The Best Way to Tour the South

The South is a geographic region in the United States comprised of 16 states and the District of Columbia (DC). Southern states such as Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida are South Atlantic states, while Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama are South Central.

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana are the West South Central states. While some people debate Maryland and Florida’s place as part of the South, the South attracts millions of visitors each year because of its rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to the South, use these tips to ensure you enjoy the best ways to tour this region.

Identify experiences you want to have and where you want to visit.

The South is known for its culinary dishes, including pan-fried chicken, collard greens, grits, and cornbread. Many people enjoy visiting the South to experience authentic Southern food. For food lovers, no trip to the South would be complete without visiting some of the best restaurants in the region. Sample oysters in New Orleans or head to Memphis for some chicken wings or chopped pork sandwiches.

Refer to official tourist sites to learn about the places you’d like to visit. Official resources, such as the Key to the South, highlight road trips for people with different interests. If you want to explore Southern music, you can follow the Delta Blues guide, while the family entertainment guide features the best destinations for families on vacation. Whether you’re interested in food, the arts, or history, there are travel guides you can use to plan your trip.

Decide when to visit.

Most parts of the South enjoy mild winters, with states such as Florida and Texas typically enjoying warm temperatures during the winter months. Visiting the South may appeal to you if you live in a northern state and want a break from the cold. However, not all Southern states have tropical climates. In January, the average high in Memphis, TN, is 48.6°F, while the average high reaches 54.4°F in February.

If you love the heat, you may prefer to visit during the hot summer months. July’s usually the warmest month of the year in Baltimore, MD, with average highs of 87.2°F, while Dallas, TX, enjoys average highs of 96°F in July and August. The South is affected by hurricanes. You may opt to avoid traveling to the region during hurricane season so lousy weather doesn’t affect your travel plans.

Use a storage facility as your base of operations.

Whether you plan to use a recreational vehicle (RV) for touring the South or travel by car, you can benefit from establishing a base of operations for your trip. Do this by renting a central storage facility.

A storage facility locator tool can help you locate a storage unit to suit your needs. Google “storage unit in Memphis, TN” to find a tool that will locate self-storage options in Memphis or the surrounding area. Store your belongings in your self-storage unit and pack what you need for each leg of your trip. For example, if you’re heading to West South Central States for part of your trip, you may need shorts and T-shirts, but you might need jeans and sweaters when you head to the upper South Atlantic states.

Use the self-storage facility locator tool to secure extra storage space at a great price. It’s a good idea to look for storage facilities with 24-hour access to ensure you can add or remove things from your storage unit at your convenience.

Take advantage of deals and discounts.

Trip costs add up, but you may be able to manage your costs by taking advantage of deals and discounts. Traveling during the off-season is one way to reduce hotel room costs, event ticket prices, and other expenses. Multiple sites offer discount prices on travel expenses. Whether you’re booking a plane ticket or looking for accommodations, you can use sites such as Expedia and Travelocity to secure discounts.

The best way to tour the South begins with identifying the experiences you want to have and the places you want to visit. Then, consider the best time to plan your trip. Use a storage unit to store belongings so you don’t have to take everything on the road while you’re traveling, and take advantage of discounts to reduce the cost of your trip. Using these tips ensures you’ll have an affordable, satisfying time visiting the South.