Key West remains lost in time. It is a place to savor, but not in the usual tourist sense. You want to enjoy the sights, but you also want to relax and celebrate the fact that “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!”

Key West, Florida is lost in time. Known as the “Conch Republic,” because it more or less goes by its own rules, this westernmost island of the Florida Keys seems to be in its own historical world, as well. Tomorrow hasn’t come since the 1960’s (or earlier). So any of your Key West vacation packages can be designed with “days of old” in mind.

Immersed in ownership that included the British, Spanish and U.S., an historical base in native tribes, a history of salvage operations and fishing and a strong military presence, the history of the isle can easily become the sole focus of any of your Key West vacation packages.

However, there is so much more to this small island paradise that you need to broaden your horizons.

First is getting there. On one of your Key West vacation packages, you might fly. However, be prepared for pricey tickets. On another, you might take a boat from one of several southwest Florida locations (e.g., Naples, Marco Island). On yet another of your Key West vacation packages you might opt to drive the Keys from the Miami area. The latter is an interesting trek. The scenery is beautiful; you can stop at the 1935 hurricane memorial and realize just how many people live in this more or less isolated island chain. But, the drive, through many small towns with strictly enforced speed limits, takes hours.

Once you reach your destination, you will want all of your Key West vacation packages to be fun-filled. In addition, there is a lot to do in Key West.

A must stop on any of your Key West vacation packages is a visit to the marker that highlights the “Southernmost Point in the United States.” People line up to have family and friends take their picture by this pot-bellied marker. Be prepared, however, to take many minutes to locate a parking space here (and elsewhere on the island).

The next activity on any of your Key West vacation packages is to take a walk through the downtown area. By scoping out the shopping, restaurants, historical sites and parking areas, you will be better prepared to enjoy the rest of your Key West vacation packages.

If you are thinking about taking your kids with you on any of your Key West vacation packages, reconsider. The streets are littered with head shops and there are a few risqué’ nightclub signs. And although clothing is not necessarily required, some nightclubs accept less rather than more.

There is also a dock area where cruise ships make occasional day-trip stopovers. You can find many restaurants here, all with a great western view to capture the sunset. Many street players line the dock area showcasing their talents (e.g., blown up balloon swallowing, walking on glass). This ensures that any of your Key West vacation packages will be different and memorable.

You have to visit Jim Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and retail store on any of your Key West vacation packages. The burgers and drinks are top notch, the environment (including ongoing taped music and videos) enjoyable and the people watching unbeatable. Of course, the retail shop will ensure that you have lasting memories of any of your Key West vacation packages.

Although it is a tropical island (temperatures never get to freezing, and it’s usually warm – but not hot – thanks to persistent, cooling trade winds), the island is lacking in beaches. The Zachary Taylor State Park (admission required) provides the best. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and the beachside food shop provides an okay lunch on the run.

But, the main reason for taking any of many Key West vacation packages is to relax. Buffett’s mantra is that “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” and that means it is time for a margarita. So, as part of any of your Key West vacation packages, you should follow this advice. Sit back, enjoy a drink and watch the setting sun. And think back to when the world was a simpler place…like Key West remains to this day.