Key West Travel Tips

Known for warm beaches and eccentric residents with a live-in-the-moment philosophy, Key West offers a relaxed yet unexpected seaside adventure. Do as the residents (known as Conchs) do and see where that free spirit might take you. Perhaps you'll end up at the aquarium, at a Duval Street bar, in a Mallory Square shop or even touring Ernest Hemingway's old home.

Why Go: For young couples seeking both beach and party time, Key West is an obvious choice. Plus, the weather (and the excitement) is incredible year-round. When you feel the island is getting a bit too crowded, steal some alone-time by taking a boat ride or camping on one of the nearby Keys. Area room rates can be high during the winter and annual festivals, but you can find bargains if you look hard.

Best Times to Visit Key West

The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable, and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. Speaking of winter -- that season is the island's busiest and priciest. The rainy and humid summer months see the fewest tourists but the best hotel rates. The trade-off might be worth it, but you are still gambling against hurricane season (June to November). Also, beware that rates will surge during special events like PrideFest Key West and Fantasy Fest Carnival.

Adirondacks Travel Tips

A visit to the Adirondack Mountains region is best spent enjoying the great outdoors. Look beyond the luxurious cabin complexes built for yesteryear's local millionaires, and you'll find that the region holds a treasure trove of adventure activities. You can hike up High Peaks one day and kayak through the St. Regis Canoe Area the next. You can even take an airplane tour over Tupper Lake village or paddle down Old Forge's famous canoe route. And when you're ready to snuggle in your sleeping bag, you'll find that there are plenty of campgrounds waiting for you. But there's more to the Adirondacks than the beautiful wilderness; you'll find another main draw is the bustling town of Lake Placid. Home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games, the little village proudly displays its Olympic history. And after the first snowfall, Lake Placid and its quaint neighbor, Saranac Lake, turn into winter wonderlands, complete with world-class ski slopes and an après-ski lifestyle for your inner Olympian.

Why Go: For some, a quiet mountain retreat is just what the doctor ordered after an exhausting wedding. And on the East Coast, there is no better place to seek refuge than in the Adirondacks. You'll discover that this area has year-round charms: spring greenery, summer hiking, fall foliage and winter skiing. Find a quaint bed and breakfast in one of the smaller towns, like Tupper Lake, to minimize your hotel expenditures and to optimize the intimacy.

Best Times to Visit Adirondacks

The best time to visit the Adirondacks is from May to August, when the weather is warm and the top sites are open for longer hours. But the region can get crowded this time of year, so you should book your accommodations at least two seasons in advance. November to April is the best time to experience the winter sports season in full swing, but be prepared for single-digit temperatures. The shoulder months of September and October are generally less crowded, but in smaller hamlets like Paul Smiths businesses start closing up shop for the winter season.