TIME ZONE
Continental USA is a vast continent which spans four time zones. Our villas in Colorado and Wyoming are the Mountain Standard Time Zone (MST), which is -7 GMT. Daylight Savings Time is observed from March to November. South Carolina is in in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST), which is -5 GMT.
LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken throughout the United States.
CURRENCY
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States. Travelers’ cheques, which can be cashed at local banks, are accepted by most hotels and restaurants.
MONEY MATTERS
Major credit cards are widely accepted (though American Express less so) and ATM access is widespread.
TIPPING
Tipping in restaurants is common, with a recommended 15% according to service. Check that a service charge has not been added to your bill before deciding whether to tip. It is common practice to tip taxi drivers.
WEATHER
The vastness of the United States landmass offers a diverse climate from desert to temperate, with oportunities for both summer and winter travel.
Colorado:
The climate in Aspen offers mild weather, with low humidity and year-round sunshine. The summer weather in Aspen starts around June or July, when temperatures reach 80°F/26°C during the day, but remain much cooler during the night. Autumn in Aspen is usually dry and warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop to freezing. The weather and climate in Aspen during the winter months of December, January and February tend to be the coldest of the year, with temperatures dropping to around 10°F/-14°C. Snowfalls average around 15 feet/4.5 meters, although this amount can increase dramatically.
Wyoming:
Jackson has a dynamic climate that varies greatly between seasons and brings both an abundance of sunny skies and perfect winter snow. At 6,237 feet above sea level, Jackson offers a great escape from the heat of summer. Temperatures stay cool ranging from the 50s °F at night to the 70s °F during the day, reaching above the 80 degree mark only in August. The sky is typically sunny during the summer months of June to September with an average humidity of only 50% and low precipitation, making perfect conditions for your outdoor pursuits. The winter months in Jackson bring cold temperatures with highs in the mid 50s °F and temps that can dip into the teens at night. However, with the low humidity in Jackson, these temperatures do not feel extreme. The valley of Jackson typically sees 1.3 inches of precipitation each month amounting to 500 inches of snow annually in the surrounding mountains, helping to create an abundance of the fluffy white snow and world‐class skiing/boarding that Jackson is famous for.
South Carolina:
Kiawah Island climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80ʹs (Fahrenheit) and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50ʹs. The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual average precipitation at Kiawah Island is 46.39 Inches. Summer months tend to be wetter than winter months. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 6.54 Inches.
CLOTHING
Colorado/Wyoming:
In Clorado and Wyoming, style is fairly casual. Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices in the summertime, and winter gear (parkas, jumpers, boots) are recommended in the wintertime.
South Carolina:
If you plan to enjoy the great outdoors you will want to remember to pack a hat and plenty of sun block for both summer and winter as sunshine abounds year‐round in South Carolina. The Summer months can be humid on Kiawah, so you may wish to bring loose clothing. Resort casual is the “norm” on the island; however, some of the finer restaurants will require a jacket for dinner.
With the summer humidity comes mosquitoes and other pesky bugs around dawn and dusk. You may want to bring some bug repellent with you as well. Winter brings mild temperatures to Kiawah. You will want to pack some long pants and a sweater or jacket for your winter retreat. Temperatures can still reach into the 60s (Fahrenheit) during the coolest months of the year, so beach activities are not out of the question.
HEALTH
For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 110 volt/60 cycle, which is suitable for U.S. appliances.