the travel key

We do the planning for you

Let's book the vacation of your dreams!

First of all

Curating memorable experiences.

At The Travel Key, we believe in curating experiences and not just a vacation. We offer a range of travel services, including leisure & corporate travel, foreign exchange, visa & insurance, to ensure that your journey is unforgettable.

Not to mention

Discover unforgettable journeys.

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with The Travel Key. Our travel experiences are designed to create lasting memories and make a positive impact on the communities we visit.

And let's not forget

Tailored travel solutions.

From corporate travel to luxury getaways, we offer tailored travel solutions to suit your unique needs. Our team of experts will ensure that every aspect of your trip is taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy your journey.

Experience You Can Trust

Our team of experienced travelers and travel agents are dedicated to providing you with the best travel experiences possible. With years of industry experience, we have the expertise and knowledge to plan the perfect trip for you.

Travel with Purpose. Unlock the World with The Travel Key.

Get in touch, the travel key.

TravelKey 4+

Exclusive to wetu clients, designed for iphone.

• 4.2 • 5 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

The TravelKey app gives you instant access to your beautifully curated and interactive travel itinerary. It’s user-friendly interface showcases all of your travel information, maps, and contact details, when you are both on and offline. Key features include directions via your chosen map app, downloadable documents, weather for each destination, and the ability to switch between light and dark mode. PLEASE NOTE: You will require a mobile code to log in. Please contact your Travel Agent before downloading the app.

Version 2.1.16

- Fix for count down timer

Ratings and Reviews

I really need it to work and it won’t! I’ve deleted and reinstalled. I’ve also hard rebooted my phone. I hate to sound like a Luddite but paper doesn’t do this to a person.

App Privacy

The developer, Wetu , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

Fly Airlink

Abercrombie & Kent

Tablet Hotels

Withlocals Tours & Travel App

Where do you want to travel?

The keys to travel.

Because Memories Matter

Travel is our passion. We believe travel strengthens relationships that no other experience can provide. The memories you create with your partner, friends, or family while traveling are memories you will never forget.

We can’t wait to help you plan your next unforgettable vacation!

Create lifelong memories together through travel.

Hi! I’m Sarah Key, the founder of The Keys to Travel, a luxury travel agency. Our mission is to help couples, families, and groups create lifelong memories together through unique, luxury travel experiences.

We are passionate about helping people travel because we truly believe travel strengthens relationships and makes the world a better place. The memories you make on a vacation are memories you will hold onto for a lifetime. We help you travel more and stress less by designing complete vacation experiences customized to each client.

Are you ready to start planning your next vacation?

Where to Start?

Planning your wedding is stressful enough. Don’t add more stress to your plate by booking your honeymoon on your own. When partnering with The Keys to Travel to plan and book your honeymoon, the process will be stress-free and easy!

More information on honeymoon planning services.

Spending quality time together away from the stress of everyday life is so important as a couple. The Keys to Travel helps create dream romantic vacations around the world for you. Whether you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or just spend time together, we are here to make that vacation a reality.

More information on romance travel services.

Traveling the world together as a family will create lifelong memories that you and the kids will never forget. But planning all the logistics and details can be overwhelming. When working with The Keys to Travel, we take all the stress off your plate so you can focus on building those quality memories with your family.

More information on family travel services.

Exploring a new destination with friends, family, or strangers heightens your travel experience. But coordinating all the travel details for a large group is complicated. That’s where The Keys to Travel comes in. We can help plan, coordinate, and book many different types of group travel, including business retreats, incentive travel, bachelorette/bachelor parties, multi-generational family travel, affinity groups, and more. If you dream of hosting a group vacation, we can turn that dream into a reality.

More information on group travel services.

What our clients say:

“Working with The Keys to Travel was truly amazing. They helped me plan my husband and I’s destination wedding + honeymoon in Mexico! I had a lot of specifics that I wanted and at the end of the day The Keys to Travel made sure that all of my boxes were checked. I could not have done any of it without them and I’m sure we will use them services again. HIGHLY recommend!”

“Working with The Keys to Travel was a really great experience! They were there every step of the way and even surprised us with a special treat in our room. She also helped us navigate an issue with our excursion during the trip, which still turned out wonderful. Overall, The Keys to Travel truly helped to make our honeymoon trip memorable and one that we will never forget! We can’t wait to use them to help plan our next paradise getaway!”

“The Keys to Travel was great to work with and really created a great experience for me and my wife. We gave them a list of accommodations that we wanted, and they recommended the perfect resort for us. Everything from the plane tickets to transportation, to the resort itself was perfect and stress-free. I would highly recommend working with The Keys to Travel to book a vacation as it was an easy and enjoyable process.”

“Working with The Keys to Travel was so easy! From the beginning of the process of narrowing down what city we wanted to travel to, all the way to reaching them to help us extend our trip while we were on a catamaran in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. They put so much ‘extra’ into their work to make sure our trip was memorable and relaxing.”

Ready to plan your next adventure?

Follow us on instagram..

The Keys to Travel is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network - a Virtuoso Member & Forbes Travel Guide endorsed agency.

Follow Us On Social

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Disclaimers
• Disclosures

Luggage shop by size

Guide to TSA Luggage Locks

When you travel, your luggage should be securely protected with TSA-approved luggage locks. TSA-approved locks all fit a universal master key only accessible by TSA agents that is used to inspect luggage on an as-needed basis. As only TSA agents have access to the master key, your luggage remains securely locked when handled by anyone else.

Luggage locks that are TSA-approved protect your luggage as well as its contents. TSA agents will break locks not approved by the TSA off bags to inspect luggage contents, leaving the bag’s contents vulnerable to theft and possibly damaging your bags.

We recommend  using TSA luggage locks on your suitcase . At the same time, we understand some confusion exists concerning what type of TSA locks to use, how to set combinations on TSA-approved locks, and how to reset a luggage lock if you forget your combination. We’ll answer your concerns here.

Where Can I Buy TSA-Approved Locks?

You can buy TSA-approved luggage locks at airport kiosks, local luggage stores, and online outlets. A TSA-approved lock’s packaging will clearly state the lock is approved by the TSA. Avoid luggage locks that do not make this claim.

If you want to know if your lock was opened by a TSA master key, purchase a lock with a red/green indicator. The indicator is set to green and only switches to red if the bag was opened for inspection. You can reset the indicator for future trips using a paperclip, pen, or other slender-pointed object.

Which Types of Luggage Locks are TSA approved?

You can choose several types of TSA-approved locks to fit your personal needs. Possibilities include:

• Key Locks are traditional padlocks that use a physical key to open and close the lock. One of the most common types of TSA-approved travel locks, key locks are affordable ways to keep your suitcase contents safe. One word of caution: The key for a travel key lock is small and easy to lose. Keep your key in a secure place, or you could find yourself locked out of your luggage, in which case you’ll need a small hacksaw to cut through the lock. 
• Combination Locks are a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to keep track of small travel lock keys. These locks use a three or four-digit combination. The lock has a keyhole for the TSA master key, and as long as you don't forget your combination, you won't be locked out of your suitcase. 
• Cable Locks are combination locks that use a semi-flexible cable to lock instead of the traditional metal clip. The cable's flexibility is a plus, as the lock can be used for various applications, including locking strongboxes. Some cable locks come with retractable cables that store in the lock.
• Key Card Locks use a key card similar to those used to open hotel rooms. Like combination locks, TSA-approved key card locks have a keyhole for the TSA master key. The key card is credit card size, and fits easily into a purse or wallet.

Can I Lock My Luggage on a Flight?

Travelers sometimes express concern about whether they are allowed to lock their luggage on flights. The answer is yes, you can and should secure your bags on all flights. The rules for domestic and international flights, however, are slightly different.

Can I Lock My Luggage on a Domestic Flight?

You can lock your luggage on a domestic flight. Whether or not you choose to do so depends on what you’re transporting. A lock provides extra security and peace of mind if you’re checking in a suitcase with expensive clothing or valuable items inside. A lock may not be needed if you’re traveling with a carry-on bag filled with inexpensive items.

Should I Lock My Luggage for International Flights?

Luggage locks are necessary when traveling internationally to secure your belongings and minimize theft risk. Some areas of the world have problems with luggage theft in and around airports. A securely locked suitcase is less likely to be stolen than one that can be quickly opened, riffled through for valuables, and discarded.

You can use TSA-approved luggage locks internationally, but not all international airport security have access to the TSA master key. In countries where the key is unavailable, security agents may break TSA locks to inspect bags, which could damage your bag and leave you in need of  luggage repair . Fortunately, many popular international destinations now use the TSA master key, at least at major airports. Check the following chart to see if your destination uses the TSA master key:

How Can I Reset My Luggage Lock?

Resetting a combination luggage lock is easy if you’re entering a new combination for the first time or changing a known combination. The process is more complicated if you have forgotten the combination. Here’s how to handle each of those situations.

How to Create a New Password With A New TSA Lock

Traveling using a TSA-approved lock’s factory setting is risky — it’s like using ‘password’ as an online password, so you should enter a new combination before traveling. You may also want to change your combination to keep someone who knows your password out of your bag.

Changing an Integrated TSA Lock Password

Changing the password for suitcases with integrated TSA locks requires a slightly different approach:

• Set the lock dial to 0000 or your current password.
• Slide the release button towards the dials to confirm the lock will release. 
• Insert a pointy object, such as a glass repair screwdriver, into the reset button. You do not need to hold the button down.
• Set the deal to the new password. 
• Poised the release button towards the dials to confirm the new code. The reset button will click and release if you set the code correctly. 
• Test the new password by turning the dials to a number other than the new code, then push the release button. The dials should not release. 
• Insert the bag's zipper tabs into their slots while the preferred number is displayed. The tabs should release.

Once you get the lock open, remember the combination or add it to your phone. A common traveler's trick is to add a fake name and phone number to their phone’s contact list, using the combination for the last number of the phone number.

TSA-approved luggage locks provide the most protection when paired with high-quality, well-made luggage. Check out  luggage sets from Travelpro to find the bags and suitcases airline professionals use.

🧭 Explore Our Guides

Luggage shopping guides.

Beginner Travel Tips

Airline tips.

Luggage Repair & Maintenance

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

How to Take the Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

The best beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on a drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West.

A drive down Florida's Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers the perfect blend of eccentric bohemia and chic joie de vivre . As the mile markers decrease, Old Florida charm sharpens into focus. Strip malls hawking beach sundries and snorkeling tours along the upper reaches of U.S. 1 give way to dazzling turquoise flashes as the road becomes more bridge than highway. The route south is festooned with the Keys' ubiquitous kitsch — a giant, spiny lobster presides over a local arts village, lipsticked manatees clutch mailboxes, and hand painted mermaids tempt passersby with the promise of sunset cocktails.

You could drive the 113-mile stretch in a little over three hours, but why would you want to? Road trips , especially one as iconic as this, are all about the stops along the way. So put the top down and cue Jimmy Buffet. Here's our guide to the best the Florida Keys has to offer.

Ease yourself into the Keys' laidback vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. A stop into Alabama Jack's is a must, especially if you're a first-timer. The scrappy, waterside seafood shack has been the Keys' unofficial welcome wagon since 1947 and serves some of the best conch fritters around. Live music and the line of Harleys outside add to the honky-tonk scene.

With your internal clock synced to island time, cruise over Card Sound Bridge and into Key Largo where you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at mile marker 102.5. Explore the park's prolific marine life and a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract — North America's only living coral barrier reef — on a guided snorkeling tour . Or rent kayaks and head out for a paddle through miles of mangrove-lined wilderness trails.

Key Largo is at the epicenter of sustainability efforts in the Florida Keys, especially when it comes to reef health. At the Coral Restoration Foundation , researchers are rearing and planting corals in undersea nurseries. For a unique experience, snorkelers and divers looking to add an eco-tourism stint to their travels can assist scientists with outplanting and reef monitoring at active restorations sites.

After a day of sea and sun, check into the breezy Baker's Cay Resort , a lush retreat tucked into a secluded setting with gorgeous Florida Strait views. The resort partners with local environmental organizations to create eco-friendly guest programming. It was also the first resort in the Keys to join Reef Relief's " Skip the Straw " campaign.

You could easily spend a few days hopping around the string of tiny islands that make up Islamorada and while you do, The Moorings Village is the perfect place to call home.

Built on a former coconut plantation, the resort is home to eight private cottages nestled amidst tropical landscaping just steps from the Atlantic. Eight-hundred palm trees dot the property, and there's no shortage of hammocks for lounging beneath the verdant fronds.

Grab a paddleboard and head out for an ocean jaunt, watch the world go by from the cool shade of your porch, or while away a few hours by the gorgeous pool. If you can tear yourself away, single-speed beach cruisers are available for a pedal around town. Check out the galleries around the corner in the Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District — every third Thursday is the district's evening art walk — or pop into the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company for a hyper-local tasting flight.

Robbie's Marina , one of the Florida Keys' most iconic landmarks, sits on the tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, about five miles south at mile marker 77.5. The epitome of the archipelago's barefoot affability, Robbie's is a waterside shantytown of sorts that includes an outdoor marketplace, a marine sports outpost, and the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, named for the school of enormous silver fish that have been circling the docks for decades. Seven bucks will get you a bucket of bait and admission to the dock, and feeding the leaping, thrashing creatures provides a memorable diversion.

Afterwards, head out for an eco-tour through Islamorada's pristine waters with Captain Sam Zeher or just chill dockside with one of Robbie's Trailer Trash Bloody Marys, complete with a beef-jerky straw.

When the dinner hour beckons, shake the sand from your toes and head to Pierre's , an elegant plantation-style house with a wide verandah overlooking Florida Bay. A few miles north at Marker 88 , the chef serves the kind of super-fresh seafood one would expect to find in the sportfishing capital of the world. Tuck into cracked coconut-crusted shrimp and fresh Florida lobster on the outdoor patio with a glass of fruity Chardonnay — for a relaxed joint, Marker 88 has an excellent wine list. At either spot, the famous Keys sunset is guaranteed to put on a memorable show.

Even before Hemingway's old man took to the sea, the Keys were a saltwater angler's paradise, legendary for big game like sailfish, wahoo, and blue marlin. Though pulling a trophy fish from the ocean can be a thrill, sometimes the best part of casting a line is eating your catch later.

One of the best ways to do so is on a hook-and-cook adventure at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, a pocket-sized island about 20 miles south of Islamorada. When it comes to relaxation, the resort offers a stunning adults-only enclave called Oasis Cay.

Get out onto the water with lifelong conch (i.e., Florida Keys native) Captain Dave Perry , who has been fishing the Keys for decades and runs charters out of the Hawks Cay Marina with Captain Justin Brunk. In addition to blue water hunting, the two specialize in fishing the reef for snapper and grouper, fish that can later be blackened, grilled, or fried for a hyper-local meal at Angler and Ale , the resort's dockside restaurant.

Connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, the Seven-Mile Bridge is a highlight of any Keys road trip and driving it feels like being immersed in an ocean-themed movie. But before you do, take a ferry out to picturesque Pigeon Key for a dose of Keys history.

In the early 1900s, Florida tycoon Henry Flagler envisioned an Overseas Railroad linking mainland Florida to Key West. The project was nicknamed Flagler's Folly — no one believed his ambitious plan would come to fruition — yet, despite naysayers, the rail line was finished in 1912 complete with the engineering marvel that became the Seven-Mile Bridge. During the railroad's construction, more than 400 workers lived on Pigeon Key, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. Tours of the tiny island leave three times daily from the Pigeon Key Visitor's Center and offer a deep dive into the story of the railroad, its ill-fated demise, and the scenic highway travelers drive today.

The Lower Keys

Take a detour for some beach bliss at Bahia Honda State Park , a 524-acre swath of nature tucked between the Atlantic and the Gulf. Don't forget to drop by Sandspur Beach, long considered one of the best in the Keys.

On Big Pine Key, stop into the new Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, which features exhibits spotlighting the Keys' four wildlife refuges including the nearby National Key Deer Refuge . Established in 1957, the refuge protects approximately 9,200 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys that serves as habitat for endangered Key Deer. Stick to the speed limit around here — the diminutive creatures have been known to dart into the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

About 30 minutes south, you'll find authentic, Old Keys spirit on the docks of Geiger Key Marina at The Fish Camp . Founded by local restaurateurs Michelle and Bobby Mongelli, also behind the well-loved Hogfish Bar and Grill on nearby Stock Island, this open-air tiki bar and seafood joint claims to be on "the back side of paradise," which certainly feels accurate when you're sitting waterside with a plate of succulent Key West pink shrimp and a cold beer. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is legendary.

Head out to explore the labyrinth of waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures . Trips leave from a tiny inlet on Cow Key Channel and wind through the mangrove tunnels and saltwater creeks hugging the edge of the Atlantic. The vibrant ecosystem provides a habitat for manatees, sea stars, tropical fish, and all kinds of shorebirds — many of which you'll encounter while paddling through the Keys' backcountry wilderness.

Key West exudes the same anything-goes bonhomie it did back in the day of rumrunners and speakeasies — only now it's infused with a shot of modern flair. Colorful conch cottages line the streets of Old Town, swank cocktail salons mingle with celebrated watering holes on Duval, and feral fowl give new meaning to free-range as they strut along the sidewalks crowing with carefree abandon.

Find respite from the downtown bacchanalia at the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas . The entire property breathes Old Key West charm. Walkways edged with white-picket fences wind through tropical gardens past hidden swimming pools and quaint, two-story clapboard bungalows. Bright-blue Adirondack chairs sit on covered porches, hammocks swing beneath shady palms, and ceiling fans spin lazily overhead at The Grove, the resort's new open-air restaurant. Parrot Key's complimentary shuttle delivers guests throughout the day to either a private beach club at Smathers Beach or to the heart of Old Town. For a DIY adventure, a fleet of single-speed beach cruisers invites exploration.

At four miles long and two miles wide, Key West is made for biking. Pedal through dappled sunlight along Whitehead Street to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . Inside, passionate docents supply a glimpse into the profound yet tragic genius of one of the Lost Generation's most colorful characters. Pay further tribute to Papa at the Hemingway Rum Company , which produces the award-winning Papa's Pilar, named for the author's beloved fishing boat. The company's flagship headquarters, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, is part distillery, part tasting room, and part museum. Find a spot at the bar and sample delicious, dark and blonde Solera-blended rums amidst all variety of Hemingway-themed ephemera.

When the sun starts to set, climb aboard Danger Charters ' elegant, three-masted schooner for a wine-tasting sail that offers a polished alternative to the nightly circus — think fire juggling acrobats and hoop-jumping cats — at Mallory Square. Or take a quick jaunt on the private ferry to Sunset Key for a gastronomical adventure overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes , the signature restaurant at Sunset Key Cottages . There, you'll dine on yellowtail, grouper, or cobia by the light of tiki torches with your toes in the sand. Innovative cocktails, crisp white tablecloths, and dreamy island views round out a memorable evening.