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How To Travel Easter Island On A Budget

Visiting Easter Island is hideously expensive because it’s so remote, over 3,700 kilometers away from Santiago, Chile. Very few crops grow, there is very little industry, and nearly everything on the island is shipped from the mainland at great expense.Geography means that the costs of…

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Visiting Easter Island is hideously expensive because it’s so remote, over 3,700 kilometers away from Santiago, Chile. Very few crops grow, there is very little industry, and nearly everything on the island is shipped from the mainland at great expense.Geography means that the costs of goods are high and it’s not the most budget friendly island in the world. However, it’s not impossible to plan a budget trip there if you do so in advance.

 

 

How to get there

One of the biggest costs of visiting Easter Island is transport. There is just one airline, LAN, that flies there, which means it can pretty much charge what it wants. And it only flies once per day, departing from and returning to Santiago. With the following tips you might be able to cut down the cost of the flight:

  • Book ahead and go during off and shoulder seasons.
  • Stay for a week or more. For some reason the flights get really expensive if it’s a shorter trip. That may seem like a really long time in a place that expensive, but don’t worry, because we’ll make sure you’re covered with the advice below.
  • Check the price of business class. This may sound crazy if you’re trying to save money, but business class tickets can be found that are cheaper than economy class.
  • Use Google Flights calendar function. You can see the cheapest dates all month by using the fare calendar, then book directly on LAN’s website for the best fares.
  • Travel hack – LAN is a part of the Oneworld alliance and, though availability is rare, you can also get seats via points, so if you have miles on LAN, American Airlines, British Airways, or another partner, you can try to score a free flight.

There are occasional boats that sail to Easter Island from New Zealand or elsewhere in the South Pacific that take passengers, but they are priced incredibly high. At this time there is no public boat option from Chile’s mainland, mainly because Easter Island doesn’t have a harbor that can accommodate ships. If you want to sail there, some travelers successfully volunteer as crew as a cheap or free way to travel.

 

Where to stay

You have three affordable options when you’re traveling to Easter Island: book a hostel dorm bed way ahead of time, as there are few and they fill up quickly; camp in a tent; or rent an apartment on either Airbnb or Booking.com. If you want to stay for free, Couchsurfing is also an option but there are only 50-60 hosts on the island, so connect with them well in advance. If renting an apartment: Many places on Easter Island are cabana-style and can accommodate up to seven or eight people. When split among that many people, they end up costing each person less than $20 per night. If it’s low season, it is recommended to book only one or two nights on Booking.com and then workout a deal directly with the owner to stay for the remaining days. Since Booking.com takes a cut of profits, ask if they can pass on a discount to you if you cut out the middleman. It’s nice to have the place booked when you land, though, since they almost always include a free airport pickup in the price, but thereafter try to work out something cheaper. If you’re camping: There are a few camping grounds on Easter Island that also offer hostel-style accommodation for pretty cheap. If you already have camping gear, bring it along. If hosteling: There are a few hostel-style accommodation options for $25+ per night, which is among the cheapest you’ll find on Easter Island. You can also check out private rooms on Airbnb but most rooms there run closer to $50+ per night.

 

What to eat and drink

Eating meals out gets super expensive on Easter Island because it all has to be brought in from mainland Chile, so cut out the middleman and bring your food yourself. Put the food in a box or an extra backpack and check it with the rest of your luggage. Remember that since you can check two bags (25 kilos total), you’ll have room to bring both the food and your belongings. If you do buy food on the island, budget at least a dollar or two per fresh fruit or veggie item, at least $10 per meat item, and $15 or more per restaurant meal. You can also enjoy empanadas, which are only a few dollars and can be found at most small shops.

 

How to get around

Within the town of Hanga Roa, taxis are cheap at just $3.00; bicycles are great as well for the town and surroundings. A taxi doesn’t make sense for longer distances, as the price goes up significantly, and it takes about 90 minutes to make it from one side of the island to the other. To visit the moai and the beach, it is suggested you drive yourself. Tours are expensive, so to get around consider renting a motorbike. The motorbike costs $40 USD per day, and will give you freedom on the island. If renting a car, keep in mind that the price is negotiable and you can probably work out a discount.

 

Activities

The entrance to the national park is $60 for foreigners and is valid for the entire island. For most of the Moai, you don’t need any kind of entrance ticket and can visit as many times as you want, except for the quarry where the statues were carved and the museum at Rano Kau. You can visit each only once and they will demand to see your ticket. It would be a pity to travel all the way to Easter Island and miss these things, so it is recommended that you buy the ticket on arrival. Additionally, besides seeing the famous statues, you can go scuba diving to see the sunken Moai, go surfing, or just drive around to see where the day takes you. Easter Island is a trippy walk through the past. Few of the descendants of the original tribes are still left and nobody is exactly sure how or why the Moai were carved. That’s part of what makes Easter Island so alluring and interesting to visitors, it’s still partially an enigma.

 

By bringing your own food, scoring a cheap ticket, driving yourself around the island, and working out a deal with the owner of the accommodation, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars off of what most tourists usually pay when visiting Easter Island. Through very careful and smart planning, you can visit the island without blowing your budget.

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Destinations

Getting Past The Mexican Vacationing Myths

There are a lot of myths about travel in Mexico. But it is still a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. 

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There are a lot of myths out there about Mexico. Obviously, things like “don’t drink the tap water” are true and should be taken very seriously. But there are plenty of other stories out there that just aren’t true. 

Mexico is a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. And this article is meant to relieve any worries you have about checking it out.

IT’S IMPOVERISHED

A lot of people think of Mexico as a very poor and even third-world country. But that just isn’t the case. It’s definitely less developed that some countries, including the U.S., but for the most part it’s a middle-income country. In fact, it’s GDP per capita is similar to such countries as Brazil and even China.

But this myth is likely kept alive by the fact that about 44 percent of Mexicans do live in poverty. And that number is high enough that it’s safe to say no matter where tourists may visit, they’re likely to see that poverty.

IT’S DANGEROUS

This is grossly exaggerated. In reality, Mexico is no more dangerous than any other country. Sure, there are some areas that have higher crime rates (specifically Tijuana and Juarez), but the majority of Mexico is perfectly safe. With that said, the usual precautions should be taken when walking around at night, drinking in excess, or using an ATM outside of a hotel. There will always be people looking to take advantage of tourists no matter where you are.

IT’S A NON-STOP COLLEGE PARTY

Thanks to the spring break popularity of places like Cancun, Mexico is now commonly thought of as just one big, obnoxious party. And while there are definitely places to enjoy a wild party in Mexico, it’s far from the norm. In fact, outside of the month of March, Cancun is typically a very peaceful place full of honeymooners and foodies.

TACOS, BURRITOS, AND ENCHILADAS ARE THE ONLY FOOD AVAILABLE

Ok, people come on. Sure, these are staples of Mexican food, but there are other options! Cuisines and specialties vary from region to region and there is bound to be plenty of delicious variety regardless of where you are. From seafood to fried pork belly to grilled octopus, there is something for everyone. So get out there and try something new for once!

FOOD POISONING IS ALMOST INEVITABLE

Many people assume that a trip to Mexico means getting food poisoning at least once. The tap water should definitely be avoided, but most tourists will also avoid almost all fruit and produce. There definitely are different bacteria active in Mexico that can lead to “Montezuma’s revenge,” but avoiding essentially all cold food is silly.

Most restaurants use fresh water to wash everything and to make their ice. And while there are definitely street carts that should be avoided, skipping out on some delicious mango, horchata, and ceviche would be a mistake.

IT’S NOT SAFE DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season in Mexico usually lasts from June to November. The worst months typically being August through October. Because of this many people avoid traveling to Mexico during those months. But, for the most part, it’s really unnecessary to completely avoid the country for six months out of the year.

And as long as you prepare to leave early or cancel if necessary (hurricanes are usually predicted a week in advance), you can actually get great deals on travel and hotels. So hurricane season can actually be the best time to visit Mexico as the rates will be the lowest and the cities will be the least crowded.

 


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Destinations

Nostalgia Meets Modern Comfort: 5 Reasons to Choose The Starlight Motor Inn for Your North Charleston Getaway

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The Starlight Motor Inn

A getaway to North Charleston is not complete without a stay at the Starlight Motor Inn located within the heart of the community. A classic through the decades, this motel once closed its doors to the public. 

Today? The Starlight Motor Inn has been reimagined, welcoming guests back to a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern comforts since 2023.

Here are 5 reasons you will want to check it out for yourself.  

1. The Retro Vibe

When new owners take over an old motel, their first bit of business is to revamp the space with all the latest technology. This is often an attempt to modernize it in a way that matches the newer hotels built down the road. 

That is not what happened with the Starlight Motor Inn. This modular motel that was first opened in 1961 was the first of its kind in the area. And through the renovation, the new owners did not want to lose the classic, retro vibe. They even kept the original structure, including the lattice. 

Each room has modern comforts that come with a retro flare. Take, for instance, the vintage-inspired furniture and Frigidaire refrigerator found in each room. Everything from the colors to the decor throughout the motel will really make you feel like you stepped back in time. 

This is where the nostalgia sets in.

2. The Burgundy Lounge

The Burgundy Lounge is another reason why you need to stay at the Starlight Motor Inn while on a getaway to North Charleston. 

It originally opened in 1966 under the same name and still uses the same barstools today as it did back then. Wood panels, soft lighting with candles, and live music set the space. And the drinks top it off. 

Sip an Old Fashioned and listen to the stories of the old sailors and swingers who have called this their favorite water hole for decades. 

3. The Swimming Pool

North Charleston can get hot. And a dip in the pool is all you need to feel completely refreshed. But the pool at the Starlight Motor Inn isn’t anything like you experience at any other vacation spot.

The pool here is a private oasis where you can grab a drink, take a swim, and kick back and relax on a lounge chair. And yes, the feelings of nostalgia are found at every turn poolside. 

Did we mention that there are floating flamingos, too? 

4. The Location

If you still need a reason to choose the Starlight Motor Inn when you visit North Charleston, then let’s talk about the location. Conveniently located on Rivers Avenue, you will find yourself immersed in one of the most historic yet vibrant neighborhoods in the city. 

Food, drinks, shopping, and various visitor attractions are all close by — many within walking distance. 

5. The History

Rather than tearing buildings down, the new owners of the Starlight Motor Inn are doing what they can to preserve this motel that was recently declared a Historic Landmark. 

Built on an old used car lot, it has stood the test of time (including hurricanes) and has become part of the scenery. Over the decades, the motel went from being a thriving hotspot to a desolate place closed to the public. 

Now, the revitalized motel is charging forward with all the feels of yesteryear and the modern comforts of today. 

Come see for yourself. 

The Starlight Motor Inn is a restored mid-century motel located in North Charleston, SC perfect for restful days and playful nights. Stay. Swim. Dine. Drink. 

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Destinations

The Best American Roads For Your New Convertible

We have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top down and living your best convertible life.

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Driving with the top down is one of the greatest thrills in life. You look cool, you feel cool and guess what, you are cool. You throw on your sunglasses and leather jacket and just cruise on down the open road in your sweet convertible that is the envy of every one of your friends.

But when you decide to ride with the top down you want to make sure you have something cool to look at. You don’t want to be cruising top-down amongst a bunch of smokestacks and pigeons. You’ll just be inhaling pollution and getting your head pooped on.

Instead, you need to find a beautiful place that will let mother nature do the rest of the heavy lifting when it comes to setting the perfect scene. That’s why we have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top-down and living your best convertible life.

ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII

The ultimate convertible destination is definitely Hawaii. These soft top cars were built to be driven around the picturesque island that is Hawaii. You’ll get the cool breeze in the warm weather and some spectacular views to match. You’ll be crossing bridges and cutting around curves all while getting some stunning views of the Hawaiian coast and the beautiful water. Say “sup” to some dolphins and play some rocking tunes as you partake in this awesome excursion.

OUTER BANKS HIGHWAY, NORTH CAROLINA

This is the perfect drive to be surrounded by water. You’ll have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. You’ll blow by some awesome lighthouses, beaches, and see some spectacular wildlife that will hopefully not poop on your head. But if a bird does poop on your head on this drive you’ll be stoked because it will be poop from a beautiful bird that is local to North Carolina. You’ll say “oh yeah!” as you pull out a bandana to wipe your head off. Now you have a travel memento.

SONOMA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Take a drive through the wine country and enjoy the beauty of the vineyards amongst the rolling grassy hills that make up the Sonoma Valley. Just be careful when you decide to pull in to one of the many spectacular wineries for a glass or two because you don’t want to turn this convertible road trip into a night in the drunk tank. Be careful if you decide to partake in the wine, and maybe park the convertible and get a ride to the winery if you plan on doing some serious “tasting.”

BLUEBONNET TRAIL, TEXAS 

This drive is extremely beautiful thanks to the, you guessed it, Bluebonnet gardens that run alongside the road. You may not feel really rugged and cool driving through some flowers but it’s impossible to not be swept away by all the gorgeous views these flowers create. By the end of this trip, you’ll understand how a rugged person like yourself can still be swept away by the beauty of a flower and that’s totally okay. Go on this wonderful convertible drive to become a more well-rounded person.


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