Dreaming of Barbados: Why We Swapped Jamaica for a Sandals Escape in 2026

It’s literally freezing.

Snow is piled high, the roads are locked down, and going anywhere feels questionable at best. We’re bundled up, cabin-fevered, and very much stuck inside for the next few days. And when winter decides to fully commit like this?

We do what we do best.

We dream. ✨

Specifically, we’re dreaming of warm trade winds, turquoise water, and a tropical reset—because on April 30, 2026, we’ll be trading snow boots for sandals (the footwear and the resort) as we head to Sandals Barbados. This trip has been circled on the calendar for months, and on days like this—when the world outside is white, frozen, and wildly uninviting—having a warm, beachy vacation on the books feels less like a luxury and more like a survival strategy. We are sharing this again so that you get INSPIRED to join us!! And of course, this is our cushy way of sending you all warmth, too.

Why We Changed Plans: From Jamaica to Barbados 💔➡️🌴

Originally, this trip was set to take us back to Jamaica, a destination we love deeply. But after Hurricane Melissa caused devastating impacts to parts of the island, we had to make the tough call to change plans. We’ll be honest—this wasn’t an easy decision. Sandals has done (and continues to do) incredible work supporting their resorts, staff, and surrounding communities after hurricanes. And yes, there was a real possibility that we could have been among the first guests welcomed back after reopening.

But ultimately, we decided to give Jamaica a bit more time.

Not because we don’t trust Sandals—quite the opposite—but because recovery after a major storm is complex. Infrastructure, surrounding excursions, beaches, and local communities all deserve the space and time to fully rebound. When we return to Jamaica (and we absolutely will), we want to experience it at its strongest. So with heavy hearts but open minds, we pivoted.

And that pivot led us right back to Barbados.

Why Barbados Won This Time

We’ve been lucky enough to experience both Antigua and Barbados, and honestly? You can’t go wrong with either. Antigua’s beaches are breathtaking, and it was very much in the running. But this time around, Barbados ultimately won us over—and here’s why.

Two Sandals Resorts, One Seamless Experience

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Barbados is that there are TWO Sandals resorts right next door to each other:

• Sandals Barbados

• Sandals Royal Barbados

Staying at one gives you access to both, which means:

• More pools

• More bars

• More beaches

• And—our favorite—a significantly larger dining scene 🍽️

A Standout Dining Lineup

Dining was a big deciding factor for us this time, especially after comparing options across islands.

Between the two Sandals Barbados resorts, guests can enjoy 20+ restaurants, including favorites like:

• Butch’s Chophouse – A classic Sandals steakhouse with upscale vibes

• Chi Asian Fusion – Bold flavors and a sleek atmosphere

• Kimonos – Teppanyaki fun that never gets old

• La Parisienne – Elegant French cuisine

• Neptune’s – Fresh Mediterranean flavors with ocean views

• American Tavern – Elevated comfort food done right

When we compared that variety to other destinations (including Antigua), Barbados simply offered more range, more atmosphere, and more choice—perfect for a longer, indulgent stay.

The Island Itself

Beyond the resorts, Barbados as an island is vibrant, welcoming, and rich with culture.

From:

• Calm, swimmable beaches on the west coast

• Dramatic cliffs and waves on the east coast

• Historic Bridgetown and UNESCO-listed sites

• Rum distilleries, catamaran cruises, and local food scenes

Barbados strikes that perfect balance between relaxation and exploration—which is exactly what we’re craving right now while staring out at snowdrifts.

Why We Always Keep a Warm Trip on the Books

Right now, the world outside feels cold, quiet, and completely frozen in place.

But knowing that Barbados is waiting for us—that there’s sunshine, ocean air, and a Sandals welcome with our names on it—makes winter feel a little more manageable.

Having a warm, beachy vacation planned isn’t just about travel.

It’s about:

• Something to look forward to

• A mental escape on the hardest days

• And a reminder that seasons change—even when it doesn’t feel like it

So while we’re snow-locked, sipping hot coffee instead of rum punch, we’ll keep dreaming.

Because come April 30, 2026? We’ll be trading frost for sunshine and winter blues for Barbados blue waters.
And honestly—dreaming has never felt so necessary. If you are interested in WARMING up, and let’s be honest, after this brutal winter weather, we’ll all be in need of thawing out - let us know! We have booked our Sandals Barbados Vacation with Kristen Faye Alfred, of @travelwithkristen — she would love to help you get your Sandals Vacation booked.

Cheers to 2026 ✨

Hello, 2026 — and Happy New Year from Shutter & Compass

As we step into a fresh year, we’re feeling energized, curious, and excited about what’s ahead. Travel continues to evolve, and so do we. This year is all about inspiration that fits real life — whether that looks like a spontaneous weekend getaway, a thoughtfully planned cruise, a foodie-focused night out, or a long‑dreamed‑about international adventure.

One of our quick fall getaways was spent at the Middleburg Oktoberfest…and the Corgi Races!!! Megan and Shelby COULD NOT resist! How could we NOT go?!

At our core, Shutter & Compass is for women who love experiences. Women in their 20s discovering the joy of travel, couples and friend groups planning unforgettable trips, empty nesters embracing freedom, and solo travelers chasing confidence and comfort — all with a touch of luxury and a lot of heart.

Looking back on 2025 (just the highlights 😉), we loved diving deeper into incredible local spots across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. From waterfront favorites like Chadwicks and cozy classics like Cheesetique, to standout meals at Corso Italian, sweet stops at Don Churro, cocktails at Brass Rabbit, and craft pours at Lark Brewing, local storytelling became one of our favorite ways to connect — and we’re just getting started. I mean, look at those CORGI’s?!! Was that day “planned” and official? Nope. Did we just decided to up and go…Yep! Look at those puppieeeeesssss! Shelby wants them all. Now back to the point…local storytelling has definitely increased with the partnerships and collabs, as well as just fun outings!

Some of our most memorable moments blended food, fun, and pure creativity. We loved immersive pop‑ups like The Upside Down Bar, inside Problem Child DC, located near Nationals Park, making it an easy additions to a DC day or weekend itinerary. From the Stranger Things themed cocktails and nostalgic décor to better‑than‑bar food we’re still talking about, these experiences reminded us how powerful storytelling can be. Bonus: we loved that teens were welcome until 9 PM — a huge win for families who still want something fun and elevated. And let’s be honest - were you even a part of the 2025 holiday season if you didn’t enjoy Stranger Things?!! We also loved heading to Tiki Thai in Reston, Virginia! Oh my goodness. Deliciousness with all of the warmth of tiki vibes in December.

On a national level, 2025 was a big year for theme park travel. We explored Disney and Universal from multiple perspectives, shared honest resort comparisons, and leaned into the excitement surrounding Universal’s EPIC Universe. From stays at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Shades of Green, to iconic favorites like Loews Portofino Bay and the stunning new Helios Grand Hotel, we’re excited to bring even more behind‑the‑scenes looks, planning tips, and hotel deep dives in the year ahead. Now, we did have our podcast scheduling slow down a bit — what can we say — we’re human, and life was definitely happening to both of us last year. But, stay tuned. More to come soon! A few fun captures from EPIC — ahhhh! And after seeing these, we want to go back already!

We also continued learning how to travel smarter, not harder. In 2026, you’ll see more content on leveraging credit card points and miles to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs — especially for flights. From using Rakuten strategically to maximize rewards, to pairing it with American Express for even more value, we’re excited to keep sharing what actually works for us. The plan is also to have some great leading experts on this to help us navigate this newfound travel energy! As we grow in 2026, we’re also excited to continue opening the door to intentional brand partnerships that align with our audience and values. From restaurants and hotels to entertainment venues and travel brands, we love collaborating with businesses that care about experience, storytelling, and connection as much as we do. Our goal is always authentic coverage — thoughtful photography, honest insights, and content that inspires our community to explore with confidence.

And now… the big tease. ✈️🌍

Last year’s major focus was Disney, Universal, and EPIC. This year? International travel takes center stage. New destinations, new cultures, and stories we can’t wait to tell — and yes, we’re keeping the details just mysterious enough for now. Stay tuned.

As always, we want to know what you want to see more of in 2026. More local guides or more far‑flung adventures? Hotels, restaurants, cruises, theme parks — or all of the above? Weekend trips or bucket‑list journeys?

Tell us in the comments, vote in our polls, or send us a message. This community helps shape every itinerary, every guide, and every story we share.

Here’s to a year filled with unforgettable experiences, beautiful places, and travel that meets you exactly where you are. 🥂

Happy New Year,

Disclaimers
Affiliate Disclosure: Shutter & Compass, LLC participates in affiliate and referral partnerships. Some of the links in The Compass Journal are referral or affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, sign up or apply through these links, we may earn a small commission or bonus, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our travel content and keep the blog running.

Accuracy Disclaimer: The information above is current as of January 26th, 2026. Always refer directly to official websites for the most up-to-date details before making decisions.

One Year of Shutter and Compass: Travel, Photography, and Adventures Around the World

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Shutter and Compass was nothing more than two best friends daydreaming about how we could combine our passions for travel, storytelling, and photography. Today, that dream is a thriving travel and lifestyle brand filled with blog posts, podcasts, social media content, and unforgettable adventures.

Shutter and Compass is the result of two photographers—Shelby and Megan—who wanted to share more than just pretty pictures. Megan, with a background as a travel agent, realized that her true calling wasn’t booking trips but living them, documenting them, and inspiring others to follow their wanderlust. With Shelby’s photography expertise and shared love of exploration, the path became clear: create a platform where our imagery, words, and voices could transport people into the heart of travel.

At its core, Shutter and Compass is:

• A travel blog and podcast filled with tips, stories, and insights. Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? If not, this is an open invitation!

• A content creation hub for businesses who want to showcase their experiences, services, or destinations with a professional and creative touch.

• A photography brand that thrives on capturing detail, emotion, and adventure.

• A community for travelers—especially women ages 25–55 who are inspired by exploration, luxury travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our Facebook Group is growing to be a wealth of knowledge for newbie travelers and experienced alike.

Whether we’re highlighting a charming winery in Virginia, sailing the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages, or racing through Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, our goal is the same: to bring our imagery and storytelling to the masses and help others discover the beauty and excitement waiting for them.

October 2024

Just one year ago, at the Shutter and Compass Launch Party at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm! Grateful for Sunshine Ridge and Maria Rafferty who graciously allowed us to celebrate there — and Maria and Sunshine were the first official video published!
Grateful for so many who came out to support and offer services, including Ofe Cox and her team at Love Wedding & Events, and Ester Malinowski, of Castle Drive Flowers. We couldn’t do what we do without support from our amazing small business family!

Local Adventures: The Best of the DMV and Northern Virginia

This past year, we leaned into our own backyard and discovered how much there is to see and do right here in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.

We’ve highlighted some of the region’s most beloved spots:

• Lark Brewing Co - A relatively new local gem that we LOVE hanging out at! Great for relaxing weekends or weeknights, and family friendly.

• Stone Tower Winery – A gorgeous backdrop for wine lovers, where rustic charm meets rolling hills.

• The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm – A hidden gem on the water with a welcoming community and a perfect sunset view. Maria and her team are fantastic, and we’ll always love our adults only time to just chill with a lake view.

• The People’s House in Washington, D.C. – A unique space blending history, architecture, and a sense of national pride. As it’s only a year old, this was a perfect way to check out some of what DC h as to offer, without the craziness.

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Ghost Tour – An after-dark adventure that revealed the spooky (and fascinating) history of Old Town Alexandria.

• Nationals Game from a rooftop — yes, please!

• We didn’t forget the winter festivities - between the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Hi Lawn’s Northern Lights Dome Experience on Union Market’s rooftop, we had it covered with unique and fun visual outings.

And that’s just to name a few amazing opportunities for local travel we’ve enjoyed. Our local content has reached tens of thousands of views and proved that people are hungry to explore what’s right outside their front door. We also had the immense honor of video hosting the opening for one of our favorite local charities, Boxes of Basics. How incredible is it to have people, friends, and groups acknowledge all that we are doing, even as a brand new business?! Truly, we love being able to support our community, and this was a fantastic opportunity to help shed light on the issue of clothing insecurity.

Besties doing what we do…for our favorite charity.

Blessed to be asked by Sarah Tyndall of Boxes of Basics to open for their Dueling Keys for a Cause event. While we were still quite new to being “public” and on video, we got out of our comfort zones and went for it! It was a blast, and using our skills for charity was an honor.

Learn more about Boxes of Basics, volunteer, or donate here: https://boxesofbasics.org

Thank you to Tammy with Sweetheart Photo Booths - so great finally connecting on this special evening!

International Travel: Cruising the Caribbean

Internationally, we spent time in the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, sailing to some of the most stunning islands in the world. From San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Maarten, we captured and shared a “sample size” of each destination. This particular cruise was either our 2nd (Shelby) or 3rd (Megan) cruise with Virgin, and let us say — we are fans. For adult cruising. Otherwise, I think we’d go Disney all the way!

Cruising allows us to experience beaches, local culture, and community life in quick snapshots—whether it’s soaking up the sun, tasting fresh island flavors, or wandering cobblestone streets. And the beauty is, if a place captures our hearts (and many of these islands did), we know we can always go back for a longer stay. Megan will be heading back to Jost van Dyke in February and is excited about the opportunity to bring you images and stories from our favorite island!! Truly, it’s a must-do.

Our podcasts and videos about Virgin Voyages have inspired others to consider cruising as their next vacation. It’s a lifestyle we’ve fallen in love with—relaxing, adventurous, and filled with stories to tell. We are also thrilled to share that we’ve opened up our podcasts to include guest speakers to share guidance and experiences, and you’ll want to keep listening for more!

National Travel: A Day at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe

Closer to home, we traveled to Florida to experience the newest Universal theme park: Epic Universe. Even though we had only one day, we made it count, traveling through each portal and fully immersing ourselves in the magic.

Highlights included:

• Helios Grand Hotel – Elegant and stunning, a luxurious anchor to the park. We highly recommend this amazing hotel if you can swing it. Yes, it’s expensive, and there’s no real way around that. But the ease of getting into and out of the park, plus the captivating views makes it worth it. At least once.

• Ministry of Magic (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – A stunningly detailed expansion that transports you straight into the magical heart of Harry Potter’s world. From intricate architecture to immersive storytelling, this new land is a must-see for fans who want to step inside the Ministry itself.

• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) – Shelby met Toothless (a true bucket-list moment!) and we all felt like Vikings flying through the skies. From the moment you walk in to see this “Isle”…you are fully immersed. It’s not just magical, it’s transformative. You’ll walk right alongside your favorite HTTYD characters!

• Mario World (Super Nintendo World) – Our teenagers were in heaven, racing through Donkey Kong, meeting Luigi, and dining at Toadstool Café. The only thing we all wish we had more of — time in the park!

• Dark Universe – Creepy, thrilling, and a must-see for fans of Universal’s iconic monsters. Truth be told, we weren’t ‘as’ excited about this Universe. That said - it was VERY well done. Go at night. You’ll thank us.

• Celestial Park – A beautifully designed hub that ties everything together. The food, the atmosphere and the Stardust Racers Coaster are all fantastic! Again, the ONLY thing we needed at Epic was more time.

We were especially impressed with Universal’s attention to dietary needs, making it easy for allergy-conscious families to enjoy their visit. And beyond the rides and restaurants, we treasured the chance to create memories with our children—whether they’re small kids or (like ours) 19-year-old college students who still light up at the magic of theme parks.

Beyond Epic Universe, we also spent two regular park days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These days were packed with thrills, from riding the heart-pounding VelociCoaster to soaking in every magical detail of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal always delivers when it comes to immersive worlds and adrenaline-pumping attractions, and it’s a destination we never get tired of returning to.

We also dedicated a full week to Walt Disney World. While Universal is our go-to for big-kid rides and roller coasters, Disney will forever hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts. We are, and always will be, Disney kids at heart—captivated by the magic, the storytelling, and the joy that fills every corner of the parks. From Cinderella’s Castle to EPCOT evenings, Disney remains a place where our family makes memories that last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shutter and Compass

While our first year has been filled with growth, exploration, and storytelling, we’re just getting started. Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting projects and collaborations that we can’t wait to share with you.

And looking further ahead, we’re thrilled to announce our First Annual Shutter and Compass Group Trip to Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2026! We’ll be partnering with our friend and travel expert, Kristen Faye Alfred (@Travel.With.Kristen), to host an unforgettable all-inclusive getaway. If you’ve been inspired by our travels and want to experience the Shutter and Compass community in person, this is your chance. Whether you join us for the full group experience or simply want an excuse to escape to Jamaica, we’d love to see you there.

Thank You for a Wonderful First Year

This journey would not be possible without all of you—our readers, listeners, collaborators, and fellow travelers. Your encouragement and support have helped Shutter and Compass grow from an idea into a brand that inspires, connects, and creates. And, in our first year, we are honored to have even won our very first award! Each year, Inside Nova hosts a competition, and we are beyond grateful to have won The Best of Prince William County - Best Blogger Award. Seriously, y’all. Pinch us!! We love what we do, and we are blessed to share it with an audience who supports and encourages our work.

Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more memories in the year ahead. ✨