go. -The ferry now run directly to Culebra (another island that houses the gorgeous flamenco beach). While the times aren’t always convenient check for availability. -Restaurant favorites: Duffys, Trade Winds, Rising Roost and the red food truck across from the ferry (don’t recall the name but order the empanadas). We went to Lazy Jacks, food is meh, drinks are good. -Go to Finca Victoria. Either to stay or for their Friday night diner series (reservation required). It’s a vegan ayurvedic retreat but well worth a visit. Regarding the culture. It always amazes me the how diverse the people of Puerto Rico are. Often the popularized Puerto Ricans are lighter but the island has beautiful folks of all different shades. We found people friendly and welcoming to us.