TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Remember
Saving Matters!
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.
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.
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
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.
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 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
APR 10 - 13
APR 17 - 20
APR 17 - 20
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club • Augusta, GA • USA
RBC Heritage +
Harbour Town Golf Links • Hilton Head Island, SC • USA
Corales Puntacana Championship
Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course)
Punta Cana • DOM
APR 24 - 27
MAY 1 - 4
MAY 8 - 11
Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana • Avondale, LA • USA
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
TPC Craig Ranch •McKinney, TX • USA
Truist Championship + The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) • Philadelphia, PA • USA
PENDRITH $1,710,000
MAY 8 - 11
MAY 15 - 18
MAY 22 - 25
MAY 29 - JUN 1
JUN 5 - 8
Myrtle Beach Classic Dunes Golf and Beach Club • Myrtle Beach, SC • USA
PGA Championship
Quail Hollow Club • Charlotte, NC • USA XANDER SCHAUFFELE $3,330,000
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club • Fort Worth, TX • USA
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club • Dublin, OH • USA
RBC Canadian Open
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) • Caledon, Ontario • CAN
MACINTYRE $1,692,000
2024 - 2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY
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
The Charleston Restaurant Week is a culinary dream and is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Low Country as participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. So come explore all the great food this great city has to offer! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2T9j8RX
JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW
The Charleston Boat Show has evolved into an event that kicksoff the Lowcountry’s boating season. Taking place each January, this annual event includes everything from powerboats to small jon boats, skiffs, cruisers, pontoons, yachts and ski boats. There is something for everyone’s taste and budget. For more info visit: thecharlestonboatshow.com
FEBRUARY
FEB 2 | OYSTER FESTIVAL
Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3x5bzua
FEB 17 - 23 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a family-friendly, weeklong culinary and cultural tourism event, where top chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, local seafood, artisans, live music and wildlife come together. Over the course of seven days guests take in celebrity guest chef dinners, the best of southern pitmasters, local wildlife, cooking demos, wine tastings, mixologist, scholars and more. Experience our coast’s rich fishing
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY
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.
heritage during the weeklong festival. For more info visit: hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com
FEB 22 - 23 | SEA & SAND FEST
The longest-running annual event on Folly Beach, Sea & Sand, features an artisan & food-focused street closure event full of fun, music, and ocean breezes. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/329674mf
MARCH
MARCH 5 - 9 | WINE & FOOD FEST
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 5 | COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN
The Cooper Bridge Run is an annual 10K running event across Charleston’s iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Over 40,000 runners participate annually and it’s considered the 3rd largest 10K and the 5th largest road race in the United States. Competitors from across the globe come for this historic race. For more info visit: bridgerun.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY
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.
APRIL 12 | CAJUN FESTIVAL
Bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival is a full-day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids activities, and all around ragin’ Cajun fun! Savor the tastes of authentic Cajun and Creole fare - jambalaya, alligator, etouffee, andouille sausage, and crawfish. Also enjoy Lowcountry favorites like seafood and Southern barbecue. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GHYxh5
APRIL 26 - 27 | ART MARKET
The Art Market returned with a bang this year! Dozens of accomplished artists from around the country participated in this outdoor fine art and craft sale. Stroll through artists’ booths under historic live oaks to find that perfect piece of original art to take home. Fine art and craft in all shapes, sizes, styles, price ranges, and mediums will be available during this weekend. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3h4crd2
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
JUNE
JUNE 7 | SAND SCULPTING
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 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
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LOWCOUNTRY
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.
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 staged from the West side of the island, a few blocks from the pier. Viewing is available from all along the beach and even throughout Center Street. Please remember to celebrate responsibly and to respect the beach and our wildlife by removing trash and anything else you bring with you. 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 FESTIVAL
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
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
LOWCOUNTRY
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.
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
SEPT 25 - 30 | ARTS FESTIVAL
The MOJA Arts Festival is a combination of African American and Caribbean influences with music, lectures, stage performances, tours, concerts, art exhibits and more. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. So come enjoy a festival full of beautiful art and cultural experiences! For more info visit: mojafestival.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 MAY 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
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.
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
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!
