Different parts of the country have different vibes. While the west coast is focused on the beach and nature, the east coast is all about art and culture. And then there’s the south, where southern states are known for good music and even better food. So, if you’re thinking about taking a trip down south, start getting excited for lots of live music performances and barbeques. However, before you embark on your journey, you need to do some planning.
There are a lot of cities to see in the south, but depending on how much time you have, you might not be able to see them all. Which is why it’s important to plan ahead. Plan out your destinations, how you’re going to get to each place, where you’re going to stay, and what you’re going to do there. The more you plan, the smoother your trip is going to go. So, put on your cowboy boots and get ready to experience some southern charm with our guide on how to plan a trip to the southern states.
1. Decide on Destinations
So, you’ve decided it’s time to embark on your first trip down south. First things first, you need to decide on a few destinations. The amount of cities you can see depends on how much time you have. Ideally, you want a minimum of two weeks to spend in the south. That gives you enough time to stop at and explore several cities. Once you’ve decided on destinations, you need to pick a starting point. For example, if you want to begin your adventure in Louisiana, you can easily find affordable flights to New Orleans from most major airports. From there, you’ll have to plan out the rest of the stops you’re going to make.
2. Figure Out Transportation
Although you might be flying to your starting point, you need to figure out a way to get to each stop. Will you drive, go by bus, or continue to travel by plane? It’s ultimately up to you, but it’s important to figure this all out prior to leaving. The easiest option here is probably to rent a car, as it gives you more freedom and flexibility to get to each destination, especially if you have kids. Plus, road tripping with your kids will make the vacation even more special.
3. Plan Accommodations
Once you’ve decided on where you’re going and figured out your method of transportation, you’ll have to plan out where you’re going to stay. Are you going to book hotel rooms in each city? Or will you stay at a vacation rental? You can find great accommodations in the south at affordable prices, so you can stick to your budget.
4. Pack and Get Ready to Leave
After you’ve done all the important planning, you can then spend some time filling in the blanks of your itinerary with restaurants and activities. And once the itinerary is done, you can pack and get to embark on your southern excursion. If you’re road tripping, don’t forget to bring an insulated cooler, so you can store healthy snacks while driving. It is also a good idea to bring along a journal and document your trip as you go. Going on vacation with your family is a special experience, so you want to make it as memorable as possible.
If you’re planning on going on a trip to the southern states, you definitely don’t want to go into it blindly. You can leave some freedom to decide things as you go, but for the most part, it’s always helpful to have an itinerary planned out ahead of time. Follow these steps and you can plan an amazing vacation to the southern states in no time.