How to Visit and Explore Kiawah Island, South Carolina: A Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Coastal Gem

Tucked away just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is one of South Carolina's best-kept secrets. With ten miles of pristine beach, winding Spanish moss lined forests, and abundant wildlife, including beloved loggerhead sea turtles, this barrier island feels like a world away from the everyday bustle. 
In the early 90's a neighbor told my parents about Kiawah Island and we booked our first trip. We returned every year, enjoying the seclusion and the beauty of this hidden gem, even spending our honeymoon on the island! After nearly thirty years since our last visit, we found ourselves on the east coast, and I had a desire to see how Kiawah Island had changed through the years, and if it still remained a hidden gem.
I'm happy to report that it still very much has its coastal charm and I'm sad that I waited that long to return! If you're planning your first Kiawah getaway or you're simply craving a new kind of coastal vacation, here's your complete guide to visiting, exploring, and soaking up the best of this hidden paradise. From bike rides under Spanish moss to sunrise turtle patrols, Kiawah has something for everyone!

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Should You Tip at an All Inclusive Resort?

When booking an all-inclusive resort vacation, one of the biggest perks is the promise that everything-from meals and drinks to activities and entertainment-is included in the upfront price. This often extends to tipping, with many resorts advertising that gratuities are covered. I've stayed at dozens of all-inclusive resorts and I've noticed that the tipping culture is changing. This might leave travelers wondering: should you tip at an all-inclusive resort, even when it's supposedly included?
Let's dive into the pros and cons of tipping to see if you can decide what feels right for you!

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A Couple's Review of Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort in Cancun, Mexico

I love a good resort vacation and I love traveling the world. But the one vacation that actually feels like a vacation to us is a trip to an all-inclusive resort. We started sneaking away as a couple when the kids were much smaller for a few days here and there. We even brought our kids to a few all inclusive resorts where they quickly became a favorite for our family. Unlimited drinks, food and a beautiful beach, what more could you ask for? We realized it had been about five years since the last time we went to an all inclusive resort {thank you global pandemic}, and my husband was insistent that we stay at the Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort. Because I can be happy at a Motel 6 or hanging in a hammock on the beach, my husband's standards and desires typically come into play in our resort selection. Just because my standards are different, doesn't mean that I don't have opinions! As someone who has stayed at more than a dozen all inclusive resorts in more than five countries, this is the review you are going to want to read before you book!

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Exploring Africa: The Pros and Cons of Booking a Private Safari

Africa feels like home to me. I've been to several countries, immersed myself in local issues, learned more about rich cultural heritage, and experienced breathtaking wildlife and incredible landscapes. Africa has always been a dream destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, and for good reason! What better way to experience the raw beauty of this continent than embarking on a safari? While group safaris are a popular choice for many travelers, we recently opted for an alternative that promises a more personalized and intimate experience- booking a private safari. I'm going to dive deep into the pros and cons of opting for a private safari so that you can make the best decision as you embark on exploring Africa.

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The Pros and Cons of Going on Safari to East Africa During the Rainy Season

Going to Africa is a bucket list trip for many! You could read on and on about when you should go to Africa, but sometimes your schedule {like ours!} dictates when you are actually available to travel. Most travelers choose to visit during the dry season, which is usually the end of June to the end of October. After we booked our trip and before we traveled I got sucked into blog post after blog post and article after article telling me why November was a horrible time to visit Africa! I got nervous and started tempering my expectations. After taking a three-week-long trip to East Africa in November, where we went on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trekked gorillas in Uganda, went to Ngorongoro Crater, and made our way through Serengeti National Park before ending our trip with relaxation in Zanzibar, I started a running list of the pros and cons of visiting East Africa on safari in November. The pros list was surprisingly longer than I anticipated and this was the post I was hoping to read before our trip. Since I didn't find an honest report {outside of the ones that said don't book the trip!}, I am sharing our experience here in the hope that it will help you too!

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Exploring San Diego Mission Bay Area

San Diego has a lot to offer visitors with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and endless recreational opportunities. There are lots of hidden gems just waiting to be explored and one of them is the Mission Bay Marina area. It's the perfect haven for relaxation and adventure. It's surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline and is bordered by several beach communities, giving you the best of everything! The area tends to draw a mellower, more laid-back crowd and offers a coastal paradise that perfectly blends comfort and exploration! If you are trying to find a home base for your visit to San Diego, look no further! The Mission Bay area is the perfect spot!

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Planning a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

Going on safari was always a dream of mine! I had the chance to go on one for the first time in the Masai Mara after a vision trip with an NGO. It was quick! Just three short days and two nights. We took full advantage of our time on safari, and when we woke up for an early morning sunrise game drive, I noticed a sky full of hot air balloons departing. It was magical! I knew because of our limited schedule that we wouldn't have time for a hot air balloon safari then, so I dreamed of one day returning and knew that when I did, I'd make sure it was a priority. It took me ten years to get back on Safari, but when we did, I made sure that we made the time to plan a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti. Here is everything you need to know if this experience is on your bucket list too!

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Planning a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

 

The Serengeti has vast plains that are teeming with wildlife. It's a mesmerizing destination that will captivate the heart of any adventure seeker and nature enthusiast! Traditional safaris are a popular choice for exploring this iconic region, but a hot-air balloon safari provides a totally new perspective! Waking up before sunrise and watching the sky light up while silently drifting over the beautiful Serengeti landscape is something you'll never forget. 

 

Having a birds-eye view, quite literally, while watching the wildlife below, is something you are going to want to add to the bucket list! I promise you, it will not disappoint! Here's everything you need to know to plan and prepare for a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti!

 

Choosing the Right Time for a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

The Serengeti has distinct seasons. There is a dry season from June to October. The dry season actually draws animals out and makes it easier to view wildlife because there is less hiding. Most people consider this the best time to go on safari and view animals. Some people want to view the Great Migration. If this is on your bucket list, it's best to try to plan for January to March when the wildebeest and zebras calve in the southern Serengeti. 

 

 

We actually went in November, which is considered the short rainy season. What we found about going in the rainy season is that there was a cloud cover that took away the bright sunrises and sunsets you often see that are quintessential Africa. We rarely had rain, but when we did it was short. Everything in the area was very green. All this green does mean that the animals have everything that they need and can often scatter further away from the main paths requiring a little more effort to actually see animals. But that doesn't mean that there was a shortage of animal sightings!

 

We also found that going in the rainy season means that it is the low season. Fewer people are visiting {yeah!}, but that also means that there are fewer hot air balloon opportunities. In fact, the company that we selected goes from having a dozen hot air balloons launching daily to only having two or three. That also means that they only have one launch location as opposed to the two that they normally have. Because of this, it required a morning wake-up call at 2:30 am, a departure at 3, and a bumpy two-hour drive before we made it to launch. Our tour operator didn't notice this {or thought maybe we wouldn't care?}. It's one thing I wish we had done differently staying closer to the main areas so we didn't have as long of a drive to get to the launch site. But all things considered, it ended up working out just fine, just meant an early morning and more driving.

 

Hot Air Balloon Cancelations

 

Safety is everyone's number one concern. As the mom of a pilot, I fully understand how much havoc weather can wreak on your plans. We spoke with some fellow passengers, who were scheduled for a hot air balloon safari the day prior and it was canceled due to strong winds. They still had to wake up early, they still had to arrive at the launch site and they still had to wait to see if they could launch. They were placed on the next day's schedule, but if you have a jam-packed agenda, weather and cancellations may make rescheduling difficult. If your flight is canceled because of the weather, make sure that you will be fully refunded or are offered priority rescheduling.

 

Selecting a Hot Air Balloon Operator

 

We left this in the hands of our tour operator. Planning a trip to Africa was the first time we felt like we really couldn't adequately plan our own trip. There were far too many moving parts. To make a successful trip, you are going to want to find a tour operator that you trust. They will know the reputable operators to use. We actually booked through Miracle Experience and I'd highly recommend them. 

 

Book Your Hot Air Balloon Experience in Advance

 

Hot air balloon safaris have hit an all-time peak. They are a very popular attraction, especially in the Serengeti and availability can be limited, especially during peak season. To secure your spot and avoid any disappointment, you should book your safari as far in advance as possible. 

 

Preparing for a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

Once your safari is booked, there likely won't be much to think about until the day before your trip. You're guide will likely discuss a meeting point and plan a pickup time. Our hot air balloon guide actually stayed at our resort the night before. We met him the evening prior, signed all of our release forms and he answered any and all of our questions. 

 

Most operators provide transportation from lodges and camps to the launch site. They will arrange pick-up times with your driver guide once you are finished with your balloon safari. 

 

Hot air balloon safaris typically only take place early in the morning when the winds are calm and the wildlife is most active. Be prepared for an early morning wake-up call! I was surprised that once we were in the air, I wasn't cold at all, but I did dress warmly because it can get chilly in the early morning hours as you wait for launch. You will want to wear comfortable clothing and it's required to wear closed-toe shoes. If you have long hair, you will be asked to tie it back. If you are bald {like my husband}, you might be more comfortable with a hat, otherwise, the heat from the burner might make your head hot! You will also want to pack a good zoom lens for your camera and bring binoculars if you have them.

 

Experiencing a Hot Air Balloon Safari

 

Once you arrive at the launch site, your driver will point you in the direction of the bathrooms. These are the nicest outdoor toilets I've ever used in my life! They also have a bar with warm drinks. Since our drive was so long, we arrived right as they were gathering all the guests to head to their respective hot air balloons for launch instruction. 

 

You'll be matched with a pilot and that pilot will gather the people in his balloon for a safety briefing. They take this safety briefing very seriously and require all eyes on them and phones down and away. 

 

The Serengeti Start

 

The one thing that is unique to a hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti is what they call a Serengeti start. They actually start the balloon on its side and the passengers climb in on their backs in a seated position with your arms grabbing a safety bar. As the balloon inflates, a truck pulls the basket upright and then the balloon launches. Once the balloon is in the air, you can stand up in the basket. There are four basket compartments and four people can fit in each compartment for a total of 16 on your flight plus the pilot. 

 

Once You're in the Air

 

I think the one thing that surprised us about our ride in the hot air balloon was that it was so smooth. I occasionally get motion sickness and it wasn't an issue. It was the smoothest ride I've ever been on!

 

Your pilot will point out animals as you fly, but the route is always changing since you fly with the winds. The balloon often soared fairly low {often just above the tree tops} and if you were able to spot an animal group with enough foresight, the pilot attempted to steer closer and lower to get a better view. But if you know anything about steering a hot air balloon, you'll know that it can be a challenge since you are at the mercy of the winds!

 

The perspective is so different from the air and provides a completely unique experience! We flew over a tree with some eagles nesting at the top. We could watch the eagles watch us as we flew by! We saw a family of elephants and while the baby was curious, the mama wasn't quite so keen on us getting in her air space! The giraffes also ran quickly at the sound of the burner. On safari, the animals are so used to the trucks they hardly notice you, but in the hot air balloon, they just aren't as comfortable.

 

Most balloon experiences last about an hour, sometimes a little bit more if your pilot is looking for an adequate landing spot. Your balloon is followed by a chase crew that also has a radio. They will meet you on the ground. The pilot will explain their landing procedure and you may bump and jump just a bit on landing but you are seated in the same position that you launched from, so it was really quite smooth. 

 

Celebrating with Champagne

 

There's a long history of champagne and hot air balloons. The pilot went into a whole thing about how the inventor of the hot air balloon used to carry champagne as a way to make peace with the farmer's fields he would land in. Champagne continues to be a hot air ballooning tradition and on most hot air balloon safaris a traditional champagne breakfast or toast will await you upon landing. 

 

After we landed our balloon company actually transported us to a different location for a full breakfast experience. There was a lavish spread in the bush with an amazing breakfast. It was an incredible way to start the day! 

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A sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti was just as magical as I expected it to be. I'm sure I'll never do anything like it again! It's definitely one to add to your travel bucket list.

 

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Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for a Gorilla Trekking Bucket List Trip in Africa

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. As an animal lover, who likes nothing more than seeing animals in the wild, this was an item on the bucket list I couldn't wait to experience. I had traveled to Africa twice before and in preparation for my third trip, I knew I wanted to add gorilla trekking to my experience. I was not disappointed! Travelers can take part in the unique adventure in three different African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Each destination offers its own set of attractions and challenges, and I'll do my best to help educate you so that you can choose the one that works best with your preferences and travel goals. I'll also share a few things I wish I had known and some things that really worked well for us on our gorilla trekking experience. If you've got gorilla trekking on your bucket list too, or if you've never even considered it, keep reading!

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What to Do if Your Hotel has Bed Bugs

Never in a million years did I think I'd run into this problem, but we did. On night one of a three-week-long trip to Africa in a luxury hotel no less! We had our first encounter with bed bugs...that I know of. I guess I was just blissfully unaware for the whole of my life. Heck, even after squishing the pesky bug, we didn't even know that it was a bed bug until we used Google images to identify it solely out of curiosity. My body itched for days and now I'll never travel the same way again. Now that I know, here is what I'm doing differently. Here are some tips for traveling, signs to look for, and what to do if you do come across a bed bug infestation!

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The Ultimate Safari Packing List for East Africa: What We Packed for 3 Weeks in Africa in a Backpack!

I must confess, I spent far longer thinking about what to pack for our three-week long safari adventure in East Africa than I would like to admit. I was very intentional about every item we packed, because it felt like we had to be. This was my third trip to East Africa and the thing that I love about it is that it is so diverse. There are beaches and mountains and savannahs and everything in between! On this trip, we went gorilla trekking in Uganda, took many safari game drives in parks in both Uganda and Tanzania and spent relaxing beach days in Zanzibar. And we did it all by packing in a backpack since we had several small airplane flights we were told limited bag sizes and weight {more on that!}. I think in the end, with three trips under my belt, that this is the ultimate safari packing list. It will cover everything that you need for your bucket list trip so you will have everything that you need and you will be able to pack in a carry on!

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Fall Dog-Friendly Fun in the San Juan Islands

I went decades living in the greater Pacific Northwest not ever visiting the San Juan Islands, but after my first visit, now I can't get enough! This time, we are taking our two favorite furry family members to enjoy this beautiful island in the fall. I will inevitably get some confusion about the San Juan's. Many people will assume that we are headed to Puerto Rico. The San Juan Islands are actually nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and offer an incredibly picturesque destination for travelers wanting to experience the natural beauty of the islands. The islands are often hopping with visitors in the summer, but the fall season offers the chance to experience a quieter, more intimate charm that is perfect for travelers with four-legged companions! Come explore San Juan Island with me {and Milo and Frankie!}. 

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10 Packing Tips from a Recovered Overpacker

You guys remember the days when your checked suitcase was free and it could be up to 75 pounds? I used to pack just about darn near everything I could think I might need for a trip. I started traveling more and realized I needed less. Oh, and airlines started charging me to check my suitcase, and I'm cheap, so I learned quickly how to pack light! I'm not going to lie, it's a struggle every time I pack to not over pack, but it makes travel so much easier. I can pack for several weeks in just a carry on suitcase. Here are a few things I've started doing to help me be a reformed {recovered} overpacker.

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Everything You Need to Know About Passports

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll do with your kids, and when it comes to traveling internationally, there is nothing more important than one tiny little booklet. Your passport is your key to the kingdom, so to speak. Without this, you won’t be able to board a plane, much less get to your desired country. Here, I’ll let you know some of the most frequently asked questions I get and hurdles that you might have to face when dealing with a passport.

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How to Plan Vacations with Young Adults

While traveling as a family can be a great time to make memories, sometimes taking a vacation when your kids are older or with other adults can be where the longer-lasting memories are actually made. But trying to get a vacation on the books with young adults can prove to be tricky and can raise a few questions you might not have considered before. If you’re looking for some tips to help you plan a vacation with young adults, here are some things to consider while planning.

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Benefits of One-on-One Travel With Kids

As a travel enthusiast, I have ventured all around the globe, including family vacations and solo travel. Traveling has made me realize how much I value experiences and how much more I treasure them when I share them with others. I just got back from a trip to France with my daughter, and the year before that, I took my son to Alaska on a cruise. While these may be a bit more lavish than your budget, traveling 1-on-1 with your kids can have many benefits!

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Taking a Cruise or Going to an All-Inclusive Resort: Which is Better for a Family with Teens?

Regardless of how you choose to vacation as a family, I'll always be the person on the sidelines cheering you on to take that trip. Family vacations are so important in building long-lasting shared experiences with memories that will last a lifetime. Traveling as a family is so important in building those healthy family bonds and while traveling with teens brings its own set of hurdles to overcome {sports and school schedules are complicated!}, it's worth it to push through to plan that trip and take that time for your family. That said since time is limited, I know you want to make the best choice for travel for your family, which is why I'm taking a look at a cruise or all-inclusive vacation for your family. Which is better? I'll lay out some pros and cons and will let you decide!

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Summer in the San Juan Islands, Washington

For years I've wanted to venture up to the San Juan Islands just a few hours northwest of Seattle. The summers in the Pacific Northwest are undoubtedly the best around, which makes them the most desirable time of the year to visit. You really have to plan ahead if you want to visit the San Juans {a year is best if you are going in the summer}, and planning ahead isn't my forte, I'm more of a last-minute Lucy. But this year, I put it on my list and this year, we made the plans and scheduled the trip. I learned a lot by visiting San Juan Island and I'm here to share all the things you wouldn't read in the guidebooks and on other websites.

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Fast Facts about Turks and Caicos Islands

Found just north of Hispaniola {the island which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic}, south and east of the Bahamas, and northeast of Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands are beautiful lands in the middle of the Caribbean, which belong to Britain. It's the perfect tropical island for a romantic or family getaway. Below are some facts about the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Travel the World without Leaving the United States-9 US Cities Full of European Charm

Tired of being cooped up at home and dreaming of a land far far away? Want to use that passport but travel abroad is not a possibility at the moment? Then get ready to get a taste of the European culture and head to any of these charming U.S. cities and towns that are full of European charm. From towering flowery fields, thatched rooftops, and gingerbread-style architecture, you definitely don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve transported yourself to another world.

Alys Beach, Florida

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Everything You Need to Know Before you Visit Whidbey Island, WA

In the past few years, all of us have been finding ourselves just a little closer to home. We've stayed closer to home the past few months and it's been helping me check a few of those areas I wanted to get out to explore, like the Tri-Cities, Camano Island, Vashon Island and Hood Canal. This midwest transplant spent nearly two decades living on this coast and I really didn't feel like I'd seen much. While we don't get as much changing leaves in the fall {hello evergreen state!}, the best time to enjoy the ones we do have are in late October or early November and they provide the perfect backdrop for exploring our area. This time, we navigated north, to Whidbey Island. I've got everything you need to know so you can plan your one-tank trip from the Seattle area too.

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