How To Do Myrtle Beach Like A Local

 

1. Myrtle Beach is famous for its 60+ miles of beaches on the world-renowned Grand Strand. For an affordable oceanfront vacation rental, check out Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. Each of the six condo-hotels offer the amenities of a full-service resort hotel with the space and comfort of a condominium. Highlights are fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer and private balconies.

2. For breakfast by the beach, head to Sea Captain’s House Restaurant. Try their renowned crab cakes benedict or traditional Southern fare like country ham and pecan waffles. This Myrtle Beach staple has been known for its warm southern hospitality, ocean view and fresh seafood since 1930!

3. Hop on a boat (rentals and tour boats available) at Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet and cruise down the Waccawachee River to see rice plantations, historic landmarks, moss-laden oak trees, alligators, eagles and osprey. Don’t stop until you get to Sandy Island, an approximately 9,000 acre nature preserve open to the public with several boat landings and two nature trails.

4. To experience the slow paced South Carolina life, the Greater Grand Strand is home to one of the oldest and most unique towns in South Carolina, Little River. Known for its fresh seafood, fishing charters and annual blue crab festival, it is truly a quaint coastal fishing village. For those seeking a little adventure, Little River also has two Las-Vegas-style casino gambling boats and Jet Ski rentals.

5. Searching for the best beachfront burger joint? Look no further than River City Café for a fun, rustic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind, juicy, run-down-your-chin, always-made-fresh burger. Guests are encouraged to throw peanut shells on the floor in this establishment, named “one of the best
places in the nation to feed the kids."

6. Escape the typical Myrtle surf and beach stores and shop ‘til you drop at The Market Common. Located in a beautifully-designed village setting, the complex has the nation’s most celebrated names in retail, a movie theater, restaurants and a calendar of events featuring car shows, wine festivals and more.

7. Is there a better combination than waterfront dining and live music? The Hot Fish Club has it all and remains a favorite gathering place for discriminating locals. Open Wednesday-Sunday, stop in for happy hour at the gazebo bar, enjoy fresh seafood on the back porch and wind down the evening with nightly performances by the area’s best rock and country bands.

8. After you have had your share of fun in South Carolina’s most iconic beach town, plan a day trip north to historic Wilmington, N.C. or south to Charleston, S.C. – both only two hours away. A plethora of daily guided tours are available through numerous tour companies or take a road trip and experience it on your own.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, (888) 571.4104

Atlantis Resort Paradise Island Bahamas Offers It's First Ever 'Black Friday-Cyber Monday' Sale With Rates Starting At $99 A Night

 Over the Thanksgiving holiday the iconic Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas is offering its lowest rates for 2014.

 The unprecedented "Black Friday - Cyber Monday" deal will run from November 29 (Black Friday) through December 2 (Cyber Monday) on Atlantis.com  With rates starting as low as $99/night, the deal guarantees an additional 10% off of Atlantis.com's lowest  rates - for up to 50% off of rack rates in Atlantis' budget-friendly Beach Towers.

So, take a break from turkey, malls & holiday traffic and book that bucket-list 2014 family vacation. Here is a breakdown of the low (and refundable!) Beach Towers rates throughout 2014:

• $99/night: For travel August 24 - October 29, 2014 and November 30 - December 25, 2014
• $159/night: For travel October 30 - November 24, 2014
• $179/night: For travel April 24 - June 11, 2014
• $199/night: For travel January 27 - March 5, 2014 and June 12 - August 23, 2014

* Rack Rates in low season at the Beach Towers are approx. $280 and $480 in high season.
* Link will be live on Atlantis.com from Friday, Nov. 29 (midnight) - Monday, December 2 (11:59PM)
* The Atlantis Black Friday - Cyber Monday Deal can only be booked on Atlantis.com or at 1-800-Atlantis. 
* Two-night minimum stay. Black-out dates apply and are as follows for 2014: May 22-25, June 19-24, July 3-6, 23-25.

All Atlantis stays include complimentary access to the incredible Aquaventure Water Park, the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, and The Dig and The Ruins of Atlantis aquariums. The family-vacation mecca also offers a cornucopia of activities, from swimming with the dolphins and the CRUSH Teen Club to more than 24 dining experiences and celebrity-chef restaurants, including the just-opened Olives by Todd English in the Atlantis Casino (the largest in the Bahamas). 

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Recognize U.S.Military Veterans On November 10 With Complementary Entree

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will honor U.S. military veterans on Sunday, November 10, at participating restaurants across the country. In recognition of their service, veterans will be treated to a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from a special McCormick & Schmick’s menu.

“We are proud to honor our Veterans and salute the brave service they have provided our country,” said Tilman J. Fertitta, Owner of McCormick & Schmick’s. “We enjoy presenting them with a well deserved meal and the opportunity to enjoy a great dining experience with friends and family on this special day.”

McCormick & Schmick’s prides itself on the fresh seafood selection available daily and the special veterans menu will be no exception. On November 10, veterans will be able to choose a single complimentary lunch or dinner entrée, including options such as Buttermilk Fried Shrimp, Cedar Planked Salmon, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Parmesan Chicken, Tender Beef Medallions and Romano Chicken Chopped Salad among others.

Reservations are highly encouraged for Veterans Day, as tables fill up quickly. Guests can easily make their reservations online through the restaurant’s website at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.

The special menu will be available to veterans who have been honorably discharged from the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy or Coast Guard. Verification of service is required.

McCormick & Schmick’s has recognized veterans with a special event every year since 1999. The program has been praised by former President George W. Bush and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as a number of state veterans departments and the National Restaurant Association.

For more information about McCormick & Schmick’s, please visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.

Travelore Tips: 5 Free Things To Do In Montreal

This Oct. 22, 2013 photo shows the Old Port and Old Montreal along the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can stroll the neighborhoods for a free feel of the city’s French and English cultures. (AP Photo/Caryn Rousseau)

Contributed By CARYN ROUSSEAU, AP.

 It's a taste of French culture in North America: Montreal. The city on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec offers walks down centuries-old streets lined with elegant architecture and historic sites. Locals chat in French but easily switch to English to accommodate visitors. French treats like croissants, crepes and macarons are easy to find, while maple syrup, smoked meats and poutine - brown gravy and cheese curds over french fries - add Canadian charm to local menus.
Best of all, many of the city's best attractions can be experienced for free, from Old Montreal to Mount Royal Park to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Here are five free things to do on a visit to Montreal.

MOUNT ROYAL

You can look up and see the towering trees of Mount Royal from nearly everywhere in Montreal. The nearly 500-acre (200-hectare) park tops out at 770 feet (235 meters) and boasts running, hiking and biking trails, an overlook onto downtown Montreal and a large lake. Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind New York's Central Park, drew the plans for the park, which was dedicated in 1876. There's no charge to explore its monuments, cemeteries, public art and pavilions. Highlights include the tall Mount Royal Cross, which is lit at night. The park also offers opportunities to swim, skate, ski, sled and picnic. More information at http://www.lemontroyal.com .

OLD MONTREAL and OLD PORT

The historic Old Montreal or Vieux Montreal district stretches along the St. Lawrence River in the southern part of Montreal. You could spend hours wandering the twisty, narrow walkways, where French signs dot the shops, cafes and restaurants, advertising poutine and smoked meats among other fare. Along the banks of the river at the Old Port, watch barges, cruise ships and other vessels from a tree-lined park. A walking tour (some free tours are available) could include the Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal City Hall and the historic square, Place Jacques-Cartier. More information at http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca/ or http://www.freemontrealtours.com/ .

MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts ranges from the European Renaissance, Rembrandt and Monet to Inuit sculpture, Jean-Michel Basquiat and other modern and contemporary works. Admission to the general collection and outdoor sculpture garden is free but there is a charge for special exhibits. More information at http://www.mbam.qc.ca .

NOTRE DAME DE BON SECOURS CHAPEL

A large statue of the Virgin Mary stands atop this church on the St. Lawrence River, leaning forward to welcome sailors into harbor. The origins of this ornate church date to the 1650s and the chapel visitors see today dates to the 1770s. Inside frescos, statues and altar artwork rival that of European churches. But the chapel earns its charm from the small replicas of sailing boats that hang from the ceiling like chandeliers, each with vigil candles. Note that this church at is different from the larger Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal, which costs $5 for those who aren't pilgrims. More information on Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel at http://www.marguerite-bourgeoys.com .

JEAN TALON MARKET

Small markets dot the Montreal streets but one of the larger and more interesting is Jean Talon Market or Marche Jean-Talon. The market has both covered and uncovered stalls filled with seasonal produce, cheeses, pastries and breads and other local specialties, like maple syrups. It all makes for a colorful and lively walk past vendors speaking French and English to customers trying to find the freshest fruits and vegetables, fish and meats. Shoppers are here to spend money but the colorful photo ops are free: carrots in dark red and yellow, brussels sprouts on the stalk, macaron cookies in pastel hues, dozens of types of peppers. More information at http://www.marchespublics-mtl.com/English/Jean-Talon/

Wild Planet Adventures Travelers Lavish “Hand’s On” Love To Rescued Animals In Costa Rica, Celebrate Camels & Color In India, And Save On Islands In Thailand

The wildlife viewing expert, Wild Planet Adventures, continuously creates new wildlife eco-tours and safaris with opportunities to interact unobtrusively with weird and wonderful wildlife. For winter 2014 and beyond, the company unfurls three innovations for exploring the animal kingdoms of Costa Rica, Thailand and India.

In Costa Rica guests explore up to 8 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with hands-on features that include tending to and cuddling rescued animals at a National Geographic-recognized rescue center.  In Thailand, Wild Planet has added the brilliant white-sand beaches, incredible snorkeling and limestone karst of Ko Phi Phi Island as an alternative to remote Ko Tarutau Archipelago, and at big savings ($600).  In India guests may opt for a new version of the award-winning Leopards, Tigers & Palaces Ultimate Wildlife Safari, with special Festival departures scheduled to include the famous Pushkar Camel Fair and the joyful Holi Festival of Color.

Costa Rica
Hands-on wildlife interaction meets naturalist-led wildlife viewing on the award-winning 9- and 14-day Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour. A nearly four-hour, hands-on wildlife experience at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center is a new addition to this tour and an experience recently featured in National Geographic.

“This new segment is getting rave reviews from our travelers who get to cuddle, feed and care for parrots, kinkajou, toucans, coaitimundi, macaws and other exotic tropical wildlife,” reports Josh Cohen, founder/owner. This is a natural compliment to an itinerary specializing in up-close wildlife viewing in eight remote national parks (six parks on a nine-day tour) plus whitewater rafting, cloud forest canopy tour, volcano, hot-spring, beaches on both coasts, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration and a world-famous sloth sanctuary.

Thailand
Guests may now opt to save $600 person on 11- and 14-day a Hidden Thailand Rainforests & Islands eco-tourby choosing one of two exemplary island destinations; either Ko Tarutau archipelago for the most remote, off-the-beaten-path experience possible (with the best snorkeling!) or the breathtaking limestone karst and famous mottled turquoise water of the more popular Ko Phi Phi at a big $600/person savings. Both offer the experience of being on gorgeous romantic island beaches.

Says Cohen: “This is the Thailand you've always imagined: truly hidden remote places with thrilling adventure, unparalleled wildlife, exotic culture, brilliant white sand beaches and turquoise water. If you're the type of traveler that appreciates finding hidden gems, you'll love this rare experience of a country known for its sensual food, joyful people, exotic wildlife and south-sea islands.”

The Hidden Thailand adventure includes authentic wildlife safaris in three national parks not offered by any other tour operator; visits to a lakeside wildlife sanctuary, cloud forest and elephant camp; cultural experiences, Buddhist temples, night markets and Chiang Mai; and snorkeling at Ko Tarutau or saving $600 by relaxing on the world-class beaches of Ko Phi Phi.

India
India Ultimate Wildlife Safari: Leopards, Tigers & Palaces for 13 or 19 days already has won more awards than any other Wild Planet Adventures trip as the most comprehensive multi-safari available in India. Now the option to attend festivals adds to the sizzle.

During India’s Pushkar Camel Fair in November, thousands of colorfully dressed camel traders, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, comedians, sadhus (wandering holy men) and tourists turn the small town of Pushkar into a cultural phenomenon. The Holi Festival in February and March is the famous Hindu festival of colors celebrating the universal triumph of good over evil. Young and old yield to exuberance, throwing colored powdered dye and colored water on each other and rubbing the colors on their faces to celebrate the joyful power of enthusiasm.

It includes a multitude of safaris to see tigers, leopards, rhinos and rare wildlife, by jeep, elephant-back, camel and rickshaw. Also included are cultural segments in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi and Agra, including the Taj Mahal, and a total of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventureshttp://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.

Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.

For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

Travelore Tips: How To Save Money When Booking Travel Online

Websites like Expedia.com, Hotwire.com and Orbitz.com have all but eliminated the need for travel agents -- why pay someone to compare flight durations and room rates when you can do it yourself? The problem is, if you're not careful, you may end up paying more in the long run. Finding a good price online (especially during the holiday season) requires diligence and patience, not to mention a great deal of savvy. To help you get the most bang for your buck on your next DIY travel booking, we persuaded CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee,Getaroom.com and Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener, and Airfarewatchdog creator George Hobica to divulge their own travel booking secrets.

wwarby / Flickr

1. Get Online

Though this may seem obvious, the only way to score the best rates is to spend a lot of time on the Internet. When looking for available flights and hotel rooms, the more research you do the better. "The most important thing is to check fares often," said Klee. He notes that airlines usually have 10 to 15 different price points for any flight, meaning that rates can change at any time. Start researching your trip well in advance to get a feel for the going rates -- that way, you'll know a good deal when it comes along. But be prepared to act fast. "While everyone wants to get a good deal, you can't obsess about finding rock-bottom prices," Klee said. "Once you see a good deal, grab it. If you see a good deal during the day, there's a very good chance that it will change by evening."

2. Check Your Email

Because it's impossible to stay on top of every rate change, Hobica recommends setting up email alerts on sites like Kayak.com or using tools like Hotwire.com's Trip Watcher, which will let you know when prices drop. "But you have to check your email," Hobica said. "Someone might be holding the last seat at the lowest fare and then not buy it, which puts that lower-priced seat back on the market." Meanwhile, tuning into airline, hotel and deal-centered Twitter feeds and following travel-focused Twitter chats can increase your chances of catching a flash sale, especially if it's not advertised. According to Diener, you can save up to 60 percent on hotel rooms should you happen to spot a flash sale. By following Airfarewatchdog, Getaroom.com or Hotels.com on Twitter, you'll have a better shot at catching a price drop as soon as it happens.

3. Be Realistic
If you start researching flights and hotel rates several months before you plan to travel, you'll be able to recognize reasonable prices. But all bets are off when it comes to peak travel times, like the holidays: Don't expect a flight to cost the same right before Christmas as it did back in April. "Holiday flights are more expensive than everyday flights," Klee warned. "Don't get sticker-shock and wait longer to book in hopes that the price will drop, since you could end up paying more." The same goes for winter trips to warm-weather destinations. Diener explained that because the majority of Americans live in colder climates, the demand for hotel rooms in warmer places like Miami or Phoenix skyrockets. But deals can be found as long as you start your room search early. "Popularity means the best deals at the best hotels will be picked up quickly," he said. "Don't wait until a few days before your trip to book a hotel."

4. Be Flexible

If you're willing to be a little loose with your travel plans, you'll have more flexibility when it comes to price ranges. This is particularly true around the holidays: A survey conducted by CheapAir.com shows that travelers saved an average of $249 per airline ticket simply by shifting their Thanksgiving travel dates to depart the Monday before the holiday and return the Tuesday after. However, conducting research on flexible travel dates isn't as easy as it used to be. "A lot of booking sites have eliminated flexible search," Hobica said, stressing that you should spend extra time looking at prices both on booking websites and directly on airline websites. It's more work, but Hobica insists that it's worth the effort. "It may be cheaper to fly United there and Virgin back, but the Virgin website wouldn't show you that," he explained.

Also, extending your trip by a day or two can yield significant savings on hotel rates. "Always check for a three-night stay because lots of hotels give much better rates when booking three or more nights, rather than a one- or two-night stay," Diener said. He also suggests aiming for a Sunday night check-in; room rates drop as weekend lodgers leave.

5. Forget the Rules

How many times have you heard that booking on a Tuesday night will result in lower airfare? Or that flight prices will not drop after a certain point? "It's all nonsense," Hobica said. "Look at it logically: If everyone followed the rules, the airlines would manipulate you." Klee noted that you will generally find the best rates between four and seven weeks before you plan to fly, but the day you book doesn't matter. "Airlines tend to offer sales on Tuesday, but most people aren't going to get those seats anyway," he said, noting that airlines only offer a select number of bookings at those sale prices. What does matter, however, is when you plan to fly. Klee advised taking off on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as Friday and weekend departures are in higher demand.

Being strategic when choosing your travel dates is especially crucial around the holidays. The key is to work around the normal travel times: CheapAir.com's survey shows that travelers saved $200 on Thanksgiving flights by booking a Monday-through-Friday flight instead of a coveted Wednesday-through-Sunday trip. And opting to fly on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day (when no one wants to travel) will no doubt slash your expenses.

6. Don't Assume It's Too Late

Yes, you will have better luck finding reasonable rates the earlier you book. But Hobica believes in not giving up, especially when it comes to holiday flights. "If a fare was way too high for your pocketbook, you should jump back into the pool a few weeks before Christmas," he said, noting that airlines may drop the cost of unsold seats in order to fill a plane. Just don't bank on convenient options, as the more desirable flights will surely be sold out. You're more likely to come across bargain airfare on red-eye flights or inconvenient departure times. "It's like shopping at Marshall's," Hobica said. "They may have what you're looking for in your price range, but only in an extra small. If you can make it work, then go for it."

7. Read the Fine Print

When booking flights and hotels online, reading the fine print is crucial -- whether it's the terms of your ticket or the terms of the website. You may book a flight on Spirit Airlines and plan on obtaining your boarding pass from the gate agent only to find that you'll be charged an extra $10 per ticket for not printing at home. Or you could end up reserving a hotel room only to find that the booking website doesn't include additional taxes or fees in the rate, like Expedia, and the price isn't quite the bargain you thought. Before you hit the "Purchase" button, make sure you know exactly what you're getting for your money.

8. Make Sure Someone's Got Your Back

The best advantage a travel agent offers is that he or she fights for your rights should something go awry with your travel plans. If you prefer to do things yourself, Klee said you need to make sure that you are using online services that provide reliable customer support. "That way, if you're in a bind, you can get help more easily." Sometimes, booking websites will absolve themselves of any responsibility should the unexpected happen (which is why you should pay attention to tip No. 7), which can lead to an unexpected, often lofty set of cancellation or change fees. Purchasing flights and hotel rooms through a reliable third-party booking site will grant you access to a customer service team that can negotiate with the airline or hotel on your behalf, saving you time and money.

--Contributed by Miriam B. Weiner

Travelore Tips: How To Rack Up Miles To Fly For Free

Plane tickets take a huge chunk out of your travel budget -- international flights can cost $1000 or more, which could be an extra month of travel if you're frugal. Rack up some air miles and you can hit the mile high club for free.

Take A Number

Frequent flyer numbers are the numbers that each airline assigns you in order to keep track of your miles and give you rewards for your loyalty. Each airline calls their program something different. For example, United's is MileagePlus and Delta's is Skymiles -- but really all that matters is that you save them until you have enough for a free ticket.

You get a number for every airline you fly, but the fastest way to a free ticket is to stick with one airline (the whole loyalty part) and make sure it flies to international destinations. Remember to fill in your frequent flyer number every time you book a ticket.

Plastic in Your Pocket

Getting into debt is a terrible idea, but charging purchases on a credit card earns you miles. If you can commit to paying that sucker off, then charging your flights makes sense mile-wise. Most cards will offer a large mileage bonus for your first purchase and some will offer bonus miles for purchasing certain products. Some cards are for specific airlines and others, like American Express will let you use their points to buy tickets for almost any airline's program.

Buddy Up!

Many airlines have formed partnerships with other airlines around the globe -- you'll see brands like SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld. These partnerships are like the 69 of airline travel -- everyone wins. Here's how this works: Let's say you live in Chicago and you've decided to do all of your traveling on United. You can earn miles by flying on United, or, you can earn miles by flying on any of United's partner airlines such as Lufthansa, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, or South African Airways (among others). The miles you rack up can be redeemed with either United or its partners, scoring you a free trip somewhere way cooler than the windy city (sorry, Chicago). Sometimes there are restrictions so make sure you check before your itinerary is set in stone.

OTP TIP: When traveling, don't always take the fastest route. If you don't mind spending a few extra hours in the air, use sites like Kayak or Hipmunk to book your flights to connect through remote places and earn some extra miles. Sometimes this option can even be cheaper.

Eyes on the Prize

Airlines don't just partner with other airlines; they cross-breed with companies in a number of industries, offering miles for purchases of random items like dog food (Purina) and soup (Healthy Choice). So how does puppy chow get you to Australia for free? Meet David Phillips, better known as the "Pudding Guy," who took the miles-collecting thing to a whole new level in 1999 when he bought $3000 worth of pudding to rack up enough miles to fly him anywhere he wanted, for free, for life. While buying six tons of snacks may not be for you, know that airlines run all kinds of miles promotions with these partners and if you're in the market for free travel, keep an eye out for miles in the aisles.

Gift Yourself

Airline websites sell all kinds of things that can score you miles. When you purchase products or services that have agreements with the airlines you can bank even more miles without having to get on a plane. Your family never has to know their birthday gifts earned you a free ticket!

Racking up miles may feel like clipping coupons, but knocking down the cost of airfare is one less barrier to discovering the world. You'll be glad you held up the check-out line with your thousands of pudding cups like a senior citizen when boarding that flight the fuck out of here.

Contributed By: Sarah Binion