PRIDELY ~ THE KEYS

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TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next International Trip

OVERPACKING OVERSPENDING

NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH CARRYING VALUABLES

NOT NOTIFYING THE BANK

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best.

Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling abroad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - unfortunately, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” if you don’t do this ahead of time.

Restaurants

Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House

Steaks from a stone grill & lobster tails are the specialties of this casual, nautical eatery & bar.

3660 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Phone: (305) 743-5516 | Web: lkeyssteakandlobster.com

Kiki’s

Sandbar Bar & Grille

Easygoing beachfront eatery doling out pub grub & seafood favorites, with a patio & boat dock.

183 Barry Ave, Little Torch Key, FL 33042

Phone: (305) 872-4500 | Web: kikissandbar.com

Square Grouper Bar and Grill

Bright, easygoing spot specializing in American mains & seafood, like fish tacos, plus cocktails.

22658 Overseas Hwy, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042

Phone: (305) 745-8880 | Web: squaregrouperbarandgrill.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Porky’s Bayside

Restaurant and Marina

Casual waterside eatery doling out BBQ fare, seafood & drinks in funky surroundings.

1410 Overseas Hwy MM47.5, 1400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

Spacious bayfront roadhouse with outdoor bar offering seasonal seafood, live music & sunset views.

96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL

The Buzzard’s Roost

Pine-paneled seafood eatery on the water with outdoor seats, a tiki bar, live music & cove views.

21 Garden Cove Dr, Key Largo, FL

Galley Grill

Unpretentious local option for breakfast & lunch classics like eggs Benedict & BLTs.

24862 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, FL

The Fish House

Stalwart restaurant & fish market serving a variety of meals made with locally caught seafood.

102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Long-running local go-to decorated with license plates serves seafood, steaks & nightly specials.

99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL

Square Grouper

Islamorada

Cocktails, wine & locally sourced seafood served in a laid-back waterfront operation with a deck.

80460 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL

SHOR American Seafood

Grill

Sophisticated space in the Hyatt Resort presenting area-sourced seafood along with harbor views.

601 Front St, Key West, FL

JAN 26

Key West Food and Wine Festival

Events range from extravagant walk-around tastings during our famous sunset, to educational wine and food seminars led by our local talent, to local funky events you would only expect to experience in Key West. Learn more at keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.

FEB 26

Annual Old Island Days Art Festival

This Art Festival is a time-honored tradition dating back to the early 60’s when Old Island Days was a 10-week celebration of special events. Fine art aficionados can discover the work of several artists in a balmy open-air setting, at Truman Waterfront Park. Learn more at athomekeywest.com.

MAR 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Key Colony Beach

Decorate your bikes, cars/trucks, golf carts or float to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Or watch the parade from the sidelines where we’ll be tossing candy and celebratory trinkets. Wear your green and join us for some fun! Learn more at marathonflorida.com.

APR 2

The Florida Keys Seafood Festival 2022

See you at the 16th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival in Key West for the freshest seafood caught, cleaned, prepared & served by your local fisherman. This event will offer live music, kid’s activities, vendors & artists, beer & wine garden. Learn more at floridakeysseafoodfestival.com.

MAY 4

Key West Songwriters Festival

The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world, and known as a career starter for top country talent. Learn more at keywestsongwritersfestival.com.

FOUR TIPS to help you boost your retirement savings

1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 401(K)

If you happen to have the benefit of a traditional 401(k) plan through your employer, you may be able to contribute pretax money. This can be a huge advantage to your retirement savings plan.

2. OPEN AN IRA

It is a good idea to establish an individual retirement account (IRA) to help invest in your future. You can do either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Take some time to research both options and see what’s best for you.

3. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

A good idea to help you increase your savings even more is to set automatic payments each month. This will help you grow your money without even having to think about it.

4. SET A GOAL

Understanding and planning ahead of time how much you may need in the future not only can help you better understand why you’re saving, but it also can make the process more rewarding.

6 Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

1

Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

2

Digital Marketing Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

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JUN 5

Key West Pride

Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride with a fun evening of the best local Key West entertainment! Learn more at gaykeywestfl.com.

JUL 4

Fourth Of July Parade

46th Annual 4th Of July Parade & Fireworks “Celebrating Freedom”

Make sure to bring your appetite; the Key Largo Rotarians and Food Trucks will serve food. Also, bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Learn more at web.keywestchamber.org.

AUG 7

Kilts in the Keys

Kilts in the Keys Party will be held at Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House August 7, 2022. Join us for food, music and friends! Learn more at floridakeyscelticfestival.com.

OCT 21

Fantasy Fest

Fun-loving revelers from around the globe bring their creativity and imaginations as they descend upon Key West each year in October for 10 days filled with costuming, parades, libations, and excitement! Learn more at fantasyfest.com.

DEC 10

31st Annual Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade 2022

The parade begins at 8:00 p.m. but the festivities start early on the Harbor Walk of Lights Bight Before Christmas Celebration. The variety of vessels are amazing and endless as dolphins and other aquatic creatures leap out of the sea to dazzle us all. Learn more at keywesthistoricseaport.

KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD

The mission of the Key West Business Guild is to promote LGBTQ+ travel to Key West through marketing and the promotion of special events; to support local LGBTQ+ owned and/or managed businesses, or other business members that share in the values of the Key West Business Guild. The Guild is committed to preserving, strengthening, protecting, and promoting the LGBTQ+ community’s position in Key West and partnering with other LGBTQ+ organizations to protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. GAYKEYWESTFL.COM | (305) 294-4603

BOURBON STREET PUB

New Orleans-themed gay destination for theme nights, drag shows & outdoor pool with bar & theater. 724 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

ONE SALOON

Historical gay watering hole with late hours, drink specials, live entertainment & an outdoor patio. 504 PETRONIA ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

801 BOURBON BAR

Nightclub with a gay bar & lively mix of drag shows, bingo, karaoke & other events. 801 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

KEYWEST PRIDE

Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or get lost in the magic of our tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride! GAYKEYWESTFL.COM | (305) 294-4603

AQUA BAR AND NIGHTCLUB

Interactive drag shows, DJ dance music & cocktails draw revelers to this glowing party & show bar. 711 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST, FL 33040

3

Health

& Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

4

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

5

People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put your own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

6

Finance & Investing Food Recipes Self Care

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.