There's a Place for Everyone in the Florida Keys & Key West

While Florida’s Gulf Coast has earned abundant acclaim for its white sand beaches and tangled mangrove forests, the state’s eastern reaches are home to their fair share of natural beauty as well. Case in point: the sprawling Amelia Island, a lush vacation destination that’s found just 45 minutes north of Jacksonville. In addition to pristine beaches and verdant forests, this idyllic island is also home to a thriving food scene and high concentration of lavish accommodations, with no shortage of fascinating attractions in place for all forms of traveler. As you plan your next trip to the northern edge of Florida, don’t miss out on this underrated coastal gem.

Southwest Airlines announced the return of its Companion Pass promotion. 

Southern California’s Disneyland Resort has just released fresh details about the offerings guests can expect to see during the highly anticipated Season of the Force limited-time event, coming April 5 through June 2, 2024. The celebration of all things Star Wars universe will feature new experiences, including attraction overlays, nighttime spectaculars, character encounters, and themed food, beverages and merchandise.

This article originally appeared in the March issue of AGENTatHOME magazine.  Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.

A rep shows off tech device accessories. (Photo Credit: Lark Gould)

I recently went on a short trip to Santorini from my home in Athens and decided to take a ferry both ways.

With measles making a global comeback - cases increased 79 percent in 2023 - the CDC is issuing new guidelines for those planning to travel abroad.“Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, adding: “The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.”In particular, the CDC website says Americans who intend to visit other countries should consult with a doctor six weeks prior if there’s any question about whether they’ve had the measles vaccine. Travelers are at risk of contracting measles if they've not been fully vaccinated two weeks ahead of traveling abroad, says the agency's travel advisory.“All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.In another notable update, Russia and Malaysia have been added to the CDC’s map of 46 countries that are experiencing a significant uptick in measles cases. Some of the additional countries where health officials have reported large measles outbreaks include Afghanistan, Armenia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. To view the full list of countries experiencing a significant measles outbreak, visit the CDC website.And if you do travel abroad and develop any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends seeking medical care:

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Women Own the Room initiative, which helps current and prospective women hotel owners break down historic barriers to hotel ownership, has celebrated fifteen hotel openings and over 50 signings in a little over two years. 

As part of its Nonstop to Net Zero effort, Southwest Airlines is signing on to a project that's been dubbed the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative.A new mode of transportation designed to combine the speed of an aircraft with the “relatively lower cost of a boat to reduce the time and cost” of transporting travelers, seagliders are all-electric, zero-emission vessels. They operate exclusively over water and can move at up to 180 miles-per-hour, which dramatically reduces travel time. Seagliders function by floating on their hull before transitioning to “wave-tolerant underwater hydrofoils” and then take flight at ultra-low altitudes about 30- to 60-feet above the surface of the water. The vessels are being designed by Rhode Island based manufacturer REGENT.The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative (HSI) was first announced in January and includes a broad coalition of partners. Some of the high-profile corporate and community partners supporting the effort include AES Hawaiʻi, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Constructions Trades Council, Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association, Japan Airlines, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Mokulele Airlines, Molokaʻi Chamber of Commerce, Polynesian Adventure, and United Airlines.

MSC Cruises has just announced the scheduling of a momentous occasion in Miami next year, when it will unveil the latest crown jewel in its fleet, MSC World America, at a glittering naming ceremony on April 9, 2025. 

A host of eclectic and enticing events will entertain and educate visitors to the Florida Keys & Key West this spring and summer. From fancy dress to food, fetes and street parades, underwater musical performances to boat parades, events are guaranteed to be colourful and memorable.

Choice Hotels International announced on Monday morning that the company has terminated its hostile takeover efforts of rival Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.