TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Saving Matters! Remember
Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money.
FACTS
✔ Only about half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement.
✔ The average American spends roughly 20 years in retirement.
Putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with.
1. START SAVING, KEEP SAVING, & STICK TO YOUR GOALS!
If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started.
Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each month. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving.
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2. KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT NEEDS!
Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you will need 70 to 90 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future. The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.
3. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EMPLOYER’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN!
If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a
big difference in the amount you will accumulate. Find out about your plan. For example, how much would you need to contribute to get the full employer contribution and how long would you need to stay in the plan to get the money.
4. LEARN ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER’S PENSION PLAN!
If your employer has a traditional pension plan, check to see if you are covered by the plan and understand how it works. Ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension benefit. Learn what benefits you may have from a previous employer. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.
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5. CONSIDER BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES!
How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you’ll have saved at retirement. Know how your savings or pension plan is invested. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions. Put your savings in different types of investments. By diversifying this way, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Your investment mix may change over time depending on a number of factors such as your age, goals, and financial circumstances. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.
6. DON’T TOUCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS!
If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.
7. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO START A PLAN!
If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. There are a number of retirement saving plan options available. Your employer may be able to set up a simplified plan that can help both you and your employer.
8. PUT MONEY INTO AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT!
You can put up to $6,500 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can contribute even more if you are 50 or older. You can also start with much less. IRAs also provide tax advantages. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on
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inflation and the type of IRA you choose. IRAs can provide an easy way to save. You can set it up so that an amount is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited in the IRA.
9. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!
On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace 40 percent of pre-retirement income for retirement beneficiaries. The amount of your wages that Social Security retirement benefits replace varies depending on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website.
10. ASK QUESTIONS!
While these tips are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.
Courtesy of US Dept. of Labor
2025 DESIGN TRENDS
EACH YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN & 2025 IS NO DIFFERENT.
As the world changes, needs and desires change. Interior design can enhance your home environment with new ideas. We want our homes to appeal to all our sensesSensorial design. Vivid colors, environmentally friendly materials and luxury comfort are a few of the current trends.
Colors such as reds, oranges, purples, and maroons will be popular. These are called lucky colors in some cultures.
Accordingly they attract wealth and business success. No more plain walls - wallpapered and colored ceilings as well as textured walls are back. In addition, bold patterns and textures add drama, depth and visual interest to your room. Ceiling treatments also create visual interest. Beams or a coffered ceiling bring texture, depth and character to plain surfaces. They also reduce noise and add a bit of elegance.
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Earth tones such as terracotta, ochre, rust and sage are always popular as they reflect nature and create a calm environment that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. To add a little luxury to any space, use gold, bronze, copper or silver finishes with small touches.
Furniture tends to be comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing style. Oversized sofas, comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and even daybeds are popular again. Curved and rounded furniture as well as accent pieces will be popular. They work with either traditional or modern design.
Dark warmer wood tones are back after years of light wood. To change the look of a piece of furniture or cabinet, stain it a walnut hue. Mix in modern with traditional. Darker
tones bring a warm, grounded feeling.
Lighting is an important part of any design project. Consider a layered lighting scheme that incorporates a mixture of overhead lighting, floor and table lamps and sconces. Think of fixtures as art and jewelry for your home. Lighting helps create a functional and welcoming home. Be sure to use dimmable lights as that enhances the mood in any room.
Small changes can reinvigorate your home in keeping with the 2025 design. Paint a wall, wallpaper a bathroom ceiling, add a colorful rug to a neutral room. It’s all about enjoying your home and feeling comfortable.
2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
BHATIA $1,656,000 * Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
JAN 30 - FEB 2
FEB 6 - 9
FEB 13 - 16
FEB 20 - 23
FEB 27 - MAR 2
MAR 6 - 9
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am + Pebble Beach Golf Links • Pebble Beach, CA • USA
WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) • Scottsdale, AZ • USA
The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club • Pacific Palisades, CA • USA
Mexico Open at VidantaWorld VidantaWorld • Vallarta • MEX
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) • Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard + Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge • Orlando, FL • USA
MAR 6 - 9 Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club • Rio Grande • PUR
MAR 13 - 16 THE PLAYERS Championship TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
MAR 20 - 23
MAR 27 - 30
APR 3 - 6
Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) • Palm Harbor, FL • USA
Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course • Houston, TX • USA
Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) • San Antonio, TX • USA
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
2025 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLESTON
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JANUARY
JAN 9 -
19 | RESTAURANT WEEK
Restaurant week is an eleven day celebration at participating restaurants. From fine to casual dining, participating restaurants will feature special menu items, promotions, and discounts. Come out and savor the flavors of the Lowcountry. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yfa3mfa6
JAN 25 | TASTE OF FOLLY
Center Street will be closed on “Savory Saturday” and taken over by Folly establishments to serve up their best dishes and exhibit their skills through live demonstrations. Taste will feature Hot Dog Eating and Oyster Shucking Contests. We are also thrilled to bring back our spin on the Chili Cook-Off by introducing the “One Pot Showdown“! All of this will be complemented by local bands, 70+ Folly art, craft, and fashion vendors, and a robust kid area. Taste of Folly will have something for everyone! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5xkwtxhu
FEBRUARY
FEB 2 | OYSTER FEST
Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does over 50,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Please join us Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Boone Hall Plantation for the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Highlights include live music on the main stage, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty cocktails, and more! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5attysev
FEB 18 - 23 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025 has officially announced its selections, showcasing 54 films and 5 screenplays from over 500 submissions. With 9 nominations for Best Comedy, this year’s festival promises to deliver exceptional cinematic experiences. Join us at the University of South Carolina Beaufort campus for the Opening Night Reception,
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLESTON
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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film screenings, and the Awards Ceremony. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2d3ue2ps
MARCH
MARCH 5 - 9 | WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Join us in celebrating these exceptional individuals who are making a difference at our Community Impact Awards Luncheon, presented by REV Federal Credit Union’s #UpTheGood Foundation. Eat, Drink, Do Good – Your purchase goes to support programs that invest in the future of our local culinary community. For more info visit: charlestonwineandfood.com
MACH 28 - 29 | BLUEGRASS FEST
This family-friendly camping event offers a weekend of boot-stomping bluegrass from top-notch performers. Relax under the stars with premium camping options, indulge in local food and craft vendors, and enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, and more—perfect for all ages!
For more info visit: charlestonbluegrassfestival.com
APRIL
APRIL 1 - 6 | CHARLESTON OPEN
One of the biggest annual events in Charleston is the Charleston Open. This women’s tennis event is the oldest professional women’s tournament, and it is a WTA Tier I event. The first champion was Rosemary Casals in 1973. Billie Jean King won in 1977. For more info visit: creditonecharlestonopen.com
APRIL 21 - 29 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
We’re excited to announce the Charleston Jazz Festival, now expanded to an incredible 9 days of jazz events starting April 21st! This year’s festival is presented through partnerships with Spoleto Festival USA, the Charleston Gaillard Center, the College of Charleston, The Establishment and Charleston Music Hall. For more info visit: charlestonjazz.com
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLESTON
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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APRIL 21- 27 | COCKTAIL WEEK
Cocktail Week showcases the best bars and restaurants in the area, bringing locals and travelers together to experience the epicurean masterpieces of Charleston’s renowned chefs, mixologists, and bartenders. For more info visit: charlestoncocktailweek.org
MAY
MAY 1 - 4 | ARTS FEST
One of South Carolina’s biggest arts festivals, celebrating southern and national artists and performers in the visual and performing arts and literature, in the city of North Charleston. For more info visit: northcharlestonartsfest.com
MAY 23 - 30 | SPOLETO FESTIVAL
Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America’s major performing arts festivals. It was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to establish a counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy.
For more info visit: spoletousa.org
JUNE
JUNE 6 | ARTWALK
Experience the Charleston Gallery Association Artwalk with over 40 Art Galleries participating. Discover the vibrant art scene of Charleston and indulge in the delightful festivities of our First Friday ArtWalks! Mark your calendars for the First Friday of each month, from 5pm-8pm, and join us for an immersive experience. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/b7pmubre
JUNE 7 | SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION
This free event offers a fun-filled day for all ages, with categories for children, families, young adults, and adults. Whether you’re a seasoned sandcastle architect or a curious newcomer, unleash your creativity and mold masterpieces at the beach. Witness the impressive artistry unfold as participants
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHARLESTON
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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meticulously shape the sand, or simply relax and marvel at the ever-evolving sandy structures. Registration is now open! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3c7z7zvm
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Join us on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day with a fun and festive 4th of July Drone Show! The show will begin at dusk and will be staged from the West side of the island, a few blocks from the pier. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4wd78zch
JULY 26 | SWEETGRASS FEST
The annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant, founded in 2004, is designed to promote and bring attention to the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people’s history, culture, traditions and their sweetgrass basket art form that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to exist in our town and surrounding communities
today. Additionally, the Sweetgrass Festival provides an opportunity for engagement, interaction, and exposure to the Gullah Geechee people’s culture. Informative and interesting educational sessions will enlighten and entertain participants of all ages.
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/msvhw8u7
AUGUST
AUG 23 | WINE FESTIVALS
Charleston Wine Festivals will host the Charleston Summer Wine Festival at Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal will feature 50+ different wines, mimosas, and beer. Enjoy this awesome venue with Air-conditioning indoors, and a spacious water side patio. We will have Live Music on the patio, and a DJ inside! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3kenxdks
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLESTON
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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SEPTEMBER
SEPT TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Lowcountry Jazz Festival, South Carolina’s premiere annual Smooth Jazz event, returns to– the Charleston Gaillard Center – with a stellar lineup of numerous worldclass jazz musicians. For more info visit: lowcountryjazzfest.com
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 5 |
ARTS FESTIVAL
The MOJA Arts Festival is a multicultural festival that focuses on dance, health, literature, music, heritage, theater, and the visual arts. Did you catch all that? It focuses on African-American and Caribbean art and has remained one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Events” for several years. For more info visit: mojafestival.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 15 - 30 | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Among many other holiday activities, the Holiday Festival of Lights at the James Island County Park is one of the most popular here. In addition to enjoying holiday lights, live music, and snacks, you’ll get a chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y56bdvyj
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
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The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
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TRAVELING TO ICELAND.
Iceland is a small Nordic country in Europe known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. It is also known for its distinct Nordic culture based on folklore and mythology, dating back to the Vikings who were first to colonize the land. Later, it was
under Danish rule and gained its independence in 1944 and is a founding member of NATO. Despite having its own distinct language and being a country of only 384,000 people, English is spoken widely as it is taught in school as a second language.
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The capital city is Reykjavik which is known for its lively nightlife, modern museums, excellent dining, galleries and shopping. It is the base from which to explore all that Iceland has to offer.
The best time to visit is May through October but those are also the busiest times. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many adventures to choose from whether it is the natural wonders under the summer’s midnight sun or seeking the aurora borealis in winter months.
Spend a day touring the Golden Circle and see three incredible natural events. Starting in the capital, Reykjavik, drive into the southern uplands to Pingvellir National Park, onto the Geysir geothermal area and then the Gullfoss waterfall and end back in the city.
Pingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the first place settled in south Iceland. See Iceland’s largest lake, the Langjokull glacier, hike the North American plate and see Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagja gorge and then view the amazing Oxarafoss waterfalls. If you are
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really adventurous, snorkel at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.
Drive on to the Geysir Geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. See the volcanic landscape and arrive at Strokkur which is the geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes shooting hot water as high as 130 feet into the air. Walking through the valley, view many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud spots.
The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall which is famous for its 2 drops, falling 100 feet and view the rainbows that shoot from the spray. Finish the day with a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik allowing time for stops along the way.
The cold waters off the coast attract an abundance of sea life including over 20 species of whales, including dolphins and porpoises. Tours can be found all over the country but the best spot is in the seaside village of Dalvick in the north.
Caving is a popular and extraordinary experience. Because Iceland is one of the most active
and inactive volcanic regions. It has incredible rock formations above and below the earth’s surface. Tube caves inside glaciers form after magma flows underneath the earth’s surface and lava solidifies overhead. Tours operate safely year-round with geologists as guides. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear as caves are chilly and there is often dripping water. Floors are
rugged, so sturdy boots are necessary. The caves are unexpectedly large and many have staircases and walkways for safe exploration. The most unique is Prihnukargigur (3 Peaks Crater) which takes you across lava fields to the cable car down 400 feet into a volcano that has been extinct for over 4500 years. The crater is the size of 3 basketball courts and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
- a place like no other!
