2019 Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche Boxster has been around since the 1990s, but the little 2-seater went into its fourth generation in 2017 with many changes. Trims include the base Boxster, the mid-range Boxster S, and the Boxster GTS. The base Boxster makes 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the Boxster S bumps things up to 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping GTS trim, meanwhile, makes a whopping 365 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The base trim features a power-folding soft top, well-bolstered seats, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and high-quality fit and finish. Options include Apple CarPlay, navigation, a better Burmester stereo, wood or carbon-fiber trim for the dashboard, and several different seat types and upholsteries. The S trim comes with 19-inch wheels and drivers can opt for a lower ride height and torque vectoring. The GTS features the Sport Chrono package along with 20-inch wheels and a slightly lower ride height. The Boxster hasn鈥檛 been crash tested, and it comes with few standard safety features, including a reversing camera. The Boxster is an ideal weekend sports car. Properly equipped, it can also be a capable track-day toy. It competes with equally fun 2-seaters like the BMW Z4. Since 2012, Andrew Newton has been writing about cars both old and new. Andrew has been an associate editor at Sport Car Digest as well as a contributor to sites like BoldRide and JamesEdition. He was also the Education Manager at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA before becoming the Auction Editor at Hagerty Classic Car Insurance. He currently splits his time behind the wheel between his NA Miata, 1994 Corvette, and Triumph TR6.
The cities offer busy clubs and bars, but for a more relaxed pace, choose to stay in one of the islands luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Unlike the Cayman Islands, Jamaica is not a place where an American will necessarily feel safe wandering outside the gates of their hotel compound. However, within those gates you may find a true paradise, and at a lower price than similar accommodations on Grand Cayman. The South Coast of Jamaica offers a quieter scene for brides and grooms who prefer something a bit off the beaten path. With three different islands within the chain, the U.S. Virgin Islands has a lot of possibilities for planning your ideal wedding. St. Thomas is the busiest of the three, with its bustling harbor filled with visiting cruise ships, big hotels, and immensely popular shopping areas. This is definitely not the destination to choose if you are looking for a secluded island paradise for your nuptials, but if you like a vacation spot that combines pretty beaches with lots of activity, St. Thomas fits the bill.
St. John is the quietest of the U.S.V.I.. Two-thirds of the island is unspoiled parkland, so if the idea of a pristine and tranquil setting is what you imagine for your destination wedding, put St. John on your list. It is decidedly more low-key than St. Thomas; you will pay a premium, as most things on St. John will cost more than on her sister islands. Of course, many brides and grooms feel it is well worth the higher cost of hotels and meals on St. John for the chance to enjoy the more easy-going island vibe it has to offer. Put another way: if you want to 鈥済et away from it all鈥? opt for St. John, and if you want to be right in the middle of all the action, choose St. Thomas. There is a third U.S. Virgin Island, which is St. Croix. As far as activity level, it is somewhere between St. Thomas and St. John.
The special appeal of St. Croix is the historic towns and old plantations. Couples who enjoy history will especially like St. Croix. And let's not forget the fantastic beaches and ocean view! For all the U.S.V.I., peak season is December - April, and hurricane season runs from June - November. Beyond the Caribbean, there are some other magnificent locales for tropical weddings. Traditional playgrounds of the rich and famous such as Fiji and Bali are currently considered to be politically unstable, but for equally breathtaking scenery, consider a wedding in the 50th state, Hawaii. One of the many advantages of a Hawaiian destination wedding is that the peak season on the Pacific island chain is May - September, which also happens to be the top wedding season. For brides and grooms who want a summer wedding without the hurricane worries of the Caribbean, Hawaii is perfect. Another reason to choose Hawaii as a destination wedding site is the ease of getting married there.