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Charlie & Debbie

Charlie And Debbie’s Adventure In Paradise AND You Can Win It!

Author Charlie & Debbie

More than 20 years ago, Debbie and I took a Southern Caribbean cruise with friends. One of the stops was the island of Curacao. I didn’t remember much other than the buildings downtown were all painted in pastel colors, and it was a very pretty and clean place. So, when we (along with our adventure-partner-in-crime, Melanie Day) ventured down to this island gem last weekend, we did so with ZERO preconceived notions and expectations.

Let me tell you something, THIS is a spot. To be more specific, Sandals Royal Curacao is a spot. We’ve brought you the experience from other Sandals and Beaches resorts in the past. This one is special. Of course, it’s all-inclusive. With more than 10 restaurants on property and a bar everywhere you look, you will NEVER go hungry or thirsty on property. Second, the gigantic double-infinity pool is the most unique I’ve ever seen at a resort or hotel (complete with epic swim-up bar). Third, the accommodations are absolutely 5-star amazing with a staff eager to satisfy any need at a moment’s notice. And then, there’s the crystal-clear blue water of the Caribbean and those amazing sunrises and sunsets that come with it.

Oh, and don’t forget that Sandals are adults only (if you want a family experience like this, Beaches resorts are the ticket). So, there’s a really relaxing vibe. Nothing against kids. We love ’em. Shoot, we had one! <g>. However, you don’t know how big a difference in relaxation it makes not hearing kids crying or being scolded by parents, or having to dodge them in the pool or ocean…until you DON’T have to concern yourself. Believe me it is, and was, elite

Okay, have I sold it for you enough yet? How about this. You know YOU CAN WIN YOUR OWN TRIP TO PARADISE, right? Here’s where you get it done!

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.

Two North Carolina Cities Are The Safest Vacation Destinations

What do you look for when planning a vacation? Ease of access? A plethora of things to do? I love a place that has plenty of unique restaurants and bars. But one thing that, especially domestically, you may not have at the top of your mind- is safety. Now I do consider it when choosing a hotel, it can be easy to find something where the price almost seems too good to be true. And that often can be due to a not-so-great location. I’ve definitely stayed in one or two of those before. But what about the overall safest vacation destinations? There are actually some high-quality places on the list. Ones you may be planning to visit anyway. Would you believe two North Carolina cities were named as some of the safest vacation destinations? It’s not the safety that surprises me, more than people use vacation days to visit.

The Safest Vacation Destinations

Nothing against either of these cities, they are actually the two places I’ve lived in my lifetime so both hold a special place in my heart. And maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time in both that I wonder why people would travel long distances to visit. But both made this list, which was compiled by The Boutique Adventurer. They used FBI Crime Data including the cost of crime, the opportunity cost of crime, incarceration, crime prevention, and more. Only cities that have a population of 100,000 or more that they considered to be “vacation spots” or “tourist hubs”  were included on the initial list by The Boutique Adventurer. The total list included 19 destinations across the US.

Two NC cities were included among the safest vacation destinations. You’ll find those below as well as the top 3 and one other notable place that I bet a lot of you have traveled to or are planning to travel to. Curious about the entire list? You can find that here.

  • 1. Honolulu, HI

    Hawaii beach Honolulu city travel landscape of Waikiki beach and Diamond Head mountain peak at sunset, Oahu island, USA vacation.

    It’s good to know that the island paradise of Hawaii, more specifically Honolulu is the safest vacation destination. While I’ve never been lucky enough to visit, I hope to one day.

  • 2. Virginia Beach, VA

     

    Aerial view of the Virginia Beach oceanfront looking south at sunset. vacationers on the beach and the boardwalk. ocean waves beaking

    The second safest destination- a beach not too far from the Carolinas. Virginia Beach is a touristy destination complete with a three-mile boardwalk full of whatever attractions you can imagine.

  • 3. San Diego, CA

    Overview from hillsides of San Diego Skyline on the edge of San Diego Bay with all it's boats anchored in the water.

    Third on the list is one of my favorite cities in the US- San Diego, CA. Though this southern California city isn’t quite as warm as you may expect there is no shortage of fun things to do in the area.

  • 6. New York, NY

    Liberty Island, New York City, New York, USA. The Statue of Liberty seen from New York Harbor.

    While not in the top 3, I had to recognize NYC for making this list. A lot of people may not have thought this popular destination is one of the safest as well. And for such a bustling busy city that’s great news. Also great news as I’m planning a trip in the coming months.

  • 9. Charlotte, NC

    Drone Aerial of Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, NC, USA Skyline.

    While I personally wouldn’t rank Charlotte near the top for tourist destinations it’s nice to see the city recognized for safety. I guess there is a lot to see and do if you aren’t from the Queen City, but for the rare unicorn who was born here, I can’t see using vacation days to come here.

  • 12. Raleigh, NC

    Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.

    Lastly, Raleigh came in at number 12 on this list. And yes, Raleigh is basically my second home. I visit often for sports and friends. So I’m very glad to see if recognized for safety as well.

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