Category: Travel

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Planning your Land Vacation

Are you planning to travel and see the sights? Is it overwhelming to plan the trip? There are options. You can do a guided tour, an escorted tour, or you can use a packaged plan or do it on your own. It depends on your travel preference and the amount of time you can spend planning.

Escorted Tours are the easiest. You pick out a tour from one of the many vendors and everything else is taken care of. They are typically conducted by an expert travel director who takes care of every detail for you, from beginning to end. They normally include flights, hotels, any transportation needs, most meals and sightseeing. Most are done mostly using a bus. However, some have bicycling, boats, etc., depending on where you are going. Most have at least one incredible experience that you never thought of doing and all have amazing itineraries.

Guided Tours are similar but are less regimented. They are usually lead by a local expert who will only escort you on some of the activities. Some meals, accommodations and sightseeing are usually included. There will be someone available to answer any questions, but they will not lead all the excursions. This is great for people who want some freedom during their tour but still want the services of a guide.

An Independent Travel Package is just what it says, independent. The trip is planned for you with lots of free time to explore on your own but you are not set into doing specific things. There is usually a local person available to answer questions and suggest sightseeing, restaurants and activities – much like a concierge at a hotel. This is ideal for  you if you like to set your own pace. The research and planning is done by the Tour Company who can make reservations, obtain sightseeing tickets, etc. and be available for questions, but you can do the sightseeing at your own pace.

Or you can plan your one trip from start to finish. So, decide which is more your travel style and go explore!

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Wellness and Fitness





Wellness and fitness are becoming more and more of a focus on ships. From activities to food, many lines are offering more healthy choices for vacationers interested in continuing their fitness regime on vacation.

Fitness, on a ship – you are kidding?!? You might be surprised at the fitness centers on almost all cruise ships and even river cruise lines. Don’t want to miss your yoga, Pilates, Zumba or other fitness class? Most have group classes on the ship.

And if the ellipticals, stationary bikes, punching bags, treadmills and other equipment aren’t what you are looking for but you still want to have some exercise on board, how about a ropes course or rock climbing? Basketball courts, jogging tracks, volleyball, dance classes, and surfing are available on some ships. Several of the smaller ships with sports platforms offer paddle-boarding, kayaking, and skiing.

River ships usually carry bikes for use on land. They also have fitness centers but not as extensive on an ocean ship. Some even have cruises focused on wellness and wellness. 

Many excursions are more focused on wellness activities including hiking and biking. There is a wellness focused excursion on most ports of call.

So, don’t stop your fitness regime on board  ship – pick the cruise ship that most closely fits your current activities and have a great vacation! You might just find that working out at sea is even more fun than working out at home.

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Real ID




Have you gotten your “Real ID”? This is the federally approved drivers license that will be required if you want to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal facility, or visit a military installation after September 30, 2020. You can get this when you renew your drivers license. If you don’t need to renew until after that date, you should go ahead and renew to get the new license.

The new license has a gold star in the upper right corner just under the blue state symbol. 

When you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get this license, you will need to bring some proof of ID. You must have 1. Proof of Identity (Government issued birth certificate or valid US Passport), 2. Proof of Social Security Number (your SS card or a W-2 that has your name, SSN, and employer’s name), 3. Two Proofs of current, physical SC address (a current, unexpired SC driver’s license, a no more than 90-day-old utility bill with the same name and address, home mortgage statement, credit card or bank statement, or payroll stub/statement), 4. Proof of all legal name changes (marriage license or court order issued by your county’s probate or family court.)

You can go to www.scdmvonline.com “REAL ID Document Check” or call 803-896-5000 for more information or check your paperwork.


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Eating on Cruise Ships

Eating on Cruise Ships

Gone are the days of huge piles of food at the buffet line and the midnight buffet. But that doesn’t mean you will go hungry on a cruise ship! There are lots of choices and you can get as much as you want most of the time. For example, in the main dining rooms, you can order whatever you would like. You can order two appetizers, two main entrees, and three desserts if you want – you aren’t limited to one. And there are venues open except for the wee hours of the morning. It may be pizza or a grill, but you can eat almost anytime.

Most lines still offer free room service. Some have a service charge for the service. Check your daily newsletter or in room menu for pricing and/or service charge. Having breakfast in your room sitting on your balcony is a nice way to start the day!

Speaking of breakfast, you can get lots of choices on the buffet, but all the cruise lines also have at least one restaurant open for breakfast for a nice sit down meal. Some of them have two or three other venues open for breakfast. That is also in your daily newsletter

Specialty dining is a good option for the first night on the cruise. It is easier to get the time you want and some cruise lines give discounts or wine for the first night diners. 

Do you like ice cream? Most cruise lines have soft serve ice cream on the Lido Deck or the buffet lines. Speciality ice cream often comes with a charge, but soft serve is free. Check each area that serves soft serve, there are often different flavors at different locations.

A sit down restaurant is a good alternative the day of embarkation. Instead of braving the mob, ask a crew member or check the daily newsletter to find out which restaurants are open. Then sit and enjoy having someone bring you your choices.

The main dining room menus are planned out for a week and you can look at them in advance. Visit the front desk and ask to see the menus. You can pick which meals you want to eat in the main dining room and which meals you want to go to an alternate dining venue.

Alert: gaining weight on a seven day cruise is normal. Don’t be surprised if you do!

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Glamping

Glamping is described as glamorous camping with amenities, and in some cases, resort style services not usually associated with traditional camping. It’s like roughing it with a private bath with hot and cold running water, air conditioning, heater, kitchen, luxury linens, beds, etc. This kind of camping can be tents, villas, cabins, lodges, teepees,  airstreams or treehouses; the variety is part of what makes it fun. Glamping available in many places in SC.

 

Sleeping under the stars on a comfortable mattress instead of a hard surface, intense communing with nature and the freedom of a camping holiday with the comfort of a 5 star hotel are what glamping is all about. These accommodations are nestled in nature in forests, lakes, mountains and beach. Glamping is available all over the world.

 

Yurts, round structures with solid framings covered by canvas, are becoming popular because of their comfort, energy efficiency and are easily customized. Teepees and treehouses are also popular. But by far, small cabins and tents on platforms are the most common glamping accommodations.

 

Some sites even have a concierge and/or chef prepared meals available. Many have bikes, hammocks, fire pits, planned activities, jacuzzi, swimming pools and continental breakfast. Most are out in nature so you can relax and enjoy the quiet but still have the comforts of home. 

 

It’s a known fact that the South has lots of unspoiled, natural beauty. From the mountains to rivers and ocean, there are many wonderful places to have outdoor experiences year round. Glamping provides the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature while still enjoying the comforts of  home.

 


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Ireland, the Emerald Isle





Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because of the vibrant green colors of the rolling hills and vales. Ireland is a fascinating place with something for everyone. Beautiful scenery, famous landmarks, ancient castles, pubs, Celtic ruins and natural wonders, it is rich in culture and friendly people.

Probably the most famous places is the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most visited natural attractions in Ireland. The cliffs stand around 700 feet above the coast and are five miles long – with an awe inspiring vista.

If national parks are a favorite of yours, Killarney National Park is for you with walking trails, wildlife, ancient forests and the beautiful lakes of Killarney. You can also visit the 19th century Muckross House and Gardens while there. 

The Rock of Cashel, also called St. Patrick’s Rock, is the most visited heritage site in Ireland. It was the fortress of the Munster kings in the Early Middle Ages and has 12th, 13th and 15th century additions. It is a spectacular  archaeological site. It is noted to be the most remarkable collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

Of course you have to visit Dublin while in Ireland. There is so much to do and see. From the colossal St Patrick’s Cathedral, to the Dublin Writers Museum, to the Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street with it’s flower sellers and performance artists, Trinity College built in 1592, St. Stephen’s Green with it’s beautiful gardens, and picturesque bridge and playground, to the General Post Office with the 1916 bullet holes of the Irish Rebellion, there is a wealth of things to do and see. 

Blarney Castle is high on the must see list. It was started back in the1200’s and is not far from Cork. The Blarney Stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. According to legend, if you kiss the stone it will enable you to have the gift of gab but getting to the stone requires hanging over a sheer drop off. You can also visit the extensive gardens at the Castle.

This is just a small sampling of the wonders in Ireland. Cork is a great place with many attractions, also the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, Wicklow, Bunratty Castle, Sean’s Bar – the oldest pub in the world and lots of other great places to see and things to do!

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Christmas Markets River Cruise

European Christmas Markets are amazing!! The decorations, ornaments, presents, food, gluhwein, and more are in almost every town in Europe! What an awesome way to get in the Christmas spirit. This is one of our many pictures. Call us to book your fabulous Christmas Market Cruise today!

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Packing for a Cruise

Packing For a Cruise

You are going on a cruise. What a great vacation!! These are a few tips about packing enough but not too much.

Color coordinate your clothes. Mix and match neutrals with a color or two and you will have lots of outfits. You will need shorts, slacks, jeans, nice shirts, T-shirts and sport shirts. For the formal nights, a long dress or skirt, suit and tie and shoes you can wear with other outfits. Several bathing suits with cover ups, sandals or flip-flops. You can wear sneakers or shoes around the ship or on excursions.

You will need a sweatshirt, sweater, or windbreaker for layering on the days it is cool and breezy on deck. A hat or scarf would be good. Small backpacks or totes are good for excursions and around the ship. They can hold your camera, water bottle, sunscreen, etc.

A small powerstrip is a necessity if you have more than two things that need to be charged. Cruise ships typically only have one outlet in a cabin. Binoculars will be welcome for viewing sights on board. An over the door shoe bag is useful for corralling bathroom supplies and small items. A foldable duffel bag carries souvenirs or dirty clothes home.

You should carry a change of clothes, important medications, camera, jewelry, necessary IDs, cruise documents, and electronics in a carryon bag you keep with you. It is also a good idea if you are traveling with family to split your belongings on more than one bag. Both tips will be worth it if your luggage doesn’t arrive in your room when you do. Remember camera memory cards, batteries, ear plugs (in case of noisy neighbors).

Ships provide shampoo, soap, and hair dryer so you don’t need to carry those.

Pack about half of what you think you will need. And have a great time!

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The Best States for a Budget-Friendly Summer Road Trip

From Travel Pulse by Patrick Clarke

1. North Carolina

North Carolina is the best state in the U.S. for a wallet-friendly summer road trip in 2019 as it ranks inside the top 10 for both costs and activities. It ties California for the most scenic byways in America and is also home to some beloved beach towns, many of which you’ll find during a road trip through the Outer Banks.

2. Wyoming

You might be surprised to find that Wyoming ranks second among the 50 states when it comes to a road trip this summer, but the Equality State can’t be topped when it comes to costs, beating out the 49 other states. The all-important category takes into account average gas prices, maximum toll costs, lowest price of a three-star hotel room and lowest price of camping, among other key indicators.

3. Minnesota

Safety propels Minnesota into WalletHub’s top three as only Vermont and Maine fare better. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are undoubtedly worthwhile during the warmer summer months but don’t overlook Duluth, a port city with a gorgeous waterfront.

4. Virginia

Virginia doesn’t rank any lower than 16th in either of the three categories, meaning it’s not only safe and budget-friendly, but it’s entertaining as well. Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive is a must regardless of the time of year and the state boasts the fifth-lowest cost of camping in the nation.

5. Texas

The Lone Star State is one of only two in the U.S. to rank inside the top 10 for both costs and activities, coming in at fourth and seventh, respectively. If it’s affordability and fun you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong in Texas.

6. New York

Unsurprisingly, only two other states fare worse than New York in terms of costs. However, it ranks second behind only California for road trip activities and fourth among the 50 states for safety. The Big Apple will be a popular stop for many this summer, but Upstate New York promises plenty of scenery and serenity.

7. Louisiana

Only Alabama tops Louisiana in terms of the lowest average gas prices this summer, according to WalletHub’s research. Give yourself a few days and make the road trip from Lake Charles to Grand Isle, stopping in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the way.

8. Oregon

Cost is the one category holding Oregon back from the top five as it trails only California and North Carolina for the country’s most scenic byways and ranks inside the top 10 when it comes to road tripper safety. Consider a cruise up the Pacific Coast via U.S. Route 101 or venture inland to explore places like Bend and Crater Lake National Park.

9. Utah

Nearby Utah ties Oregon for third nationally in terms of most scenic byways and ranks 17 spots better for costs, making it a budget-friendly option for road trip vacationers prioritizing price and scenery this summer.

10. Wisconsin

Wisconsin ranks eighth in terms of both costs and safety. America’s Dairyland trails only Wyoming for the lowest price of camping and ranks fourth among the 50 states for the lowest average cost of car repairs in the event that your vehicle breaks down.