Hunting Island State Park in SC – Great Family Vacation!

Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina © Katrena

South Carolina's Hunting Island State Park, near Fripp Island, Port Royal, and Beaufort, offers a great opportunity to camp at the beach for a reasonable price. My family has camped at Hunting Island several times, and this is one of our favorite vacation destinations.

Camp at the Beach in SC © Katrena

Camp at the Beach

One of the greatest assets at Hunting Island is the location. You can actually see the beach from some campsites, while others are a short walk from the shore. Loggerhead turtles typically come to this beach to lay their eggs, and a large number of volunteers help protect the natural beauty and natural habitat of this gem on the South Carolina coast.

Camp at the Beach with the Kids © Katrena

My kids have loved playing in the sand and going out and playing in the surf at Hunting Island. I would highly recommend wearing sandals or flip flops when going to the beach because the sand can get pretty hot on the dry spots. I've seen people of all ages fly kites, walk dogs, look for seashells or sand dollars or sharks' teeth, or simply enjoy the vast beauty of the ocean and Hunting Island State Park.

Learn About Wildlife at Hunting Island © Katrena

Outdoor and Indoor Educational Programs

The teacher in me loves all of the educational opportunities at Hunting Island. Campers have free entry into the state park that has a nature center where you can learn more about the lighthouse on the island and you might even catch a glimpse of the resident alligator.

Learn About Environment at Hunting Island © Katrena

You not only get a chance to learn about the lighthouse, but visitors may also climb to the top of it. They do have height restrictions (at least 44 inches), but those with smaller children can still walk into the lighthouse and look up to see the staircase majestically winding around the tower.

Hunting Island Lighthouse © Katrena

They offer quite a few hands-on learning opportunities while walking through the woods or on the beach. Groups can learn about marine wildlife while taking a walk on the beach or saltwater marsh and land wildlife while walking in the woods or at the boardwalk. Programs might focus on animal tracks or habitats, seashell identification, protecting the environment, nautical communication, tying knots, etc.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife at Hunting Island © Katrena

The park office by the fishing pier offers a nice variety of educational displays, some of which are interactive. My kids particularly liked seeing the baby loggerheads that were rescued and viewing the large collection of shark teeth.

Explore Saltwater Marsh at Hunting Island © Katrena

Many of the educational programs are free or offered at a small fee. A few require pre-registration.

Active Play at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena

Great Variety of Family-friendly Activities

The girls and I love to hop on bikes and ride around the campground. Other campers tend to be quite friendly, and many of them bring their dogs. My girls are particularly fond of the playground because my two youngest learned how to go across the monkey bars there.

Deer at Hunting Island © Katrena

Times near dawn and dusk often give you the opportunity to see deer that like to visit many of the campsites. Fishing, kayaking, and boating are popular activities at or near the park. I would highly recommend mosquito repellant and sunscreen for outdoor activities.

Playground in Beaufort SC © Katrena

Wardle Family YMCA Splash Pad © Katrena

Beaufort is about 30 minutes away, and they have two nice playgrounds, informative tours of the town, and a famous candy store called The Chocolate Tree. The Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal has a splash pad with a wading pool that my kids loved.

Campsites at Hunting Island State Park © Katrena

Nice Campsites

We walked around the campground trying to determine favorite sites that we might pick for the next vacation. I ended up listing so many sites that I gave up! The vast majority of them are shaded with plenty of room. The campground also has quite a few bathhouses. The raccoons love to feast on any food that is left out at night, even if the food is in a cooler, so ensure that your food is properly stored before dark!

The SC state parks web site is quite thorough and gives detailed information about what each site has to offer. If you have a particular site in mind, you would be wise to make reservations many months ahead of time because the campground does tend to fill up quickly.

Fun Things to do at Hunting Island © Katrena

Overall, I would highly recommend Hunting Island State Park if you enjoy camping and the beach. Even those who prefer to camp in the woods will likely enjoy this campground because the sites in loop 6 in particular are wooded and many are quite spacious. Several primitive campsites are also available in more deeply wooded areas. They offer a wide variety of kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities and the natural beauty is amazing.

Find more of my travel-related articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

Money-Saving Tips for a Walt Disney World Vacation in Florida

How to Save Money on a Disney Vacation © Katrena

Walt Disney World in Florida is a favorite vacation destination for many people. The theme park has a great combination of rides, shows, activities, and accommodations, and you'll tend to meet friendly and helpful staff throughout the Disney parks.

The downside is the price. A trip to Disney World can quickly drain one's vacation budget and more, but there are some practical ways to spend less on a Florida vacation.

Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World © Katrena

Check Prices for Various Seasons

Altering a schedule by a week or two or even a couple of days might result in significant savings on accommodations. Those who home school or who have children not yet in school might want to schedule a Disney vacation when the public schools are in session – this might also result in shorter wait times as well.

Animal Kingdom Parade at WDW © Katrena

Traveling to and in Disney

It pays to comparison shop to determine the best deals for getting to and from WDW. If driving, ensure that the vehicle is prepared for the trip. The heat can be grueling. Many vehicles break down and folks then find themselves on the side of the road on Florida interstates.

Those who are flying are wise to consider several different dates and compare rates. Some packages may include air fare and transportation to and from the airport.

If planning to camp at Disney, count the cost of the added fuel and ensure that you are saving money overall. Some people find Disney camping to be particularly appealing because they can get the perks of staying on Disney property for less and also have the option to bring their pets.

Lots of folks can find some nice deals with great perks on accommodations outside of Disney property. If you aren't interested in the extra Disney hours and if the hotel offers a free shuttle, you may find some excellent prices nearby. Just be careful to watch for pricey hidden fees and ensure that you add parking fees into your overall budget if you are comparison shopping.


Parking can get quite expensive when visiting the parks unless you are staying at certain Disney resorts, in which case parking is free. Disney also provides free transportation for guests at the resorts, which can save time and money. If you don't wish to use that free transportation, you might consider packing a cooler with food to keep in the vehicle while at a park and utilize free same-day re-entry. We were able to bring some food into the theme park when we have visited. If using transportation provided by a hotel outside of Disney, you may be expected to pay a gratuity each day, which should be considered when comparing prices.

Disney Pop Century Resort in Florida © Katrena

Look for and Ask for Deals

The Disney web site often offers special deals. Residents of Florida, Disney employees and their families often enjoy significant savings. Those who are members of the military can usually enjoy Disney World accommodations and entrance into the parks with discounts as well. If you are willing to sit through a timeshare sales pitch, you might find that you can get free Disney tickets.

You might also find Disney-themed credit cards that offer Disney benefits like Disney gift cards, Disney rewards for using the card, and special offers. Be careful to pay the balance each month and to consider the fine print such as a yearly fee for some of these cards.

You might check to see if your health insurance company or special rewards programs offer Disney rewards. Although it might take a while to earn these points, the free gift cards can add up over time.

How to Have Fun for Less at Disney World © Katrena

How to Save on Disney Tickets

Tickets for the theme parks are usually a significant portion of the vacation budget for Disney. You may save money by purchasing tickets in advance as the ticket prices tend to increase each year and may be higher at the gate. Generally speaking, you'll find better deals if you purchase tickets for more days. Quite a few options are available for items such as the ability to "hop" between parks. If you are traveling with smaller kids, you might do well to plan to stay at one park per day to avoid overloading little ones.

Only certain parks will have extra Disney hours each day, so it can help to check the calendar on their web site and plan your itinerary accordingly. Those parks will tend to be more crowded on dates that extra hours are offered, so some guests find that they wish to avoid those parks and enjoy shorter lines. Sometimes the extra Disney perks may change. For example, we found the extra hours to be invaluable the first time we used them at Animal Kingdom because we could ride the safari ride over and over without a wait. It was one of the highlights of our trip! The next time we visited, we discovered that the regular hours were longer, and all of the animal exhibits were closed during the extra hours.

If you plan to visit the theme park during different vacations on different years, add the no expiration option. Unfortunately, you have to add the option to the entire ticket rather than only to the remaining days (I'd love to see more versatile options in the future). An annual pass may be the best deal for those who are planning to visit Disney World for more than six days in a given year.

If you visit Disney and have remaining days with no expiration, it helps to put a note on the ticket indicating how many days are left on it and ensure that you keep the ticket in a safe place. The last time I traveled to Disney, I had planned to purchase tickets early online but could not remember how many days I had left on tickets I had previously purchased with a no expiration option. When I contacted Disney to inquire about that, I was told that I would have to wait until we arrived at the resort to find out how many days were left on the tickets.

Tickets cannot be transferred, so if someone tries to sell you a ticket with days still remaining, that plan is likely not to work because the ticket is tied to the person who first used it.

Animal Kingdom Mystery Objects! © Katrena

Food on a Disney Vacation

You might save a significant amount of money by packing your own food. Some of the Disney resorts might not have microwaves in the rooms, which can make it a bit more difficult to feed a family. You might want to plan to eat a large breakfast before heading to the park and then plan to eat a late lunch.

If a refrigerator is not normally available in a room, you may request one. Those with medical needs may be able to get a refrigerator in the room for free.

We found the baby stations in the parks to be quite helpful. They let us use a microwave for heating food for our kids who have multiple food sensitivities, and these areas were air conditioned and tended to have toilets without automatic flush.

A few of the gas stations on Disney property had more reasonable prices on drinks and some snacks than were offered at the parks and resorts. You may find several places that will give you a cup of ice for free in the theme parks. Remember that kids may get dehydrated quicker than adults, and the temperatures and humidity may be brutal during warmer months.

Special meal plans for Disney may be available, which can greatly help if you plan to eat at the parks rather than packing your own food. If calling to make reservations at a Disney resort, make sure to mention the special deal or accommodation discount because they do not tend to offer that information unless asked.

Photos with Fairies at Disney World © Katrena

Other Ways to Save Money

Pack shoes with soles that can withstand sizzling Florida heat. Sidewalks can feel like frying pans, especially if one's shoe soles are thin. You'll also want to pack sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. We found it very helpful to have water bottles with fans for a quick way to cool off – many of the folks in the parades also appreciated a quick spray! We didn't find any great bargains on that type of item within the theme parks and were glad we had packed our own.

My kids thoroughly enjoyed trading Disney pins at WDW. I saved a significant amount of money making a bulk purchase of official pins on eBay. It is a good idea to buy ones that the kids don't consider to be their favorites because they will probably be trading them. If you purchase Disney pins individually on Disney property, you will spend a lot more. We decided to put the pins in plastic containers with lids because the backs tended to come off the pins when carrying them on lanyards.

Packing an umbrella stroller was particularly helpful to me as we traveled from one area to the next at Disney World and saved money on renting one. The ones that are lightweight and open and close easily are particularly nice when moving from place to place. The handles also worked well for hanging items like the water bottles.

Allow the option of spontaneous fun if you are visiting Disney with kids. It is a big temptation to run around the theme park and see every single thing to get your money's worth, but the kids may have other ideas. We discovered that our kids particularly wanted to get their pictures made with some of the characters, even if it meant standing in line for 45 minutes to do so. We have met some interesting people while waiting in lines, and it also helps to have snacks, bubbles, look for Hidden Mickeys, or decide what you plan to visit next while waiting.

Take advantage of FastPass tickets – these are free and can drastically cut down on wait times. The most popular rides often run out of FastPasses, so you might want to search for these early in the day. Using these passes can allow you to enjoy more rides with less waiting. Those with older kids may want to utilize the single rider lines for quicker wait times.

Many rides offer parents the ability to swap and ride again with an older child if a child(ren) in the group are too small to ride. Inquire about this at the ride because each one may have a slightly different process for swapping.

Enjoying a Beautiful Sunset at Epcot © Katrena

Save Money at Walt Disney World

Although a Disney vacation will not be cheap, many people spend more than necessary. We have utilized many money-saving tips that have enabled us to enjoy Disney World much more than we would have otherwise. I hope that some of these tips may help you to enjoy this amazing place for less with your own family!

Find more travel tips and reviews with pictures at my Love 2 Travel site map.

Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Virginia

Big Tumbling Waterfall on Clinch Mountain, VA © Katrena

Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, sounds a bit stale, but don't let the name fool you. For those who enjoy fishing, hunting, and the sheer beauty of nature, this is like homemade yeast rolls right out of the oven! This large protected area includes portions in four Virginia counties: Tazewell, Smyth, Russell, and Washington.

Clinch Mountain River in Virginia © Katrena

My dad was an avid fisherman, and he would drive for hours from his North Carolina home to wade and fish the Clinch Mountain river, a beautiful stream dappled with gleams of filtered sunlight and beautiful butterflies. Dad always claimed that this stocked river had the biggest rainbow trout around and often caught his limit. You will need a Virginia fishing license and a fee is charged for fishing here.

Fun Things to do with Kids Near Blue Ridge Mountains © Katrena

I will admit that trying to keep three hooks baited and in the water while attempting to keep three little girls on shore is a daunting task that I would rather not tackle at this stage, so we simply trekked up to the home of Big Tumbling waterfall to enjoy the scenery. We weren't disappointed.

Appalachian Mountain Trout Fishing © Katrena

Whenever I worked as a cancer nurse, I once had a patient from Virginia who claimed that he had been to the most beautiful place in the world. As he began to describe a gorgeous lake on top of a Virginia mountain that fed amazing waterfalls down the side, I was not surprised when he revealed the location. My dad was not the only one partial to this Virginia trout fisherman's dream come true.

Enjoy Natural Beauty Near Chilhowie © Katrena

It takes a while to get to this wild and wonderful travel destination – about an hour from exit #35 off I-81 at Chilhowie (pronounced like "CULL-uh-wee") toward Saltville. Small signs lead travelers to the area; however, it is a good idea to remember the road names because I could not find signs leading back to the interstate until we were on the next to last turn. Cell phones may not pick up in this rural setting. Being unplugged is not always a bad thing.

Enjoy Simple Pleasures in Rural Appalachia © Katrena

The road narrows to one lane and eventually turns to gravel at the mountain, so you might want to wait until after the trip to wash the vehicle! Large motor homes would have a difficult time maneuvering the sharp turns going up the mountain, and there are some rather steep areas on the road if you wish to go to the top.

Fisherman's Heaven at Clinch Mountain © Katrena

The serene sound of the water beckons young and old to the shore at Clinch Mountain River. Some areas are easily accessible by the side of the road, and there are several widened parking areas beside the roadway. A few paths are quite steep and would be better suited to exploring with the older kids and those who are very sure-footed. Elevation ranges from 4700 feet to 1600 feet amidst the more the 25,000 acres land found here, creating a unique atmosphere of both Southern and Northern forests.

Clinch Mountain Big Tumbling Waterfall © Katrena

Many areas have large rocks on which my kids greatly enjoyed climbing and exploring. Small waterfalls can be found meandering down the mountain. The area has signs denoted by letters, and Big Tumbling, the largest waterfall, can be found by the sign identifying section D.

Millipede at Clinch Mountain River © Katrena

If you plan to stay in the shade for long, you might consider bug spray because the mosquitoes can be a little fierce along the river in particular. The rocks can be slippery, but smaller kids may enjoy staying on the shore while watching the water and wildlife. You might consider packing a blanket and enjoying a picnic by the water's edge or on one of the huge table-sized rocks.

Beartop Mountain Lake in VA © Katrena

A trip to the top of the mountain unveils a man-made 300-plus acre lake at the highest elevation of 4,700 feet. In recent years, we have seen the shore muddy once and rocky the last time. If you plan to have the kids wade in the lake, old shoes would be a good idea because there are quite a few small rocks in the shallow areas. The drop-off is quite steep by the large rocks, as my second-oldest discovered!

Beautiful Travel Destination Near Blue Ridge Mountains © Katrena

If you sit quietly and watch, you may be able to see a few fish swim by. We saw several fish and also something that looked like a fish with legs. I believe it was a mudpuppy or a mud dog, as my uncle used to call them. Unfortunately, the little guy was too quick for my camera to catch.

Wet and Wild Travel Opportunity in VA Mountain © Katrena

The lake seems to transform into a huge mirror for the clouds and sun above and can create a great canvas for photos. We saw several people boating on the lake when we visited the last time. I believe that gasoline motors are not allowed on the lake. Someone had a canoe – I could see that as a great opportunity on one of our future trips. The web site mentions that horseback riding is allowed here as well.

Beautiful Butterflies at Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area © Katrena

This is a great place to watch butterflies and other animals as well. We saw a wonderful array of butterflies that we had not even noticed at first because of the dazzling lake's beauty. The wildflowers are plentiful and offer a splash of color.

Serenity on Top of Clinch Mountain © Katrena

Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers a wealth of natural beauty but very little pampering. They have a welcome center with bathrooms and concession stand, but it was closed on our last visit. Primitive camping is offered at various locations on the mountain, but at this point I haven't tried that with my kids. Perhaps when they are a little older and don't shriek every time they see a bug!

Enjoy Simple Pleasures in VA Mountains © Katrena

If you are looking for natural beauty of the Appalachian area of Virginia with few frills or for an amazing trout fishing hole, Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area may whet your appetite. My kids decided they should change the name of this place to something like Beautiful Lake State Park. I think that name is quite fitting!

Places to Fish and Camp in Virginia © Katrena

Visit the Clinch Mountain WMA official web site for information regarding fees, hours, directions, and more. Find more of my travel articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids sit map.

Welcome to Love 2 Travel With Kids!

Welcome to Love 2 Travel With Kids © Katrena

Traveling with kids can be a wonderful experience as the adults have the opportunity to see sites through the eyes of a child once again! The surrounding landscape can become amazing and fresh as the kids enjoy a majestic overlook of a mountain or the tiny details of a butterfly. Vacationing with kids may take the road more or less traveled, but each experience can be unique and full of memories to enjoy for years to come.

Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations © Katrena

I have many friends throughout the world, and those who are planning to travel in unfamiliar territory who often ask others to give tips for a particular area. Where are the best places to visit? What is the inside scoop? What are money-saving tips for traveling with the kids? I hope to answer many of those questions through this blog as we share our personal experiences with you.

Kids and Vacations – the Real Deal! © Katrena

I also give the human side of traveling with kids. There are the backseat moments in which I might be ready to turn the car around and head back home when everyone begins to whine. Or perhaps I get just a little lost when the driving directions I printed leave out a few key turns. Sometimes the journey has a magic all its own. The lessons learned and shared through those experiences might make your travels that much easier!

Yes, I love to travel with kids and hope that you too will share that joy!

Disney World and More With Kids © Katrena