The South is known for a lot of things, like barbecue, humidity, and historic sites. There’s a sort of romance and mystery surrounding it all—and it seems to be even more haunted than other parts of the country. If you’re looking to plan affordable travel to the South, here are some top destinations to take a look at. 

Charleston, SC

For Southern charm and an awesome food scene, Charleston is a perfect place for affordable travel. A horse-drawn carriage is a great way to explore the city’s cobblestoned streets.

Fort Sumter is just a short ferry ride away—you can tour the fort, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Southern cities all seem to be haunted. Charleston is no exception, so you can take a ghost tour to learn a little history and a little lore.

Charleston also has great food, from Lowcountry Southern to trendier fare. One of the most famous spots is the Marina Variety Store restaurant. Check out the shrimp and grits or a Lowcountry boil to get a truly authentic taste of Charleston.

Nashville, TN

There’s a reason Nashville is called ‘Music City’. Bluegrass was invented there in 1945, at the Ryman Auditorium—that’s the home of the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

Whether or not you’re a fan of country music, the Opry is a place anyone who loves any kid of music should visit. They have shows several times a week, and you can also book a tour.

The Bluebird Cafe is another famous longtime Nashville spot. Artists who started out at the Bluebird include Taylor Swift, Vince Gill,  Keith Urban, and Dierks Bentley. Go check out a show—they have them nightly— and maybe you’ll see the next big thing before they reach stratospheric fame.

If music isn’t your thing, the Hermitage is another option. It’s President Andrew Jackson’s former home. It’s open for tours, and there’s a museum on site, too.

The Everglades (Florida)

To see a unique place unlike anywhere else, Everglades National Park in Florida is worth a trip. It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and home to several endangered species that are spectacular to see in their natural environment: the Florida Panther, the manatee, and the American crocodile. You can take guided tours by boat, which is the best way to see everything and also the safest (because crocodiles and panthers…).

The Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Sure, it’s just a really, really big hole in the ground… but a spectacular one. The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World for good reason—it’s 217 miles long and a whole mile deep! You can take a tour of the rim, ride a donkey down into it, or go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, which you can find at the floor of the canyon. The variety of activities and things you can explore yourself make it an ideal affordable travel destination!