aking time to travel can seem like an overwhelming task. You wonder if all the effort and chaos thrown into your schedule will be worth it. Not to mention, being able to afford a family trip can seem insurmountable these days. But with some determination, a good amount of planning and perhaps time to save up, these trips end up becoming a priceless experience your family will never forget.

I still remember when we went to Colonial Williamsburg as a kid. We had just finished studying the Revolutionary War (my favorite time period), and it made our studies come alive! Things we had read about were suddenly real and right in front of us. I marveled at the women walking down the streets in their big hoop skirts and listened with fascination as the horses clip-clopped during our horse-drawn carriage ride.

We decided to combine that trip with other sightseeing opportunities on our way from Florida to Virginia and back again. It was technically a family vacation, but my mom knew how to sneak in learning and make things memorable. It ended up being one of the best trips we took as a family.

If you’ve been thinking about adding in some experiential learning by taking a trip together, check out what Folly Beach, South Carolina has to offer. It’s only nine miles from the historic and beautiful town of Charleston. My parents went there for their honeymoon way back when and had a wonderful time. My dad would describe Charleston as a simply charming little place.

• Historic Sites
• Folly Boat Eco-Tours
• Museums & Landmarks
• Guided Kayak Tours
• Angel Oak Tree Park (one of the oldest trees in the country)