With its cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, vibrant restaurant scene and rich culture, South Carolina’s largest city is an attractive destination for many different travelers.
If you’re ready to discover Charleston for yourself, read on. But make sure you purchase visitors medical insurance or travel insurance prior to your trip.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Charleston – FAQs
Whether you’re visiting the USA for a vacation or your loved ones are visiting you here from abroad, visitors medical insurance is essential.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Charleston?
It isn’t a legal requirement for tourists in the USA, but you shouldn’t make the mistake of going without it. Healthcare in the United States is incredibly expensive, and visitors medical insurance is the only option that can help you pay for necessary medical treatment.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Charleston?
Foreign health insurance is unlikely to be accepted in the US. And even if it is, the cost of a doctor visit or hospital stay here necessitates specific coverage. Without it, a single illness or injury could bankrupt you. Visitors medical insurance can help by providing coverage for any new medical condition that occurs after the effective date of the policy while traveling outside your home country.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting Charleston – FAQs
Traveling domestically to South Carolina? If so, make sure you have trip cancellation insurance. It can protect you from losing out on expensive prepaid trip costs if you’re forced to cancel your trip.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to Charleston?
You’re probably going to book a hotel room or vacation rental prior to traveling to Charleston, and you’re almost certainly going to buy airline tickets ahead of time. But what happens if a sudden emergency forces you to cancel your trip? These expenses are typically nonrefundable, so you might have to pay for a trip you can’t take.
Not with trip cancellation insurance. It can reimburse you for your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Charleston?
The majority of travel insurance plans can also provide coverage for the following:
Of course, this is all in addition to trip cancellation coverage. However, each plan has its differences. Make sure to compare several plans on this website before making a purchase.
Charleston’s Most Popular Activities
Charleston is a city that will charm and delight visitors of all ages. There’s a lot to do here, but you may want to consider adding the following to your itinerary.
Visit Historic Charleston City Market
One of the city’s most iconic and popular tourist attractions, this open-air market has been in operation since 1788 and boasts more than 300 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, souvenirs, crafts, and more. It’s a great place to browse for unique gifts, sample local cuisine, and learn about the city’s history and culture. Even if you don’t buy anything, visiting the City Market is worth it just for the ambiance.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Possibly the best way to see Charleston’s historic French Quarter and Battery districts is from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. These tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who can inform you about the city’s rich history and architecture. You’ll be able to see iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Battery, and Fort Sumter. If you close your eyes, the sound of the hoofs on the cobbled streets will make you think you’ve been transported back to the 1700s.
See Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. Visitors to this island fort can take a ferry to get there and explore at their own pace, or choose to take a guided tour led by a park ranger. You can get a true sense of Charleston’s historic past here, and even see the original cannons that started the war.
Tour Historic Plantations
Charleston’s antebellum past is on full display at its many historic plantations. You can explore plantation houses, gardens, and grounds, and learn about the history of the people who lived and worked there. Some of the most popular plantations to visit include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Middleton Place, Boone Hall Plantation, and Drayton Hall.
Have a Culinary Adventure
Charleston is known for its delectable food, ranging from barbecue to freshly shucked oysters. The city has a wide variety of famous restaurants to choose from. Some of the most popular options include Husk, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, The Ordinary, Xiao Bao Biscuit, and Leon’s Oyster Shop.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Charleston
When to Visit
Charleston is a great city to visit year-round. However, you’ll find the most pleasant weather and smaller crowds in the spring and fall. Summer is an excellent time as well, but the city will be much more crowded during peak vacation season.
Getting Around
Charleston is a very walkable city, so there’s no need to rent a car if you don’t want to. There’s also a public bus system, and options to rent a bicycle or scooter. However, if you want to visit attractions that are further from the city such as plantations, renting a car is typically the best option.
Where to Stay
Charleston is a tourist-friendly place, so there are many accommodation options that range from budget motels to luxury hotels. There are also many options to stay at inns for a more peaceful experience, or rent a vacation home if you prefer.
Before You Visit Charleston – Do This
- Book accommodations early, as popular options can fill up fast during peak times.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’re likely to do a lot of walking here.
- Protect yourself and your finances with visitors medical insurance or travel insurance.