Instructions
- Scenario: You have been appointed as the Lead Travel Consultant for a 5-day family trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Your goal is to balance history, culture, and relaxation while staying within a budget.
- Research: Use a map or a search engine to locate key landmarks like Fort Sumter, the Battery, and King Street.
- Budgeting: Complete the financial planning table to ensure the trip is affordable.
- Planning: Fill out the 5-day itinerary using a mix of historical tours and modern activities.
- Critical Thinking: Answer the reflection questions at the end to demonstrate your understanding of the region's unique culture.
Section 1: Budgeting the Journey
Every great trip starts with a realistic budget. Your total budget for this trip is $2,500 for a family of four (excluding travel to/from the city). Research typical costs for the following items.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost | Why is this necessary? |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Hotel/Lodging | $1,200.00 | 4 nights in a suite or two rooms near the Historic District. |
| 1. Dining/Food | ||
| 2. Tour Tickets | ||
| 3. Local Transport | ||
| 4. Souvenirs | ||
| 5. Emergency Fund |
Total Estimated Cost: $__
Budget Remaining: $__ (Subtract your total from $2,500)
Section 2: Historical Match-Up
Charleston is known as the "Holy City." Match the historical site on the left with its significance on the right by writing the correct letter in the blank.
- ____ Fort Sumter
- ____ The Battery
- ____ Old City Market
- ____ Boone Hall
- ____ Rainbow Row
A. A row of thirteen colorful historic houses along the waterfront. B. A landmark defensive seawall and promenade known for its Civil War cannons. C. The location where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. D. One of America's oldest working plantations, highlighting Gullah culture. E. A historic market complex established in the 1790s for local vendors.
Section 3: The 5-Day Master Itinerary
Plan out the highlights of your trip. Ensure you include at least one activity related to the Gullah-Geechee heritage (the unique African American culture of the Lowcountry).
| Day | Morning Activity (8 AM - 12 PM) | Afternoon Activity (1 PM - 5 PM) | Evening Activity (6 PM - 9 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex. | Arrive & Waterfront Park | Historic Carriage Tour | Seafood Dinner at the Marina |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
Section 4: Deep Dive - Gullah Culture
Charleston’s identity is deeply tied to the Gullah-Geechee people. Research the "Sweetgrass Basket" tradition and answer the following:
-
What material is primarily used to weave these baskets?
-
Why is it important for the city of Charleston to preserve this specific craft?
Section 5: Challenge Quest (Optional Extension)
The Eco-Traveler Challenge: Charleston is a low-lying coastal city. Identify three ways a tourist can minimize their environmental impact while visiting a coastal ecosystem like the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Answer Key
Section 1: Budgeting Answers will vary based on current market research. A typical 14-year-old's research should show roughly $100-$150/day for food and $20-$50 per person for major tours.
Section 2: Historical Match-Up
- C
- B
- E
- D
- A
Section 3: Itinerary Student itineraries should include a mix of locations from Section 2. A high-quality response will include specific Gullah activities like a visit to Boone Hall or a Gullah-led walking tour.
Section 4: Gullah Culture
- Sweetgrass (often combined with palmetto leaves and longleaf pine needles).
- It represents a direct link to West African ancestors and is one of the oldest heritage crafts of African origin in the U.S.
Section 5: Challenge Quest Possible answers: Using public transit/walking, avoiding single-use plastics on beaches, staying on designated boardwalks to protect dunes, or supporting local sustainable fisheries.