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New Travel Alert for Europe During The Summer

The US State Department issued another and more widespread travel alert for much of Europe this summer. 

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The US State Department issued another and more widespread travel alert for much of Europe this summer. This comes on the heels of recent travel warnings for Europe, which are a response to increased chatter from terrorist organizations. There have been some major terrorist attacks and activity in Europe and specifically France in the past few years. Summer is the busiest travel season and many European nations count on this yearly boom for their gross national income.

 

Details

The travel alert is issued on May 1, 2017 and runs until September 1, 2017. The US State Department believes that with all the recent terrorism at busy tourist attractions in Europe and increases chatter show signs of impending danger. The extremists are hell-bent on spreading their fear and terror by attacking the western civilization at the heart of their freedom.

 

France

Recent attacks in France have made huge headlines and many people have been affected by these incidents. Paris is an international city with millions of tourists each summer, so a travel warning like this could hurt their bottom line. Will this travel alert make people reconsider their summer travel plans, only time will tell?

The Alert mentions Paris as a possible site where terrorism could occur and that should worry people with plans through that city.

 

Russia

Russia seems to be in continuous turmoil and this summer season is no different. The country has been the target of terrorists in the past and many of those are homegrown threats. If you have plans to visit Russia, I would check with the US embassy just in case.

 

Great Britain

Great Britain has many strong ties to the United States and that makes them and their territories targets of terrorist organizations. London is one of the most visited cities in Europe and now the State Department is warning US citizens about the threat of a terrorist attack in that city this summer.

 

Islamic State and al-Qaida

The two main terrorist groups responsible for all these threats and attacks are the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaida. They have plenty of operatives already in place all over Europe and these sleeper cells are waiting for the opportunity to strike. The US State Department doesn’t believe that these attacks are imminent but there are strong possibilities.

 

What You Should Do

If you already have travel plans for Europe this summer, it may be too late to change your plans. If this is the case, don’t worry, the odds of being in a terrorist attack are very minimal and just being smart will help you out. If you plan on traveling to the alerted areas, contact the local embassy or consulate and see if there are any new developments. Watch media and see if there are any new warnings.

Look for things that are odd or out of the normal but overall just try and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to let the terrorists win, let’s keep living our free lives and we will always win in the face of adversity.

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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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Destinations

Hidden Gems: Beautiful European Vacation Spots With Almost No Tourists

Vacations are a wonderful thing, aren’t they? Sleeping in, rolling out of your plush hotel bed, exploring new places and trying new food, and all on your own time. Unless you happen to travel to a tourist-heavy destination, that is. 

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Some of the most beautiful places in the world become muddled with tourists which can really put a damper on your trip. Just try getting a photo of the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China without a horde of sightseers photobombing your picture. On top of that, more tourists mean longer lines and higher prices.

We’ve got some good news for you though. There are plenty of gorgeous destinations around the globe that are just waiting to be explored. Although these cities are often overlooked by travelers they have plenty to offer. From peaceful, romantic getaways to cultural and culinary excursions, these vacation spots have a little something to fit anyone’s tastes.

 

Debrecen, Hungary

When it comes to beautiful Hungarian destinations, Budapest is at the top of the list. Hungary’s capital city is jam-packed with so much famous art, rich history, and impressive architecture it’s no wonder they get all the tourist attention.

A little over 100 miles east of Budapest lies Hungary’s former capital, Debrecen. Although it’s it Hungary’s second-largest city, the tourist traffic remains remarkably low. Don’t let that fool you though. From the city’s Kossuth tér, home of the incredible Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika, to the quaint shops and cafes in the Old Town, Debrecen has something for everyone.

 

Bern, Switzerland

Although it is the capital of Switzerland, travelers often just pass through Bern on their way to Zurich for a culture-packed getaway or Geneva for a ski trip in the Alps. There’s plenty to do and see in Bern, however.

When the temperatures rise in the summer, follow the locals down to the River Aere to cool off. There you can enjoy swimming, rafting, and paddleboarding in the warm Swiss sun.

Other things worth a visit include a hike to the top of the Gurten where you get to experience a picturesque view of the entire old city, Altstadt. Or if it’s a more relaxing vibe you’re in search of, take a stroll through the Museum of Fine Arts where rare works by Picasso and Paul Klee can be found.

 

Trondheim, Norway

Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim, sits right on the edge of the fjord of the same name. Despite its size and the deceptively colorful structures lining the waterway, Trondheim has a population less than 200,000 people, making it a quiet, yet beautiful, vacation destination that is easy to navigate.

Aside from the vibrant, glistening scene found at the harbor of the city’s natural fjord, there is some lovely architecture to be discovered. One of the most famous is the stunning gothic church, Nidaros Cathedral which was built over the burial site of King Olav II, who became the patron saint of Norway.

For the ale-hounds out there or anyone who likes good times with good company, Trondheim also has several excellent microbreweries. If a pub crawl is your type of thing, we recommend starting at Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri.

 

Orange, France

When you think of France chances are, the first thing that comes to mind is Paris. Perhaps Nice or Lyon are on the list and deservedly so. These cities are full of wonderful food, culture, and breathtaking architecture. There’s plenty more to see in France than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower though.

About 30 miles north of Avignon and it’s famous Papal Palace, sits the city of Orange. With significantly less tourist traffic, Orange is much easier to navigate than larger cities making it a wonderfully relaxed vacation spot.

Some of the city’s main attractions include the Orange Museum, set in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, and the towering Roman Theater, which was built in the first century C.E. Both are well worth a visit.

 

Ankara, Turkey

As far as Turkish cityscapes go, Istanbul typically gets all the attention. With its rich history serving as a focal point of several ancient empires, and so many historical remnants from cultures past, it’s no wonder Istanbul takes all the credit.

This city formerly known as Constantinople is not the only place deserving of a visit. Turkey’s capital city, Ankara is filled with art, history, and architecture minus all the tourists blocking the views.

Key stops include Antikabir the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of the Republic of Turkey and the Museum of the War of Independence. The Kocatepe and Hacı Bayram Mosques are also a must-see while in Ankara.


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