The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Tips for First Timers Visiting Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard was so beautiful and relaxing!  Seriously, why am I just going for the first time?  While I truly enjoyed my short getaway and the 2nd Annual MV Summer Music Festival & Conference, I do wish someone would have told me exactly what to expect.  Since I’m fresh off of my 1st trip to The Vineyard, these are first-hand tips and suggestions.

THE GOOD

THE LOCAL FOOD

I asked my Facebook friends for the best places to eat while I was there. Among suggestions were Atlantic Fish and Chophouse, Back Door Donuts, and Offshore Ale Co., but I ended up at Lola’s and my favorite, Jimmy Seas. They serve the pasta right out of the skillet! So delicious and filling. There are some really great restaurants here and since it’s an island, you must try the seafood.  Trust me.

SCENIC VIEWS

I found the island to be so breathtaking! What a gem in the northeast. Who knew?!

SMALL TOWN FEEL

This may not be your thing but I loved the feeling of everyone knowing your name.  One thing I heard repeatedly all weekend was that people had been coming there for years. It has become tradition for hundreds of families. They came as children and are now bringing their children.  How cool is that?  But that never made me feel unwelcome. People love the island and jump at the chance to tell you where to go, what to do and how to get there.

Now on to…

THE BAD

FERRY TIMES & PARKING

If you are parking your car in one of the ferry parking lots, it’s best to take the first ferry so that the parking lots don’t fill up. If you’re traveling during the busy summer season, there are tons of people who will be heading to the island too.  The first ferry leaving Oak Bluffs on your return trip doesn’t leave until 10:45 am, which (if you ask me) is way too late in the morning, especially if you have to drive back home.  But it is what it is, so plan accordingly.

TAXIS ARE NOT ALWAYS YOUR FRIEND

Since I was staying in Oak Bluffs close to the ferry, I found that many taxis waiting at the ferry dock did not want to take me to my destination. They preferred passengers that required them to travel to another town so they could score higher fares. Ok, I get it. But I waited for about 45 minutes before I was told to walk to another taxi stand.  When I got there, I didn’t even ask the driver if he could take me.  I just opened the doors, put my bags in, and told him where I was going.  A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

YOU NEED A CAR

We learned very quickly that you need a car on the island, or at least access to one. Public transportation was affordable and would be your next best option but with such limited time, a car is the easiest way to quickly get around the island.  After we tired from walking, we saw a sign to rent mopeds and that was probably the best decision we made all weekend!  While many residents don’t care for them because they’re slow and not the safest mode of transportation, it was a great way to get around in absence of a car.

TAPER YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE BEACH

While it’s such a beautiful island, the beaches had typical characteristics of East Coast beaches – rocky, hard sand, and murky water. With that said, the water was warm and the waves were friendly. I just wish the beach wasn’t so rocky. But don’t let that stop you from going!  I still enjoyed relaxing with other beach goers.

MAKE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Since it’s an island, there are limited hotels and vacation rentals book up fast.  Be sure you don’t get stuck with a dud!

THE UGLY

There is no ugly! Have you seen my pictures?! It’s so beautiful there!  It’s the perfect getaway if you need time to unwind or want to spend quality time with your family.

I will definitely be returning next year!

7 Ways to Prepare for a Short-Term Trip

Preparing for a trip can be exciting.  You can’t help but to be consumed by the thoughts of unknown adventures that lie ahead.  While you’re excited, there’s just so much to be taken care of before you leave. Days before your departure can be filled with feelings of being overwhelmed. Don’t fret!  These tips should help check many things off your pre-travel to-do list.

1) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

If you’re going abroad, obviously you need a passport.  But some countries require visas and medical information to be shown upon arrival. Be sure to check with the State Department to see what your host country requires before entering.  Additionally, it’ll be helpful to check-in for your flight before you arrive to the airport.  You’ll be able to (hopefully) breeze through Security and won’t waste much time standing in lines.

2) PACK FOR YOUR TRIP

Preparing for a long or short term trip should determine how much you pack.  Despite how many new outfits you bought, you don’t need a large suitcase for a 3-day trip.  Don’t weigh your suitcase down with toiletries and cosmetics either.  You don’t want to pay any unnecessary baggage overage fees.  Oh, and don’t forget to leave room for your souvenirs. Paying fees for overweight bags on the return trip home would be a bummer.

3) CLEAN HOUSE

There’s just something about coming home to a clean house after a trip that makes everything right in the world.  Do your laundry, clean out the refrigerator and tidy up before leaving.  You’ll pat yourself on the back when you return home.

4) PHONES & OTHER GADGETS

Check with your service provider to see what costs are associated with your destination, especially if you’re traveling internatioanally. Different rates may apply for different countries.  Your destination may also have different electrical outlets.  Verify before you go.

5) WOMEN, GET GROOMED!

If you’re a guy reading this, skip down to number 6…although you need to make sure you’re properly groomed as well.  But ladies, style your hair in a way that’s conducive for what you’ll be doing while vacationing.  You don’t want your hair to be an unwelcome distraction and prohibit you from enjoying your trip.  Lastly, don’t forget to get a pedicure and take care of your waxing needs.  The world will thank you later.

6) MAKE DESTINATION TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

See if your airline charges baggage fees.  You don’t want any unexpected surprises when you arrive at the airport.  Also, check with your hotel to see if they offer a free shuttle to and from the airport.  This will help cut down on travel costs.

7) RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

If you’re a frequent visitor to my site, you know that I think this is one of the most important parts of traveling.  You want to make sure you see the top sites and as much of your destination as you can.

Keep in mind that these tips are for short-term trips only.  If you’re planning on taking a longer trip, there are several more things you need to take of, but this is a good start.  Do you have any tips for preparing for travel?  Comment and let us know!