12 Essential Tips for Traveling Overseas

Doing research and preparing for a vacation in a foreign country can be the difference between a great time and a terrible time. It only takes a couple hours to “know before you go” on many important topics which will be invaluable to you on your journey. Check these out:

1. Travel documents

If you are travelling to another country, you will near;y always require a passport or equivalent to enter and return home. Make sure yours is valid for at least 6 months past the last day of your travel, and make a photocopy of the picture page to keep in a separate location. Other travel documents you should have handy (with you) are your printed itineraries, tickets, tour vouchers, inoculations certificate (where applicable), medical insurance (either a printout of your travel policy or your base policy if it covers you), and trip insurance (this is helpful in the event your baggage is lost, as trip insurance usually helps in these cases). Keep these together in a small sealable folder.

2. Medical considerations

Some countries and regions will have vaccination requirements. Check with your doctor, or government websites, for each country you plan to visit. Make sure your inoculations are up to date and you can prove it. Always bring extra medication that you may need in the event that your trip is unexpectedly extended. Some medications are hard to get in foreign countries. Check with your doctor if there are restrictions in your destination for any of your drugs. Most of the time, you’re required to have a prescription for your drugs. The bottle label is enough as long as it has your name, the name of the drug and a valid prescription number on it.

Currency exchange booth at San Francisco International Airport. — Kenishirotie / Shutterstock.com

3. Currency

If possible exchange a small amount of currency in advance at your bank. It can sometimes take a few days to get the foreign currency, but is worth the wait compared with airport rates. Buy enough for a few taxi rides and tips. It is best to pre-pay for as much as possible from home, as you can benefit from travel and return policies offered by your credit card. Also, exchange rates on your credit card tend to be the best you can get. Avoid airport currency exchange booth or “Bureau de Change” places as they typically have the worst rates. Travelers checks are not popular anymore, so they are not recommended. Bring at least 2 credit cards if you can, but call them in advance to advise of your planned itinerary. Avoid buying more local currency than you need, as it may be difficult to return it at the end of your trip (in some countries). Also, it’s not a good idea to carry “too much” cash at any time, both for safety reasons and the fact that in many countries, carrying more than a few thousand dollars’ worth across borders may be restricted.

4. Pre-planning

Having a detailed travel itinerary is always best wherever possible. Divide your days into thirds (morning, afternoon, evening), and jot down where you plan to be, and what you will be doing. This will help ensure you have things like tickets and transportation, and make it easy to let your friends and family know your whereabouts.

Sometimes you just want to wing it; this can be safe and fun in some places, but not all. Check the international travel advisory on the US or Canadian government websites for all your destinations to get an opinion before you “wander”. Pre-planning can add safety and comfort to your trip as well as managing your expectations.

5. Travel to and from

Booking flights may seem pretty easy, but there are some important things to consider. For example, if your plans require you to be at a specific place by a certain time, consider traveling a day in advance (and booking an extra hotel night) to eliminate risk that your flight is late. Also, jet-lag is a pretty real phenomenon. Some people experience its effects more than others. Having an extra day to adjust before starting your adventure can be very helpful. Flights going east to west and red-eye flights tend to be the worst for this. It’s a good idea to have the international phone numbers for all the airlines you’re using noted on your travel documents in case there are changes. If possible, set up alerts for your flights on your phone so you’ll be aware of changes in advance.

Sign with direction to car rental. — IJzendoorn / Shutterstock.com

6. Travel within

If you plan to rent a car where you’re going, be sure you have your license and insurance. Note that some countries also require you to have an international driving permit before they will rent a car to you. It is wise to check to see if there are major differences regarding which side of the road to drive on and speed limits (miles vs. kilometers). If you’re using public transportation or taxis (or ride-sharing services like Uber), make sure you understand if they will be able to pick you up from the airport. Spending a few minutes figuring out how to get from your hotel, to an outing, and then back to the airport will minimize frustration.

7. Important things to bring

When traveling to a new place, especially if it’s unfamiliar, you should bring things you need but may not be able to get. The most obvious are prescription drugs and toiletries. Non-prescription medications for headache, cold, and stomach problems are a smart choice too. If you bring brands you recognize, it saves you from having to figure out which local products are best. Next on the list is an adapter to charge all of your electronics. Check the government travel sites to see which countries use which adapters – they’re not all the same. Sanitation may not meet your expectations everywhere you visit. It’s a good idea to bring a small hand sanitizer and a pack of wet-wipes.

Stack of traveling luggage in airport terminal and passenger plane flying over sky. — stockphoto mania / Shutterstock.com

8. Language

If you travel to a country whose citizens do not speak English as a first language, it’s safe to assume that many locals will not understand you if you speak (or yell) in English. People usually have some degree of knowledge of the English language in major tourist destinations, but the more you can prepare yourself by learning a few key phrases in the native tongue, the better off you’ll be. You may find that locals provide better service if you at least try to communicate in their language. Even if they reply to you in English, more often than not, people will appreciate your efforts. Bring a pocket phase dictionary or get an app installed on your phone to help with basic translations.

9. Local customs

Paying attention to local customs can be fun and educational. From tipping to handshakes, you can learn some of the key customs of many nations on American or Canadian government travel sites. Take a few minutes to review these before travelling to get even more out of your trip.

10. Local laws

It’s also a very good idea to browse the country profiles for your destinations on the US, Canada or UK government travel sites to understand unique local laws. You might be surprised, for example, to find out that chewing gum in public in Singapore is a fairly serious crime. This is an easy 5-minute lookup that can save you a lot of trouble. Visit your government’s travel advisory website.

11. Communication

Communicating with your loved ones while you travel not only adds comfort, but also safety to your trip. Check with your mobile phone provider before you travel to make sure international calling and data are enabled. Most providers will offer you a travel package to reduce your roaming fees. It’s a good idea to understand what’s included in the package and not to exceed that usage to avoid a surprise on your bill when you return home. Some destinations do not have access to cellular communications (such as Antarctica or very rural places). Devise a plan to communicate on days you know in advance you’ll be near cell-towers to prevent your relatives and friends back home from worry about you.

Safety box with electronic lock in Interior modern of the bathroom. — jannoon028 / Shutterstock.com

12. Securing your belongings

The best advice to protect the most valuable items on your trip is simply not to bring them. Lots of jewelry, cash, or unnecessary electronics just adds to your security risk. Protect what you do bring by keeping it on your person (without it showing) or locking it in your hotel safe. For higher value items, you’re better off bringing it to the hotel lobby where they often have a safe, and get a signed receipt for your items. Hotel room safes are a good idea, but they can be defeated by clever employees or burglars. Avoid using your back pockets or open purses as they attract pick pockets.

9 Once Dangerous Destinations That Are Now Safe To Visit

When a particular region or a whole country acquires a bad reputation, it can take a long time for the stigma to wash away. Tell your friends you’ve booked a romantic city break in Transylvania, and they might start to wonder whether you sleep in a coffin and have nightmares about garlic bread.

But the most infamous destinations can also be the most scenic and rewarding. Sadly, beauty and trouble often go together. Be sure to check with the United States Department of State — or your country’s equivalent — for specific travel advisories before finalizing any travel plans just to be safe as political climates can change quickly.

We should also remember that time can heal all things. A terror attack or civil war doesn’t necessarily render an area permanently off-limits for tourists. In fact, there are plenty of places you wouldn’t have visited ten years ago that are now surprisingly safe and open for business.

In that spirit, here are nine formerly dangerous destinations.

1. Medellin, Colombia

The city of Medellin was, and perhaps still is, synonymous with Pablo Escobar, the notorious cocaine kingpin whose gang took their name from the city itself. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Escobar’s cartel dominated the area, making tourism a dicey proposition.

But Medellin has actually changed a lot since the Narcos days. Nestled on the slopes of the Andes, the city has constructed a network of ‘metrocables’ to carry its 2.5 million residents from barrio to barrio, all while offering a stunning view of the Aburrá Valley below. Known for its mild climate, bounteous gardens, and annual flower festival, Medellin has blossomed into a symbol of modern Colombia’s aspirations.

2. Myanmar

Myanmar (or, as I like to call it, “the artist formerly known as Burma”) was under the thumb of an oppressive military junta for fifty years. During the second half of the last century, it was often described as the most isolated country on earth after North Korea. However, circumstances improved greatly when the junta lost its power in 2011.

Since then, a growing number of tourists have had the opportunity to take in the spectacular Buddhist temples and pagodas from Myanmar’s distant past. To be sure, Myanmar is a bit off the beaten path and suffers from lack of infrastructure. But if you want to feel like you’ve travelled back into the mists of time, it may be worth the sojourn.

NOTE: The current government has endured severe criticism in recent months over its treatment of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group who are being systematically driven from their homes into neighbouring Bangladesh by the Myanmar Army. Myanmar may be safe for you, but it may not be safe for your conscience until this crisis has ended.

Colombo in Sri Lanka. — Colombo / Madrugada Verde / Shutterstock

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation off the southeast coast of India, has not traditionally been a place you go to “get away from it all.” Between 1983 and 2009, the country was ravaged by a brutal civil war between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers.

Since the war ended, Sri Lanka has emerged as a trendy new destination. It boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, as well as verdant wildlife preserves – particularly attractive if you’re a birdwatcher or an elephant lover. If you prefer to snorkel or go whale watching, you can visit the seaside town of Trincomalee.

4. Iran

This one might surprise you. Relations between the West and Iran have often been contentious; it even made President George W. Bush’s famous “axis of evil.” It can be all too easy to think in stereotypical terms that Iran is a hotbed of fundamentalism, and unwelcoming to foreigners.

But Iran has actually been opening itself to tourists in recent years. In 2014, they promoted their country to travellers with the encouraging slogan “You’re invited.” In 2015, Rough Guide actually named Iran their #1 destination. Considering that Iran offers everything from ancient ruins to desert treks to skiing, it might just be worth a spot on your bucket list.

For up-to-date information on safety in Iran, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Iran Countries and Areas page.

5. Belfast, Northern Ireland

From 1968-1998, Belfast was the epicenter of ‘the Troubles’, the bloody 30-year conflict between the Irish Republican Army, Ulster loyalists, and the UK government. During this time, terror attacks were all too common in Belfast, with some parts of the city being virtual no-go zones. The result was more than 50,000 casualties across three decades.

But things have improved quickly in Belfast. The historic Victorian and Edwardian colonnades have now been joined by new restaurants and bars. On the site where the RMS Titanic was constructed more than a hundred years ago, the city has developed a bustling cultural district fittingly called the Titanic Quarter. You can also visit a castle, spend an afternoon at a museum, or go for a walk and take in the city’s haunting political murals.

6. Kibuye, Rwanda

For many people, the word Rwanda means one thing: genocide. In 1994, as many as a million civilians were murdered by militias while helpless UN peacekeepers looked on. But this tiny, landlocked East African nation is also blessed with remarkable natural beauty – and, nowadays, with relative stability.

One of its most underrated attractions is the town of Kibuye, which sits on the banks of Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes. The hills around this beach resort are perfect for biking, and offer striking panoramic views of the lake. A stay in Kibuye also puts you within driving distance of two national parks.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. — Victoria Falls / David Cuhney / Shutterstock

7. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has been a pariah state since 2000, under the erratic and ineffective leadership of Robert Mugabe. The country saw deteriorating rule of law, over 50% unemployment, and unimaginable inflation (we’re talking billions to buy a loaf of bread). Is it any wonder tourists have stayed away?

But now, after 37 years in power, Mugabe has been removed, and some degree of hope has returned to the country. Maybe foreign visitors will return as well.

After all, Zimbabwe should be a natural hotspot for globetrotters. Its attractions include Victoria Falls, one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. This mile-long veil of water by itself ought to draw millions of visitors a year on its own, and hopefully it will again.

8. El Salvador

This small Central American country on the Pacific coast suffered through decades of incompetent government, civil war, assassination, and chaos, from the 1930s right through to the 1990s.

Today, the situation has stabilized considerably. Crime is still a problem in El Salvador, particularly where gangs are concerned. But in the countryside, travellers will find a lush, diverse country, dotted with volcanoes. The locals have therefore made an effort to promote ecotourism; if you want to go green, you should consider El Salvador.

Angkor Thom in Cambodia. — Angkor Thom / karinkamon / Shutterstock

9. Cambodia

Cambodia’s modern history has been blotted by memories of the Khmer Rouge, the radical communist party that ruled the country from 1975-79, killing as much as 25% of the population in the process. It was only in 1993 that Cambodia was able to fully separate itself from this troubled past.

Cambodia remains poor, with much of the population living on less than $1 a day. But in beauty and history, it is rich beyond measure. Cambodia boasts white beaches, hike-able mountains, and must-see sites like Siam Reap and Angkor Wat.

For more info about dangerous travel destinations, take a look at the 11 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions or the 10 Most Dangerous Cities In The World.

How To Prepare For A Disney Trip

One thing you don’t want to do during your trip to Walt Disney World is wing it. You also don’t need a military-style plan. But let’s face it, a trip to see Mickey and his friends isn’t cheap. Some pre-planning will make sure you get the most for your money, enjoy yourselves, and still allow for some spontaneity. Here are our best tips to prepare for your Disney adventure.

1. Set Your Budget

Tickets and lodging will be your biggest expenses, but tickets are cheaper the more days you book. When picking your room, you can stay on or off property and there are several price points with both options.

Food can also be costly especially if you plan on dining at a sit-down restaurant every day of your stay. You can pay for a dining plan and it may be worth it, depending on your dining style.

And, of course, you must get there. Will you drive or fly? Just one more thing to weigh when deciding your budget.

Disney's Magical Express bus. — WDWNews.com

2. Create A My Disney Experience Account

This is the place on the Walt Disney World website where you will book everything. It’s a great place to figure out how much things cost.

You can also see if there are any deals that work for you. Your tickets, lodging, dining and FastPasses all link to your My Disney Experience account. Make sure someone in your party downloads the My Disney Experience app. You can use it during your trip to check wait times, make or change your dining reservations, book additional fast passes, and check your photos if you purchase Memory Maker.

3. Book Your Lodging

This decision comes down to whether you want to stay on or off property. In general, off property is cheaper, especially for larger groups. There are hotels, condos, and homes for rent.

On property, some of the value and moderate resorts are more affordable than you might think. They also have great themes, and it allows you to be totally immersed in the Disney experience every moment of your vacation. If this is where you decide to splurge, the deluxe resorts offer some great options. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a giraffe outside their window?

One tip: Disney Vacation Club members have access to excellent rooms at the deluxe resorts. There are agencies which rent the time DVC members can book at a much cheaper rate than you can reserve through the resort. Some members also sell specific times they’ve booked on websites like ebay.com and redweek.com.

The monorail outside of Epcot. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

4. Create A Plan

Ideally, you’re doing this more than six months out. Pick which parks you will visit on which day. My Disney Experience will have the park hours.

Do you plan to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Both mean late nights, so you won’t want to plan an early morning the following day.

Another tip: don’t plan on being at Epcot on a Saturday night during a festival. It’s the time when the locals go, and it’s usually crowded. Most importantly, if you’re going for a week, give your group a day to rest, recharge and enjoy your resort. Having a basic plan this far out may not seem necessary, but it will help you when making dining and FastPass+ reservations.

5. Make Dining Reservations

You can book dining reservations 180 days before your trip and for some of the most popular spots, you’ll need to. Cinderella’s table is one of the most difficult reservations to get. Be Our Guest is another. You’ll also have the best choice of times if you plan ahead.

One thought here: eat at off times and enjoy shorter lines for the rides during traditional lunch and dinner times. Also, don’t forget about the restaurants at the resorts and Disney Springs. There are a lot of great options!

This is also why you want to have a plan. You’ll want to book Cinderella’s table or Be Our Guest for the day you plan to be at Magic Kingdom. Also, a lunch reservation at Epcot doesn’t make sense for the day you spend at Animal Kingdom. You get the idea.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

6. Make Fastpass+ Reservations

This one is key. This allows you to skip the line and practically walk onto any ride. It’s available to anyone with a ticket.

If you are staying on property, you can make your picks 60 days out. If you are staying off property, you can book 30 days before your arrival. This is the best way to get on the most popular rides without a long wait.

You get three picks for each day you have a ticket. At Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain are among the most popular. At Epcot, there aren’t a lot of rides, but there are three that have the longest waits: Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, and Test Track.

The opening of Pandora at Animal Kingdom has changed the FastPass+ landscape there. Avatar Flight of Passage always has the longest wait. Na’vi River Journey is also popular, but the wait usually isn’t as long as its neighboring ride. Kilimanjaro Safaris and Everest are other popular choices. At Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania! is really popular. Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Star Tours also have longer waits.

Many of these options are called “Tier One” rides and you’ll only be able to use one of your FastPasses for them, so decide which one you want to ride the most before your window to book opens. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Toy Story, and Soarin’ are my favorite rides in all of the parks and are great for all ages! One key tip, try and book your FastPasses earlier in the day because once you’ve used your three, you can use your app to book more for that day.

7. Check Out Any Special Events

I mentioned two of the special events earlier. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party are two specially ticketed items. There are also festivals that don’t require an extra ticket like the Food & Wine Festival, Festival of Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, and Festival of the Holidays — all at Epcot. There are events associated with these festivals that cost extra, but there’s also a schedule of special performances that are free.

Taking photos in Disney World. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

8. Order Memory Maker

Moms and Grandmas, this one is for you! No more pics without you in them. When you look at the cost, it may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the Photo Pass photographers take shots that you simply won’t get with your camera. It’s what they call “extra magic.”

Stitch, Tinker Bell, Kion and other characters, as well as objects like balloons, join you in your photos. All available ride photos are also included and if you have a magic band, pictures and videos from certain rides, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, will pop up with you in them.

It’s fun to end your day looking through your photos on your My Disney Experience app thanks to Memory Maker. If you don’t want to purchase this option, the photographers in the parks will take pictures with your camera, so you can still get some great shots.

9. Check The Weather

This one probably doesn’t need a lot of explanation. But anyone who thinks Florida is just fun in the sun, is mistaken. Many areas of the country claim the saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity”, but I’m pretty sure the person who said it first was in Florida. Add in an afternoon shower and just know you need to be prepared for the extreme heat, rain and even cool weather if you’re traveling in the winter.

Souvenir shop in Disney World. — Matt Stroshane / WDWNews.com

10. Buy Disney Gift Cards

This is an interesting way to save money or simply pre-pay for your vacation. You can use these for dinner or souvenirs. And, for example, if you buy them at Target and you’re a Red Card holder, you save 5% on your purchase. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps.

11. Consider Being An Annual Passholder

This may seem like an extravagant or unnecessary purchase, but it may make sense for one person in your party to become an annual passholder. Considering the cost of your tickets and if you plan to buy Memory Maker, you may be close to the price of one adult passholder ticket. If you’re off property, factor in the $20 a day you’d save on parking. You also get discounts in the stores on Walt Disney World property and at some restaurants.

In the end, you may come out ahead or break even. Again, the biggest factor is the cost of your multi-day ticket.

Boston Road Trip: Martha’s Vineyard

Experiencing Martha’s Vineyard as a day trip is doable, but makes for a very long excursion. It’s a perfect overnight trip and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Boston. In recent years, the island’s been in the news as the vacation spot for President’s Clinton and Obama. Just because it’s frequented by movers and shakers, it’s not fancy and exudes that rustic New England charm.

You can catch a ferry to the island either in Woods Hole, near Falmouth, or in Hyannis. If you plan to take a car over for the day, you will need to reserve your spot well in advance with the Massachusetts Steamship Authority. Grab a map of the island at the ferry terminal and give it a good look as you relax on the 45-minute ferry ride.

You can rent a bike, moped, or just walk around when you get there. The island offers a shuttle to help you get you from place to place. I would recommend taking your car over on the ferry, if you don’t mind the cost. It will allow you to see the entire island and experience an amazing sunset! Just make sure your car is filled up before you get on the ferry. Gas is expensive on the island.

The Vineyard is made up of six towns, each with its own unique character. Your ferry will drop you off in either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs.

Heading out? Check out the best hotels in Martha’s Vineyard.

The spray of of the surf, Martha's Vineyard.

In Vineyard Haven, officially called Tisbury, stroll along Main Street taking in the cute shops. Bunch of Grapes bookstore is nice to browse and grab a bite or just a cocktail at The Black Dog Tavern or Bakery Café. The restaurant’s black lab is practically the island’s unofficial mascot.

Oak Bluffs’ iconic 19th-century gingerbread cottages make it the most colorful town on the island. Each home is unique with filigree detail and a quaint front porch. The area was originally a Methodist Campground and surrounds the historic Trinity Park Tabernacle, where community sings still take place on Wednesday evenings.

Oak Bluffs is also home to Flying Horses, America’s oldest carousel. It’s fun to take a spin and grab a brass ring, or at least watch others try and do it. You can then take a stroll up Circuit Ave for more shopping and a bite to eat at Slice of Life.

Before you leave Oak Bluffs, pick up a bottle of wine at Our Market, if you’d like to enjoy a glass on the beach later. Don’t forget some plastic cups, and an opener if you need it. It’s not classy, but they don’t want glass on the beach, unless it’s sea glass.

In Edgartown, stately Greek Revival homes built by whaling captains line the streets. Take a walk along Water and Main Streets to take in the architecture of the homes, the grand churches, and to browse the upscale boutiques.

If you want to spend some more time in Edgartown before heading Up Island and would like a refreshment, try Newes from America Pub, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, or The Seafood Shanty, which has magnificent water views.

A view worth any money. Aquinnah, Martha's Vineyard.

It’s 20 miles from Edgartown, on the southeastern corner of the island, to Aquinnah, on the southwestern corner, but beautiful clay cliffs await you. And while it may seem incorrect to call this area Up Island, it comes from the nautical definition where “up” takes you west. The towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are considered Down Island.

There’s a lovely little chocolate shop called, Chilmark Chocolates, on your way to Aquinnah. It’s scheduled to be open Thursday-Sunday, late morning through the afternoon, but those days and times can change.

In addition to great chocolate in a cute little shop, the owners’ mission of employing workers with disabilities makes it really something special. A visit is not only a wonderful experience for you, but also for the employee. Just pay attention to any signs explaining how to order so you can best help them fill your box, or two, of chocolate. This is a perfect treat to take with you, so you can savor your stay on the Vineyard once you’re off the island. Chilmark Chocolates doesn’t have a website, but it’s located at 19 State Road in Chilmark.

Once you get to Aquinnah, you can walk along the cliffs, or view them from above. Allow a good hour or so to walk the path down to the beach and over to the cliffs and back. You can also take in their beauty from above at the Gay Head Lighthouse or a nearby observation area. The beach area directly under the cliffs is called Moshup Beach and if you’re so inclined, you can go au naturel. If it’s not your thing, don’t worry. You won’t be able to see anyone sunning themselves while you admire the cliffs from above.

Gay Head lighthouse is open to the public during the summer months and it recently made a big move. In 2015, the historic structure took a 135 feet trip away from the ocean to keep it from falling over the cliffs below.

What better place to tie the knot than Martha's Vineyard?

The fishing village of Menemsha is the best place to watch the sunset on the entire island. People gathered on the beach actually applaud as the sun disappears into the ocean. If it works with your ferry departure, or if you’re spending the night on the island, plan to end your day here while eating a seafood dinner and enjoying a cocktail on the beach. If this sounds appealing, you’ll need to plan ahead.

When you get on the island in the morning, check out the kitchen menu for Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha. Call your order in and schedule it to be picked up about 45 minutes before sunset. If you don’t mind a bit of a mess, order a boiled lobster and oysters on the half shell or some steamers. Or, try a stuffie (stuffed quahog) and a cup of lobster bisque or chowder. You can also just grab a lobster roll and any of the above. Ordering early in the day allows you to skip the lines and the confidence that a fabulous seafood dinner will be ready when you get there.

Depending on the time of year, parking can be really challenging in Menemsha. Just allow yourself plenty of time (and patience) to find a spot.

Grab your order at Larsen’s, your bottle of wine and walk down to the beach. Any spot is nice, but go to the right and find a place at the base of the dunes. A tip: bring a beach towel or chairs for the beach. It’s time to eat, relax and wait for the sun to slip into the blue water.

The approach to Gay Head Lighthouse, Martha's Vineyard.

Once the sun sets, you may not want to linger too long or a skunk or two is likely to join you. They seem to be everywhere on the island, especially around food, but if you don’t bother them, they shouldn’t bother you.

If you’re spending the night, or decided to skip Menemsha and have some time before your ferry leaves, head back to Oak Bluffs to Back Door Donuts. They literally sell donuts out the back of the Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Café and Bakery starting at 7 p.m. Once you’ve tasted their warm apple fritter you will dream about it every day until you’re able to return. You will tell your friends about it, your hair dresser, your mail man, anyone who will listen.

If you decide to make this an overnight trip, the island is filled with lovely Bed & Breakfasts including Hob Knob and The Christopher in Edgartown, and Lambert’s Cove Inn in West Tisbury. The Mansion House in Vineyard Haven and Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown are also nice, if you prefer a hotel setting.

Tip: If you’re constantly in search of the best lobster roll, every Friday from the end of May through September, Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven serves up a meat filled roll, chips and a drink for about $20. Just search Grace Church Lobster Rolls on Facebook for more information.

Boston Day Trip: Salem, Massachusetts

This is a true day trip from Boston. You can take the ferry from downtown Boston, the commuter train, or if traffic is light, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Salem.

Salem is synonymous with witch trials, even though it’s been more than 320 years since the infamous bloodletting took place. In 1692, 14 women and 6 men, accused of being witches, were tried and executed in the Massachusetts town. The Salem Witch Museum retells the gruesome tale with 13 stages feauturing life-size figurines.

There are two memorials to the innocent victims. One is on Charter and Liberty Streets; the other is at Proctor’s Ledge on Pope Street. The latter is where most of the victims were actually put to death. Both are somber sites of remembrance and reading some of the last words of these people – who were, of course, wrongly accused – will send chills down your spine.

Salem witch museum Salem, Massachusetts — The Salem witch museum.

While the witch trials were a dark alcove of our history, the city embraces its past. Why not? The legacy brings in revenue. Today, the town even has an Official Witch, Laurie Cabot. There are ghost tours and several psychics if you’re curious about what your future holds. October is an excellent time to visit. The fall air is crisp, and the people-watching is, well… interesting in the run-up to Halloween.

Salem is proud of its rich maritime history, which dates back nearly four hundred years. The town was once a hub for international trade, and The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, including The Custom House and historic wharves, honors the town’s symbiosis with the sea. The visitor center is open every day from May-October.

The most recognizable home in Salem also has ties to maritime history, but it’s better-known today for the book it inspired. I’m talking about the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, more commonly called the House of Seven Gables.

During its first 135 years, two sea captains resided there. In the mid-1800s, author Nathanial Hawthorne visited his cousin, who was living there, and the home became the setting for his iconic Gothic novel The House of Seven Gables. 350 years later, it’s one of the largest timber-framed mansions in North America, and still sits on its original foundation.

Outside view of The House of the Seven Gables — The House of Seven Gables. Rusty Clark/Flickr

Hawthorne’s birthplace is also part of The House of Seven Gables campus. The home is one of several that was moved from its original location to this area. The Hawthorne home was originally on Union Street and was moved in 1958. You can visit it, tour the beautiful seaside gardens, and peek into the rest of the buildings during your visit.

If you get hungry during your day-trip, and you know you will, try The Olde Main Street Pub. There’s a variety of dishes on the menu sure to please every palate. But be sure to try the Smoked Gouda and Goat Cheese Fritters appetizer. The restaurant is open for dinner every day of the week, but they only serve lunch Wednesday-Sunday.