THREE FABULOUS TRIPS TO TAKE IN 2020

An Iceland Adventure is one of the fabulous trips for 2020 offered by boutique travel company Just Ladies Traveling.

Just Ladies Traveling, a boutique travel company known for creating special vacations for small groups of women, has some fabulous trips planned for 2020. Two of the adventures — to Croatia and a tour of British country homes and gardens — have already sold out. But there’s still a chance to book tours of Iceland, London and an extra fun trip to Paris for grandmothers, mothers and grandchildren. If any of these trips pique your wanderlust, fly over to justladiestraveling.com for more details.

Iceland Adventure

Highlights: Glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and hopefully the Northern Lights (viewing of the Northern Lights is never guaranteed due to weather and climate conditions).

Dates: September 20-26, 2020.

Cost: $4,600 per person double occupancy.

Ladies In London

Highlights: New galleries, street markets and the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dates: May 15-21, 2020.

Cost: $2,950 per person double occupancy.

Grandmoms/Moms/Grandchildren to Paris!

Highlights: A special trip open to grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters and grandsons.

Dates: August 3-9, 2020.

Cost: $2,900 per person double occupancy.

THE SPOOKIEST SITES IN THE CAROLINAS

Poinsett Bridge in Greenville, S.C. was built in 1820. It’s not only the state’s oldest bridge, it’s also one its most haunted spots according to Conde Nast Traveler.

Normally, The O Report’s Travel section recommends lovely places to visit. But in honor of Halloween, we’re listing three sites you might want to avoid.

Every year, Conde Nast Travel updates its list of the 50 Most Haunted Places in America. Three of the spooky spots are right here in the Carolinas. Visit them at you’re own risk. You have been warned. (Insert maniacal laughter here).

We’re kidding of course! But these places are seriously spooky.

To view the complete list of haunted sites, go to cntraveler.com.

Here are the nearby places that made the cut:

Poinsett Bridge, Greenville, South Carolina

Built entirely out of stone in 1820, the oldest bridge in South Carolina is also one of the state's most haunted spots. The Poinsett Bridge is believed to be frequented by the ghost of a man who died in a car accident there in the 1950s, as well as the ghost of an enslaved person. Another eerie legend tells of a mason who died during the construction and is now entombed inside. Visitors to the site have allegedly experienced everything from floating orbs and lights to disembodied voices.

Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina

One of the oldest theaters in America, this site in downtown Charleston has racked up a lot of tumult and history over the years. After a fire burned down the original theater, the Planters Inn was built on the spot; it was converted back to a theater in the 1930s. The most flamboyant ghost here is Nettie Dickerson, who, legend has it, was struck by lightning while standing on the balcony of the hotel. Her shadow has been reported gliding along the second floor of the theater, dressed in a red gown. Also in otherworldly attendance: Junius Brutus Booth, a renowned 19th-century actor (and the father of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes) who used to frequent the inn. 

Devil’s Tramping Ground, North Carolina

Deep in the woods of central North Carolina, about 50 miles south of Greensboro, is a mysterious circle where no plant or tree will grow, nor will any animals cross its path. The reason? The 40-foot clearing is where the devil comes to stomp and dance every night—at least according to local legends. The area has built up quite the eerie reputation over the years, with people claiming to see red eyes glowing there at night and placing their belongings in the circle in the evening, only to find them thrown back out the next morning (presumedly so the devil can clear his dance floor).

AN EXCLUSIVE TRIP TO LONDON FASHION WEEK

The boutique travel company Just Ladies Traveling is hosting an exclusive trip to London Fashion Week Feb. 14-19, 2020.

Do you love London, fashion and being treated like a VIP?

The boutique travel company Just Ladies Traveling — known for creating special trips for small groups of women — is offering a stylish adventure Feb. 14-19, 2020 during London Fashion Week. It’s limited to 12 travelers.

Davidson-based travel expert Ginny Mabry, an industry insider who co-owns the company with her mother, Weezie Glascock, will be escorting the group of ladies on the fun and fashionable trip.

Among the fabulous perks participants will enjoy are:

• Five nights at chic Kensington Hotel

• A runway show by a British designer

• A preview of upcoming collections at designer showrooms

• Visiting Spitalfields and Shoreditch (hip London neighborhoods)

• A visit to the shop of designer Eddie Gavrilidis (his clients include Lady Gaga)

• A visit with designer Jacques Azagury (a favorite of Helen Mirren and Diana, Princess of Wales) at his studio in Knightsbridge

• A champagne breakfast at Selfridges and VIP Tour before it opens

• Viewing the Fashion Collection at Victoria and Albert Museum.

The cost is $4,800 per person (double occupancy). Interested travelers should email ginnymabry@gmail.com and request a registration form.

For more details including the daily itinerary, go to justladiestraveling.com.

Savvy Suitcases

Samsonite has two new suitcase styles that are so redefining luggage that both received coveted high ratings from the Good Housekeeping Lab.

The Samsonite Silhouette 16 Underseater ($320) holds 25 items, with room for more, yet it’s small enough to fit underneath the airplane seat in front of you instead of having to check it or store it in an overhead bin. It has a lot of organizational pockets, room for a change of clothes or two, a built-in USB power port to charge your devices, and an ID tag that retracts to protect your personal information while traveling.

Samsonite’s Stryde suitcases change the physics of luggage maneuverability by widening its shape and handle. This new lower center of gravity means more control and range of motion.

It comes in three sizes: Long Journey ($440), Medium Journey ($400) and Carry-On ($360).