I could write about the British Virgin Islands and all of our favorite places for days! We are trying to get back down there this summer, but it's pretty tricky right now with the testing, required quarantines and tracking bracelets due to covid-19. Anywhere where there is a will there is a way, and we will see if we can get down there in 2021! In the meantime... we can dream about our past time spent there and will share with you some of our favorite resorts that are off the beaten path. Some context on why we spend so much time in the islands: My husband and I worked for Global Expeditions Group for about 12 years-- our roles changed based on the time of year. Before we had kids, we were 9 months on land and up to 3 months at sea, around a school calendar, so the summer months were in the islands. Then we had kids, Sam kept going down to the islands to work and I would bring our daughter(s) for a period of time to "visit dad" during June or July. 

Oil Nut Bay  I found Oil Nut Bay Resort the summer after IRMA had come through the islands and taken out Bitter End Yacht Club. My normal route when we were in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda was always to go to Bitter End, but it was terrible, Bitter End was not an option and literally didn't exist this year. SO, I searched and searched around where I could find some time on land with my kids. Being on a boat all day anchored is a little difficult with squirmy kids, I like to let them get out and RUN when I can! Anyone can understand my reasoning here, so, I found this place called Oil Nut Bay. It truly looked like heaven. I called the resort and asked for a day pass to come on shore and swim in their pools... and WOW. It truly was heaven. We were taken on a tour of the resort by gator, it's built upon the protected mountainside and just had gorgeous views. The food was incredible, the staff was so nice, the pools were amazing, they had kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats, tons of shade (which is very key) and lots of clean towels! Coming off of a boat, especially with kids, these items are like gold. I'm pretty sure you can only get here by private ferry, helicopter, or private plane. See in pics below, Sam dropped us off in our dinghy for the day. It was magic! 

​We can't wait to go back one day. 

Stay tuned for more favorite locations and adventures in the islands... 

One of the most frequent questions I get asked these days is, "how was flying during a pandemic?" This is a pretty loaded question and everyone has different levels of comfort right now for pretty much everything having to do with the pandemic. I'm not going to tell you what is safe and what isn't safe, but I think these questions are good to ask yourself as parents before flying!

​Can your kids wear a mask the entire plane ride? 

• The answer for us is, yes. Both of our kids wear masks without issue. Our favorite mask is the Athleta Girls mask with adjustable ear straps. You can find them online here 

Can your kids keep their hands to themselves, for the most part? 

• This question is important because kids like to touch everything! Our girls are pretty good about this, although this is a little tougher on our 4 year old.

Is the airline selling middle seats?  

• This is important for obvious reasons. We have had experiences with flights packed in like sardines on American Airlines... that was really uncomfortable. But we have flown Southwest and Delta which we felt much better about overall. 
• Delta is still blocking the middle seats on their planes as of 3/6/2021 

Other FAQ's

Are there a lot of people in the airports?

• Yes, tons of people are traveling.

What should I bring? 

• We pack tons of snacks to cut down on entering restaurants and time waiting in lines with lots of people. 
• Pack tons of sanitizer WIPES to wipe down the seats and buckles when you get on the airplane. 
• Hand sanitizer.
• We shower and change our clothes as soon as we reach our destination.

A few more important things to mention is that most airlines are giving out sanitizing wipes when you board the airplane. The airlines are also very strict with mask policies on board mandating that your mask covers your nose and mouth and they will wake up anyone whose mask has fallen down during sleep on the airplane. 

Overall, we have flown a few times during the pandemic with our kids and have done so in a safe way. If you think you can keep your distance, wash your hands, wear your masks and follow the CDC guidelines then take a big deep breathe and get on that plane!

Hope this info was helpful... feel free to drop any questions below...

                        Photos above are of our girls traveling in August and in November 2020

...a blog for parents and families. It will feature tips on traveling, specifically during the pandemic with kids, and reviews on our favorite resorts and destinations...