While the reservations were for Key West, don't forget to stop along the way, as "The Keys" are so much more than Key west. That said, the entire 15O plus mile trek from miami is the full experience. 

First stop was LOR.E.LEI cabana bar and Restaurant.  It is tucked off the highhway behind a little trailer park and jets out over the water.  It's a great spot to grab a drink, watch the fish, pelicans, boaters and paddle boarders go by.  

Back on the road and further down we headed on the quest to the Southern most point.  There are dozens if not hundreds of keys and little islands along the way.  The water was so clear from the bridges, we saw dolphins jumping in the distance.  

Its a very eclectic laid back place like the sunday morning commercials are always touting every winter on Northeast Television.  

There are endless opportunities for good food, beverages and people watching at every turn. 

The one thing not to miss while in Key West is the beauty of the sunset and the spectacle that is at Mallory square. Ironically we found the best spot to watch the sunset was from the Sunset Bar at the the Margaritaville resort and marina on Mallory square.  

The holidays can be a fun time with friends and families but sometimes its nice to disappear for a few days in the midst of the hectic season.  Thats what we did a few days after thanksgiving and found ourselves  on the beach in Punta Cana, DR.  

Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is a great place to disconnect while enjoying the amazing  sunsets. 

Its very important to stay hydrated when in a foreign land with a humid climate, so we took advantage of all the options before us.  They had many restaurants and bars at the resort and we made sure to try as many as we could.  

For those who don't want to lose the holiday spirit while vacationing in the Caribbean, the resort had plenty of holiday decor to enjoy while wandering barefoot. 

Whatever your happy place looks like, make plans to get there as often as you can