Adventurous Andrea

The Solo Female Travel Blog

vacation

Things to do in South Carolina

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Known for its friendly hospitality and beautiful beaches, South Carolina is nestled up against the Atlantic Ocean. Within the foothills of the mountains upstate and along the coast, you will find exhilarating theme parks, fascinating historical landmarks, museum-quality venues for weddings, and gardens that are perfect for families.

You might be tempted to move to South Carolina after seeing some of the cool and interesting things to do there.  

Visit Beautiful Beaches

A list of South Carolina’s top things to do wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the perfectly sandy shores, which range from Hilton Head Island at the southern tip to Myrtle Beach near the North Carolina border. 

The South Carolina beaches are known for their gentle surf, pristine sand, and powdery soft sand that is ideal for sandcastle construction and barefoot strolling.

Visit The Olde English District

A few of America’s earliest events took place in the north central area of South Carolina’s Olde English District, which consists of seven countries. The district was named for its settlers who settled there very early, around the middle of the 1770s. 

History buffs will find a treasure trove of monuments, parks, markers, and buildings in the area that traces the Revolutionary War. Driving the scenic back roads, you will see old family farms, the ruins of former plantations, museums, parks, and outdoor attractions that provide a sense of the past while providing fun for everyone. 

Discover some of the most noteworthy spots in the old woodlands, along river banks, and through parks, including Historic Brattonsville, Historic Camden, the Catawba Cultural Center, Landsford Canal State Park, and the South Carolina Railroad Museum. 

Hang Out In The States National Park

Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina and offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and kayaking in a peaceful forest setting. There is also a very unique natural phenomenon in the park – synchronous fireflies, which you can see during the Fireflies Festival.

Take A Hike

Besides the beaches and lakes in South Carolina – the Upstate has a number of scenic spots to visit in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To get a new perspective on the state, take a walk in Table Rock State Park which is especially picturesque in the fall.

Feeling inspired to move to South Carolina? The professionals at Art of Moving have got you covered. 

Take In Some War History

Discover how South Carolina was involved in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars at Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter. (Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor, so the only way to reach it is by ferry – you can enjoy great views of Mount Pleasant and Charleston from the water.)

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, and USS Clamagore are on display at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. There is a museum for the Medal of Honor and 25 aircraft on the USS Yorktown, which has been the center of the museum since 1975. Two Civil War-era helicopters and a Civil War-era cannon also are on display ashore. 

Viva Las Vegas: The Ultimate Las Vegas Girls’ Trip Guide

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Source: Unsplash | Mike Boening

When it comes time to plan a raucous getaway with the girls – bachelorette parties, milestone birthdays, college roommate reunions, you name it – few locations are more appealing than Las Vegas. Though once known as a desert casino town, over the course of its history, Vegas has evolved into the entertainment capital of the world. Boasting world-class dining and cuisine, a wide array of shows, state-of-the-art VR experiences, dayclubs, nightclubs, a nearly infinite supply of sunshine and, of course, more than a few opportunities to try your luck at gambling, Vegas just might be the getaway option to please everyone in your girl gang. Tripping with your ladies involves certain protocol, though – from planning your itinerary to finding accommodations the whole group can agree on. Fear not – we’ve got you covered with our ultimate Las Vegas girls’ trip guide.

Book Your Entertainment in Advance

Visiting the Las Vegas Strip, especially with a group, can be a total whirlwind – it’s complete sensory overload, and there’s so much to see and do. Since each gal in your gang might have a different idea of what constitutes a good time, it’s best to plan a good portion of your itinerary in advance to avoid conflicts. One of the easiest items to book ahead of time is any show you might want to see – and with the insane variety of shows in Las Vegas, we guarantee you’ll want to see more than one. From classic Cirque du Soleil acrobatic acts to girl-powered tribute shows like Blonde Invasion – which combine the hits of Britney, Lady Gaga, and Madonna into one dance party of an evening – and even sexy male dance revues like Magic Mike Live, there are tons of options. That’s before we even mention the celebrities slated for residencies there this summer, which include Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga.

Plan Your Stay

One easy way to cut costs on your Las Vegas girls’ trip is to choose non-premium accommodations. Unless you’re planning to do some serious, 24/7 gambling, staying at a hotel on the Strip is hardly necessary, as most of the big hotels’ tourist attractions are available to non-guests and the general public, and many off-Strip hotels are often way more affordable. For a chic off-Strip stay that can help your group save its hard-earned cash for a few extra rounds at the bar, take a look at the selection of rooms available at the M Resort, Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa, or the Palms.

Don’t forget the SPF

While you might think that, between Vegas’s legendary shows, the casinos, and its infamous nightclubs, you’ll be spending a lot of your time in this desert destination indoors, trust us: You’re not going to want to skip the sunscreen. Even you if you don’t have any interest in frequenting one of Sin City’s fun outdoor clubs (you totally should, by the way, since they’re basically gigantic pool parties with alcohol), you’ll still want your skin to be prepared to weather the sun that comes along with the 100-degree temperatures that Vegas commonly sees in the summer. Plus, sunburned and hungover is a combination that no one wears well. Which brings us to our next tip…

Hydrate or Cry(drate)

The sun’s rays aren’t the only feature of Vegas’s extreme heat you’ll need to worry about spoiling your trip. The heat plus the dry air can wreak serious havoc on both your skin and your general hydration levels. This can be a serious problem when you’re indulging regularly in the delicious, fruity, and not particularly hydrating cocktails that Vegas, with its lack of open container laws, specializes in. To make sure that you don’t end up dehydrated and miserable from the extreme heat, plus the drinking, bring a refillable water bottle along with you during the day. A light moisturizer, in addition to the sunscreen, is not a bad idea either.

Act Like a VIP

When it comes to the Vegas club scene, there are a few tried-and-true hacks you can use to make your experience a little more upscale. The best way to do this is to employ a few VIP tactics. If you’re planning on visiting a few clubs in the same night, check the website to see if you can get on the guest list, and be sure not to miss the window you sign up for. Be sure to bring along cash to tip club employees, who just might be able to give you some special treatment for your buck. If you want to go all-out, several nightclub tour packages – including V Card: The Vegas Nightclub Pass, as well as the VIP Club Hop By Nite Tours – include VIP entry to multiple venues.

How to Make the Most Out of Ecuador

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There are so many incredible places in the world to see, and so many amazing experiences to partake in. By not getting out of your country or even your continent, you are doing yourself a massive disfavor. There is a lot to learn about the world and the people within it, and sometimes those lessons need to be taught by countries thousands of miles away. That’s why you should make Ecuador your next trip. This amazing coastal country is small, easily accessible, and very diverse. It is the perfect introduction to South America, and full of life-changing experiences and activities to enjoy:

Tour the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are where rare and beautiful species flourish. It is also the destination that convinced Charles Darwin of his theory of evolution in 1835. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must to see for any traveler. Do be prepared, however, because the Galapagos Islands are not a playground for humans. While you can indeed visit them, there are tight regulations you must follow. For example, you can only go with small tours, can only visit certain areas of the islands, and you must at all times follow the organized pathways so as to not disturb the wildlife. This is very important to keep the area thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy.

Climb Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of the most famous (and active) volcanoes in South America. Visiting these snow-covered peaks and experience the stunning beauty of it for yourself is something that should be on everyone’s to-do list. The volcano itself hasn’t erupted in over 70 years, with its last significant eruption being more than 100 years ago. This has made Cotopaxi climbing tours quite popular, and definitely not an experience that you will want to miss.

Peruse Otavalo Market

Markets are always excellent to enjoy as a tourist because it allows you not only to experience the culture first hand, but you can also buy and bring home a variety of souvenirs. Unlike when buying a souvenir from an airport gift shop, picking up items from markets helps support the local communities. Try to invest in some truly beautiful pieces that highlight Ecuadorian heritage, and you will have a souvenir of a lifetime and help keep their culture alive and thriving.

Visit the Amazon

The Amazon is world renowned, and for a reason. It holds diverse wildlife that we to this day are still uncovering. It also produces 20% of the world’s oxygen, and, as a consequence, holds a lot of carbon dioxide as well. Visit the Amazon in Ecuador, and you can enjoy this massive and incredible jungle for yourself at what is considered to be one of the cheapest destinations to do so. Remember to be very respectful, learn about the Amazon and the people who live within it, and perhaps go home with more respect for it. If you go forth and support only rainforest certified products, then you can do your part to protect this important place.

Ecuador is a small country, but this only means that you can truly do and see everything that it has to offer. Whether you want to travel on a budget or in luxury, do so here, just remember to respect the wildlife and to do all you can to support local communities.

5 Quick Getaways to Take in 2018

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Life seems to fly by faster each year. We are so busy with work, individual responsibilities, kids’ activities, and the like that it’s easy to breeze through the weekend without taking time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. However, this can change. In 2018, make quality time with loved ones a priority.

And what’s the easiest way to secure uninterrupted attention? Hop on a flight with nonstop service to anywhere and create memories to last a lifetime during a quick weekend away.

With so many flights in out of Palm Beach International Airport each day, there are countless locations to choose from, but here are 5 stops to get you started on your 2018 travel plans.

Chicago, Illinois

You will find nonstop service to Chicago on American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines when you travel through PBI. With so many options, you’ll be in the windy city before you know it.

So, what are you going to do once you get there? Start by heading to the Willis Tower for the best sweeping views in the city from 1,353 feet up. Catch a Cubs game in Wrigleyville. Walk through Millennium Park and take pictures at The Bean. Take in the sights with a 90-minute river cruise, named a Top 10 Tour in the U.S. by TripAdvisor reviewers.

No matter what season you visit, there will always be something to see and do when you choose Chicago is your weekend getaway.

Long Island, New York

It’s easy to brush over Long Island when you never have to leave Manhattan, but skip the city this time and head east on a nonstop flight to Islip via Southwest or Frontier airlines.

Long Island is best frequented from June to August as most of the island is composed of beach-centric communities and you’ll have much to choose from as the mainland is the longest island in the U.S. at an extensive 118 miles long.

If you are looking to head to the best beaches, Long Beach and Jones Beach State Park are two favorites along the southwest shore. You can find summer concerts, volleyball tournaments, and boardwalks at each.

However, if you want to experience the traditional Long Island getaway, drive east to Montauk.  Here you can visit the lighthouse, spend the day at the beach, and easily tour the many vineyards in Long Island Wine Country.

Looking for more adventure? Long Island is also an excellent place if you enjoy cycling, kayaking, stand up paddle boards, surfing, fishing, boating, and much more.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a lively city that is still underrated, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway and PBI offers nonstop service to Baltimore via Southwest Airlines.

There’s more to do than you’ll ever have time for in a weekend, but one absolute must-see is the Inner Harbor. In fact, you could spend your entire weekend just here as you visit the shops and boutiques, eat at delicious restaurants, and tour the many attractions, including the National Aquarium, The Maryland Science Center, and The American Visionary Art Museum.

However, there’s even more to see and do if you step beyond the harbor, the best of which, according to TripAdvisor, is visiting the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, riding on the Baltimore water taxi, and catching an Orioles MLB game at Camden Yards.

Dallas, Texas

You can catch a nonstop flight to Dallas from PBI any day of the week, a great reason to place it on your quick 2018 getaways list.

Dallas is a great city to pop over to, not only for convenience, but it’s also the most budget-friendly option on this list as it has various forms of free transportation, including the M-Line Trolley in Downtown and the D-Link shuttle. And, if you decide to take the kids for a family vacation, there are countless free activities for them as well. Head over to Visit Dallas for more information.

To get you started on your trip, here are just a few of the top-ranked attractions for all ages, according to TripAdvisor: Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Looking for more seasonal entertainment? Check out this must-do list by Thrillest.

Nassau, Bahamas

Hopping around a city taking in as many sites as possible in the few days you have to visit is an exciting adventure that leaves you in awe each time you visit someplace new. However, sometimes it’s preferable to slow down. If serenity is what you seek this vacation, then head over to the Bahamas.

Yes, Florida has many wonderful beaches, but just because you’ve seen one beach, doesn’t mean you’ve seen them all. So soak up the island sun on one of its ten best beaches and bask in the tropics. Maybe even splurge for a drink topped with local fruit and a brightly colored umbrella. Then treat yourself to a seaside dining experience that’ll make you smile for years to come when you think back on that moment.

Take time this year to vacate your life and experience something memorable with the people you love. Try something new. Eat something unique. Visit somewhere you never thought you’d go just because you can.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or serenity, you can find it in just a few hours when you hop on a nonstop flight out of PBI.