Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
31.01.2025 - 01:09 / lonelyplanet.com
Jan 30, 2025 • 10 min read
South Carolina welcomes everyone with a friendly “Hey y’all.” Laidback and relaxed, the Palmetto State is an easy place to visit, with a throng of sunshiney offerings, golden beaches, lazy rivers towered over by bald cypresses, and the tail end of the Blue Ridge.
That said, some things are useful to know when visiting South Carolina. From practicalities like checking the weather and watching for alligators (seriously!) to etiquette tips such as how to approach a football conversation (very seriously!), here are 16 things you need to know before going to South Carolina.
South Carolinians generally dress slightly more formally for nicer occasions like going out to dinner, though they don’t overdo it. Men generally wear button-down shirts or polos, while women dress in skirts and slacks.
In summer, a hat with a brim and sunglasses helps ward off the sun. If you wear a sundress in summer, remember that temperatures tend to drop at night, so bring a jacket or sweater (besides, restaurants crank up the A/C).
And if you do wear jeans, you can always dress them up with a blouse or a button-down shirt.
You’ll find some of the nation’s best restaurants in South Carolina, notably Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana and Charlie’s Coastal Bistro in Hilton Head, SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar in North Myrtle Beach and The Bluffton Room in Bluffton.
Charleston alone is a hive of culinary expertise, with noted restaurants including Husk, FIG, Bertha’s Kitchen and Stars Rooftop and Grill. It's always wise to make a reservation, especially at upscale restaurants – often a week or more in advance for Friday and Saturday nights.
Choosing the best time to visit South Carolina can make or break your trip. Whether heading to the beaches and amusement parks off the coast or seeking outdoor adventures further inland, your itinerary will determine which month is best for travel to the Palmetto State. Early summer is ideal for beach vacations, while spring and fall are perfect for urban adventures, festivals and foliage.
A humid subtropical climate makes South Carolina’s winters relatively mild, especially along the coast (up to 60°F during the day). It can get close to freezing inland, and it does snow, though generally less than a few inches annually.
The summers are another story. They are hot and humid – averaging a solid 90°F – with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and dangerous lightning.
South Carolina does experience extreme weather, including hurricanes in late August–October. If you visit during this time, have an emergency plan and watch the weather. Severe storms can also spawn tornadoes and deadly lightning. Tornado season is in early spring, with another peak in November.
The bugs will eat you alive
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Air New Zealand has long factored sleep into its decisions, coming up with creative solutions to help its passengers find a sense of calm and peace on ultra-long-haul flights (up to 18 hours from the United States). The Auckland-based flag carrier first came up with the Skycouch—three side-by-side economy seats with footrests that pull up to form a “couch”—in 2011, changing the travel game for families with young children, couples, and solo travelers willing to pay for a bit more space.
Feb 6, 2025 • 8 min read
Feb 5, 2025 • 6 min read
A popular low-cost airline is expanding with new routes.
Breeze Airways will ramp up its flying in a big way this spring and summer. The Utah-based low-cost carrier on Wednesday announced plans to launch service from three new airports by midyear.
Chances are you’ve heard about the Real ID — maybe you already have one. The gist is that starting May 7, 2025, every U.S. citizen who is 18 years and older will need a Real ID or approved alternative to fly domestically. If you don't have one, you’ll be denied entry at TSA checkpoints.
Jan 31, 2025 • 8 min read
2024 was a big year in our household. All three kids were graduating — our oldest from high school and our twins from junior high.
My wife and I have been living as full-time nomads since 2019 and have already visited more than 43 different countries.
A tragic crash of an American Airlines regional jet Wednesday night at Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which ended a long accident-free run in domestic aviation, drew shocked reactions from safety experts and the flying public.
As the host city for Super Bowl LIX, New Orleans expects to welcome more than 100,000 visitors for the Feb. 9 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. At least a million more people will be celebrating Mardi Gras, the city’s biggest tourist draw annually, less than a month later.