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.

Trading Pumpkins for Peppermint: What to Expect in Northern Virginia and Washington DC During the Holidays

As we trade pumpkins for peppermint, we’re diving into one of our favorite times of the year: the holidays! To help you make the most of this festive, upcoming Christmas Season, we’ve gathered up some of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.’s top holiday events to enjoy this year.

Of course, we implore you to double-check each event’s official website for the latest dates, times, and ticket details before heading out.

Northern Virginia Holiday Highlights

Middleburg Christmas Parade – December 7, 2025
https://www.middleburgva.gov/356/December---Holiday-Activities
Middleburg’s annual Christmas celebration is one of the most charming holiday traditions in Virginia. The day begins with the iconic Christmas Parade featuring horses, hounds, and festive floats parading down Washington Street, followed by shopping, caroling, and hot chocolate. The whole town transforms into a Hallmark-worthy holiday scene that’s not to be missed.

Reston Town Center Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting – November 28, 2025
https://restontowncenter.com/
Reston Town Center kicks off the season with a lively parade, community sing-along, and the ceremonial lighting of its towering Christmas tree. It’s a family-friendly event filled with performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a warm, small-town feel right in the heart of Northern Virginia.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights (Vienna, VA) – November 8, 2025 – January 7, 2026
https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
Stroll through a dazzling half-mile of holiday lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. This illuminated trail winds through gardens and wooded areas, making it a peaceful, magical experience perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to slow down and savor the season.

Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville, VA) – November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
https://www.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights
Drive through 2.5 miles of spectacular light displays at Bull Run Regional Park. The festival also features a Holiday Village with carnival rides, food, and photos with Santa, making it a long-standing local favorite for families across the region.

Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade – December 14, 2025
https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/parks-recreation/events
Downtown Leesburg glows with holiday cheer during this annual parade and community celebration. Enjoy festive floats, local marching bands, and a true small-town Virginia holiday atmosphere.

Washington, D.C. Holiday Highlights

Downtown Holiday Market (Penn Quarter) – November 22 – December 23, 2025
https://downtownholidaymarket.com/
This open-air market brings a European flair to downtown D.C. with artisan goods, food vendors, live music, and hot drinks. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and experience holiday cheer in the city’s cultural heart.

The Wharf’s District Holiday Boat Parade – December 6, 2025
https://www.wharfdc.com/
The Wharf’s waterfront lights up with a stunning parade of decorated boats, fireworks, and live entertainment. There’s also a waterfront beer garden and s’mores by the fire pits—an ideal way to enjoy the season with a view.

Georgetown GLOW – December 6, 2025 – January 12, 2026
https://www.georgetownglowdc.com/
This immersive art experience features outdoor light installations throughout Georgetown’s streets and waterfront. It’s free, walkable, and makes for stunning evening photos and cozy winter strolls.

National Christmas Tree Lighting (The Ellipse) – December 4, 2025
https://thenationaltree.org/
A cherished D.C. tradition since 1923, this annual tree lighting near the White House features live performances and a truly magical atmosphere. Free tickets are distributed via lottery, so plan ahead for this unforgettable experience.

Downtown D.C. Holiday Lights – November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
https://downtowndcholidaylights.org/
Explore 20 blocks of lights and displays in downtown D.C., with participating restaurants and shops offering holiday specials. Perfect for date night or a festive evening walk with friends.

Bonus: Christmas at Gaylord National / ICE!
National Harbor, MD – November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Experience the holiday for real: giant hand-carved ice sculptures (over 2 million pounds of ice!) featuring scenes from The Polar Express ™, thrilling ice slides, indoor snow tubing, scavenger hunts, and sprawling Christmas décor inside a resort along the Potomac. Be sure to bundle your tickets ahead of time and check for dress/accessibility notes (it’s kept at ~9 °F inside the main ice attraction). https://www.christmasatgaylordnational.com/ The images above were taken from 2022 when Shelby and her family enjoyed the “A Christmas Story” theme…and really, can’t you just HEAR some of the captions?!! Loved it so much. And it was definitely VERY cold! Towards the end of the attraction, they also had an Ice Nativity, and it was truly breathtaking. Well done - and thank you for incorporating the true meaning of Christmas!

We’re so excited to make the most of the season ahead—and to share our adventures with you along the way. Follow Shutter and Compass for more holiday fun, festive inspiration, and travel stories as we count down to closing out an incredible 2025!