Coastal Georgia

Length of Trip

To experience the various destinations, we’ve written this itinerary over 6 full days, with air travel on the 1st and 6th days. However, depending on your interest, availability, and flight options, you could easily increase or reduce the trip by a day by skipping one of the day trips. Alternatively, if you'd like some relaxed beach time, a day could be added in either base location.

Travel Season

The middle of summer can be a bit too hot to enjoy some of the outdoor activities on this trip. Winter is a bit unpredictable, but you can't deny the lack of bugs in swampy coastal areas is a major plus. Spring and fall are probably the most enjoyable times to visit, but winter also works. All of the activities are open year-round, although some may be closed on major holidays.

   Jan     Feb     Mar     Apr     May     Jun     Jul     Aug     Sep     Oct     Nov     Dec   

Key:     best months       okay months     not advised

Tip: Savannah typically hosts major parties on St. Patrick's Day weekend. This is either a big draw or a big problem with that weekend, depending on your personal preferences.

Most nights on this trip involve lodging in 3-star hotels. If you would prefer more luxurious lodging, let us know and we can present additional options along with the price difference. If you would prefer to save some money, let us know and we can discuss less expensive options as well. 

If you are interested in camping, there are campgrounds convenient to some, but not all, of the locations. In particular the Okefenokee NWR and Cumberland Island both feature backcountry campsites. In both cases, this could mean a significant change to trip planning, but they are unique wilderness opportunities. If this is of interest, talk to our team and we'll discuss options with you. (Note that Wandersaurus does not provide or facilitate rental of camping equipment.)

There is only one significant hike on this trip, and it is adjustable in length to match your preferences. That said, a fair amount of walking is usually involved in touring Savannah, as well as any of the coastal forts. The biggest physical challenge will be the day of paddling in the swamp. Again, the length of the activity is adjustable and should meet most traveler's needs, but someone without any paddling experience may struggle. 

Most of the significant driving is done along I-95, in relatively easy conditions, and none of the distances involved are particularly far. The major drive times are as follows:

• JAX to Savannah: 2 ½ hours

• Savannah to Brunswick: 1 ½ hours

• Day trips from Brunswick: 2 hours round trip (each)

• Brunswick to JAX: 1 hour

Other Logistics

The trip to Cumberland Island involves a ferry. The ferry runs on a strict timetable, so timing on that day is not flexible at all.

By Air

This itinerary is designed around a starting point of JAX Airport, located north of Jacksonville Florida. It is served by all major domestic airlines with connections to most major cities in the eastern US. It is very convenient to Brunswick and only 2 hours south of Savannah.

Savannah does have its own airport, SAV Savannah/Hilton Head International. It is a bit smaller than JAX, with fewer direct flights, but if your preferred airline has a convenient and affordable flights to and from SAV, this trip works just as well from there.

ATL airport in Atlanta and MCO airport in Orlando are both larger, but would each require a ~5 hour drive on either the first or last day of the trip, so they are not likely to be an attractive option.

By Car

Travelers from nearby states may find it more affordable to drive their own vehicle to Georgia rather than fly and rent a car.

• Atlanta is 3 1/2 hours from Savannah.

• Orlando and Tampa FL are 3-4 hours from Brunswick.

• Charlotte and Raleigh NC are 4-5 hours from Savannah.

• Miami FL, New Orleans LA, Nashville TN, and Washington DC are all within 7-9 hours of either Savannah or Brunswick.

If you’ll be driving to Georgia let us know the details and we can adjust the start and end points of the itinerary as needed.

Some features of this trip may have seasonal variation, so all package prices are presented as estimated ranges. Contact us for a more precise price estimate for your preferred travel dates. Pricing does NOT include airfare.

Couples / Two Travelers

This trip was originally designed for parties of 2 people, sharing a room. The expected total price for all included items is $1,800 - $2,200.

Families

Groups of 3-6 people can enjoy this trip as well, with costs variable depending on room-sharing preferences. Contact us for details.

Solo

Unfortunately for solo travelers, the majority of the costs are overnight accommodations which do not reduce for individuals, so a solo traveler would only save around $200 off of the couples' price.

Larger Groups

While details of this trip were not designed with larger groups in mind, the itinerary would still be functional. Contact us to discuss!

Payment Policies

• Payments must be made by credit card. Specific restrictions may exist for certain lodging or activity vendors. 

• 20% deposit due at time of reservation

• Balance due 90 days before trip start date (If booking within 90 days of trip, full balance due at time of reservation)

• Some portion of deposit may be nonrefundable, as some excursions or activity fees (which will have been booked upon confirmation) are nonrefundable. Accommodations and transportation will generally be reserved as refundable.

• Fully refundable until 60 days before trip start, less $100 admin fee and any nonrefundable excursions

• 50% refundable until 14 days before trip start

• If cancelling within 14 days of trip start, no refunds are given

Included In Your Package Price

• Bespoke itinerary - tailored as needed to suit your particular requirements

• Overnight accommodations for all nights

• Rental car

• Maps of all driving routes

• Trail maps and trail descriptions for all recommended hikes

• Restaurant recommendations, at a range of price points, highlighting vegetarian and kid-friendly options

• “America the Beautiful” federal lands pass (grants access to all National Park Service facilities on the trip)

• Tickets to all museums included in trip plan

• Fees for any guided tours mentioned in trip plan

• Expert advice and local information, including packing suggestions

• Updated information on any changing conditions delivered in the weeks before your trip

• Carbon offset credits for the mileage driven along the main route of the itinerary

• Full support during your trip from the Wandersaurus Travel team (9:00 am until 9:00 pm Eastern Time)

Not Included

• Travel to and from your starting/ending points

• Gasoline, parking, and/or any other ground transportation expenses unless specified

• Meals unless specified

• Additional guided tours or excursions beyond those specified

• Tips/gratuities for any guides

• Travel insurance. Note: we recommend purchasing travel insurance via a certified insurance agency