Category: Travel Tips

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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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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.