We hoped for warmer weather as we drove up the coast of South Carolina, but that wasn’t the Lord’s plan. In fact, it’s been unseasonably cold all around the states this January. Our winter clothing and coats have come in handy almost everyday of this trip, despite trying to travel through the warmer states first.
But enough about the weather. Let’s talk about the beauty that is South Carolina…
I won’t lie, it was a stressful week. Lots of attitudes and changed plans and exhausting days. Traveling with kids is definitely as hard as it sounds, but having these incredible pictures to look back on makes you realize the special memories you’re making with each other.
We collectively plunged our toes in the sand the second we arrived in Charleston; and thank goodness we did because it was the warmest weather we’d see in our four days on Sullivan’s Island. Our hotel was right on the water, so the beach was just a step away. Off season is a funny thing, a little eerie almost. Lots of things are closed and it’s abnormally quiet, but you don’t have to fight for a place to walk the shoreline or deal with late night noise. You get the breakfast room to yourself and barely have to wait for the elevator.
Off season can be tough, however, when you don’t know what’s actually open. There is nothing more tiring than planning a fun-filled day only to have half the destinations closed. And I’ve had to learn to triple check recommendations. Just because someone swears something will be open doesn’t mean it will. Mental note for next time. Though I do suggest traveling during the off season for better rates and quieter landscapes, make sure you know what you’re doing and stay flexible.
After Charleston we headed a couple hours north to Myrtle Beach. It was a redemption trip as my last Myrtle Beach experience was during a peak spring break week. I wanted to experience the city with a little less crazy. I’d say it was fully redeemed just a couple minutes in when we realized the cheap resort room we booked came with a little kitchen and a gorgeous ocean view. Homecooked meals and beach looks, what could be better? Of course, the quick stop in Myrtle wasn’t the smoothest of sailing as both kids were sick and somewhat difficult each day. But as we have been doing for five weeks, Travis and I battled it out with them (and occasionally each other) in hopes to make a couple happy memories along the way.
We’ve had a lot of conversations about the trip lately. Are we enjoying it? How are we doing on money? What will it be like in two months? Short answer: we do plan to keep going, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. And though I don’t know exactly what life will look like post-trip, I do have hope that all my hard work to teach others how to save money will someday MAKE us money.
Despite staying in compact hotel rooms for the past few weeks, I’ve managed to do my best cooking from scratch meals for our family whenever possible. Sure we eat out sometimes and I love a good salad kit, but nothing beats homemade meals just like we used to eat at home. Here’s some photos + recipes in case you felt inspired to try any in your own household!
Next stop, North Carolina. In this state, Trav and I experienced our first couple years of marriage. We went through so many highs and lows. Lots of memories to share with the kids, and I’m certainly excited to see some familiar faces.
See y’all on the road!
