Lowcountry wanderers

In the heart of the Lowcountry, where the marshes meet the sky and history whispers through the Spanish moss, a spirit of adventure pulses through local residents. Here travel becomes a romance with the world. From the golden sands of distant shores to the cobblestone streets of ancient cities, locals bring home more than memories — they bring back stories of love and discovery. Meet seven local globetrotters whose voyages are as much about passion as they are about exploration.

Beachcombing with the Kastlers 

Jill and Gene Kastler have turned their passion for travel into a lifestyle. Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, and Chelmsford, Massachusetts, respectively, the couple now resides in Belfair in Bluffton, moving here full time in 2011. Their journey to the Lowcountry was inspired by three decades of family vacations at Captain’s Walk in Palmetto Dunes, a tradition that deepened their love for the region.

The Kastlers travel about twice a year, driven by a love for exploring new cultures and escaping the snowy winters of the Northeast. Their favorite destinations reflect their preference for warm climates, with multiple trips to both Cabo and Aruba, places Gene has come to love. Jill’s most cherished travel experience, however, was a trip to Southern Africa, highlighting their diverse travel interests.

Their adventures began with their honeymoon trip to Bermuda, marking Gene’s first travel outside the U.S. Since then, each destination has added layers to their understanding and appreciation of the world. They are eager to visit Singapore and Bali, a trip postponed several times due to Covid-19, with plans firmly set for August. Japan is also on their wishlist. They hope to make it there by spring 2025. The Kastlers’ story is not just about the places they’ve been, but about the experiences that have shaped their lives, showing us that travel can be as much about discovering oneself as it is about discovering the world.

Travel advice

“Make sure you have a fabulous travel agent who truly knows your likes and dislikes,” Jill advises. “Use packing cubes. Travel business class internationally. Bring lots of books on your Kindle and several needlepoint projects.”

Capturing memories with Steve Edelstein 

Steve Edelstein has embraced photography since childhood. After law school in Wisconsin, he relocated to Atlanta, honing his camera work in black-and-white street photography and later, color slides, capturing vivid travel landscapes. The transition to digital photography in the 1990s expanded his creative horizons on the editing side. Now settled on Hilton Head Island with his wife, Kathi Williams, since 2018, Edelstein continues to explore photography through local and international travels, valuing the cultural immersion and historical significance of each destination. 

Memorable experiences include walking along the medieval city walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia; going inside King Tut’s tomb, including a morning hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings; going to a Champions League soccer match in London; doing the bridge climb in Sydney, Australia, and going to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. A trip to Alaska last summer with his children and grandchildren was especially memorable.

“I don’t have a favorite destination – I have favorite memories,” Steve said. With plans to visit Japan and China in the fall, Edelstein looks forward to capturing new cultures. “In addition to having an inexhaustible supply of photo ops, the principal reason I enjoy traveling is the excitement of being exposed to different cultures, customs, experiences and points of view, all of which give you a broader perspective about the world and ultimately a greater appreciation for the quality of life we have on the island,” Steve said. “Of course, nothing beats the thrill of being in new places – not just beautiful places, but places where history was made, places we’ve only read about or have seen on TV. Not being able to travel during the pandemic reminded me how much I need to travel.” 

Steve’s body of work via the lens shows not just each click capture, but a moment of human experience.

Travel advice

“I find it helpful to research the places I’ll be traveling to before I go,” Steve said. “In addition to travel guides, I watch YouTube, which has thousands of personal and professionally produced travel videos. It’s helpful to bring your own entertainment for those long-haul flights in case your seat’s entertainment system doesn’t work, which happens far too often. While taking large amounts of cash is no longer necessary (you can use credit cards for almost anything, anywhere), I recommend having some small-denomination bills for street vendors (dollars or euros are accepted virtually everywhere in Europe), especially if you travel to places like Egypt or Turkey (now Türkiye). It’s also helpful to bring some dollar bills to give to people on the street you want to photograph.”

Photography tips

“It’s totally dependent on what you want to accomplish with your photographs,” Steve said. “If you want to capture memories, then any good camera phone will do. If you want to print and display your photos, then you’ll need a modern DSLR or mirrorless camera. I use both. I use my iPhone for photos I want to send to family and friends via email or text; I use a mirrorless camera (a Canon R6ii) and a good zoom lens to take photos I want to print and display on my website (HiltonHeadBirds.com) or in galleries.” Steve’s work will be on display Sept. 17 through Oct. 16 when he is a featured artist at the Art League of Hilton Head Gallery, along with sculptor Kelly Richard and painter Louanne Barrett.

Globetrotting with Georgene Schnorf 

From her roots in Akron, Ohio, to her adventures across the globe, Georgene Schnorf’s life story is a journey of embracing the unexpected. Moving to Sun City Hilton Head in 2007 after stints in California and Pennsylvania, Georgene sought warmth and found a community to call home. Georgene’s passion for travel was kindled by her grandfather, a sailor who circled the globe seven times on tall ships. His tales of exotic locales like Kilimanjaro and the Straits of Magellan set the course for her future adventures. With two trips a year, Georgene’s travel itinerary is as packed as it is diverse. She often travels solo, preferring the intimate setting of Tauck Small Group Tours. This style of travel has allowed her to meet incredible people, some of whom she continues to meet long after the trips end. Upcoming trips include visits to Egypt, Petra, the Panama Canal and Spain.

A journey to Africa

One of Georgene’s most profound experiences came from a trip to Africa in 2019. Initially not an outdoors person, she ventured to see Kilimanjaro but ended up enchanted by the vast landscapes, the wildlife in their natural habitat and the people she met. This trip turned into a spiritual journey, moving her to tears daily, and left her with a deep desire to return.

“Everyone should experience that once in their life,” she said. 

Conquering the Drake Passage

Another memorable expedition was her 2022 journey to Antarctica, inspired by the novel Ice Station Zebra. The voyage across the infamous Drake Passage was tumultuous, with 30-foot swells for over 24 hours, challenging even the most seasoned travelers. Despite the hardships, the tranquility and purity of Antarctica’s environment made the journey worthwhile, though she wishes she had undertaken this adventure at a younger age.

“The quietness, bright blue sky and the clean, crisp, dry air was unexpected,” she said. 

A life changed by travel

Georgene’s travels have taught her much about herself and the world. Standing at Uluru in Australia during a thunderstorm and witnessing a sudden rainbow, she was reminded of the beauty of being present in the moment — a sentiment she emphasizes for all travelers.

“You can only smile and be thankful you are there in that moment, even with tears rolling down your cheeks,” Georgene said. “When you travel, be open; you are not at home: try new things, meet and talk to everyone, listen and embrace the moment. Take photos, but remember to put down your camera and be where you are at that moment in time. If you don’t, you might just miss the rainbow.” 

Travel advice

When aboard a cruise ship, if you notice the crew has strategically placed seasickness bags every few feet in the hallway, and all the balcony furniture has been secured indoors, brace yourself for potentially rough seas ahead. This setup usually signals that the crew anticipates significant ship movement, so it’s wise to prepare accordingly.

Exploring with the Rosensteins

Noah Rosenstein and his wife, Mary Helen, are seasoned travelers with a zest for exploring the world’s natural wonders and historical sites. From their early years in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the quiet town of Port Henry, N.Y., to settling down in Sun City Hilton Head in 2006, their life story is woven with diverse cultural threads and enriched by their shared passion for travel.

Passport to life

Traveling is more than a hobby for Noah and Mary; it’s a way of life. They journey abroad two to three times annually, motivated by a desire to experience new cultures, explore historical sites and encounter wildlife. Some of their favorite destinations include Iceland, with its dramatic volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls; Croatia’s historic sites and the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park; and Greece, where ancient ruins beckon. They’ve also enjoyed the cultural depths of Great Britain, the picturesque landscapes of Italy and the unique wildlife encounters in Churchill, Canada. Their first international adventure began in 1969 with a trip to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, sparking a lifelong passion for exploration. Since then, every destination has offered them unique experiences and cherished memories.

New frontiers 

Looking ahead, the Rosensteins plan to visit New Zealand and Australia to explore new environments and observe the distinctive wildlife. They also dream of trekking to Machu Picchu and exploring the Galapagos Islands to experience the majestic Inca ruins and rich biodiversity. For Noah and Mary, travel is about the adventure of discovering new places and meeting new people. They most enjoy the thrill of seeing exotic birds and wildlife, absorbing the essence of different cultures and accumulating experiences that enrich their understanding of the world.

Travel advice 

The Rosensteins emphasize the importance of thorough research before traveling. Understanding the local weather, knowing the peak tourist seasons, being aware of potential dangers from wildlife and familiarizing oneself with the local cuisine and currency are crucial for enhancing the travel experience. Their methodical approach allows them to fully immerse themselves in each destination, making each trip as enriching and safe as possible.