A funny thing happened on the way to.....Key West?

Has anyone else taken the “long way to Jamaica?

Last year’s trip was not our best (trip 10 coming up). Nothing changed in Jamaica but we were not in the normal relaxed mood because of work. We were in the middle of a long project and it was in a rough spot, and we could only get away for 7 days. When you live in eastern Canada it is a full travel day to get anywhere so 7 days is not enough……so, after a week of having a good, not great time as usual in Negril, we were having our last evening drink in Negril and discussing next year. My wife and I and our primary travel friends all concluded that it may be time for something different. As this year’s trip is at the same time as my 50th, I was given the final choice. Key West it is!!

Got some tickets to Orlando using United vouchers from a screwed up trip last year. We booked the return ticket on Westjet at a great price, rented a convertible for the drive to Key West and started looking for accommodations.

Fast forward to Dec: We took our 2 college age girls to Florida (they wanted Jamaica again but the price was unrealistic). Our friends went to Thailand to spend Christmas with the son and daughter who are studying/working an Asia. The trip to Florida was relaxing but we concluded we are not Florida people (no offense to Floridians). Our friends had a great trip to Thailand. When we got together to exchange vacation stories they sensed we were not keen on another trip back to Florida. Well, as it turns out neither were they, but they did need to make a quick trip to visit snowbird parents. The next question was Can we get a cheap flight from Florida? Yesssss…$106 per person on Spirit (yikes!! then I read the reviews. It will be good practice for soon come) Under the influence of redstripe and rum cream the plan was hatched. The Living social vouchers for Treehouse came out at the same time so accommodations, check

So we are going to Florida for 5 nights then are flying on to Jamaica for 7 nights. Then back to Moncton on Westjet. 2 weeks to go and no work stress.

To quote supertramp “take the long way home”.

Sounds like it will be quite the adventure! Hope to hear about it when you return :D

Way to go, congrats!!

5 times Key West..La Concha (rooftop bar for sunset) Eden House,Crane House etc...Must go to Schooners Wharf by the water. Live music starts at 1pm......Find the Green Parrot if you like local dive bars.The Bull bar on the corner hs a nude bar on the roof(if you dare)....For fancy dinner find Barrys...Mel Fisher museum where they have the treasure he found...Sounds like a Great trip.

Thanks Fred Stripe, it looks like the itinerary for the Florida part of the trip is complete!

Love the Bull Bar. Very unique place.

Key West is one paradise short of Jamaica, it has all the things Jamaica has, walk around anywhere with a drink, music , street performers, all day all night! The closest thing to being in Jamaica I've ever found, no passport and you are in America (jails ) or whatever.

Nice snorkeling too, seriously protected reef along the keys.

Another Key West lover here, but it always comes in second to Negril. While flights may sometimes be less expensive especially with Southwest flying in there now, I always spend more money there and never get quite as relaxed as in Negril. With that said, it always comes in first when not leaving the States.