The Keys to Key West: Best Tours & Activities in Winter

Running from winter?

Key West, Florida is one of the best places you can go. That’s true any time of year, but average temperatures in January sit between 60-74°F. The sun is usually shining, and the heaviest layer you’ll need is a long-sleeve shirt.

On top of the great weather, visitors have an enviable mix of beaches, activities, and museums at their fingertips. Whether you want to get out on the water to do some fishing or shuffle through the area’s coolest museums, you’ll be booked solid for days.

If you’re heading to Key West, don’t miss out on these activities.

Best activities and tours in Key West on a winter visit

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

I haven’t liked a single thing I’ve read by Hemingway, but I’d still set aside time to visit this museum. Even if you’re like me and aren’t swayed by Hemingway’s short stories, he’s still an intriguing and important figure.

And this house in Key West is where the infamous writer penned his most important works. The home has been painstakingly preserved, offering a peek into the architecture and décor of his era.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Part gorgeous beach and part historic museum, these grounds are home to the US’s largest collection of Civil War armaments. You can wander through the old fort and learn more about the area’s history and Civil War legacy.

Or you can sink into the white sand beach and wait for a jaw-dropping sunset to play across the water. With temperatures still relatively high in January, I’d do both.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Butterflies in January? Thanks to the climate-controlled and glass-enclosed habitat, you can stand amid fluttering butterflies at any time of the year.

The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to almost 60 different butterfly species, along with tropical birds and lush plants. You might even forget it’s winter farther up north.

The Overseas Highway

If you’re a fan of mini road trips and scenic, tropical views, then head to the Overseas Highway. This highway traverses 42 long bridges that cut from island to island through the Florida Keys.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to unique stops, eateries, shops, beaches, and more. Though you can find guides that showcase which stops are worth your time, I suggest letting the open road guide you instead.

Duval Street

This street cuts through the heart of downtown Key West. Not only can you find great restaurants and bars, but the area is also renowned for its live performances, art galleries, and hand-rolled cigars.

Just keep in mind that you might see a larger crowd than expected on Duval Street—it only goes ‘quiet’ from March to May.

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum

It’s not just another lighthouse—this location is carefully overseen by the Key West Art & Historical Society.

They have beautifully preserved the lighthouse while also curating exhibits that bring the past to life, including the responsibilities of former lighthouse keepers.

But the real allure is the view from the top of the lighthouse, which offers a great view of the entire town.

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Spanish Galleons at the museum (TripAdvisor)

If there’s one thing I know about Key West, it’s how often pirates once crossed through its waters. During the 1600s and 1700s, Southern Florida was a hotbed for maritime conflict between warring empires, pirates, and all those caught in between.

This museum showcases incredible finds like Spanish galleons from 1622, along with exhibits that explore the science of shipwrecks, the history of Caribbean pirates, and Key West’s role in the Atlantic slave trade.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

If there’s a second thing I know about Key West, it’s that this area is home to incredible ecological diversity—and a range of important mangroves.

From manatees to coral reefs, this center shines a light on the most intriguing elements of sea life. They even have shipwreck artifacts and exhibits that explore how shipwrecks impact marine life.

The Cotswolds in America: Welcome to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

In Grosse Pointe Shores, just outside of Detroit, waits an elegant peek into the Cotswolds.

If you haven’t heard, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most scenic stretches. Rolling hills of grasslands lead from one stone village to the next, many of which are lined with row homes with thatched rooftops.

So, how did such a traditional and stately rural English scene end up near Detroit, one of the US’s greatest industrial cities?

Henry Ford.

The automotive giant had a son named Edsel, who built the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House on the shores of Lake St. Clair back in 1927.

Though Gilded Age mansions are well-known attractions in places like Newport, Rhode Island, and throughout large cities like New York and Los Angeles, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House flies under the radar for millions of Americans.

Though it’s comparable to a Vanderbilt mansion in terms of size and cost, it doesn’t look that way from the outside looking in.

Even more intriguingly, this estate does a lot more than offer short tours. It’s got a fully fledged roster of year-round activities.

And it’s easily the most magical gem I’ve found in the Detroit area.

A closer look at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

The **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House** isn’t quite like other Gilded Age mansions (Courtesy of **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House**)

Here’s the thing about the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House—it almost looks shabbily chic. The Cotswolds has the same type of historic, weathered charm.

In fact, the Fords actually toured England with the estate’s future architect in order to look for inspiration.

The result is one of the most unique and fascinating Gilded Age projects. The home was designed to look like the closely assembled stone homes that define Cotswolds villages. The sandstone walls are dusky, while the slate roof almost looks thatched.

Uniquely, much of the interior is lined with wood panels and fireplaces that were extracted from ancient English Manor houses, and then shipped over to the US.

There’s a chimneypiece from Worcestershire, a staircase from Lyveden Manor House, and stained glass windows that date back to the 1300s.

The grounds are also a mishmash of tradition and unique tastes. The landscape architect chose to design the gardens to reflect the surrounding environment. There’s even a man-made lagoon, which once housed a life-sized pirate ship replica for what sounds like a smashing birthday party.

Is the estate still open?

The drawing room in the house of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Getty)

In 1943, Edsel Ford passed away in his Grosse Pointe mansion and was joined by Eleanor Ford when she passed away in 1976—having never moved out of the home. Upon Eleanor’s passing, she bequeathed the home to ‘the benefit of the public’.

By 1979, the mansion had been added to the National Registry for Historic Places. In 2016, it was further designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Today, the grounds still rely on funding from Eleanor Ford, along with private donations. As of 2007, the home’s fund stood close to $100 million.

What does that mean for you, humble traveler? You get to wander through a nearly unchanged mansion. Given those hefty funds, restoration projects are top-tier—and have even involved professional English architects.

Though some rooms are still off-limits, ongoing restoration projects are targeting some of the more rundown areas of the building. I doubt you’ll notice, though, as this 30,000-square-foot house is absolutely massive.

How can travelers visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House?

A Paul Cezanne from the **Edsel & Eleanor Ford House** (Getty)

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is open to visitors every single day from 8am to sunset. You’re welcome to explore the gardens, the exhibitions, and even go dining at the newly built Visitor Center.

There are over a dozen tours and events currently planned for 2025—from blood drives to residence tours to trivia nights.

Here are a few of my top picks:

The immersive residence tour
A behind-the-scenes guided tour that exposes the inner workings of such a large estate
All about Eleanor guided tour
Head Over Heels guided tour that explores Edsel and Eleanor’s love story
Ford House After Dark event for couples
Cabaret Over the Cove live Valentine’s event
Trivia Night

How to Get Reimbursed for Delayed Flights in the EU

My favorite part about flying around Europe is the sense of security—financial security, that is.

That confidence is due to the fact that the European Union has some of the most comprehensive air travel guarantees in the world.

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation for flights delayed more than three hours unless there’s an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ preventing the plane from taking off.

Since immigrating to Spain in 2019, I have taken full advantage of my flight rights—usually once a year given how often flights are delayed now.

With more air traffic disruptions than ever before, the EU’s flight compensation regulation is designed to protect passengers from undue delays. And compared to the US’s fledgling Fly Rights policy, it’s accessible, functional, and puts a few hundred dollars back in my pocket at least once a year.

So, how can you get reimbursed for delayed or canceled flights in the EU? I recommend using a little company called AirHelp. Let’s dive in.

First—the fine print

Like I just mentioned, EU Regulation 261/2004 (usually called EC 261) requires airlines to reimburse customers when their flight is delayed by more than three hours.

What they owe you is dependent on how far you’re flying.

You are owed €250 for delays for flights within 1,500 kilometers; €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers; and between €300-600 for flights over 3,500 kilometers.

However, some circumstances bar you from applying for compensation.

For example, my flight from Catania to Barcelona was delayed due to a volcanic eruption, which meant I couldn’t apply for reimbursement—and fair enough.

Another example would be a hefty delay at Warsaw’s budget airline airport. Ryanair got us onto the plane with a 2-hour, 55-minute delay, barely preventing a legion of compensation applications from passengers like me.

Meet AirHelp, my sky-lawyers

Volcanic eruptions and almost three-hour delays aside, I’ve received a handful of reimbursements over the years. In fact, I’ve been paid back close to €1,000 since I first used AirHelp back in 2019.

Here’s a little crash course in how the company works: You document the delays at the airport, then send off your information to the company. That includes your boarding pass and an explanation for the delays, along with how it impacted your trip.

That last part is particularly important. If a delay incurs more costs for you or shaves precious time off your trip, those considerations could possibly impact how much you’re paid out. In other words, every detail matters.

After that, AirHelp handles the claim until the airline is ready to give you cold, hard cash.

Bada-boom, bada-bing. It’s really that easy.

My experience using AirHelp

I know I just hit you with a flagrant bada-boom, bada-bing. Turns out there’s a little more you need to know about using this platform.

Here’s what I think you should know about using AirHelp based on my own first-hand experiences:

First, it’s not absolutely necessary to use AirHelp. You can apply for reimbursement yourself. That being said, the process is mind-numbingly wordy and complex. I highly recommend handing it off to the experts.

Second, AirHelp takes 35% of your reimbursement to cover their fees. Some users have found that to be too high, but I’m just excited to have air travel rights. Even if I didn’t get the money, I’d still want someone to hold airlines accountable for their mistakes, especially when they cause me to miss connecting flights.

Third, AirHelp takes a few months to process. If an airline pushes back and wants to take AirHelp to court, it’ll take even longer. That being said, you’ve already spent your money on the plane tickets—so a little delay doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.

Lastly, AirHelp is a bona fide success—and I imagine airlines see them as the Boogeyman. Of all the applications for compensation that I’ve sent in, only one was challenged by the airline and sent to litigation. Despite the delay, AirHelp came through with a big win.

Welcome to Meramec Caverns—Former Hideout of Jesse James

I was raised in Fenton, Missouri on the edge of Saint Louis County.

I had a foot in both worlds. Most of my family lived in the city, but I grew up on the county line, which means I know things like where to find the buffalo and what soybean crops look like.

I also know a good amount about caves.

That probably sounds random, but there’s a simple reason behind it: Missouri is home to the US’s largest number of limestone caves. And a lot of them are accessible from the highway I grew up on. My high school even had a spelunking club.

I can name a few of the most famous caves in the state off the top of my head, from the Ozark Caverns to the Onondaga Caves.

Thanks to its proximity to my house, I spent the most time in the Meramec Caverns—home to the hideout of the infamous troublemaker, Jesse James.

Even if you haven’t heard of this cave system before, I’m sure you’ve heard of the well-known American outlaw. According to legend, the Meramec Caverns offered him shelter when on the run.

Caught your intrigue?

Here’s how to visit the Meramec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri, located about an hour west of Saint Louis.

Meramec Caverns: The Greatest Show Under the Earth

‘The greatest show under the earth’ (courtesy of Meramec Caverns)

The Meramec Caverns are around 400 million years old. Each year, close to 150,000 visitors grace the 4.6-mile-long cave. The main appeal here is its scale. Like I mentioned up top, Missouri caves are huge.

The Meramec Caverns can fit a six-story building inside its tallest cave. Height aside, I think the stalagmites and stalactites are just as impressive. These formations are caused by tiny deposits of water and moisture, which create column-like structures that descend from the ceiling and ascend from the ground.

Most are larger than the average adult. It almost feels like walking through the jaws of a massive dinosaur skeleton. (In a good way.)

While I admit that the cave is pretty commercialized (there are light shows, walking paths, and stairs), the tours let you take a closer look at dozens of unique structures.

Best of all, tours don’t book out. They start every 20 or 30 minutes, even during low season. Like I just mentioned, tours include up-close visits to the cavern’s coolest formations, including a larger-than-life curtain-like sheet wall.

It looks like a theatrical curtain, which is where the cave got its moniker of ‘the greatest show under the Earth’. (Pictured above.)

Did Jesse James actually hide out in the cave?

Here’s a little Missouri wisdom for you: Stop asking questions you don’t want to know the answer to.

But if you’re really interested, here’s how the cave intersects with Jesse James.

Meramec Caverns is rich in saltpeter, a mineral used to make gunpowder. During the Civil War, the area was a hotbed of conflict between the Union and Confederate Armies—which both wanted to control its saltpeter mines.

After the Union took control of the caves, a Confederate band of guerillas snuck in and destroyed their cache. Among them was Jesse James himself, accompanied by his brother Frank James.

The pair were so struck by the caverns’ size and utility that they hung around until 1870, using it to store illegal goods while playing hide-and- seek with the local sheriff.

Stories, legends, and myths carried on for decades regarding the Jameses and Meramec Caverns.

Fast forward a hundred years and local businessman-explorer, Lester Dill, discovered a new lower chamber in the caves during a brutal drought. Apparently, he discovered artifacts and items that once belonged to the outlaw brothers.

On the record, however, there’s no official historical proof that either man stepped foot in the cave.

How (and why) to visit the Meramec Caverns

If you like stalagmites and outlaws, there’s no better place to visit than the Meramec Caverns.

So, how can you see this larger-than-life spectacle? The easiest way is to drive from Saint Louis or Kansas City. It’s about a four-hour drive from Kansas City and a one-hour drive from Saint Louis.

Meramec Caverns are also located on Route 66—and used to be one of the most famous stops on the old route. If you’re looking to put together an old-school adventure on Route 66, don’t miss out on this stop.

You’ll get more than just a cave tour, too. The grounds are home to a motel and camp for anyone who wants to rest before moving on. Plus, you can book a zipline tour and even a boat tour. I’d highly recommend that boat tour; the Meramec Caverns are named after the Meramec River, which I spent my childhood floating down.

It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in spring and summer when the area is overgrown with lush greenery. This part of the river is also very slow-moving, letting you boat, kayak, and paddle in peace.

5 Picturesque Airbnbs in Miami for a Flawless Trip

No matter the reason for your trip to Miami, it’s sure to be flashy.

Sure, the city’s main appeals are its temperate climate, massive stretches of beach, and cultural diversity – but there’s one other characteristic that Miami embodies with boldness.

Style.

That style doesn’t just come down to good-looking people playing beach volleyball and sipping on brightly colored cocktails. It’s infused into almost every element of the city—from its tastiest eateries to its Art Deco architecture.

If you’re heading to Miami, then you need an Airbnb that fully embodies this stylish spirit, too. After all, the more care you put into finding a quality rental, the more immersive your trip becomes.

Need a few suggestions? Here are the most picturesque Airbnbs in Miami. If it’s not pleasant to look at, it’s not recommended here.

Best Airbnbs in Miami—at a glance

For couples: Luxury Suite in Española Way
For bachelorette/bachelor parties: Amazing Tropical Villa
For families: House with Large Garden
For sun-seekers: 1BR Penthouse with Bay Views
For weekend getaways/short stays: Exquisite Unit in South Beach

Best Airbnbs in Miami

For couples: Luxury Suite in Española Way

Both cozy and chic, this dreamy space is to die for—in your lover’s arms, of course. (There’s even a second mattress for any ‘friends’ you bring home!)

Nestled in the heart of South Beach, you have some of the area’s top shops, eateries, cafes, and even beaches right within reach. But this studio is located on a pedestrians-only cobblestone street, giving you the best of both worlds.

The Spanish-style building is also to die for. It’s pastel-pink walls and inner courtyard usher you into that iconic stylish Miami atmosphere.

For bachelorette/bachelor parties: Amazing Tropical Villa

With a massive outdoor pool, professional grill, and plenty of lounge chaises, it doesn’t get any better than this Airbnb’s backyard.

Whether you want to tan in the sun, scroll on Instagram in the shade, or prepare a meal, you can do so in a tropical layout in high fashion.

Although the interior is a little white for my eclectic Miami tastes, it’s certainly a gorgeous setup that will make any group of bachelors or bachelorettes feel comfortable. And stylish, of course.

For families: House with Large Garden

This open-floor-plan Airbnb studio has a sleek, well-balanced design. There are toys and books available for kiddos, along with a pack’n play and a high-chair upon request.

There’s even a putting green in the backyard—which kids can play or ignore as they run around in all that open space. Plus, there’s a washer-dryer for any last-minute clean-ups.

For sun-seekers: 1BR Penthouse with Bay Views

Miami is popular all year round thanks to its mild climate. So, if you’re there to seek out the sun then you’ll want two features: a location close to the beach and an outdoor pool.

This condo in the Design District offers it all to guests—including views of the gorgeous Biscayne Bay. The condo pool is worth drooling over, but you’ll only be a short drive from Miami Beach when the sand calls.

For weekend getaways/short stays: Exquisite Unit in South Beach

The shorter our vacation, the more important it is to find a great Airbnb. I suggest booking this rental for two reasons.

First, it puts you within walking distance of the beach—where you’ll probably want to spend a good amount of time. Second, there’s no cleaning fee—meaning you don’t need to waste your precious weekend escape scrubbing dishes.

Plus, this unit is decked out like a boutique hotel.

Shopping in Paris: Boutiques Worthy of Emily in Paris

No, she doesn’t dress like the average Parisian.

Emily Cooper’s style is way too bright and loud. Her hats would cause havoc on the metro. Her shoes would be stained five different colors by the time she got to the office. (Also, where does she keep all those clothes?)

I could go on and on poking holes in the plot, aesthetics, and cultural milieu of Netflix’s Emily in Paris. But this is a Darren Star production—the same mind behind Sex and the City.

It’s best to enjoy the ride without looking too closely. In fact, I vote we leave behind the critiques to go shopping instead.

While I consider myself more of a Sylvie than an Emily, most Americans heading to Paris identify with the strong-willed and ever-positive marketing up-and-comer from Chicago. (That’s Emily.)

While I can’t promise you’ll find an affordable attic room to rent near the city’s cutest streets, I can point you in the right direction when it comes to boutique shopping.

Want to go shopping in Paris like Emily Cooper would? I’ve got recommendations.

*This article will explore Parisian boutiques that reflect the fashion in the show—but it does not cover items discussed or sold in the series. You can find actual Emily-in-Paris branded products from Shop The Scenes, instead.

Parisian boutiques for your Emily in Paris adventure

Recommendations come from style icon Jeanne Damas, Paris-based writer Lindsey Tramuta, and Suitcase Magazine.

Rouje

Headed by Jeanne Damas, this classic French fashion brand offers any and every piece you’ll need to craft an effortlessly elegant look. With locations dotting Paris and beyond, this brand is slightly more accessible than others.

Le Bon Marché

As one of the most iconic shopping hotspots in Paris, you’ve probably seen photos of Le Bon Marché before—and for good reason. Inside, you’ll find dozens of high-profile and yet-undiscovered brands.

Aujourd’jui Demain

This edgy vegan concept store includes a fittingly delicious Parisian menu, along with ethical clothing, bags, shoes, and more. That’s right—vegan fashion is an emerging powerhouse for shoppers who want ethical pieces. Eat your heart out here.

Chez Snow Bunny

Great vintage finds for the hyper-trendy. To be fair, Emily Cooper probably isn’t cool enough to pull off most of Chez Snow Bunny’s Roccobarocco vintage pieces, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t.

Guerrisol

This is yet another sleek, street-style vintage shop. I’ve found its pieces to be a little more mainstream-accessible than Chez Snow Bunny, just in case you’re a little intimidated by contemporary fashion.

THANX GOD IM A V.I.P.

Looking for ultra-luxury vintage, instead? You need to go to THANX GOD IM A V.I.P. While that kitschy name threw me off, I’ve since learned that this boutique curates some of the best and most exclusive vintage pieces that you can find in Paris. From Céline pieces to Yves Saint-Laurent, it’s got those high-fashion names—for an upscale price, of course.

Chinemachine

My last vintage boutique recommendation might be a little bit more familiar to Americans. It’s a shop that lets locals buy and sell their favorite pieces—at more accessible price points, too. Best of all, you can shop Chinemachine online. No trip to Paris necessary.

Tricot

I’m rounding off this list with one staple many Parisians have: a great Cashmere piece. (Or ten.) Tricot is an ethical cashmere store that offers classic sweaters, upscale gloves, and plenty more at affordable prices. It’s upscale Parisian clothing without that crazy price tag.