Is Myrtle Beach A Tourist Trap Town (New Policies)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- Can Myrtle Beach keep attracting tourist visitors while increasing fee’s and not become a tourist trap town, with aging accommodations. We stayed in an ocean front hotel condo with kitchen and it was old. There is only so much renovation you can do to old buildings. Major chain hotels are buying old ocean front hotels and painting them, offering time shares or hotel rooms spending money on the exteriors and public spaces in the hotel but rooms are still tired.
Is Myrtle Beach a tourist trap town because of aging infrastructure and the inevitable tourist scams, such as adding compulsory 18% gratuities at beach front bars, another 3% for using a credit card, or the rounding up to the nearest dollar at the popular french fry store because of a "shortage of coins". This is what destroys tourism along with old hotels relegating a town like Myrtle Beach to the ranks of a tourist trap town.
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Giving your honest review of an area isn’t whining. It’s expensive to holiday so need to go somewhere you enjoy. Great as always.
Ok…sooo…scratchin’ Myrtle beach off my list of places to visit…😂. I love your honest reviews of your travel destinations. It really helps!
Thanks for watching 😂😂
There are actually a lot of nice areas around Myrtle Beach to enjoy that aren’t as touristy. I live in North Carolina and probably wouldn’t go to Myrtle Beach either lol. A lot of people stay in North Myrtle or Garden City area. Of course my daughter and her family went to Myrtle Beach in October and had a great time. They stayed at the oceanfront Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort…really nice place.
Fellow Canadian here, just wrapping up 6 lovely weeks in Murrells Inlet, SC (15 min south of Myrtle Beach). Rented a great Air BnB house for $60 USD/night. Walked every day in Huntington Beach state park or Myrtle Beach state park, visited many historical sites and explored beautiful Charleston on an overnight trip. Sorry you had a bad time.
How lovely that you made 2 new friends in Alvin and Carman! It's OK to properly critique a place. We appreciate your honesty.❤
Hi there, I too am disappointed that ya'll didn't enjoy Myrtle Beach. We are senior Canadians with a passion for South Carolina, specifically the Beach and its Southern Charm. November is definitely not the time to visit, as the weather is wet and cool. There are plenty of Southern architectural homes and buildings from Little River through to Georgetown to Charleston. There is also plenty of top notch entertainment venues as well, Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, Legends, etc. We rent a luxury condo away from the strip, right on the ocean and enjoy every day at the beach. We would be happy to show you around , we stay for the month of March every year! p.s. Love your Channel!
Yes, I also don't understand their comment that there wasn't anything to do. We go to the Grand Strand every year, but don't stay on the boardwalk, and always have more to do than we find time for.
Myrtle Beach and Panama city are two tourist traps geared towards collage age kids. I haven't been to either one in many year's. You may think about the Charleston and Savanah area for more of a historical visit. You could do both in a week.
Yes, Charleston, Savannah and Hilton Head
I don't want to sound critical, but what was your expectations of Myrtle Beach in November to begin with?
Myrtle Beach has never really been a charming seaside town. At best it is a honky tonk summertime tourist trap. And at this time of year if you want Beach and sun, you have to go further south.
Rather than going home, you should have gone to Charleston or Savannah.
Those cities are also expensive and touristy. But they are also charming with very nice
Restaurants. And they are still lively at this time of year .
I would have expected them not to be charging for parking in the off season. Most other beach towns don't charge in the winter. I'm not a fan of south carolina for this reason. They hassle you for every little thing. I would have went to North Carolina, Georgia or Florida before going to SC.
I just got back from a month at Myrtle. I go to see and hear the ocean. I used airbnb to bypass the resort fees and got an incredible deal on the stay. I cooked various meals, walked 4 to 5 miles a day, made my own cocktails and also tried a few new eateries. I met some nice folks including some Canadians. The weather was beautiful most of the time with many days over 80 degrees. I found a cigar lounge I liked. The people are the soul of the place, that's where you'll find the charm. I'm sorry you left early. I plan on going back next year and for many more years going forward.
Thank you for your honest feedback on this area. Nothing worse than spending a lot of money to be disappointed.
Greetings from Australia. Your trip to Myrtle Beach, somewhat reflects my recent trip to Niagara Falls. With apologies to the Canadians, trashy is how I described it.😮
Honest reviews are very appreciated! Feeling the same frustration with costs as we live 1.5 hrs from Banff, Alberta and as locals who like to stay there a night or two, off season, it has become astronomically expensive making it accessible only to the very wealthy or those comfortable spending over a thousand a day/night and there's a charge for absolutely everything in town. Free parking for years but now it's $5/hr and so on...
Many years ago, we would take the children to Myrtle Beach for a week each summer just to enjoy sun, sand and ocean. It was a nice, family place. Then it turned into more of a bar/party scene. November is really, really off season, so I understand how you feel, but I do not think you would like the place earlier in the year either. Since you have already travelled so far, you could drive a bit more (2 hours) and go to Charleston, SC. There is so much more to see and do there. At least then your whole trip won't be a bust. Safe travels and thanks for a very informative video.
Sorry to hear your trip didn’t meet your expectations and you had to cut it short. I am glad you are telling it like it is, very important for your audience.
Everything is more expensive post pandemic, it’s pretty much everywhere but you feel it more when you travel. There are so many fees these days within travel industry and hard to avoid them. Since you are retired, perhaps consider an all inclusive vacation to the Caribbean next time, at least there won’t be any surprises and you would get pretty good last minute deals and will know upfront your total cost. Anyhow, welcome back and have a great weekend.
that hotel tourism charge is in canada too it sucks and hotels are so pricey now too
Felt that way when I visited 15 years ago.... thx for the video and honesty, I won't be going back. You guys are great!
Awesome! Thank you!
Brookgreen Gardens and Hobcaw Barony are wonderful places to visit just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach.
I hate resort fees!
Hi guys. We just moved again. Left Saint John, NB for Dartmouth, NS. I think Myrtle Beach is mainly about golf and the beach. Outside of that, not a whole lot. I do think most destinations you point to now charge additional taxes and fees, and not to dampen spirits, but, that is just the way of the world. It makes it extra special when you can find hidden gems that are reasonable and well, offer a lot. I think those places are becoming increasingly difficult to find. We live in a very challenging and expensive world. I'm glad to hear that you had the option of going home, hopefully, not having to lose a whole lot of money. You are blessed that you have the funds to travel and escape the Canadian fall/winter. I think you are well aware of that, and grateful. Lovely to see you. See you in the next video. 🙂
I agree, we went to Myrtle Beach years ago and decided there would be no need to return. It felt like a carnival environment.
We felt the same. It is a bit run down, too nickel and dime, and aside from the beaches, there just isn't much there that makes it a destination for 60-somethings who don't golf or shop.
Sorry your trip was disappointing. I’m looking forward to videos when you are in Portugal. Have safe travels!🇺🇸🚗✈️🇨🇦
Thank you! 😃
We went there this past summer (we have a timeshare that has a resort there). We went to Brookgreen Gardens which is about 35 minutes away from Myrtle Beach. It was lovely. The tickets for that were for 7 consecutive days and were only a little over $20. Many places along the Eastern seacoast close after Labor Day unless it is pretty far south. Sorry you had a bad experience. Hope the next trip you take is better!
Sorry to hear you headed home. Totaly understandable.
Good objective report. Thank you. Safe travel home.
~ Ben Y, Vancouver ISLAND
Thanks Ben it was disappointing have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦🍷
Good for you stating your experience with an honest valuation. I am also getting fed up with price gouging with little return.
That resort fee will kill off the resorts! Shystering at its finest.
Hi M&T. "Soul-less" hits the nail on the head...And we live in Myrtle Beach! The 60 mile span of beaches are called "The Grand Strand" and we do have several quaint spots but downtown Myrtle Beach isn't one of them. You would need to travel slightly further north or south to areas in North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island to the south. Anyway, we completely get it, but on the bright side since viewing your channel we're off the Portugal in 2024! Thanks and hope to run into you in the Algarve.
That’s wonderful Daniel we hope you enjoy Portugal 🇵🇹 we can’t wait to be back there this Winter counting down the sleeps 🛌 😴till we go Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
I have never understood why peolpe are traveling someplace warm in retirement. Canada is GREAT! beautifull blue lakes, skiing, hiking in a snowshoes in sparkling snow and beautifull mountains to relax in a cabin by the fireplace and soak in natural hot springs. Real christmas vibe :). I enjoy couple of months of winter in Banff area and cut winter short in Maui in March. This way you have both worlds: sun at the beach adn magnifficent mountains and snow. I also travel to differet exotic areas, not just one place in Europe, life is too short to have the same experience (or do the same nistakes) twice. Even after 60 we traveled to China, Nepal adn Tibed and went to Everest basecamp, we snorkled in Greast ocean rief in Australia, we did Safari in Kenia. we went to Maldives to snorkle with sharks and planning to go to Bora Bora this spring.
Life is so diverse, get all exiting experience you can.
Actually it would be Great idea: to create a youtube channel for active and adventurous people in their 60 ties who are still working parttime and enjoing life to the fullest.
But most of them, like me just do not have time for that: they are busy living 🙂
Thank you very much as I always wondered what Myrtle Beach would be like off-season. I’m from Nova Scotia. Sadly, it does not look like it would be my cup of tea either.
We have been to Myrtle Beach for lengthy visits 3 times in the past 10 years. The last trip we cut short due to the rising crime and safety issues. The hotel across the parking lot from our AirBNB was raided 3 times by police during our stay. We made a deal with the owner to let us out of our commitment in exchange for not leaving a review. Savannah would be our preferred destination in that general area. These days we prefer the Mexican Rivera and Portugal, where the prices are rising, but not out of reach for Canadians. Great video, thanks for posting.
We totally agree with you we are looking forward to being back in Portugal 🇵🇹 Cheers 🎄🙂☕️
Always appreciate your honesty🥰
Been there so many times, but not since 2012. Late April early May. Visited once in early June but it was too hot and too busy. MB has grown too large, crime in the region is a lot bigger problem now too. We didn’t mind the older place we liked to stay in, beachfront room, watch the sunrise. Just relax for a week. If you want architecture etc do a day trip to Charleston. MB has been a favourite of Canadians for decades, sure it’s a tourist trap, we all knew this. We would drive there from Ontario, so we’d incorporate historical side trips on the way back, Appomattox, Monticello, Antietam.
But yes, it’s not the sleepy place it used to be.
It’s 7:00 in the morning and I’m enjoying your video with a cup of coffee,and you never fail no matter the topic . Looking forward to a lot more interesting videos from you .I did took my 25 year old granddaughter to Albufeira in October and we had the best time thanks to you , I did mention that before . I watched all the videos so like I knew the place by heart before hand which was very helpful and I did impressed my granddaughter I’m 74 now ,you do inspire me . Stay safe and healthy , keep travel and do a lot more videos.
Thank you that’s wonderful 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦
Wish we had known you were here! You could have visited us! But I will say that it’s nice down a little farther in Surfside or Murrells Inlet.
I love your honesty!
Good information to know. Thanks Norm and Tina!
Thanks for the info guys. You got me thinking now that maybe I should stay in a brand new Air BnB with free parking, close to the boardwalk. Perhaps at the end of September to the beginning of October, to avoid the crowds and still get the warmer weather. We are more into the solitude of the off-season and not much for shopping or eating out.
Think of the positive Norm and Tina! You have a great
new shirt! You are on vacation! You're both not working full time any more! You are both retired, healthy and alive! Don't sweat the small stuff!
Be happy and safe! Looking forward to your next video! 😎 😅 😆 😀
We just moved from Myrtle Beach to Conway a neighboring town. I completely agree with your assesment. Myrtle Beach reminds me of a very small and boring honky-tonk town. There is crime, restaurants are so-so, and beaches are not so wonderful. Much better and charming beach town resorts to visit or areas in the Carolinas.
Hi Tina and Norm :) Your fan Mary here from Toronto, ON. I went to Myrtle Beach once in my life about 33 years ago. Meh ... It was OK ... Wasn't really warm when my husband (BF then ) and I went... I wanted to say HELLO :) Ohhh that's so AWESOME that 2 of your subscribers met you both. How lovely that you had lunch with Alvin and Carmen. What a beautiful picture. And I agree!!!! No coffee?? YIKES :) I love me a mean cappuccino / coffee and my gorgeous cuppa tea!!! That is DEFINITELY a number one thing that I love to do is go into a great coffee house with nice treats. Thank you again for sharing your experiences with us. Here's to a great week to us all! Mary :)
Sadly this is happening to many coastal towns. Love your videos and live "not too far" from Myrtle Beach. There are other coastal cities with more "heart". Wish I could private message you with some ideas for next year.
Myrtle Beach was the first place I landed when I emigrated from the UK in Jan 1978. We lived on the air base and used to frequent the state park beach. The big shopping complex The Commons and luxury apts are now built on part of the air base site . I went back a few years ago and was really disappointed in how it had really gone down. Charleston is lovely and North Carolina. So sorry that it was a disappointment but you do have Portugal to look forward to in January and that will make up for it 🥰
Thank you for the honest feedback Tina & Norm. I got a kick with your music choice at the end! The music would cause you to think of a picturesque Italian coast vs a disappointing US tourist trap. So sorry you traveled all that way and understandably left early. I hope you stopped other places along the way that were more interesting. I would suggest Savannah Georgia for a few days. The historic charm is unique & beautiful. Early April would be a great time with the azaleas in bloom. Best wishes! Enjoy your channel!
Looks like a bit more research was needed prior to your trip. Like you, we visited Myrtle Beach years ago albeit for a golf vacation and did so again this year in February with the same intent. We noticed quite a change as well but that wasn't a "deal breaker" for us cause we had a great B&B booked so we avoided extra cost for dining out and had no interests/or expectations for sight seeing like I said - golf was our focus. Also, like you, we noticed that M.B. does not discount during off season and add on's like parking seem ridiculous given that the place is a "ghost town". Side note... food is more expensive than back in Ontario and, those popular discount outlets like Tanger - don't go, there are no deals with the exchange its more expensive than home!. That said, there are ways to do things "on the cheap" as we found happy hour places and utilizing our B&B kitchen facilities to saved a bundle. Good video for those considering this tourist town during off season.
Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦🍻
Hi Tina & Norm! Thank you for your honesty 😊 You saved a trip! Take Care!
You should try Charleston and Savannah. Wonderful historical cities. The last time we went to Myrtle Beach we were so disappointed. Will not be going back.
Another wonderful video with great information on winter months in the Algarve. Didn’t realise there was a new hotel at Faro which is helpful. Really hope you have a brilliant trip over to the Algarve. As someone who is working and living near the great city of Liverpool, Great Beatles t-shirt also! Thanks again for the video and info on travel tips and apart hotels.
Glad you enjoyed it
Charleston, SC has a lot of history and beautiful architecture!
Great review, Beaufort and Charlston you will love.
May or September is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach.
I live here and yes you are right !
Good to know! I will skip Myrtle Beach again.
Thanks very much for this! I might have guessed that any hotel charging less than $300/night, if it’s on or near the beach, would be quite disappointing.
We’ve been doing Thanksgiving in the Myrtle Beach area for around 15 years…but we stay in North Myrtle/Cherry Grove - far superior…always avoiding the Strand. Tourist trap, and too full of rowdies. We are here now when you have been! 2hr morning walks on the beach. And sitting on a balcony listening to the ocean at night. We only do condos. And only a few special meals out - usually local places instead of chains. PS…While in Las Vegas at the Cirque LOVE show, Def Leppard literally brushed by us shoulder to shoulder in the lobby!
Murrells Inlet is 20 minute south of Myrtle Beach and a world away - it is fantastic and I go every year. I go every year during 'winter' and yes, it can be cold but it is deserted (fabulous) and I am on the ocean and some days it can be 20 degrees and sunny which is much better than -20 in Canada.
Sounds great Paula!
Hi Norm & Tina, It is so interesting that your experience in Myrtle Beach, S.Carolina was so similar to mine - and I went there in the summer of 2022. I had to connect through Charlotte, N.C. and when I landed for my first trip to Myrtle Beach, I headed to my Airbnb which was right by the beach. Lots of great morning walks! But, like you with your hotel, I was shocked to see the Airbnb/condo building so run down and the AC filter had never been changed and when I noticed we started to get sick, I asked the host to leave early. Before leaving, we did go to Ripley’s Aquarium, the Pier, and I found it fascinating how all the locals drove golf carts!! Did you notice at the Pier, a famous prop from a very famous movie with Tom Hanks?!
I cut short my trip and drove to Columbia and then on to Greenville - which was so much fun. There are definitely more fun to be had in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. Gorgeous river walks, art museums and great local cuisine. My Aunt lives in Greenville and that was a delight. I have been back several times.
Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦
A hidden gem further north in North Carolina is Atlantic Beach. There are wild ponies & a lot less touristy. We love it there so much better than Myrtle.
Thanks for the review of MB. Was planning on visiting next spring but now going to scratch that idea. Keep well.
I loved the amazing cuisine, beach scenery, people, atmosphere, and culture in Mexico, specifically Sayulita, San Pancho, and Puerto Vallarta. I saw lots of Americans and Canadians there on extended stays.
We will see you in Portugal in January. We like the depth of history and culture in Europe
🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦
The reviews are honest, but to me the issue is you chose a wrong place for you.
Thank you for your videos. I'm a new retiree, and learning how to do it effectively. Myrtle Beach used to be famous for golf. Too bad you didn't enjoy your visit. I presume you drove, since you were able to change your trip schedule. Safe travels!
Congratulations 🥳 on your retirement enjoy your weekend Cheers ☕️🙂🍻
Hi Tina and Norm. Such a shame re vlog at Murtle Beach, I love watching you both. Why don't you consider a trip back to NZ. We live in a beautiful place called Russell in the North Island and have a B&B. It's great for summer sunshine We have a small town but lots to do and see and you won't be disappointed. It's an inexpensive place but a jewel in the crown as they say, lots walking and reasonable food outlets. Just a thought for your future trips. Carol.
You are correct. I haven't been to MB in years, no reason to go. Try Beaufort or, obviously, Charleston. Way more interesting. Also, just north, New Bern, NC was lovely when we visited. Lots of history.
Love you guys! 😍
Good to know! thank you 🇺🇸☕️🙂🇨🇦
Hey Tina and Norm. It seems in the Southern States that end of October is an official end of season date and a lot of businesses close up. We just went to Panama City Beach in Florida. Arrived on the 8th of November and were supposed to stay for 10 days but we also cut it short by 3 days. First 2 days were hot and sunny but them got quite cold and constant rain. This combined with most things being closed made our decision for us. Lesson learned I guess.
Myrtle Beach was always trashy. I think that is part of its appeal, sort of like Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, and yes, it is a golfer's paradise. I too am blown away by all of the extra fees and add ons but don't see it coming to an end soon. I enjoyed this video particularly, as seniors, we are looking at an extended November or December getaway in the future.
We were there around the same time and I agree with you. We saw a drug deal happen right on the strip and felt unsafe at night walking around. It was off season and lots of shops were closed.
Boarded everything up when they seen you arrive in town with that Def Leppard T Shirt!
ps Love your videos
Awesome! Thank you! 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦
Post pandemic travel has become much more expensive across the board. There are bargains to be found but it seems that there are a lot of resort fees etc that bump up the cost. That said, my husband and I rationalize it because this is the cost of recovery from all the lost money during the pandemic. We just got back from Mexico and found that restaurants and taxis, in particular were about 25 percent more than three years ago. We feel lucky that we can afford to travel and don't mind helping locals make a living. Safe travels Norm and Tina!
I don't think they ever fully recovered from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The parking is to discourage folks that live in their vehicles. But I agree its a tourist trap. We stayed at Huntington Beach State RV park in November and visited Hobcaw Plantation for lunch, drove over to historic Georgetown for some ambience. BTW our home base in in Charleston, SC, so I say come back to our area. Charleston, Beaufort, Edisto Beach & maybe Savannah,GA (my home state) I just found you guys with your latest video about retirement in an RV. We just finished 33 states in a year, in our 33 FB Classic Airstream. West is next, then Acadia.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, you make a valid point about hurricanes, we hadn’t thought of that. We love the Airstream design such a classic design. Thanks for finding us on TH-cam.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement really enjoying the video's. My husband is the hoarder & so frustrating for me. But my "stuff" is manageable.
M BEACH IS ON THEIR WAY TO THE BOTTOM and council dont know what to do
It seems that way !! 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦
Great job!!! We are on our way there now
Good to know! I have thought of going, but I also don’t want the “touristy” shops and want to see / feel the soul of a place. Thanks so much for sharing!
Try Amelia Island specifically Fernandina Beach in north Florida about 20 miles south of Georgia. It’s a very charming town with lots of history and nature. While there you could visit Cumberland Island with the feral horses.
Charleston would be a nice spot , just further south, nice Plantations, and Historic Houses
Thank you for being honest ❤
Instead of heading home you should have gone south a bit and sent the second week in Charleston SC
Think the novelty had worn off Jeff we came home 🏡🇺🇸🇨🇦
I live in SC and totally agree.
Oh no!!
Come to The Jersey Shore, we'll love to have you visit.
In MB try the Best Western on the shore units with kitchen. Beaufort SC is a quaint southern town you might enjoy, along with Hunting Island State Park.
Thank you 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦🙂
Thanks for the info. Personally I think southern Europe is always a good idea. Last year we spent two months dividing our time between southern Spain, Portugal (first time in the Algarve and we loved it), France and Italy and we will be returning to Spain in Feb. Europe just has so much more to offer.
You need to come to Charleston, a few hours south. Heart and soul here, though the beaches aren’t quite as amazing.
I’m from Ontario. I was in Myrtle Beach in early October. Walked the beach every morning, swam in the pool, relaxed in the hot tub. But that’s all you can do. There’s nothing interesting to see or explore. I wish they’d expanded the boardwalk so people can stroll all along the seafront, some people have a hard time walking on a sandy beach. The giant concrete hotels block any view of the sea front and you might as well be in a big city when walking along Ocean Blvd.
Yes we agree!
I appreciate your objective and honest review. Too bad that it was an unpleasant experience. I would recommend visiting the Tidewater area/ southeastern Virginia. Virginia Beach still has some interesting attractions such as a beautiful boardwalk, white sand beaches, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton, Jamestown Historic Area(first successful English settlement in America), Colonial Williamsburg( wonderful re-creation of a colonial town, can be a little touristy but a fun experience), Yorktown Battlefield(last battlefield of the Revolutionary War). Many nice botanical gardens to visit. I assume you might have already visited this area but if you haven't I think you will have a much more enjoyable time than your Myrtle Beach stay. The prices are substantially lower during the winter in this area.Take care. Wishing you an early Merry Christmas. 🫂❤️🎄
It's a shame you are not here in Albafiera with us. I agree that Myrtle Beach is not as nice as it use to be.
We will be there soon can’t wait 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦this was a short filler in trip hope you are having a great time Cheers 🇵🇹🇨🇦🇺🇸☕️
Thank you for your candor. I agree with your assessment of Myrtle Beach. We just visited Newport Rhode Island and visited the Newport Mansions. It's a great place to visit.
Went once but would never return. Never seen a community on the ocean that has so poorly used the waterfront. It's one fast food restaurant after another. It lacks charm.
We agree Gregory 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦
We have recently traveled from Illinois all the way east to Boston and finally reached our destination of Arcadia National Park in Maine. The parking is always expensive $$$$$. Tolls on the major highways are unbelievable even with an I - Pass. We travel with a son who is handicapped and parking was hard or impossible to find. I finally called the nonemergency number of the police station to find where we could park. Vacations are just hard sometimes. We stopped at Niagara Falls but couldn't cross because my son did not have a passport and there is a special procedure for nonverbal travelers to apply for one. BTW the Canadian side looked wonderful. We still had fun but sometimes things do not work out as planned.
Oh wow, I wish I had known you were in Myrtle! We live here year round but not on the water. We're about 7 miles inland away from all the 'touristy' places. Sorry you didn't have the best time, I agree Myrtle has gotten very greedy and everywhere you look there are just so many places to buy 'souvenirs'. I didn't realize the hotels were charging resort fees now - wow!! I agree with other commenters - Charleston & Savannah are great coastal towns to visit with lots of character.
Sorry you did not enjoy Myrtle Beach. I moved here 3 months ago when i retired and moved from Maryland. . I agree with you on the hotels and the parking fees. Most are dumpy, and parking is costly. They just put these fees in year-round. I live 8 miles from the touristy area, and dont go there much. Ive learned, if you go 15 minutes north or south, it is quieter. There are a few coffee places, but not there. As a resident, there are coupon books which save a lot of money on dining and activities, and several theatres to see live shows, and they have local discounts on many of them. Wishing you the best on your next vacation.
Great video as always 🎉sorry your visit to Myrtle was disappointing 😢Alvin and I got lucky to have run in to you both and I was so star struck as I’m a big fan of you guys channel 🎉 THANKS for the shout out to travelsRus we really appreciate it.looking forward to your future Portugal videos maybe we will again run in to you there since we are on our way to.safe travels 🎉
Hey 👋 Norm & Tina,
It sounds like you made the best of your short stay.
My family traveled with another family there twice, about 60 years ago. We went in April. Both times I got fried like a lobster on the first day, and suffered in pain until we left. Back before sunscreen and SPF. Another memory is we bought fireworks, and the cops stopped us from lighting them off. Unless you go to Hilton Head, or Florida, all up the east coast seaside businesses are seasonal.
But I thought a Starbucks would’ve been open, at least.
Starbucks was open we don’t like their coffee ☕️Eric too strong and hugely overpriced Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement exactly! Same here. What’s up next? A little Florida action?
Thanks for the review. I felt the exact same way about Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains NP are great, the rest is just tourist trap.
We travel with an RV. We stay at the Myrtle Beach Travel Park right ON the beach-it's lovely. You can rent a camper there (I've seen them)...it's right on the beach and a lovely resort with pools and you can cook your own food! They have grills and you can rent bikes-just a thought. They even have a coffee stop and serve breakfast on the beach on the weekends.
Love your videos hello from Baddeck, Cape Breton.
Hi Tina and Norm. Would you say Algarve is so interesting and special that you continue to return again and again rather than choosing a different experience at another destination?
Really interesting comment Mike but yes very true we obviously have a great comfort level, security, beaches have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦🍷
Well you've just put me off Myrtle Beach for life. I have just come back from 3 weeks in the Algarve, where the weather was 100% sunshine most days and over 20c most days and the sun gave me an autumn tan. I paid about €60 p/n to stay in a 4.5 star Apartmento called The Patio Suite. This was in a lovely setting surrounded by Golf courses and pine trees. The full high season price is considerably more, but I thoroughly relaxed, got my tan, got my Algarve fix and happy days. It's closed for December & January, but I would highly recommend it. I had a 1 bedroom apartment with 708sq ft and a spacious balcony. This time next year I may be living in the Algarve, but if not I will certainly return to The Patio for a stay. For most nationalities the US $ now is so overvalued, the US has transformed from a good value destination that it has been most of my life to now being an overpriced nightmare. For US tourists it is the other way around, and they must be having a great time!
We would love to go in November as well but we are caught with the 90 day visa coming from Canada glad you enjoyed your stay we can’t wait to be there soon Cheers 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦
@@ThisIsOurRetirement Yes the 90 day Schengen is a nuisance. For what it is worth I have seen several articles where France, Spain and even Portugal are lobbying to extend this for retiree's. This certainly won't apply any time soon, but possibly later....
Curious you mention that you might be living there next year can we ask are you filling a D 7 visa in to make that happen as we are also looking at how we could be there longer Cheers 🇵🇹☕️
@@ThisIsOurRetirement I got EU residence using my British passport in the Brexit transition year in 2020, and then earlier this year I changed that to a Titulo de Residencia, and I have just been back to apply for the NHR. It is a bit of a saga actually given the complications with my parental duties in the UK, and the tax is a saga aswell. So I don't know that much about the D7, other than there are more conditions to fulfill in terms of the time you must spend there etc. I am quite lucky really because the Titulo de Residencia is for life now. I would probably already be living there were it not for my mum having a stroke last year. Fortunately my own experience with SEF was that they were very accomodating. It is all do-able if that is what you want to do. I used a law firm in Lisbon called Lexidy when I needed to, and they were quite reasonable compared to some.
@@ThisIsOurRetirement The other thing about Lexidy is they gave me an initial 30 minute consultation free, from which I ascertained that they were pretty good, and they do everything wit a sense of urgency which is quite rare in Portugal. I am not on commission, and I don't know your circumstances, but I do recommend them.... All the best.
Thank you for an honest review, never been there because I thought it might be just as you said.
Would highly recommend Hilton head Island in South Carolina and especially Sea Pines Gated community, it is simply stunningly beautiful. Further south would also recommend Ocean Village in Fort Pierce on Hutchinson Island. Drastically warmer and pools are open and heated 12 months of the year. By the way we are also 66 so I think we are searching for the same type of vacation. Been to the Algarve so I understand your opinion.
Yes, Myrtle Beach is a tourist trap. Better to stay on the outskirts, like North Myrtle Beach or Murrels Inlet. You will find cheaper accommodations on the west side of Hwy 17, and they may have beach privileges, including a parking lot for guests. If you try North Myrtle, two restaurants we love are Carolina Roadhouse, and Flying Fish. Brookgreen Gardens, south of MB is worth visiting, and your admission ticket is good for a full week. You could spend days there and not see everything. Huntington Beach State Park is close by, with a nature preserve where you can see lots of indigenous birds and alligators. I would also suggest that you seriously consider visiting Charleston, just a couple of hours south. It is unique among American cities, and worth the stay. Cheaper accommodations there would be in Mount Pleasant or North Charleston. You can then drive into Charleston proper, park your car on Murray Blvd on the south harbour for free, and then walk around the city. Spectacular antebellum houses; some are museums like the Nathaniel Russell house. In Charleston, there are too many good restaurants to list, but a favourite is California Dreaming (get directions because it’s confusing to get to) on Ashley Point, where you can dine while watching dolphins in the harbour. Reasonably priced good pub food at Tommy Condon’s on Church Street, or treat yourselves at 82 Queen. Take a short cruise to Fort Sumter or Fort Moultrie and learn about the origins of the Civil War. Visit Middleton Place, a former plantation, now a spectacular garden, with small lakes and azalea woodlands. Start with a carriage ride around the city; the guide will tell you interesting bits of history. I’m in London Ontario, and I’ve been to Charleston at least 25 times - I never get tired of it. Off season is a good time to visit because it’s not too busy, and hotel prices are lower than high season. Don’t head home yet; it’s cold and wet here right now.🙁
I feel like your last 2 vacations haven’t been the best, it’s tough when you spend a lot of money and it doesn’t live up to the cost. Here’s hoping the next trip will be a winner!
Thanks we hope so too Amy LOL 😂😂Looking forward to Portugal 🇵🇹
You might have gone south to either Charleston or Savannah for more historic surroundings.
I'd put this down to a great learning curve about where NOT to go in the off season. We love holidaying in the off season, it puts money into the sleepy tourism industry and council coffers so here both agencies are shooting themselves in the foot. Trying to recover by upping costs after a hard time is not going to help Myrtle Beach. Good on you for choosing to cut your holiday short. Travel well. 👌🇳🇱🙋♀🇳🇿
Thanks for watching Anita we certainly won’t be rushing back , you would think they would want tourists in the off season have a great weekend Cheers 🇳🇱🍷☕️🇨🇦🤗
We went to Myrtle Beach in Summer 2021 right after the pandemic travel was lifted. It was packed and like you experienced, the town was a tourist trap and not even a good one. It felt like an over priced neglected town. There were a few restaurants opened at the time and they could not get workers, so the waits were long and the food were blah. We only stayed 4 days out of planned 2 weeks and drove down to Florida for the rest, which we actually enjoyed.