Deep South USA -tips & moneysaving?

Murphy_The_Cat

lynzpower wrote: »

im hearing so much about TIs in the US.

Im only basing them on what I know of the UK ones and yes Happy saver, you are totally right, its as if most of the time they dont want you there at all and will idly point at a rack of leaflets and thats your lot. TBH this serves some purpose, well its all I know!

Can those among us explain what TIs have in the US. I mean how many aree there. I know of only 2 in london, is it like that eg one or two per major city? Are they privately run like business *some Ive seen in other places are* designed to sell tours. Or something else? Are they usually in a downtown location? Are they a nightmare to find is what IM asking LOL

Also wondering, is it usual that you can hire sat nav when hiring a car, or is this something Id have to lay out for? I have the use of one at work, I couold buy the USA chip for it, but would prefer not to if Im honest, just cos work sometimes get funny about that sort of thing.

Like a great deal of things, the TI system works a lot better in the US beacuse they actively work hard, to make it work - plus, its adequately funded. In some States (all ?) there is a levy on each nights accomodation that goes to funding the TI places, plus, some of teh TI's (at least in the smaller places) are used as a bit of a community noticeboard, so you get s lots of individualised, very personal attention.
In you are travelling on the Interstares, you quite often get a large TI just over a State boundary, telling you about all the things to do in that part of the State, and then as you cross County lines, you'll often find smaller TI places. It varies from place to place, but quite often we found the blue 'Visitor Information' signs of the outskirts of small cities/towns which took us directly to the TI building - nearly always provided with a large free car parking area. Another nice thing with US TI's, they'll often have a goodly amount of discount vouchers/booklets to give you as well.
Plus the people are very knowledgeable.
Plus its done with a smile.

As for SatNav, on my forthcoming trip (IIRC) us rentacar wanted about £100 for 24 days hire of a SatNav - this was provided in the UK, preloaded and then you had to return it when you got back.

I've decide to stick with the tried and tested WifeNav option instead.:beer:

Happy_saver_4

The large TI centres when entering a State on the Interstate roads are actually called ' Welcome ' centres. They truly do welcome you often with free coffee etc. The Florida state welcome centres have some real good orange juice. These guys want you to stay in their state and spend money.

If you are in some of the small town or villages you will sometimes find the TI is the local Chamber of Commerce. Once they hear a Brit talk they'll luv you, all the help and info you need will be given!

Being a good MSE'r I'll tell how to get your gas (petrol) a bit cheaper by using a gift card . A lot of Wallmarts sell gas and are one of the cheaper sources. Whilst you do your shopping you buy a gift card in the store( say $20 value ) then on leaving, stop at the pumps and buy $20 of gas, using the gift card. You'll get the gas at a discounted price. A lot of locals buy their gas this way.

Now y'all have a nice day :rotfl:

.

IamJen

Fwiw, I'd recommend against August, if it's possible. I grew up in Missouri, and it's so so so humid there in July, but especially August. You go outside for about 90 seconds and you're completely soaked.

Ditto to not worrying about hurricanes. Take out some travel insurance, just in case, but you won't have to face imminent danger or anything, since you'd have plenty of warning should you be unlucky enough to run into a storm.

If you're brave, I'd definitely suggest getting off the freeway. Sure, the pavement is smooth, but it's boring. Going along an older road means fresh blackberry stands and antique shops and non-chain hotels. Good stuff

For flights, I don't know if you've tried Continental, but they often have pretty good fares. Also, Zoom is starting up a Florida run (it may already be going) that is quite cheap. However, our trip last summer with Zoom was less than stellar.

and, just for the record, no American worth their salt would call a T junction a "dead end".

Philippa36

Just wanted to say, have a fabulous time wherever you end up! New Orleans is one of my favourite places, sit and watch the world go buy eating beignet and drinking coffee.
I have spent a lot of time in the South, Memphis is very small, not a great deal there, although obviously Elvis is the major attraction, Nashville is similar. Charleston is beautiful, a great city to wander round. South Carolina has beautiful beaches. Tennessee is very green! Atlanta isn't that interesting, you'll see as much as you need to, driving out of the airport!
August will be very very hot but manageable so long as you drink plenty and don't spend too much time outside.

Murphy_The_Cat

Can I be really ignorant here and ask a dumb question ?

Just what Sates are the 'Deep South' as various people have it covering a larger/smaller area.

Philippa36

Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee (I would say!)

Voyager2002

Philippa36 wrote: »

Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee (I would say!)

How about the Carolinas? And Virginia? West Virgina is a special case. And don't forget Alabama.

Philippa36

Are parts of Florida considered 'Deep South' too?

Murphy_The_Cat

Philippa36 wrote: »

Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee (I would say!)

voyager2002 wrote:

How about the Carolinas? And Virginia? West Virgina is a special case. And don't forget Alabama.

Philippa36 wrote:

Are parts of Florida considered 'Deep South' too?

& I'd also heard people referring to Kentucky, Lower Delaware and Washington DC as being 'Deep South' !:rotfl:

This is what Wiki says but i think that it is more fun guessing.



Lynz, thats one hell of an area to go for - have a great time.

lynzpower

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

Can I be really ignorant here and ask a dumb question ?

Just what Sates are the 'Deep South' as various people have it covering a larger/smaller area.

LOL

I wiouldnt be classing Texas in as deep south, only cos its not counted as deep south in the lonely planet chapeter

I would say it is louisiana mississipi, alabama, tennessee and georgia.

In fact I only know this from http://www.deep-south-usa.com/

OH had sat me down and worked a route out. I looked at it and thought :eek: you are joking! but since weve been dabbling with online driving calculators it actually looks feasible ( ish) , so in a few days or so ( or before our internet gets cut off again, were moving) I'll post it up and see what you guys think of how realistic it is in 2 weeks ( ish)
AIRLINES & FLIGHTS
Again, dabbling about with the airliney stuff looks like 568 inclusive is the best we can get and thats with Delta flying direct to Atlanta. I was going to just get it through quidco, but must phone about first.

*Do you seasoned state-side travellers find flights get cheaper/more expensive dependent on carrier if you are trying to negotiate it over the phone?
*Or do you find the flights online? if so where
*is there any other discounts/bonuses/freebies etc going with flying with delta?
*does ANY airline fly overnight arriving in Atlanta ( or surrounds? ) in the morning? that would add an extra day for us to explore if this were possible?