Most people's paradise getaway is a beautiful, tropical island, isolated from everything. If that's you, I recommend the sunny island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. I've found myself in the Islands for quite a few years now, and it never gets old. St. John, or really any of the Islands US or British, has a unique design. Personally, I enjoy staying on the Island of St. John because it is away from all the commercialism, while still having enough people and shops to not feel like a total deserted island.

One of my favorite activity while in paradise is doing absolutely nothing. My family usually travels during the Christmas season, which means a hard semester just ended, and I get to lay in the hot, 85 degree sun, and do absolutely nothing. Turn off my brain and simply sit and relax. It is healthy for the mind to relax after a great deal of stress, and what better way than to dangle my feet in the pool and soak up the rays?

This past Christmas, I had the presence of my wonderful boyfriend Joshua, which only made my time in paradise better. For him to be able to see the truly stunning Caribbean, and adventure the island, made me that much more grateful for the opportunity my father gives my family each year.

The Island is not very big, but with all the hills and winding roads, it takes time to drive around and see St. John. Thankfully, almost every two miles is a new beach to park at and enjoy the ocean for however long desired.

After a day in the sun, playing in the ocean, and doing anything desired, it's dinner time. As Joshua likes to say, "This place knows how to do the food." His way of saying, "This is damn good food." Any place that you eat at in St. John will not disappoint. The freshness of the food and the capabilities of the chefs is outstanding. The fish and the steak and the lobster and the duck, all incredible. Each place has their own spin, but each place "knows hows to do the food."

I'm thankful for the times that I get to go to island paradise with people that I love so dearly. The laughs and the memories that I have stored in my brain are too many to count and they will grow more and more over time.