In tropical Key West, December temperatures tend to fluctuate between about 70 and 80 degrees, while the water is perfect at an average of 72 degrees. Visiting the beach and accessing the ocean is almost always free-and provides an alternative setting to the icy roads and snow-covered sidewalks that many people have to deal with at home. In fact, it could be argued that the Florida Keys is one of the most festive places to celebrate Christmas, even with the lack of snow.
A young group of teens stood on top of a rocky ledge, some fearful, some excited, some just egging their friends to jump. Their trepidations were warranted - it's not every day you're faced with a drop of about 30 feet above the surface of a pool of water. But inevitably, each brave adolescent took the leap and gasped for a few seconds of unnerving airtime before gravity plunged them into the cool freshwater below.
"Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-traveled destinations," Ariane Gorin, the CEO of the Expedia Group, said in a statement shared with T+L. "With 1 billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn't just a travel marketplace-we're a catalyst for positive change. We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that's smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go."
The initiative is part of Okaloosa County's efforts to boost eco-tourism and marine biodiversity; the SS United States will join more than 500 artificial reefs in the area.
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