In this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, the show visits the island nation of Jamaica. Erik learns the history of the culture while exploring grottoes, riding horseback in the ocean, and sampling Jamaican-style culinary offerings.

The first day of spring 2023 is upon us and boy am I excited! The spring showers bring beautiful flowers! As I write this note, I am making my way down to Curacao to make an exciting episode of Beyond Your Backyard.

In light of the Daytona 500 on February 19th, I thought you might want to learn more about this iconic Florida beach paradise. 

Valentine’s Day is upon us (or was) and perhaps that annual observance reminded you to book a romantic getaway with your significant other. Perhaps an extended weekend in a place you both adore or a week-long romance extravaganza is in order?

Greetings fellow vacation enthusiasts! We have a lot to cover as this is a busy week! One of the questions I get asked quite a bit is “which do you prefer, an all inclusive resort or a cruise?” This is such a loaded question because I love both.

OMG! This private beach is exactly what dream vacations are made of! This is a private island/beach and very popular stop with Carnival Cruise lInes and Holland America. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, you have to see it to believe it.

You know what they say…meet me in Montauk! And in case you haven’t been, please allow me to expound. Montauk is located at the very end of Long Island (to the east) after the Hamptons. It is a charming beach community featuring miles of sandy beaches, lush, green state parks, quaint shopping and dining districts and plenty of accommodation options if you book in advance.

If you read my previous article about which cruise is right for you and have made your selection, then the next big decision is to tackle what cabin you are going to select.

The crew and I explore the northern end of this legendary and popular destination on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast. Join me in one of the few places in the United States where wild horses still run free! I'll discover how a beach vibe, tide and some historic lighthouses shaped this unique destination. All that, and plenty of fun and fresh seafood for all in a destination unlike any other.

While some people like to keep their trips light - as in not inviting anyone to come along with you - others have decided to go big. Multigenerational Trips have spiked in popularity since 2019 and it’s not hard to see why.

This Barbados Guide is a jumping off point in learning more about this Caribbean island paradise.

On my recent trip to the Olympic Peninsula, I learned how to shuck oysters and it was so much fun!

Come with me to the Mexican island destination of Cozumel to learn more about Mayan Culture, through the food and the archaeology. We'll spend time with a spiritual guru who teaches ancient history through deep breathing and self-discovery. We'll also dine on delicious Mayan delicacies and learn how to scuba dive!

In this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, Erik the Travel Guy seeks educational fun in the sun in St. Pete / Clearwater, Florida. This virtually undiscovered gulf coast destination is bursting at the seams with artistic flair. Erik dives into the mind of Salvador Dali, takes a colorful downtown walking tour, learns the art of glass blowing and samples BBQ from an iconic pitmaster. Thanks for watching, liking, subscribing and sharing these videos with your friends!

Bimini is a district of the Bahamas and consist of two main islands located 50-miles east of Florida. 

National parks, small towns, big cities, beaches, forests, desserts, this country is big and diverse! Get out there and explore! 

This may just be the most important travel crossroads you’ll come upon. Allow me to elaborate. It’s July 2022 and a few key roadblocks are in our vacation path (so to speak). Let’s review…COVID 19, supply chain issues, bigger bill at the supermarket, the war in Ukraine, staffing shortages, high inflation, canceled flights, monkeypox, peak summer travel demand, the kids are out of school (and bored) and, to top it off, topping off the gas tank requires a new mortgage on your home with a 23% percent APR!

Never been to Hawaii? Watch this short video about Erik's favorite places and helpful information. Includes stops in Honolulu, the "big island", Maui and more. Consider a cruise to see the most from our 50th state! Thanks for watching, liking, subscribing and sharing these videos with your friends!